The unique dimensions of perceptions of school and family contributing to depression and suicide ideation in Hong Kong adolescents were examined in two studies. In Study 1, among 327 Hong Kong Chinese female students ages 13-18, 47% reported some suicide ideation. Suicide ideation was significantly associated with depression, test anxiety,…

The issue of young people's involvement in forms of violence and anti-social behaviour is one that is generating increasing concern across Northern Ireland. Young people are frequently regarded as one of the primary sources of social disorder and are often blamed for provoking fear and a sense of insecurity among elder members of the community.…

Adolescent obesity is positively associated with soft drink consumption. We investigated the association of social-environmental and individual-level factors with soft drink consumption in a Dutch adolescent sample. Data were gathered in a longitudinal Dutch adolescent sample (n = 208, 62% girls). Soft drink consumption, social cognitions from the…

Based on the social cognitive perspective which assumes that children and teenagers internalize social values, this study focused on the psychological processes involved in the internalization of responsibility by young adolescents. The study examined whether preadolescents experienced social goals, ethical evaluations, and perceptions of efficacy…

In order to understand the emotional state that leads a young person to self-destruction, it is important to look at what is considered a normal adolescence. Lists four factors that explain why adolescence is a time of great depression, four myths associated with the reasons for suicide, some factors that create situations for which suicide is the…

Explored the relationship between anorexic behavior and selected dimensions of body image predictor variables, selected dimensions of body image, physical attractiveness, self-esteem, and physical effectiveness). Results indicated that the dimension of self-esteem was the major factor in the prediction of anorexic behaviors as measured by the…

For eight years, the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse (CASA) has been engaged in the undertaking of surveying attitudes of teens and those who most influence them--parents, teachers and school principals. While other surveys seek to measure the extent of substance abuse in the population, the CASA back to school survey probes…

The National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuses surveys have consistently found that the family is fundamental to keeping children away from tobacco, alcohol and illegal drugs. This 2002 survey keeps the focus on family and seeks to assess the impact of siblings on the likelihood of teen substance abuse. This year 1,000 teens ages 12 to 17…

Kids who distrust adults are highly skilled at hiding their real nature and resisting change. Most adults shun such youths or get mired in conflict with them. Punitive get tough practices as well as traditional flaw-fixing treatment are reactive strategies that often drive these youths further from adult bonds and reinforce oppositional and…

This study examined aspects of adolescent identity formation and the socio-cultural context that shapes the self. A sample of 950 eighth-grade students (males and females of both African-American and European American descent) were asked to identify 2 hero figures (one that they know personally and one that they do not know but is famous) and list…

The values humans possess take form in relation to the day-to-day activities and decisions (instrumental values) and as criteria for a lifetime (terminal values). This study compares the importance level assigned by adolescents to instrumental and terminal values and the relationship of adolescents' perception of value importance with their…

Identity formation from a relational viewpoint is a process of internalizing the expectations, needs, and opinions of significant others while recognizing and expressing one's own needs and interests. To achieve this, adolescents must resolve disagreement between their own and others' points of view through mutual regulation between self and…

The National Campaign to Prevent Teen Pregnancy reviewed recent research about parental influences on children's sexual behavior and talked to experts, teens, and parents. From these sources, the Campaign derived 10 tips for parents and other adults to help reduce the risks of teen pregnancy. The 10 tips discussed in this pamphlet are: (1) be…

Adolescents who were living in a child care institution and those living in intact family situations were compared with respect to their marriage role expectations, attitudes toward marriage, toward divorce, perceptions of generalized family interaction patterns, and family size preferences. (Author/RK)