Reports the results of a study that examines differences in substance-related attitudes, use patterns, and related consequences among three typical college campuses in order to underscore the need for campuses to develop and market prevention/intervention programs based on the unique patterns inherent on their individual campuses. (LKS)

Assessed drug use and defensiveness among 28 adolescents, grades 9-12, using a six-month tracking study of alternative school adolescents. Defensiveness correlated with school credit deficiency and a high rate of legal trouble and discipline problems in defensive males. Suggests that denial and defensiveness are risk factors for drug use and…

Examines the characteristics of suicidality and psychopathology (including depression, aggression, impulsivity, and stressful life events) among four groups of depressed adolescent outpatients. The nonsuicidal group was differentiated from the three suicidal groups on the basis of suicidality and psychopathology. The three suicidal groups were…

Offering a fresh perspective on treatment, this book presents an overarching framework and many specific strategies for working with violent youth and their families. The authors shed light on the complex interplay of individual, family, community, and societal forces that lead some adolescents to hurt others or themselves. Effective ways to…

Surveyed native Hawaiian high school students (n=1,779) for symptoms of psychopathology and suicide attempts in the previous 6 months. Seventy-seven students reported making a suicide attempt. There were no significant differences in prevalence rates for males and females. Depression, anxiety, aggression, substance abuse symptoms, and low family…

Homeless people with alcohol and other drug problems present the traditional substance abuse services delivery provider with special challenges. This paper discusses the optimal designs of comprehensive treatment services for homeless persons with alcohol and other drug problems. Most importantly, the homeless must have immediate access to a safe…

Reviews research on adolescent suicide and deliberate self-harm. Shows that in the UK suicide is the second most common cause of death among 15- to 24-year-olds, and that deliberate self-harm is linked to depression, substance misuse, and family functioning and precedes one-third of adolescent suicides. Discusses problems in aftercare of…

Judy Gobert (Blackfeet/Salish) struggled with racism and sexual abuse in childhood and with substance abuse and family violence in adulthood. Traditional spirituality, belief in education, and support groups have helped her to heal herself and create a better life for her children and herself. Describes her doctoral research on drug-resistant…

An alarming number of adolescents regularly engage in activities that place them at risk for adverse mental and physical health consequences. In addition to risk-taking behaviors, adolescent psychopathology raises concern. Research indicates that the majority of adolescents who are severely emotionally disturbed do not receive any kind of mental…

This report highlights findings from the 1998 Minnesota Student Survey, administered to 3,791 voluntary participants, comparing students in alternative school settings with those in public schools. Alternative schools and area learning centers are high school diploma granting programs designed for students who are behind in their work, have…

Maslow's theory of a hierarchy of needs is used to analyze Navajo youths' struggles for identity, fulfillment, and self-esteem. Answers to the challenges of substance abuse, violence, and gang membership are offered based upon George Bearden's eight-step plan, which stresses the importance of understanding human needs to perceive and transform…

Explains the incidence and nature of drug trafficking and chemical dependency among adolescent black males. The paper also discusses the social science theories of Emile Durkheim, Karl Marx, and Molefi Asante to better understand the behaviors, and the consequences of those behaviors, of young black males who participate in drug trafficking. (GR)

Analyzes the frequency and correlates of suicidal behaviors among 1,093 male and 1,250 female white and 609 male and 812 female African-American South Carolina public high school students. Suicidal behaviors are not infrequent among adolescents (75% reported no suicidal behaviors); they often coexist with other high-risk behaviors. (SLD)

The Schools Health Education Unit supports and promotes effective health education in primary and secondary schools. The services it provides promote cooperation between teachers, parents, children, governors, and health-care professionals. A school deciding to use the Health Related Behaviour Questionnaire, developed by the Schools Health…

This report describes the results of the 1993 Utah Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) and summarizes results of the 1992 Utah School Health Education Survey. Many health problems experienced by youth are caused by a few preventable behaviors, such as alcohol abuse and unprotected sexual intercourse. Tobacco use, dietary patterns that cause disease,…