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Objective Numerous operationalizations of persistent offending have been used in the extant research with the assumption that these findings are generalizable. We tested this assumption by comparing the criminal careers of persistent offenders identified by different methods. Method We examined 38 operationalizations of persistent offending and the groups they identified. Criminal careers were measured using official conviction data from the Cambridge Study in Delinquent Development ( n = 411). Results The groups of persistent offenders differed in prevalence rates (ranging from 1.24% to 29.53% of the sample), average age of onset (from 10.86 to 26.07 years), average criminal career duration (from 16.96 to 39.86 years), average convictions (from 4.03 to 23.33, λ ranged from 0.3 to 1.17 convictions per year), and offender overlap (from 0% to 100%, ORs ranged from 0.34 to 787.5). Persistent offenders identified by the Group Based Trajectory Model were least likely to be identified by any other operationalization. Conclusion Different operationalizations generally identified qualitatively different offenders as persistent, suggesting that the findings on persistent offending in the literature may not be generalizable across studies. However, our analyses are limited to the CSDD, and so further research is needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: This study examined the association between age of onset and persistence of externalizing behavior and young adults'' cannabis use disorders (CUDs). Data were from a 21 year follow-up of a birth cohort study in Brisbane, Australia. The present cohort consisted of 2225 young adults who had data available about CUDs at 21 years and externalizing behavior at 5 and 14 years. Young adults'' CUDs were assessed using the CIDI-Auto. Child and adolescent externalizing behavior were assessed at the 5- and 14-year phases of the study. After controlling for confounding variables, children who had externalizing behavior at both 5 and 14 years (child-onset-persistent) (COP) had a substantial increase in risk of CUD at age 21 years (Odds ratio (OR)=2.5; 95% CI: 1.5, 4.2). This association was similar for those who had ‘adolescent onset’ (AO) externalizing behavior. However, there was no association between ‘childhood limited’ (CL) externalizing behavior and CUD. Externalizing behavior in adolescence is a strong predictor of subsequent CUD. Smoking and drinking at 14 years partially mediated the link between externalizing behavior and CUD. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

This study explores the preparedness of residents living in a rural community in Victoria, Australia, for wildfires, and the factors influencing their preparedness. Overall, participants were well aware of wildfire risks and appeared well prepared for the event of a fire. However, residents involved in agriculture and with a long-standing association with the area appeared better prepared than were those on small properties and newcomers. Their social networks, previous experiences with wildfires and grassfires, and involvement with the local fire brigade influenced preparedness of long-term residents. Characteristics of agricultural communities, including a culture of self-reliance, experience with fires as part of farming, and social cohesion, appeared to contribute to wildfire preparedness within this community. Included are recommendations encouraging preparedness for wildfires. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A range of adult health outcomes have been linked to early childhood adversities. These early adversities include parental marital breakdown and family economic disadvantage. Childhood experiences of maltreatment have also been linked to a variety of adult health outcomes. As both childhood adversities and child maltreatment often co-occur, we examine whether childhood adversities at 3 stages of the child's early life course predict any of nine adult mental health outcomes controlling for past experiences of child trauma (maltreatment). Data are from a long running birth cohort study, the Mater-University of Queensland Study of Pregnancy (MUSP). We use bivariate and multinomial logistic regression with adjustment for confounding, to predict adult outcomes. Experiences of recent life events in pregnancy appear to be unrelated to adult mental health. Recent life events experienced at the 5-year follow-up independently predicts lifetime ever depression and cannabis use disorder. Experiences of recent life events at 14-years of age predict lifetime ever depression, cannabis and amphetamine use in adulthood. Our findings support early childhood interventions which should be supplemented with a focus on later childhood and the adolescent period of development. Interventions should also focus on the broader social and demographic context within which children are born. Efforts to reduce the occurrence and consequences of childhood maltreatment should be given primary attention in order to reduce the childhood factors contributing to adult mental illness. • It is not known whether early life adversities may have lifelong consequences for mental health. • The sociodemographic characteristics of respondents predict the experience of life events over the early life course. • We present a prospective cohort study of early life adversities and adult mental health. • After adjustment, recent life events in childhood and adolescence predict lifetime ever depression. • Substance use behaviours to 30 years are predicted by childhood and adolescent life events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developmental and life-course criminology can be differentiated from other types of criminology by its focus on, and appreciation of, change over time in antisocial behaviour and offending, using longitudinal research. This approach emerged from a long history of longitudinal studies which