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Helicopter parenting is defined by popular culture as a set of parenting practices characterized by overinvolvement. However, empirical research has not adequately defined the construct, and it is unclear how helicopter parenting may relate to existing parenting behaviors and parenting styles. Participants included 341 caregivers from across the United States who completed a survey about their parenting beliefs and behaviors. Latent class analysis was used to determine combinations of parenting behaviors, and the identified classes of parents were then used to conduct one-way ANOVAs to examine differences in helicopter parenting between the different classes. Results suggest that parents who fit the authoritative parenting profile endorse greater helicopter parenting. Further research needs to be conducted to determine the “tipping point” for when positive parenting practices, which are often associated with positive outcomes, begin to produce negative outcomes.

Purpose Many children who face natural disasters experience significant mental health consequences. Parents play a prominent role in the likelihood of child mental health outcomes after a weather-related disaster. This study aimed to examine the relationship between parent risk factors and children’s psychological well-being post Hurricane Harvey. Methods Parents (n = 140) completed a survey that measured hurricane exposure, parental depression and anxiety, parenting behaviors, and assistance given and received during or after Hurricane Harvey. Additionally, parents were asked to complete questionnaires assessing one of their children’s post-disaster psychosocial functioning and distress. Results Results indicated that heightened parent anxiety was significantly associated with an increased risk for emotional symptoms, conduct problems, and hyperactivity-inattention symptoms in children. Additionally, inconsistency in parental discipline was significantly associated with an increased risk of child conduct problems. Further, higher numbers of assistance types received by parents—a proxy indicator of resource loss—was associated with higher child emotional distress scores. Conclusions Broader systems-level interventions that address parents’ physical and emotional needs may help mitigate maladaptive reactions in children and facilitate greater post-disaster psychosocial adjustment.

As of December 1, 2020, when the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices published their COVID-19 vaccine distribution and prioritization recommendations, health care workers (HCWs) and the elderly were deemed to be at greatest risk of contracting the coronavirus. Limited extant research suggests that most HCWs are willing to receive the COVID-19 vaccine, and findings from studies examining vaccine uptake in non-HCW samples also have reported high vaccination willingness. The health belief model (HBM) and the theory of planned behavior (TPB) suggest that beliefs about severity and susceptibility of disease, perceived benefits of and obstacles to vaccination, and normative beliefs of others affect vaccine uptake. Further, perceptions of safety, side effects, and demographic factors can uniquely impact COVID-19 vaccine uptake.Using a cross-sectional design, we recruited 526 participants via social media, through snowball emailing methods, and from university settings.The present findings demonstrate that 37% of participants intend to get the vaccine, and 35% reported that they might get the vaccine. No relationships among demographic factors, willingness to receive the vaccine, and level of intent were observed. However, those who reported that they would not receive the COVID-19 vaccine demonstrated fewer positive attitudes, less agreement, fewer normative views, and less anticipatory regret regarding the COVID-19 vaccine. Also, perceptions of susceptibility, severity, and barriers were associated with participants' willingness to get the COVID-19 vaccine.Our results suggest that factors related to the HBM and TPB might uniquely impact COVID-19 vaccine acceptability and could guide the crafting of interventions meant to encourage vaccine uptake. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Compared to healthy individuals, individuals with depressive symptoms are likely to respond to negative events by overusing maladaptive emotion regulation (ER) strategies, which are associated with greater negative emotional intensity and intolerance. Research suggests that during negative event recall, self-distancing, a putatively adaptive ER strategy, is associated with decreases in maladaptive ER strategies (e.g., rumination), negative affect, and emotional intensity. However, less is known about the effects of self-distancing as a sad evocative event unfolds. Given that the experience of frequent and prolonged periods of sad emotion is characteristic of depressive syndromes, identifying a useful strategy to regulate emotion during sad events could help de-intensify and shorten those periods, which may ultimately reduce depression vulnerability. The present study examined spontaneous ER, instructed self-distancing, and their effects on emotion intensity and intolerance in dysphoric and nondysphoric individuals. Participants viewed sadness-inducing film clips, regulating emotions without specific instructions in one condition, and engaging in instructed self-distancing in the other. After each film, participants reported the intensity and intolerance of their emotions, and ER strategy use. The dysphoric group reported significantly greater intensity and intolerance of emotion than the nondysphoric group. Instructed self-distancing reduced emotional intensity more than spontaneous ER irrespective of group status, however it decreased rumination use only for the nondysphoric group. Decreased rumination use was associated with decreased emotion intensity and intolerance. Thus, promoting and monitoring the effectiveness of self-distancing may enhance ER. Pairing self-distancing with 2 other evidence-supported anti-rumination strategies may be needed to help reduce depression vulnerability more robustly.

