Teens' concerns: A national evaluation

Previous research found that adolescents in Toledo, Ohio, utilized a peer l istening phone service predominantly for four reasons: to discuss peer rela tionships, family problems, and sexuality issues, as well as to have someon e "just to talk to." The present study investigated whether adolescents in other areas of the United States used such services for similar reasons. Da ta were collected at four sites-Toledo, Los Angeles (California), Martinsvi lle (Virginia), and Syracuse (New York)-over the course of one year. The re sults indicated that the callers were predominantly female and of high scho ol age. The most frequently discussed issue was peer relationships (46% to 60%), regardless of site. Another frequent topic at all sites was family pr oblems (10% to 20%). Other concerns varied by site.