Showing papers in "Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology in 1992"
TL;DR: Cognitive processing therapy was developed to treat the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in rape victims and subjects improved significantly from pre- to posttreatment on both PTSD and depression measures and maintained their improvement for 6 months.
Abstract: Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) was developed to treat the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in rape victims. CPT is based on an information processing theory of PTSD and includes education, exposure, and cognitive components. Nineteen sexual assault survivors received CPT, which consists of 12 weekly sessions in a group format. They were assessed at pretreatment, posttreatment, and 3- and 6-month follow-up. CPT subjects were compared with a 20-subject comparison sample, drawn from the same pool who waited for group therapy for at least 12 weeks. CPT subjects improved significantly from pre- to posttreatment on both PTSD and depression measures and maintained their improvement for 6 months. The comparison sample did not change from the pre- to the posttreatment assessment sessions.
1,248 citations
TL;DR: The frequency and impact of 10 potentially traumatic events were examined in a sample of 1,000 adults drawn from four southeastern cities, the sample was half Black, half White, half male, half female, and evenly divided among younger, middle-aged, and older adults.
Abstract: The frequency and impact of 10 potentially traumatic events were examined in a sample of 1,000 adults. Drawn from four southeastern cities, the sample was half Black, half White, half male, half female, and evenly divided among younger, middle-aged, and older adults. Over their lifetimes, 69% of the sample experienced at least one of the events, as did 21% in the past year alone. The 10 events varied in importance, with tragic death occurring most often, sexual assault yielding the highest rate of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and motor vehicle crash presenting the most adverse combination of frequency and impact. Numerous differences were observed in the epidemiology of these events across demographic groups. Lifetime exposure was higher among Whites and men than among Blacks and women; past-year exposure was highest among younger adults. When impact was analyzed as a continuous variable (perceived stress), Black men appeared to be most vulnerable to the effects of events, but young people showed the highest rates of PTSD.
1,187 citations
TL;DR: Compared with families of male veterans without current PTSD, families ofmale veterans with current PTSD showed markedly elevated levels of severe and diffuse problems in marital and family adjustment, in parenting skills, and in violent behavior.
Abstract: Interviews were conducted with a nationally representative sample of 1,200 male Vietnam veterans and the spouses or co-resident partners of 376 of these veterans. The veteran interview contained questions to determine the presence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and items tapping family and marital adjustment, parenting problems, and violence. The spouse or partner (S/P) interview assessed the S/P's view of these items, as well as her view of her own mental health, drug, and alcohol problems and behavioral problems of school-aged children living at home. Compared with families of male veterans without current PTSD, families of male veterans with current PTSD showed markedly elevated levels of severe and diffuse problems in marital and family adjustment, in parenting skills, and in violent behavior. Clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
738 citations
TL;DR: In this article, a multisystemic therapy (MST) delivered through a community mental health center was compared with usual services delivered by a Department of Youth Services in the treatment of 84 serious juvenile offenders and their multiproblem families.
Abstract: Multisystemic therapy (MST) delivered through a community mental health center was compared with usual services delivered by a Department of Youth Services in the treatment of 84 serious juvenile offenders and their multiproblem families. Offenders were assigned randomly to treatment conditions. Pretreatment and posttreatment assessment batteries evaluating family relations, peer relations, symptomatology, social competence, and self-reported delinquency were completed by the youth and a parent, and archival records were searched at 59 weeks postreferral to obtain data on rearrest and incarceration. In comparison with youths who received usual services, youths who received MST had fewer arrests and self-reported offenses and spent an average of 10 fewer weeks incarcerated. In addition, families in the MST condition reported increased family cohesion and decreased youth aggression in peer relations. The relative effectiveness of MST was neither moderated by demographic characteristics nor mediated by psychosocial variables.
707 citations
TL;DR: PSST and PMT combined led to more marked changes in child and parent functioning and placed a greater proportion of youth within the range of nonclinic (normative) levels of functioning.
Abstract: This study evaluated the effects of problem-solving skills training (PSST) and parent management training (PMT) on children (N = 97, ages 7-13 years) referred for severe antisocial behavior. Children and families were assigned randomly to 1 of 3 conditions: PSST, PMT, or PSST and PMT combined. It was predicted that (a) each treatment would improve child functioning (reduce overall deviance and aggressive, antisocial, and delinquent behavior, and increase prosocial competence); and (b) PSST and PMT combined would lead to more marked, pervasive, and durable changes in child functioning and greater changes in parent functioning (parental stress, depression, and overall symptoms). Expectations were supported by results at posttreatment and 1-year follow-up. PSST and PMT combined led to more marked changes in child and parent functioning and placed a greater proportion of youth within the range of nonclinic (normative) levels of functioning.