In August 2017, Hurricane Harvey disrupted the lives of millions in the Houston/Galveston gulf coast region, causing injury, loss, and major uncertainty of wellbeing. Natural disasters can influence parent mental health and parenting behaviors, though less is known about how these factors might be associated with parenting accommodations provided to children immediately following a disaster. OBJECTIVE: This study examined parental anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), as well as pre-existing parenting practices (i.e., positive parenting, supervision, discipline) as clinical predictors of parenting accommodations (PA) in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey. Parents of children ages 2–17 (n = 130) completed self-report measures approximately one month after Hurricane Harvey. A three-step hierarchical multiple regression was conducted to predict PA from demographic variables (age, income, gender), parental levels of anxiety, depression, and PTSS, and parenting practices. Results indicated that families with lower income, higher rates of inconsistent discipline, and higher levels of parental anxiety reported engaging in greater PA following Hurricane Harvey. Accommodations may be explained in the context of reactive parenting practices aimed at reducing child and parent distress following a natural disaster. Consistent routines, limit-setting, and other positive parenting practices may be important treatment targets to reduce parenting accommodations following a natural disaster.

Background: Following natural disasters, early helping behavior often dissipates despite remaining disaster-related suffering and affective vulnerability in the community. Interventions that have successfully increased helping behaviors have included components of motivational interviewing (MI) and mindful compassion; however, this research is limited by laboratory-based settings and lengthy training sessions. Brief, portable, and efficient intervention is needed to increase accessibility to large groups simultaneously. Method: The current study piloted a brief, online, self-administered MI and mindful compassion intervention administered 4–10 weeks post-Hurricane Harvey examining if it would sustain helping behaviors over the ensuing year. The study also examined potential moderators of the relationship between compassion for others and internalizing symptoms, and whether helping behaviors predicted post-traumatic stress symptoms. Results: The intervention group sustained the use of helping behaviors more than an active control group after 9–12 months. Also, compassion satisfaction and burnout moderated the relationship between compassion for others and post-traumatic stress and depressive symptoms at follow-up. Conclusions: Results suggest a potentially useful model of how an efficiently distributed intervention might sustain helping behaviors after a natural disaster and provide insight into possible longitudinal risk and protective factors for post-traumatic stress and depressive symptoms among helping volunteers.

High parental involvement has been linked to positive outcomes; however, helicopter parenting may result in negative outcomes. The behaviors demonstrated by “helicopter parents” resemble parental accommodations, which are behavior modifications intended to alleviate their child’s distress. The current study examined the relation between helicopter parenting and parental accommodations, while also examining child internalizing and externalizing symptomatology as possible moderators. Parents ( N = 400) of children (ages 4–11) from across the United States completed surveys and rating scales. Parents, who endorsed higher levels of helicopter parenting, endorsed significantly higher levels of accommodations than parents who endorsed lower levels of helicopter parenting. Results suggested helicopter parenting differed depending on the types of accommodations provided. This study provides additional clarity for the construct of helicopter parenting and suggests that parents higher in this construct may exhibit difficulties related to accommodating their child’s diagnostic symptoms.

Objective Sleep plays a critical role in children’s growth and development. This study examined the frequency and persistence of children’s sleep problems following a natural disaster, risk factors for children’s sleep problems, and the bidirectional relationship between children’s sleep problems and posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) over time. Methods This study assessed 269 children (53% female, M = 8.70 years, SD = 0.95) exposed to Hurricane Ike at 8 months (Time 1) and 15 months (Time 2) post-disaster. Children completed measures of hurricane exposure and related stressors, stressful life events, sleep problems, and PTSS. Results Children’s sleep problems were significantly correlated from Time 1 to Time 2 (r = .28, p < .001). Risk factors for sleep problems at Time 2 were younger age, sleep problems at Time 1, and PTSS, not including sleep items, at Time 1. Examinations of the bidirectional relationship between sleep problems and PTSS indicated that PTSS significantly predicted later sleep problems, but sleep problems did not significantly predict later PTSS. Conclusions Findings demonstrate that PTSS may contribute to the development and course of children’s sleep problems post-disaster.

European Board and College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology (EBCOG) is a representative body of 36 countries in Europe. One of its aims is to develop and promote high quality standards of care for new...

Background As extreme weather events increasingly affect the global population, it is valuable to understand their impacts on mental health. Extending upon previous theory and research, the current study examined a hypothesized framework of direct and indirect pathways. Exposure and psychosocial resource factors at the time of the hurricane/flood were expected to help explain post-disaster behavioral responses, such as avoidant coping, positive coping, and helping behaviors, which, in turn, would help account for post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) and depressive symptoms (DS). Methods Survey data were collected from adult survivors (n = 801) of Hurricane Harvey 1–3 months post-disaster. PTSS, DS, and needing help were common, and loss/disruption and helping behavior were widespread. Structural equation modeling was used to examine the hypothesized framework. Results Models accounted for substantial variance in PTSS (70%) and DS (61%), with immediate loss/disruption, low self-reported resilience, and avoidant coping showing the strongest associations with symptoms. As predicted, results provided support for several modeled indirect pathways through avoidant coping to PTSS and DS. Further, helping behavior was consistently associated with increased PTSS, but not DS. Limitations Cross-sectional design and online data collection methods precluded testing of causal directionality and confirming clinical diagnoses. Conclusions The current study represents a step toward elucidating potential mediators of avoidant coping and how helping behavior might relate to post-disaster psychopathology. Individuals in heavily hurricane/flood-exposed areas who have low psychosocial resources (social support and resilience) might be most vulnerable and most in need of intervention.

