Teens in the United States have high rates of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs), and recent data indicate that U.S. teens are engaging in riskier sexual behaviors. Male adolescents can help to lower these rates and risks by using condoms consistently with their sexual partners. Child Trends drew on national survey…

Development of a shame-based identity, also known as "toxic shame," can significantly interfere with an adult's ability to form an intimate relationship with another. As adults find peace from their past using transactional analysis and mental imagery, they learn to empower themselves to form healthy, intimate relationships.

The gifted can suffer from too many demands on their time and attention. This qualitative study tested the theory that advanced placement (AP) and international baccalaureate (IB) participants may feel forced to choose between academic success and social acceptance. The results, however, did not support the theory. Not only did gifted students not…

Using data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth 1997 (N = 4,190), this study examined adolescents' reports of primary confidants. Results showed that nearly 30% of adolescents aged 16-18 nominated mothers as primary confidants, 25% nominated romantic partners, and 20% nominated friends. Nominating romantic partners or friends was related…

The church has a great responsibility to minister and provide a place where children can experience the love of God. The spiritual journey of children is often nurtured in the Sunday school room, Bible class, or some other church setting. Under the best of circumstances, this journey is a formable task. One must consider the challenges that arise…

A cross-sectional study in a representative sample of 751 women, living in slums, examined their perspectives on partner and relationship factors of domestic violence. More than 17% of women experienced physical violence in the past year. Individual factors related to the husband--namely, poor socioeconomic status, use of alcohol, extramarital…

This paper describes the essential difference between two modes of sexual relating: (1) a personal, outward style of interaction that is the natural extension of affection, tenderness, and companionship between two people; and (2) an impersonal, inward, more masturbatory expression in which sex is used primarily as a narcotic. The origins of…

The study of marital strengths in enduring marriages is conceptually in its formative stage. Further exploratory research may help to focus more clearly on key concepts and their interrelationships. A study was conducted of 15 couples who had been married for between 35 and 48 years. The husbands' ages ranged from 55 to 70 and the wives' ages…

Mainstream leadership theories and the literature on women's leadership recognize the importance of relationships, intimacy, identity, and nonlinear development patterns in women's lives. However, mainstream theories are less likely to acknowledge leaders' need to understand personal identity issues and use different language to describe important…

Therapists working with intimate relationships are frequently confronted with issues regarding the loss of erotic intimacy, differences in levels of sexual desire, and the existence of intimate relationships outside the primary. Proposes that an approach derived from an integration of narrative therapy and relationship enhancement therapy can be…

Discusses the conclusion of a romantic relationship as a significant loss for adolescents. Maintains that the grief response initiated by this loss is frequently disenfranchised by adults and peers. Outlines adolescent grief symptomatology as well as strategies for surviving a loss. (Author/PVV)

Examines impact of variations in perceived intimacy on subjects' responses to a reasonably comprehensive list of compliance-gaining tactics. Questions 544 undergraduate students using an experimental recall method. Shows that situational variation in intimacy is associated with significant, nontrivial cross-situational differences in tactic…

This brief article discusses romance literature that has paranormal or fantasy elements, and its growing attraction from publishers. The author discusses the equal interest from fans and the possible reasons for the popularity of this literature.

Objective:: The present study extends prior research on childhood maltreatment and social functioning by examining the impact of early childhood physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect on rates of involvement in adult intimate relationships and relationship functioning. Method:: Substantiated cases of child abuse and neglect from 1967 to 1971…

Although a major predictor of sexual victimization is previous victimization, the mechanism underlying this effect is not well understood. Sexual assault historys impact on appraisal of and responses to sexual assault risk was examined in an experimental analog study. Intimacy with perpetrator was also examined as a potential contributor to…