Browsing by Subject "Adolescents"

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Adolescent popularity: its relation to friendship characteristics and Its contagion among friends.
(2010-07) Marks, Peter E.
Since the late 1990s, quantitative researchers have differentiated between popularity, defined as a form of status determined by the group consensus, and preference, which is based on emotional reactions of individual peers. Although a great deal of work has gone into establishing correlates and consequences of popularity, very little work has investigated how popularity interacts with particular types of social relationships. The current study aimed to investigate the relation between popularity and friendships by replicating and expanding upon early findings of Rose, Swenson, & Carlson (2004) and by providing initial findings relevant to the theory of popularity contagion. This theory, proposed in the current study, posits that popularity should spread among friends (or other relationship partners) spontaneously and regardless of behavioral changes. Data were collected annually between 6th grade and 12th grade from a total of 1062 participants as part of a larger longitudinal study of peer relationships. Peer nominations assessed adolescents' friendships as well as popularity, social preference, overt aggression, relational aggression, and prosocial behavior. Self-reports assessed friendship quality (i.e., companionship and conflict with best friends; Bukowski, Hoza, & Boivin, 1994). Replicating earlier findings of Rose et al. (2004), correlational results indicated that popular adolescents had a higher number of mutual friends, but did not seem to have friendships that lasted longer or were substantially higher in quality. Correlations between individual levels of popularity and mutual friends' levels of popularity were fairly high across all time points, indicating that popular individuals tended to have popular friends. Finally, longitudinal hypotheses generated from the theory of popularity contagion were mostly supported using path analyses, and showed (a) that individual popularity could be predicted by friends' popularity levels over time, even when controlling for stability of individual popularity; (b) that this prediction was not accounted for by behavioral contagion of aggressive or prosocial behaviors; and (c) that individual social preference generally could not be predicted by friends' preference levels over time. Implications, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.
Adolescents’ Exposure to Intimate Partner Violence, Delinquent Behaviors and the Role of Perceived Social Support
(2022-05) Robinson, Renita
An underestimated 10.7 million of the 52.7 million US children (ages 0-17) living with two parents live in homes where male-to-female intimate partner violence (IPV) between adults has occurred in the last year. Children’s exposure to IPV (EIPV) affects their behavior, development and educational outcomes. Adolescent’s exposure and behavioral responses to EIPV is understudied. This study uses a secondary analysis of data from the third National Survey of Children Exposed to Violence (the most comprehensive nationwide survey of the incidence and prevalence of children’s exposure to violence conducted to date) to explore the ways adolescents’ EIPV are associated with delinquent behaviors, and whether the perception of social support (SS) is a protective factor in the relationship between EIPV and delinquent behaviors. This analysis extends the understanding of the relationship between EIPV, delinquency, and SS: (a) It documented that SS was more protective for females than males. (b) While White non-Hispanic children experienced lower levels of EIPV and higher levels of SS, both “races” demonstrated a benefit from SS. 3) Measures of SS vary only minimally across the age ranges in this study. In contrast both measures of delinquency and EIPV got worse with age.
Cultural socialization in transracial, transnational adoptive families: A seven-year follow-up
(2015-08) Hu, Alison
Cultural socialization, or education regarding ethnicity and race, was examined in transracial, transnational adoptive families. This longitudinal, multi-informant study represented a seven-year follow-up with adopted Korean American adolescents (ages 13-20) and their adoptive parents (N = 116). The study examined changes in parental cultural socialization over time, the longitudinal relationship of parental cultural socialization on peer cultural socialization, and the independent and collective relationships of parental and peer cultural socialization practices on adolescent ethnic identity and discrimination. Parents reported Time 1 and Time 2 parental cultural socialization; adoptees reported Time 2 parental cultural socialization, Time 2 peer cultural socialization, Time 2 ethnic identity, and Time 2 discrimination. Cultural socialization was examined via ethnic and racial socialization. Results indicated parent-reports of parental ethnic socialization decreased and racial socialization increased between childhood and adolescence. Parents also reported higher levels of parental ethnic and racial socialization than did adolescents at Time 2. Contrary to hypothesis, parental ethnic socialization in childhood was negatively associated with adolescent ethnic identity, but parental ethnic socialization in adolescence was positively associated with adolescent ethnic identity. With regards to discrimination, parental ethnic socialization in childhood and adolescence were both positively associated with perceived discrimination. Last, peer racial socialization in adolescence mediated the association between parental racial socialization in childhood and ethnic identity, as well as the association between parental racial socialization and perceived discrimination. The study highlights the racial and ethnic experiences of transracial, transnational adopted individuals, and illustrates the importance of longitudinal and multi-informant methodology.
