Involvement In Risky Behaviors Research Articles

ParentsÂ’ Perceptions and Beliefs on Adolescence and Substance Use: A Preliminary Qualitative Study in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates [UAE

Introduction: Parents were considered as one of the main elements in the framework of theories about deviance and problem behaviors such as substance use. Despite the well-established evidence on the prominent role of the parental factors in protecting adolescents from risky behaviors such as substance use, and given the large change in the lifestyles witnessed among Emirate families; little attention was given to understanding and examining parent’s beliefs and perceptions of factors associated with substance use among adolescents. The aims of the study are to: Explore parental knowledge of substance use among adolescents in their communities, commonly used substances and patterns of use. Explore parental perception of risk and protective factors related to substance use. Explore parental attitudes towards adolescence and their perceptions of the challenges observed during adolescence. Methods: A qualitative approach utilizing six focus groups 38 parents [17 fathers and 21 mothers]. Results: Many parents were worried and complained about the initiation of new behaviours among adolescents; however they were not aware about the developmental changes adolescents undergo and its association with the initiation of new behaviours. Parents believed that individual, familial, and psychosocial related factors can moderate or increase the risk of substance use among adolescents. Apparently, the role of effective communication in enhancing the parent-adolescent relationship and moderating the risk associated with substance use was emphasized by all participants. Parents listed many factors limiting the communication with their offspring including: the vast uncontrolled use of social media, limited time allocated for children and lack of parental skills Conclusion: The present study demonstrates that, parents in Abu Dhabi can moderate the risk of substance use among adolescents if they equip themselves with the needed knowledge and skills. The important protective role of parent-adolescent communication against the initiation and involvement in risky behaviors was emphasized by our findings. To optimize parent-adolescents communication, Emirate parents in Abu Dhabi residing in the city; especially fathers should spend more time and communicate more frequently with their offspring The present study also suggest designing prevention program that considers attitudes towards substance use problem among adolescents using community mobilization in urban areas. Given the great influence of modern media on the beliefs, behaviors and attitudes of adolescents, future studies should examine this association.

Do the effects of adolescent employment differ by employment intensity and neighborhood context?

Research on the effects of adolescent employment on primarily middle-class youth suggests that intense employment, working more than 15 or 20 hours during the school year, is associated with increased participation in risky behavior. Despite these findings, scholars who focus on the development of youth living in low-income urban areas often hypothesize that adolescent employment will have beneficial effects on this population. There is some evidence that adolescent employment is associated with increased educational achievement and adult employment for low-income urban youth. The impact of adolescent employment on future engagement in risky behavior across levels of neighborhood deprivation and employment intensity was investigated on a sample of 1,057 adolescents from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods, a longitudinal study of neighborhood effects on development. After controlling for individual characteristics, intense employment during adolescence did predict increased use of cigarettes and alcohol and having a greater number of sexual partners 2years after employment was measured. There were no significant interactions between neighborhood SES and adolescent employment status on involvement in risky behavior. These findings suggest that intense adolescent employment is associated with detrimental developmental outcomes for youth regardless neighborhood context.

Hispanic Youth Involvement in Over-The-Counter Drug Use: Parent, Peer, and School Factors

Research on substance use among Hispanic youth is lacking. The purpose of this study was to examine over-the-counter drug use among Hispanic youth. Of Hispanic youth, 23.9% used an over-the-counter drug for the purpose of getting high. Involvement in prosocial behaviors was correlated with decreased over-the-counter use for females and high school students. Involvement in risky behaviors increased the risk of use for males, females, junior high school students, and high school students. Significant differences were found based on parent, peer, teacher, and school factors. Prevention and intervention programs should address over-the-counter drug use among Hispanic youth.

Friendships Quality and Classmates Support: How to influence the well-being of adolescents

The purpose of this study is to analyze the influence of quality friendship and classmates support on risk behaviour and well-being of Portuguese adolescents. The sample was composed by individuals that participated in the study in continental Portugal, integrating the European study HBSC – Health Behaviour in School – aged Children. The study included a total of 4877 students from the 6th, 8th and 10th grades from Portuguese public schools, with an average age of 14 years. The results revealed the trend towards classmates’ more protection for involvement in risky behaviour, than to have high quality friends. The quality of friendship comes as the protector factor to other areas just as important, as happiness, life satisfaction and quality of life.

