Dating is a highly desirable experience during adolescence and serves as an important developmental milestone. This study explored healthy and unhealthy dating as a step toward improving adolescent well-being. Six focus group interviews were conducted with high school-aged girls and boys (N = 35). Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed…

The purpose of the present study was to explore the lived experiences and psychological dynamics of current and formerly homeless adults on the island of Oahu, ages 18 to 55 years old. There are four key findings in this study. First, analysis of the data revealed some key psychological dynamics: addiction issues, mental health issues, childhood…

Dating violence victimization is an important public health issue. Recent studies on minority youths have found higher risks of dating violence victimization compared to White youths. This study examined the influence of acculturation components on youths' experiences of dating violence by utilizing data from a survey of 193 Samoan and Filipino…

A total of 249 Japanese nationals--tourists (n = 107), students (n = 98), and temporary workers (n = 44)--were recruited at the targeted community venues in Honolulu, Hawaii, and completed a structured survey questionnaire. Reported lifetime sexually transmitted diseases, or STDs infection (10% male and 20% female participants), and HIV infection…

Discusses ways to prevent child abuse and neglect through parent education and home visiting programs for at-risk families that stress early intervention and preventive measures. Describes the Healthy Start program developed in Hawaii as a model for other states to follow. (MDM)

This document describes Hawai'i's Healthy Start Program, a statewide, multisite home visitation program designed to screen, identify, and work with at-risk families of newborns. Goals of the program include: (1) reducing family stress; (2) improving family functioning; (3) enhancing child health and development; and (4) preventing abuse and…