525 research outputs found
Online support for caregivers of people with a mental illness.
No full textThis article reports on an online self-help group for caregivers of people with a mental illness. A discourse analysis was conducted using 417 messages contained within an 18-month period Messages that had a primary focus of disclosure (N = 160) and providing information or advice (N = 89) were the most frequent. The content of messages was also examined. Discussion of emotions and diagnoses were found in 42% and 34.6% of the messages, respectively. A review of the current status of online self-help groups and implications for practice are also provided.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/61159/1/Online Support.pd
A Critical Examination of the Environmental Mastery Scale
No full textThe Psychological well being Inventory (PWBI) is a multidimensional instrument that has enjoyed widespread use in a variety of research initiatives, from small-scale studies to national surveys. Recent empirical investigation of the measure has raised questions about its validity. This study examines the factorial validity of the Environmental Mastery Scale of the PWBI, a construct that receives much attention in mental health research. The results of a confirmatory factor analysis did not support the unidimensional factor structure of the measure. Correlated uniqueness models were also examined, which did not reveal evidence of a method effect. There are problems with the measure at the item level, which also raises significant questions about the underlying theory of its parent measure.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/61157/1/EMS.pd
A survey of inhalant use disorders among delinquent youth: prevalence, clinical features, and latent structure of DSM-IV diagnostic criteria.
No full textBACKGROUND: Inhalant use is among the most pernicious and poorly understood forms of adolescent substance use. Many youth in the juvenile justice system have used inhalants, but little is known about inhalant use disorders (IUDs) in antisocial youth populations. The purpose of this study was to examine the prevalence, clinical features, and latent structure of DSM-IV IUDs in a state population of antisocial youth. METHODS: Cross-sectional survey conducted in 2003. Of 740 youth residing in Missouri State Division of Youth Services' (MDYS) residential treatment facilities at the time the study was conducted, 723 (97.7%) completed interviews. Eighty-seven percent were male, with a mean age of 15.5 (SD = 1.2). Nearly 4 in 10 youth (38.5%; n = 279) reported lifetime inhalant use. Youth ranged from very mildly to severely antisocial. RESULTS: Of 279 inhalant users, 52 (18.6%) met DSM-IV inhalant abuse criteria and 79 (28.3%) met inhalant dependence criteria. Five of 10 IUD criteria were met by > 10% of the total sample. Latent class analyses demonstrated a substantial concordance between DSM-IV-defined IUDs and an empirically-derived classification based on responses to DSM-IV IUD diagnostic criteria. CONCLUSION: IUDs and constituent criteria were prevalent among youth in the juvenile justice system. Two groups of problem inhalant users were identified, symptomatic users-DSM-IV inhalant abuse and highly symptomatic users-DSM-IV inhalant dependence, which differed primarily in severity of inhalant-related problems. Inhalant screening, prevention and treatment efforts in juvenile justice settings are rarely delivered, but critically needed.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/62079/1/IUD Survey.pd
Coping with voices: A group approach for managing auditory hallucinations.
No full textThis article describes a group intervention designed to help people with severe mental illnesses cope with auditory hallucinations. Each session is comprised of both a supportive discussion and skills training. The skills training component utilizes a modeling sequence to promote the development of behavioral coping strategies. These strategies are empirically derived and have been organized into a user-friendly format based on the input of persons who experience hallucinations and mental health professionals. Practical information is also provided to serve as a guide for organizing and implementing this group.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/61163/1/Auditory.pd
Burnout and Secondary Trauma Among Forensic Interviewers of Abused Children
No full textThis study examined factors associated with burnout and secondary trauma among forensic interviewers of abused children. Sixty-six forensic interviewers who are affiliated with advocacy centers across the United States completed an online survey. The Oldenburg Burnout Inventory and Secondary Traumatic Stress Scale were used to measure burnout and secondary trauma, respectively. Results indicate that organizational satisfaction has a moderate inverse relationship with burnout and a slight inverse relationship with secondary trauma. The number of forensic interviews conducted or length of employment in forensic interviewing did not have a strong relationship with either burnout or secondary trauma.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/61155/1/Burnout.pd
The prevalence and correlates of closed-head trauma among incarcerated adolescents
No full textBackground: Delinquent youth frequently exhibit high-risk behaviours that can result
in serious injury. However, little is known about traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and
their correlates in this population.
Aims: To examine the period prevalence and correlates of TBIs in delinquent youths.
Method: Interviews were conducted with 720 (97.3%) residents of 27 Missouri
Division of Youth Services rehabilitation facilities between March 1 and May 31, 2003.
Participants [mean age (Mage) = 15.5, standard deviation (SD) = 1.2, 87% male]
completed measures assessing TBI, substance use, psychiatric symptoms, and antisocial traits/behaviours. TBI was defined as ever having sustained a head injury causing
unconsciousness for more than 20 minutes.
Results Nearly one-in-five youths (18.3%) reported a lifetime TBI. Youths with TBIs
were significantly more likely than youths without to be male, have received a psychiatric diagnosis, report an earlier onset of criminal behaviour/substance use and more
lifetime substance use problems and past-year criminal acts, evidence psychiatric symptoms, report lifetime suicidality, be impulsive, fearless, and external in locus of control and criminally victimized in the year preceding incarceration. Male gender and frequency of own criminal victimization were important predictors of TBI in multivariate analyses. Regression analyses adjusted for demographic factors, indicated that youths with TBIs were at significantly elevated risk for current depressive/anxious symptoms, antisocial behaviour, and substance abuse problems.