culminated in the articulation of the 'criminal careers' perspective in the mid 1980s. Since then there have been numerous analyses and developmental and life-course theories which have attempted to explain and classify patterns of offending and antisocial behaviour over time. In this paper we consider various methods used to classify these behaviours, using the examination of persistent antisocial behaviour and offending as a case study. While sophisticated analytic techniques exist, we argue that in the case of identifying persistent offending, a focus on the duration of offending is the key consideration. • Developmental and life-course criminology can be differentiated from other types of criminology by its focus on change over time. • Conceptualisation and operationalisation, as well as analytic techniques, are often driven by commitment to a particular theory. • Persistent offending should only be operationalised using a measure of duration of a criminal career. • Although sophisticated statistical techniques are useful in the classification of longitudinal data, simple methods can be more accurate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

First Nation reserves in Canada are at high risk from wildfires, with many evacuated every year. There is a need to understand how First Nations are affected by wildfire evacuations to identify ways to reduce negative impacts. The First Nations Wildfire Evacuation Partnership has conducted research to explore evacuation experiences of seven First Nations in three Canadian provinces. This paper presents findings from research across the seven First Nations. Results show that few participating First Nations had an up to date emergency plan tailored to their community, which contributed to challenges during the evacuation. Family separation, insufficient information, and worries about losing their house caused considerable distress for evacuees. Wildfire smoke health impacts occurred, particularly for those who had pre-existing health conditions. Social and financial support, if available, helped evacuees during and after their evacuation. Several years after First Nations return home after a wildfire evacuation, lingering distress continues and some First Nations were still experiencing fiscal challenges as a result of the evacuation. Recommendations for reducing negative impacts of wildfire evacuations on First Nations people are discussed. • Few First Nations had an up to date emergency plan tailored to their community. • Family separation and insufficient information contributed to distress. • Wildfire smoke impacts and fears about potential loss of home. • Social and financial support helped evacuees. • Lingering distress and fiscal challenges occurred after the evacuation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV) are associated with a wide range of measures of poor mental health. While there is a body of evidence to suggest that IPV leads to poor mental health, there is some evidence to suggest the association between IPV and mental illness may be bi-directional. We take data from a long running cohort study to test the hypothesis that poor mental health experienced during the adolescent and young adult periods of the life course predict adult occurring IPV. At 14 years respondents were administered the Youth Self Report (YSR), and at 21 years they completed the Young Adult Self Report (YASR) as well as the Composite International Diagnostic Interview. At 30 years, respondents completed the Composite Abuse Scale (CAS), with five measures of IPV; Severe Combined Abuse, Physical Abuse, Emotional Abuse, Harassment and Coercive Control. After adjustment for possible confounding, measures of delinquency and substance use disorder at 21 years predicted all forms of IPV. For example, in the fully adjusted data, substance use disorders to 21 years predict Severe Combined Abuse (2.30:1.15, 4.61), Physical Abuse (1.67:1.11, 2.52), and Coercive Control (1.74:1.14, 2.65) at 30 years. The findings raise the possible benefits of early intervention programs to reduce adult occurring IPV. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Evidence supports the conceptualization of adult attachment as existing along a continuum of attachment security and insecurity; however, ongoing debates persist regarding the use of categorical versus continuous approaches to studying attachment. Attachment data collected from a large community sample of mothers and their offspring in young adulthood were used to examine i) latent classes of adult attachment, ii) associations between mother and offspring attachment, iii) the relationship between adult attachment and mental health symptoms. Mothers and offspring were each administered the Attachment Style Questionnaire when offspring were aged 21-years. Latent class analyses (LCA) were performed to examine response patterns across ASQ items. Associations between mothers' and offspring attachment, and correlations between attachment domains and depression/anxiety subscales were examined. LCA identified four latent classes across a continuum of secure and insecure attachment rather than four distinct adult attachment styles. Anxious attachment subscales correlated strongly with depression/anxiety symptoms in both cohorts. Mothers' attachment was significantly but weakly correlated with their young adult offspring attachment. Attachment was measured at one time point and as such, a causal maternal-offspring attachment relationship could not be established. Findings support a dimensional view of attachment security and insecurity over a four-category model of adult attachment. Attachment correlated with anxiety and depressive symptoms and highlights the importance of considering adult attachment when addressing mental health. There was limited evidence of a relationship between middle aged mothers and their offspring in young adulthood, suggesting other factors influence attachment in adulthood. • Four