Prescription drug misuse has been an increasing problem in the United States, yet few studies have examined the protective factors that reduce risk of prescription drug abuse among rural adolescents. Using social control theory as a theoretical framework, we test whether parent, school, and community attachment reduce the likelihood of lifetime…

An exploratory study examined rural Latino youths' perceptions regarding positive youth development (PYD), particularly related to aspects such as the definition of PYD, potential benefits of PYD, and motivations for participating in PYD activities. A total of 28 self-identified Hispanic youths participated in focus groups. Findings suggest that…

Finds that, among 36 of 42 Nebraska juvenile court judges, rural judges were more likely than urban judges to take an activist role in obtaining services for youth, to have an informal relationship with local service providers, and to welcome non-judicial solutions for problem youth. Contains 29 references. (SV)

The study compared results of the Preschool Language Scale, administered to 214 rural and 214 suburban children in Nebraska. Both groups scored above age level, but a higher percentage of rural children failed a wide range of verbal ability and auditory comprehension items. The scale did not meet criteria for nonbiased, ecologically valid…

Problem: Various demographic and familial risk factors have been linked to runaway behavior. To date, there has not been a systematic investigation of the impact of size of community on runaway behavior. This study will compare runaways from smaller cities and rural areas to their urban counterparts. Methods: A convenience sample of 602…

A graduate course at Chadron State College, "Community/School Revitalization" is a year-long project that involves the local schools and the town's youth in community development while enhancing the students' learning experiences. Involving young people in local programs enables them to appreciate the quality of life in their communities…