Acts of deliberate self-harm (DSH) by adolescents are thought to be on the increase. Many of those who self-harm are of school age and it is to be expected that schools (and their teachers) will be aware of the problem and will respond appropriately as part of their pastoral-care provision. However, a recent survey of research in pastoral care and…

Fifty teachers completed a survey to investigate knowledge, self-perceived knowledge, and attitudes regarding self-injury (SI). Teachers were aware of basic facts concerning SI; however, 78% underestimated prevalence, and only 20% felt knowledgeable. Attitudes were mixed, with 48% finding the idea of SI horrifying; however, 68% disagreeing that SI…

There is growing evidence that a functional polymorphism in the serotonin transporter gene (5-HTTLPR) moderates the impact of negative life events (e.g., childhood abuse) on the development of depression. However, it is unclear whether the gene x environment interaction predicts suicide attempts specifically. In addition, previous studies have not…

Postvention actions are commonly employed after completed suicides and suicide attempts but can be adapted to assist affected family members in dealing with other types of crisis. The authors adapt a postvention model to be applied to systemically working with families who have a member engaging in self-injurious behavior. Recommendations for…

An institution-wide program for residents impaired by alcohol, drugs, or emotional problems at the Medical College of Wisconsin Affiliated Hospitals is described. The goal of the program was to help impaired house staff to continue their training in a nonpunitive environment. (Author/MLW)

Examined the influence of family structure on substance abuse among 2,057 Ontario adolescent students. Focused on influence of various family structures on five substance use and delinquency outcomes. Results showed that the most influential familial interaction factor is the amount of time spent with family. (LSR)

Study of 176 adolescent drug abusers found that greater psychopathology at pretreatment was not found to be related to less improvement in drug treatment. For the male subsample, greater paranoid trends predicted to less reduction in substance use/abuse. Borderline psychotic symptomatology predicted to more improvement. (RJM)

Method of treatment of self-injurious behaviors for three severely retarded students (ages six-seven) was selected by matching one of three hypotheses (self-stimulation, positive reinforcement, negative reinforcement) to a judgment concerning cause. Results supported the argument that treatment programs should be based on a functional analysis of…

The function of self-injurious behavior (SIB) by an adult with severe mental retardation was analyzed via descriptive and experimental analysis methodologies. Results indicated that SIB occurred more often when the participant was presented with nonpreferred novel activities. Intervention resulted in the use of negation to terminate the…

A reevaluation of data from Berkman and Meyer (1988), a study supporting the effectiveness of positive-oriented programing approaches with persons with mental retardation, suggests that medication, especially the introduction of Thorazine (with subsequent increases of dosage), may have been related to reductions in the client's self-injurious…

Examined relationship between suicidal behavior and homosexuality in adolescence in an unselected, matched sample. Found no evidence that suicide is a common characteristic of gay youth, or that when suicide does occur among gay teenagers, that it is a direct consequence of stigmatization or lack of support. (JBJ)

Discusses a study of 250 high school students who participated in weekly peer support groups. The program was accepted and showed signs of success, helping alcohol and substance users reduce their intake and helping keep potential dropouts in school. Indicates peer support groups can help in early recognition and management of emotional and…

Examines relationships between middle school/junior high student latchkey status and experimentation with alcohol, tobacco, and drugs. Results indicate latchkey youth who were home alone two or more days per week were four times more likely to have gotten drunk in the past month than youths who had parental supervision five or more times a week.…

Multi-sensory stimulation provided in a Snoezelen room is being used increasingly for individuals with mental retardation and mental illness to facilitate relaxation, provide enjoyment, and inhibit behavioral challenges. We observed aggressive and self-injurious behavior in three groups of 15 individuals with severe or profound mental retardation…

Purpose: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is a serious public health problem and, although in the past research has focused mainly on the DSH patient, it is now recognised that parental involvement in the therapeutic process is beneficial. This study aimed to understand parents' concerns, expectations and experiences following an episode of deliberate…