Describes Relapse Prevention as therapeutic modality, based on Social Learning Theory, used to prevent relapse for individuals who have completed treatment for substance abuse behaviors. Outlines relapse prevention theory and suggests various components of model be incorporated into alcohol education curricula. Outlines teaching strategies to…

Discusses key decisions made by mental health staff in the assessment and treatment of suicidal patients in hospitals and clinics. Clarifies the decision process for issues such as hospitalization, timing of discharge, institution of special observation and precautions, choices among treatment modalities, and the role of policy and procedure…

Strategies for warding off insects during outdoor activities include wearing thick, densely woven clothing in light brown or green colors; wearing clothing with tight cuffs to restrict access; and avoiding soaps, lotions, and other products with strong odors that attract insects. Repellents should be considered when skin must be exposed. (LP)

Asserts that psychache (mental pain) has life of its own and is separate from study of the brain. Contends that, unless suicidology asserts and maintains the position that suicide is essentially psychachical and that the main focus of suicidal action is in the mind, it will lose its identity and usefulness. (Author/NB)

Youthful drinkers (N=315) were studied to examine the relationship between three alcohol expectancies as measured by the Alcohol Expectancy Questionnaire and three drinking situation subscales from the Drinking Context Scale. Discusses results of data analysis and practice implications for work with youthful drinkers. (MKA)

The disparity between counseling's philosophy of primary prevention and counselor education practices was studied. Faculty attitudes toward prevention and their perceptions of the reasons for the disparity were surveyed (N=161). Results are presented. Implications for counseling and recommendations are considered from the point of view of "virtue…

Defines causal-model evaluation and uses an example from the crime prevention literature to contrast this approach with traditional evaluations. Discusses benefits and limitations of the approach, as well as other issues. (SLD)

This paper considers changing concepts of what mental retardation is, its causes, and prevention in the context of the 1992 definition of the American Association on Mental Retardation. A format to improve the designation of etiology and to relate etiology to prevention and support is offered. (Author/DB)

Examines the physical damage of shaken-baby syndrome (SBS), noting that many parents and caregivers are unaware that shaking infants is dangerous. Argues that helping parents and caregivers better understand infant behavior and manage their frustrations could significantly reduce the occurrence of SBS and other types of abuse. Highlights efforts…

Studies on the relation between negative affect and later alcohol use have provided mixed results. Because definitions of negative affect often include diverse emotions, researchers have begun to dismantle this higher-order construct in an attempt to explain these inconsistent findings. More recent evidence also indicates that good inhibitory…

The Center for School Mental Health Assistance at the University of Maryland recently completed a review of evidence-based prevention and treatment programs that can be used by school mental health clinicians. Based on the review, a school-based program operating in 22 Baltimore City schools has purchased and trained clinicians in a number of…

We evaluated the effects of systematic application and removal of protective equipment on three topographies of self-injurious behavior (SIB) exhibited by a girl who had been diagnosed with autism. Results showed that when protective equipment was applied, SIB decreased to near-zero levels. In addition, withdrawal of protective equipment for…

Wandering is a difficult-to-manage behavior problem for individuals with cognitive impairments that can jeopardize safety if an individual enters a hazardous area or becomes lost. This study investigated the effects of a cloth barrier on entry into an unsafe area. The cloth barrier reduced entry into the restricted area and had high treatment…

Unplanned acts of suicidal behavior involve little preparation or forethought whereas planned acts may be carefully conceived and implemented. Planned acts are associated with greater depression, hopelessness, and lethality, but there are meager data on other factors associated with planning. The prevention of planned and unplanned acts may…

Suicide, the second leading cause of death for adolescents in the United States, is preventable. Nearly 80% of individuals who commit suicide have demonstrated signs well in advance. Adolescent suicide prevention efforts require collaboration with teachers--individuals who know students well. Literacy educators have a role in suicide…