This article was downloaded by: [Adams State University] On: 17 November 2014, At: 11:44 Publisher: Routledge Informa Ltd Registered in England and Wales Registered Number: 1072954 Registered office: Mortimer House, 37-41 Mortimer Street, London W1T 3JH, UK
Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rcmh20
Journal abstracts from current research in the field of child and adolescent mental health Erhabor S Idemudia
a
a
Department of Psychology (Ipelegeng Child & Family Centre), North West University, Mmbatho Published online: 28 Oct 2013.
To cite this article: Erhabor S Idemudia (2013) Journal abstracts from current research in the field of child and adolescent mental health, Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health, 25:2, 181-184 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/17280583.2013.848637
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/page/termsand-conditions
Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2013, 25(2): 181–184 Printed in South Africa — All rights reserved
Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd
JOURNAL OF C H I L D & A D O LES C EN T M EN T A L H EA L T H ISSN 1728-0583 EISSN 1728-0591 http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/17280583.2013.848637
Abstracts
Downloaded by [Adams State University] at 11:44 17 November 2014
Journal abstracts from current research in the field of child and adolescent mental health
Supple AJ, Graves K, Daniel S, Kiang L, Su J and Cavanaugh AM (2013) Ethnic, gender, and age differences in adolescent non-fatal suicidal behaviours. Death Studies 37(9): 830–847
This study examined ethnic differences in adolescent nonfatal suicidal behaviours as well as age and gender variation both across and within ethnic groups. Using a large (n = 14, 346) sample of adolescents in Grades 7 through 12, African Americans reported relatively high rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts and Southeast Asians reported high rates of suicidal thoughts. Hispanic Americans, European Americans, and Asian Americans were similar in their reports of nonfatal suicidal behaviours. Gender differences also varied across ethnicity as Southeast Asian boys (particularly older boys) reported more suicidal thoughts and attempts than Southeast Asian girls. Nelson PL, Warren JS, Gleave RL and Burlingame GM (2013) Youth psychotherapy change trajectories and early warning system accuracy in a managed care setting. Journal of Clinical Psychology 69(9): 880–895
Objectives: To examine change trajectories in routine outpatient mentalhealth services for children and adolescents in a managed care setting, and to use these trajectories to test the accuracy of two variations of an early warning system designed to identify cases at risk for deterioration. Method Multilevel modelling procedures were used to examine longitudinal Youth Outcome Questionnaire (YOQ) data for 16,091 youth aged 4–17 years (39% female mean age 10.5) referred for treatment in a managed care system. Results Clients with more frequent YOQ administrations had slightly lower baselines and faster rates of change. Both the traditional and simplified versions of the early warning system demonstrated good accuracy in identifying clients who deteriorated, with a sensitivity of 0.63, specificity of 0.83, and hit rate of 0.81. Conclusions Results provide further evidence that patient-focused early warning systems can accurately identify most youth who are at risk for negative outcomes in routine mental health services. Rasmussen M, Holstein BE, Melkevik O and Damsgaard MT (2013) Validity of self- reported height and weight among adolescents: the importance of reporting. BMC Medical Research Methodology 13(1): 1–11
Background: This study proposes a new approach for investigating bias in self-reported data on height and weight among adolescents by studying the relevance of participants’ self-reported response capability. The objectives were 1) to estimate the prevalence of students with high and low self-reported response capability for weight and height in a self-administrated questionnaire survey among 11–15 year old Danish adolescents, 2) to estimate the proportion of missing values on self-reported height and weight in relation to capability for reporting height and weight, and 3) to investigate the extent to which adolescents’ response capability is of importance for the accuracy and precision of self-reported height and weight. Also, the study investigated the impact of students’ response capability on estimating prevalence rates of overweight. Methods: Data was collected by a school-based cross-sectional questionnaire survey among students aged 11–15 years in 13 schools in Aarhus, Denmark, response rate = 89%, n = 2100. Response capability was based on students’ Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health is co-published by NISC (Pty) Ltd and Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group
