Discusses the effect of the mass media, particularly the influence of violence and sex, on adolescents, noting the paucity of research on the subject. The article recommends a compromise between censorship and free expression. It examines how teachers and parents can help by discussing media messages with students. (SM)

Examines the history of middle level education. Offers suggestions to promote responsive middle level education: (1) building a knowledge base about early adolescent development; (2) assuring that organizational structures, programs, and practices function appropriately; (3) advocating the needs of early adolescents; and (4) involving middle level…

Explores the content of middle school reforms, focusing on how they diverge from conventional school practices, school norms, and school politics. Argues that norms of community and integration will need to replace many of the competitive, individualistic, and bureaucratic norms embedded in current practice. (Author/PAM)

A longitudinal sample of 3,454 urban and rural school students in grades 6 through 8 at baseline was used to examine developmental changes in peer factors and their influence on marijuana initiation. Friends' drug-related behaviors, rather then attitudes, were more strongly related to respondents' likelihood of initiating drug use. (TJH)

As weight training becomes increasingly popular with children and adolescents, physicians need to advise patients and parents about what is safe and what is not. Young people who adhere to a well-supervised, progressive strength training program can improve their strength and improve performance in other sports. (SM)

Explored possible link between development of moral reasoning/behavior and metacognition. Examined awareness of moral processes involved in moral reasoning and behavior in 139 adolescents in grades 7, 9, and 12. Found number of significant moral metacognition-reasoning-behavior correlations. Findings support notion that specific types of metamoral…

Describes the development of a New Jersey adventure program for homeless teenagers. Discusses the developmental tasks of adolescence--separating from family, forging a healthy sexual identity, preparing for the future, and developing a moral value system--and the positive impacts of adventure on these tasks. Addresses the issue of closure and…

This qualitative study investigated the lived experience of depression in 10 gifted adolescents. Analysis of in-depth unstructured interviews revealed the gifted adolescent's absolute need for knowledge, for communion, and for expression. The gifted adolescent is at risk for depression when any or all of these needs are stymied. (Author/DB)

Evaluated extent to which stress, coping strategies, and social support were associated with depressive symptoms, poor physical health, and substance use in homeless youth. Found that stressful life events were associated with depressive symptoms, poor physical health, and substance use. Problem-focusing coping and social support counteracted some…

Examines the effect of having a sibling or a dating partner on adolescents' relationships with others, focusing on the social rules used in relationships with peers, siblings, and parents. Data support a model of relationship management using siblings as stepping-stones of egalitarian peer features to the world of friends and authoritative parent…

Reports on the development and pilot testing of a multimedia tool (SMART Talk) that teaches anger management, perspective taking, and mediation skills. Results indicate that SMART Talk is popular with both males and females, and its use increases knowledge and practice of prosocial behaviors. (Author/GCP)

Studies students in an urban junior high school about their attitudes toward cigarette advertising, their perception of the harmful effects of cigarette smoking, and their sources of information. Approximately 27% believed cigarette advertising significantly influenced their classmates or themselves, and 90% recognized that smoking was seriously…

Examines identity development of African-American students in both the interpersonal and the ideological domain. Results show that most of the students were engaged in the identity-exploration process. Results for the interpersonal domain were similar to those for the ideological domain. (Author/GCP)

Surveys the worries of adolescents in Northern Ireland, with a focus on identifying age and gender differences. Analysis reveals that females report worrying significantly more frequently than males, particularly in regard to transition from school and personal and academic issues. Students over 16 report worrying significantly less than their…

Discusses the following topics in the context of academic advising of Japanese international students: (1) differences between Japanese and U.S. educational systems; (2) the complexities of cross-cultural communication; and (3) universal concepts in adolescent development. Suggests most of the problems faced by these students fall into one or a…