The present study examined relationships among parental mental health and sleep, parental bedtime accommodation behaviors, and children’s sleep disturbances. Parental bedtime accommodations (see Ta...

OBJECTIVE: Identify factors influencing the vaccine intention-behavior relationship. DESIGN: 445 parents who received a brief intervention to promote HPV vaccination were categorized based on their intentions post-intervention (yes/unsure/eventually/never) and subsequent adolescents’ vaccine status (yes/no). 51 of those parents participated in qualitative interviews. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Parents described their intentions, decision-making, and planning processes toward vaccination. Framework analysis was used to analyze the data. RESULTS: Parents in the “Yes/Yes” category were knowledgeable about HPV/vaccine, described strong, stable intentions, considered themselves the primary decision-makers about vaccination, and said they vaccinated immediately. “Yes/No” parents described strong intentions and thought their adolescent was vaccinated OR described hesitant intentions, seeking advice/agreement from others and noting barriers to vaccination without solutions. “Unsure/Yes” parents described their intentions as strengthening with information from credible sources and identified strategies for overcoming barriers. “Unsure/No” and “Eventually/No” parents had misinformation/negative beliefs regarding vaccination, described being ambivalent or non-supportive of vaccination, and cited barriers to vaccination. “Never/No” parents held negative beliefs about vaccination, described strong, stable intentions to NOT vaccinate, deferring the decision to others, and reported no planning toward vaccination. CONCLUSIONS: Intention characteristics and planning processes could moderate the vaccine intention-behavior relationship, potentially serving as targets for future vaccine strategies.

EBCOG and ESCRH are committed to work with UNFPA- EECA Region to reduce high maternal mortality, preventing unwanted pregnancies, improving adolescent health, reducing the burden of STDs including HIV, safeguarding and protecting sexual health and achieving gender equality to achieve the objectives of ICPD 25 as agreed in Nairobi on 12th November 2019. Both organisations will provide technical assistance to support the development of country level SRH strategies to achieve these objectives as outlined in this joint position statement. We advocate policies developments for knowledge transfer from west to the east to address the unmet need for effective contraceptive methods, to reduce the rates of teenage and adolescent pregnancy rates. All this can be achieved by developing a work force fit for purpose to support the implementation of national SRH strategies. We urge upon international and national funders to work with us to develop sustainable models of care in the Eastern Europe and Central Asian Region.

Background: College students are susceptible to undermanaged stress and its detrimental effects, and though they could use evidence-based stress reduction techniques (SRTs) to remedy this, many do not. Unfortunately, little is known about what might encourage greater use. Purpose: This study examined to what extent a framework integrating cognitive, social, behavioral, and experiential factors related to influential health behavior models could account for increased intention to use SRTs (intention) and willingness to recommend SRTs (promoter willingness). Methods: College students (n = 233) completed a survey assessing health beliefs, past and intended future use of SRTs, willingness to recommend SRTs, and potential changes in intention or promoter willingness following brief Health Education messages. Results: Health Belief Model components, theory of planned behavior descriptive norms, and prior SRT use predicted significant variability in intention and promoter willingness (experienced effecti...

Background and aims Pornography use has become increasingly common. Studies have shown that individuals who use sexually explicit materials (SEMs) report negative effects (Schneider, 2000b). However, Bridges (2008b) found that couples who use SEM together have higher relationship satisfaction than those who use SEM independently. A further investigation into various types of SEM use in relationships may highlight how SEM is related to various areas of couple satisfaction. Thus, the purpose of the current study is to examine the impact of SEM use related to different relationship dynamics. Methods The current study included a college and Internet sample of 296 participants divided into groups based upon the SEM use in relationships (i.e., SEM alone, SEM use with partner, and no SEM use). Results There were significant differences between groups in relationship satisfaction [F(2, 252) = 3.69, p = .026], intimacy [F(2, 252) = 7.95, p =

Natural disasters can lead to mental health problems, such as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Higher levels of loss and/or disruption and prior trauma exposure constitute risk factors for mental illness, whereas protective factors, including hope and resilience, support positive functioning. The present cross-sectional study used structural equation modeling to examine the relative influence of resilience and hope on mental health and well-being 1-3 months after Hurricane Harvey made landfall in August 2017, among a sample of 829 adults in the Greater Houston, Texas area. Resilience was more strongly associated with reduced PTSD symptoms, β = -.31, 95% CI [-.42, -.21], than was hope, β = -.17, 95% CI [-;.30, -.04], whereas hope was more strongly associated with components of well-being, βs = .47-.63. Hope was positively associated with posttraumatic growth, β = .30, 95% CI [.19, .41], whereas resilience was negatively associated with posttraumatic growth, β = -.24, 95% CI [-.35, -.12]. These associations remained consistent after considering risk factors, although more variance in trauma-related outcomes was risk factors were included in the model. The present results suggest that considering the influence of both risk and resilience factors provides an enhanced picture of postdisaster mental health.

