Showing papers in "Child Care Quarterly in 2015"

Academic Impairment and Impact of Treatments Among Youth with Anxiety Disorders

Abstract: Global academic difficulties have often been reported in youth with anxiety disorders, however, little is known about the specific academic deficits in this population. To (a) evaluate the prevalence of seven specific academic impairments in children and adolescents with anxiety disorders, (b) determine whether these impairments are associated with demographic (i.e., race, gender and age) and clinical characteristics (i.e., type of disorder, anxiety severity and global impairment) and (c) examine the impact of anxiety treatments on these impairments. As part of the Child-Adolescent Anxiety Multimodal Study (a randomized controlled trial), academic impairments, anxiety severity and global impairment were measured in 488 youth (mean age = 10.7 years) with separation, social and/or generalized anxiety disorders. At baseline, 47 % of the sample was rated as impaired on 4 out of 7 items, and nearly 10 % of the sample was rated as academically impaired on 6 out of 7 items. Conversely, 28 % reported no impairment across the 7 items. There were no significant differences in parent-reported academic impairments by race, age or gender. Academic impairment was significantly, positively correlated with anxiety severity and negatively correlated with global functioning. Treatment responders were significantly more likely than non-responders to evidence improvement across all seven specific academic items. Specific academic impairments are prevalent among youth with anxiety disorders. The benefits of evidence-based treatments (i.e., medication/sertraline; CBT/Coping cat) extend beyond symptom relief to include improved academic performance, as perceived by parents, in youth with anxiety disorders.

Frequency, Power Differential, and Intentionality and the Relationship to Anxiety, Depression, and Self-Esteem for Victims of Bullying

Abstract: Bullying behavior is related to higher levels of internalizing distress and can be defined as including three aspects: frequency, intentionality, and power differential. However, bullying behavior is most often measured using only one aspect: frequency. The current study investigated the relative importance of several important constructs associated with bullying and their relations to social-emotional outcomes. Specifically, three aspects of bullying behavior were assessed: frequency, intentionality, and power differential. The relations between these aspects of victims of bullying and social-emotional outcomes were investigated in a sample of 612 7th and 8th grade students in a large suburban middle school. Results showed that power differential and intentionality meaningfully contributed to anxiety, depression, and self-esteem over and above frequency. Our findings demonstrate strong support for the utility of assessing power differential and intentionality along with frequency of victimization experiences, as there was predictive power in intentionality and power differential above and beyond frequency in relation to concurrent levels of anxiety, depression, and self-esteem.

Adolescents in Institutional Care: Significant Adults, Resilience and Well-Being

Abstract: Attachment theory states the importance of secure relationships with significant figures for the development of resilience and well-being. The institutional care context represents a particular environment where relationships beyond the family should be attended for. The purpose of this study was to analyse the relationship between significant figures (teachers, school and institution staff), resilience and well-being in a sample of 246 Portuguese adolescents, aged 12–18, from both genders and under institutional care. The mediational role of resilience in the association between relationship to significant figures and well-being was tested through structural equations modelling. Results showed that resilience plays a mediational role in the association between quality of relationship to significant figures and well-being. Results were discussed according to attachment theory that stresses the importance of safe haven and secure base provided by significant figures for the individual’s adaptation and development. Results pointed also to the importance of preparing caregivers and other significant adults to face demands and challenges of adolescents in institutional care. An investment on caregivers’ developing competences and attitudes is required, in order to overcome contingencies and vicissitudes of working with this population.

