Explores the development of behaviors by using Erik Erikson's psychosocial developmental theory, with emphasis on adolescents. Examines factors, such as identity versus identity diffusion, that may be contributing to increasing acts of violence by African American adolescents. Other factors are examined that may contribute to increased violence.…

Looks at some of the social, psychological and emotional experiences of youths which make them vulnerable to recruitment into cults like the Unification Church. Stages of adolescent normative development which predominate are identity struggle, idealism, curiosity, and disillusionment. (JAC)

The author describes aspects of the size and organizational structure of high schools which reduce human contact and have a negative influence on the sense of community, the development of relationships, and the formation of personal identity. (Author/SJL)