Family Functioning and the Development of Trust and Intimacy Among Adolescents in Residential Treatment

This study examined relations between family cohesion and adaptability (as measured by the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales-III) and the formation of trust and intimacy (assessed with the Measure of Psychosocial Development) among adolescents in residential treatment. Bivariate correlation revealed a significant association between family cohesion and adaptability and psychosocial stages of trust and intimacy. Regression analyses revealed that family cohesion predicted trust, and that trust is significantly influential in the formation of intimacy. Discussion and treatment implications are included

Psychosocial Correlates of Alexithymia in a Rural Adolescent Residential Population

This study used a multimethod approach to evaluate the relationship of alexithymia (as measured by the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale and the 30-item Emotion Awareness Questionnaire), psychosocial development (assessed with the Measure of Psychosocial Development), and risk behavior (as measured by the Youth Comprehensive Risk Assessment) in 67 adolescents (85% from rural communities) in a rural residential treatment facility. Results revealed that both measures of alexithymia demonstrated good internal consistency and convergent validity. The EAQ-30 demonstrated stronger convergent validity over the TAS-20 with psychosocial measures of shame, inferiority, and role confusion and was more robust in differentiating risk behavior among males and females. Adolescent females scored higher on measures of alexithymia than males and demonstrated significantly more shame, diminished bodily awareness, and risk to self; whereas, males demonstrated significantly more risk to others. Overall, this study contributes to the current literature of alexithymia, provides further support for the validity of the alexithymia construct with adolescents, and sheds light on the importance of emotional awareness and expression in adolescent psychosocial development. Although exploratory, this study also increases clinical understanding of how risk behavior develops and manifests differently in male and female adolescents, specifically with regard to shame and diminished bodily awareness

The Youth Comprehensive Risk Assessment (YCRA) as a Treatment Guidance Tool for Adolescents with Behavioral and Developmental Challenges

This chapter describes the evolution of the Youth Comprehensive Risk Assessment (YCRA) by first describing the need, then the evolution of the assessment tool, and finally studies that provide validation

Relational and Purpose Development in Youth Offenders

This study explored which risk factors are associated with degrees of relational and purpose development in youth offenders. Results indicate that those with the poorest development particularly struggled with substance abuse, lack of family support, and risky behaviors to self. Several treatment recommendations and clinical strategies are included

Outcome Evaluation of Adolescent Offender Psychosocial Development: A Comparative Study

This study examined difference in psychosocial development of adolescent offenders in a residential treatment program between early adolescents and midadolescents and boys and girls. The study also evaluated gains after 6 months of treatment. Results suggest focused developmental treatment for early adolescents and specifically targeted treatment for boys and girls

A Preliminary Study Using the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory-Adolescent Form (SASSI-A) as an Outcome Measure with Youth Offenders

The authors describe a preliminary study using the Substance Abuse Subtle Screening Inventory-Adolescent Form (SASSI-A; F. Miller, 1994) as an outcome measure with adolescent offenders. Results indicate that the SASSI-A can be successfully used as a treatment planning tool as well as a measure to evaluate programs

An Exploratory Study of Psychosocial Risk Behaviors of Adolescents Who are Deaf or Hard of Hearing: Comparisons and Recommendations

The study compared psychosocial risk behaviors of adolescents who were deaf or hard of hearing with those of their hearing peers in a residential treatment facility. Statistically significant differences emerged between groups. The adolescents who were deaf or hard of hearing demonstrated clinically higher scores than those of their hearing peers on the psychosocial risk behaviors of risk to others, social and adaptive functioning, need for structure, aggression toward people and animals, destruction of property, theft and deceit, and rules violations. Implications and suggestions for helping professionals are included

Family Disengagement of Youth Offenders: Implications for Counselors

This study investigated the differences among youth offenders for family engagement (as measured by the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales—III) and conduct-disordered behaviors (as measured by Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders [4th ed., text revision] criteria) by means of the Youth Comprehensive Risk Assessment. Results indicated significant differences in conduct-disordered behaviors between youths with less familial engagement compared with youths with more family engagement. Resulting implications for counselors are included

Distinguishing Between Higher and Lower Risk Youth Offenders: Applications for Practice

The article presents information on a study which focused on the systematic assessment of youth offenders in a residential treatment program to distinguish their higher and lower risk for mental health and delinquency-related problems. It provides a review of literature relating to the recognized risk factors associated with teenagers who offend. It also describes the development of a comprehensive risk assessment process that includes self-report and clinical assessment measures. It also discusses the implications for clinical work with offending teenagers