Downloaded by [Adams State University] at 11:44 17 November 2014
182
Abstracts
reports of perceived ability to report weight/height and weighing/height measuring history. Direct measures of height and weight were collected by school health nurses. Results: One third of the students had low response capability for weight and height, respectively, and every second student had low response capability for BMI. The proportion of missing values on self-reported weight and height was significantly higher among students who were not weighed and height measured recently and among students who reported low recall ability. Among both boys and girls the precision of self-reported height and weight tended to be lower than among students with low response capability. Low response capability was related to BMI (z-score) and overweight prevalence among girls. These findings were due to a larger systematic underestimation of weight among girls who were not weighed recently (-1.02 kg, p < 0.0001) and among girls with low recall ability for weight (-0.99 kg, p = 0.0024). Conclusion: This study indicates that response capability may be relevant for the accuracy of girls’ self-reported measurements of weight and height. Consequently, by integrating items on response capability in survey instruments, participants with low capability can be identified. Similar analyses based on other and less selected populations are recommended. Hall CL, Newell K, Taylor J, Sayal K, Swift KD and Hollis C (2013) Mind the gap’ - mapping services for young people with ADHD transitioning from child to adult mental health service. BMC Psychiatry 13(1): 1–8
Background: Once considered to be a disorder restricted to childhood, Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is now recognised to persist into adult life. However, service provision for adults with ADHD is limited. Additionally, there is little guidance or research on how best to transition young people with ADHD from child to adult services. Method: We report the findings of a survey of 96 healthcare professionals working in children’s (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and Community Paediatrics) and adult services across five NHS Trusts within the East Midlands region of England to gain a better understanding of the current provision of services for young people with ADHD transitioning into adult mentalhealth services. Results: Our findings indicate a lack of structured guidelines on transitioning and little communication between child and adult services. Child and adult services had differing opinions on what they felt adult services should provide for ADHD cases. Adult services reported feeling ill-prepared to deal with ADHD patients, with clinicians in these services citing a lack of specific knowledge of ADHD and a paucity of resources to deal with such cases. Conclusions: We discuss suggestions for further research, including the need to map the national provision of services for adults with ADHD, and provide recommendations for commissioned adult ADHD services. We specifically advocate an increase in ADHD-specific training for clinicians in adult services, the development of specialist adult ADHD clinics and greater involvement of Primary Care to support the work of generic adult mentalhealth services in adult ADHD management. Schwab-Stone MK, Roman V and Robert RV (2013) Cross-cultural findings on community violence exposure and internalizing psychopathology: Comparing adolescents in the United States, Russia, and Belgium. Child Psychiatry and Human Development 44(4): 516–524
The study aimed to investigate cross-cultural differences in the relation between community violence and psychopathology. A self-report survey was conducted in a representative sample of 3,309 14–17 year old adolescents from urban communities in the US (N = 1,343), Belgium (N = 946) and Russia (N = 1,009). In all three countries, boys reported higher prevalences of violence exposure and more victimization by community violence than girls. Controlling for involvement in antisocial behaviour, levels of psychopathology increased along with severity of exposure to community violence (from no exposure to witnessing to victimization). The associations between community violence and internalizing problems were similar across countries and gender. Current findings suggest that the relationships between community violence and adolescent mental health are not culture bound and that they follow similar dynamics in different populations. Clinical implications and directions are discussed.
Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2013, 25(2): 181–184
183
Downloaded by [Adams State University] at 11:44 17 November 2014
Wang Ming-Te Peck and Stephen C (2013) Adolescent educational success and mental health vary across school engagement profiles. Developmental Psychology 49(7): 1266–1276
The present study used multidimensional and person-centred approaches to identify subgroups of adolescents characterized by unique patterns of behavioural, emotional, and cognitive engagement and examined whether adolescent developmental outcomes varied as a function of different combinations of engagement components. Data were collected on 1,025 youths (57% African American, 43% European American; 53% female, 47% male). Five profiles of student engagement in school were identified: Highly Engaged, Moderately Engaged, Minimally Engaged, Emotionally Disengaged, and Cognitively Disengaged. These 5 groups differed in their educational and psychological functioning. The study not only provides empirical evidence supporting the multifaceted nature of school engagement but also demonstrates its utility relative to educational success and mentalhealth. Considering the multiple dimensions of student engagement simultaneously from a person-centred perspective promises a useful approach for addressing sample heterogeneity and understanding different patterns of school engagement and their consequences. Schuster RM, Mermelstein R and Wakschlag L (2013) Gender-specific relationships between depressive symptoms, marijuana use, parental communication and risky sexual behaviour in adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence 42(8): 1194–1209
A large body of research has identified correlates of risky sexual behaviour, with depressive symptoms and marijuana use among the most consistent psychosocial predictors of sexual risk. However, substantially less research has examined the relationship between these risk variables and adolescent risky sexual behaviour over time as well as the interaction of these individual-level predictors with family-level variables such as parenting factors. Additionally, most studies have been restricted to one index of risky sexual behaviour, have not taken into account the complex role of gender, and have not controlled for several of the factors that independently confer risk for risky sexual behaviour. Therefore, the current study investigated the association between depressive symptoms and parameters of parenting on marijuana use, number of sexual partners and condom usage measured 9 months later for both boys and girls. Participants were 9th and 10th grade adolescents (N = 1,145; 57.7% female). We found that depressive symptoms may be a genderspecific risk factor for certain indices of risky sexual behaviour. For boys only, marijuana use at Time 2 accounted for the variance in the relationship between depressive symptoms at Time 1 and number of partners at Time 2. Additionally, strictness of family rules at Time 1 was associated with the number of partners with whom girls engaged in sex at Time 2, but only among those with lower levels of depressive symptoms at Time 1. Results from the current investigation speak to the utility of examining the complex, gender-specific pathways to sexual risk in adolescents. Findings suggest that treatment of mentalhealth and substance use problems may have important implications in rates of risky sexual behaviour and, conceivably, controlling the high rates of serious individual and public health repercussions. Holen S, Waaktaar T, Lervåg A, Ystgaard M (2013) Implementing a universal stress management program for young school children: Are there classroom climate or academic effects? Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research 57(4): 420–444
The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible academic and classroom climate effects of the universal school program Zippy’s Friends, the primary objective of which is to strengthen children’s ability to cope with stress. The sample consisted of 1483 children (aged 7–8 years) from 91 second-grade classes in 35 schools. The schools were matched and randomly assigned to intervention and control conditions. Classroom social climate and academic skills were assessed by the teachers and the children using an adapted version of the German scale SIKS (Social Integration, Classroom Climate and Self-concept of School Readiness). Using a multilevel approach, regression analysis of teacher reports indicated that the program had a positive effect on the social climate in the classroom, reduced bullying and improved academic skills. Analysis of
184
Abstracts
children’s reports found no significant overall effects. The results were not influenced by students’ sex or socioeconomic status.
Downloaded by [Adams State University] at 11:44 17 November 2014
Block AM, Gjesfjeld CD and Greeno CG (2013) Adolescent perspectives of outpatient mental health treatment. Best Practice in Mental Health 9(2): 22–38
Adolescents with mentalhealth problems face significant short- and long-term consequences if they do not obtain mentalhealth treatment, yet there is limited knowledge about how these adolescents understand such care and make treatment decisions. Most studies treat children and adolescents as part of the same group, although the unique developmental demands of adolescence may directly affect the decision to accept and attend treatment. This article reports on a mixed methods study conducted with twenty-five adolescents referred for mentalhealth care through a schoolbased referral program. Over half of the sample, fifteen adolescents, accepted the referral for care and attended mentalhealth treatment. Means from symptom checklists suggest that adolescents who accepted the treatment referral also had somewhat higher symptom levels at the time of referral than adolescents who did not accept referral. Three qualitative themes relating to the role of adolescent developmental tasks as related to treatment decision emerged. Adolescents expressed a strong need for autonomy, were very concerned about privacy from their parents, and reported concerns about stigmatization within their peer group. Implications for social work practice and future research are discussed. Klineberg E, Kelly MJ, Stansfeld SA and Bhui KS (2013) How adolescents talk about self-harm: a qualitative study of disclosure in an ethnically diverse urban population in England. BMC Public Health 13(1): 1–10
