Examined adolescents' preferences for pleasure: drugs or recreation. Data from 200 high school students revealed 4 statistically significant associations in motives or pleasures sought in recreation and in drug behaviors: enhancement of personality, provision of means for self-discovery, achievement of personal goals, and means to rebel against…

Describes some of the goals and methodologies of ropes and wilderness adventure interventions as they satisfy the definition of therapeutic recreation, specifically with reference to emotional and/or social dysfunctions among adolescents and adults. The two interventions have some characteristics in common, including supporting theory and group…

Administration of the School Social Behavior Scales to 81 elementary-age gifted students indicated that subjects had higher levels of social competence and lower levels of antisocial behavior than did a comparison group. Findings also indicated the presence of a small subset of gifted students with extremely poor social competence and high levels…

Describes investigation of ways in which combat decreases marital quality and stability. Results support three models: (1) factors propelling men into combat also make them poor marriage material; (2) combat causes problems that increase marital adversity; and (3) combat intensifies premilitary stress and antisocial behavior which then negatively…

Examined factors that predict dropping out of therapy among children referred for treatment of oppositional, aggressive, and antisocial behavior. Several factors related to family (socioeconomic disadvantage, adverse child-rearing practice), parent (stress, life events, history of antisocial behavior), and child functioning (severity and…

Personal and environmental transitions that contributed to positive behavioral changes and the decisions to change are uncovered in in-depth interviews (N=20). Significant factors include maturation; respect and concern for children; fear of physical harm, incarceration, or both; contemplation time; and support and modeling. Implications for…

Describes two programs from "Blueprints for Violence Prevention," a publication of the Center for the Study and Prevention of Violence (University of Colorado): Bullying Prevention and Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies. These programs help school-age children understand and deal with their feelings. Includes resources for dealing with…

Article examines selected school-based prevention programs that represent a dual focus of risk attenuation and competency promotion, and exemplify a shift from risk to resilience in the prevention of antisocial behavior. Identifies characteristics of improved outcomes and draws conclusions for enhancing future efforts. Stresses the urgent need for…

Describes pilot program, undertaken with staff from eight bars in Ontario, Canada, that uses a peer learning model to teach problem-solving skills regarding prevention and management of aggressive behaviors in bars. Participants showed significant positive changes in knowledge and attitudes regarding effective approaches. Program illustrated the…

A four-year study of children (N=306) utilized latent growth curve modeling to examine the quality of parenting as a mediator of the effect of childhood antisocial behavior on adolescent delinquency and friendship choices. No direct association was found between oppositional/defiant behavior during childhood and a trajectory of increasing…

Delineates a typology for sexual aggressors involved in dating relationships. Sexual aggressors involved in "date" or "acquaintance" rape fall into two categories, each with three subtypes. Is designed to assist in the implementation of treatment and prevention programs and lead to a better understanding of the differential…

Provides an overview of Multisystemic Therapy, an approach that has demonstrated long-term reductions in criminal activity and violence among youth at high risk for perpetrating violence. Discusses the findings of two clinically controlled trials that evaluated MST with serious juvenile offenders and supported the viability of the public health…

Describes a drama teacher's approach to students' intolerance, exclusion, and disrespect towards other students. Notes the approach sets an atmosphere that helps to prevent expressions of conflict before they become tense, either verbally or physically. (RS)

This article introduces a special issue focusing on antisocial behavior in schools. It summarizes following articles on the prevention of violence and other antisocial behavior and concludes schools need to replace shortsighted, reactive approaches to student discipline with approaches that address the causes of antisocial behavior. (Contains…

This article discusses underlying causes for the increase in crime and drug and alcohol use rates in Russian youth. The need for practical help from political and administrative authorities, better coordination of interadministrative prophylactic activities, preventative programs, and fruitful use of positive international experiences in fighting…