Examined male transition-marking behaviors from adolescence into adulthood at first intercourse. Findings from 80 adolescent males revealed that alcohol use at first intercourse was unrelated to use of contraceptives at that time but was inversely related to whether first intercourse was planned. Planning was positively related to contraceptive…

Explores notion that adolescence is developmental stage, and, therefore, adolescent work values should be seen within this context. Considers such a developmental approach useful in reconciling some discrepancies in literature on adolescent work values. Discusses time perspective and activity, two variables that may help explain development of…

Reviews research concerned with stress and coping during adolescence, using depression as example of consequence of stress and coping processes. Hypothesizes that exposure to and appraisals of interpersonal stress combine with aspects of biological development and use of maladaptive coping strategies to account for emergence of significant gender…

Jane Austen's novels are particularly appropriate for adolescents. These classics deal with topics of high interest to young people. Austen grapples with the question of what the individual owes to society and what he or she is obliged to tolerate in the way of strictures on behavior. Article proposes that Austen's novels should be more widely…

Data from the Youth Development Study, a prospective longitudinal study that followed approximately 1,000 Minnesota ninth graders for seven years, indicate that performing volunteer work as a teenager had a strong negative relationship to being arrested as a young adult. Age dependencies in the nature and effect of volunteer work are discussed.…

Focuses on ways that adolescents discover their sexual identity and how individuals and programs can foster resilience in gay/lesbian youth and make a positive difference in their lives. Highlights strategies related to school environment, community resources, school resources, curriculum and organizational policies to implement at specific stages…

Discusses 15 recent young adult novels set in Australia, New Zealand, or Canada to see how young adults face the unknown. Discusses how young adults in these books use the past to face the present, how they reconcile inner growth with external challenges, and how they deal with limitations and boundaries. (SR)

Argues that developmental significance of friendships cannot be examined without distinguishing between the concepts of having friends, the identity of the child's friends, and friendship quality. Concludes that the identity of the child's friends and friendship quality may be more closely tied to developmental outcomes than merely whether the…

Across cultures, a common motif is the rite of passage that facilitates transition to adulthood. The structure of an Outward Bound course parallels a classic adolescent initiation rite, involving separation from home and family, influence of a guide or instructor, group adventure in which participants increasingly take responsibility, a solo…

Discusses how the concept of barriers can be used to describe the external influences associated with youth ego identity exploration. Presents modifications to Marcia's traditional status structure in order to include environmental elements of identity formation. Explains how this provides a means to further identify and understand important…

Argues that young adult literature offers an appropriate means of developing an understanding of gay and lesbian youths, both for educators and for the youths themselves. Discusses eight such books. Discusses difficulties in identity formation that gay and lesbian teens encounter, as well as behaviors that place them at risk. (SR)

Youth recreation programming increasingly emphasizes developing resilience. Youth programmers could benefit from adopting therapeutic recreation (TR) practices. Theories of TR practice, and specific skills developed in TR professionals, can be integral to effective youth programming. Virginia's Fairfax County Department of Community Recreation…

Points out the powerful basic truth that respect is a healer. Notes that fear is not a synonym for respect, and that increasing respect for kids and for adolescence itself would automatically create better communication. Argues that all literature, be it about children, teenagers, or adults, should reflect some truth about what is rather than what…

A survey of 4-H school enrichment programs (813 responses) found that they reach large numbers of diverse youth and develop credibility with community and schools. Long-term programs such as 4-H clubs have proven effective in helping youth develop life skills, but Extension must carefully consider the purpose and consequences of diverting…

Twenty narrative interviews were conducted with German host parents between 2006 and 2007 about their experiences with a one-year stay of a guest student in their family. The study took place within the context of a student research project as part of the research-oriented MA course "Intercultural Communication-Intercultural Competence"…