Relations of contraceptive behavior, problem behaviors, and health-protective behaviors were examined in an ethnically and socioeconomically diverse sample of sexually active adolescents. Findings demonstrate substantial organization among adolescent health and problem behaviors and suggest that contraceptive behavior should be conceptualized…

Developed an abbreviated version of a life attitude measure that could be easily administered in a variety of clinical and research settings. Psychometric properties of the short form were robust, and it correlated highly with the original measure. The measure found that boys reported more injury-related behaviors than girls. (RJM)

Surveyed administrators of 463 long-term care facilities concerning overt suicides and intentional life-threatening behaviors. Data revealed that White males were highest risk group. Refusal to eat, drink, or take medications were most common suicidal behaviors. Depression, loneliness, feelings of family rejection, and loss were significant…

The U.S. family--the backbone of earlier societies--is rapidly degenerating, indicating the need for a social or educational agency surrogate for family caring and supervision. Time has demonstrated value-neutral education's devastating effects on our nation and our social interactions. Educators must help emerging adolescents form realistic…

Discusses impact of defining homosexual orientation on development and identity formation of youths who "come out" during adolescence. Four dimensions are presented: recognizing oneself as lesbian or gay, exploring sexual orientation through the gay and lesbian community, disclosing sexual orientation to others, and becoming more comfortable with…

In this study, the authors collected data on the demographic characteristics, phenomenology, and social and economic impact of skin picking. A total of 92 participants completed an anonymous, Internet-based survey through a link to the Trichotillomania Learning Center's home page. Results indicated that skin pickers experienced social,…

Parent-child transactions provide an important social context for the development of adaptive and problem behaviors in young children with autism. Teaching parents to develop alternative transactional pathways often leads to positive behavioral patterns in their children. We taught three parents the philosophy and practice of mindfulness in a…

In this investigation of the relationship between eating disorder symptomatology and substance use, an insignificant relationship between the two conditions was found. Despite this lack of relationship, relatively high levels of eating disorder symptomatology and problematic alcohol use were found. Implications for college professionals are…

Analysis of responses of 10,251 high school students surveyed in the 1997 National School-Based Youth Risk Survey indicated that American Indian males more frequently carried weapons, attempted suicide, and used drugs than did White or Black youths. American Indian females more frequently attempted suicide and used cocaine than did White or Black…

Reports the results of a study that examines differences in substance-related attitudes, use patterns, and related consequences among three typical college campuses in order to underscore the need for campuses to develop and market prevention/intervention programs based on the unique patterns inherent on their individual campuses. (LKS)

Analyzed self-reported history of parasuicide with respect to use of intoxicants in national sample of 12,000 Norweigan adolescents. Proportion of parasuicides was 8.3%, being higher among girls and those living without both parents; and rate increased with age, use of intoxicants, depression, and loneliness. Found positive associations between…

Reviews changes in biopsychosocial development during adolescence. Addresses aspects of individual change during the adolescent decade as well as effects of context on normal development and responses to challenges. Predispositions or vulnerabilities present prior to a developmental transition may be exacerbated. Provides advice on encouraging a…

Assessed drug use and defensiveness among 28 adolescents, grades 9-12, using a six-month tracking study of alternative school adolescents. Defensiveness correlated with school credit deficiency and a high rate of legal trouble and discipline problems in defensive males. Suggests that denial and defensiveness are risk factors for drug use and…

Statistics indicate that young males are far more likely than young females to suffer from self-destructive behavior, commit suicide, and be in special education programs. Some schools are aggressively recruiting male teachers; others have found that all-male classes can help hold boys' interest. Some maintain the schools have short-changed girls…

Examines the characteristics of suicidality and psychopathology (including depression, aggression, impulsivity, and stressful life events) among four groups of depressed adolescent outpatients. The nonsuicidal group was differentiated from the three suicidal groups on the basis of suicidality and psychopathology. The three suicidal groups were…