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The aim of this research was to examine effects of cigarette smoking on depression and anxiety among children and adolescents (youth) with early onset schizophrenia and/or psychosis. Data were obtained from the national evaluation of the Comprehensive Community Mental Health Services for Children and Their Families Program (CMHS Program). Cubic mixed models were used to analyze the longitudinal data with seven waves (over 3 years). Results showed that 29% youth (N = 117, mean age at intake = 13.9) smoked cigarettes in any prior 6-month period. Cigarette users had high levels of initial and sustained depression and anxiety throughout the seven waves. Predicted depression and anxiety scores of cigarette users and non-users showed that cigarette users had higher but more stable states of anxiety and depression. Results suggested that youth with EOS might use cigarettes for mood regulation. Implications of results for psychologists and counsellors in schools are discussed.

Suicide is the third leading cause of death in adolescents in the United States-following accidents and homicide. This paper reports on group based activities using a cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) framework targeted at variables most highly correlated with suicidal ideation and behaviors, including problems associated with self-esteem, cognitive rigidity, social skills deficits, and substance use. Instead of focusing exclusively on treatment of depressive symptoms, this paper presents a series of structured group activities applicable to time-limited groups and designed to increase self-esteem, reduce negative thinking, enhance coping abilities, delimit substance use, and reintroduce the ability to seek and enjoy pleasurable activities with peers. The activities are derived from experiences with adolescents in treatment and are devised to foster rapid group stage development for use in time-limited groups. Keywords: Adolescents, suicide, group, activities, treatment

Skills for Bachelors in Social Work and Masters in Social Work graduates are evaluated, along with their suitability for specific areas of employment. Bachelors in Social Work skills were found to be desirable for screening foster parents and working hot-lines, while Masters in Social Work skills were preferable for conducting initial investigations and negotiating adoption placements.

Early negative findings on cocaine-exposed newborns engendered widespread media and public perceptions of a causal link between poor mothers' substance use and serious problems in their offspring. Despite later research questioning the prevalence of the problems and implicating other environmental and economic factors, these mothers were stigmatized arm criminalized, and their children precipitously removed from their care. This paper reviews the process by which this came about and urges a more balanced and complex view of the problem.

. The number of elderly residing in Florida has made it one of the 'bellwether' states reflecting the future circumstances and needs of the older population (Naisbitt, 1982). This survey examines low income older men and women whose economic and social circumstances brought them to community based meal programs. A total sample of l ,083 was surveyed at day-time meal programs for the elderly poor residing in three south Florida communities. The findings of this study demonstrate that the poor elderly self report poor quality of life, high levels of isolation, unhappiness, and despair., A study on the quality of life of the elderly on the bottom of the socioeconomic strata was conducted. A total of 1,083 participants answered a questionnaire from the three counties of Florida, of which the majority were females. These impoverished senior citizens were forced to subsist on nutrition offered by a day-time meal program. They suffer from lack of basic daily needs, loneliness, and misery. The indigent elderly evidently require social services that had been sadly overlooked.

This paper describes telephone group work with people with end-stage AIDS. The unique benefits of such groups are identified. Recommendations are made regarding membership, leadership, format, and structure. Topics and content of such telephone groups are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]