latent classes of attachment are identified across a continuum of secure and insecure attachment in both mothers and their young adult offspring • Weak but significant evidence was found for a relationship between maternal and adult-offspring attachment • Attachment correlates with anxiety and depressive symptoms and highlights the importance of adult attachment in addressing mental health [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The ability to express experiences coherently and participate in effective interpersonal communication underlies many facets of human life. Not much is known about the communication abilities of mothers who are incarcerated, but it is well understood that other incarcerated populations have challenges in this domain. Research has demonstrated that communication skills are amenable to change with evidence-based interventions, and these improvements can have positive downstream effects on the individuals and their communication partners. This theoretical paper focuses specifically on incarcerated mothers because of the importance of mother-child relationships to post-release desistance, and the need to stop intergenerational cycles of trauma and problematic behaviors. We take a holistic approach to the issues that surround incarcerated mothers' abilities to participate in and benefit from communication-based intervention programs. Areas for future research are discussed, especially the need to establish a clear profile of the capabilities and limitations of this population with regards to communication. This paper advances a case, and road map, for communication intervention with incarcerated mothers, including considerations for culturally-aware programs. It also addresses the elements of good skills training and how those should be evaluated. • Improved communication has wide-ranging positive downstream effects. • Communication intervention for incarcerated mothers may contribute to desistance. • The communication skills of incarcerated peoples can be strengthened through intervention. • Interventions must be culturally aware, trauma-informed, and evaluated. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose To describe official adult-onset offenders, investigate their antisocial histories and test hypotheses about their origins. Methods We defined adult-onset offenders among 931 Dunedin Study members followed to age 38, using criminal-court conviction records. Results Official adult-onset offenders were 14% of men, and 32% of convicted men, but accounted for only 15% of convictions. As anticipated by developmental theories emphasizing early-life influences on crime, adult-onset offenders' histories of antisocial behavior spanned back to childhood. Relative to juvenile-offenders, during adolescence they had fewer delinquent peers and were more socially inhibited, which may have protected them from conviction. As anticipated by theories emphasizing the importance of situational influences on offending, adult-onset offenders, relative to non-offenders, during adulthood more often had schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and alcohol-dependence, had weaker social bonds, anticipated fewer informal sanctions, and self-reported more offenses. Contrary to some expectations, adult-onset offenders did not have high IQ or high socioeconomic-status families protecting them from juvenile conviction. Conclusions A tailored theory for adult-onset offenders is unwarranted because few people begin crime de novo as adults. Official adult-onset offenders fall on a continuum of crime and its correlates, between official non-offenders and official juvenile-onset offenders. Existing theories can accommodate adult-onset offenders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: While recent decades have witnessed an increase in the use of illicit drugs in Australia, the extent to which the types of drugs used has changed over a generation of young women has not been documented.Methods: Data are from a prospective birth cohort study. Mothers were recruited in early pregnancy (1981-83) and then they and their child were followed up, with mothers interviewed 27 years (2008-2011), and daughters 30 years (2010-14), after the birth. At these most recent interviews both mothers and daughters were administered the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI III). Comparisons are for mothers and daughters separated by a 25 year period. For this study, we compare levels of lifetime use of a range of illicit drugs and drug use disorders reported by mothers and their daughters (N = 998 mother/daughter pairs) with adjustment for family income, marital status, education and occupation.Results: There has been a generational increase in the use of illicit substances and prevalence of substance use disorders experienced by Australian women. Mothers' use of illicit drugs was generally restricted to cannabis. By contrast the majority of daughters report lifetime use of an illicit drug with cannabis, club drugs and stimulants the most common. Compared to the mothers, daughters used club drugs 50 times, cocaine 19 times and inhalants 20 times more often. Daughters report experiencing 12 times the rate of cocaine use disorders, 9 times the rate of stimulant disorders and 7 times the rate of cannabis use disorders compared to their mothers.Conclusions: Mothers of the current generation of 30 year old Australian women rarely used illicit drugs and few experienced a drug use disorder. The current generation of young women report commonly using one or more illicit drugs with a substantial minority experiencing a drug use disorder. It is unlikely that the use of illicit drugs by young women in Australia will be reversed in the foreseeable future. Government policies and treatment practices need to be calibrated to the reality of the much greater contact with illicit drugs being exhibited by younger women. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]