Although both environmental and cognitive factors were found to predict language development, cognitive factors appear to be more significant in the early months and environmental factors become more significant later in development. (MP)

Presents a conceptual framework of potentially broad applicability in the study of spouses of persons suffering from impairments. The model integrates previous research in the alcoholism field and provides a more comprehensive account of spouse functioning than is afforded by focusing only on partner drinking behavior. (Author/RC)

This study, using multivariate analysis and operationalized variables, examined possible risk factors for childhood sexual abuse (CSA) in 3,958 Australian women. The variables significantly associated with CSA were physical abuse, having a mother who was mentally ill, not having someone to confide in, and being socially isolated. Different…

This study examines a group of 21 imprisoned males, convicted of murder whilst aged 18 years or less, and compares them on a range of psychosocial variables to 21 convicted non-violent burglars. Results showed that lower socio-economic status, harsh parenting, and exclusion from school were significantly more common for murderers. Confirms that…

Street youth 12 to 19 years old (N=775) in four American cities were interviewed to examine the relationship between suicide attempts and antecedent home life variables. Forty-eight percent of the females and 27% of the males had attempted suicide. Sexual and physical abuse before leaving home were independent predictors of suicide attempts for…

Used a subsample from the Infant Health and Development Program to examine effects of neighborhood and family income and family risk factors on developmental test scores at ages 1 through 3. Family poverty was associated with lower scores at ages 2 and 3. Neighborhood affluence was associated with higher scores at age 3. Home environment was a…

As female labour force participation in the workforce increases in Singapore, the basic economic unit--the home--has become wealthier, although arguably at the expense of both personal and family leisure. Yet with additional income, breadwinners are better able to undertake investment for their own well-being or their children's well-being that…

The risk of tobacco use during adolescence may be traced back to early childhood, the time when a child is most vulnerable to environmental influence. We examined daily-life enrichment during pre-kindergarten period as a predictor of initiation of cigarette smoking among Asian American and Hispanic/Latino children during adolescence. Survey data…

Investigated relationships among socioeconomic status, family constellation, parental practices, and preschool-age children's awareness of and rationales for rules and conventions. Children's knowledge of rules and conventions was related to social class variables. Parental behaviors were found to be better predictors of the level of children's…

Evaluates a social development model of psychosocial predictors of drug use in Anglo and Hispanic children and adolescents. Structural equation models reveal that patterns and predictors of drug use are distinct for each sub-group, by age and ethnicity. Later drug use was primarily associated with prior use, exposure to parental and peer models of…

Data from the National Survey of Families and Households of 1988 were used to study the predictors of age at home leaving for three groups of home leavers: early, on-time, and late. Predictors vary by age of home leaving. The impact of family structure is strongest for early home leaving. (SLD)

Assessed interaction between obstetrical complications and early family adversity in predicting violent behavior during childhood and adolescence among 849 boys from low SES areas. Found that elevated scores on scale of obstetrical complications (preeclampsia, umbilical cord prolapse, induced labor) increased risk of being violent at 6 and 17…

Analyzes youthful parolees' risk of arrest for a violent crime. Results suggest that prior criminal history and socioeconomic variables are powerful predictors of both the timing and the charge of first arrest following parole. Prior gang involvement and heavy use of alcohol or drugs did not predict violent recidivism. (RJM)

Examined factors predicting parenting behavior of adolescent mothers of 24-month olds in a family-support program. Found that teens providing higher quality care had more positive childrearing beliefs, were less psychologically distressed, perceived their children as less irritable, and lived in higher quality neighborhoods than those providing…

Study assessed the contribution of physical abuse to increased risk for suicidal behaviors in physically abused adolescents compared with non-abused adolescents. Significant predictors of scores on the instrument used included parent and adolescent psychopathology, poor academic performance, and decreased family cohesiveness. Physical abuse was a…