The purpose of this study was to identify salient risk factors for depression in early adolescence from a group of common predictors. The following nine predictors were examined: (1) perceived quality of peer relationships, (2) perceived parental nurturance, (3) perceived parental rejection, (4) self-esteem, (5) body image, (6) pubertal status,…

This leader's manual, keyed to an accompanying videotape, contains step-by-step instructions for conducting a training session for volunteers who are preparing to work with young unmarried pregnant women. The manual, which includes transparency masters of handouts, is laid out with the outside column of each page containing instructions to the…

The present study investigated the reliability and validity of scores from the Child Abuse Potential (CAP) Inventory. The CAP is a screening device for physical abuse potential in adults; it is a self-administered test written on a third-grade reading level. Subjects were 113 mothers, including 53 (46.9%) mothers of young children with handicaps,…

This newsletter theme issue addresses the needs of infants and young children at risk due to economic, cultural, and environmental disadvantages. Individual articles have the following titles and authors: "Understanding the Early Experience of Black Children in High Risk Environments: Culturally and Ecologically Relevant Research as a Guide to…

In the context of a national discussion regarding behavior management in child and youth care settings, and in an effort to address the need to care safely and appropriately for children and youth, the Child Welfare League of America (CWLA) formed the National Task Force on Behavior Management. The task force includes representatives of advocacy…

This commentary discusses the research article "Gender Differences in Abused Children with and without Disabilities" (Sobsey and others) that follows, which found that children with disabilities are at greater risk for being maltreated, that boys are more frequently abused, and that boys with disabilities are sexually abused more frequently than…

The case files of 1,834 abused children found more boys were physically abused and neglected, but more girls were sexually abused. Boys with disabilities were overrepresented in all abuse categories. Although 52% of abused children without disabilities were girls, 65% of abused children with disabilities were boys. (Author/CR)

Reviews research on experiences of vulnerable and poor English multiracial families. Finds three emerging concerns: (1) relationship between family structure, locality and racism, and disadvantage and oppression; (2) the impact of family life on culturally defined gender roles; and (3) the limitations of current early years research and practice.…

Examines adolescents who have taken overdoses and analyzes the type and severity of their problems. Results show that hopelessness in adolescent self-harm is an important independent variable. Adolescents reported a wide range of problems with severe and significant problems particularly in the area of family relationships and school. (RJM)

Two studies compared individuals at high- and low-risk for child physical abuse on measures of social information processing. In both studies, either childless women or mothers read vignettes of parent-child interactions in which the child's compliance was difficult to interpret. High- and low-risk participants used different evaluation standards…

The experience of prior victimization (sexual and nonsexual) was found to increase risk for experiencing later sexual abuse in 2,000 American children, ages 10 to 16, even when background variables (gender, race, age, geographic location, quality of relationship with parents, and level of violence in the home community) were controlled. Prior…

Examined 39 mother-infant dyads to see whether qualitative differences in adolescent mothers are associated with differences in child functioning. Multiple measures of parental characteristics indicated that parenting expectations had a unique and differential power in explaining both objective child observation ratings and the mothers' Parenting…

Presents a crisis-oriented counseling model for middle school-aged children whose parents suffer psychotic disorders. Discusses how the nature of the illness, socioeconomic status, and family bond will influence children's needs. Asserts that all children need a school counselor who is empathic, caring, and supportive. (RJM)

Provides information on alcoholism and codependency to help teachers identify and respond to children of alcoholics (COAs). Discusses characteristics of alcoholic homes and problems encountered by children and adult COAs. Examines survival "masks" of COAs, including hero, rebel, adjustor, clown, and caretaker. Lists organizational,…

Assessed the association of parental discipline and monitoring with early conduct problems of 123 children in a highly disadvantaged, African American sample. Analyses indicated that, after earlier conduct problems were controlled for, coercive parent discipline and poor parental monitoring at age 4.5 predicted age 6 conduct problems. Associations…