The Nature and Prevalence of Cyber Victimization Among Elementary School Children

Abstract: Despite growing concern about the impact of cyberbullying on youth, few studies to date have investigated this phenomenon among elementary school samples. Consequently, little is known about cyber victimization exposure among younger children. The purpose of the present study was to examine the prevalence and nature of cyber victimization among a sample of elementary school students and determine whether significant differences existed between cyber victimized and non-cyber victimized students. A total of 660 3rd–5th grade students in six schools completed an online survey on measures of traditional and cyber bullying and victimization. Descriptive statistics were used to determine prevalence, mechanism (e.g., social media), identity of the perpetrator, and whether incidents were reported to others. Fixed effects regression models, including dummy coded school variables to control for nesting, were run to assess group differences. Descriptive findings revealed that a substantial number of youth (17.7 %; n = 114) reported cyber victimization, predominantly through online games. Only 38 % (n = 43) of cyber victimized children knew the identity of the perpetrator and almost 50 % reported they did not tell anyone about the incident. Results also revealed that cyber victimized children reported significantly higher rates of traditional victimization and bullying involvement along with higher pro-bullying attitudes and lower pro-defending attitudes and self-efficacy for defending others. The results of the present study suggest the need for developmentally appropriate prevention and intervention programs implemented at the elementary school level if efforts to address this complex problem are to be successful.

Are Approaches to Learning in Kindergarten Associated with Academic and Social Competence Similarly

Abstract: Approaches to learning (ATL) is a key domain of school readiness with important implications for children’s academic trajectories. Interestingly, however, the impact of early ATL on children’s social competence has not been examined. This study examines associations between children’s ATL at age 5 and academic achievement and social competence at age 9 within an at-risk sample. We tested whether ATL followed a compensatory growth model (was most helpful to those with the fewest skills) with respect to academics, and a cumulative advantage model (was most helpful to those with the most skills) with respect to socioemotional outcomes. Participants (n = 669) were drawn from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a predominantly low-income, minority sample. Models regressing age 9 academic and social competence on age 5 ATL tested for moderation of ATL by age 5 levels of competence within each domain. ATL was associated with both academic (i.e., reading and math achievement) and social (i.e., externalizing problems and social skills) competence. Interestingly, ATL was more advantageous with respect to externalizing problems for children with higher initial levels of competence (fewer problem behaviors), but more advantageous for academic competence for children with lower initial levels of competence. Findings highlight the importance of early ATL for both academic and social success and support it as a critical intervention target. While ATL may help narrow the achievement gap for at-risk children, reducing the gap in externalizing problems may require targeted strategies for those with high early problem behavior.

The Role of Communication Technology in Adolescent Relationships and Identity Development.

Abstract: Background The popularity of communication technologies such as text messaging, e-mail, instant messaging, and social networking sites has grown exponentially, especially among adolescents. At the scale of growth along with the pressures and normative use of communication technology, psychological effects of these technologies need to be further assessed.

The Association between Teachers' Child-Centered Beliefs and Children's Academic Achievement: The Indirect Effect of Children's Behavioral Self-Regulation.

Abstract: Background Recent studies have suggested that teachers’ psychological attributes can be an indicator of teacher quality (Rimm-Kaufman and Hamre in Dev Psychol 45(4):958–972. doi:10.1037/a0015861, 2010), and teachers’ child-centered beliefs have been associated with children’s academic achievement (Burchinal and Cryer in Early Child Res Q 18(4):401–426, 2003). The process underlying this link, however, has less been explored. One potential intervening factor can be children’s behavioral self-regulation.

Youth Psychosocial Adjustment Following Wildfire: The Role of Family Resilience, Emotional Support, and Concrete Support

Abstract: Natural disasters can have a significant impact on youth and family mental health and well-being. However, the relationship between family protective factors and youth adjustment in the aftermath of disaster remains unclear. In order to address the present gaps in the field, this study investigated perceived disaster-related stress and its relationship to family protective factors, prosocial behaviors, and emotional symptoms (anxiety, depression, anger, and psychosomatic complaints) following wildfire exposure. Participants included 50 youth (M = 14.49 years old; SD = 3.61; 50 % female) who were residing in the family home at the time of the wildfire. Parent report was also provided. Hierarchical multiple regressions, controlling for age and gender, were used to predict prosocial behaviors and emotional symptoms, and test the moderating role of individual protective factors. Youth gender and perceived parental emotional support were significantly related to youth-reported emotional symptoms, but youth perceived fire-related stress was not. Emotional support significantly moderated the relationship between fire-related stress and parent report of youth prosocial behaviors. Specifically, under conditions of high fire stress, emotional support mitigated the relationship between stress and prosocial behaviors. Results provide data to support the importance of incorporating positive outcome measures into disaster research studies and highlight the importance of investigating factors that lead to resilience in the aftermath of disasters.

