Psychosocial Adjustment and Substance Use of Cambodian and Vietnamese Immigrant Youth

Southeast Asians living in the United States are a unique Asian immigrant population. They are considered one of the "newer" Asian immigrant groups, tend to be less affluent compared with their East and South Asian counterparts, and are steadily growing in number (U.S. Bureau of the Census, 2000). Unfortunately, few studies exist specifically about Southeast Asian immigrants. The lack of studies, coupled with the community's growing mental health issues, suggests the need for increased research on this population. This study contributes to the literature by examining the extent to which identification with Vietnamese or Cambodian culture, peer relationships, and coping behaviors affect substance use among Cambodian and Vietnamese immigrant youth. A sample of 102 participants, age 12-18 years, completed self-report measures regarding these variables. Overall, results indicate that identification with one's culture of origin and coping behaviors moderate the relationship between deviant peer association and substance use. Results are discussed within a contextual model of problem behavior among Southeast Asian youth.     

The phenomenology of self-reported body dysmorphic disorder by proxy

Body dysmorphic disorder by proxy (BDDBP), a preoccupation with a perceived defect in another person's appearance may represent a variant of BDD. However, BDDBP has received little empirical attention. We present here the phenomenology of 11 individuals with self-reported BDDBP. Participants completed an internet-based survey that assessed symptoms, psychosocial impact, and treatment history. Participants (8 females, 3 males) reported preoccupation with a wide array of individuals (e.g., spouse, stranger). Body parts of concern most commonly involved the face and head. Most participants spent several (e.g., 3–8) hours per day preoccupied by perceived defects in the person of concern (POC). All participants engaged in rituals to try to alleviate distress or improve the POC's appearance. Most avoided social/occupational activities, including contact with the POC. The impact of BDDBP was profound, particularly on relationships. Findings may help elucidate diagnostic criteria, course, and treatment.     

Methods for the quantification and statistical testing of ERP differences across conditions

Several standard methods, as well as a new method for the quantification of event-related potential (ERP) differences across conditions, are described. The standard methods are (1) peak analysis, (2) the calculation of mean values, and (3) the calculation of difference waveshapes. The new method, calledwindow analysis, was designed to quantify and statistically test in a very simple way any shape differences between two ERP curves in certain time intervals (windows) when clear peaks are lacking in one or all conditions. The window analysis is based on a conventional analysis of variance with sample time as an additional within-subjects factor. The significance of a shape difference between the curves for a factor of interest can then be determined with anF test for the interaction of this factor with the factor time. The usefulness of the window analysis is demonstrated in an example with real data.