Journal abstracts from current research in the field of child and adolescent mental health

Authors:Meyer-Weitz, A and Steyn, M Publication Year:1992 Descriptors:*Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome; *Health Behaviour; *Health Education; *Sex Education; *Sexually Transmitted Diseases; *Student Behaviour; Decision Making Skills; Foreign Countries; Learning Modules; Models; Pilot Projects; Prevention; Secondary Education; Sexuality; Units of Study Identifiers:South Africa Abstract:This publication reports on a pilot programme on Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS) and life skills training implemented in 12 schools in Pretoria, Laudium, Cape Town, and Soweto (South Africa). Data was collected through preand post-questionnaires and focus group interviews. The purpose of the programme was to provide adolescents with accurate information on which decisions about HIV prevention behaviour and tolerance towards people infected with the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) would be based. The programme had ten modules, each with specific teaching objectives; suggested teaching methods, teaching aids, and learning activities; and suggestions for additional reading. The modules addressed puberty and adolescence, relationships (e.g., peer, family, opposite sex), love, human sexuality, decision making, sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), and HIV/AIDS. Findings indicated that students showed a general improvement in HIV/AIDS-related topics as well as more positive perceptions of condom use, and more realistic perceptions regarding susceptibility, and the seriousness and outcomes of HIV/AIDS. There was also an increased perception of peer pressure to engage in sexual activity. A number of recommendations regarding the context of the programme are outlined, first in terms of various survey fields and second with regard to the improvement of the programme modules. Appendices include: descriptions of statistical techniques and survey fields; anova analysis; preand post-test mean scores; percentages on specific items; and prescribed reading materials. (Contains 36 references.) (ND) Corporate Source:Human Sciences Research Council, Pretoria (South Africa). (BBB15557) Country of Publication:South Africa Language:English Clearinghouse:Teaching and Teacher Education (SP037286) Number of Pages:156 Publication Type:Reports — Research/Technical (143) Availability:Available in paper and on microfiche EDRS Price MF01/PC07 Plus Postage. Journal Code:RIESEP1997 Entry Month:199709 ERIC Number:ED407372 Availability:Full Text from ERIC Available in paper and on microfiche EDRS Price MF01/PC02 Plus Postage. New York University, Institute for Education and Social Policy, 726 Broadway, 5th Floor, New York, NY 10003, Tel:212-998-5880; Fax: 2129954564; . edu/iesp. Persistent link to this record: http://search.epnet.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&an =ED407372 Cut and Paste: <Ahref=”http://search.epnet.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db =eric&an=ED407372”>AIDS Preventive Education and Life Skills Training Programme for Secondary Schools: Development and Evaluation.</A> Database: ERIC Title:Social Risks and Psychological Adjustment: A Comparison of African American and South African Children. Author:Barbarin, Oscar A Source:Child Development v70(6):1348-59 Nov-Dec 1999 Publication Year:1999 ISSN:00093920 Descriptors:*Adjustment (to Environment); *At Risk Persons; *Black Youth; *Children; *Emotional Adjustment; Behaviour Problems; Bullying; Comparative Analysis; Cross Cultural Studies; Emotional Problems; Foreign Countries; Hyperactivity; Males; Maturity (Individuals); One Parent Family; Peer Relationship; Poverty; Social Adjustment; Symptoms (Individual Disorders) Identifiers:*African Americans; *South Africans; Cross National Studies Abstract:Assessed effects of social risks on psychological adjustment of African American and black South African sixyear-olds. Confirmed poverty and gender as risk factors, but not single-female family headship. Found that poverty and gender posed less risk for South Africans than African Americans. Found gender and national differences in adjustment: social contexts and cultural resources may account for differences. (Author/KB) Language:English Clearinghouse:Elementary and Early Childhood Education (PS530253) Number of Pages:12 Publication Type:Journal Article (080) Reports:Research/Technical (143) Journal Code:CIJAUG2000 Entry Month:200008 ERIC Number:EJ602154 Persistent link to this record: http://search.epnet.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=eric&an =EJ602154 Cut and Paste: <Ahref=”http://search.epnet.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db =eric&an=EJ602154”>Social Risks and Psychological Adjustment: A Comparison of African American and South African Children.</A> Database: ERIC Title:The Social Context of Conduct Problems and Delinquency in Adolescence. Authors:Barbarin, Oscar and Christian, Marcelle Journal of Child and Adolescent Mental Health 2005, 17(1): 49–54 51 Publication Year:1997 Descriptors:*Behaviour Problems; *Blacks; *Delinquency; *Etiology; *Family Influence; *Social Influences; Adolescents; At Risk Persons; Foreign Countries; Poverty; Racial Bias; Secondary Education; Urban Youth; Youth Problems Identifiers:*African Americans; Michigan (Detroit); South Africa Abstract:This paper describes a study of African-American families (N=10) that have one son in placement in a youth facility. The paper investigates the social context of behavioural problems among these Detroit youth, exploring the challenges faced by low-income minority families. Participants in the study described critical events in their lives, and recounted the paths leading to conduct problems. The youth elaborated on spirituality, social support, race, manhood, and prospects for the future. Some of the themes that emerged included the early absence of a parent, weak parental coalitions, early signs of impulsivity and substance abuse. It was also found that living in transitional communities presented a challenge to the parents of these at-risk youth. The findings illuminate the confusion manifested in the acceptance of criminal identity and behaviours. Delinquency, for these youth, may also represent a series of system failures, such as the absence of early interventions for learning disabilities and family violence. The conditions of the study group are contrasted with the experiences of youthful offenders in South Africa. (RJM) Notes:Paper presented at the Annual Meeting of the American Psychological Association (105th, Chicago, IL, August 15-19, 1997). Country of Publication:U.S.; Michigan Language:English Clearinghouse:Counseling and Student Services (CG028246) Number of Pages:33 Publication Type:Reports Research/Technical (143) Speeches/Conference Papers (150) Availability:Available in paper and on microfiche EDRS Price MF01/PC02 Plus Postage. Journal Code:RIEJUN1998 Entry Month:199806 ERIC Number:ED415469 Availability: