Linking Foster Family Characteristics and Mental Health Symptoms of Youth in Care

Youth in foster care are disproportionately at risk for developing internalizing and externalizing problems (Lawrence et al., 2006); however, a history of maltreatment prior to foster care placement does not automatically result in poor mental health outcomes. Among non-foster care youth, the quality of family interactions has been related to adjustment outcomes, such that low family cohesion and high family conflict is associated with poor mental health symptoms (Caples & Barrera, 2006). While little is known about these constructs in foster care placements, they may help explain the variance in internalizing and externalizing problems for youth in foster care. The present study aimed to examine whether characteristics of the foster care environment (i.e., conflict, cohesion) across various placement types (i.e., traditional foster homes, group-care settings) could help explain the link between previous maltreatment exposure and mental health problems. The sample included 178 youth in foster care (M_age?=?15.18, SD?=?1.76) and their foster caregivers living in the Midwest. Youth participants completed self-report measures about prior maltreatment history, current family environment characteristics, and youth internalizing symptoms. Foster caregivers completed measures on current family environment and youth externalizing symptoms. Results indicated that caregiver report, but not youth report, of family cohesion was negatively associated with youth report of internalizing problems. When examining the indirect effects, youth report of family conflict partially accounted for the link between youth self-report of maltreatment and internalizing symptoms (B?=?0.106, 95% CI?=?0.026–0.186). Caregiver report of family conflict fully accounted for the association between youth self-report of maltreatment and caregiver report of youths’ externalizing symptoms (B?=?0.108, 95% CI?=?0.005–0.211). Findings highlight the importance of utilizing multiple informants when measuring foster family environment and suggest that family conflict is particularly salient for the mental health of youth in foster care.

     

“If He Looks Clean…”: Condom Use Decisions in Prostitution

ABSTRACT

Prostitutes engage in sex acts with multiple partners and have higher than average rates of intravenous drug use. For these reasons, unprotected sexual contact with a prostitute constitutes high-risk activity. The present study includes interviews with 34 indoor and outdoor sex workers that explore the factors involved in their condom use decisions. Three themes common to participants’ protective behavior decisions (interpersonal, situational, and personal factors) were elucidated and then analyzed within a rational choice framework. Policy implications include court-ordered sex education programs for women cited for prostitution and the expansion of harm reduction programs.     

THE USES OF DISORDER: PERSONAL IDENTITY AND CITY LIFE,Richard Sennet

This paper discusses three possible paradigms for enterprise in the future: (1) Industrial Paradigm, (2) Anti‐industrial Paradigm, and (3) Societal Paradigm. Explored are the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of each, concluding with a recommended choice.