Traces the changes in the depiction of childhood in science fiction films from the 1950s to the present decade. Argues that the contemporary science fiction representation of the sentimental child is a cultural idealization that opposes the social reality of the vanishing child. (FMW)

Analyzes the sources, types, and amounts of sex information received by 59 male and 73 female college students. Findings indicate that many sources contribute importantly to an individual's sex education, and that females may be more open to formal sources of sex education than males. (FMW)

Analysis of data from the 1958 Philadelphia Birth Cohort Study indicates that individuals who dropped out from delinquency were less likely to renew their involvement with crime as adults regardless of race, socioeconomic status, gender, or particular dropout period. (FMW)

Studies the attitudes of 271 high school students and seven teachers to determine the sources of classroom misbehavior. Concludes that sanctions on student behavior have little impact while an orderly school environment may have the greatest effect. (FMW)

Examines the relationship between the gender role attitudes and the life expectations of 272 college undergraduates (80.1 percent female; 19.9 percent male). Findings point to a lack of awareness on the part of both sexes of the complexity of combining work and family responsibilities. (FMW)

Analyzes victimization data obtained from 1,272 Black, Hispanic, and White high school students in Los Angeles (California). Findings include the following: (1) males are victimized more frequently than females; (2) Blacks are victimized more frequently than either Hispanics or Whites; and (3) younger students were victimized less frequently than…

Describes two studies of the factors that influence unmarried pregnant adolescents to choose adoption rather than parenthood. Study One examines the effect of perceived parental preference and vocational goals. Study Two examines the effect of perceived parental preference and attained vocational identity status. (FMW)

Examines the effects of opportunity-structure variables on the rate of labor market participation among 4,688 subjects from early adolescence to young adulthood. Discusses the effect of the following: (1) attitudes; (2) education; (3) drug use; (4) sex and race; and (5) early sanctions and failures. (FMW)

Analyzes the interrelationships among delinquency, substance abuse, and sexual activity in a sample of 1,725 youths over a 5-year period. Findings indicate that adolescent sexual intercourse is a function of age and sex, and may reflect a general propensity to engage in risky behavior. (FMW)

Replicates a Florida study of high school students' decisions to drop out using data for West Virginia. Confirms earlier findings that the decision to drop out is based on the student's perceptions of the economic opportunities obtained by a high school diploma. (FMW)

Investigates the degree of intimacy in the relationships of children of divorce with their parents and peers. Utilizes a study of 208 urban, Israeli elementary school children. Findings indicate that divorce may hurt object relations with the father and decrease intimacy with mother and friends. (FMW)

Examines the relationship of individual religious commitment and campus climate to voluntary community service among college students. Finds a positive association between campus climate and participation in community service among students who lack a clear religious commitment. (FMW)

Examines the determinants of the consumption aspirations of adolescents, with a major emphasis on the influence of the family. Finds that the ability of adolescents to purchase substantial consumer durable goods with their own earnings while being supported in the parental household may lead to unrealistic future consumption goals. (FMW)

Compares the perceptions of 534 adults and 458 secondary school students in Racine (Wisconsin) about gang activity in the community. Finds that adults perceive gangs as formalized, highly organized, structured groups, while youth perceive gangs as more informal, loosely organized, and amorphous groups. (FMW)

Examines patterns of drug use and other delinquent behaviors among students and school dropouts in six inner-city neighborhoods. Finds no correlation between substance use, delinquency, and dropping out, but does find that all dropouts were characterized by weak family support systems and social isolation. (FMW)