Ethnicity/Race, Sex and Physical Activity: Supporting Physical Activity from Childhood to Adulthood in Diverse Populations
(2017-07) Miller, Jonathan
Interventions to increase population physical activity are often conducted in diverse populations, particularly in schools. Understanding differences in intervention effects and determinants of physical activity across population subgroups should help improve the effectiveness of interventions. We examined how an intervention effect and determinants of physical activity differ by or are consistent across ethnicities/races and the sexes. In the first manuscript, we estimated the effect of the Minne-Loppet Ski Program, an elementary school cross-country ski intervention, on motivation to exercise and tested whether effects differ by ethnicities/race or sex. Motivation to ski increased among Minne-Loppet Ski program participants compared to students in control classrooms. Motivation to exercise increased among African American and white participants but not Hispanic participants. In the second manuscript, we used cross-sectional data from Project EAT-2010 to test a social-ecological model of determinants of physical activity. Determinants clustered into eight factors. A factor that included personal and social determinants had the strongest association with physical activity. In the third manuscript, we used cross-sectional data from Project EAT-2010 to estimate differences in personal, social and environmental determinants of physical activity across ethnicities/races and the sexes in middle and high school students. Most determinants of physical activity did not vary by ethnicity/race. Among females, neighborhood road connectivity, distance to trails and perceived mother’s physical activity differed in their associations with physical activity by ethnicity/race. Among males home media equipment and sports participation differed in their associations with physical activity by ethnicity/race. In the fourth manuscript we used longitudinal data from Project EAT-I through EAT-IV to estimate differences in trajectories of physical activity and its determinants across ethnicities/races and the sexes in middle and high school students. Declines in physical activity happened later among males than among females. Only the association of BMI with physical activity differed by ethnicity/race and sex. The results from these analyses show that there is a great deal of consistency in the determinants of physical activity across ethnicities/races, but differences that emerge should be considered when implementing future physical activity interventions.
Fatigue, physical performance, and carnitine levels in children and adolescents receiving chemotherapy.
(2009-04) Hooke, Mary Catherine
Fatigue in childhood cancer is a pervasive and distressing symptom that has a physical component described as a "lack of energy". Fatigue, physical performance, and a micronutrient, carnitine, all relate to physical energy and may be influenced by chemotherapy. The purpose of this pilot study is to examine the relationship between the physical performance and carnitine plasma levels and fatigue in child and adolescent cohorts receiving chemotherapy. The study included 30 patients, ages 6 to 17, who were newly diagnosed with cancer and receiving chemotherapy. There were 20 males and 10 females; the child cohort had 16 subjects ages 6 to12. The 14 subjects in the adolescent cohort were ages 13 to 17. Standardized instruments were administered in the 1st and 3rd cycle of chemotherapy between day 15 and 29. Instruments included physical performance tests (Timed Up and Down Stairs [TUDS] and 6-Minute Walk test [6MWT]), carnitine plasma levels, and self-reported Childhood Fatigue Scale or Fatigue Scale for Adolescents. In the child cohort, physical performance measures appeared to improve (TUDS, p = 0.09 and 6MWT, p = 0.09) and free carnitine plasma levels decreased (p = 0.01) between cycles 1 and 3. Fatigue scores also tended to improve (p = 0.05). In the adolescent cohort, there was a suggestion that fatigue decreased (p = 0.15) but other variables evidenced little change. Spearman's rank-order correlation was used to examine relationships between the change in variables from cycle 1 to 3. In 6 to 12 year olds, when time on the TUDS decreased, fatigue tended to decrease (p = 0.11), and when 6MWT distance increased, fatigue decreased (p=0.01). In 13 to 17 year olds, correlations between changes in the physical performance variables and fatigue were slight and not significant. Fatigue may decrease early in treatment as disease symptoms resolve. Fatigue in the 6-12 age group was related to physical performance, which is consistent with previous studies that define fatigue in children as primarily a physical sensation. Adolescent fatigue was not related to physical performance which supports the concept that, in adolescents, fatigue is more complex and includes mental and emotional components.
