Showing papers in "Journal of Youth and Adolescence in 1994"
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors considered the question of when adolescence ends and young adulthood begins and addressed it in terms of broad and narrow socialization, which emphasizes the cultural context of development.
Abstract: The question of when adolescence ends and young adulthood begins is considered. Throughout, it is addressed in terms of the theory of broad and narrow socialization, which emphasizes the cultural context of development. The question is approached from cognitive, emotional, and behavioral perspectives, then from the perspective of role transitions (such as marriage and parenthood). The idea of an extended path from adolescence to adulthood is discussed, and the concept of emerging adulthood is presented. It is suggested that in most non-Western cultures the entrance to adulthood is socially defined and marked by a social event, usually marriage. In the contemporary West, however, where there is a strong emphasis on independence and individualism, the entrance to adulthood is defined and marked individually. Consequently, it is likely to be based on the achievement of residential and financial independence as well as on the attainment of cognitive self-sufficiency, emotional self-reliance, and behavioral self-control. Thus in the contemporary West the passage from adolescence to young adulthood is a process that is gradual and may take many years.
292 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors examined personal and intrapersonal risk for substance use in a sample of Caucasian and Hispanic early adolescents and found that susceptibility to peer pressure and peer alcohol use were the best predictors of individual substance use.
Abstract: This study examinedinterpersonal andintrapersonal risk for substance use in a sample of Caucasian and Hispanic early adolescents. A total of 1170 sixth and seventh graders, equally divided by gender, participated. Interpersonal risk was assessed by susceptibility to peer pressure, parental monitoring, peer substance use, parent-child involvement, and school adjustment. Intrapersonal risk was measured via self-efficacy, impulsivity, aggression, depression, and academic achievement. As expected, mean level of use did not differ between ethnic groups. Regression analyses indicated susceptibility to peer pressure and peer alcohol use were the best predictors of individual substance use. These findings were consistent across gender and ethnicity. In all groups, interpersonal variables accounted for more variance in predicting risk (49% for Hispanic males) than intrapersonal variables (0% for Hispanic females). Findings are discussed (1) in terms of examining mean levels vs. the underlying pattern predicting substance use, and (2) regarding implications for prevention efforts in early adolescence.
194 citations
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors explored changes in New Zealand adolescents' perceptions of their attachment relationships with their mothers, fathers, and friends and found that females had higher quality of affect toward friends than males regardless of age, but both males and females increased their utilization of friends for support and proximity over age.
Abstract: This study explored changes in New Zealand adolescents' perceptions of their attachment relationships with their mothers, fathers, and friends. The main findings revealed that from early to late adolescence: Males and females remained stable in their quality of affect toward their mothers. With increasing age, females utilized their mothers for support and proximity more, whereas males utilized their mothers for support and proximity less. With increasing age, males and females rated their quality of affect toward their fathers as lower and utilized their fathers for support and proximity less. Females had a higher quality of affect toward friends than males regardless of age, but both males and females increased their utilization of friends for support and proximity over age. Further analyses revealed that Pacific Island adolescents utilized their mothers less for support and proximity than European/Pakeha adolescents. Adolescents from one-parent families utilized their fathers less for support and proximity and had a lower quality of affect toward him than adolescents from two-parent families. These findings suggested that substantial changes take place in attachment relationships from early to late adolescence and highlighted the need for research to differentiate between the sex of adolescent and sex of parent dyads in order to examine adolescents' affective relationships effectively.
171 citations
TL;DR: This paper examined the reported stressors and patterns of coping strategies used by adolescents and extended the 1989 work of Carver et al. by reporting internal reliability, factorial validity, and normative data on the COPE for a sample of middle adolescents.
Abstract: The present study was designed to examine the reported Stressors and patterns of coping strategies used by adolescents and extend the 1989 work of Carver et al. by reporting internal reliability, factorial validity, and normative data on the COPE for a sample of middle adolescents. A sample of 484 ninth through twelfth graders (ages 14–18) attending a Laboratory High School participated in the study. The COPE inventory developed by Carver et al. in 1989 for use with college students, was administered with a battery of measures to all adolescent participants in their classrooms. Results indicated sufficient internal consistency for the measure and significant gender differences. Factor analysis of the COPE indicated that the subscales consistently fell into four factors rather than the traditional two (i.e., problem focused vs emotion focused). Implications for using the COPE in research on adolescent were discussed.
