Using data from 4,141 students tested in grade 7 and again as young adults, a theoretically informed model is proposed which specifies the effects of failing to finish high school on the latent construct "psychological functioning" in young adulthood. Results suggest that dropping out has a significantly negative effect on psychological…

Relationships between self-reported past and present physical activity levels and self-image, sense of mastery, gender role identity, self-perceived physical ability, and self-perceived attractiveness were studied for 149 female high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors. Results are discussed in terms of adolescent emotional health. (SLD)

Using data from the 1986 Children of the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth data set, explores the relationships among current poverty, length of time in poverty, maternal parenting behavior, and children's mental health for 1,733 children of 1,344 mothers. Studies of children's poverty need to focus on family processes. (SLD)

The mental health resources available in American Indian communities fall far short of the demonstrated need, especially for Native American adolescents. The Indian Health Care Amendments of 1990 and 1992 are reviewed, and recommendations are made to facilitate community-based programs for American Indians. (SLD)

Over 150 years, public and professional awareness of child sexual abuse has emerged and been suppressed repeatedly. Research now indicates the prevalence of sexual abuse and its injurious impact on human development, but in the contemporary mental health professions, courts, and media, a backlash has emerged against the latest discovery of child…

Discusses four ways in which clinical diagnosis can be detrimental to minority clients: (1) cultural expressions of symptomatology; (2) unreliable research instruments; (3) clinician bias; and (4) institutional racism. Recommendations to avoid misdiagnosis begin with accurate assessment of a client's history and cultural background. (SLD)

Examined how young adolescents perceived the opportunities provided by middle school teachers and staff and how such opportunities related to changes in academic and social-emotional functioning over time. Found that specific instructional, interpersonal, and organizational dimensions of middle school life were associated in important ways with…

Examines what is known about immigrant children and families, and identifies relevant issues that warrant further research. Emerging themes include the need to address health care and education policies regarding immigrant children, the importance of understanding public concern over the costs of immigrants, and the value of looking at immigrant…

Two studies regarding beliefs about descriptive and prescriptive age norms for adults in developmental transitions were examined in a sample of 214 Australian university students ages 17 to 50. Discusses research methodology. The probable consequences for self-esteem, mental health, and life planning are discussed in the context of the research…

A survey was conducted of 193 directors of agencies providing home visits as part of early intervention programs for infants and toddlers with disabilities. Findings indicated limited coordination with hospitals, medical specialists, and mental health services; insufficient compensation for service coordination efforts; and state support to…

Presents the story of how a New York county and community college collaborated to create a methodology for welfare reform. Describes the program as stressing the need for mental health and substance abuse program integration, as well as a methodology that includes the entire family unit. (NB)

Callers to a suicide prevention center concerned about high risk men were randomly invited to participate in one of four programs: Information Session, Information Session with Telephone Follow-up, Rapid Referral to mental health and abuse programs, or Telephone Support. Comparison of pre-test, 2 month post-test and 6 months follow-up with 131…

We conducted a psychological autopsy study to further understand youth suicide in Utah. While traditional psychological autopsy studies primarily focus on the administration of psychometric measures to identify any underlying diagnosis of mental illness for the suicide decedent, we focused our interviews to identify which contacts in the…

"Chronicle of Higher Education" presents an abundant source of news and information for college and university faculty members and administrators. This April 16, 2004 issue of "Chronicle of Higher Education" includes the following articles: (1) "Shimmering with Stories" (Biemiller, Lawrence); (2) "Cultures…

This paper reports findings from a qualitative investigation into the relationship between physical activity and mental health from the experiences of participants on exercise referral schemes. A grounded theory methodology was adopted which used focus groups and semi-structured interviews with participants from three exercise referral schemes in…