621 citations
TL;DR: A model based in the perspective of developmental psychopathology is proposed, arguing that incest has its unique negative effects in the domains of self and social functioning, specifically in jeopardizing self-definition and integration, self-regulatory processes, and a sense of security and trust in relationships.
Abstract: The effects of child sexual abuse have become a leading concern of mental health service providers. Despite an explosion of studies, one major difficulty in this research is the lack of a developmentally sensitive model for conceptualizing short- and long-term effects and continuity and discontinuity of effects over time. This article proposes a model based in the perspective of developmental psychopathology. It is argued that incest has its unique negative effects in the domains of self and social functioning, specifically in jeopardizing self-definition and integration, self-regulatory processes, and a sense of security and trust in relationships. Studies with clinical samples indicate that diagnostic conditions associated uniquely with a history of incest reflect serious self- and social impairments. A review of the developmental literature on self and social development summarizes each major developmental transition from infancy to middle adulthood, and the implications for the negative effects of incest on development are discussed. Finally, implications for developmentally sensitive research are discussed.
544 citations
TL;DR: Both childhood aggression and peer rejection appear to be significant predictors of adolescent disorder, with each making a predictive contribution uniquely its own.
Abstract: Two large cohorts of Black 3rd-grade children from low-income families were followed into early adolescence. Adjustment at the end of the 1st year of middle school was assessed by teacher and parent ratings and by adolescent self-reports. Childhood peer social status predicted parent-reported externalized and internalized disorder and self-reported internalized disorder. Childhood aggression predicted self-reported externalized and internalized disorder and parent-reported externalized disorder. Teacher ratings of school adjustment were predicted by aggression, rejection, and sex of the child. Consensus judgments of poor adjustment were predicted by both aggression and peer rejection, with sex moderating the effect of peer rejection. Both childhood aggression and peer rejection appear to be significant predictors of adolescent disorder, with each making a predictive contribution uniquely its own.
481 citations
TL;DR: Issues surrounding multimodality treatment programs and the potential for long-term interventions to break cycles of school failure and externalizing behavior are discussed.
Abstract: Although comorbidity with specific learning disabilities is less frequent than commonly reported, externalizing behavior disorders--particularly attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)--often overlap with various indices of academic underachievement during childhood. Furthermore, by adolescence, delinquency is clearly associated with school failure. Because the link between behavioral and learning problems often appears before formal schooling, and because the co-morbid problems predict a negative course, early intervention is a necessity. Controlled treatment investigations with youngsters who show these combined problems are rare, and such studies present a host of methodologic and practical problems. I discuss issues surrounding multimodality treatment programs and the potential for long-term interventions to break cycles of school failure and externalizing behavior. Language: en
468 citations
TL;DR: Despite its relative infancy, child abuse research has provided a substantial literature on the psychological sequelae of sexual molestation as discussed by the authors, and these findings have been helpful in informing social policy and guiding mental health practice.
Abstract: Despite its relative infancy, child abuse research has provided a substantial literature on the psychological sequelae of sexual molestation. These findings have been helpful in informing social policy and guiding mental health practice. Because of the recency of interest in this area, however, as well as the costs and time investment associated with more rigorous longitudinal research, many of these studies have used correlational designs and retrospective reports of abuse. The implications of this methodology are outlined, and remedies are suggested where possible. Language: en
454 citations
TL;DR: Results indicate that, for both boys and girls, poor school achievement was a necessary component of the causal path between Grade 1 disruptive behavior and age 14 delinquent personality.
Abstract: Three alternative models concerning the causal links between early disruptive behavior, poor school achievement, and delinquent behavior or antisocial personality were tested with linear structural equation modeling. Subjects were boys and girls followed from first grade to age 14. Disruptive behavior was assessed in Grade 1; school achievement was assessed in Grades 1 and 4; delinquent behavior and antisocial personality were assessed at age 14. With regard to self-reported delinquent behavior at age 14, results indicate that the best model for boys was a direct causal link between Grade 1 disruptive behavior and delinquent behavior. Poor school achievement was not a necessary causal factor. For girls, none of the tested models were a good fit to the delinquent behavior data. As for delinquent personality, results indicate that, for both boys and girls, poor school achievement was a necessary component of the causal path between Grade 1 disruptive behavior and age 14 delinquent personality.