Neuropathology of substance use disorders

Addictions to licit and illicit drugs are chronic relapsing brain disorders that affect circuits that regulate reward, motivation, memory, and decision-making. Drug-induced pathological changes in these brain regions are associated with characteristic enduring behaviors that continue despite adverse biopsychosocial consequences. Repeated exposure to these substances leads to egocentric behaviors that focus on obtaining the drug by any means and on taking the drug under adverse psychosocial and medical conditions. Addiction also includes craving for the substances and, in some cases, involvement in risky behaviors that can cause death. These patterns of behaviors are associated with specific cognitive disturbances and neuroimaging evidence for brain dysfunctions in a diverse population of drug addicts. Postmortem studies have also revealed significant biochemical and/or structural abnormalities in some addicted individuals. The present review provides a summary of the evidence that has accumulated over the past few years to implicate brain dysfunctions in the varied manifestations of drug addiction. We thus review data on cerebrovascular alterations, brain structural abnormalities, and postmortem studies of patients who abuse cannabis, cocaine, amphetamines, heroin, and "bath salts". We also discuss potential molecular, biochemical, and cellular bases for the varied clinical presentations of these patients. Elucidation of the biological bases of addiction will help to develop better therapeutic approaches to these patient populations.

Depression and HIV Risk Taking Among Men Who Have Sex with Other Men and Who Use the Internet to Find Partners for Unprotected Sex

This study examines the prevalence of depression in a sample of men who have sex with men (MSM) who are at high risk for HIV. It examines the relationship between depressive symptomatology and involvement in HIV risk behaviors and the factors associated with greater depressive symptomatology. The data come from a national random sample of 332 MSM who used any of 16 websites to identify men with whom they could engage in unprotected sex. Data were collected via telephone interviews. Depression was more prevalent in this population (26.7%) than among men in the general population. Depression was not related directly to any of the HIV risk behaviors examined, but it was related to men's attitudes toward condom use, which was the strongest predictor of their involvement in risky behaviors. Five factors were identified as being associated with greater depression: lower educational attainment, greater discrimination based on sexual orientation, greater eroticizing of ejaculatory fluids, experiencing more substance abuse problems, and greater childhood maltreatment. The study found that depression is a consequential problem in this population. Although depression does not appear to be related directly to HIV risk practices in this population, its influence cannot be discounted because of its effects on other key predictors of risk involvement.

Economic hardship and Mexican-origin adolescents’ adjustment: Examining adolescents’ perceptions of hardship and parent–adolescent relationship quality.

Studies examining economic hardship consistently have linked family economic hardship to adolescent adjustment via parent and family functioning, but limited attention has been given to adolescents' perceptions of these processes. To address this, the authors investigated the intervening effects of adolescents' perceptions of economic hardship and of parent-adolescent warmth and conflict on the associations between parental economic hardship and adolescent adjustment (i.e., depressive symptoms, risky behaviors, and school performance) in a sample of 246 Mexican-origin families. Findings revealed that both mothers' and fathers' reports of economic hardship were positively related to adolescents' reports of economic hardship, which in turn, were negatively related to parent-adolescent warmth and positively related to parent-adolescent conflict with both mothers and fathers. Adolescents' perceptions of economic hardship were indirectly related to (a) depressive symptoms through warmth with mothers and conflict with mothers and fathers, (b) involvement in risky behaviors through conflict with mothers and fathers, and (c) GPA through conflict with fathers. Our findings highlight the importance of adolescents' perceptions of family economic hardship and relationships with mothers and fathers in predicting adolescent adjustment.

English

Adolescence is frequently regarded as a time of increased vulnerability to engaging in risky behaviors such as binge drinking, unsafe sexual activities, and illicit drug use. The present study examined risk perception and risk-taking behavior in older adolescents from two di erent perspectives, by examining temperamental and metamotivational predictors of likelihood of engaging in risky activities. A sample of 76 undergraduate students aged 17 to 19 years completed a questionnaire package that included the Motivational Style Profile, Rebelliousness Questionnaire, the short form of the Adult Temperament Questionnaire, and the expected risk and expected involvement subscales of the Cognitive Appraisal of Risky Events. Findings indicated that rebelliousness and e ortful control (i.e., ability to appropriately regulate attention and behavior) were strong predictors of expected involvement in risky behaviors, and that proactive rebelliousness was a particularly influential predictor of illicit drug use, risky sexual activities, aggressive and illegal behaviors, and risky academic and work behaviors. In addition, a number of significant correlations between temperamental variables and metamotivational dominance were observed, lending empirical support to reversal theory’s metamotivational constructs and their measurement.

