As one phase of a research program designed for purposes of developing future youth programs and as one source from which hypotheses, relevant to the occupational and social adjustment of rural southwestern Indian youth (Navajo and Papago), were generated and later tested, this study presented a survey of literature concerned with the environment, education, personal characteristics, job training, and employment prospects of Indian youth. Literature surveyed reflected that the Papago were in a transitional state midway between reliance upon native society and acceptance of alternatives; that due to cultural differences Navajo youth experienced problems with white society work habits, finding fixed time schedules and competition sources of stress; that incidences of suicide and alcoholism among young married Navajo males had increased; that although education had not been part of the Indian value system, school enrollment had been increasing; though Indian dropout rates were still higher than the national average, they were declining; that public schools rarely reflected Indian culture; and that the Bureau of Indian Affairs had 3 programs directed at Indian occupational adjustment, as well as others established by contract with private industry, residential training centers, etc. (JC)