Adolescent Alcohol Use in Spain: Connections with Friends, School, and Other Delinquent Behaviors

This study examined the connections between adolescent alcohol use in Alicante, Spain and variables reflecting adolescents’ academic problems, potentially delinquent behaviors, friends’ alcohol consumption, and friendship quality. Information about alcohol use and a number of school and social variables was collected from adolescent students (N = 567) who completed the National Students School-Based Drug Survey in a classroom setting. 

Results suggested that gender was not significantly associated with alcohol use, although alcohol use increased with age and was more likely for adolescents enrolled in public schools compared to private. After controlling for age and type of school (public vs. private), academic problems explained 5.1% of the variance in adolescents’ alcohol use, potentially delinquent behaviors explained 29.0%, friends’ alcohol use 16.8%, and friendship quality 1.6%. 

When all unique predictors from these four models were included in a comprehensive model, they explained 32.3% of the variance in adolescents’ alcohol use. In this final model, getting expelled, participating in a fight, going out at night, the hour at which one returns, and the number of friends who have consumed alcohol were uniquely and positively associated with adolescents’ alcohol use. 

These results provide important information about multi-system influences on adolescent alcohol use in Alicante, Spain and suggest potential areas of focus for intervention research.

Correlations between alcohol consumption and all predictors.

Predictors	Correlation (r) with alcohol consumption
Demographics
Age	0.25∗∗
Public vs. private school	0.10∗
Gender	0.03
Academic Problems
Normally I do not complete any of my homework.	0.04
Have you repeated a course?	0.30∗∗
Have you missed class in the past 30 days?	0.13∗∗
Have you been expelled in the past 12 months?	0.19∗∗
Potentially delinquent behaviors
Have you run away from home in the past 12 months?	0.14∗∗
Have you participated in a fight in the past 12 months?	0.26∗∗
Do you go out at night?	0.52∗∗
When do you return when you go out at night?	0.41∗∗
Friends’ alcohol consumption
How many of your friends consumed alcohol in the past 30 days?	0.42∗∗
How many of your friends got drunk in the past 30 days?	0.37∗∗
Friendship quality
I receive care from my best friend.	0.03
How often do you hang out with your friends?	0.11∗
Friends subscale of the KIDSCREEN-52	0.09∗

∗∗ Correlation is significant at the 0.01 level (two-tailed). ∗ Correlation is significant at the 0.05 level (two-tailed).

Full article at:   http://goo.gl/P5Isu7

By:  Lisa D. Goldberg-Looney,1 Miriam Sánchez-SanSegundo,2 Rosario Ferrer-Cascales,2 Natalia Albaladejo-Blazquez,2 andPaul B. Perrin1,*

¹Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA

²Department of Health Psychology, University of Alicante, Alicante, Spain

Edited by: Gianluca Castelnuovo, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, Italy

Reviewed by: Michelle Dow Keawphalouk, Harvard and Massachusetts Institute of Technology, USA; Roberto Cattivelli, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Italy

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Comparison of Family Power Structure and Identity Style Between Delinquent and Non-Delinquent Juveniles - Iran

Background:

Adolescence denotes a time in which youth begins to experience dangerous behaviors like substance use and delinquency.

Objectives:

In this study, we investigated the family power structure and identity style in delinquent and non-delinquent juveniles residing in Tehran, Iran.

Materials and Methods:

To accomplish the goal of the study, 80 adolescent delinquents of the correction and rehabilitation centers aged between 15 and 18 years were selected with convenience sampling method and 80 students of secondary school age between 15 and 18 years in Tehran, Iran in 2012. They answered the instrument of family power structure (Saidian, 2004) and identity style (ISI-6G: White et al. 1998). The obtained data were analyzed using the independent t-test, chi-square test, and Levene’s test.

Results:

The findings indicated a significant difference between delinquent and non-delinquent juveniles with regard to family power structure, its subscales (P < 0.001), and identity style (P < 0.001). Moreover, the informational identity style was associated with lower levels of delinquency. In addition, a diffuse-evident identity style was related to the delinquency.

Conclusions:

These results emphasize that the inappropriate decision-making process pattern in a family has a significant effect on deviant behavior and identity style in adolescents. So, family power structure can be considered in therapeutic interventions (prevention and treatment) for adolescent delinquency.