153 citations
TL;DR: The authors investigated the extent to which differences in age graded sociocultural contexts influence adolescent future-oriented goals, concerns, and related temporal extension, and found that adolescents were more interested in leisure and more concerned about their own health and global issues.
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the extent to which differences in agegraded sociocultural contexts influence adolescent future-oriented goals, concerns, and related temporal extension. Ninety-five 13–14-year-old Australian boys and 104 girls, 87 16–17-year-old Australian boys and 81 girls, 67 13–14-year-old Finnish boys and 86 girls, and 56 16–17-year-old Finnish boys and 107 girls were investigated. Half of the subjects in each group came from an urban environment and half from rural regions. The subjects filled in the Hopes and Fears Questionnaire measuring the content and temporal extension of goals and concerns. Overall, the results showed that adolescent goals, concerns, and related temporal extension reflected the major developmental tasks of their own age and early adulthood. However, interesting cross-cultural, gender, and urban rural differences were also found, reflecting variation in societal options and cultural values. For example, Australians were more interested in leisure and more concerned about their own health and global issues. Later school transitions meant that in older age groups the Finnish adolescents expected goals related to their future education and occupation to be actualized later than Australian youths did. Because of a lack of career options, interest in a future occupation decreased with age among adolescents living in rural regions.
117 citations
TL;DR: The degree of continuity over time in the quality of parent-child attachments and the relationship between these attachments and current self-esteem was investigated in this article, where subjects were 218 non-parent college students.
Abstract: The degree of continuity over time in the quality of parent-child attachments and the relationship between these attachments and current self-esteem was investigated. Subjects were 218 nonparent college students. The attachment working model styles were determined by modified versions of two attachment measures. Epstein's Mother-Father-Peer Scale of 1983 yielded separate scores for independence-encouraging and acceptance, and Hazan and Shaver's 1987 Rocky Mountain Survey indicated secure, avoidant, or ambivalent attachment patterns. Self-esteem was measured by Coopersmith's Self-Esteem Inventory of 1967. Data collected indicated support for Bowlby's 1988 theory of continuity over time of attachment. Self-esteem was related to both childhood and adolescent working model styles of attachment and to the dimensions of independence-encouraging and acceptance. The two attachment measures were related. Subjects who classified their parent-child attachment as secure rated their parents as high in independence-encouraging and acceptance.
111 citations
TL;DR: The authors investigated the relative influence of parent attitudes and behaviors on the scholastic and social adjustment of 729 low-income, black sixth graders in the Longitudinal Study of Children at Risk, finding that parents had generally positive attitudes toward their children's schooling, had high expectations for their educational attainment, and were moderately involved in their education at home and in school.
Abstract: This study investigated the relative influence of parent attitudes and behaviors on the scholastic and social adjustment of 729 low-income, black sixth graders in the Longitudinal Study of Children at Risk. Data were collected from parent questionnaires on attitudes toward education, expectations for children's educational attainment, and several indicators of behaviors with or on behalf of their children. Results indicated that parents had generally positive attitudes toward their children's schooling, had high expectations for their educational attainment, and were moderately involved in their education at home and in school. Multiple regression analyses indicated that only parents' educational expectations and satisfaction with the quality of schooling were significantly associated with reading achievement, math achievement, and teacher ratings of competence and problem behaviors above and beyond family/child background factors (e.g., parent education and SES, family structure, employment status, sex). Attitudinal factors also contributed significant variance (2.4%–9.1%) to differences in cognitive and social adjustment outcomes and, to lesser degrees, changes in social adjustment from Grades 4–6 (2.2%–5.7%). Behavioral measures had negligible influences on school adjustment outcomes. Findings suggest that affective characteristics of parents deserve special attention in educational reform and intervention efforts.
99 citations
TL;DR: This article examined the relation of dependency and self-criticism to social functioning among adolescents, and found that selfcriticism was strongly associated with reporting a greater number of interpersonal problems, particularly in the areas of sociability and control.
Abstract: Examined the relation of dependency and self-criticism to social functioning among adolescents. Subjects were 7th–11th graders from a suburban high school who completed the Depressive Experiences Questionnaire for Adolescents (DEQ-A) and the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP). The results showed that self-criticism was strongly associated with reporting a greater number of interpersonal problems, particularly in the areas of sociability and control. Dependency was only marginally related to interpersonal difficulties. The results also showed that levels of self-criticism tended to decline steadily across the high-school years, whereas levels of dependency followed a U-shaped curvilinear pattern in which it was higher in the early and late high school years relative to the middle years. Finally, the present study provides initial evidence of a reliable, shortened 20-item version of the DEQ-A.