The U.S. Homeless Student Population: Homeless Youth Education, Review of Research Classifications and Typologies, and the U.S. Federal Legislative Response.

Abstract: The drastic surge in the number of homeless families in the United States (U.S.) has resulted in an increase in the number of homeless students attending U.S. public schools. Meanwhile, the U.S. public school system is struggling to meet the educational needs of their homeless students. This study examined the historical trajectory of U.S. federal initiatives that aim to respond to the needs of homeless youth; homeless youth research, classifications and typologies; homeless youth social conditions; and the factors that foster or impede their education. This study reviewed U.S. federal policies that intend to address homeless youth needs and education; the causes and impact of homelessness on youth; the economics of homelessness; and the relevance of resiliency in improving homeless youth prospects. Despite the enormous challenges homeless youth face, some manage to successfully graduate from high school. While homeless youth are incapable of building or institutionalizing the support networks and structures they need, they are capable of utilizing available support systems within their surroundings. Without responsive structural support this vulnerable population is at high risk of failure. Several federal programs are mandated to assist homeless youth meet their basic needs and education. For these programs to realize their objectives, deliberate efforts must be expanded to assess and evaluate program efficiency. Also, past federal educational initiatives may offer insights on how to better chart and inform the many existing federal homeless youth programs that aim to meet the diverse and complex needs of homeless students.

Factors Promoting Mental Health of Adolescents Who Have a Parent with Mental Illness: A Longitudinal Study

Abstract: Background Children of parents with mental illness have an elevated risk of developing a range of mental health and psychosocial problems. Yet many of these children remain mentally healthy.

Long-Term Mental Health Among Low-Income, Minority Women Following Exposure to Multiple Natural Disasters in Early and Late Adolescence Compared to Adulthood

Abstract: Background High impact experiences following a natural disaster have been shown to influence later psychopathology. Individual-level factors such as age may also contribute to a disaster’s impact on mental health, though it is unclear whether young age confers a protective effect or represents a period of increased risk as compared to adulthood.

The Role of Home Literacy Environment in Toddlerhood in Development of Vocabulary and Decoding Skills

Abstract: Background Little empirical research examines the process in which home literacy environment (HLE) in toddlerhood is associated with preschoolers’ vocabulary and decoding skills using a large-scale dataset.

Social Bond and Self-Reported Nonviolent and Violent Delinquency: A Study of Traditional Low Risk, At-Risk, and Adjudicated Male Chinese Adolescents

Abstract: Little is known about the level of social bond elements and their effects on delinquency among nonadjudicated (traditional low and at-risk school-aged) and adjudicated Chinese male adolescents. Using a large adolescent sample (N = 1,177) from Hong Kong and Macau, this study aims to distinguish the level of social bond elements and self-reported nonviolent and violent offending among traditional low risk, at-risk, and adjudicated adolescents. The social bond effects on delinquency are also examined. A 24-item social bonding measure is used. Findings indicate that juveniles reported higher frequencies of nonviolent and violent offending in the past year than their traditional low and at-risk counterparts. Relative to at-risk and adjudicated youth, traditional low risk adolescents reported a higher level of overall social bond. Multivariate analyses indicate that poor parental bonding, poor educational commitment, negative belief in the legal system, and high involvement in organizational activities are related to an increased level of nonviolent and violent offending. The social bond effects on delinquency varied among different groups of adolescents. Regardless of differences in social bond levels among different groups of adolescents, implications for delinquency programs or social services are proposed that may benefit all adolescents. Specifically, an enhancement in parent–child and police-adolescent relationships, and commitment to education are expected to reduce the adolescents’ propensity to engage in nonviolent and violent delinquency.