Background: Self-harm is prevalent in adolescence. It is often a behaviour without verbal expression, seeking relief from a distressed state of mind. As most adolescents who self-harm do not seek help, the nature of adolescent self-harm and reasons for not disclosing it are a public health concern. This study aims to increase understanding about how adolescents in the community speak about self-harm; exploring their attitudes towards and experiences of disclosure and help-seeking. Methods: This study involved 30 qualitative individual interviews with ethnically diverse adolescents aged 15–16 years (24 females, 6 males), investigating their views on coping with stress, self-harm and help-seeking, within their own social context in multicultural East London. Ten participants had never self-harmed, nine had self-harmed on one occasion and 11 had self-harmed repeatedly. Verbatim accounts were transcribed and subjected to content and thematic analysis using a framework approach. Results: Self-harm was described as a complex and varied behaviour. Most participants who had self-harmed expressed reluctance to talk about it and many had difficulty understanding self-harm in others. Some participants normalised self-harm and did not wish to accept offers of help, particularly if their self-harm had been secretive and ‘discovered’, leading to their referral to more formal help from others. Disclosure was viewed more positively with hindsight by some participants who had received help. If help was sought, adolescents desired respect, and for their problems, feelings and opinions to be noticed and considered alongside receiving treatment for injuries. Mixed responses to disclosure from peers, family and initial sources of help may influence subsequent behaviour and deter presentation to services. Conclusions: This study provides insight into the subjective experience of self-harm, disclosure and help-seeking from a young, ethnically diverse community sample. Accounts highlighted the value of examining self-harm in the context of each adolescent’s day-to-day life. These accounts emphasised the need for support from others and increasing awareness about appropriate responses to adolescent self-harm and accessible sources of help for adolescents. Erhabor S Idemudia Department of Psychology (Ipelegeng Child & Family Centre), North West University, Mmbatho e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health Publication details, including instructions for authors and subscription information: http://www.tandfonline.com/loi/rcmh20
Journal abstracts from current research in the field of child and adolescent mental health Erhabor S Idemudia
a
a
Department of Psychology (Ipelegeng Child & Family Centre), North West University, Mmbatho Published online: 28 Oct 2013.
To cite this article: Erhabor S Idemudia (2013) Journal abstracts from current research in the field of child and adolescent mental health, Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health, 25:2, 181-184 To link to this article: http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/17280583.2013.848637
PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR ARTICLE Taylor & Francis makes every effort to ensure the accuracy of all the information (the “Content”) contained in the publications on our platform. However, Taylor & Francis, our agents, and our licensors make no representations or warranties whatsoever as to the accuracy, completeness, or suitability for any purpose of the Content. Any opinions and views expressed in this publication are the opinions and views of the authors, and are not the views of or endorsed by Taylor & Francis. The accuracy of the Content should not be relied upon and should be independently verified with primary sources of information. Taylor and Francis shall not be liable for any losses, actions, claims, proceedings, demands, costs, expenses, damages, and other liabilities whatsoever or howsoever caused arising directly or indirectly in connection with, in relation to or arising out of the use of the Content. This article may be used for research, teaching, and private study purposes. Any substantial or systematic reproduction, redistribution, reselling, loan, sub-licensing, systematic supply, or distribution in any form to anyone is expressly forbidden. Terms & Conditions of access and use can be found at http://www.tandfonline.com/page/termsand-conditions
Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2013, 25(2): 181–184 Printed in South Africa — All rights reserved
Copyright © NISC Pty Ltd
JOURNAL OF C H I L D & A D O LES C EN T M EN T A L H EA L T H ISSN 1728-0583 EISSN 1728-0591 http://dx.doi.org/10.2989/17280583.2013.848637
Abstracts
Downloaded by [Adams State University] at 11:44 17 November 2014
Journal abstracts from current research in the field of child and adolescent mental health
Supple AJ, Graves K, Daniel S, Kiang L, Su J and Cavanaugh AM (2013) Ethnic, gender, and age differences in adolescent non-fatal suicidal behaviours. Death Studies 37(9): 830–847
This study examined ethnic differences in adolescent nonfatal suicidal behaviours as well as age and gender variation both across and within ethnic groups. Using a large (n = 14, 346) sample of adolescents in Grades 7 through 12, African Americans reported relatively high rates of suicidal thoughts and attempts and Southeast Asians reported high rates of suicidal thoughts. Hispanic Americans, European Americans, and Asian Americans were similar in their reports of nonfatal suicidal behaviours. Gender differences also varied across ethnicity as Southeast Asian boys (particularly older boys) reported more suicidal thoughts and attempts than Southeast Asian girls. Nelson PL, Warren JS, Gleave RL and Burlingame GM (2013) Youth psychotherapy change trajectories and early warning system accuracy in a managed care setting. Journal of Clinical Psychology 69(9): 880–895
