Discusses the issue of whether sex between mentally retarded individuals is morally permissable, and if so, under what conditions. Argues that mutual consent has unacceptable consequences for the mentally retarded. Specifies conditions where caregivers can grant permission for sexual activity. Describes the implications for future professionals'…

Examined whether features of preschool children's mutual friendships were associated with prosocial and aggressive behavior. Teacher reports of friendship features showed moderate interrater reliability and were associated with teacher reports of aggression and prosocial behavior, and with peer reports of acceptance and rejection. Friendship…

Uses a developmental perspective on social interaction to trace gender differences in adulthood to relationship patterns that emerge in childhood. Summarizes results of: (1) experimental studies and naturalistic studies of workplace interaction in mixed-sex task-oriented groups; (2) same-sex interaction; (3) adult friendship; and (4) heterosexual…

Used data from the 1975-76 Jamaica Fertility Study to examine relationship between fertility and the following transitions in sexual relationship: (1) from visiting to common-law; (2) from visiting to marriage; and (3) from visiting to termination of partnership. Results indicated that childbirth reduced the probability of all three transitions.…

Surveyed 365 college students to investigate their attitudes toward the effects of past sexual behavior, both heterosexual and homosexual, on one's acceptability as a dating or marriage partner. Results showed that both men and women prefer partners without previous coital or oral heterosexual experience, and both strongly rejected those with any…

Examined effects of information and discussion among married couples (N=36) in a marriage enrichment program. Found information had little apparent effect on couples, but discussion in groups improved couples' marriage satisfaction and their sexual and intellectual intimacy throughout the study relative to couples not receiving group discussion.…

Analyzed National Survey of Black Americans data (N=2,107) to determine extent and structural correlates of marriage, romantic involvements, and preference for romantic involvement. Found marriage among Blacks dependent on male economic readiness and "traditionality"; fewer marital options for economically disadvantaged males, older…

Discusses the effects of gender segregation, which emerges in early childhood, on later adolescent and adult relationships. Suggests that communication and power relations in male-female relationships are likely to be influenced by gender differences in social norms. Provides recommendations for parents and teachers interested in encouraging…

Examined the possibility that lonely preadolescents have problems with disclosure that are similar to those of lonely adults. Sixth and seventh graders were given a loneliness and social dissatisfaction scale and were observed in dyadic conversations with male and female peers. Some of the lonely subjects' problems with disclosure were similar to…

A survey of 1,331 juniors and seniors in 10 rural midwestern high schools indicates that 41% had experienced at least 1 incident of dating violence, including 52.3% of females and 31.3% of males. The need for developing conflict management and problem-solving skills programs for young adults is addressed. (LP)

Compared 30 caregiver-Alzheimer's afflicted spouse dyads with 17 healthy married couples. Found caregivers differed significantly from well-group spouses on companionship and total marital quality. Only 27 percent of Alzheimer's couples versus 82 percent of well couples were sexually active. Caregivers evidenced adaptation and control; afflicted…

Observed adolescents' interaction with a same-gender friend in grades 9, 10, and 11. Found evidence of developmental changes for both boys and girls: intimacy based on discussion and self-disclosure increased between grades 9 and 10, and capacity for sustained intimate affect increased between grades 10 and 11. Boys were more likely than girls to…

Randomly selected college juniors and seniors (N=101) completed questionnaires concerning marital conflict, parental attachment, and attitudes about love and sex. Results indicated that intimacy was negatively correlated with parental conflict and divorce. Divorce and higher levels of conflict were associated with lower levels of intimacy in…

Examines African American, Anglo-American, and Hispanic American college students' perceptions of their family of origin. African American students rated their families higher than the other two groups on autonomy and intimacy. There were no significant differences between males and females or between Anglo-American students and Hispanic American…

Both identity development and the establishment of enduring intimate relationships become more complex for gay, lesbian, and bisexual youth. A school-wide workshop on sexual orientation was presented by student facilitators trained by school counselors. "Hate Hurts" was the overall theme. The process of the workshop, logistics, debriefing, and…