Issues in studying pubertal events are examined, including whether puberty is best characterized as a social construction or a physical event, whether early adolescence is a transitional or distinct life period, life events associated with puberty, boundaries of early adolescence, and possible models for studying pubertal change. (Author/BW)

Examined existing literature on links between bereavement after suicide and the subsequent development of adolescents including increased suicide risks. Found inconsistent definitions of adolescence in literature, samples of adolescents were drawn from those in psychotherapy, and other methodological problems. (Author/ABL)

Suggests that adolescence is a cultural creation rather than a physical, developmental period. The relationship between the cultural definition of adolescence and the psychological concept of adolescence is seen as cyclical and interrelated. This type of relationship results in a unique problem for research into psychological aspects of…

Despite the apparent universality of loneliness and its link to psychosocial maladjustment, research on loneliness has emerged rather recently in the history of psychology. This book brings together varied theories and lines of research on loneliness among children and adolescents to provide a source for future research. The chapters are: (1)…

Considers the problems inherent in researching changes in social values and individual perspectives among selected age groups. Asserts that studies aimed at researching both aspects need to be organized as longitudinal studies. Utilizes data taken from a study of East and West Berlin adolescents to reveal specific research problems. (MJP)