A Comprehensive Examination of Preschool Teachers’ Implementation Fidelity When Using a Supplemental Language and Literacy Curriculum

Abstract: Recent curriculum studies raise a number of questions concerning teachers’ implementation fidelity, including the extent to which fidelity to multiple curriculum components is achieved and measured and the extent to which fidelity serves as a mechanism for impacting children’s learning. Within the context of a language and literacy curriculum supplement designed for use at scale, we investigated (1) teachers’ fidelity across the multiple dimensions identified in the literature (e.g., Dane and Schneider in Clin Psychol Rev 18(1):23–45, 1998) and interrelations among these dimensions and (2) associations between measures of fidelity and the language and literacy gains made by children. We examined the fidelity of 74 preschool teachers implementing Read It Again!. Multiple measures of adherence, exposure, quality of delivery, and participant responsiveness were collected across the year of implementation, and children’s (n = 295) language and literacy gains were directly measured. Descriptive statistics demonstrated generally high implementation fidelity across all dimensions. Correlational analyses showed few interrelations among fidelity measures and few associations with child gains. Findings suggest that teachers can exhibit fidelity to multi-componential language and literacy curricula designed for wide-scale use. Findings also support fidelity as a multidimensional construct and suggest that researchers utilize multiple measures to capture both within- and between-teacher variation in fidelity, while also pursuing additional studies to better understand the measurement and functioning of fidelity to inform future work.

Family-Level Factors and African American Children’s Behavioral Health Outcomes: A Systematic Review

Abstract: BackgroundConsiderable prior research targeting African American children has focused on the pervasiveness of problematic behavior and negative risk factors associated with their development, however the influence of family on better behavioral health outcomes has largely been ignored.ObjectiveThe purpose of this review is to examine empirical studies that focus on the association between family-level factors (e.g., parenting practices, family functioning) and African American children’s behavioral health. Specifically, we examined the studies’ characteristics, the relationship between various family-level factors and behavioral health outcomes, and the extent to which these studies consider racial, ethnic, and/or cultural nuances and competencies.MethodsThis review was guided by systematic review methods of Gough et al. (An introduction to systematic reviews. Sage, London, 2012) and Moher et al. (Preferred reporting items for systematic reviews and meta-analyses: the PRISMA statement. PLoS Med 6(6):e1000097, 2009). Thirty-five studies were included and assessed.ResultsThe majority of the studies’ samples were low-income, resided in female-headed households, and lived in urban areas. Parenting practices (66 % of studies) were by far the most frequently examined family-level factor associated with behavioral health outcomes. A few studies examined the moderating or mediating role of racial discrimination and/or racial socialization.ConclusionFindings from this review can inform the development or adaptation of family-based interventions that can effectively promote better behavioral health and resiliency of African American children and adolescents.

Programs for Prevention of Externalizing Problems in Children: Limited Evidence for Effect Beyond 6 Months Post Intervention

Abstract: Background Preventing externalizing problems in children is a major societal concern, and a great number of intervention programs have been developed to this aim. To evaluate their preventive effects, well-controlled trials including follow-up assessments are necessary.

Cognitive Performance in the Aftermath of a Natural Disaster: The Role of Coping Strategies, Theory of Mind and Peer Social Support

Abstract: Background In May 2012, Northern Italy was struck by a tremendous series of earthquakes, which had devastating consequences and persisted for several months. Previous research shows that coping strategies and Theory of Mind (ToM) can help sustaining cognitive performance after a traumatic experience.

Untangling Psychiatric Comorbidity in Young Children Who Experienced Single, Repeated, or Hurricane Katrina Traumatic Events

Abstract: Background In individuals with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 70–90 % have at least one comorbid non-PTSD disorder.