Social Determinants to Nonmedical Prescription Drug Use among Multiracial Youth

Background: The prevalence of Nonmedical prescription drug (NMPD) use, which is defined as using prescription drugs without a doctor’s prescription, is increasing among youth. The present study examined Nonmedical prescription drug (NMPD) use among Multiracial students in 7th through 12th grades. Method: A total of 2,134 students completed the PRIDE Questionnaire, which examines alcohol and drug use among youth. Results: A total of 14.8% of students reported using NMPDs in their lifetime. No significant differences were found based on sex. High school students were significantly more likely than junior high school students to use NMPDs. Results indicated that friends’ involvement in tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana was associated with significantly greater odds of lifetime Nonmedical prescription drug use. Involvement in risky behaviors also increased the odds of use. Conclusions: NMPD use is a significant issue among Multiracial youth. Specific prevention efforts should be implemented. Findings from this study may be used to develop prevention programs for Multiracial youth.

Advertising, Gender and Health Advice: The Case of Men’s Health in the Year 2000

This article examines the potential influence of advertising in health magazines through detailed analysis of advertisements contained in 12 issues of the US magazine Men's Health from the year 2000, in the context of the articles which surround the advertisements. Tensions are explored between the role of the magazines in constructing male consumers to deliver to advertisers, and the dispensing of genuine health advice. Tensions are particularly apparent when health advice would go against typical images of hegemonic masculinity, for example advice to drink less alcohol, eat less meat, eat less convenience food, or reduce involvement in risky behaviour. The conclusion considers whether in constructing a male consumer, which in itself threatens traditional masculine images since it involves an interest in fashion, shopping and grooming products, there is potential for magazines to compromise health advice by avoiding further threats to traditional masculinity.

Suicide Ideation in Jamaican Youth: Sociodemographic Prevalence, Protective and Risk Factors

To determine the prevalence of suicidal ideation and examine the association between suicidal ideation and sociodemographic characteristics, protective and risk factors among Jamaican youth. In this cross-sectional study, an interviewer administered school-based survey was conducted among 2997 students 10-15 years old in Jamaica. Although there were a number of questions on suicide, this paper focusses on one question "During the past year did you ever seriously consider attempting suicide?" as the measure of suicidal ideation. The prevalence rate of suicidal ideation was 9.7%. Logistic regression analysis revealed that significant correlates of suicidal ideation were being female (odds ratio = 1.49), being depressed (odds ratio = 5.78), living in a rural area (odds ratio = 0.62), likes oneself (odds ratio = 0.58), indulging in aggressive behaviour (odds ratio = 1.43), has considered harming others (odds ratio = 3.11), protective factors in the home (odds ratio = 0.62), involvement in risky behaviour (odds ratio = 1.56) and being teased/bullied (odds ratio = 1.69). These findings have implication for prevention and treatment of suicidal behaviour in children and adolescents.

Protective Factors Associated with Fewer Multiple Problem Behaviors Among Homeless/Runaway Youth

Although homeless youth exhibit numerous problem behaviors, protective factors that can be targeted and modified by prevention programs to decrease the likelihood of involvement in risky behaviors are less apparent. The current study tested a model of protective factors for multiple problem behavior in a sample of 474 homeless youth (42% girls; 83% minority) ages 12 to 24 years. Higher levels of problem solving and planning skills were strongly related to lower levels of multiple problem behaviors in homeless youth, suggesting both the positive impact of preexisting personal assets of these youth and important programmatic targets for further building their resilience and decreasing problem behaviors. Indirect relationships between the background factors of self-esteem and social support and multiple problem behaviors were significantly mediated through protective skills. The model suggests that helping youth enhance their skills in goal setting, decision making, and self-reliant coping could lessen a variety of problem behaviors commonly found among homeless youth.

A Qualitative Study of the Formation and Composition of Social Networks Among Homeless Youth

Although social networks are essential for explaining protective and risk factors among homeless youth, little is known about the formation and composition of these groups. In this study, we utilized 19 in-depth interviews with homeless youth to investigate their social network formation, role relationships, housing status, and network member functions. Our findings reveal that the formation of these networks occurred in different ways including meeting network members through others or in specific social situations. The majority of social network members were currently housed and provided various functions including instrumental and social support and protection. Responses from participants provide valuable insight into the formation of social networks and potentially explain their subsequent involvement in risky behaviors.

