This article presents findings from recent research demonstrating a significant relationship between parental introjects or "voices," and self-destructive behavior. The "voice" is defined as a systematized, integrated pattern of negative thoughts accompanied by angry affect, that is the basis of an individual's maladaptive…

A survey of 71 adolescents with behavioral/emotional disorders found significant differences between this group of adolescents and their nondisabled peers in the frequency of suicide ideation and suicide attempts but not in rationales. Similar differences were found between males and females in each group. (Author/JDD)

Studied the reliability and validity of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children (STAIC) with 443 adolescents with Substance Use Disorder and adolescents with anxiety disorder. A confirmatory factor analysis showed that a three-factor model fit the data better than a two-factor model. Discusses other findings, which indicate the STAIC is…

Analysis of the reinforcement and extinction components of differential reinforcement of other behavior (DRO) of three women with developmental disabilities and self-injurious behavior (SIB) found that DRO was only effective in combination with the relevant extinction component (withholding of attention for SIB). (Author/DB)

This study examines the characteristics of Texas youth designated as "most difficult to place" recipients of service under the "Exceptional Care Pilot Project" (N = 46). Findings include, among others, high levels of comorbid psychiatric disturbance (greater than 3 diagnostic groupings), physical (78.3%) and sexual (88%)…

Examined the relationship of various interpersonal, emotional, and cognitive variables to suicidal ideation and behavior in college students. Used self-report measures of life stress, faulty cognitions, loneliness, depression, hopelessnesss, family cohesiveness, adaptive reasons for living, and suicidal ideation and behavior. Developed a…

This case report describes the successful treatment of severe self-injurious behavior in a 16-year-old adolescent with Tourette's disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Treatment is described from initial presentation to the emergency department for severe self-inflicted oral lacerations through discharge from the inpatient psychiatric…

Fifty teachers completed a survey to investigate knowledge, self-perceived knowledge, and attitudes regarding self-injury (SI). Teachers were aware of basic facts concerning SI; however, 78% underestimated prevalence, and only 20% felt knowledgeable. Attitudes were mixed, with 48% finding the idea of SI horrifying; however, 68% disagreeing that SI…

Young offenders internationally have a higher incidence of mental health problems compared with adolescents in the general population. Mental health issues, particularly comorbid presentations, affect the response to and outcome of rehabilitation and hence recidivism of offending. Most information on the mental health of young offenders has…

Questionnaires documenting self-injurious behavior (SIB) among 113 elementary students were returned by 21 London schools. Cluster analysis found patterns of behavior associated with each other, indicating that SIB may not be a homogeneous condition but may comprise a number of distinct syndromes depending on sex, age, mobility, communication…

Examines the incidence of substance use and mental illness among jail inmates by analyzing differences and similarities in demographic characteristics and detention status in a sample of 5,785 subjects. Significant associations were found between membership in one of the substance use and/or mental illness categories and variables reflecting…

The exhibition of stereotypic and self-injurious behavior (SIB) combined with a lack of work engagement makes it very difficult to place a person with severe disabilities in an integrated work environment. The purpose of this research was to examine use of a positive procedure to increase engagement on-task and reduce self-injurious slapping and…

Background: Embedded instruction and discrete-trial training are both recommended for teaching children with autism, but there is little research available comparing the two. The present study compared embedded instruction with discrete-trial training for a 12-year-old boy with autism. Method: An initial functional analysis indicated that the…

Thirty-two studies, involving 47 discrete experiments, are reviewed on the application of overcorrection to management of self-injurious behavior in intellectually handicapped individuals. The literature supports short-term efficacy of overcorrection. Reservations include the intrusive and restrictive nature of the technique and limited data on…

An historical overview of suicide in childhood and adolescence is presented. Current legal, etiological, and treatment issues related to the act of self-destruction, including data from British Columbia and other Canadian provinces are discussed. The role of the teacher in prevention and in providing support services for the bereaved is…