The role of risk and protective factors in predicting symptomatology in adolescent self-identified children of alcoholic parents

Tested a stress process model for predicting mental health symptoms in children of alcoholics (COAs). Stress and mental health measures were completed twice over a 3-month period by 145 high school students, 43 of whom self-identified as COAs. Using structural equation modeling, a stress process model for predicting mental health symptoms in children provided a good fit to the data. COA status was related to higher levels of negative and lower levels of positive events. In turn, positive and negative life events were found to have an immediate, but not a longitudinal, direct effect on adolescent symptomatology.     

Predicting Participation in Cancer Screening: The Role of Perceived Behavioral Control1

We examined the role played by perceived behavioral control in predicting participation in colorectal cancer screening among individuals recently informed that they were at high risk for this type of cancer. A telephone interview based primarily on the theory of reasoned action was administered to 96 high-risk individuals and 144 average-risk individuals. All participants then were sent materials needed to complete the screening test. In both groups, perceived behavioral control enhanced prediction of intention to complete the test over and above the contributions of attitude and subjective norm. In addition, perceived behavioral control had a direct effect on behavior but only in the high-risk group. Further, for high-risk subjects, knowledge about test procedures moderated the relationship of perceived behavioral control and intention to behavior, but in ways only partially consistent with theory. Finally, the model was better at predicting behavior in the average than in the high-risk group. We conclude that perceived behavioral control plays an important role in the prediction of screening behavior. Perceived behavioral control's motivational role manifests itself unambiguously through its influence on intention. The role of perceived behavioral control above and beyond its influence on intention, however, needs further study and clarification.     

The critical role of nurturing environments for promoting human well-being

The recent Institute of Medicine report on prevention (National Research Council & Institute of Medicine, 2009) noted the substantial interrelationship among mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders and pointed out that, to a great extent, these problems stem from a set of common conditions. However, despite the evidence, current research and practice continue to deal with the prevention of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders as if they are unrelated and each stems from different conditions. This article proposes a framework that could accelerate progress in preventing these problems. Environments that foster successful development and prevent the development of psychological and behavioral problems are usefully characterized as nurturing environments. First, these environments minimize biologically and psychologically toxic events. Second, they teach, promote, and richly reinforce prosocial behavior, including self-regulatory behaviors and all of the skills needed to become productive adult members of society. Third, they monitor and limit opportunities for problem behavior. Fourth, they foster psychological flexibility-the ability to be mindful of one's thoughts and feelings and to act in the service of one's values even when one's thoughts and feelings discourage taking valued action. We review evidence to support this synthesis and describe the kind of public health movement that could increase the prevalence of nurturing environments and thereby contribute to the prevention of most mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. This article is one of three in a special section (see also Mu?oz Beardslee, & Leykin, 2012; Yoshikawa, Aber, & Beardslee, 2012) representing an elaboration on a theme for prevention science developed by the 2009 report of the National Research Council and Institute of Medicine.     

Interdependency Between Risk Assessments for Self and Other in the Field of Comparative Optimism: The Contribution of Response Times

The Psychological Record - By introducing a response-time measure in the field of comparative optimism, this study was designed to explore how people estimate risk to self and others depending on...     

Advancements in Procedural Fidelity Assessment and Intervention: Introduction to the Special Issue

Interest in procedural fidelity has grown rapidly since 1981 as evidenced by the growing numbers of research publications across disciplines on this topic. As a result, the past 30 years of research has yielded a variety of procedures to guide research and practice, which we hope translates into better educational practices and services. Despite our progress, much remains unknown. As an introduction to the special issue on advancements in procedural fidelity, this article will briefly describe the conceptual and definitional issues surrounding this topic, summarize the relevance of procedural fidelity to education and research, and highlight the articles in this issue that address proposed research priorities.