A two-year longitudinal investigation examined adolescents' (N = 100 girls and 99 boys) perceptions of social support in relationships with mothers, close friends, and romantic partners from Grade 10 (ages 14-16) to Grade 12 (ages 16-18). Adolescents, mothers, and close friends also provided descriptions of the participants' global self-worth and…

This study investigated the connection between self-disclosure and stages in development of interpersonal relationships. It hypothesized that self-disclosure in relationships is of a dynamic character which works in two directions: towards the interaction partner, and in the opposite direction. The study proposed three stages in the development of…

Teenagers need straight talk about sex, yet many teens are reluctant to discuss sex and love with their parents or other adults. Answers to many of their questions are provided in this book. The text draws on the actual questions that high school students have asked about sex, anatomy, love, and other related issues. The book is divided into 12…

In relationships among attachment classification, psychopathology, and personality, traits were examined in a group of 60 psychiatrically hospitalized adolescents. Attachment was examined in 27 adolescent-mother pairs. Both adolescent and maternal attachment status were overwhelmingly insecure and were highly concordant. Results support a model of…

Examined long-term sequelae of severe adolescent psychopathology from the perspective of adult attachment theory. Compared 66 upper-middle-class adolescents who were psychiatrically hospitalized at age 14 for problems other than thought or organic disorders, to 76 socio-demographically similar high school students. When reviewed at age 25,…

Adolescents in psychiatric treatment (N=133) participated in a case-comparison study investigating the association of attachment patterns with a history of suicidal behaviors. Attachment patterns were assessed using the Adult Attachment Interview. In accordance with definitions provided in the scoring system, 86% of case and 78% of comparison…

Describes uniqueness of "family realm" from other human experience spheres and implications in regard to family phenomena theories. Concludes, from five position papers presented, that "family" theories originating from nonfamily realms have significant limitations. Suggests "family realm" concept is helpful in evaluating current theories and…

Reports results of a survey of 89 graduate students using criteria taken from popular literature describing the adult children of alcoholics (ACOA) category. No empirical support is found for the ACOA category as defined in popular literature (no significant differences in how ACOA students and non-ACOA students responded to items that are…

Reviews institutional policy and case law regarding sexual harassment and consensual sexual relations between college faculty and college students. Advises colleges to strengthen sexual-harassment policies and educate students and faculty about harassment, and to adopt a policy on consensual sexual relations between students and faculty members.…

As part of a longitudinal study of psychosocial development, 148 girls and 130 boys were administered a questionnaire about a close friend in their eighth grade school year. The subjects began the study in the sixth grade. Findings on intimacy and emotional closeness are discussed concerning gender socialization and friendship. (SLD)

Assesses differences between the self-perceptions of gifted high school freshmen (n=62) and nongifted peers (n=162) regarding intimacy with family and peers, social support, family responsibilities, self-esteem, depression, and risk-taking behavior. Results show that gifted students may be socially precocious when compared with their nongifted…

Provides an overview of research on emotional expression and emotional experience during adolescence, defined as the period between the ages of 10 and 21 years. Reviews methodological issues related to this research, and reviews research in the two major content areas of biological influences on emotional expression and experience, and emotion in…

Assessed a random sample of 102 female students from a small private college concerning levels of individuation, intimacy, intimidation, parental triangulation, and personal authority. These concepts formed the construct of Personal Authority and were tested regarding their relationship to self-esteem, physical health, and college adjustment.…

Male and female research participants (n=254) self-disclosed to a male or female confederate with whom they anticipated or did not anticipate further interaction. Women disclosed more intimately, with increasing emotion, and displayed more topical responsiveness with female than with male targets. Only the highly masculine men reliably disclosed…

The mental health of the only-child continues to generate interest in research literature. The present study examines the issue in China, where the one-child phenomenon is highest due to deliberate government policy. Subjects are 299 and 333 students in two high-rank high schools in urban Harebin and rural Qing an Xian, respectively (mean age =…