Social and medical research studies are examined that show the dramatic effects of biochemical and nutritional factors on antisocial behavior. They include studies of cobalt levels in hair samples of violent and nonviolent criminals, effects of diet on chronic delinquents, and effects of vitamin/mineral supplements on behaviorally disordered…

Adolescent alienation represents a profound shortcoming in our social and political institutions. (MM)

Excerpted from Youth in Transition, Volume 3: Dropping Out -Problem or Symptom?" (Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, Ann Arbor, Michigan, 1971). Discusses the results of a nationwide research study set up to distinguish between causes and effects of a group of tenth grade boys who did or did not become dropouts. Professional…

Techniques recommended for establishing and maintaining rapport with deviant groups focus on overcoming problems of social distance and mistrust. Although based on experience with juvenile delinquents and drug addicts, the suggestions made are held to offer potential for wider applicability. (RJ)

Reports a continuation of prior research testing a theoretical model which predicts that juveniles subjected to abuse will not become aggressive but will engage in escape and social avoidance behaviors. Analysis supported the hypothesis. (Author)

In testing the hypotheses of relationship between failure to complete an athletic program and a delinquent psychosocial profile, it was concluded that interaction of a delinquent disposition with structured pressures in an organized sports program may have been the cause of high dropout rate. (JD)

Reviews "Risk-Taking Behavior in Youth: A Psychological Approach to Accidents" (Jean-Pascal Assailly). Notes that childhood accidental deaths have been overlooked as an outcome of early childhood problems. Notes factors associated with accidents that are identical to predictors of juvenile delinquency. Highlights the book's strong…

Personal and environmental transitions that contributed to positive behavioral changes and the decisions to change are uncovered in in-depth interviews (N=20). Significant factors include maturation; respect and concern for children; fear of physical harm, incarceration, or both; contemplation time; and support and modeling. Implications for…

A four-year study of children (N=306) utilized latent growth curve modeling to examine the quality of parenting as a mediator of the effect of childhood antisocial behavior on adolescent delinquency and friendship choices. No direct association was found between oppositional/defiant behavior during childhood and a trajectory of increasing…

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 article discusses underlying causes for the increase in crime and drug and alcohol use rates in Russian youth. The need for practical help from political and administrative authorities, better coordination of interadministrative prophylactic activities, preventative programs, and fruitful use of positive international experiences in fighting…

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is a common clinical problem in children and adolescents. Oppositionality and associated types of aggressive behavior are among the most common referral problems in child psychiatry. Grouped among the disruptive behavior disorders, ODD is frequently comorbid with other psychiatric conditions and often precedes…

Delinquency intervention and research have undergone changes in recent years. One new line of research has been aimed at mapping out juvenile criminal careers. Findings from this research suggest that involvement in technically delinquent activity may be a transitory, developmental phenomenon related to adolescence. Youth appear to be increasingly…

Teenage runaways and prostitution have become a rising problem in the major cities of the United States. Research into the backgrounds of youngsters selling sexual favors has shown many similarities in children's family background, particularly homes with abusing parents. The handling or lack of handling, up to this point, has not proved…

Ten delinquency prevention studies are reviewed that incorporated rigorous evaluative procedures (specifically the classic experimental design) for assessing programmatic outcomes. Following an introduction, the evaluation mechanisms built into each project are described, since they were used for determination of the effectiveness of the…