Central American and Cambodian students in six Canadian high schools and their parents were interviewed to assess the students' emotional problems and pre- and postmigration family environment. Findings indicate that the relationship between the emotional problems and scholastic achievement of teenaged refugees was tenuous. (Author/MKA)

The influences of home and school environment on teenage smoking were assessed according to sex differences, age differences, influence of adults, socioeconomic status, and coeducation v same sex grouping. (Author/DB)

Assessed family environments of 84 pregnant adolescents who recently made decision to parent or to place their babies for adoption. Results showed that adolescent parents or placers described their families as less functional than adolescent norms. Found no significant differences in family functioning between parents and placers. Vast majority of…

Examines aspirations by analyzing variables that can be directly influenced by the student, family, and/or school personnel. Data secured from 2,677 students in grades 8 through 12 suggest that many students do not understand why they engage in certain activities. To assume more responsibility, students must see purpose in their pursuits. (RJM)

Illustrates some important differences between interdisciplinary and ecological perspectives on meeting the needs of adolescents experiencing emotional difficulties. Highlights use of ecosystemic models in residential and school facilities and enumerates areas where ecologically based changes might be appropriate. Outlines operational guidelines…

Examined the effects of separation and divorce on adolescents' (N=217) self-image, anxiety, locus of control, and perception of their family. Results indicated males from disrupted homes had better self-concepts and better perceptions of their family environment than those from intact homes. The opposite results were found among females. (JAC)

The notion of a psychosocial ecosystem was presented. Highlights the importance of the social setting for the study of individual psychological functioning and personality development. Notes environmental variables which influence adolescent adjustment. (Editor/RK)

Administered questionnaire to adolescents concerning difficulties experienced with both newly adopted school-age siblings and with other children already in family. Difficulties with all siblings were seen primarily as hassles; however, adoptee was reported as creating more problems than "old" siblings, mostly involving invasion of turf…

Factor analysis of variables relating to adolescents' perception of their home environment suggested five factors: extent of punishment, amount of chores at home, perceived parental control, absense of parents, and parents' attitude toward authority figures. Controlling for sex and age, these fators accounted for sizable portions of variance in…

At-risk adolescents and their impact on families and society, as well as characteristics of both healthy and maladaptive families, are discussed. Cognitive distortions of dysfunctional adolescents and their effect on family members, along with methods for intervention and creating more healthy environments, are delineated from a systemic…

Examined African-American adolescents' use of alcohol and their perceptions of their family environments. Alcohol-using adolescents (n=71) completed Family Environment Scale (FES). Analyses of data revealed that females differed significantly from males on 4 of 10 FES subscales. Findings support view that alcohol affects perception of family…

Proposes a conceptual framework based on attachment theory and parenting styles typology for examining the relationship between family context variables and the development of self-regulation skills. Also presents initial findings from a study of the parental practices and values associated with academic self-regulation in college students.…

Examines the contribution of individual and family factors to psychological adjustment in a sample of junior high school students living in urban poverty. Identity development served as a mediator between poverty and psychological adjustment. Although perceived parental treatment was not related to economic hardship, it was clearly associated with…

Examines the relationship between family-of-origin interaction and environment and the potential for young mothers to abuse their children. Findings suggest that providing the teenager with an accepting and supportive atmosphere may assist her in building a positive identity as a mother. Discusses implication of the findings in regard to service…

Considers problem of professionals working in the foster care system in finding ways to minimize re-placement, or the movement of children from foster home to foster home. Develops a profile of the foster child likely to experience multiple re-placement or unstable care. Based on this profile, possible strategies for reducing movement in care are…