Objectives: To examine change trajectories in routine outpatient mentalhealth services for children and adolescents in a managed care setting, and to use these trajectories to test the accuracy of two variations of an early warning system designed to identify cases at risk for deterioration. Method Multilevel modelling procedures were used to examine longitudinal Youth Outcome Questionnaire (YOQ) data for 16,091 youth aged 4–17 years (39% female mean age 10.5) referred for treatment in a managed care system. Results Clients with more frequent YOQ administrations had slightly lower baselines and faster rates of change. Both the traditional and simplified versions of the early warning system demonstrated good accuracy in identifying clients who deteriorated, with a sensitivity of 0.63, specificity of 0.83, and hit rate of 0.81. Conclusions Results provide further evidence that patient-focused early warning systems can accurately identify most youth who are at risk for negative outcomes in routine mental health services. Rasmussen M, Holstein BE, Melkevik O and Damsgaard MT (2013) Validity of self- reported height and weight among adolescents: the importance of reporting. BMC Medical Research Methodology 13(1): 1–11
Background: This study proposes a new approach for investigating bias in self-reported data on height and weight among adolescents by studying the relevance of participants’ self-reported response capability. The objectives were 1) to estimate the prevalence of students with high and low self-reported response capability for weight and height in a self-administrated questionnaire survey among 11–15 year old Danish adolescents, 2) to estimate the proportion of missing values on self-reported height and weight in relation to capability for reporting height and weight, and 3) to investigate the extent to which adolescents’ response capability is of importance for the accuracy and precision of self-reported height and weight. Also, the study investigated the impact of students’ response capability on estimating prevalence rates of overweight. Methods: Data was collected by a school-based cross-sectional questionnaire survey among students aged 11–15 years in 13 schools in Aarhus, Denmark, response rate = 89%, n = 2100. Response capability was based on students’ Journal of Child & Adolescent Mental Health is co-published by NISC (Pty) Ltd and Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group
Downloaded by [Adams State University] at 11:44 17 November 2014
182
Abstracts
reports of perceived ability to report weight/height and weighing/height measuring history. Direct measures of height and weight were collected by school health nurses. Results: One third of the students had low response capability for weight and height, respectively, and every second student had low response capability for BMI. The proportion of missing values on self-reported weight and height was significantly higher among students who were not weighed and height measured recently and among students who reported low recall ability. Among both boys and girls the precision of self-reported height and weight tended to be lower than among students with low response capability. Low response capability was related to BMI (z-score) and overweight prevalence among girls. These findings were due to a larger systematic underestimation of weight among girls who were not weighed recently (-1.02 kg, p < 0.0001) and among girls with low recall ability for weight (-0.99 kg, p = 0.0024). Conclusion: This study indicates that response capability may be relevant for the accuracy of girls’ self-reported measurements of weight and height. Consequently, by integrating items on response capability in survey instruments, participants with low capability can be identified. Similar analyses based on other and less selected populations are recommended. Hall CL, Newell K, Taylor J, Sayal K, Swift KD and Hollis C (2013) Mind the gap’ - mapping services for young people with ADHD transitioning from child to adult mental health service. BMC Psychiatry 13(1): 1–8
Background: Once considered to be a disorder restricted to childhood, Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is now recognised to persist into adult life. However, service provision for adults with ADHD is limited. Additionally, there is little guidance or research on how best to transition young people with ADHD from child to adult services. Method: We report the findings of a survey of 96 healthcare professionals working in children’s (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services and Community Paediatrics) and adult services across five NHS Trusts within the East Midlands region of England to gain a better understanding of the current provision of services for young people with ADHD transitioning into adult mentalhealth services. Results: Our findings indicate a lack of structured guidelines on transitioning and little communication between child and adult services. Child and adult services had differing opinions on what they felt adult services should provide for ADHD cases. Adult services reported feeling ill-prepared to deal with ADHD patients, with clinicians in these services citing a lack of specific knowledge of ADHD and a paucity of resources to deal with such cases. Conclusions: We discuss suggestions for further research, including the need to map the national provision of services for adults with ADHD, and provide recommendations for commissioned adult ADHD services. We specifically advocate an increase in ADHD-specific training for clinicians in adult services, the development of specialist adult ADHD clinics and greater involvement of Primary Care to support the work of generic adult mentalhealth services in adult ADHD management. Schwab-Stone MK, Roman V and Robert RV (2013) Cross-cultural findings on community violence exposure and internalizing psychopathology: Comparing adolescents in the United States, Russia, and Belgium. Child Psychiatry and Human Development 44(4): 516–524