Experiential background can influence how individuals respond to affective interpersonal information. For formerly depressed individuals, sad facial expressions are presumably salient. If so, when performing affectively neutral daily tasks, these individuals would find peripheral sad faces particularly distracting, and thus, they might shift their attention from them. The present study examined this hypothesis by comparing how euthymic formerly depressed and never depressed adults attended to sad and happy task-irrelevant emotional facial expression stimuli. The study also measured constructs linked to interpersonal functioning and depression and conducted exploratory analyses to examine whether Hispanic ethnicity status would moderate effects of study outcomes. Results of analyses indicated that formerly depressed individuals directed more attention away from sad faces than never depressed individuals. There were no significant between-group effects for happy faces and no moderation by ethnicity on attention to affective faces. However, irrespective of depression history, Hispanic individuals reported lower fear of negative evaluation compared to non-Hispanic Caucasian individuals. Findings are in line with hypothesized attentional avoidance among formerly depressed individuals and consistent with prior research suggesting that some Hispanic individuals experience protective mental health benefits through engagement with aspects of their culture. Directions for future research are discussed.

To determine variables associated with parental trust in a school-located immunization program (SLIP) and the effect of trust-building interventions on trust and participation in SLIPs.Parents among eight schools randomized to a trust-building intervention or a control condition (four schools each) completed a five-item trust survey before SLIP implementation both in year 1 (fall 2012) and in year 2 (fall 2013). Mean trust scores were calculated. Associations between baseline demographic and experiential variables and mean trust scores were analyzed. Mean trust scores in intervention and control schools were compared before SLIP in years 1 and 2, and SLIP participation rates were noted.From year 1, 1,608 parent surveys were analyzed. Baseline mean trust score across schools was 3.59 of 5 (5 = highest trust). In a multiple linear regression model, annual household income, survey language version, participation in a previous SLIP, child's health insurance status, and perceived vaccine importance were significantly associated with parental trust in SLIPs (R(2)= .06, p.001). There was no difference in mean trust scores between intervention and control schools (p = .8). In year 2, 844 surveys were analyzed, and a modest difference was observed between intervention and control schools (mean trust score = 3.66 and 3.57, respectively, p = .07). SLIP participation rates appeared higher in intervention (7.7%) versus control schools (4.3%) in year 1.Baseline trust in SLIPs among a low-income, largely Hispanic group of parents in Texas was moderately high. Factors associated with trust included demographic and experiential variables, and interventions aimed at increasing parents' perception of vaccine importance and participation in SLIPs may be effective in increasing parental trust in SLIPs.

Objective: To examine the factor structure of the Inventory of Parent Accommodations of Children’s Symptoms (IPACS) among a community sample of healthy children. Method: An online survey was completed by 220 parents ages 18-65 (M = 34.49; 96% female) for a study examining the effects of parent behaviors on frequency of general sickness and pain complaints (e.g., headaches and stomachaches) in otherwise healthy children. The survey included the IPACS, a measure of parent behaviors and responses to sickness or pain complaints, as well as items that assessed sociodemographics and frequency of sickness and pain complaints in children. Results: Exploratory factors analysis of the IPACS revealed a 12-item measure yielding three discrete, yet related subscales. Additionally, parent accommodations were slightly associated with an increase in sickness and pain complaints in children (r (220) = .153, p

Examining pupillary motility as a psychophysiological measure of cognitive-affective processing, the current study aimed to elucidate psychophysiological correlates of early resilience to parental depression risk. Forty-one never-depressed female college students were categorized based on presence or absence of parental depression history. Participants completed an emotional valence identification task, while pupil data were gathered to examine whether correlates consistent with negative potentiated processing and emotion context insensitivity might precede first onsets. Instead, results showed that having formerly depressed parents (higher risk) corresponded with decreased early pupil dilation in response to negative, neutral, and positive words. Results suggest that early resilience to parental depression risk can be expressed by decreased neurocognitive reactivity to lexical information during a valence identification task. Given that participants navigated childhood without depression, this pattern could reflect decreased emotional engagement with this task as an indicator of relative resilience to inherited risk.

