Analyzes the results of a survey given 5th- through 12th-grade students in a small city school district. Respondents evaluated their schools' substance abuse prevention programs and also gave their views on the adequacy and fairness of school and legal punishments for common drug and alcohol offenses. (RJM)

Describes survey of 300 undergraduates on alcohol abuse. Shows significant relationships between alcohol abuse and nine variables. The demographic/social variables of gender, age, and grade point average (GPA) related significantly to students' alcohol abuse. Important single predictors of abuse included familial abuse, depression, state anxiety,…

In this correlated study, researchers tested the hypothesis that adolescents who occasionally used drugs would exhibit psychologically healthier characteristics than adolescents who had been frequent users or complete abstainers. Results indicated a linear relationship between substance use and psychological health--increased drug use accompanied…

This study compared how alcohol effect expectancies and reaction expectancies related to one another and to male and female college students' drinking behavior. Analyses indicated that different types and patterns of expectancies were gender specific. Discusses results in terms of the nature of gender/expectancy/drinking relationships. (RJM)

Researchers examined the extent of drug and alcohol use among 255 4-H youth. When results were compared to local school surveys, no statistically significant differences emerged between 4-H members' drug and alcohol use and student use. Seventy percent of 4-H members indicated that 4-H had influenced their attitudes about substance use. (RJM)

Few nurses receive the formal education to recognize chemical dependency in their patients. This article reports on one school's coordinated approach to curriculum implementation of alcohol and other drug abuse materials. Discusses training plans, curriculum implementation, faculty survey, and evaluations that were used in the program. (RJM)

Parents who smoke possess an adequate level of knowledge about smoking but still lack sufficient knowledge in crucial areas. Parents (n=60) expressed positive attitudes about their children and smoking and acknowledged their powerlessness to prevent their children from smoking. Discusses the study's limitations and offers recommendations. (RJM)

This study examined the relationships among perceived levels of intoxication, blood alcohol levels, and impairment of selected psychomotor skills used in driving. Results reinforced previous findings which correlated perceptions of intoxication and other measures. These findings suggest that alcohol consumption tables, which calculate one's…

This paper reviews the effects of iodine deficiency across the lifespan, with special reference to mental defect; discusses the magnitude of the problem; describes available iodine technology to control iodine deficiency disorders (IDD); and notes the status of national IDD control programs, to assess the likelihood of eliminating IDD by the year…

A standardized interview format was developed to measure daily stressors in 28 people with mild intellectual disabilities. On average, each person experienced seven stressful events per day, mostly involving interpersonal relationships. Many events that individuals with intellectual disabilities find stressful may not be covered in standard…

Interviews with eight parents of six adolescents with autism revealed the following themes in parents' experiences and family needs: behavioral concerns, social and communication concerns, family-related concerns, education and related services, relationships with professionals, and independence and future concerns. (Author/JDD)

This study adopted an interpretivist model as a basis for parents and researchers to cocreate a discourse, using repertory grid methodology, that outlines life experiences as they relate to parenting a child with an intellectual disability. A model of five interrelated systems of issues that impinge upon the perceptions of parents is proposed.…

This paper reviews Family Court of Australia cases concerning performing hysterectomies on premenarchal women who have an intellectual disability, with specific reference to relevant Australian legislation. The paper discusses the implications for women who have an intellectual disability, which may have international applicability. (Author/JDD)

Twelve middle-aged Dutch adults with Down's syndrome and hearing loss received tympanic ventilation tubes or hearing aids and habituation training. Staff members reported subtle positive reactions to treatment in five subjects, but no statistically significant changes were found in social involvement and nonverbal reactions, verbal reactions,…

The effect on families and the changes that occur in relation to a child with intellectual disability are considered through the lifespan. As the rest of the family grows older, the child with a disability goes through school years and remains having special needs and specific vulnerability through adult life. (Author/JDD)