The paper examines the nature of abnormal stereotyped behavior, favoring a self-stimulation theory over one emphasizing an intrinsic oscillator mechanism. Questions of prevention are noted. (Author/CL)

Research into the characteristics of at-risk juveniles that contribute to violence and the patterns of behavior and neighborhood characteristics and patterns that are associated with youth violence or victimization are reviewed. The results of the studies reviewed cannot be generalized to the total population of juveniles, but the findings of…

Alcoholics Anonymous was founded in 1935 and observed its 50th anniversary in 1985. This document discusses the changes that have taken place in knowledge about alcoholism. Specifically, this booklet compares what behavioral scientists knew about alcohol abuse and alcoholism in 1935 and what they knew and could do about them in 1985. Contributions…

Notes that Jews have long been recognized for their moderate drinking practices and for their low rates of alcohol problems. Reviews body of literature on Jewish drinking, extracts the factors that appear to provide Jews with their "immunity," and discusses how these factors may be applied to prevention programs. (Author/NB)

Understanding, one of the chief components of prevention in mental health, is not for the researcher or clinician only, but for all who may be concerned with their own conflict and pain or that of family members. Looking at neurotic disorders requires the examination of guilt which burdens individuals as they realize their failure to fulfill…

This paper presents a theoretical and historical treatment of juvenile violence in the United States, examines some current data on juvenile violence in and out of schools, and discusses the implications for educational leadership policy decisions. Sociological and social-psychological theories have tried to explain the intensifying violent…

An examination of personality development points the way toward prevention strategies which respond to social and emotional needs of young alcohol abusers. Prevention programs which utilize these strategies have begun to operate. There is a critical need for more programs, particularly in the area of early parent education. (Author)

Implications for suicide prevention efforts are examined. It is concluded that psychiatric treatment of depression and restricting access to lethal methods for suicide are more useful tactics for suicide prevention programs in elderly, and crisis counseling from suicide prevention centers and educational programs are more useful in younger adults.…

Investigates substance use patterns among 192 pregnant substance-using women to assess whether ethnic differences exist regarding drugs of choice, frequency and recency of use, and severity of use. Results reveal that substance use patterns differed across ethic groups. Findings suggest that prevention and intervention efforts have to be tailored…

This report focuses on the evidence about the health consequences of smoking for women, and is intended to serve the public health and medical communities as a unified source of existing scientific research. The major issues about tobacco use and women's health are examined, including trends in consumption, biomedical evidence, and determinants of…

Provides a rationale for the focus on working with youth in prevention of cardiovascular disease (CVD) targeting specific behavior patterns learned in childhood and youth that are implicated in the development of chronic diseases. Reviews promising community-wide strategies for youth and argues that they are efficacious and efficient for primary…

Examines the relationship between alcohol consumption and leisure behavior. Discussions include alcohol consumption in relation to leisure activity patterns and experiences, as well as the implications for the leisure service profession and the approaches professionals can use to deter alcohol consumption. (GLR)

The articles in this special issue from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) study of nearly lethal suicide attempts represents an important contribution to research on suicidal behavior. This commentary highlights certain aspects of this line of research as well as comments on the findings of the CDC study and their relationship…

This fact sheet uses a question-and-answer format to summarize information on the sexual abuse of people with mental retardation. Questions and answers address the following topics: what sexual abuse is; the incidence of sexual abuse of people with mental retardation; why sexual abuse is so common among people with mental retardation; effects of…

Health educators may be expecting the public to accept too much personal responsibility for disease. Genetic, environmental, and other factors may be as important as health-promoting behavior in avoiding disease. If health educators overstate the role of personal responsibility for health, they may lose credibility with the public. (PP)