Discrimination often involves social criticism and rejection, which may exacerbate or even cause anxiety in social situations, though few have investigated these associations. The current study investigates whether perceived discrimination on the basis of ethnic group membership and/or sexual orientation predicts social anxiety and whether use of an avoidant coping method (e.g., experiential avoidance) exacerbates social anxiety in response to discrimination. Approximately 500 participants were recruited from diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds and various sexual orientations. Results indicate that the amount of discrimination reported varies by group, and that for sexual minorities the report of discrimination is positively correlated with social anxiety. Individuals who tend toward avoidant coping were found to experience more social anxiety than their low-avoidant counterparts.

OBJECTIVES To compare two-year continuation rates and user satisfaction with the levonorgestrel releasing-intrauterine system (LNG-IUS) and the etonogestrel releasing-subdermal implant (ENG implant) in women in Europe. METHODS This prospective, non-interventional study was undertaken at 72 sites in France (n = 61), Great Britain (n = 2), Ireland (n = 3) and Slovakia (n = 6). Women opting to switch their method of contraception to the LNG-IUS or the ENG implant were followed-up over 24 months to document continuation and satisfaction with their chosen contraceptive method. Reasons for discontinuation were documented. RESULTS The data analysed were based on 363 women (LNG-IUS [n = 247] and ENG implant [n = 116]), aged 20 to 45 years, with at least one follow-up visit after contraceptive placement. The documented cumulative continuation rate was 82% in the LNG-IUS group and 67% in the ENG implant group at 24 months. The documented discontinuation rates were 13% and 17%, respectively. Bleeding problems were cited as reason for discontinuation in 4% and 11% of women in the LNG-IUS and ENG implant groups, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The LNG-IUS is associated with higher continuation rates and user satisfaction than the ENG implant in this study of women in Europe, though the groups were not similar in all respects. Bleeding problems with the ENG implant account for most of the reasons for discontinuing its use.

During adolescence, individuals develop increased ability to have emotionally and physically intimate relationships. The type of intimate relationship will make a difference as to whether the adolescent engages in protective behaviors or avoids risky behaviors. However, in reviewing the literature on the association of relationship type and sexual risk and protective behaviors, four methodological challenges were noted. These challenges limit our understanding of the impact of relationship type. These four challenges are: (a) inconsistent definitional frameworks; (b) lack of adolescent voices; (c) lack of consideration of gender; and (d) poor differentiation between individual and relationship risk. These issues direct the course of future work in this area and are necessary to advance the field of adolescent sexual health, particularly with regard to the development and testing of appropriate interventions designed to reduce untoward outcomes of adolescent sexuality.

Previous research has implied that while parents may be willing to have their adolescents receive some recommended vaccines via school-located vaccination program (SLVP), they were less likely to agree to the HPV vaccine being administered via SLVP. During an SLVP in a large urban area, 86% of those participating in the program received an HPV vaccine.

Purpose To describe both parent and student perspectives on the importance of various programmatic factors when deciding to participate in a school-located immunizations program (SLIP) for influenza vaccine. Methods Questionnaires were distributed to middle- and high-school students and their parents; the document assessed demographic data, influenza vaccination history, and the importance of various factors in their decision to participate in a potential SLIP for influenza vaccine. Factor analysis created six primary factors of importance related to programming: (1) safety/trust; (2) outbreaks (representing imminent threat of disease, an environmental factor associated with program timing); (3) issues of site implementation; (4) public health benefits; (5) record-keeping; (6) medical/emotional support. Results Participants included 621 students and 579 parents; 566 student/parent dyads were included. Most respondents were female, felt it is important to be immunized against the flu, and received the influenza vaccine in the past. Fewer than 50% had received the intranasal vaccine. More parents (67%) than students (46%) expressed a general willingness to consent to utilizing a SLIP. The programmatic factors associated with public health were second only to safety/trust factors as the most important to parents and students when considering participation in a SLIP. Demographic variables were found to be associated with the importance ratings of program factors associated with participation in a SLIP. Conclusions When considering possible participation in SLIPs, parents and students consider programmatic factors associated with safety/trust and public health benefits to be of the greatest importance. Further study will be needed to develop effective and culturally sensitive messaging that targets and emphasizes these factors to potentially increase participation in SLIPS.

Study Objective Healthy sexuality includes having positive feelings about one’s body and developing positive romantic relationships. Previous research predicts that women dissatisfied with their bodies may be less likely to enforce their rights of sexual autonomy (i.e., sexual assertiveness). Design We assessed whether the body esteem of young women was related to their reports of sexual assertiveness. Young women from local colleges (N = 127) completed a questionnaire that included demographics, self reported weight and height, sexual history, along with body esteem and sexual assertiveness. Results Overall, body esteem was related to sexual assertiveness regarding condom use when controlling for other variables. Women with less body esteem were less likely to insist that their partner use a condom. Individual components of body esteem did not independently predict insistence of condom use. Body esteem was not related to initiation of sex or refusal of unwanted sex. Discussion The current study found relationships between body esteem and sexual assertiveness regarding STI prevention behaviors. Given these findings, implications for STI prevention programs are discussed.