437 citations
TL;DR: Experimental and quasi-experimental studies of psychological interventions are reviewed, and discussion of treatment components and mechanism is offered.
Abstract: Although the thrust of the nation’s cancer objectives for the year 2000 is prevention and screening, each year approximately 1 million Americans are diagnosed and must cope with the disease and treatments. They do so with the aid of family, friends, and the health care system, but accumulating data suggest that psychological interventions may be important for reducing emotional distress, enhancing coping, and improving “adjustment.” Experimental and quasi-experimental studies of psychological interventions are reviewed, and discussion of treatment components and mechanism is offered. A final section discusses future research directions and challenges to scientific advance.
TL;DR: It is suggested that unintended pregnancies and abortions were significantly associated with sexual revictimization, and women who reported more than one incident in both childhood and adulthood were also likely to have multiple partnerships and brief sexual relationships.
Abstract: This study examines the differential effects of sexual revictimization in a community sample of 248 African-American and White American women, ages 18 to 36. Two classifications of sexual revictimization over the life course were used to assess the effects on later sexual and psychological functioning. The findings suggest that unintended pregnancies and abortions were significantly associated with sexual revictimization. Women who reported more than one incident in both childhood and adulthood were also likely to have multiple partnerships and brief sexual relationships. The findings are discussed within the context of the dynamics of sexual revictimization and its effects. Suggestions are offered for therapeutic strategies with survivors in order to minimize the effects of sexual revictimization.
TL;DR: Postcessation depression, but not withdrawal symptoms, craving, or weight gain, predicted relapse, and these results are consistent with prior studies.
Abstract: Self-reported and observer-rated signs and symptoms of nicotine withdrawal were assessed precessation and 2, 7, 14, 30, 90, and 180 days postcessation in smokers who quit on their own for 30 days. Anxiety, difficulty concentrating, hunger, irritability, restlessness, and weight gain increased, and heart rate decreased, postcessation (p less than .001). Except for hunger and weight gain, these symptoms returned to precessation levels by 30 days postcessation. Craving, depression, and alcohol or caffeine intake did not reliably increase. Postcessation depression, but not withdrawal symptoms, craving, or weight gain, predicted relapse. These results are consistent with prior studies.
TL;DR: In this article, the influence of the family as a risk factor for the onset of all kinds of sexual abuse and mediator of its long-term effects is addressed, and specific categories of sequelae are related to probable attachment experiences.
Abstract: Research on sexual abuse frequently fails to address the influence of the family as a risk factor for the onset of all kinds of sexual abuse and as a mediator of its long-term effects. Attachment theory provides a useful conceptual framework for understanding the familial antecedents and long-term consequences of sexual abuse. Themes associated with insecure parent-child attachment (rejection, role reversal/parentification, and fear/unresolved trauma) are frequently found in the dynamics of families characterized by sexual abuse, and specific categories of sequelae are related to probable attachment experiences. Implications for intervention and research on sexual abuse are suggested.
TL;DR: Children with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) were intermediate to families of children with CD and clinic control children on all variables, but differed from control children only in having a higher rate of paternal substance abuse and paternal antisocial personality disorder.
Abstract: In a sample of 177 clinic-referred children aged 7-13, an association was found between a diagnosis of conduct disorder (CD) and several aspects of family functioning: maternal parenting (supervision and persistence in discipline) and parental adjustment (paternal antisocial personality disorder and paternal substance abuse). Children with oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) were intermediate to families of children with CD and clinic control children on all variables, but differed from control children only in having a higher rate of paternal substance abuse and paternal antisocial personality disorder (APD). When both parental APD and deviant maternal parenting were entered into 2 x 2 logit-model analyses predicting CD, only parental APD was significantly associated with CD, and no interactions between parental adjustment and maternal parenting were found. The importance of these findings for understanding the etiology of CD and for disentangling correlated risk factors in future studies is discussed.
TL;DR: In this article, the effects of psychosocial treatment of panic disorder on co-morbid generalized anxiety disorder are discussed. But, the authors focus on the treatment implications of these comorbidity data.