90 citations
TL;DR: In this article, it was argued that fidelity, within identity statuses, is characterized by commitment (i.e., foreclosure and achievement) due to the connection between fidelity and ideology, and that greater evidence of fidelity and identity commitment should be observed among religious minority adolescents and among adolescents who more frequently attend church.
Abstract: Extrapolation from Erik Erikson's theory of human development suggests the ego-virtue of fidelity provides a conceptual link between religion and identity formation. It is argued here that fidelity, within identity statuses, is characterized by commitment (i.e., foreclosure and achievement). Further, due to the connection between fidelity and ideology, greater evidence of fidelity and identity commitment should be observed among religious minority adolescents and among adolescents who more frequently attend church. Partial support was shown for these predictions. Mormon adolescents, who were minorities in the broader societal context, but majorities in their local community context, were found to score higher in identity foreclosure in comparison to Catholic and Protestant adolescents who were religious minorities in their local community context. It was suggested that premature foreclosure among Mormon adolescents may be due to the importance of exhibiting indicators of fidelity as efforts to strengthen one's minority identity and one's minority group in respect to the broader society. More frequent church attendance was related to higher scores in commitment identity statuses (i.e., foreclosure and achievement). Apparently, consistent church attendance is not required for heightened scores in the exploration status of moratorium.
88 citations
TL;DR: Determinants of parenting competence among adolescents are patterned differently than would be predicted by existing models of adult parenting competence, and adolescents who received more support from the baby's father displayed less optimal parenting behavior.
Abstract: This study examines whether models of parenting competence derived from studies of adult mothers are descriptive of adolescent mothers as well. Fifty-eight adolescent mothers were recruited from an alternative high school. All subjects completed questionnaires on self-esteem, life events, social support, well-being, and maternal efficacy. In addition, they completed an emotion interpretation task, and were videotaped in feeding, structured play, and unstructured play episodes with their child. Associations among the variables life stress, social support, well-being, self-esteem, maternal efficacy, and the capacity to interpret infant emotion were examined. The utility of these variables as predictors of maternal behavior was also examined. Age-related individual differences among adolescent mothers were also explored, as were differences across interaction episodes. Results indicated that determinants of parenting competence among adolescents are patterned differently than would be predicted by existing models of adult parenting competence. For example, adolescents who received more support from the baby's father displayed less optimal parenting behavior. Results are discussed in the context of adolescent development and in terms of their utility for intervention design.
86 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a two wave survey carried out on a large community sample of adolescents with increased risk for problems with social functioning is described, and the prevalence of depression in this population and social factors that contribute to it is reported.
Abstract: A two wave survey carried out on a large community sample of adolescents with increased risk for problems with social functioning is described. In this paper we report the prevalence of depression in this population and social factors that contribute to it. The prevalence of depression is twice that in other studies. Stress is both a risk and causal factor in depression while relatively low social self-efficacy moderately increases risk. Being female is a risk factor for depression. The perception of parents and siblings as a source of support appears to be a key factor in protection from the onset of depression.
TL;DR: For instance, this paper explored the relationship between depression and cigarette, alcohol, marijuana, and harder drug use across two culturally disparate environments: a suburban and an inner-city high school.
Abstract: Research has generally concluded that adolescent depression and substance use are strongly interrelated, but has rarely considered how this relationship may vary across diverse populations. In this study, we used quantitative and qualitative methods to explore the relationships among depression and cigarette, alcohol, marijuana, and harder drug use across two culturally disparate environments: a suburban and an inner-city high school. Our sample included 164 suburban and 242 inner-city high school students. The students completed Kovacs' Children's Depression Inventory of 1985 and substance use measures derived from various sources. In-depth semistructured interviews were conducted with subjects who scored in the top 10% of the CDI (N=19) from both schools. Our quantitative findings indicated a positive association between depression and cigarette, marijuana, and harder drug use among the suburban students, and no association between depression and the use of any substances for the urban students. There were no significant differences in levels of reported depression across samples. However, with the exception of marijuana use, suburban students reported greater involvement in substance use than urban students. Our qualitative analyses suggest that across-school differences in the relationships among depression and substance use may be related to the varied meanings of depression and substance use that are informed by cultural context.