Conclusions: TBI is common among delinquent youth and associated with wide ranging psychiatric dysfunction; however, the causal role of TBIs in the pathogenesis of co-morbid conditions remains unclear.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/60997/1/fulltext-1.pd
Endemic asthma inhaler misuse and abuse among antisocial adolescents.
No full textBACKGROUND: Approximately 40 million prescriptions were dispensed in the U.S. for asthma inhalers in 2006. Although the pervasive distribution of asthma inhalers warrants greater attention to possible misuse of these products, few investigations have examined asthma inhaler misuse. The purpose of this study was to describe the prevalence, correlates and consequences of asthma inhaler misuse among antisocial youth. METHOD: A cross-sectional survey with face-to-face interviews assessing substance use, psychiatric symptoms, and antisocial behaviors among adolescents (N=723) in residential treatment. RESULTS: More than 26% (N=193) of youth were diagnosed with asthma; 91.2% of asthmatic youth had received a prescription for an inhaler. Of the 373 youth who had used a prescribed or non-prescribed asthma inhaler, 23.6% (N=88) reported using an inhaler to get high (i.e., were inhaler misusers). Asthma inhaler misusers had an earlier onset of antisocial conduct, significantly greater levels of current psychiatric distress and lifetime suicidality, higher rates of lifetime substance use problems and volatile solvent abuse, and significantly higher levels of temperamental impulsivity and fearlessness than did inhaler non-users or users. Caucasian racial status, current level of psychiatric distress, and lifetime volatile solvent abuse significantly distinguished lifetime asthma inhaler users and misusers in multivariate logistic regression analyses. Asthma inhaler misusers were significantly more likely to report euphoria, memory problems, slurred speech, blurred vision, confusion, dizziness, and a variety of other acute reactions to asthma inhaler use than were asthma inhaler users. CONCLUSIONS: Asthma inhaler misuse for the purposes of getting high was prevalent among antisocial youth, co-occurred with other psychiatric and substance use problems, and was associated with adverse consequences.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/61147/1/Inhaler Use.pd
Victimization in inner-city African-American substance abusing treatment clients: prevalence, associations, and implications for treatment planning.
No full textVictimization is regarded as a significant public health issue, especially among adolescents in urban areas. Although victimization is linked to substance use, the research on victimization among adolescents in treatment is underdeveloped. Given the high rate of victimization among African-American adolescents, further research on the prevalence and correlates of victimization for this population is needed. This knowledge can guide the development of effective treatment and prevention strategies. This study contributed to the research by examining the rate and different types of victimization among a sample of African-American adolescents in an urban substance abuse treatment program, testing whether victimization is associated with increased levels of psychopathology and high-risk behaviors; and comparing the rates and associations with existing studies of adolescent victimization. It reports on a sample of 259 African-American adolescents receiving substance abuse treatment in an inner-city program. Fifty-four percent of the subjects reported lifetime victimization. Severity of victimization was associated with depression, generalized anxiety disorder, traumatic stress disorder, and conduct disorder, although the effect sizes were relatively small. Lifetime victimization exhibited a relationship of small to moderate strength with high-risk behaviors (i.e., illegal activity, gang membership, multiple sex partners and unprotected sex). Service implications and recommendations for future research are provided.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/61154/1/Victimization.pd
Making time for dissertation grants: Strategies for social work students and educators
No full textGrant writing is a necessary skill for becoming an independent and successful social work researcher. Since social work dissertation grants are a relatively new trend, students face many challenges in identifying, preparing, and submitting dissertation grants. Lack of resources and experiences, difficulties in protecting time for grant writing, and the uncertainty of
success can hinder work on dissertation grants. Thus, this article provides an overview of dissertation grants, including a
review of grant mechanisms, suggestions for preparing grants in the context of program milestones, and identifying institutional infrastructure to facilitate submissions. Strategies discussed include how to learn about funding priorities, how to establish timelines to account for grant deadlines, and how to use peer reviews to guide the revision process.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/62083/1/Dissertation.pd
A Systematic Review of Structural Equation Modelling in Social Work Research
No full textStructural equation modelling (SEM) is serving an increasingly important role in developing knowledge for the social work profession. Numerous advances have made the software more user-friendly, enabling users to conduct analyses without fully understanding the underlying assumptions or the implications from their analytic decisions. Unlike other fields, there have not been any published reviews in social work research that systematically describe and critique the use of SEM. This study systematically reviewed how SEM is used in social work research and the extent to which it reflects best practices. Thirty-two articles from top-ranked social work journals published from 2001 to 2007 were examined. Of the different types of SEM, the most commonly used was confirmatory factor analysis. Strengths of the research reviewed included examining models and measures not previously tested empirically and generating new insights into old topics through the use of SEM. Weaknesses included significant model modifications without theoretical justification or substantive interpretations. Suggestions are offered for improving applications of SEM in social work research. Specifically, we encourage social work researchers to test competing models, to make model modifications only when theoretically justified, to detail the process of making modifications and to use estimation procedures appropriate to the data.Peer Reviewedhttp://deepblue.lib.umich.edu/bitstream/2027.42/61156/1/SEM.pd
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