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 large number (N 50 569) of 14-16 year old Finnish adolescents taking part in the School Health Promotion Study were surveyed for delinquent behaviour in relation to depression. The results indicate a robust association between delinquency and depression. Among girls risk for depression varied between 1.3 and 3.1 according to various antisocial…

Gives an overview and the most important research results of a home-based approach for children with behavior problems. The program advocates parental assistance so that parents can meet their child-rearing responsibilities. Case studies and process-outcome research corroborates the importance of encouraging and validating parents. (RJM)

Compared responses of inner-city adolescent girls to measures of knowledge, beliefs and risk factors for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) obtained in 1986 (n=205) and in 1989 (n=510). Between 1986 and 1989, number of sexual partners increased whereas concern about AIDS decreased. Those adolescents with most sexual partners also had most…

The relationship between attachment patterns and suicidal ideation is investigated. Participants (N=116) were assessed on level of current ideation through self-report questionnaires. Lethality of methods contemplated was rated on a subset (N=16) by interview. Categorical analyses relate ideation to attachment styles. Lethality was correlated with…

Compares the friendships of girls (N=50) at risk for difficulties in early adult partnerships with those of 50 girls of the same age. Results indicate key differences in both romantic and non-romantic adolescent friendships between the two groups. Findings offer a clearer understanding of processes linking childhood adversity and poor adult…

Distinguishes between relevant domains (school vs. leisure) and conventional versus non-conventional personal characteristics and skills in a sample of 219 delinquent boys. Uncovers differences in the formation of the self concept of societally at-risk boys and provides implications for prevention, management, and further research. (EMK)

A representative sample of 7-14-year-old young people in southeast Brazil (N=1251) was assessed using standardized parent and youth interviews, thereby identifying an "at-risk" group of young people who met one or more DSM-IV criteria for anorexia and/or bulimia nervosa. These young people were compared with an age and gender matched…

Determined occurrence and subjective importance of list of life events in 1,296 adolescents and compared these with risk of disturbed self-image. Found disturbed self-image related to excess of life events and with specific classes of events. Rarest and subjectively most important events were often associated with higher risk of disturbed…

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)

Using a behavioral high-risk two-site prospective design, the cognitive vulnerability hypothesis about suicide was evaluated. During the 2.5-year follow-up high cognitive risk participants were more likely than those with low risk to exhibit suicidality. Obtained relationship between cognitive vulnerability and suicidality was mediated by…

Young people who experience homelessness, in Australia and in other western contexts (US, Canada, England), are widely perceived to use and abuse alcohol and drugs. The available research indicates that homeless young people use all drug types, whether injected or otherwise, more frequently than their home-based peers. Debate exists in the…

The objective of this paper is to profile the role of homelessness in drug and sexual risk in a population of young men who have sex with men (YMSM). Data are from a cross-sectional survey collected between 2000 and 2001 in New York City (N=569). With the goal of examining the import of homelessness in increased risk for the onset of drug and…

There recently have been increasing demands for sex education. Peer led teaching is a powerful and probably essential component of school health and sex education programs. Evaluated interventions with agreed purpose and acceptable methodologies are essential if there is to be any real expectation of health benefit from sex education. (Author/NB)

Many homeless youth may be considered "thrownaway" in that they have specifically been told to leave home. Prevalence data, family background characteristics, and high-risk behaviors of youth are examined in two national samples: (1) youth residing in shelters; (2) street youth in 10 cities. Implications of findings are discussed.…