...Results revealed that there are significant differences between delinquent and non-delinquent juveniles with regard to the family power structure. The results of the current study are comparable to previous findings which have been done in this field. For example, Wentzel and Feldman (24) compared the global ratings of family cohesion and family power structure to adolescent behaviors and found that adolescents who rated their parents as egalitarian were most likely to report low levels of depression and high levels of social self-concept and self-restraint. Beavers (25) showed that the power structure of the delinquent juvenile family is anarchy because only one of their parents controls the whole power (26). This power of family structure leads to the unknown boundary of their family system (27). In a detailed review, the previous study shows that child behavior problems are related to lack of parental support and control (28), an imbalanced parent-child relationship (29,30), lack of cohesion and structure in the family (31-34), and poor quality of communication between parents and children (14, 35). Similarly, the previous study has concluded that the families of violent adolescents have high rates of abuse, neglect, aversive behavior and parental deviance and low rates of positive communication (7). Further study showed that adolescents originating from two-parent households are less inclined to engage in delinquent behavior than those originating from one-parent families (36, 37).

These findings suggest that family structure is a significant predictor of most self-reported delinquent behaviors. Based on family systematic perception, family structure was related to breaking and entering, cannabis use, fighting, theft, vandalism, and weapons possession (38). The results of the current study reveal that identity style has a significant difference between delinquent and non-delinquent juveniles. It also showed that adolescents who utilize a normative identity style (relying on social convention and norms to regulate their behaviors) are nearly identical in both groups. Also the informational identity style associates with lower levels of delinquency and a diffuse-evident identity style relates to the delinquency. The prior research indicated that use of the informational and normative styles was negatively linked to delinquency (39, 40). In other words, an information-oriented style relates to a more adaptive pattern of interpersonal behaviors (41, 42). In addition, endorsement of social norms and conventions with strong social ties are associated with less delinquent behavior (39). Similarly, conscientiousness or constraint as reflected in careful, information-based planning is associated with a lower occurrence of delinquent behaviors (43). However, a burgeoning body of literature indicates that individuals with a diffuse-avoidant style engage in self-serving problem behaviors and maladaptive patterns of interpersonal behaviors such as conduct disorders, delinquency, illegal drug use, and alcohol abuse (19, 41, 42, 44-46), while impulsiveness and low levels of self-control are associated with conduct problems and disorders (47). Philips and Pittman indicated that adolescents employing a diffuse-avoidant style differed significantly from those employing information or normative styles in terms of self-esteem, hopelessness, optimism/efficacy, and delinquent attitudes. Diffuse-avoidant participants were less optimistic, had lower self-esteem, expressed greater hopelessness, and had higher delinquent attitude scores than participants using either a normative or an informational style (47)...

Full article at:   http://goo.gl/aQK2Lv

By:  Anahita Khodabakhshi Koolaee,1,* Masoumeh Rahmatizadeh,2 Hossein Shaghelanilor,2 and Lesley Pocock3

¹Department of Counseling and Psychology, Institute of Higher Education of Khatam, Tehran, IR Iran

²Department of Psychology, University of Science and Culture, Tehran, IR Iran

³Medical Educator, Medical Publisher, Medi and World International, Melbourne, Australia

^*Corresponding author: Anahita Khodabakhshi Koolaee, Department of Counseling and Psychology, Institute of Higher Education of Khatam, Tehran, IR Iran. Tel: +98-9122342717, Fax: +98-2188922449, E-mail: moc.oohay@ihshkabadohk_anna

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The Impact of Motivational Interviewing on Delinquent Behaviors in Incarcerated Adolescents

Highlights

• Depression moderated the effects of MI on delinquent behaviors 3 months after treatment.
• Compared to meditation, MI is better at reducing predatory aggression when depressive symptoms are low.
• Compared to meditation, MI is better at reducing alcohol-related predatory aggression when depressive symptoms are low.

The impact of Motivational Interviewing (MI) on risky behaviors of incarcerated adolescents and adults has been investigated with promising results. Findings suggest that MI reduces substance use, improves motivation and confidence to reduce use, and decreases risky behaviors. 

The current study investigated the impact of MI on general, alcohol-related, and marijuana-related delinquent behaviors in incarcerated adolescents. Participants in the study were incarcerated adolescents in a state correctional facility in the Northeast region and were assessed as part of a larger randomized clinical trial. Adolescents were randomly assigned to receive MI or relaxation therapy (RT) (N = 189) treatment. Delinquent behaviors and depressive symptomatology were measured using the Delinquent Activities Scale (DAS; Reavy, Stein, Paiva, Quina, & Rossi, 2012) and the Center for Epidemiological Studies—Depression scale (CES-D; Radloff, 1991) respectively. 

Findings indicate that depression moderated treatment effects. Compared to RT, MI was better at reducing predatory aggression and alcohol-related predatory aggression 3 months post-release when depressive symptoms were low. Identifying an efficacious treatment for these adolescents may benefit society in that it may decrease crimes against persons (i.e., predatory aggression) post release.