Healthy Lifestyle Intervention: Application of Parenting Styles and Practices Among Latino Fathers and Early Adolescents
(2018-12) Zhang, Youjie
Background: The high prevalence of pediatric obesity is a public health crisis. Poor dietary intake, physical inactivity and excessive screen time are obesogenic energy balance-related behaviors (EBRBs). The obesity rate is disproportionately high among Latino adolescents who face unhealthy acculturation challenges. Therefore, prioritizing intervention efforts to provide effective and culturally appropriate strategies is neccessary. Enhancing parental involvement in behavioral-based interventions may result in greater effectiveness for improving EBRBs and preventing pediatric obesity. Two promising strategies include addressing the overarching influence of parenting styles and practices on adolescents’ EBRBs and the underrepresentation of fathers. Overall Objective: To provide theoretical support and empirical evidence for incorporating parenting skills education regarding parenting styles and practices in healthy lifestyle intervention programs to prevent unhealthy weight gain among Latino early adolescents (age 10-14). Methods: The methods included secondary data analyses using population-level survey data, focus group interviews based on the grounded theory approach, psychometric testing of criterion validity for measures to evaluate program effectiveness, and a quasi-experimental design using pre- and post-intervention comparisons to determine program feasibility based on acceptability and preliminary effectiveness. Results: Analysis of the population-level survey data showed that parenting styles moderated the associations of parenting practices with adolescents’ junk food/sugary drink intake and physical activity. Parenting styles were also associated with adolescents’ dietary intake and screen time after adjusting for the mediating effects of parenting practices. Focus group interviews generated themes related to Latino fathers’ beliefs and concerns about their early adolescents' EBRBs, their food and activity parenting practices, and factors that may influence their involvement in promoting healthy EBRBs. Psychometric testing of evaluation measures showed good criterion validity for adolescent-reported parenting practices and poor validity for father-reported parenting practices around adolescents’ EBRBs. The pilot study of the Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables program demonstrated feasibility based on acceptability and preliminary effectiveness regarding behavioral outcomes. Conclusions: The influence of parenting styles on adolescents’ EBRBs and parenting practices needs to be further addressed in pediatric obesity prevention. Latino father involvement in the Padres Preparados, Jóvenes Saludables program may be effective in promoting healthy EBRBs and preventing unhealthy weight gain among early adolescents.
International travel, contraceptive use, and sexual behavior: A mixed methods study of female university students
(2017-10) Martins, Summer
BACKGROUND Adolescence and young adulthood are critical life stages for maintaining sexual and reproductive health (SRH), especially for women. There is a vast research literature dedicated to the determinants of young women’s SRH and related risk behaviors—e.g., contraception and condom use. While the factors influencing women’s SRH are broadly understood, it is less clear how risk mechanisms operate within specific contexts. Illuminating the unique settings that exacerbate or mitigate young women’s SRH risks could guide the development of more potent interventions. This dissertation examines young women’s SRH in the context of international travel. Traveling to a foreign country precipitates an abrupt shift in women’s psychosocial, physical, and cultural environments that may, in turn, influence SRH risk behaviors. Existing studies focus on travelers’ sexual behaviors in predominantly European and clinic-based samples. Data for women are mostly limited to prevalence estimates. Notably, no published studies report on women’s use of contraception, other than condoms, during international travel. With few studies comparing travelers with non-travelers, it is also unclear whether SRH outcomes are attributable to travel itself or if high-risk individuals disproportionately engage in international travel. DATA SOURCE We conducted a mixed-methods study of female university students who had traveled outside the United States in the past three months (“Traveler”) or planned to do so in the next three months (“Pre-Traveler”). Participants had a history of sex with men and considered the United States their home country. For the quantitative study, Travelers, (n=340) and Pre-Travelers (n=170) completed a cross-sectional online survey about their SRH and recent or upcoming trip (“index trip”). In the retrospective portion of the survey, Travelers reported on their index trip and