Generalized Anxiety Symptoms and Identity Processes in Cross-Cultural Samples of Adolescents from the General Population

Abstract: Approximately 20 % of adolescents around the world experience mental health problems, most commonly depression or anxiety. High levels of anxiety disorder symptoms can hinder adolescent development, persist into adulthood, and predict negative mental outcomes, such as suicidal ideation and attempts. We analyzed generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) symptoms in cross-cultural samples from the general population. We sought to examine cultural and gender differences, and correlates of GAD symptoms in samples of adolescents from six countries located in three different continents (Europe: Bulgaria, Italy, the Netherlands; Africa: Kenya; Asia: China and Philippines). Participants were 3,445 (51 % male) adolescents aged between 14 and 18 years old. They filled self-report measures of GAD symptoms and identity. First, it was found that the scores on GAD symptoms varied significantly across countries, with Dutch respondents reporting the lowest levels whereas Filipino participants exhibited the highest levels of GAD symptoms. Second, gender differences (i.e., girls reported more GAD symptoms than boys) were significant in each country (as well as in the total sample), with the only exception being that of Kenya. Third, GAD symptoms were significantly related to identity processes and similarities and differences across countries were examined. This study highlighted that prevalence, gender differences, and correlates of GAD vary across countries. Therefore, it is important when researching GAD symptoms to examine one’s research findings within a global perspective.

Ethnic Background, Socioeconomic Status, and Problem Severity as Dropout Risk Factors in Psychotherapy with Youth

Abstract: Dropout from child and adolescent psychotherapy is a common phenomenon which can have negative consequences for the individual later in life. It is therefore important to gain insight on dropout risk factors. Several potential risk factors [ethnic minority status, a lower socioeconomic status (SES), and higher problem severity] were analyzed in present study. Innovations are that these risk factors were examined for children and adolescents separately, and a distinction was made in termination status between referred patients, dropouts and completers. For ethnic majority and minority outpatient children (age 5–11, n = 399) and adolescents (age 12–20, n = 352) problem severity, ethnic background, SES, and treatment termination status (completer, dropout, referral) were specified. Multinomial logistic regression models were used as main method of analysis. For children, a Moroccan/Turkish ethnicity and higher externalizing scores were risk factors for being referred. For adolescents, a Surinamese/Antillean ethnicity, being female, being older, and lower parental SES occupation levels were risk factors for dropout. Different dropout risk profiles emerged for children versus adolescents, and for dropouts versus referrals. Also, it depended on the specific ethnic background whether ethnic minority status was a predictor for dropout, and the relationship between SES and termination status differed by whether parental SES occupation or parental SES education were used as SES indicator. Professionals should thus be aware of these potential risk factors for dropout or referral when treating children and adolescents.

The Role of Transport Use in Adolescent Wilderness Treatment: Its Relationship to Readiness to Change and Outcomes

Abstract: Background Considering the sensitive ethical issues related to involuntary treatment of adolescents, research investigating youth transport practices and treatment outcomes is clearly needed. Youth transport is common practice in many private pay programs, including wilderness therapy programs.

Longitudinal Impact of Attachment-Related Risk and Exposure to Trauma among Young Children after Hurricane Katrina.

Abstract: Research suggests that young childhood is a dynamic developmental phase during which risks to attachment figures as well as traumatic events may be particularly important. The loss and disruption associated with Hurricane Katrina highlighted the vulnerabilities and special needs of young children exposed to natural disaster. The current study explored ways in which multiple stressors associated with Hurricane Katrina contributed to adverse outcomes. We hypothesize overall decreases in trauma symptoms over time. We further hypothesize that increased attachment and hurricane related risk factors will negatively influence longitudinal symptom patterns. Data was collected from families of preschool-aged children (ages 3–5) during the school year following Hurricane Katrina (2005–2006) and each subsequent school year (2006–2007, 2007–2008, and 2008–2009). Latent growth curve modeling was used to assess trauma symptoms overtime and the effect of risk indices on these trauma symptoms. Results suggest an overall decrease in trauma distress symptoms over time and further indicate that attachment and trauma related risks of caregiver disruption, other non-human losses, trauma prior to and subsequent to the storm, as well as Katrina exposure are significant predictors of symptoms over time. Given the rapid physical, cognitive, and emotional development that occurs in early childhood, these findings support the importance of providing intervention with preschool age children post-disaster. Further, the findings also suggest that a relationship based treatment including both caregiver and child is most likely to be effective.

