No abstract

Stressful life events over the previous two years were more often reported by a group of 24 young adolescents referred to psychiatric outpatient clinics than by a carefully matched control group. Family support was rated by the patient group as less satisfactory during the same period. These findings taken together suggest that developmental stress is not the only, nor necessarily the most important, source of disturbance in the post‐pubertal years.

Shertf and Sherif's hypotheses on intergroup competition and cooperation are tested in a natural setting, involving scout troops in a camping situation, for well-acquainted subjects rather than for previously unacquainted subjects. In-group solidarity showed no increase during camps, as would have been predicted by the Sherifs; indeed, a decrease was found. Intergroup differences in composition and motivation were reflected in results for intergroup relations, cooperation, and performance. The Sherifs' hypotheses on ego involvement and individual responsiveness to appeals for intergroup cooperation were substantially supported.

The Family Environment Scale (Moos, 1974) was completed by 24 youngadolescents newly referred to psychiatric clinics and 24 control subjects from local schools, who were individually matched on several variables. Findings confirmed that the perceptions of the disturbed adolescents were less satisfactory, whether in terms of impaired relationships or restricted opportunities for personal growth. Examples are given of how the Scale might contribute to both clinical practice and research.