Pre-Travelers for a recent period of similar duration in the United States. The qualitative study consisted of in-depth, semi-structured interviews with 25 Travelers and 19 Pre-Travelers. This dissertation is presented in three manuscripts, whose aims, methods, and results are described below. MANUSCRIPT 1 Aim: To evaluate whether traveling internationally increases young women’s risk of adverse SRH outcomes, compared to not traveling. Methods: Using multivariable modified Poisson regression, we estimated relative risk of contraceptive lapse (errors or non-adherence) and new male sexual partnership associated with international travel (Travelers) versus staying in the United States (Pre-Travelers). Results: During international travel, women were no more likely to lapse on their contraception (RR 1.05, 95% CI 0.83—1.32) but were 70% more likely to report a new male sex partner (RR 1.71, 95% CI 1.07—2.74). MANUSCRIPT 2 Aim: To describe the prevalence and correlates of contraceptive lapse among young women during international travel. Methods: In this exploratory analysis of surveyed Travelers (n=340), we examined crude bivariate associations between contraceptive lapse and potential correlates in three domains: baseline/pre-travel variables, travel characteristics and experiences, and SRH-related travel variables. Correlates associated with lapse at p<.20 were evaluated using multivariable modified Poisson regression, including two sensitivity analyses restricted to pill users and women who had sex while traveling. Results: Prevalence of contraceptive lapse was 29% overall and especially high among pill users (50%) and travelers who had trouble communicating with male sex partners about contraception (57%). Multivariable correlates of lapse were: using the pill (RR 4.51, 95% CI 2.57—7.94) compared to other or no contraception; trip duration of >30 days versus 1-7 days (RR 2.02, 95% CI 1.14—3.57); having trouble communicating with a male sex partner about contraception (RR 1.79, 95% CI 1.16—2.75); a high perceived impact of language barriers (RR 1.77, 95% CI 1.02—3.08); and perceiving local access to abortion as difficult (RR 1.67, 95% CI 1.22—2.27). There was a trend toward increased lapse risk among participants who had difficulty maintaining their contraceptive schedule while traveling across time zones (RR 1.38, 95% CI 1.00—1.91). Findings were generally similar in sensitivity analyses except for attenuation in the effect for pill use among sexually active travelers (RR 2.47, 95% CI 1.14—5.35). MANUSCRIPT 3 Aim: To characterize the spectrum and antecedents of young women’s sexual and contraceptive behaviors during international travel. Methods: We analyzed qualitative interview transcripts to identify themes related to: (1) Participants’ pre-travel expectations of sex; (2) The circumstances surrounding their sexual encounters with men while traveling; (3) Negotiation of condoms and contraception with these sex partners; and (4) Facilitators and barriers affecting contraceptive adherence. Results: Participants frequently expected to be abstinent during travel, citing myriad rationales that included personal values, no perceived opportunities for sex, and the nature of the trip. Some Travelers had unexpected sexual encounters, which were typified by health-promoting behaviors but also by unprotected sex, substance use, and condom errors. New sexual partnerships were fueled by increased attention from men, situational disinhibition, and heightened intimacy among travel companions. We observed an array of contraceptive considerations brought on by international travel—e.g., procuring extra supplies, adjusting schedules, and maintaining use during air travel—and obstacles that triggered contraceptive lapses and discontinuation. The logistical requirements of travel magnified differences between contraceptive methods: challenges were most acute for pill users, while women with intrauterine devices appreciated their maintenance-free contraception. CONCLUSION Young women may be at higher risk of new sexual partnership during international travel, while contraceptive lapse is frequent in both travel and non-travel settings. During international travel, risk of contraceptive lapse varies by women’s chosen contraceptive method as well as trip-specific factors. Pre-departure counseling by clinicians and other travel specialists should address travel-related barriers to women’s contraceptive use, prepare women for the possibility of unexpected sexual encounters, and encourage behavioral strategies that prevent both unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
Longitudinal analysis of adolescent girls' activity patterns in San Diego and Minneapolis: Understanding the influence of the transition to licensure
(Journal of Transport and Land Use, 2016) McDonald, Noreen C.; Merlin, Louis A.; Hu, Haoting; Shih, Joshu; Cohen, Deborah A.; Evenson, Kelly R.; McKenzie, Thomas L.; Rodriguez, Daniel A.
