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)

Suggests that the high incidence of anorexia nervosa in adolescent girls may be related to developmental sexual pressure. Symptoms appear with the onset of puberty and are related to physiological and psychological changes. (JAC)

Presents three psychological perspectives on youth deviance. Two traditional theoretical approaches to understanding and intervening in delinquent behavior are explained. A third perspective, a youth advocacy approach, is described in the light of cognitive developmental theory. Youth's developmental needs and their opportunity to complete…

Analyzed longitudinal data from 105 students when they were in junior high and high school to examine relationship between gender and identity development over time. Results indicated that patterns of change over time were similar for males and females; as students aged, they grew in psychosocial maturity regardless of gender. (Author/NB)

Although differences exist between their developmental perspectives, the theories of Erik Erikson, with a psychoanalytic focus, and Piaget and Kohlberg, with a cognitive, structural view, are basically complementary, providing a powerful observation on human growth. Here their theories are used to reexamine the secondary curriculum and the…

Investigated the relationship between ego identity and alienation in adolescents. Subjects (N=147) were administered the Adolescent Alienation Scale and Ego Identity Scale. Data supported the hypothesis that as scores on the Ego Identity Scale increase, there tends to be a moderate decrease in alienation. (Author)

Presents a theoretical framework for viewing adolescent contraceptive usage. The problem-solving process is used for developmentally examining the competencies that must be present for effective contraceptive use, including: problem recognition, motivation, generation of alternatives, decision making and implementation. Each aspect is discussed…

Assessed the major motifs of interpersonal relations, achievement, and physical development, influencing adolescent friendship formation. The interpersonal category was salient at all grade levels for both sexes and increased with time. A corresponding decrease for the achievement and physical attributes categories also emerged. Friendship…

Discusses Erikson's ideas on the importance of historical perspective in identity formation and values. Suggests the developmental processes at adolescence and the way in which the individual and society react and interact have implications for the transmission and nurturing of values by both individual adults and the collective society. (RC)

Investigated the relationships among gender, age, and self-image of adolescents attending three secondary schools in Jamaica. Results revealed statistically significant effects for both gender and age. Gender significantly influenced morals, while age differences affected six other dimensions. Some results contradicted past research. (RJM)

Explored possible link between development of moral reasoning/behavior and metacognition. Examined awareness of moral processes involved in moral reasoning and behavior in 139 adolescents in grades 7, 9, and 12. Found number of significant moral metacognition-reasoning-behavior correlations. Findings support notion that specific types of metamoral…

Surveys the worries of adolescents in Northern Ireland, with a focus on identifying age and gender differences. Analysis reveals that females report worrying significantly more frequently than males, particularly in regard to transition from school and personal and academic issues. Students over 16 report worrying significantly less than their…

The prominence of sport in American secondary school curriculum owes much to 19th-century child development theories, the most prominent of which, Von Baer's Law, held that youth passed through the same developmental gradations ontogenetically that the human race passed through phylogenetically; youth repeated in their development approximately…

Defines and describes the concept of social cognition and its relationship to various psychological positions. Outlines Selman's stage theory of social cognition and the influence of Piaget's theory. Issues of interpersonal understanding are related to concepts of the individual, friendship, peer group and parent-child relations. (JAC)

Found that early adolescents use various models to make moral decisions. These include care (wishing others not to suffer), justice (decisions made according to principles), and narrowly concerned or selfish. Males and females used all three modes, with males being more likely to choose the narrowly concerned mode. (RJM)