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Adolescent Perceptions of Problematic Heterosocial Situations: A Focus Group Study

Adolescent Perceptions of Problematic Heterosocial Situations: A Focus Group Study Despite the increasing frequency and prominence of other-sex interactions in adolescence, surprisingly little is known about their role in social development and adjustment. This study sought to take an initial step toward a better understanding of such interactions through the development of a taxonomy of teen-identified problematic heterosocial situations. For this purpose, a transcription-based content analysis of 10 same-sex focus groups composed of a total of 58 adolescents was utilized. Nine distinct themes of problematic heterosocial situations encompassing dyadic interactions within the bounds of casual relationships, friendships, romantic relationships, working relationships, and abusive relationships emerged. The results of this study support the importance of romantic relationships in the lives of the participating adolescents, as 3 of the 9 themes describe romantic and/or sexual relationships. A particularly interesting aspect of our findings is the range of situations identified in addition to dating and/or sexual activity. Participating youths actively discussed friendships with members of the other sex, work and classroom acquaintanceships, and relationships made more difficult by the presence of alcohol or drugs. In addition, several participants discussed sexual harassment and other abusive relationship situations (e.g., rape, emotional abuse). http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Journal of Youth and Adolescence Springer Journals

Adolescent Perceptions of Problematic Heterosocial Situations: A Focus Group Study

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References (61)

Publisher
Springer Journals
Copyright
Copyright © 2003 by Plenum Publishing Corporation
Subject
Psychology; Psychiatry; Clinical Psychology; Developmental Psychology
ISSN
0047-2891
eISSN
1573-6601
DOI
10.1023/A:1021809918392
Publisher site
See Article on Publisher Site

Abstract

Despite the increasing frequency and prominence of other-sex interactions in adolescence, surprisingly little is known about their role in social development and adjustment. This study sought to take an initial step toward a better understanding of such interactions through the development of a taxonomy of teen-identified problematic heterosocial situations. For this purpose, a transcription-based content analysis of 10 same-sex focus groups composed of a total of 58 adolescents was utilized. Nine distinct themes of problematic heterosocial situations encompassing dyadic interactions within the bounds of casual relationships, friendships, romantic relationships, working relationships, and abusive relationships emerged. The results of this study support the importance of romantic relationships in the lives of the participating adolescents, as 3 of the 9 themes describe romantic and/or sexual relationships. A particularly interesting aspect of our findings is the range of situations identified in addition to dating and/or sexual activity. Participating youths actively discussed friendships with members of the other sex, work and classroom acquaintanceships, and relationships made more difficult by the presence of alcohol or drugs. In addition, several participants discussed sexual harassment and other abusive relationship situations (e.g., rape, emotional abuse).

Journal

Journal of Youth and AdolescenceSpringer Journals

Published: Oct 7, 2004

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