Shannon D. Smith

Working with Nonheterosexual Youth to Understand Sexual Identity Development, At-Risk Behaviors, and Implications for Health Care Professionals

This article outlines special issues related to being a nonheterosexual youth. Information is presented on the sexual development of homosexual youth and their unique challenges. Included are data about the average age of initial awareness and self-identification of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered, and questioning youth. The average age of awareness of homosexual orientation is between 10 or 11 years, while the average for identifying or self-labeling is ages 13–15. This age range is consistent across studies. The special issues related to a unique sexual development, prejudices associated with being a nonheterosexually oriented youth, typical behavioral outcomes of dealing with discrimination, and major health concerns for this at-risk population are identified. Finally, implications for health care professionals working with these adolescents are outlined.

Association Between Adult Romantic Attachment Styles and Family-of-Origin Expressive Atmosphere

This study examined the associations between attachment quality and perceived family-of-origin expressive atmosphere (FOEA) in a convenience sample of 279 participants. Multivariate analysis of variance (MAN-OVA) was used to examine the associations between attachment style and FOEA, and hierarchical regression was used to analyze FOEA as a predictor for attachment anxiety and attachment avoidance. Categorically, secure and dismissing individuals reported higher levels of FOEA than preoccupied and fearful ones. Dimensionally, FOEA predicted significant anxiety and avoidance. Findings in this study support the proposition of the family as a secure base for attachment formation.

Convergent Validity of the Beck Depression Inventory for Youth

This study investigated the convergent validity of the Beck Depression Inventory for Youth in a sample of 34 children (22 boys, 12 girls) who ranged in age from 7 to 14 years (M = 11.3, SD = 2.3) by comparing scores with simultaneous ratings on the Childrens Depression Inventory. Analysis indicated that the sets of scores correlated very strongly regardless of age or sex. Given that this Beck Depression Inventory has fewer items and is guided by a strong theoretical premise, this scale may be a valuable tool for use with youth by clinicians in various mental health disciplines.

The consequences of parental abduction: a pilot study with a retrospective view from the victim

This descriptive pilot study examined parental abductions through a retrospective view from the abductee. The purpose of this pilot study was to help mental health professionals better understand the psychological consequences that result from a parental abduction in order to help the victims when they return home. A multiple choice and short answer questionnaire was developed for this pilot study and administered through phone interviews. A total of 13 people participated in the study. Effects identified in this study by the abductees included loss of trust with the opposite sex, trouble making and keeping friends, feeling like they were in a dream-like world, trouble recalling important aspects of the abduction, and trouble sleeping and concentrating after the abduction.

A Content Analysis of Brief Alcohol Screening Inventories

Qualitative content analysis was conducted on brief alcohol screen inventories including the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Cut down, Annoyed, Guilt, Eye-opener (CAGE), Brief Michigan Alcohol Screening Test (bMAST), Rapid Alcohol Problem Screen–Quantity and Frequency (RAPS4-QF), and the TWEAK. Data were coded and categorized according to key terms and themes emerged via consensus of the research team. Results included six major themes: (a) consequences, (b) consumption, (c) emotions, (d) eye-opener, (e) perceptions, and (f) risks. Findings suggest emergent themes represent core constructs in the assessment of hazardous drinking and alcohol dependence and abuse. Discussion, implications, and recommendations for future research are provided.