The proportion of teens and young adults with driver's licenses has declined sharply in many industrialized countries including the United States. Explanations for this decline have ranged from the introduction of graduated driver licensing programs to the increase in online social interaction. We used a longitudinal cohort study of teenage girls in San Diego and Minneapolis to evaluate factors associated with licensure and whether teens’ travel patterns become more independent as they age. We found that licensure depended not only on age but also on race and ethnicity as well as on variables that correlate with household income. Results also showed evidence that teen travel became more independent as teens aged, and that acquiring a license is an important part of this increased independence. However, we found limited evidence that teens' travel-activity patterns changed as a result of acquiring a driver’s license. Rather, teen independence resulted in less parental chauffeuring but little shift in travel patterns. For the larger debate on declining millennial mobility, our results suggest the need for more nuanced attention to variation across demographic groups and consideration of the equity implications if declines in travel and licensure are concentrated in low-income and minority populations.
Major patterns of dietary intake in adolescents: identification, stability over time, socio-demographic and socio-environmental correlates, and association with obesity.
(2010-10) Cutler, Gretchen Jean
Purpose: Few studies have used data-driven dietary pattern analysis in adolescents, but it can be a useful method to summarize dietary intake. This dissertation had three aims: 1) describe the major patterns of dietary intake in a cohort of ethnically and socio-economically diverse adolescents, examine the stability of these patterns over a five-year period, and study the dietary profile of the identified patterns, 2) examine the socio-demographic and socio-environmental correlates of adherence to the indentified dietary patterns with specific regard to the dietary profile of these patterns (healthier vs. unhealthy), and 3) study the relationship between adherence to these healthier and unhealthy patterns and weight status. Methods: Data from the longitudinal Project EAT (Eating Among Teens) study were used in all analyses. Project EAT-I (Time 1), collected data on 4746 middle school (younger cohort) and high school (older cohort) students during the 1998-1999 academic year. Project EAT-II (Time 2) resurveyed 53% (n=2516) of the original cohort in 2003-2004. Dietary intake was assessed using the Youth/Adolescent Food Frequency Questionnaire at both time points. Principal components factor analysis was used to identify dietary patterns at Time 1 and Time 2. Multivariable linear regression was used to examine the relationship between socio-demographic and socio-environmental characteristics and factor scores for the identified dietary patterns. Multivariable logistic regression was used to examine the relationships between scores for each dietary pattern and risk for overweight/obese weight status. All models were run separately by age cohort and gender. Results: Four dietary patterns were identified at Time 1: vegetable, fruit, starchy food (e.g., mashed potatoes, pancakes), and sweet & salty snack food. Similar patterns were identified at Time 2, with the exception of a new `fast food' pattern. Multiple socio-demographic and socio-environmental characteristics were found to be significantly associated with adherence to healthier and unhealthy patterns of dietary intake. Socio-economic status, family meal frequency, healthy home food availability, and parental and peer support for healthy eating were positively associated with adherence to the healthier patterns, and inversely associated with the unhealthy patterns. The opposite relationships were seen for availability of unhealthy food in the home. Inverse associations were seen between the healthier vegetable and fruit patterns and overweight/obese weight status in girls, while inverse associations between the unhealthy `sweet & salty snack food' pattern and overweight/obese status were found in boys. Conclusion: Dietary patterns were identified in this adolescent population that were analogous across gender and age cohorts, and were relatively similar over time, with the exception a new "fast food" pattern identified at Time 2. The nutrient profile showed that the identified dietary patterns reflect intake of important nutrients and food groups, underscoring the value of this method to summarize dietary data in adolescent populations. Multiple correlates of dietary patterns were identified in adolescents in both cross-sectional and prospective analyses, including modifiable characteristics that may be possible targets for dietary interventions. Consistent or intuitive associations were not found between dietary patterns and weight status. Identified patterns may not capture the elements of diet that are truly important in determining adolescent weight, or diet may not be the primary driver in determining weight status at this age.