Abstract: Research on comorbidity among psychological disorders is relatively new. Yet, comorbidity data have fundamental significance for classification and treatment. This significance is particularly apparent in the anxiety disorders, which, prior to DSM-III-R, were subsumed under disorders considered more significant (e.g., psychotic and depressive disorders). After considering definitional, methodological, and theoretical issues of comorbidity, data on comorbidity among the anxiety disorders are reviewed as well as data on comorbidity of anxiety disorders with the depressive, personality, and substance use disorders. Treatment implications are presented with preliminary data on the effects of psychosocial treatment of panic disorder on co-morbid generalized anxiety disorder. Implications of comorbidity for research on the nature of psychopathology and the ultimate integration of dimensional and categorical features in our nosology are considered.
TL;DR: Two versions of cognitive-behavioral therapy, one with religious content (RCT) and one with standard protocol (NRCT), were used to treat 19-20 religious patients each as discussed by the authors.
Abstract: Two versions of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), one with religious content (RCT) and one with standard protocol (NRCT), were used to treat 19-20 religious patients each. Fifty-nine religious patients who met the Research Diagnostic Criteria for nonpsychotic, nonbipolar depression were treated in 18-20 1-hr sessions over 3 months. Religious and nonreligious therapists were used in each CBT group. Pastoral counseling (PCT) treatment-as-usual and waiting-list control (WLC) conditions each contained 10-11 patients. RCT and PCT patients reported significantly lower posttreatment depression and adjustment scores than did either the NRCT or the WLC condition. The CBT difference was due largely to superior performance of the nonreligious therapists (with dissimilar values to the patients) in the RCT over the NRCT condition. Improvement in the three treatment conditions was equal at 3-month and 2-year follow-ups and greater than posttreatment WLC improvement levels.
TL;DR: Six hundred fourth-graders rated how much they liked to play with each of their classmates and then nominated their three best friends and their utility in identifying children at risk for later maladjustment is discussed.
Abstract: Six hundred fourth-graders rated how much they liked to play with each of their classmates and then nominated their three best friends; 296 of the 600 children were assigned sociometric classifications of popular, neglected, average, controversial, or rejected status (the remaining 304 children failed to meet inclusion criteria). Five years later, 267 of the 296 classified children (90.2%) were evaluated on measures of academic performance, social behavior, and psychological adjustment. The number and type of contacts with the juvenile justice system were also determined. In general, children classified as rejected or controversial tended to fare more poorly on indices of long-term adjustment than did children classified as popular, neglected, or average. Results are discussed in terms of the predictive validity of sociometric rating and nomination procedures and their utility in identifying children at risk for later maladjustment.
TL;DR: It is demonstrated that therapeutic empathy has a moderate-to-large causal effect on recovery from depression in a group of 185 patients treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Abstract: This study demonstrated that therapeutic empathy has a moderate-to-large causal effect on recovery from depression in a group of 185 patients treated with cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The authors simultaneously estimated the reciprocal effect of depression severity on therapeutic empathy and found that this effect was quite small. In addition, homework compliance had a separate effect on clinical recovery, over and above the effect of therapeutic empathy. The patients of novice therapists improved significantly less than did the patients of more experienced therapists, when controlling for therapeutic empathy and homework compliance. Ss who terminated therapy prematurely were less likely to complete the self-help assignments between sessions, rated their therapists as significantly less empathic, and improved significantly less. Ss with borderline personality disorder improved significantly less, but they rated their therapists as just as empathic and caring as other patients. The significance of these findings for psychotherapy research, treatment, and clinical training is discussed.
TL;DR: Experiments of right cerebral hemispheric dominance for emotion, regardless of valence and channel, and are more consistent for perception than expression are reviewed, with a focus on stroke.
Abstract: Neocortical contributions to emotional processing are discussed. First, parameters critical to the neuropsychological study of emotion are examined: interhemispheric (right, left) and intrahemispheric (anterior, posterior) factors, processing mode (expression, perception), and communication channel (facial, prosodic, lexical). Second, neuropsychological theories of emotion are described: right-hemisphere and valence hypotheses. Third, experimental studies of right-brain-damaged, left-brain-damaged, and normal adults are reviewed, on the basis of mode and channel, with a focus on stroke. Findings support right cerebral hemispheric dominance for emotion, regardless of valence and channel, and are more consistent for perception than expression. When lesion site is a factor, posterior sites are important for perception and anterior ones for expression. Finally, clinical implications are suggested for aphasia rehabilitation and for assessment of affect in neurological disorders.
