This publication summarizes recent research on adolescent drug abuse and its prevention. The research reviewed here illustrates the complexity of adolescent drug abuse and its prevention, particularly the many variables that may affect outcomes. In subject matter, the 12 studies reviewed in this initial update, all published in 1988, can be…

Seventy-seven references from the ERIC (Educational Resources Information Center) database and the Exceptional Child Education Resources database are presented, on the topic of prereferral interventions for students with learning and behavior problems. References are arranged by database and then alphabetically by author. Information for each…

Depression and externalising behaviour disorders frequently occur together in adolescence and are associated with a marked increase in symptom severity and poorer outcome. Clinical treatment research and early intervention programs for depression have not addressed the specific cognitive and interpersonal deficits associated with comorbidity. This…

The Discovery Room is a mental health oriented primary school intervention for children with learning and behavioral difficulties in the classroom which has been steadily modified over a four-year period through accommodation to real-life needs of an inner city school. In the Discovery Room, a special teacher works with children singly or in pairs…

This paper discusses the ineffectiveness of Suicide Prevention Centers in terms of the following: (1) diffusion vs. specific focus; (2) client centered orientation; (3) passive approach; and (4) failure to develop minority programs. Suggestions for improving prevention efforts are presented. (JLL)

The efficacy of a systematic program of intervention for behaviorally disordered students was investigated with 29 teachers and 487 students in secondary schools. Teacher Ss were divided into two groups, 16 experimental Ss who participated in 6 days of workshop training and served as advocates for 1 to 3 students and 13 control teachers. Student…

To establish diagnostic criteria, 12 fire-raising or pyromaniac children (7-15 years old) were compared with 12 control students matched for age, sex, and intellect. Six diagnostic procedures, including the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, the Lowenstein Fire Raising Diagnostic Test, and the Eysenck Personality Questionnaire, were used to…

The document provides information from the practitioner's viewpoint regarding the school psychologist's contribution in serving children with behavior problems. Many variables, such as federal and state laws, professional standards and guidelines, as well as codes of ethics and trends in psychology, are seen to effect the decision making process…

This case study describes a broad program of individualized instruction used with a preschool boy exhibiting severe behavior problems. The emphasis of the intervention program was to provide extensive one-to-one interaction between teacher and child. It was designed as an attempt to imitate the common parent-child relationships of children who…

Effects of a packaged teacher-consultant-mediated intervention program (CLASS) for modifying acting-out behavior in the regular classroom were evaluated. The experimental groups significantly increased their proportion of appropriate behavior postintervention and required fewer remedial services and special class placement years later. Training…

Peer reinforcement, modeling, and cooperative programing arrangements are among the strategies described which involve peers in modifying the behavior problems of classmates. (CL)

Children identifies as pre-delinquent often show early signs of aggression, may be involved in theft, often have learning problems, and act out in the classroom. The author shares several ideas for treatment strategies which have been found to be effective in a variety of treatment situations. (Author/DOW)

Mass screening consisted primarily of teachers rating the frequency of all primary grade children's acting-out, moody-withdrawn, and learning problem behaviors. The mass screening procedure employed is discussed as an effective procedure and suggestions are offered which could increase its utility. (Author)

This digest examines attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in adults and symptoms of the disability. Pertinent adult problems include: (1) substance abuse, antisocial behaviors, and criminality, all of which can occur in adults with ADHD; (2) poor social skills or deficits in self-awareness are also frequent; (3) occurrence of ADHD with…

An assessment was taken by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) on violent behavior among adolescents in the United States to guide research towards areas that require intervention. The NIMH gathered information on the risk factors, experiences, and processes related to the development of aggressive, antisocial, and violent behavior…