This single-case-design experiment examined an intervention to decrease bed-sharing in children, ages 2 through 6. Three sessions were conducted with each parent. At the first session, parents described bed-sharing history and began collecting baseline data. At the second session, parents were instructed to employ the intervention. At the third session, parents were interviewed and offered continued support, if needed. Participants included three children who slept with their parents 4 or more nights per week. The intervention resulted in a substantial decrease in bed-sharing behavior for all participants, and parents reported being satisfied with the intervention.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a heterogeneous condition with symptom presentation that includes contamination, harm, unacceptable thoughts, and symmetry. Researchers have begun to examine the ideographic nature of OCD symptoms to aid the development of specialized treatment approaches. Obsessional beliefs are often implicated in the development and maintenance of the disorder; however, much of the variance in symptom severity is not accounted for by these beliefs. Less attention has been paid to the role of emotions in OCD, and to date, no study has investigated beliefs about emotions (i.e., emotion appraisal) in clinical samples of OCD. In the present study, 44 participants were recruited from residential and intensive outpatient facilities and private practitioners specializing in OCD treatment. Participants completed measures of OCD severity, obsessional beliefs and emotion appraisal. Results indicated that both obsessional beliefs and emotion appraisal were correlated with each of the symptom presentations to varying degrees, and severity in each of the subtypes was predicted by a different model. Implications for cognitive and emotional conceptualizations of OCD are discussed.

Previous research has found that a significant proportion of individuals who use Internet pornography (IP) report that their use is problematic in some area of functioning. Problematic IP use has been conceptualized as an aspect of sexual addiction and as having components of impulsivity and compulsivity. Experiential avoidance also has been implicated in problematic IP use. The current study further examined the relationship between problematic IP use and these variables. Participants (N = 94), who were categorized as having problematic or nonproblematic IP use based on their responses to four questions, completed an online survey regarding their use of IP. Results indicated that there were significant differences between individuals with and without problematic IP use in hours of IP used per week, sexual compulsivity, amount of interference from sexual urges, experiential avoidance, and negative and positive effects of IP use. Results from the current study help clarify conceptualizations of problematic IP use, and implications for treatment are suggested.

Adolescents are an important target for microbicide research, as they are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections and currently are underrepresented in the microbicide research literature. Furthermore, adolescents are psychosocially and biologically different from adults, and findings from adult research cannot be assumed to apply universally to adolescents. Adolescents, to date have rarely been included in clinical trials and acceptability research for microbicides, in part because their participation requires attention to unique developmental issues, including parental consent and confidentiality. Despite these challenges, adolescents should be included in microbicide clinical research. If adolescents are ultimately expected to use microbicides, it is essential that we understand the developmental, contextual, and relationship variables that may influence use and acceptability. Accordingly, the goal of this paper was to examine the issues affecting the inclusion of adolescents in microbicide clinical research as well as review the existing adolescent-specific microbicide research, which highlights the various factors that may influence use and acceptability. It is hoped that this review can provide guidance for future work with this important, specialized population.

We examined associations between parenting behaviors and romantic relationship qualities in 102 adolescent girls 14-21 years of age who lived with their parent/parental figure and had current boyfriends. Adolescent girls' perceptions that parents were accepting/involved and provided appropriate strictness and supervision were significantly related to adolescent girls' perceptions of mutuality (i.e., bidirectional movement of thoughts, feelings, and activities between persons) within their own romantic relationships, which in turn was related to their romantic relationship satisfaction. No parenting variables were related to nonexclusivity.

Racial/ethnic differences in prevalence and patterns of oral and anal sex were analyzed among girls participating in a microbicide acceptability study.Cross-sectional analysisRecruitment to participate in a 6-month study examining microbicide acceptability was conducted at a school-based health clinic and local colleges in Galveston, Texas and through snowball sampling.Sexually experienced girls (n = 202) ages 14 to 21 years of age.Girls reported on their demographic and sexual history at the intake interview.Their mean age was 18.2 years; 26% were white, 43% African-American, and 31% Hispanic. African-American girls were significantly less likely than whites and Hispanics to have had oral sex; no differences were found for anal sex. African-American girls were significantly older than whites and Hispanics when they initiated oral sex. African-American girls had a greater difference between ages of vaginal and oral sex initiation than whites and Hispanics. Oral sex history was associated with a 6-factor increase and anal sex history was associated with a 3-factor increase in the likelihood of a history of sexually transmitted infection. Future studies should explore these differences in greater depth in order to develop culturally specific STI prevention efforts.