Quality of family dinner interactions and child and adolescent well-being
(2013-01) Schacher, Gregory
Despite evidence that predictors of family dinner quality, (e.g., atmosphere, priority and structure of shared family mealtimes) have been associated with a narrow range of child outcomes, no studies have broadly evaluated the relationship of many specific family dinner interactions across child outcomes. The current study extends existing research by testing whether a collection of 24 indicators of higher quality family dinner interactions (quality indicators) and a collection of 19 barriers to higher quality family dinner interactions (quality barriers) are associated with five child outcomes in a nationally representative sample of children. Data were obtained by The Family Room, a research firm studying children and families. Using quota sampling, a diverse nationally representative sample, consisting of 1000 children, ages 8-18, was recruited from a webbased panel. Hierarchical linear regression analyses showed that the main hypotheses were largely supported. After controlling for sociodemographics (children’s age and gender, parent’s race/ethnicity and household income), as well as other contributing predictors (family dinner frequency and family closeness), both quality predictor variables were significantly associated with four of the five outcomes above and beyond sociodemographic controls. Quality indicators were associated with four outcomes, but only one, emotional and social well-being, held up after controls for family dinner frequency and family closeness; whereas, three outcomes continued to be uniquely predicted by quality barriers after all controls: emotional and social well-being, life skills and developmental assets, and frequency of nutritious food intake. Exploratory analyses found that the strength of both quality predictor variables and outcomes were moderated by family dinner frequency for three outcome measures, with quality barriers more strongly predicting outcomes (emotional and social well-being, life skills, and level of physical activity) when children had family dinners more frequently. Age and income were significant moderators, but for only one outcome apiece. Findings suggest that children and adolescents are particularly sensitive to quality barriers in well-being, life skills and nutritious food intake. Family dinner frequency acted as a moderating influence differently for quality indicators then for quality barriers with outcomes and deserves more attention in future research. Implications for family professionals and future research are discussed.
Religious identity as a mediator between religious socialization from parents, peers and mentors and psychological well-being and adjustment among Korean American adolescents.
(2010-08) Seol, Kyoung Ok
The dissertation explored the religious identity development process through religious socialization within family (i.e., parents) and community (i.e., religious mentors and friends) and its influence on developmental outcomes among 155 Korean American adolescents. This study also investigated how religious identity might mediate the association between religious socialization by parents, friends and mentors and outcome measures (i.e., prosocial behavior and peer competence, school competence, internalizing and externalizing behavior problems). Using path analyses to test mediation, religious identity fully mediated the relationship between religious socialization by parents and prosocial behavior and peer competence, whereas religious identity partially mediated the relationship between religious socialization by friends and prosocial behavior and peer competence. Religious socialization by mentors was not associated with religious identity or any of the outcome measures. A competing model with religious identity as a moderator was tested. The interaction between religious socialization by parents and the religious identity of adolescents was significantly associated with adolescents' externalizing behavior problems. Youths with low religious identity showed more externalizing behavior problems when they received more religious socialization by parents. Study limitations and directions for future research were discussed in light of these findings.
Social isolation as a predictor of future risk: a longitudinal study.
(2011-08) Hall-Lande, Jennifer Ann
The current study investigates the relationships among self-reported feelings of chronic social isolation, risk, and protective factors. The study sample included 2,516 adolescents and young adults. Participants responded to survey questions regarding relationships, risk behaviors, psychological health, and protective factors. The findings revealed that reported social isolation at Time 1 was associated with an increased risk for social isolation at Time 2. Demographic characteristics were associated with an increased risk of chronic social isolation. Individuals with chronic isolation demonstrated psychological issues such as higher levels of depressive symptoms and lower levels of self-esteem. Dropout and increased screen time were a risk factor for chronically isolated females. Protective factors did not significantly influence the associations between social isolation and risk.
The transition of youth with disabilities from the child welfare system: an analysis of state administrative data.