TL;DR: In this article, the predictive validity of several theoretical factors drawn from control, social learning, and differential association theories for explaining adolescent sexual behavior was examined, and the theoretical factors accounted for 472% and 427% of the respective variances in frequency of sexual intercourse among males and females.
Abstract: The purpose of the present study was to examine the predictive validity of several theoretical factors drawn from control, social learning, and differential association theories for explaining adolescent sexual behavior The sample consisted of 1478 adolescents who attended ten private schools located in different areas of this country When examined together in multivariate regression equations, the theoretical factors accounted for 472% and 427% of the respective variances in frequency of sexual intercourse among males and females The single factor of differential association with peers accounted for most of the respective variances (males, 331%; females, 268%) The discussion addressed the theoretical implications of the present findings for future research
TL;DR: The study indicates that parental support has the largest total effect on self-assessed health, followed by friend support, and other adult support.
Abstract: Based on a national survey of Icelandic adolescents, this study evaluates the effects of social support on self-assessed health. The study compares four support sources, and distinguishes between direct effects and indirect effects through (1) health-related behaviors and (2) different aspects of mental health. The study indicates that parental support has the largest total effect on self-assessed health, followed by friend support, and other adult support. (Sibling support is unrelated.) The total effect of parents is due to their pervasive indirect impact, i.e., supportive parents encourage positive health behaviors and enhance mental health, which results in favorable assessment of own health. In contrast, friends and other adults affect self-assessed health in a more specific, and sometimes negative manner. Also, friends are the only support source having direct effect on self-assessed health. The implication of these results are discussed.
TL;DR: Results support the idea that young adults' coping styles are related to their use of alcohol and showed strong positive correlations between questionnaire and monitored measures of drinking, but only moderate associations between the two measures of coping.
Abstract: Limited resources for coping with stress have been associated with psychological disturbance and alcohol abuse among adults. In the current investigation, both retrospective questionnaires and prospective monitoring measures were used to test young adults' trait coping styles as predictors of their weekly alcohol consumption. Individuals who reported deficits in emotion focused and avoidant coping strategies drank more often than subjects with all other styles of coping. These subjects also exhibited greater overall alcohol consumption that subjects who employed high levels of emotion focused coping but low levels of avoidant coping. Results therefore support the idea that young adults' coping styles are related to their use of alcohol Analyses also showed strong positive correlations between questionnaire and monitored measures of drinking, but only moderate associations between the two measures of coping. Measurement methodologies of the current investigation are discussed in terms of their clinical and research applications.
TL;DR: Findings suggest that programs designed solely to increase knowledge are unlikely to effect behavior change and that programs aimed at changing attitudes toward condom use are likely to be unsuccessful.
Abstract: This paper reports on sexual behavior, knowledge of sexually transmitted diseases (including AIDS) and condoms, and condom use among African-American and white incarcerated adolescents in Seattle, Washington. One hundred nineteen adolescents in a juvenile detention facility completed questionnaires that assessed their lifetime and recent sexual behaviors, an objective test of disease and condom knowledge, attitudes and norms regarding condom use with steady and casual partners, prior condom use, and intentions to use condoms. The results indicate that these adolescents are at high risk by a number of indicators: They have a high average number of partners, have unprotected vaginal and anal sex, and many have sex with known or suspected drug users. Their overall knowledge of condoms and sexual transmitted diseases risks is high, but high knowledge is not correlated with positive attitudes; for one attitude measure, high knowledge is significantly correlated with negative attitudes toward condom use. These findings suggest that programs designed solely to increase knowledge are unlikely to effect behavior change.
TL;DR: For example, this article found significant correlations among the appraisal and coping variables across the three common stressful events, conflicts with mother, a friend, and a failure, and concluded that perceptions of control may be significant predictors for young adolescents' responses.
Abstract: Young adolescents (N=146, mean age=11.35, 54% female, 81% Anglo) and young adults (N=166, mean age=20.73, 68% female, 82% Anglo) completed questionnaires assessing appraisals of and efforts to cope with three common stressful events, conflicts with mother, a friend, and a failure. For each event, participants rated appraisals of event controllability, including control over event outcomes, event predictability, and perceptions of causal locus (self-culpable, other culpable, and unknown). Additional appraisals rated included event meaningfulness, duration, frequency of occurrence, and stakes/concerns (concerns about one's or another person's well-being). Employment of five coping strategies was rated for each event. Analyses revealed significant correlations among the appraisal and coping variables across the three events. Aggregate variables were computed and significant age differences emerged from analyses of variance. Results of hierarchical multiple regressions suggest that coping is multiply determined. Perceptions of control may be significant predictors for young adolescents, and concerns about other people may be predictive of young adults' responses.