The context of adolescent development in which puberty occurs is briefly reviewed, along with the psychosocial impact on timing of puberty, girls' perception of puberty, and the impact of puberty on relationships with parents and on psychological health. This information can be integrated into clinical practice in order to provide the best care for adolescents, but, first, access to confidential and comprehensive care must be available.

This study examined demographic, sexual history and weekly contextual variables, and perceptions about microbicides as predictors of microbicide-like product use.Adolescent girls (N = 208; 14-21 years) participated in a 6-month study in which they completed three face-to-face interviews and 24-weekly phone call interviews. Participants were given microbicide-like products (vaginal lubricants) and encouraged to use them with condoms when they had intercourse.Of the girls, 75% had had a sexual opportunity to use the product. Using multi-variable logistic regression, the following variables independently predicted ever using the product: length of sexual experience, number of lifetime vaginal partners, and the Comparison to Condoms subscale on the Perceptions of Microbicides Scale. Using a mixed model repeated measure linear regression, the following variables independently predicted frequency of use: week of the study, age, condom frequency prior to the study, and three subscales on the Perceptions of Microbicide Scale: namely, the Comparison to Condoms subscale, the Negative Effects subscale, and the Pleasure subscale.Most girls used the product, including those who were not protecting themselves with condoms. Girls' initial perceptions regarding the product predicted initial use and frequency of use. Further research should evaluate the best methods for supporting the use of these products by young or sexually less experienced girls.

This study addressed how sex addiction and problematic IP use present to mental health professionals (MHPs), and how MHPs conceptualize and treat these issues. MHPs (N = 183) reported on beliefs about, experiences with, and treatment of problematic sexual behaviors (PBS). Most MHPs saw clients with PBS, but most do not feel competent to treat PBS. Specialized MHPs endorsed seeing more clients with PBS and feeling more effective than nonspecialists. Sexual addiction and problematic IP use share similarities, but differ in etiology and co-occurring problems. Diagnostic ambiguity, insufficient knowledge, and limited dissemination may hinder MHPs ability to assess and treat PBSs.

Our purpose was to describe adolescent girls perceptions of microbicide surrogates and experiences of use including impact on sexual pleasure. Sexually experienced girls 14--21 years were recruited for a study examining microbicide acceptability. The girls were given vaginal moisturizers (gel or suppository) to use as if they were microbicides. Girls (n = 175) discussed their perceptions and experiences of use of these products in response to semistructured interviews. Girls were asked at weekly phone interviews about the impact of product use on their and their partners sexual pleasure. These answers were averaged and girls were categorized into those for whom the product predominantely made sex feel worse better less than half the time or better half the time or more. The relationship of demographics and sexual history to the impact on pleasure was evaluated. Overall participants were positive about their experience with the products. More girls preferred the gel. Specific concerns about the suppository included the wait period texture and messiness of self-insertion. Many liked the lubricating quality of both of the surrogates. Girls discussed messiness leakage clumping and the difficulties in communicating with partners. Over half reported an increase in pleasure most of the time for themselves and their partners. None of the demographic and sexual history predictors were significantly related to impact on pleasure. Anticipatory guidance should help girls initiate and sustain use. Future research should examine the best way to accomplish counseling about microbicide use with adolescent girls. (authors)

Study Objective To understand adolescent girls' use of “I don't know” within the context of discussing information related to sexual attitudes and behaviors. Design Qualitative analysis of seven focus groups with adolescent girls. Setting Urban primary care clinic. Participants Adolescent girls (n = 23) with a mean age of 16.4 years (range 14 to 18 years). Fifty-two percent were African-American, 26% were Caucasian, 17% were Hispanic/Latino, and 5% were Asian. Results The use of “I don't know” served three functions: (1) place holder, (2) lack of commitment to an opinion; and (3) reduction of commitment to an opinion or belief. Conclusions These results suggest that girls use “I don't know” when asked about their thoughts and opinions related to sexual health, and that its use can have varying implications. Discriminating the intent may help providers respond appropriately. Responses should include providing a safe and nonjudgmental environment in which girls can express their feelings and opinions regarding their sexual health.

Study Objective To characterize the discussions on douching that female parents/guardians have with daughters. Design A questionnaire assessing personal douching history, beliefs on the practice of douching, and what they had discussed or intended to discuss about douching with their daughters was administered to women who were parenting females 11–21 years of age. Participants Fifty-seven women who had douched or currently douche completed the questionnaire. Results Fifty-six of the women had discussed or planned to discuss the subject with their daughters. The girls with whom they had had a discussion were significantly older (16.2 years) than those with whom they planned to have a discussion (14.1 years). Most (73%) of the women had encouraged or planned to encourage douching, while only 18% had or planned to discourage it. Mothers had or planned to have the conversation in the context of menses (76%), sexual activity (40%), or when their daughter instigated the conversation (44%). Over 40% of the mothers had not or did not intend to discuss any negatives about douching. Only ten of the women stated that a health care provider had spoken to them or their daughter about the subject. Conclusion Female parents/guardians are an important source of information about douching for their daughters. Health care providers need to educate girls as well as the women who parent them on the health risks associated with douching. Public campaigns aimed at decreasing douching should target this intergenerational transfer of information.