Relations Between Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Early Childhood

Abstract: Childhood internalizing and externalizing problems are closely related and often co-occur. Directional models have been employed to test how these problems are related, while few studies have tested a third variables model. This study investigates whether internalizing and externalizing problems are reciprocally or unidirectionally related, whether these relations can be explained by third variables, and how these relations are associated with onset and stability. A community sample of 1,434 children aged 5.08 (SD = 1.25) and their mothers participated in two 1-year interval data waves. Internalizing and externalizing problems were examined with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Using latent cross-lagged modeling, externalizing problems were found not be related to subsequent internalizing problems, or vice versa. These results were also found when controlling for inadequate parenting, parenting stress, maternal health and social preference. When taking problem level into account, externalizing problems were related to stability of clinical level internalizing problems, even when controlling for third variables inadequate parenting, parenting stress, maternal mental health and social preference. Strong autoregressive paths for internalizing and externalizing problems were found. Internalizing and externalizing problems do not seem to influence each other over time in the community sample. When investigating relations among internalizing and externalizing problems, it seems to be important to take problem level into account.

Materialistic Values Among Chinese Adolescents: Effects of Parental Rejection and Self-esteem

Abstract: Background Materialistic values among today’s adolescents have been a concern around the world, yet few studies concerning Chinese adolescents’ materialistic values have been conducted. Additionally, the joint effects of parental rejection and self-esteem on materialistic values remain unclear.

Mother and Child Reports of Hurricane Related Stressors: Data from a Sample of Families Exposed to Hurricane Katrina

Abstract: Families exposed to disasters such as Hurricane Katrina are at risk for numerous adverse outcomes. While previous literature suggests that the degree of disaster exposure corresponds with experiencing negative outcomes, it is unclear if parents and children report similar levels of disaster exposure. The purpose of this paper was to examine levels of disaster stressor agreement among mother–child dyads affected by Hurricane Katrina, and to examine whether discrepancies in disaster stressor reports are associated with higher levels of posttraumatic stress (PTS) symptoms. Participants in this study consisted of 353 dyads of mothers (age M = 38.79 years, SD = 7.52; 68 % African American) and children (52 % girls; age M = 11.61 years, SD = 1.57) exposed to Hurricane Katrina. Parents and children were assessed at two timepoints, 3–7 months and 14–17 months postdisaster. Parent and child responses to items regarding hurricane related stressor exposure and PTS symptoms were analyzed. Agreement on hurricane related exposures was predominately slight to moderate, with kappas ranging from κ = 0.19 to κ = 0.83. Polynomial regression analyses revealed that when mothers reported low levels of Immediate Loss/Disruption stressors and children reported high levels of these stressors, children reported higher levels of Time 2 PTS symptoms, b = −0.72 (0.33), p = .03. Overall, levels of mother–child response agreement were low. Discrepancies in mother and child reports predicted higher levels of child PTS symptoms. Clinicians may want to query both parents and children about their disaster experiences when working with families postdisaster.

Is Substance Use Associated with Perpetration and Victimization of Physically Violent Behavior and Property Offences Among Homeless Youth? A Systematic Review of International Studies

Abstract: Substance use is a commonly reported problem associated with numerous adverse outcomes among homeless youth. Homelessness is reportedly a covariate to perpetration of, and victimization from, physically violent behavior and property offences. Of particular importance in both the perpetration of, and victimization from these behaviors, is the role of substance use. To appraise published studies investigating whether use of substances are associated with (1) perpetration of physically violent behavior or property offences or (2) experience of physical or property victimization among homeless youth. Types and rates of substances used were also examined. A comprehensive systematic search of twelve psychology, health, and criminology electronic databases was conducted. Search terms encompassed four areas, (1) homeless youth, (2) substance use, (3) perpetration of physically violent behavior and property offences, and (4) experience of physical and property victimization. Nine studies met the inclusion criteria. In reviewed studies, alcohol was the most commonly used substance. Findings were inconsistent as to whether substance use was associated with the perpetration of physically violent behavior or property offences or the experience of physical victimization. No reviewed studies examined whether substance use is associated with the experience of property victimization. The available cross-sectional evidence, while not conclusive, suggests increased perpetration of physically violent behavior and property offences, and increased experience of physical and property victimization when youth reported using substances. Studies advancing knowledge on the influence of substance use on these behaviors and experiences are warranted.

