Suggests that previewing, process by which caregivers introduce infants to the physical sensations of imminent developmental change and the implications of such change on their relationship, may affect adolescent's ability to predict upcoming change. Explores previewing skills during adolescent years and how this capacity affects adolescent's…

Prevalence of dating violence, as well as its relationship to potential risk factors, was examined among a sample of 9th- through 12th-grade girls. Nearly one in ten reported dating violence. Victims of this violence were more likely to be involved in other violent behaviors, report extreme sadness and suicidal actions, use illicit substances, and…

Examined 43 unplanned pregnancies in 14-21 year olds. Explored alcohol use, amount of alcohol consumed, use of other drugs, planning of intercourse, nonuse of contraception, demographics. Findings suggest that drug or alcohol use may have been factor in pregnancy risk taking for some subjects; that women may be more psychologically vulnerable to…

Investigated relationship between ego identity development and suicidal inclinations at adolescence. Results from suicidal (N=10) and normative (N=30) adolescents revealed that most of the ego identity factors examined differentiated between the two groups. Findings support hypothesis that ego identity formation at adolescence may serve as…

Developed pilot instrument to examine differences between adolescents who have attempted suicide and others. An 86-item questionnaire was administered to 25 suicide attempters and 57 nonsuicide attempters. Found significant differences for each of 3 domains (family environment, social environment, self-perceptions) and for 55 questions. Used…

Administered Short Michigan Alcoholism Screening Test to subjects over age 18. Among late adolescents (aged 18 to 20), lonely females had highest mean scores, indicating higher degree of alcoholism risk than lonely males and nonlonely subjects. For males, loneliness appeared to increase alcoholism risk, not in late adolescence, but during early…

Contends that degree of risk for abuse to children of adolescent parents may well be determined by financial, social, and emotional stresses these families face, with availability of resources which offer support and encouragement perhaps being critical factor. Suggests technique of mapping to isolate these correlates. Suggest reformulation of…

Assessed human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) risk status of pregnant Hispanic adolescents in New York City. One-third of 87 adolescents were identified as being at increased risk for HIV infection. Sexual risk-taking behavior was most common factor that increased HIV risk. Birthplace and nationality were significantly associated with HIV risk…

Explored potential psychosocial risk factors associated with completed suicide among Latino adolescents in United States. Sample (n=14) included all Latino adolescents who committed suicide in Miami, Florida, between January 1988 and June 1989. Found that victims had experienced significantly more school, personality, behavioral, and family…

Investigates the consistency of psychiatric, psychological, and discharge diagnoses for a sample of 97 adolescent inpatients at a private psychiatric and substance abuse hospital. Percentage agreement between initial evaluations, psychological evaluations, and the exit evaluation ranged from 61.7 to 81.6%. Encourages specialists to carefully…

Examines three factors that may place adolescents at risk for aggression and violence: personality, affect, and family. Using a sample of male adolescents at risk for violence, a cluster analysis was conducted to categorize these adolescents in terms of personality characteristics. Concludes that, among male delinquents, elevated psychopathology…

Attempted to provide psychosocial description of 187 institutionalized adolescents who completed Adolescent Health Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory. Findings suggest that these adolescents may not be as psychologically dysfunctional as is commonly surmised, considering their accumulated life events, family problems, and current…

The characteristics of male adolescent suicide victims with (N=84) and without (N=8) diagnosable psychiatric disorder were compared. Psychological autopsy data were collected on all adolescent suicides in one year. Communication of suicidal intent and problems with discipline just before the suicide are among the few clinical warning signs found.…

Surveyed 409 high school students to determine percentage who had experienced suicidal ideation. Sample was then divided into high- and low-suicidal-risk groups. High-risk students were found to have significantly poorer quality friendships, lower self-esteem, and had experienced more life stress in previous year. (Author/NB)

Explores causes of the high teenage suicide rate in New Zealand by looking at environmental-social factors. Examines the problems these youth face, such as depression and alcohol use, and discusses their risk-taking behaviors. Findings are linked to current theory on adolescent suicide. Prevention, intervention, and treatment strategies are…