Examines the first 14 books of the "Sweet Valley University" series. Finds that the storylines on sex send conflicting messages that make readers believe that premarital sex is not an important issue. Notes that date rape and a brief look at racism and alcohol abuse are the only serious topics addressed. (RS)

Examines the relationship between sexual risk-taking and alcohol use. Results indicate that individuals reporting an increase in risky behaviors had greater alcohol involvement as demonstrated by an increased number of days drinking, a larger typical amount consumed, and greater number of binge drinking days. Findings suggest the need for a model…

Study explored the prevalence of behavioral risk factors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in heterosexual college students, examining whether safer sex was practiced on a campus that offered aggressive HIV education. Results indicated dangerous links between alcohol use and high-risk sexual activities, a connection that prevention…

This study examined the relationship between the individual's purpose in life, existential anxiety, powerlessness and use of alcohol/drugs and the tendency to be sexually promiscuous. The study is rooted in the work of Viktor E. Frankl, which suggested that a lack of meaning and purpose can cause socially deviant behavior and psychological…

Undergraduate college students in the United States have, for generations, indulged in drinking alcohol and engaging in sexual activity as part of their "coming-of-age" socialization process. This study was conducted to examine the relationship in college students' lives between alcohol consumption and engaging in high-risk sexual activity. It…

Using 1993 Youth Risk Behavior Survey data, this study assessed Texas high school (N=6,015) and college students' (N=1048) alcohol use, tobacco use, and sexual behavior. Results indicated that the high school students initiated risk behaviors at much earlier ages than the college students, but college students reported a higher incidence of the…

Adolescents privately recorded open-ended descriptions of problematic social situations related to sex. Issues mentioned included birth control, pregnancy, condom use/nonuse, violence, alcohol use, and rape. Few mentioned concerns about sexually transmitted diseases. Subjects who included alcohol as a problem were more likely to describe a variety…

The U.S. Department of Education's Higher Education Center for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence Prevention publishes "Catalyst," a newsletter covering current Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse and Violence (AODV) prevention issues at institutions of higher education. "Catalyst" discusses emerging issues and highlights…

This is the first issue of a newsletter for those in Texas higher education who are interested in the prevention of alcohol and other drug abuse within higher education. The lead article, based on an unpublished study, addresses Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, in particular the link between drug and alcohol use and sexual behavior. A section…

Surveys undergraduate students (N=356) to determine factors that predict health-behavior change. AIDS risk was influenced by level of identity and self-confidence, perceived barriers to prevention, and self-efficacy. Alcohol abuse was influenced by perceptions of the severity and barriers, self-efficacy, and social influences. Nutritional…

This study examined attitudes and practices in two risk-taking areas of behavior while under the influence of alcohol--driving and sexuality--within important campus peer subcultures defined by class level and residency associations. Data were drawn from a research project to explore these and other related variables in a major northeastern…

Using telephone surveys, researchers examined the health behaviors of 1,408 Texas college students. Results indicated that most had consumed alcohol at least once, and nearly one-third were regular smokers. Most were sexually active but did not use condoms. Over half had never received HIV/AIDS education in college. (SM)

Issues on college student life are presented, focusing on first, the results of a questionnaire survey asking Association of Catholic Colleges and Universities (ACCU) college and university presidents to name what they consider to be the three most immediate student life concerns and, second, ACCU Student Life Task Force discussions on the data…

This third special issue of the Health Education Monograph Series on HIV/AIDS Prevention in Rural Communities presents 9 articles on: "Rural Adolescent Views of HIV Prevention: Focus Groups at Two Indiana Rural 4-H Clubs" (William L. Yarber and Stephanie A. Sanders); "Implementing HIV Education: Beyond Curriculum" (Susan…

This monograph is a guide to teen development and the world of 11-18 year olds in contemporary America. It provides practical suggestions to parents and other concerned adults as they guide children through adolescence. The 12 chapters are: (1) "Healthy Bodies, Healthy Minds"; (2) "Teens, Families, and Schools"; (3) "Teens…