Using four scale scores from Sandman's Mathematics Attitude Inventory, relationships were found between parents' anxiety, self-concept, enjoyment of, and perceived value of mathematics and their adolescent children's attitudes. These relationships were interpreted by ability level. Significant differences in mathematics attitudes were found by…

Students (Grades 9-11) in two Florida metropolitan high schools rated their interest in 28 topics, such as travel, popular music, religion, the opposite sex, war, and politics. Interests were analyzed by sex, grade, and ability track in English (Honors, Average, Basic). Findings, especially those on romantic interests, are discussed. (SJL)

Evaluates the frequency of feelings of injustice among students and identifies the environmental circumstances that foster them. Participants (N=233) were interviewed about various aspects of their school adjustment. Results indicate that feelings of injustice among school students are not rare, nor are such feelings grade- or gender-related. (RJM)

Investigates the effects of a role-taking, action-learning program on the cognitive and ego development of African American rural high school students. Main effects were assessed in two related domains: concrete to abstract thinking, and self-concept development. Results indicate significant gains in both abstract thinking and ego stage. (RJM)

The relationship between family interaction and formation of family-life conceptions in adolescence was studied with 26 male and 27 female 15-year-old ninth graders and their parents (n=71), using an interactional framework. The effects of open, constructive family communications and expression of marital conflicts were assessed via interviews and…

Differential prediction of course grades (language arts, mathematics, social studies, and science) from achievement test scores was studied for 634 female and 623 male eighth and ninth graders through multivariate analysis. Female performance was overpredicted except in language arts, but differences were seldom large enough to have practical…

Eighty ninth-grade students completed questionnaires regarding their parents' demandingness, responsiveness, school involvement, and commitment to achievement. Boys' reports of both maternal and paternal parenting significantly predicted their achievement, with parental values toward achievement significantly predicting achievement in boys above…

Analysis of Anglo or Hispanic ninth-graders' (n=244) reports on coping strategies showed that females engaged in social relationships and creating change, either in actual or cognitive terms, more frequently than males. Boys tended to rely on stress reduction activities or diversions. Ethnicity tactics were also noted. (RJM)

The relationship between adolescent loneliness and factors associated with adult loneliness (attributional style, self-esteem, social anxiety, and social skills) was investigated for 107 male and 79 female ninth graders completing 7 difference measures. Social skills, self-esteem, and attributional style are significant predictors of loneliness,…

The effectiveness of a behavior management procedure--the response cost raffle--was studied with three male eighth graders and one female ninth grader in special education with mild to moderate behavior problems. Results indicate that the response cost raffle can be an effective and a practical classroom technique for increasing appropriate…

Examined risk factors associated with acquisition of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) among adolescents. Found that demographic factors were associated with being sexually experienced, but few demographics were associated with specific STD-related risk behaviors. Knowledge was not associated with any risk behaviors. Use of alcohol and drugs was…

Video games have become one of the favorite activities of American children. A growing body of research is linking violent video game play to aggressive cognitions, attitudes, and behaviors. The first goal of this study was to document the video games habits of adolescents and the level of parental monitoring of adolescent video game use. The…

Risk and protective factor indices were developed to examine vulnerability to drug use among Latino high school students. Survey data was collected from 516 Latino 9th and 10th grade youth in the Los Angeles (California) area. Frequency and quantity of use data were collected for a range of drugs including inhalants, cocaine, and other hard drugs.…

A questionnaire attempting to define adolescence from the adolescent's view was administered to 300 students, 50 males and 50 females in each of 3 grades (grades 6, 9, and 12). The questionnaire examined (1) ages perceived as dividing points between adolescence, childhood and adulthood; (2) tasks seen as most important in advancing from one period…

Even in culturally homogeneous settings, language has an important role in the social interaction of adolescents. This study investigated the importance of values concerning dialect and language variation in a group of 62 ninth-grade students. Subjects, 23 black, 21 white, and 18 native Spanish-speaking individuals, were asked to listen to a tape…