The Problem-Oriented Screening Instrument for Teenagers (POSIT) screens for multiple problems among adolescents at risk for substance use. A shortened version of the POSIT was developed, using factor analysis, and correlational and reliability analyses. The POSIT-SF shows potential for a reliable and cost-efficient screen for youth with substance…

In an investigation of Heatherton and Baumeister's (1991) theory of binge eating, 207 female undergraduate students were grouped as binge eaters (BE) or non-eating-disordered (NED) for analyses. The BE group scored significantly higher than the NED group on avoidance coping and substance use when depression was not controlled; however, after…

Studied the reliability and validity of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC) with 443 adolescents with Substance Use Disorder and adolescents with anxiety disorder. A confirmatory factor analysis showed that a three-factor model fit the data better than a two-factor model. Discusses other findings, which indicate the STAIC is…

Describes a preliminary study using the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory-Adolescent Form (SASSI-A) as an outcome measure with adolescent offenders. The SASSI-A's primary purpose is to evaluate substance abuse irrespective of the adolescent's defensiveness. Results indicate that the SSASI-A can be successfully used as a treatment planning…

Adolescent substance abuse is an increasing problem in U. S. society. This article provides an overview of adolescent substance abuse, screening, and assessment strategies; contact information related to specific assessment instruments; and information regarding ethic important to consider during the assessment process. (Contains 16 references and…

Compared three risk measures associated with adolescent substance use (truancy, grade point average, and recent sexual intercourse) to assess the reliability of risk measures across different survey instruments, communities, and points in time. Truancy appeared superior because of its strong predictive value, particularly among younger children,…

The author examined correlates of social support among 101 offenders in corrections-based treatment programs. Respondents perceived high levels of support despite numerous interpersonal problems. Social support was significantly associated with visits, letters, arrests, and days in treatment. The author describes strategies for implementing…

Reviews four areas from the prevention science field, including: promoting healthy behavior; preventing substance abuse; preventing high-risk sexual behaviors; and preventing child abuse and sexual abuse. Recommendations are made regarding strategies for implementing empirically validated programs, supplementing school programs with ecological…

Describes how structured stories can be used as a part of a therapy for rural substance abusers and discusses how this approach can complement social skills training. Presents an example of a structured story focused on negative thinking and concludes with a discussion of the possibilities of using structured stories and implications for social…

Examines the importance of peer influence and personal attitudes in relation to self-reported use of alcohol, cigarettes, and marijuana for 213 younger adolescents and 219 older adolescents. Friends' use was significantly related to substance use for both age groups, both sexes, and all substances examined. Resistance self- efficacy was…

Expanded analyses were completed on the efficacy of a family empowerment intervention for juvenile offenders and their families. Results indicate the promise of the intervention in regard to the youth's drug use and involvement in drug sales during a one-year post initial interview follow up period. (Contains 12 references and 1 table.) (Author)

Study assessed whether differences exist in levels of psychological distress in abused, chemically dependent adolescents when compared to non-abused counterparts, and non-abused, non-chemically dependent adolescents. Results indicated abused adolescents demonstrated more severe levels of distress, and earlier onset of alcohol and drug use.…

Examines the impact of substance abuse counselor (SAC) recovery status and education level on SAC's sensitivity to ethical dilemmas and extent to which training might help resolve dilemmas. Results revealed a significant difference between SACs with a graduate degree and SACs with an associate's degree/high school diploma regarding sensitivity to…

Studies indicate that substance abuse is a growing problem among gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, and questioning youth. Prevention and intervention efforts can be successful in working with sexual minority adolescents in jeopardy of developing substance abuse problems. School psychologists are uniquely poised to address this problem through…

Studied "science-based" and "research-based" as criteria for the evaluation of exemplary programs under the Safe, Disciplined and Drug-Free Schools Program through an examination of the evaluations of two such programs. Findings suggest that the "exemplary" criteria were either poorly defined or not well…