When adolescent girls choose to have sexual intercourse, it is important for them to have the knowledge, resources, and communication skills necessary to avoid unintended pregnancies. There are many barriers to contraceptive use that are specific to adolescents, and it is possible that parents and partners could help to support consistent and correct use of contraception. This paper reviews the existing literature on the role of parents and partners, and discusses the implications of this knowledge base for clinical practice. The specific recommendations in this manuscript are designed to aid health care providers in supporting the involvement of parents and partners in the lives of adolescent girls in order to promote the positive emotional and physical growth of adolescent girls.

Little research has been published on tattling, even less on its social impact, and we found none directly investigating tattling by adolescents. This study assessed the extent to which tattling, as perceived by peers and caregivers of adolescents in a residential care program, was associated with various dimensions of social status and other behavioral correlates. Eighty-eight adolescent participants rated their housemates on likeability, perceived rates of tattling, and other behavioral descriptors. In addition, caretakers also rated each youth in terms of perceived tattling. On the basis of likeability ratings, participants were classified into one of five categories: popular, average, controversial, neglected, and rejected. Results showed a significant negative correlation between likeability and perceived tattling rates. In addition, youth classified as socially rejected were more likely to be perceived by both their peers and care providers as engaging in high rates of tattling.

This study evaluated health related quality of life (HRQOL) in obese children using obesity-specific HRQOL measures and examined potential race and sex differences.Two-hundred and four children aged 5.03 to 13.48 years (mean +/- SD = 10.18 +/- 1.95) and their parents participated.All participants enrolled in a family-based weight loss intervention study. Their height and weight were measured before and after the intervention, and demographic information was collected. Participants also completed a weight related quality of life measure; children completed a self-report version, and parents completed a parent-proxy version.Higher child body mass index z-scores (BMIz) were related to poorer HRQOL per parent and child report. Males reported higher emotional functioning than females, and for race, African American parents reported higher physical functioning for their children than Caucasian parents. No difference in total HRQOL was found for race.Childhood BMIz is inversely related to quality of life. Compared with male children, females have more impairment in quality of life. However, HRQOL did not differ by race. Also, although parent and child reports do overlap in certain areas, they also each provide unique information. Future researchers and clinicians would be wise to capture both child and parent perspectives regarding quality of life among obese children.

This study examined the relation between Internet pornography use and narcissism. Participants (N=257) completed an online survey that included questions on Internet pornography use and 3 narcissism measures (i.e., Narcissistic Personality Inventory, Pathological Narcissistic Inventory, and the Index of Sexual Narcissism). The hours spent viewing Internet pornography was positively correlated to participants' narcissism level. In addition, those who have ever used Internet pornography endorsed higher levels of all 3 measures of narcissism than did those who have never used Internet pornography.

Internet pornography (IP) consumption has increased, resulting in functioning and psychological problems. Thus, understanding what variables affect IP uses is needed. One of the variables may be religion. College students (N = 223) completed questions on IP use and religion. About 64 % ever viewed IP and 26 % currently viewed IP, at a rate of 74 min per week. IP use interfered with their relationship with God and spirituality. Religious individuals were less likely to ever or currently view IP. Intrinsic and extrinsic religiosity and alignment of spiritual values were associated with ever use. Results suggest that religiosity matters in IP use and further research is needed.

Male partners’ attitudes toward microbicide use are important to understand; however, there are challenges in conducting research with adolescent couples. We describe the experience of recruiting male partners of adolescent females enrolled in a microbicide acceptability study. Creative solutions to enrolling partners of young women in studies need to be explored.

Summary This study examined the reasons that adolescent girls used a product over time. Adolescent girls ( n = 208; 14–21 years) participated in a six-month study in which they completed three face-to-face interviews and 24-weekly phone call interviews. Participants were given microbicide-like products (vaginal lubricants) and encouraged to use them with condoms when they had intercourse. Most of the reasons for use were endorsed by most of the adolescent girls, at some time during the study. Over time, the adolescents were significantly more likely to report the following reasons for use: did not think the product would leak out ( z = 2.49; P < 0.01), the product felt comfortable ( z = 2.41; P < 0.02) and the product was not messy to use ( z = 3.11; P < 0.01). Although it appears that adolescents are interested in microbicides, they may worry about certain characteristics of the product. It will be important to develop anticipatory guidance that focuses on the experience of using the product, making sure adolescent girls continue to use over time.

A sample of 327 men (age, 16-36 years) responded to self-completed questionnaires, which included questions regarding their most recent female sexual partner and specific behaviors pertaining to that partner. Analyses showed significant differences in several variables including condom use and sexually transmitted infection history, among the different relationship types.