Data from a sample of Blacks aged 11 to 16 indicated drinkers were more likely to report health problems. The correlation between drinking and poor health was most noted among young males and older females. Drinkers reported more sleep disturbances. Tobacco use was a predictor of drinking and pregnancy. (Author)

Tested the efficacy of group training in decision making and interpersonal skills to prevent unwanted adolescent pregnancy. Evaluation of the program suggests that group intervention is an effective social work approach. Participants reported greater commitment to postponing pregnancy and greater reliance on birth control methods. (JAC)

Discusses human reproductive alternatives such as artificial insemination by husband and by donor, surrogate pregnancy, and in vitro fertilization in relation to involuntarily childless couples. Concludes by raising a number of questions for practice, policy, and research in the area of family life. (Author)

A sample of 838 children ages 5 through 15 years in Australia, England, North America, and Sweden were interviewed about physical and sexual development. The study covers essentially the same area as Bernstein and Cowan (1975) but extends the sample on the dimensions of age, number, randomness, and comparisons made. (Author/RH)

School-age mothers, their parents, and school personnel were interviewed independently to determine their perceptions of consequences of school-age pregnancy and motherhood. Perceived consequences differed for the three sets of interviewees. (Author)

Describes an affective-based nutrition education program that promotes improvement of attitudes about nutrition and health as a means of improving dietary behavior. Content emphasizes nutrients of particular concern for women during childbearing years. Stability of instruments used in the program was demonstrated. (CS)

Minors were found to be less likely than adults to anticipate consultation with a professional regarding the pregnancy, and more likely than adults to perceive decisions about pregnancy disposition and contraception as being "externally" determined. (Author/DB)

Thirty adolescent mothers and their infants who had few medical and psychological difficulties showed a positive adjustment to motherhood through the first six postpartum weeks. The ego strength of the adolescents and the infants' behavioral individuality were the factors most strongly related to the quality of early mother-child interaction and…

Nonmarital intercourse among teenagers rose during the early 1970s. Biological, social, and psychological variables are associated with both early nonmarital coitus and contraceptive behaviors; effects of adolescent childbearing tend to be minor when appropriate statistical techniques are used to control for the impact of socioeconomic status and…

In State v. Koome, the Washington Supreme Court has striken that state's statute regarding parental consent for a minor's abortion. Implications of the finding for a minor's right to due process, equal protection, and privacy are discussed. (LBH)

Describes the structure, leadership, content patterns, techniques, and research questions that have grown out of group experience in dealing with adolescent pregnancy. (Author/RK)

Highlights findings of group discussions at The Mothers Center, Hicksville, New York. Focus was on obstetrician-patient relationship and the work of the Social Action Committee at the center. (BF/JH)

This article describes the use of a pre-marriage contract in working with teenage couples and their parents. The contract is an aid in focusing on the practical aspects of marriage preparation, allowing a more direct subsequent focus on the feelings of family members. (Author)

Surveys of 3,346 rural and small-town residents of Kentucky and 138 rural prenatal service providers found that neither males nor females were knowledgeable about the harmful effects of alcohol use during pregnancy, with males having significantly less knowledge. Service providers identified barriers to health promotion and prevention efforts and…

Presents an award-winning short story about a middle school student's wistful reflections on his civics teacher and the other students in his class, many of whom were pregnant, poor, or disadvantaged in some way. (TB)