Kristin L. Dean

School-based disaster mental health services: Clinical, policy, and community challenges.

The consequences of Hurricane Katrina have far-reaching implications for the mental health system in the Gulf Coast region, with some of the most vulnerable survivors being children and adolescents.

The Impact of Peer Aggression and Victimization on Substance Use in Rural Adolescents

Prior research has shown relations between peer victimization, aggression, and adolescent substance use. However, there is a need for further research in this area, especially among rural populations, as rural youth have high rates of substance use but less access to mental health resources in their communities. The present study examined relations between peer victimization, aggression, and substance use in a rural sample of 6th–12th graders. Older, nonminority students who endorsed aggression were more likely to have used alcohol only and alcohol plus marijuana, and also had the highest rates of alcohol use. Results highlight the need for multifaceted intervention and prevention programs and further research into the causal relations between peer aggression and substance use.

Support for Students Exposed to Trauma: The SSET Program.

The Support for Students Exposed to Trauma (SSET) program is a series of ten teacher- or school counselor lessons aimed at reducing distress for middle school students who have been exposed to a traumatic life event.