WOMENS PERCEPTIONS OF THE ADOLESCENT EXPERIENCE

Two focus groups of culturally and racially diverse middle-class women were used to examine the transitional process from their pre-adolesce nce through adolescence, and the issues, consequences, and coping stra tegies that emerged during this pivotal time in their lives. Changes i n self-confidence, issues about body image, boys' sexual advances, and changes in parental relationships and friendships were pressures that had an impact on their adolescent years. Suggestions are made for fut ure research.