Fear of the Loss of Honor: Implications of Honor-Based Violence for the Development of Youth and Their Families

Abstract: Violence committed against young women, and in some cases young men, who are considered to have violated honor-based norms are reported in several countries, making honor-based violence (HBV) a global concern. This article is an overview of research in this area and summarizes key findings from a Swedish program of research dedicated to this subject. To gain deeper understanding of HBV from the perspective of participating families, as well as to situate these study findings in the wider literature. The studies reported here were based on qualitative interviews with adolescent girls and young women with immigrant backgrounds and their family members (N = 23) who experienced honor-based conflicts and/or violence—in one case resulting in homicide. Interviews were primarily conducted once in the general study, however, in some cases interviews were conducted on more than one occasion. Interviews were analyzed according to grounded theory. The inductive approach used in these studies was useful and study findings were nuanced. Results indicated, for example, that fear was essential to understanding the genesis and progression of the conflicts within participating families. Practitioners should attend to building trust with families and ameliorating isolation, as well as early-stage awareness raising, education, the promotion of contextually relevant conflict resolution skills. Systematic intervention development is also likely to advance this field.

Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Katrina Inspired Disaster Screenings (KIDS): Psychometric Testing of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network Hurricane Assessment and Referral Tool.

Abstract: Post disaster psychosocial surveillance procedures are important for guiding effective and efficient recovery. The Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center Katrina Inspired Disaster Screenings (KIDS) is a model designed with the goal of assisting recovering communities in understanding the needs of and targeting services toward children and adolescents. As a critical, yet understudied, component to the KIDS model, the objective of this study is to test the psychometric properties of the National Child Traumatic Stress Network Hurricane Assessment and Referral Tool for Children and Adolescents. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was used to investigate the factor structure of the NCTSN Hurricane Assessment and Referral Tool. The convenience sample included 7530, 9–18 years old students who completed the school initiated screener in Southeastern Louisiana schools from December 2005 to December 2006. On a small treatment seeking population (N = 62), associations among the referral tool and the PTSD Reaction Index were also explored. EFA of the referral tool revealed a two factor solution, anxious and depressive reactions, that accounted for 45.8 % of model variance. Internal consistency was high and symptom scores were moderately associated with the PTSD Reaction Index. The cutoff score was also confirmed with scores ≥4 suggesting the need for referral. This study allows for the recommendation of the NCTSN Hurricane Assessment and Referral Tool as a reliable and valid part of the KIDS model; together they provide an initial step toward addressing the needs of child and adolescent disaster survivors.

Burnout Among High-School Students and Cannabis Use, Consumption Frequencies, Abuse and Dependence

Abstract: Cannabis is a substance frequently consumed by adolescents, which is a risk factor for many psychopathological disorders. At the same time, adolescents in high-schools are likely to be exposed to significant stress from school that can sometimes lead to a burnout syndrome. The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of school related burnout on cannabis use in terms of frequencies, abuse and dependence among adolescents in high-schools. 286 high-school students completed questionnaires concerning academic burnout, cannabis use, consumption frequencies, abuse and dependency scores. Data collection took place during their class hours. Burnout, and in particular a cynical attitude towards the purpose of school, predicts higher cannabis consumption frequency and abuse, but not dependency. Also, cannabis users had higher burnout levels. In summary, the results from this study indicate that burnout, and especially the aspect of missing the purpose of and one’s interest in schoolwork, increases the risk of cannabis consumption among adolescents in high-schools.

How Childcare Providers Interpret ‘Reasonable Suspicion’ of Child Abuse

Abstract: Background Childcare providers are often “first responders” for suspected child abuse, and how they understand the concept of “reasonable suspicion” will influence their decisions regarding which warning signs warrant reporting.