The study aimed to investigate cross-cultural differences in the relation between community violence and psychopathology. A self-report survey was conducted in a representative sample of 3,309 14–17 year old adolescents from urban communities in the US (N = 1,343), Belgium (N = 946) and Russia (N = 1,009). In all three countries, boys reported higher prevalences of violence exposure and more victimization by community violence than girls. Controlling for involvement in antisocial behaviour, levels of psychopathology increased along with severity of exposure to community violence (from no exposure to witnessing to victimization). The associations between community violence and internalizing problems were similar across countries and gender. Current findings suggest that the relationships between community violence and adolescent mental health are not culture bound and that they follow similar dynamics in different populations. Clinical implications and directions are discussed.
Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2013, 25(2): 181–184
183
Downloaded by [Adams State University] at 11:44 17 November 2014
Wang Ming-Te Peck and Stephen C (2013) Adolescent educational success and mental health vary across school engagement profiles. Developmental Psychology 49(7): 1266–1276
The present study used multidimensional and person-centred approaches to identify subgroups of adolescents characterized by unique patterns of behavioural, emotional, and cognitive engagement and examined whether adolescent developmental outcomes varied as a function of different combinations of engagement components. Data were collected on 1,025 youths (57% African American, 43% European American; 53% female, 47% male). Five profiles of student engagement in school were identified: Highly Engaged, Moderately Engaged, Minimally Engaged, Emotionally Disengaged, and Cognitively Disengaged. These 5 groups differed in their educational and psychological functioning. The study not only provides empirical evidence supporting the multifaceted nature of school engagement but also demonstrates its utility relative to educational success and mentalhealth. Considering the multiple dimensions of student engagement simultaneously from a person-centred perspective promises a useful approach for addressing sample heterogeneity and understanding different patterns of school engagement and their consequences. Schuster RM, Mermelstein R and Wakschlag L (2013) Gender-specific relationships between depressive symptoms, marijuana use, parental communication and risky sexual behaviour in adolescence. Journal of Youth and Adolescence 42(8): 1194–1209
A large body of research has identified correlates of risky sexual behaviour, with depressive symptoms and marijuana use among the most consistent psychosocial predictors of sexual risk. However, substantially less research has examined the relationship between these risk variables and adolescent risky sexual behaviour over time as well as the interaction of these individual-level predictors with family-level variables such as parenting factors. Additionally, most studies have been restricted to one index of risky sexual behaviour, have not taken into account the complex role of gender, and have not controlled for several of the factors that independently confer risk for risky sexual behaviour. Therefore, the current study investigated the association between depressive symptoms and parameters of parenting on marijuana use, number of sexual partners and condom usage measured 9 months later for both boys and girls. Participants were 9th and 10th grade adolescents (N = 1,145; 57.7% female). We found that depressive symptoms may be a genderspecific risk factor for certain indices of risky sexual behaviour. For boys only, marijuana use at Time 2 accounted for the variance in the relationship between depressive symptoms at Time 1 and number of partners at Time 2. Additionally, strictness of family rules at Time 1 was associated with the number of partners with whom girls engaged in sex at Time 2, but only among those with lower levels of depressive symptoms at Time 1. Results from the current investigation speak to the utility of examining the complex, gender-specific pathways to sexual risk in adolescents. Findings suggest that treatment of mentalhealth and substance use problems may have important implications in rates of risky sexual behaviour and, conceivably, controlling the high rates of serious individual and public health repercussions. Holen S, Waaktaar T, Lervåg A, Ystgaard M (2013) Implementing a universal stress management program for young school children: Are there classroom climate or academic effects? Scandinavian Journal of Educational Research 57(4): 420–444
The purpose of this study was to investigate the possible academic and classroom climate effects of the universal school program Zippy’s Friends, the primary objective of which is to strengthen children’s ability to cope with stress. The sample consisted of 1483 children (aged 7–8 years) from 91 second-grade classes in 35 schools. The schools were matched and randomly assigned to intervention and control conditions. Classroom social climate and academic skills were assessed by the teachers and the children using an adapted version of the German scale SIKS (Social Integration, Classroom Climate and Self-concept of School Readiness). Using a multilevel approach, regression analysis of teacher reports indicated that the program had a positive effect on the social climate in the classroom, reduced bullying and improved academic skills. Analysis of
184
Abstracts
children’s reports found no significant overall effects. The results were not influenced by students’ sex or socioeconomic status.
