AbstractsSocial Work

This study focused on the conflict of views about adolescence that confronts group work practitioners. The study explored attitudes held by selected adolescent and adult groups in an attempt to contribute to a clarification of the extent to which adolescents rebel against adults and belong to a strong subculture of their own. Furthermore, it was hoped that such data might point a direction for effective social group work with adolescents. Following an attitudinal measurement model of Abraham J. Tannenbaum, ‘Adolescent Attitudes Toward Academic Brillance’ (New York: Columbia University, 1962), data were gathered on attitudes towards adolescent characteristics representing reliance on adults, peers, and convention. These characteristics were described by verbal stereotypes to which respondents were asked to give social acceptance ratings.