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By:   Mary Clair-Michaud, Ph.D., Rosemarie A. Martin, Ph.D., Linda A.R. Stein, Ph.D., Shayna Bassett, M.S., Rebecca Lebeau, Ph.D., Charles Golembeske, Ph.D.

Affiliations

Cancer Prevention Research Center, University of Rhode Island (http://web.uri.edu/cprc/), 130 Flagg Rd., Kingston, RI 02881

The Rhode Island Training School, 300 New London Avenue, Cranston, RI 02920

Correspondence

Corresponding author at: Cancer Prevention Research Center, University of Rhode Island, 130 Flagg Rd., Kingston, RI, 02881. Tel.: +1 401 874 4013; fax: +1 401 874 5562.

mclair@uri.edu

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.jsat.2015.09.003

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Gender Differences in at Risk versus Offender Adolescents: A Dimensional Approach of Antisocial Behavior

The current study investigated gender differences in the main components of antisocial behavior in an at-risk versus an offender group of adolescents. 

One-hundred and forty-three adolescents divided into two different risk groups [at risk (n = 54) and offenders (n = 89)] were compared according to gender (111 boys and 32 girls). Externalizing symptoms were assessed with the Delinquent and Aggressive subscales of the Youth Self-report Questionnaire, internalizing problems with the Beck Anxiety Inventory and the Beck Depressive Inventory and personality traits with the Barratt-Impulsiveness Scale as well as the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory. 

Results revealed a consistent interaction pattern, with girls presenting higher levels of externalizing symptoms, more motor impulsivity and a more arrogant and deceitful interpersonal style than boys in the at-risk group. In contrast, in the offenders' group, psychopathic traits were more present in boys than in girls. 

Regarding internalizing problems, girls showed more depression than boys, independently of the risk group. Among offending youths, girls present equally severe externalizing problems, and problematic personality traits as boys. 

At-risk girls have the highest rates of difficulties across the tested domains and should therefore be specifically targeted for prevention and intervention.

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By:   Urben S1, Habersaat S2, Suter M2, Pihet S3, De Ridder J4, Stéphan P2.

• 1Research Unit, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 25A, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland. Sebastien.Urben@chuv.ch.
• 2Research Unit, Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Service, Department of Psychiatry, University Hospital Center and University of Lausanne, Rue du Bugnon 25A, 1011, Lausanne, Switzerland.
• 3School of Nursing, University of Applied Sciences and Art of Western Switzerland, Fribourg, Switzerland.
• 4Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland. 

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Permissive Parenting, Deviant Peer Affiliations & Delinquent Behavior in Adolescence: The Moderating Role of Sympathetic Nervous System Reactivity

The present study examined two measures of sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activity as moderators of the indirect path from permissive parenting to deviant peer affiliations to delinquency among a community sample of adolescents. 

Participants included 252 adolescents (M = 15.79 years; 53 % boys; 66 % European American, 34 % African American). A multi-method design was employed to address the research questions. Two indicators of SNS reactivity, skin conductance level reactivity (SCLR) and cardiac pre-ejection period reactivity (PEPR) were examined. SNS activity was measured during a baseline period and a problem-solving task (star-tracing); reactivity was computed as the difference between the task and baseline periods. Adolescents reported on permissive parenting, deviant peer affiliations, externalizing behaviors, and substance use (alcohol, marijuana). 

Analyses revealed indirect effects between permissive parenting and delinquency via affiliation with deviant peers. Additionally, links between permissive parenting to affiliation with deviant peers and affiliation with deviant peers to delinquency was moderated by SNS reactivity. Less SNS reactivity (less PEPR and/or less SCLR) were risk factors for externalizing problems and alcohol use. 

Findings highlight the moderating role of SNS reactivity in parenting and peer pathways that may contribute to adolescent delinquency and point to possibilities of targeted interventions for vulnerable youth.

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By:    Hinnant JB1, Erath SA2, Tu KM2, El-Sheikh M2.

• 1Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, 203 Spidle Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA. jbhinnant@auburn.edu.
• 2Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, 203 Spidle Hall, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA. 

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Problem Gambling among Ontario Students: Associations with Substance Abuse, Mental Health Problems, Suicide Attempts, and Delinquent Behaviours

This paper describes gambling problems among Ontario students in 2009 and examines the relationship between gambling problems and substance use problems, mental health problem indicators, and delinquent behaviors. 

Data were derived from the Ontario Student Drug Use and Health Survey of Ontario students in grades 7-12. Gambling problems were measured as 2 or more of 6 indicators of problem gambling. In total 2.8 % of the students surveyed endorsed two or more of the problem gambling items. The odds of problem gamblers reporting mental distress was 4.2 times higher than the rest of the sample and the odds of problem gamblers reporting a suicide attempt were 17.8 times greater than the rest of the sample. 

