Objective: To describe the early adult psychopathological and social outcomes of adolescents who deliberately poisoned themselves. Method: Prospective cohort study with a 6-year follow-up of 132 of 158 (84%) adolescents who, between ages 11 and 16 years, had taken part in a randomized trial of a brief family intervention after deliberate…

An alarming number of adolescents regularly engage in activities that place them at risk for adverse mental and physical health consequences. In addition to risk-taking behaviors, adolescent psychopathology raises concern. Research indicates that the majority of adolescents who are severely emotionally disturbed do not receive any kind of mental…

A longitudinal investigation focused on the etiology of psychiatric and behavioral disorders in a sample of 190 children at risk for developmental problems. Data collection began during pregnancy and included assessments of: (1) parental personality, intelligence, and parenting attitudes; (2) parent-child interaction and relationship quality; (3)…

The case for behavior modification and some examples of its application in a variety of correctional settings are presented. The principles, techniques, and strategies utilized in programs designed to induce behavior change are largely determined by the model of causality to which one subscribes. A new approach to human behavior, which is the…

A plea for the improvement of mental health services for children is presented in this paper, which claims that children's needs in general are not adequately recognized. Quoting from a report of the Joint Commission on Mental Health of Children, the paper cites growing concern over the number of mentally ill and emotionally disturbed children in…

Three case studies are used to illustrate how adolescent male-female relationships in a psychiatric hospital setting can effect growth in the developmental tasks of separation-individuation, identity formation, and preparation for successful adult relationships. (Author/JW)

This revised edition offers an interdisciplinary analysis of the developmental, clinical, and social aspects of mental health from birth to age 3. Chapters are organized into five areas, covering the context of mental health, risk and protective factors, assessment, psychopathology, intervention, and applications of infant mental health. The…

Tracks the attitude changes of a group of abnormal psychology students following a tour of a juvenile correctional facility and a presentation by four of the inmates. A 25-item semantic differential scale revealed a noticeable improvement in the students' attitudes towards juvenile delinquents after the visit. (MJP)

A study of 1197 African-Americans involved in a 1999-2001 young adult follow-up evaluation of a school-based intervention, found 54% reported use of physical discipline by caregivers. Lower family income, younger caregiver age, and teacher reports of child aggression were related to reports of caregiver's high use of negative strategies. (Contains…

Maintains that a comprehensive understanding of abnormal psychology requires coverage of recent advances in primary prevention. Describes a conceptual scheme and recommends resources and teaching methods for instructors. Asserts that clinical and community psychology are conceptually distinct but complementary fields. (CFR)

Presents a study in which students in an abnormal psychology class rated the usefulness of drafts for two writing assignments. Reports that a research proposal was more effective than a case study in generating interest in psychology and opportunity for creativity. Concludes that writing assignments should reflect important aspects of a…

Analyzes the frequency and correlates of suicidal behaviors among 1,093 male and 1,250 female white and 609 male and 812 female African-American South Carolina public high school students. Suicidal behaviors are not infrequent among adolescents (75% reported no suicidal behaviors); they often coexist with other high-risk behaviors. (SLD)

Evaluated the longitudinal implications of age-18 dysphoric mood in 23-year olds using a multidata, multi informant design. Findings indicated that adolescent dysphoric mood was an important predictor of psychological distress in young adults, especially in young adult women, for whom the prospective correlations of adolescent dysphoria were more…

Research on the hypothesized relationship between sexual orientation and suicide is limited. National or statewide data on frequency and causes of completed suicide in gay and lesbian people do not exist. Methodological limitations in research literature include lack of consensus on definition of key terms, nonrepresentative samples, and lack of…

In a sample of students (n=93), preference for country and western music was not associated with depression or suicidal preoccupation as has been suggested by Stack and Gundlach. However, preference for heavy metal music was associated with prior suicidal ideation. Stronger associations were found between music preferences and measures of…