This article examines major risk factors for suicide among sexual minority youth using Bronfenbrenner's ecological systems theory. Although suicidal behavior among sexual minority youth is a major public concern in the United States, understanding of this phenomenon has been limited since the majority of empirical research studies have addressed…

Previous studies from a wide variety of European countries have demonstrated that low educated adolescents engage more frequently in health risk behaviors compared to high educated adolescents. The present study investigates the mediating roles of parental knowledge and time spent with peers in this relationship. Data were retrieved from a…

Associations of popularity with adolescent substance use were examined among 1793 6-8th grade students who completed an in-school survey. Popularity was assessed through both self-ratings and peer nominations. Students who scored higher on either measure of popularity were more likely to be lifetime cigarette smokers, drinkers, and marijuana…

This study tested a mediation model of the relationship with tobacco use, social network quality (level of risk or protection in a network), and substance use (alcohol and/or illicit drugs) with a sample of 301 urban adolescents. It was theorized that social network quality would mediate the effect of tobacco use, accounting for PTSD symptoms and…

This article is based on research commissioned by the UK Government's Teenage Pregnancy Unit. The Living on the Edge (LOTE) study qualitatively explored factors that shape young people's experiences and attitudes towards sexual behaviour and young parenthood in three linked seaside and rural areas in England. It identifies embarrassment as a key…

The relationship between sexual sensation seeking and sexual risk taking has been investigated among adult populations. There are limited data, however, regarding this relationship for adolescents. Since African-American adolescent females continue to be disproportionately diagnosed with STDs, including HIV, we examined this association among a…

Young persons (n=745), many of whom (n=367) had been sexually active, completed questionnaires on disease prevention. Found no correlation between prevention regarding general health risk factors versus prevention against human immunodeficiency virus contraction. Considered whether this difference could be accepted as expression of adolescents not…

Provides an overview of Multisystemic Therapy, an approach that has demonstrated long-term reductions in criminal activity and violence among youth at high risk for perpetrating violence. Discusses the findings of two clinically controlled trials that evaluated MST with serious juvenile offenders and supported the viability of the public health…

This study examined the suicide and risk-taking deaths of adolescents aged 12-17 years between January 1996 and December 2000. The methodology consisted of a case file review of government records. One hundred and eighty-seven adolescents (133 males, 54 females) died by suicide and risk-taking and could be classified into three distinct groups:…

This comprehensive assessment process model includes primary, secondary, and situational risk factors and their combined implications and significance in determining an adolescent's level or risk for suicide. Empirical data and clinical intuition are integrated to form a working client model that guides the professional in continuously reassessing…

Beliefs about suicide and suicide ideation rates were studied in the classroom by questionnaire and by follow-up interview in the home among second-year high-school classes. Rates are reported. Differences were found between the two study methods. Discussion centers on the reasons for suicide and the need for preventive education. (Author/EMK)

A one-year test-retest study tested the model that the relationship between maternal depression and adolescent suicidal symptoms is mediated by family functioning. Children (N=240) and their mothers, 77% of whom had a history of mood disorder, participated. Results are consistent with the hypothesized model. (Author/EMK)

The hypothesis that family rigidity has an indirect effect on adolescent suicidal ideation through its effect on adolescent problem-solving deficits was evaluated among college students and their parents. Structural equation models confirmed the hypothesis. Directions for treatment efforts are discussed. (Author/EMK)

A major factor attributed to the problem and consequences of underage alcohol use is binge drinking. The objective of this study was to examine binge drinking and other alcohol-related problem behaviour among high-risk male and female adolescents who were from alternative schools and programs because of learning and/or behaviour problems.…

The relationship between the number of suicidal communications prior to an attempt and the lethality of the attempt is investigated. Attempters who made fewer suicidal communications tended to use more lethal methods. A history of drug abuse was more prevalent in the low communication group. (Author/EMK)