TL;DR: Development in understanding smoking and smoking cessation, methodological issues, and intervention approaches over the past 10 years are discussed, and avenues of research are identified.
Abstract: This article discusses developments in understanding smoking and smoking cessation, methodological issues, and intervention approaches over the past 10 years. Although effective multisession clinic interventions have been developed, such programs reach relatively few smokers. This has led to self-help, work site, health care setting, and community interventions aimed at delivering less intensive programs to larger populations. Conceptual and empirical developments and trends within these above delivery contexts are reviewed, and avenues of research are identified. Nicotine replacement strategies have benefited from technological advances (e.g., transdermal patches) and present continuing challenges with respect to integration with behavioral strategies and incorporation into primary care medical settings. Research over the next decade should focus on the development of cost-effective interventions that can reach representative and high-risk smokers.
TL;DR: This review focuses on 6 areas: self-treatment, psychosocial impact, diabetes-specific assessment, psychological stress, weight loss intervention, and neuropsychological effects.
Abstract: Over the past decade, there has been a major increase in behavioral diabetes research. This review focuses on 6 areas: self-treatment, psychosocial impact, diabetes-specific assessment, psychological stress, weight loss intervention, and neuropsychological effects. There has been great progress in identifying factors that predict self-treatment behaviors and psychological adjustment. This research has produced a number of diabetes-specific assessment tools. Psychological stress appears to affect both the etiology and the control of diabetes, but underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Weight loss studies demonstrate the potential benefits of behavioral interventions for diabetes management. Both acute and chronic abnormalities in diabetic blood glucose cause neuropsychological impairments and may cause permanent deficits. The challenge for the next decade is to translate these findings into interventions that improve quality of life and physical well-being for individuals with diabetes.
TL;DR: The problem of substance abuse disorders in schizophrenia patients is reviewed, including the prevalence of co-morbid disorders, assessment, hypothesized mechanisms underlying abuse, and the clinical effects of abuse on the course of illness and cognitive functioning.
Abstract: The problem of substance abuse disorders in schizophrenia patients is reviewed, including the prevalence of co-morbid disorders, assessment, hypothesized mechanisms underlying abuse, and the clinical effects of abuse on the course of illness and cognitive functioning. The principles of treatment for dual-diagnosis schizophrenia patients are outlined, and the limitations of existing interventions are noted. Gaps in current knowledge about the impact of substance abuse on schizophrenia and its treatment are identified, and suggestions are made regarding promising avenues of research in this area.
TL;DR: This article argues for establishing a "reasonable weight," which may differ from health and aesthetic ideals, and integrates information on etiology, social beliefs about body weight, theory, and treatment into a comprehensive and compassionate model for intervention.
Abstract: Obesity remains a leading public health problem because of its complications, prevalence, and resistance to change, despite record rates of dieting. Risk factors exist at both population and individual levels, thus obesity has diverse etiologies and consequences. Dieting is often grounded in the notion that the body can be molded at will and that the rewards justify the effort, creating a drive for unrealistic goals. This article argues for establishing a "reasonable weight," which may differ from health and aesthetic ideals. Intervention is less a matter of finding a "best" treatment but of finding the approach with "best fit" for the individual. Advances in treatment are most likely when research is driven by theory on the etiology of weight gain, the relapse process, and methods for permanent behavior change. This article integrates information on etiology, social beliefs about body weight, theory, and treatment into a comprehensive and compassionate model for intervention.
TL;DR: Findings offer valuable insight in understanding the psychological needs of gay men confronting the AIDS crisis and have important practical implications for designing mental health services to meet those needs.
Abstract: This study examined the impact of social support and HIV-related conditions on depression among 508 gay men participating in the San Francisco Men's Health Study, a population-based prospective study of single men aged 25-54 years. The number of HIV-related symptoms experienced significantly predicted depression cross-sectionally and 1 year later. Satisfaction with each of three types of social support (emotional, practical, informational) was inversely correlated with depression. Men who were more satisfied with the social support they received were less likely to show increased depression 1 year later. Degree of satisfaction with informational support appeared especially critical in buffering the stress associated with experiencing HIV symptoms. These findings offer valuable insight in understanding the psychological needs of gay men confronting the AIDS crisis and have important practical implications for designing mental health services to meet those needs.