Downloaded by [Adams State University] at 11:44 17 November 2014
Block AM, Gjesfjeld CD and Greeno CG (2013) Adolescent perspectives of outpatient mental health treatment. Best Practice in Mental Health 9(2): 22–38
Adolescents with mentalhealth problems face significant short- and long-term consequences if they do not obtain mentalhealth treatment, yet there is limited knowledge about how these adolescents understand such care and make treatment decisions. Most studies treat children and adolescents as part of the same group, although the unique developmental demands of adolescence may directly affect the decision to accept and attend treatment. This article reports on a mixed methods study conducted with twenty-five adolescents referred for mentalhealth care through a schoolbased referral program. Over half of the sample, fifteen adolescents, accepted the referral for care and attended mentalhealth treatment. Means from symptom checklists suggest that adolescents who accepted the treatment referral also had somewhat higher symptom levels at the time of referral than adolescents who did not accept referral. Three qualitative themes relating to the role of adolescent developmental tasks as related to treatment decision emerged. Adolescents expressed a strong need for autonomy, were very concerned about privacy from their parents, and reported concerns about stigmatization within their peer group. Implications for social work practice and future research are discussed. Klineberg E, Kelly MJ, Stansfeld SA and Bhui KS (2013) How adolescents talk about self-harm: a qualitative study of disclosure in an ethnically diverse urban population in England. BMC Public Health 13(1): 1–10
Background: Self-harm is prevalent in adolescence. It is often a behaviour without verbal expression, seeking relief from a distressed state of mind. As most adolescents who self-harm do not seek help, the nature of adolescent self-harm and reasons for not disclosing it are a public health concern. This study aims to increase understanding about how adolescents in the community speak about self-harm; exploring their attitudes towards and experiences of disclosure and help-seeking. Methods: This study involved 30 qualitative individual interviews with ethnically diverse adolescents aged 15–16 years (24 females, 6 males), investigating their views on coping with stress, self-harm and help-seeking, within their own social context in multicultural East London. Ten participants had never self-harmed, nine had self-harmed on one occasion and 11 had self-harmed repeatedly. Verbatim accounts were transcribed and subjected to content and thematic analysis using a framework approach. Results: Self-harm was described as a complex and varied behaviour. Most participants who had self-harmed expressed reluctance to talk about it and many had difficulty understanding self-harm in others. Some participants normalised self-harm and did not wish to accept offers of help, particularly if their self-harm had been secretive and ‘discovered’, leading to their referral to more formal help from others. Disclosure was viewed more positively with hindsight by some participants who had received help. If help was sought, adolescents desired respect, and for their problems, feelings and opinions to be noticed and considered alongside receiving treatment for injuries. Mixed responses to disclosure from peers, family and initial sources of help may influence subsequent behaviour and deter presentation to services. Conclusions: This study provides insight into the subjective experience of self-harm, disclosure and help-seeking from a young, ethnically diverse community sample. Accounts highlighted the value of examining self-harm in the context of each adolescent’s day-to-day life. These accounts emphasised the need for support from others and increasing awareness about appropriate responses to adolescent self-harm and accessible sources of help for adolescents. Erhabor S Idemudia Department of Psychology (Ipelegeng Child & Family Centre), North West University, Mmbatho e-mail: [email protected] or [email protected]
