This cross-national study of moral reasoning among adolescents in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and the Republic of Ireland addresses the problem of possible moral truncation in Northern Ireland due to political conflict. Analysis of results suggested that despite the violent atmosphere over the last 30 years, the Northern Irish adolescents were not…

Social identity theory (SIT) was used to investigate effects of social categorization on adolescents' intergroup behaviour. Participants displayed consistent ingroup-favouring behaviour in their ratings: the ingroup was associated to a greater extent than the outgroup with positively valued dimensions, and to a lesser extent with negatively valued…

Highlights adolescence as age of crisis and concern for those with developmental retardation. Considers complexities of this stage of life from the perspectives of the individual's development and commitment required by family, school, professional services, and society. Illustrates these issues with case vignette, examining them critically using…

Reviews the feasibility and validity of the various methods that have been used to measure puberty and summarizes the evidence-base as to whether the age at menarche and the age at onset of puberty has decreased in recent years. Provides a summary of the findings of relevance to those critically reviewing the current evidence surrounding age of…

Reviews British epidemiological and psychological studies of adolescent drinking behavior, with special reference to cultural and developmental aspects. Concludes that drinking alcohol may be considered normal and that many adolescents are introduced to alcohol by their parents. Raises concern over amount of drunkenness reported. (Author/NB)

Notes that adolescent sexual abusers face developmental issues different from those of adults. Argues that specific needs of adolescent sexual abuser cannot by fully understood by simply extrapolating knowledge derived from work with adult perpetrators. Discusses importance of developmental issues facing adolescent perpetrator of sexual abuse and…

Reports the third wave of a longitudinal study that followed 106 15-year-olds from their last compulsory year at school for 22 months. Study shows that this is a period of considerable flux in smoking behavior. Highlights the role of friendship groups and social contexts and suggests that smoking prevention programs should be developed to meet the…

During a major population study of adolescent functioning, pupils from four comprehensive schools were used to compare validity of several screening measures in this age group. Showed that screening instruments tended to be behavior specific and that antisocial and neurotic behavior were relatively sex specific. (Author)

Examines long-term treatment of sexually abusive adolescent boys in secure conditions. Argues that, if treatment is to be successful, consideration must be given to factors which hinder treatment process: number and severity of clinical and behavioral problems presented by client group; resistance to treatment; difficulty of generalizing…

Evaluated effectiveness of school-based social skills program. Middle school children (N=34) selected for behavior problems were assigned to social skills training or to a no-treatment control group. Assessed change by teacher, parent, and self-report measures. Findings suggest significant improvement in social activity and parental report of…