TL;DR: The findings support the common belief that personality disorders are associated with a poorer response to treatment for depression and suggest that the presence of depression may be a positive prognostic indicator for patients with borderline and antisocial personality disorder.
Abstract: This article reviews naturalistic and controlled studies of the impact of comorbidity of personality disorders and depression on response to various forms of treatment. The findings support the common belief that personality disorders are associated with a poorer response to treatment for depression. In contrast, the limited data available suggest that the presence of depression may be a positive prognostic indicator for patients with borderline and antisocial personality disorder. There are insufficient data to draw conclusions regarding the influence of specific types of personality disorders on outcome with specific forms of treatment for depression. More specific assessment of personality disorders, particularly of possible underlying dimensions, is likely to be a more fruitful approach than the currently used categorical approach in identifying effective treatments for patients with personality disorders and depression.
TL;DR: Findings indicated positive training effects on Ss' skills in handling interpersonal problems and coping with anxiety and some preventive impact on self-reported substance use intentions and excessive alcohol use.
Abstract: This study assessed the impact of school-based social competence training on skills, social adjustment, and self-reported substance use of 282 sixth and seventh graders. Training emphasized broad-based competence promotion in conjunction with domain-specific application to substance abuse prevention. The 20-session program comprised six units: stress management, self-esteem, problem solving, substances and health information, assertiveness, and social networks. Findings indicated positive training effects on Ss' skills in handling interpersonal problems and coping with anxiety. Teacher ratings revealed improvements in Ss' constructive conflict resolution with peers, impulse control, and popularity. Self-report ratings indicated gains in problem-solving efficacy. Results suggest some preventive impact on self-reported substance use intentions and excessive alcohol use. In general, the program was found to be beneficial for both inner-city and suburban students.
TL;DR: The authors examined the longer term preventive effects of a school-based intervention with boys referred by classroom teachers as highly aggressive and disruptive, and found that boys who had received an anger coping (AC) program were compared with a group of untreated boys.
Abstract: This study examined the longer term preventive effects of a school-based intervention with boys referred by classroom teachers as highly aggressive and disruptive. Three years after intervention, boys who had received an anger coping (AC) program were compared with a group of untreated boys. The AC boys had lower rates of drug and alcohol involvement and had higher levels of self-esteem and social problem-solving skills. The AC boys were not significantly different from previously nonaggressive boys on these variables at follow-up. Although the overall intervention did not have longer term effects on delinquency rates or classroom behavior, a subset of boys who also received booster sessions did display maintenance of certain classroom behavior improvement. Implications for intensification of cognitive-behavioral interventions are discussed.
TL;DR: This study tested the generality of Jessor and Jessor's (1977) problem behavior theory, which states that a variety of problem behaviors constitute a behavioral syndrome in normal adolescents.
Abstract: This study tested the generality of Jessor and Jessor's (1977) problem behavior theory, which states that a variety of problem behaviors constitute a behavioral syndrome in normal adolescents. Relationships among 5 adolescent problem behaviors (cigarette use, alcohol use, marijuana use, delinquency, and sexual intercourse) were examined in 7th-grade boys (n = 556) and girls (n = 715), and 9th-grade boys (n = 481) and girls (n = 485) in an urban school system in which the majority of students were African American and from low-income families. Measures of problem behavior frequency were positively correlated with each other and negatively correlated with several measures of conventional behavior. Confirmatory factor analyses replicated findings of previous studies that a single common factor underlies adolescent problem behaviors.
TL;DR: Results reveal significant reductions in self-reported drinking at the end of the intervention phase and maintenance of drinking changes throughout a 2-year follow-up period.
Abstract: This study tested 3 forms of alcohol risk reduction programming for young adults. Volunteers were randomly assigned to receive a 6-week class and discussion group, a 6-unit self-help manual, or a single 1-hr feedback and advice session with professional staff. Results reveal significant reductions in self-reported drinking at the end of the intervention phase and maintenance of drinking changes throughout a 2-year follow-up period. Comparable drinking reductions were rated across treatments; however, noncompliance with the self-help reading program suggested limited utility. Treatment response was related to subject age, as subjects showed increased drinking during the year they reached legal drinking status. The efficacy of brief motivational interventions and client matching in prevention programs is discussed.