Nancy J. Smyth

The relationship between childhood violence and alcohol problems among men who batter: An empirical review and synthesis

The available literature indicates that: (a) experiences of childhood violence are associated with mediator variables, including antisocial behaviors and depressive symptomatology, that are themselves associated with development of alcohol problems and perpetration of partner violence for men in adulthood; (b) experiences of childhood violence and, more strongly, observation of interparental violence during childhood predict perpetration of partner violence in adulthood for males; (c) presence of partner violence is associated with certain types of alcohol problems for men; and (d) both partner violence and alcohol problems are associated with marital conflict. However, available research has often excluded important moderator variables, such as history of familial and parental alcohol problems and history of parental psychiatric disorders. Based on the available research, two indirect pathways between childhood violence and adulthood problems (i.e., alcohol problems and partner violence) are proposed as guides for future research in the areas of family violence and alcohol problems for men. Further, bidirectional associations between alcohol problems and partner violence are proposed. Finally, inclusion of important moderator and mediator variables in multivariate research designs is suggested.

Problem solving and suicidality among prison inmates: another look at state versus trait

This research examines the relationships between means-ends problem solving and suicidality among adult male prison inmates in light of new evidence based on inpatient and college student populations suggesting that state, rather than trait, vulnerabilities may be responsible for problem-solving deficits and differences. Using the Means-Ends Problem-Solving Procedure (MEPS) with 93 state prison inmates, we found that among inmates with a history of parasuicide, current suicidality did not affect problem-solving performance. We further found that among nonsuicidal inmates, parasuicide history had no effect on problem solving or affect-suicidality measures. Although these results support new research suggesting that trait problem-solving deficits are not causally linked to suicidality, they raise questions about the potentially unique relationships among suicidality, problem solving, depression, and hopelessness in incarcerated populations.

Changes in Psychological Maladaptation among Inmate Parasuicides

Thirty-three males who engaged in parasuicide in prison were assessed for suicidal behavior and other psychological maladaptation upon prison entry (T1) and 1 year later (T2). Depression and suicidal ideation scores decreased significantly at 1 year, although continued distress also was evident. State- and trait-anger levels did not change significantly. Congruent with other research, inmates who engaged in parasuicide demonstrated a decrease in psychological maladaptation during imprisonment, although the findings also support the differential impact of imprisonment, with some inmates continuing to experience significant distress.

Two strikes against them? Exploring the influence of a history of poverty and growing up in an alcoholic family on alcohol problems and income

ABSTRACT The relationship between poverty and substance abuse is complex and mitigated by many factors. While poverty is a risk factor for adolescent substance abuse, there is little research documenting the relationship beyond adolescence. Using a systematic sample of 1,268 cases from the National Longitudinal Survey of Youth, this study investigated whether there are synergistic, intergenerational effects of poverty and alcoholism. Results suggest that a co-occurring history of family alcoholism and poverty has a nonlinear relationship with alcohol problems and income as an adult. Young adults who were poor six or more years and lived with an alcoholic relative for nine or more years are at greater risk of having low income and problems with alcohol asan adult compared to others. Implications for policy, practice, and future research are discussed.

Time-Limited Cognitive-Behavioral Group Interventions with Suicidal Adolescents

ABSTRACT Suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents in the United States-following accidents and homicide. This paper reports on group based activities using a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) framework targeted at variables most highly correlated with suicidal ideation and behaviors, including problems associated with self-esteem, cognitive rigidity, social skills deficits, and substance use. Instead of focusing exclusively on treatment of depressive symptoms, this paper presents a series of structured group activities applicable to time-limited groups and designed to increase self-esteem, reduce negative thinking, enhance coping abilities, delimit substance use, and reintroduce the ability to seek and enjoy pleasurable activities with peers. The activities are derived from experiences with adolescents in treatment and are devised to foster rapid group stage development for use in time-limited groups.

From the Editor—The Future of Social Work Education

One of the most challenging aspects of my role as editor in chief has been writing editorials that I thought would be of interest to the readers of this journal. Over the past four years I have written about a variety of topics including transitions, scholarship, competency-based education, the fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, peer reviews, and trigger warnings, among others. As my term comes to a close with this issue, my last editorial glances into the future to speculate about what our profession might look like in years to come and offers ideas about some of the possibilities and potential constraints that lie ahead for us as social work educators. However, not having any specific expertise in future forecasting, I invited several leaders whom I consider to be visionaries in social work education to muse along with me about the future of social work education. Here is this result of this collaboration.