The internal dynamics of four selected groups of male adolescents were analyzed and the resultant findings were compared with those based on three previous hypotheses on adolescent values, attitudes, and behaviors.This study shows that the three hypotheses used for comparison were too vague and encompassing and based on too little data to have much general or specific use.

The purpose of the study was to obtain information on the circumstances surrounding the lives of young mothers who resort to killing their babies, and what could be done to address the problem of infanticide. An exploratory multiple-case study design was implemented using the qualitative approach. These types of approach were to explore the same phenomenon of infanticide in a diversity of situations and with a number of subjects. The focus was on determining the dynamics of why the subjects of the investigation think or behave in a particular manner; on getting an insight in the circumstances, structures and institutions in society that contribute to infanticide. A systematic inquiry was implemented so as to get an understanding of human beings and the nature of their interactions with themselves and their surroundings. The subjects were drawn from the police cases since the independence of the Republic of Namibia. A non-probability sampling was done on a spur-of-the moment basis to take advantage of available respondents. Data was derived from questionnaires, interviews and observations of 7 girl-children. Three were from the Windhoek prison and four were from the community. The following were identified: Ignorance about their sexuality let to unwanted and/or unplanned pregnancy. Economic dependence put the girls at the receiving end. This led to a situation in which they have to pay in kind leading to unwanted and/or unplanned pregnancies. It was also observed that support systems to help the girl-children to overcome these obstacles of knowing their reproductive system and to empower them financially to exist in the community are lacking. Much still needs to be done to make the girl-child a valued member of society. Such factors as education, access to productive health services and law-making need to be modified to advantage the girl-child. / (M.Soc.Sc.) North-West University, Mafikeng Campus, 2005

No description available.

The present study examined developmental and gender differences in youths' attitudes toward gambling. Phase I of the study involved a quantitative analysis of gambling attitudes among 1408 students from Elementary and Secondary Schools. Participants ranging from 8 to 20 years of age completed the Attitudes and Gambling Activities Questionnaire (AGAQ) and scaled questions designed to delineate the perceived degree of skill and luck involved in various gambling activities. The frequency and reasons youth engage in specific gambling activities and explored attitudes and their relationship to perceptions of perceived control over gambling outcomes. Results revealed age and gender related attitudes toward gambling that may increase their vulnerability to developing problem gambling were examined. Older youth expressed more tolerance of gambling activities while young children under-estimated the addictive nature of gambling and over-estimated the degree of control over gambling outcomes. Males expressed being less fearful of getting caught gambling and had much more tolerant attitudes toward gambling behaviors. Furthermore, those youth found to have a greater number of permissive and/or irresponsible attitudes also had greater misperceptions concerning the degree of skill involved in gambling. Phase II of the study elaborated upon quantitative findings through focus group analysis involving 59 participants in grades 4, 7, 9 and 11. Results expanded upon findings regarding youths' perceptions of gambling and attitudes towards gambling at school, and outline youths' understanding of responsible gambling. Findings are discussed in terms of their utility for youth problem gambling prevention programming and future directions for research are suggested.

The present study examined the relationship between several risk and protective variables associated with problem gambling, substance abuse, and other multiple risk-taking activities by adolescents. With the goal of identifying protective factors that prevent youth from escalating from social gambling to serious problem gambling, this research examined the relationship between family cohesion, school connectedness, coping and adaptive behaviours, mentor relationships, achievement motivation, involvement in conventional organizations, and the development of three health-compromising outcomes---youth problem gambling, substance abuse, and involvement in multiple risk-taking behaviours (e.g., smoking, unsafe sexual activity, and reckless driving). The sample consisted of 2,179 students, ages 11 to 19, in the Province of Ontario. Family and school connectedness were associated with decreased involvement in excessive gambling, substance use, and multiple risk-taking activities. Furthermore, an examination of the effect of potential protective factors on a set of risk factors predictive of adolescent problem gambling suggested that family cohesion plays a role in the prediction of probable pathological gamblers and those at risk for developing a gambling problem. These findings were interpreted with respect to their implications for the development and implementation of prevention programs.

Context Adolescence is a period of transition that involves biological, cognitive, psychological and social changes. During the vulnerable transition period of adolescence, decisions relating to contraception may occur. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between female adolescent self-esteem, decision making and contraceptive behavior. Understanding the relationship between female adolescent self-esteem, decision-making and contraceptive behavior has contributed to the knowledge base about female contraceptive behavior. Gaining further insight into these relationships will help health care professionals provide counseling and health care to female adolescents. Methods Using a descriptive cross sectional survey design, data were collected from a convenience sample of 98 female adolescents aged 14-17 who came to 5 different clinics in Hawaii for health care. Along with a brief demographic questionnaire, global self­ esteem was measured by Rosenberg's SelfEsteem Scale (Rosenberg, 1965), decision­ making was measured by the Flinders Adolescent Decision Making Questionnaire (Mann, Harmoni, Power, Beswick & Ormond, 1988) and sexual activity and contraception use was measured by a Sexual History and Contraceptive Use Questionnaire developed for this study. The conceptual framework for this study was Janis and Mann's (1977) conflict theory of decision-making. Descriptive statistics, logistic regression and correlations were used to analyze associations and correlations between age, global self esteem, decision self esteem, decision coping (vigilant and maladaptive) and contraceptive use for sexually active female adolescents. Results No significant associations or correlations were found between age, global self-esteem, decision self esteem, decision coping (vigilance) and their decision to use contraception in sexually active adolescent females. There was, however, significant negative correlation (p<.OS) between maladaptive decision-making and contraceptive use in sexually active female adolescents. This suggests that sexually active adolescent females with higher maladaptive scores are less likely to use contraception. There was also significant association (p<.OS) between maladaptive decision-making in contraceptive use and sexually active female adolescents. For every one unit increase on the maladaptive scale, the odds of using contraception were estimated to decrease by 7% meaning those who scored higher on the maladaptive scale were less competent or poor decision makers and less likely to use contraception. Conclusions Adolescents who score higher on the maladaptive decision-making scale are less competent in decision-making and are less likely to use contraception. Interventions focused on improving decision-making skills and stimulating thinking around not only sexual issues, but also relationship and communication in adolescent issues, may facilitate more competent decision-making.

Thesis (MEd)--University of South Australia, 1999

Thesis (Ph.D.)--McGill University (Canada), 2005. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--McGill University (Canada), 2005. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis (M.A.)--McGill University (Canada), 2004. / "Running head: Internet gambling among youth" Includes bibliographical references.