Investigated the identity formation in pregnant adolescents (N=30) as compared to a group of nonpregnant adolescents (N=30). Used the Ego Identity Scale to obtain a measure of ego identity. Analyzed data in relation to six hypotheses. Found pregnant adolescents scored significantly lower on the Ego Identity Scale. (RC)

This study builds on Erik Erikson's "Identity: Youth and Crisis," and describes in detail what social possibilities the adolescent usually considers when cognitively searching the environment, and describes how the understanding of the possibilities enhances or thwarts identity formation. (Author/KC)

Describes examples of adolescent behavior which parents and school personnel find obnoxious. Explains why intelligent, reasonable, and well-adjusted teenagers periodically behave in this way, as something that is developmentally inevitable given the uneven development of competencies in several important areas. Adolescent incompetencies in four…

The Objective Measure of Ego Identity was administered to 350 adolescents to test the Eriksonian theory of a developmental continuum from role diffusion to identity achievement. The results offer construct validity for the dynamic process proposed by Blos and Erikson, but do not support the categorization procedure as set forth by Adams, Shea, and…

Considers the adjustments adolescents must make to deviations, especially those related to physical norms. While some deviations are due to the timing of development, others are a result of genetics and are therefore permanent. Suggests guidelines for parents, teachers and counselors to assist adolescents in making adjustments to deviations. (BH)

Utilizes the theoretical formulations of Margaret Mahler and her colleagues on separation and individuation to understand how to plan psycho-rehabilitation programs for emotionally disturbed adolescents and young adults. The separation-individuation process and anxiety issues are discussed and analyzed in terms of both theory and practical…

Explored the interpersonal identity development during early adolescence. Findings revealed that 55% of the sample fell into one of the four discrete identity status categories, with 62% of this group classified as either diffused or foreclosed. Findings reflect the emergent and/or transitional nature of interpersonal identity development during…

Within the field of community services it is widely accepted that reflection is an important factor in personal and sociomoral development. The purpose of this research was to determine if a particular form of reflection-decision making with an emphasis on the ethical nature of community-has special value in achieving service-learning goals. (BF)

Discusses four types of adolescent hypocritical behavior: (1) pretending to be what one is not; (2) pretending not to be what one is; (3) talking negatively about peers in their absence and positively in their presence; (4) behaving and speaking in whatever manners are in one's interests. (Author/DB)

Assessed 61 nonchronic juvenile offenders and their parents using Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales II. Functional perspectives of family cohesion and adaptability by juvenile offender and one or both parents were associated with higher levels of ego development in offender as measured by Washington University Sentence Completion…

Examines the relationship between adolescent egocentrism and postformal thinking in 163 college undergraduates. Uses the Imaginary Audience Scale and the Social Paradigm Belief Inventory to evaluate participants. Results indicate that females have higher levels of adolescent egocentrism than do males. (Author/GCP)

Asserts that cognitive skills that develop during adolescence are crucial to successful contraceptive practice and that practitioners must understand special developmental setting in which adolescent sexual growth and experimentation occur in order to impact contraceptive use. Demonstrates how health and medical providers can work together to…

Addresses issue of socialization of the young for participation in society by viewing the family as a micro-society. Congruence between family themes and societally shared meanings is considered, utilizing ideas from the social construction of reality theories of Berger and Luckmann (1966). Three ideal-types of family themes are developed relative…

Explored differential cognitive-perceptual distortion in depression for adolescent (N=25) versus adult female (N=25) psychiatric inpatients with diagnosis of neurotic or reactive depression. Results from Beck Depression Inventory indicated significant similarities between groups in anger at self and sense of failure. Results also indicated several…

Argues for a view of adolescence as deriving from the nature of the interaction of adolescent thought and action in a social setting. Suggests the necessity for rethinking current definitions of adult as well as adolescent development and calls for a change in ways both groups are educated. (RC)