“I Had To Teach Hard”: Traumatic Conditions and Teachers in Post-Katrina Classrooms

“I Had To Teach Hard”: Traumatic Conditions and Teachers in Post-Katrina Classrooms Deborah Alvarez Introduction “The general impact of a natural disaster makes it one of the most challenging crises to be addressed by a teacher” (Damiani, 2006, p 35). Before Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans on August 29, 2005, one hundred and twenty one schools in the New Orleans Public Schools (NOPS) system were in the process of being transferred to the newly created, state run Recovery School District (RSD). On September 29, 2005, the New Orleans Parish School Board fired all 7500 employees, including every teacher. If the change in school leadership and the historical neglect that precipitated the changes were not enough, the disaster brought another layer of crises that would confront teachers as they tried to resume educating the returning students to the public schools. This research study examines the instructional practices of teachers following the disaster and explores the role written literacies played in their instructional adaptations. In this two-year study, the evidence revealed that a disaster event required teachers to make specific changes in disciplinary content and instructional practice. All the teachers acknowledged that teaching after Katrina’s devastation brought unexpected challenges to the classroom. As one teacher stated, “I had to teach hard. I worked harder that semester than I have in my [whole] teaching career” (Personal Communication, August, 2006). Teachers found instruction after the disaster to be “hard”; teachers not only had to cope with their personal stresses but also had to manage unstable environmental conditions, changes in adolescent behavior, and school disciplinary changes that occurred during the recovery process. For the English Language Arts teachers, oral story telling and written narrative tasks became important tools for coping with the challenges. Existing Curricula for Addressing Traumatic Conditions in the Classroom A natural or man-made disaster is a critical life event, which may result in traumatic stress brought on by the unexpected changes of living without a home, clothing, food or safety. Adults may experience sleeplessness, numbness, recurring nightmares replaying the event, inability to focus, inattentiveness, emotional outbursts, paranoia and more aggressive physical behavior (Dyregrov & Mitchell, 1992). Over time, responses may include physical illness and new physical disabilities or debilitating pain. In adolescents, the stresses from the disaster can be manifested in poor decisions, involvement in risky behaviors, distrust of adults, violent outbursts and/or withdrawal. Research on the effects disasters have upon adolescents has revealed similar conclusions (Goenjian et al., 2001; Warheit et al., 1996; Weems & Overstreet, 2008; Reijneveid, Crone & Verloove-Vanhorick, 2003). Directions for educators on how to handle these behaviors through classroom instruction offer general advice (Picard, 2006) and declare the value of school in creating a safe environment for building resiliency (Brock, Lazarus & Jimerson, 2006; Jaycox et al., 2006; Lerner, Volpe & Lindell, 2003; Kruczek & Salsman, 2006). Since Katrina, some research and information has been gathered about the traumatic stresses that affect teachers and children (Bedford & Kieff, 2009; Carlson et al., 2010; Masten & Obradovic, 2008; Wachtendorf, Brown & Nickel, 2008). However, this array of information has not focused or analyzed what specifically happens in classrooms when teachers attempt to address traumatic stresses through disciplinary content and teaching practices. Even less research has explored what makes teaching after trauma most challenging for teachers. [End Page 28] In 2008, The Aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, edited by Dorothy Singleton, revealed lessons and literacy activities specifically designed to meet the needs of African-American children (Singleton, 2008). The collection paid special attention to the effects of education, or lack of academic equity, in the New Orleans schools and family environment (Morris, 2008). Chapter four of Singleton’s book, “Culturally Responsive Literacy” suggests that writing activities like journaling, storytelling, and personal narrative promote resiliency in young children. These same activities are also identified as valuable for older children as well and echo a common theme for building classroom accommodations for children affected with traumatic stress, whatever the source (Bedford & Kieff, 2009; Kliman et al., 2005; Tisserand 2007).1 A recurring research theme among all these sources stressed the positive relationship between writing tasks and narrative telling as the initial steps toward psychological recovery from traumatic stresses (Anderson & MacCurdy, 2000; DeSalvo, 1999; Pennebaker, 2000...

The role of religious involvement on depression, risky behavior, and academic performance among Korean American adolescents

Structural equation modeling was used to test a theoretical path model of church engagement, personal spirituality, and mentoring relationships on depressive symptoms, involvement in risky behaviors, and self-reported grades among Korean American adolescents. It was hypothesized that personal spirituality and mentoring relationship quality would mediate the relation between church engagement and adolescent outcomes. Data were obtained through a self-report survey from 248 Korean American adolescents in grades 7 through 12. High levels of church engagement, as characterized by years of attendance, choice to attend, and participation in activities, predicted deeper personal spirituality and better mentoring relationships. Personal spirituality, as measured by one’s daily religious experiences, beliefs, and private spiritual practices, was a mediator of the relationship between church engagement and adolescent outcomes. Specifically, higher levels of church engagement was linked to stronger personal spirituality, which in turn predicted less depressive symptoms for girls and higher grades for boys.

