Jeffrey J. Koob

Self-Esteem, Locus of Control, and Suicide Risk

Abstract Past research suggests that African American clients in need of mental health services are less likely to be properly diagnosed and receive appropriate treatment compared to White Americans. It has been further suggested that this may be even a greater problem for those who are both African American and female. In the current study, 2 groups of hospitalized clinically depressed females (92 African American females; 99 White females) were administered the Self-Esteem Rating Scale, Internal Control Index, and Suicide Risk Scale. Results indicated more similarities than differences between the two groups. For instance, there were no differences in locus of control or suicide risk between groups. In addition, although there were differences in self-esteem between groups, self-esteem was the best predictor of suicide risk within groups (White, R2 =42%; African American, R2 = 19%). African American females possessed higher self-esteem than White females (p = .05). For African American females age and self-esteem were positively correlated (r = .27, p =.01). Clinically depressed females could benefit from treatment focusing on improving self-esteem within a context of multicultural sensitivity.

Does Drug Testing Deter Drug Court Participants From Using Drugs or Alcohol

This study evaluates 3 drug-testing strategies implemented in 5 different jurisdictions with drug courts in Orange County, California. The purpose of the study was to determine whether the sweat patch acts as a deterrent and under what conditions it can be used to improve outcomes. Results indicated that although the use of the sweat patch did not result in statistically significant higher retention or graduation rates, it was perceived to be equal to the use of urine analysis in deterrent effect. The effectiveness of testing as a deterrent for drug use will likely depend on the scheduled administration of the tests and the immediacy of rewards and sanctions for participants.

Latino Youth in the Juvenile Drug Court of Orange County, California

This study examines the factors associated with successful completion of the Orange County Juvenile Drug Court (OCJDC) for 232 (164 male and 68 female) adolescents between the ages of 12 and 17 years. No significant associations were found between graduation status and participants’ age, most serious prior offense, entry offense, primary drug of choice, or secondary drug of choice. While bivariate analyses revealed that Latino ethnicity (especially for females whose parents’ primary language was Spanish) and a lack of family involvement in the drug court programs were both negatively associated with successful program completion, these variables were not significantly associated with the likelihood of graduation in logistic regression models predictive of successful program completion. Rather, a shorter history of substance abuse, a history of prior juvenile offenses, and the presence of co-occurring psychiatric disorders all predicted poor completion rates from the OCJDC program, regardless of gender, ethnicity, or levels of family participation. Implications for policy and practices are discussed.

Measurement Tools Utilized to Assess Specialty Groups for Drug Court Participants

This article describes the initial construction of measurement instruments for use in an enhanced drug court program in Orange County, California. The evaluation instruments include pre- and post-test surveys that assess 11 specialty groups utilized in this drug court. The specialty groups offered to drug court participants were designed to increase program retention and successful completion of the drug court program. The survey instruments discussed herein measure clients’ knowledge gained during treatment, the extent to which group objectives were achieved, and overall participant satisfaction with the groups. The survey instruments are discussed in detail and are included as appendices, in hopes that they may provide other drug courts employing similar specialty groups with an evaluation tool that could be standardized and utilized for comparison across jurisdictions.