TL;DR: Adolescents who had higher scores on the cognitive development and self-esteem scales had more knowledge about sexuality and contraception and were more likely to report using contraception during sexual intercourse, andSelf-esteem was predictive of more positive attitudes toward contraceptives.
Abstract: Cognitive development, egocentrism, and self-esteem were examined in relation to contraceptive knowledge, attitudes, and behavior. Subjects were 300 high school students and college freshmen (age range=14–19 years) who completed a battery of self-report instruments. Based on multiple regression, analysis of covariance, and discriminant function analyses, findings revealed that adolescents who had higher scores on the cognitive development and self-esteem scales had more knowledge about sexuality and contraception and were more likely to report using contraception during sexual intercourse. Self-esteem was also predictive of more positive attitudes toward contraceptives. Subjects who reported using contraceptives had lower scores on the imaginary audience egocentrism scale than did contraceptive nonusers. Gender-specific analyses revealed that females had significantly more knowledge about contraceptives than did males, but males had higher scores on the cognitive development and self-esteem scales than did females. In addition, self-esteem was predictive of contraceptive use for females but predictive of sexual activity for males. Implications for sex education programs are discussed.
TL;DR: This paper examined whether family processes that predict positive and negative developmental outcomes are the same in intact and remarried families and found that in both families, conflict had negative effects, and cohesion and democratic decision-making had positive effects on adolescents' adjustment.
Abstract: This study examines whether family processes that predict positive and negative developmental outcomes are the same in intact and remarried families. Surveys were administered to 758 tenth graders from intact families and 95 from stepfather families. Measures of cohesion, democratic decision-making style, permissiveness, and conflict were used to predict self-rated depression, worry, and self-esteem. Remarried and intact families provide similar family environments for permissiveness and democratic decision making. Remarried families are more conflictual and less cohesive than intact families. In both family types, conflict had negative effects, and cohesion and democratic decision-making had positive effects on adolescents' adjustment. In remarried families, but not intact, permissiveness was related to higher self-esteem.
TL;DR: This paper explored the nature of these shifting population statistics by examining whether college females were reporting lower levels of depression, or college males were reporting higher levels, relative to same-sex high school peers and explored a number of relevant psychological and psychosocial/environmental variables that might explain these shifts.
Abstract: Although adolescent and adult females have consistently been found to experience depression at twice the rate of males, the college population has represented a notable exception, with equal rates of depression reported for males and females. Using a cross-sectional design with equivalent measures, we explored the nature of these shifting population statistics by the following: (a) examining whether college females were reporting lower levels of depression, or college males were reporting higher levels of depression, relative to same-sex high school peers; and (b) exploring a number of relevant psychological and psychosocial/environmental variables that might explain these shifts. Replicating previous findings on the presence or absence of gender differences in depression in adolescent vs. college subjects, our data also indicated that this shift could be accounted for by lower levels of depression reported by college, relative to high school, females. Moreover, although psychological variables were the best overall predictors of females' depression levels, differences between high school and college females were best explained by psychosocial/environmental variables. Results are discussed in terms of the contextual features associated with the college environment that might protect women against depression and account for differential depression levels.
TL;DR: The reliability and validity of the offer self-image questionnaire (OSIQ) for adolescents were investigated using data from an Australian sample of male and female school students, with an average age of 14.9 years.
Abstract: The reliability and validity of the Offer Self-Image Questionnaire (OSIQ) for adolescents were investigated using data from an Australian sample of male and female school students, with an average age of 14.9 years (n=216). Reliability coefficients were high for all subscales except the Morals subscale. Results indicated significant correlations of the OSIQ subscales with Lang and Tisher's Children's Depression Scale of 1978 and small correlations with a measure of social desirability. A factor analysis yielded five interpretable oblique factors that support the concept of a multidimensional self-image. Identification of items contributing little to the subscale alphas, and not loading on the factors yielded by the factor analysis, highlights the need for further development and validation of the OSIQ. Implications for the development of the self-concept at adolescence are also discussed.