Mexican-Origin Adolescent Mothers’ Stressors and Psychosocial Functioning: Examining Ethnic Identity Affirmation and Familism as Moderators

Mexican-origin adolescent mothers are at increased risk for poor psychosocial functioning as a result of various stressors with which they must contend; however, existing theory suggests that cultural strengths may help mitigate the negative effects of stress. As such, the current study examined the associations between cultural and economic stressors and Mexican-origin adolescent mothers' (N=207; M age=16.23years, SD=1.0) internalizing and externalizing behaviors, as well as the degree to which ethnic identity affirmation and familism values moderated these links. Adolescent mothers who reported higher levels of discrimination, acculturative stress, and economic stress also reported higher depressive symptoms and greater involvement in risky behaviors. Importantly, ethnic identity affirmation minimized the negative associations between cultural stressors and adolescents' involvement in risky behaviors, with the associations being weakest among adolescents with high levels of ethnic identity. Familism appeared to serve a protective function under conditions of low levels of discrimination, but not under conditions of high levels of discrimination. Findings are discussed with special attention to the developmental and cultural contexts in which these adolescent mothers' lives are embedded, and implications for future research and practice are presented.

The relationship between perceived school climate and the prevalence of bullying behavior in Greek schools: implications for preventive inclusive strategies

The present study concerns the possible relationships between the perceived school climate and the prevalence of bullying behaviors in a sample of 369 primary school pupils. In addition, it aimed at examining the possible mediating role of engaging in risky behaviors in this relationship. All participants completed the Peer Experiences Questionnaire – PEQ, the School Climate Scale and the Risky Behavior Scale. It was found that negative perceptions of their school climate as well as involvement in risky behaviors predicted bullying behaviors towards their peers and that involvement in risky behaviors mediated this relationship.

College Student Smokers' Cognitive Appraisal of High-Risk Activities

Objective: Students who smoke are more likely to engage in risky behaviors such as binge drinking and unprotected sex (Schnieder and Morris, Environ Behav. 1999; 23:575–591). The goals of the present study were to determine whether smokers assess these behaviors as lower risk than nonsmokers, and if smoking rate influences risk perceptions. Methods: Participants were 303 college students. Cognitive Appraisal of Risky Activities (Fromme et al., Cognit Ther Res. 1997; 21:421–442) and smoking were assessed August–November, 2006. Results: Smokers reported significantly less risk, more benefit, and more involvement in risky behaviors than nonsmokers (p < .01). In hierarchical linear regression, risk perceptions moderated the association between smoking and (a) expected benefit from risky sexual behaviors (β = −1.121, p < .05); and (b) expected involvement with illicit drugs (β = −.313, p < .01). Conclusions: College smokers’ assessment of high-risk behaviors influenced their intended involvement. Risk perception change may therefore alter their involvement in high-risk behaviors.

Socioeconomic effects of HIV/AIDS and farmers' involvement in risky behaviour in southern Nigeria

This article analyses farmers' perceptions on the socioeconomic effects of HIV/AIDS and factors associated with their involvement in risky behaviour in southern part of Nigeria. The data were collected in 2004 from 515 farmers in five randomly selected states in southern Nigeria. The results show that most of the affected farmers spend reduced hours in daily work, as well as having a reduced income and reduced participation in community development due to HIV/AIDS. Logistic regression reveals that age and education significantly reduce the probability of being involved in behaviour conducive to HIV/AIDS infection, which is increased by not believing in the existence of HIV/AIDS, ignorance about HIV/AIDS methods of prevention, lack of warning about HIV/AIDS, reports of HIV/AIDS in the village, the distance to the public health centre and the lack of a health centre. These findings, while unsurprising, emphasise the importance of HIV/AIDS as a socioeconomic issue.

Studying the correlates of fraud victimization and reporting

Little is known about the correlates of white-collar victimization, and even less is known about white-collar crime reporting. In this article, the extent to which predictors of fraud victimization are the same as the predictors of fraud reporting is examined. Using a national sample of fraud victims, these findings were consistent with prior research in that involvement in risky behaviors and age were found to be important predictors of fraud victimization. Additionally, the specific factors that are influential in predicting fraud victimization appear to vary across offense type. Unfortunately, little was revealed regarding the predictors of the official reporting of fraud victimizations. Future research needs to further unravel the importance of risky behavior in both victimization and reporting, as well as to focus on a broader array of white-collar crimes.