In addition compared to the rest of the students, delinquent behaviors were also more common among problem gamblers, including theft (OR = 14.5), selling marijuana (OR = 19.6), gang fights (OR = 11.3) and carrying a handgun (OR = 11.2). 

In a multivariate analysis, substance-use problems, mental health problems, and the participation in a variety of delinquent behaviors remained significantly associated with youth problem gambling behavior. Students who report problem gambling behaviors show increased substance abuse, mental health, and delinquency/criminal problems that are similar to those seen among adult problem gamblers. 

The association between these problems suggests that these problems could be addressed in a unified manner.

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By:  Cook S1, Turner NE2,3, Ballon B4,5, Paglia-Boak A6, Murray R7, Adlaf EM8,9, Ilie G10, den Dunnen W11, Mann RE12,13.

• 1Department of Sociology, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. steven.cook10@me.com.
• 2Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Rm. T524, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada. Nigel_Turner@camh.net.
• 3Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. Nigel_Turner@camh.net.
• 4Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Rm. T524, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada. Bruce.Ballon@camh.ca.
• 5Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. Bruce.Ballon@camh.ca.
• 6Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Rm. T524, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada. Angela.Boak@camh.ca.
• 7Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Rm. T524, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada. Robert.Murray@camh.ca.
• 8Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Rm. T524, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada. eadlaf@sympatico.ca.
• 9Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. eadlaf@sympatico.ca.
• 10St. Michael's Hospital, Toronto, ON, Canada.
• 11Department of Psychology, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada.
• 12Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, 33 Russell Street, Rm. T524, Toronto, ON, M5S 2S1, Canada. Robert.Mann@camh.ca.
• 13Dalla Lana School of Public Health, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada. Robert.Mann@camh.ca. 

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Relation of Psychosocial Factors to Diverse Behaviors and Attitudes among Somali Refugees

Refugee studies have examined both resilience and adverse outcomes, but no research has examined how different outcomes co-occur or are distinct, and the social-contextual factors that give rise to these diverse outcomes. 

The current study begins to address this gap by using latent profile analysis to examine the ways in which delinquency, gang involvement, civic engagement, political engagement, and openness to violent extremism cluster among Somali refugees. We then use multivariable regression analyses to examine how adversity (e.g., discrimination, trauma, and marginalization) is associated with the identified latent classes. Data were collected from 374 Somali refugee young adults (Mage = 21.30 years, SD = 2.90, range 18-30, 38% female) from 4 different North American communities. 

Participants completed a structured survey assessing their experiences of adversity, delinquent and/or violent attitudes and behaviors (e.g., attitudes toward violent extremism, participation in delinquent behaviors, involvement in gangs), and positive outcomes (e.g., civic and political engagement). 

Our findings indicate that participants fall into 5 distinct groups, and that social-contextual and individual factors are uniquely related to those groups. Specifically, strong social bonds seem to be associated with positive outcomes. 

These findings point to the need to further examine both positive and negative outcomes, paying special attention to social-contextual factors.

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By:  Ellis BH, Abdi SM, Lazarevic V, White MT, Lincoln AK, Stern JE, Horgan JG.

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Family Context and Externalizing Correlates of Childhood Animal Cruelty in Adjudicated Delinquents

The purpose of this study was to determine whether childhood animal cruelty is primarily a feature of family context or of externalizing behavior. 

Twenty measures of family context and proactive (fearlessness) and reactive (disinhibition) externalizing behavior were correlated with the retrospective accounts of childhood animal cruelty provided by 1,354 adjudicated delinquents. A cross-sectional analysis revealed that all 20 family context, proactive externalizing, and reactive externalizing variables correlated significantly with animal cruelty. 

Prospective analyses showed that when the animal cruelty variable was included in a regression equation with the 10 family context variables (parental arguing and fighting, parental drug use, parental hostility, and parental knowledge and monitoring of offspring behavior) or in a regression equation with the five reactive externalizing variables (interpersonal hostility, secondary psychopathy, weak impulse control, weak suppression of aggression, and short time horizon), it continued to predict future violent and income (property + drug) offending. 

The animal cruelty variable no longer predicted offending, however, when included in a regression equation with the five proactive externalizing variables (early onset behavioral problems, primary psychopathy, moral disengagement, positive outcome expectancies for crime, and lack of consideration for others). 

These findings suggest that while animal cruelty correlates with a wide range of family context and externalizing variables, it may serve as a marker of violent and nonviolent offending by virtue of its position on the proactive subdimension of the externalizing spectrum.

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By:  Walters GD1, Noon A2.

• 1Kutztown University, PA, USA walters@kutztown.edu.
• 2Kutztown University, PA, USA. 

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