TL;DR: For instance, this article found that adoptive mothers were drawn in a less hierarchical relation to their children than were other parents, and adopted females perceived themselves as more connected to their parents in the present than any other period of time.
Abstract: Young adult adoptees and nonadoptees provided retrospective accounts of family relationships from infancy to young adulthood. Adoptive families were portrayed as more cohesive and adaptable than nonadoptive families. Adoptive fathers were recalled as being closer to their children then were nonadoptive fathers in the years preceding adolescence. Within the same time frame, adoptive mothers were drawn in a less hierarchical relation to their children than were other parents. Also, while adoptive males saw themselves as presently unconnected to their adoptive parents, adopted females perceived themselves as more connected to their parents in the present than any other period of time. Openness of communication and acknowledgment of difference in adoptive family formation varied with graphic retrospective accounts. Results were considered in terms of discontinuities between reported observations of adoptive families and adoptees' personal reflections on family developmental history.
TL;DR: The authors conducted interviews with parents of 136 female and 45 male adolescents categorized into risk groups for the later development of an eating disorder and found that the family and school concomitants of risk status in females were demonstrated to be different from that in males.
Abstract: Interviews were conducted with parents of 136 female and 45 male adolescents categorized into risk groups for the later development of an eating disorder. The family and school concomitants of risk status in females were demonstrated to be different from that in males. Risk group female adolescents rated family cohesion, parent-adolescent communication processes, and overall family satisfaction more negatively than the comparison group. Mothers of moderate risk group females reported lower family cohesion than the comparison group; there were no group differences for adolescent females in fathers' ratings of family measures. However, no group differences were found on any of the family measures between male risk and comparison males. For both females and males, there were no significant group differences in family history of eating and mood disorders, or alcohol dependence. Teacher ratings indicated relatively greater internalizing tendencies in the high-risk female group.
TL;DR: This article reviewed the literature on preadolescent friendships in order to examine the relationship between pre-teen friendships and social support in adulthood, concluding that the pre-adolescent period is of particular importance to the development of adult social skills and ties.
Abstract: The primary aim of this paper is to review the literature on preadolescent friendships in order to examine the relationship between preadolescent friendships and social support in adulthood. Social supports are important to health, both directly and as a stress buffer. Few studies, however, have specifically examined adult social supports from the perspective of their developmental precursors and critical developmental periods. Some data indicate that the preadolescent period may be of particular importance to the development of adult social skills and ties. Observational and empirical studies of preadolescent peer relationships, and in particular best friendships, suggest unique and critical contributions to adult social relatedness. Present research is suggestive but is insufficient to validate preadolescence as a critical period in adult social relatedness. Our review has implications for better understanding the mechanisms by which preadolescent friendships effect adult social support—an important mediator of the effects of stress on health. Further longitudinal study is needed.
TL;DR: The authors examined differences among older and younger adolescents in the influence of family structure, family relations, and peer relations on marijuana use and found that less family involvement and greater drug using peer associations lead to greater marijuana use among younger adolescents, while only peer associations directly affect use among older adolescents.
Abstract: This study examines differences among older and younger adolescents in the influence of family structure, family relations, and peer relations on marijuana use. Data from a longitudinal sample of adolescents from the United States were stratified by age and used to assess these potential differences. Precise measures of family structure were constructed to account for the various manifestations of family forms. Multivariate analyses indicate that a recent divorce attenuates attachment among younger adolescents and leads to less family involvement among older adolescents. Moreover, older adolescents from stepparent families are less attached to their families. Changes in these family relationship variables influence associations with drug using peers, but these processes differ for the two age groups. Finally, less family involvement and greater drug using peer associations lead to greater marijuana use among younger adolescents, while only peer associations directly affect use among older adolescents.
TL;DR: In this article, a study of differentiation of Styles of Identity formation with a sample of high school age adolescents, a group of the participants were found (by discriminant analysis) to have common features and to be a distinct group that displays an Evolutive Style of Identity Formation.
Abstract: In the study of differentiation of Styles of Identity formation with a sample of high school age adolescents, a group of the participants were found (by discriminant analysis) to have common features and to be a distinct group that displays an Evolutive Style of Identity Formation. The characteristics of this style are examined in this article, which focuses on the conceptual discussion of the significance of the Evolutive Style for the model of Styles of Identity Formation.
