The authors examined predictors of offense severity, judicial disposition (e.g., diversion, prosecution, incarceration), and repeat offending. Data were obtained on approximately 100,000 individuals from the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice. Whites and females were more likely to be prosecuted than Blacks and males, particularly for…

The current study tested sex-specific pathways to early puberty, sexual debut, and sexual risk taking, as specified by an integrated evolutionary-developmental model of adolescent sexual development and behavior. In a prospective study of 238 adolescents (n = 129 girls and n = 109 boys) followed from approximately 12-18 years of age, we tested for…

We examine the roles of neighborhood characteristics in the development of the aggressive behavior of 1,409 urban boys and girls between the first and seventh grades. The multilevel, longitudinal growth analyses find strong neighborhood effects in all models, while controlling for individual-level variables. Results indicated that the effects of…

Examined depression in 53 eldest children between 6 and 10 years old who were living in mother-headed one-parent families. Only gender of the child was a significant predictor of depression, with boys reporting significantly greater depressive symptomatology. Contrary to expectation, neither time since separation nor depression in the mother was…

Cross-sectional data were gathered from 1,625 children (M age = 12.85, SD = 2.21) which included 755 AIDS orphans, 466 vulnerable children, and 404 comparison children. Participants completed self-report measures of exposure to traumatic events, and psychosocial adjustment including behavior problems, depression, self-esteem, and future…

Examined variations in female juvenile crime according to age, educational level, IQ, family structure, and geographical location. No significant relationships were found except a slight influence of age. Girls raised in mother-only homes committed a higher rate of violent crimes. (JAC)

Parents of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities generally report more stress than other parents. Child behavioural features, and specifically their behaviour problems, have been shown to account for some of the variation in parents' experience of stress. However, there has been no exploration of whether the child's pro-social…

Examined the relationship between parental divorce and the psychosocial adjustment of divorced women and their dependent children. The current relationship with the ex-husband was the best predictor of divorcees' adjustment, while divorcees' happiness in their former marriages was most strongly related to their children's adjustment. (Author)

Examined whether risk of drug abuse in offspring of fathers with substance use disorders differs with respect to presence or absence of the father. Concluded increased risk for substance abuse in offspring of separated parents due to the combination of the transmission of more severe liability from the father, and fewer resources available to the…

Surveyed 25 divorced mothers and their children to study divorce experiences and predictors of adjustment. Results showed mothers' positive adjustment was related to nontraditional sex role attitudes as well as personality traits including social maturity. Parental conflict and mothers' stress influenced children's social and psychological…

Surveyed 813 adolescents to examine the relationship between father absence and adolescent drug use and sexual activity. Found that while adolescents were more likely to discuss problems with peers than parents, father absence was related to behavior problems, especially for boys. (JAC)

Evaluated the relationship of demographic, individual, and family relationship variables to criminal activity among juvenile offenders and their siblings. Socialized-aggressive disorder, as rated by the parent(s), the adolescent's age at first arrest, and several family relationship measures were significant predictors of arrest. (JAC)

According to data from national survey of 17,110 children under age 18, children living with single mothers or with mothers and stepfathers were more likely than those living with both biological parents to have repeated a grade, been expelled, been treated for emotional or behavioral problems, and to have elevated scores for behavioral problems…

Examined factors influencing depression among 52 single parent, employed women. Found economic and domestic deficits less important predictors of depression than sex-role orientations. Nontraditional sex-role orientations, spending more time at work, receiving help from others, and higher self-esteem were linked to less depression. (Author/JAC)

Studied stress variables among divorced mothers and their children. Divorced and married mothers (N=72) at two income levels were interviewed. Results showed low income divorced mothers reported the highest levels of stress. Stress was significantly related to the mothers being more demanding and restrictive with their children. (JAC)