This study compared Japanese and American ideals regarding marital and extra-marital friendship, intimacy, and employment related socialization. Questionnaire data from samples of Japanese (N=872) and American (N=843) subjects were analyzed for differences. Compared with the Japanese subjects, American subjects were found to place a higher value…

Considerable research has focused on counselor variables related to clients' willingess to continue in psychotherapy. Investigators have studied the effects of a variety of factors influencing counseling dropouts, including administrative policies, client characteristics, and therapist characteristics. This study examined willingness to return as…

This study examined the differences in family closeness and power structure between first semester college freshmen and upperclassmen. Fifty-two freshmen and fifty-four upperclassmen completed the Family Systems Test (Gehring & Feldman, 1988) to indicate the closeness and power structure in their immediate families. Aspen-Welch t-tests were used…

Examines same-gender and cross-gender friendships as potential contexts for development of preferences and skills that may influence the quality of adolescent dating relationships and adult marriages. Considers how children's traditionally gender-segregated peer relationships contribute to miscommunications and power asymmetries in later…

Discusses conceptual issues involved in comprehensive understanding of processes and development of adolescent romantic relationships. Explores (1) the possible common features that regulate relationships; (2) the interplay between romantic relationships and other significant relationships in adolescence and the ways these relationships change…

Offers guidance to parents on discussing sexuality with their sons. Topics covered are making abstinence appealing, teaching sex as stages in sexual intimacy, exploring the topic of relationships, and clarifying consent. Includes a sidebar with a list of resources. (SM)

Clinicians and researchers are beginning to acknowledge the importance of integrating a developmental perspective into the understanding of clinical disorders. Major gaps still exist between basic research on attachment processes and clinical issues regarding mental disorders. Reflecting growth in this direction, National Institute of Mental…

Homeroom "power" (the capability to affect students' feelings, attitudes, or behaviors) varies by meeting frequency and length, amount of student turnover, faculty members' length of assignment with one group of students, and number of allotted tasks. Homerooms can be revived to promote a communitarian spirit and serve students' need for…

Aspects of intimacy and satisfaction were explored for a volunteer sample of 54 Mexican American and 30 Anglo-American married couples. Data were collected by questionnaire through network sampling. Partner similarity was evident in all three groups, and marital satisfaction was best predicted for all groups by passionate love scores. (FC)

The relationship between identity and intimacy development was studied using 71 male and 71 female college students over a 5-week period using 3 theoretical models reflecting possible gender distinctions. Cross-lag panel correlation investigated the validity of the models. Evidence in support of the models is evaluated. (SLD)

Examined social interaction and depression among 42 elderly persons. Found depression was negatively correlated with measure of quantity of social interaction entailing frequent conversations and positively correlated with having reciprocally intimate relationships. Findings suggest that depression in older adults is negatively related to having…

Investigates the degree of intimacy in the relationships of children of divorce with their parents and peers. Utilizes a study of 208 urban, Israeli elementary school children. Findings indicate that divorce may hurt object relations with the father and decrease intimacy with mother and friends. (FMW)

Examined 15-year olds' descriptions of dating partners and romance. Dating experiences were brief in duration, though intense in frequency of contact. Affiliative qualities more than attachment qualities characterized their conscious views of romance. Girls were more likely than boys to mention interpersonal qualities, while boys were more likely…

Reviews existing data regarding the etiology and treatment of male and female sexual dysfunctions. Discusses the use of multidimensional assessment models, especially in the evaluation of erectile dysfunction and sexual pain disorders. Despite the conceptual and technological sophistication of current approaches, treatment outcomes are…

Discusses classic and contemporary approaches to the assessment of female sexuality. General approaches, assessment strategies, and models of female sexuality are organized within the conceptual domains of sexual behaviors, sexual responses, and individual differences, including general and sex-specific personality models. Highlights trends and…