Keith and Hoopfer directed The Michigan Early Adolescent Survey . The project was a crosssectional survey of 304 early adolescents and their families. An earlier article in this issue describes the selection, training, and evaluation of the 80 volunteers who interviewed the youth and their families, focusing on the developmental needs and interests of the early adolescents. About one-fifth of the youth in the study said when they're troubled they talk with neither parent. Youth groups and clubs can play a vital role in helping early adolescents develop essential competencies.
Most youth prefer to learn new activities as part of a group.
For a copy of this report, contact your state 4-H program leader or Joanne Keith, Project Leader, Cooperative Extension Service, Michigan State University, College of Human Ecology, Room 203, East Lansing, Michigan 48824. This project was a cooperative effort of family life specialists nationwide, and was directed by James Van Horn, family sociology specialist for Pennsylvania State University's Cooperative Extension. This extensive compilation summarizes research findings and programming resources for families throughout the lifespan. Parents' interest in the child's welfare appears to be a primary factor in encouraging the youth's positive self-esteem. Parents continue to express concern about their competence in raising children.