(2010-11) Hill, Katharine Miller
Youth with disabilities are disproportionately represented in the child welfare system (Crosse, Kaye, & Ratnofsky, 1992; Sullivan & Knutson, 2000). Although research on this topic is limited, youth with disabilities who are emancipating from foster care are at risk for particularly poor outcomes, experiencing even lower rates of employment, educational attainment, and economic stability than their non-disabled peers who are aging out of care (Anctil, McCubbin, O'Brien, & Pecora, 2007a; Anctil, McCubbin, O'Brien, Pecora, & Anderson-Harumi, 2007b; Zetlin, 2006). Using state administrative data, the study compares youth with disabilities emancipating from foster care to their non-disabled peers, examining prevalence and demographics, as well as differences between the two groups in key education, child welfare, and disability-specific variables. It examines how transition outcomes in the areas of secondary and postsecondary education and adult corrections differ for youth with and without disabilities who have aged out of foster care. Finally, it examines the relationship between the identified transition outcomes and the key predictor variables in the areas of education, child welfare, and disability-specific services. Analysis found significant differences between youth with disabilities and their non-disabled peers who have aged out of foster care. Youth with disabilities are more likely to be male, Native American, or Asian than their non-disabled peers. They experience different permanency plans and are less likely to access child welfare transition services. All of the youth experienced high rates of placement instability, and youth with disabilities appeared to experience slightly higher rates. Youth with disabilities were placed in juvenile corrections and/or residential treatment prior to finishing high school in greater numbers than their non-disabled peers. However, they were also more likely to attend school regularly. Youth with disabilities were less likely to graduate from high school, less likely to be enrolled in postsecondary education and training, and more likely to appear in the adult correctional system. Additionally, child welfare transition services were associated with negative adult school completion outcomes, such as increased risk for drop out for youth both with and without disabilities. Thus, it is critical that researchers, policymakers, and practitioners improve their expertise, programming, and focus on older youth with disabilities in the child welfare system.
Usability Evaluation of a Smart Phone-based Teen Driver Support System (TDSS)
(Minnesota Department of Transportation Research Services Section, 2011-05) Creaser, Janet; Gorjestani, Alec; Manser, Michael; Donath, Max
Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of teen fatalities. A Teen Driver Support System (TDSS) was developed by the ITS Institute that can allow parents to accurately monitor their teen's driving behavior in relation to known risk factors and Graduated Driver Licensing (GDL) provisions. The TDSS, based on a teen's smart phone, provides real-time, contextual in-vehicle feedback to the teen about his or her driving behavior and helps parents monitor certain known risk factors. The system does not allow incoming or outgoing phone calls (except 911) or texting while driving. Feedback to the teen driver includes visual and auditory warnings about speeding, excessive maneuvers (e.g., hard braking, cornering), and stop sign violations. The TDSS prototype also monitors seat belt use and detects the presence of passengers (e.g., based on GDL provisions), two known factors that increase the risk of fatalities among teen drivers. The TDSS can also be programmed to monitor driving during the GDL curfew or a curfew set by parents. A usability review of the prototype TDSS using 30 parent-teen dyads from Washington Country, MN, found that teens and parents held favorable opinions about most of the TDSS functions. Teens and parents both felt that use of the system early in licensure may result in the adoption of safer driving habits even after the system is removed from the vehicle. Several recommendations to improve the system’s usability are made based on the results.
Utilizing family systems theory to understand adolescent disordered eating behaviors: exploring the implications of triadic family discord
(2014-05) Wickel, Katharine
Disordered eating behaviors--both unhealthy weight control behaviors and binge eating--are prevalent among adolescents within the United States. Previous literature has relied on single report methodologies to measure adolescents' perspectives of factors associated with disordered eating behaviors, overlooking perspectives of key family members who may add a more complete picture of factors contributing to adolescent disordered eating behaviors. The current study utilizes data from Projects EAT and F-EAT, enabling analysis of adolescent, mother, and father reporting about aspects of the home environment (i.e., family functioning, encouragement of dieting, food insecurity, and support for physical activity) in relation to adolescent disordered eating behaviors. The main objective of this study is to examine the prevalence of concordance and discordance among adolescents, mothers and fathers on home environment factors, and to examine the relationship between concordance/discordance on home environment factors and adolescent disordered eating behaviors. Results, limitations, and directions for future research are discussed.

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