TL;DR: In this paper, the impact of parental alcohol misuse on sexual behaviors of female adolescents was investigated. But, in multivariate assessment of protective and risk factors for adolescent pregnancy in the at risk sample, maternal vs. paternal vs. both parents drinking was no longer salient.
Abstract: Studies show that children of alcoholics constitute an at-risk population. This study attempted to understand the impact of parental alcohol misuse on sexual behaviors of female adolescents, based on a sample of 1134 teenagers from alcohol misusing parents in Minnesota. Index adolescents were more likely to report having sexual intercourse as well as greater frequency of intercourse, history of pregnancy and greater overall pregnancy risk based on current patterns of sexual behavior and contraceptive utilization. Bivariate analysis revealed that gender of the drinking parent was also associated with the above variables. However, in multivariate assessment of protective and risk factors for adolescent pregnancy in the at-risk sample, maternal vs. paternal vs. both parents drinking was no longer salient. Pregnancy avoidance was associated in the index group with two-parent family structure and higher maternal education, while pregnancy history was associated with a history of physical abuse and perception of high levels of vandalism in the school setting.
TL;DR: In this article, the results of a questionnaire and interview survey of 36 white middleclass adolescent male camp counselors (mean age, 18.4 years) that addressed pubertal changes and first ejaculation (semenarche) were presented.
Abstract: Few empirical studies focus on how boys respond to puberty. This paper presents the results of a questionnaire and interview survey of 36 white middleclass adolescent male camp counselors (mean age, 18.4 years) that addressed pubertal changes and first ejaculation (“semenarche”). It is a descriptive and hypothesis generating study. The first ejaculation, biologically significant in sexual and reproductive functioning, was found to be psychologically meaningful but socially invisible. The mean age at semenarche was 12.9 years. All of the boys in the group had sex education in school, yet many felt unprepared for their first ejaculation, which occurred earlier than they expected and before formal education. Those who felt prepared expressed more positive feelings and coped better. Common responses to semenarche included surprise, curiosity, pleasure, and confusion. Most subjects did not tell anyone that this event occurred and many boys initially confused ejaculation and urination. The association of the first ejaculation with sexuality makes it a charged event. Psychosocial and developmental difficulties in sexual education for young males are noted.
TL;DR: The authors examined changes in students' alcohol use, alcohol abuse, and attitudes toward drinking over the course of their college careers using a November 1987 random sample of 526 undergraduate students attending a midsized, private, midwestern university.
Abstract: Using a November 1987 random sample of 526 undergraduate students attending a midsized, private, midwestern university, this study examines changes in students' alcohol use, alcohol abuse, and attitudes toward drinking over the course of their college careers. This research provides an empirical examination of the supposition that people begin college in an adolescent-like phase in their development and graduate from college in a decidedly more adult-like developmental phase. The data suggest that women appear to mature throughout the college years, gradually progressing toward an adult-like developmental state, at least insofar as their drinking patterns and alcohol-related attitudes are concerned. Men, on the other hand, demonstrated no significant changes over the course of their college careers, suggesting that college may represent little more than a period of protracted adolescence for them.
TL;DR: In a pilot study, 30 White middle to upper middle class 6th-8th grade girls were interviewed about how they felt about breast and pubic hair growth, their comfort discussing these events, and their information acquisition.
Abstract: Girls' experiences of secondary sexual characteristic development were explored via direct interview and protective techniques. In a pilot study (Study 1), 30 White middle to upper middle class 6th–8th-grade girls were interviewed about how they felt about breast and pubic hair growth, their comfort discussing these events, and their information acquisition. Breast growth was perceived as more important than hair growth, in part because the former is perceived as a more public event. Few girls reported intensely negative feelings to either change. Since responses to the direct questions were limited, 80 White 6th–9th graders were asked to tell a story (using a semi structured interview technique) about a picture of an adolescent girl, adult female, and adult male in which the adult female was taking a bra out of a shopping bag (Study 2). Affect, attitudes, and character alliances were coded. More girls attributed negative feelings to the father than to the mother character. Almost all girls describe the adolescent in the story as embarrassed. The daughter and father characters were described as uncomfortable more often than the mother character (50% vs. 10%). Positive maternal affect in the stories was associated with more advanced pubertal status, positive body images, more positive emotional tone, and lower anxiety scores. Affect ascribed to the father and daughter characters was less likely to be associated with girls' psychological functioning. Results are discussed in term sof the possible role of puberty upon parent-child relationships and communication.