Examining Youth Flexible ACT Model Implementation in the Netherlands.

Model adherence is a key indicator of mental health care quality. This study investigates the degree of model adherence, as well as content and staging of care, among the first Youth Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams in the Netherlands. Model fidelity was assessed in sixteen teams with the Youth Flexile ACT model fidelity scale (2014 version). Mental health workers completed a 'content of care questionnaire' to map the interventions applied in the teams. Model fidelity scores revealed that twelve teams adhered to the Youth Flexible ACT standard with 'optimal implementation' (≥ 4.1 on a 5 point scale) and four teams with 'adequate implementation'. Most disciplines were well integrated within the teams; however, several items regarding the involvement of specific disciplines and the availability of treatment interventions (peer support worker, employment and education specialist and programs, family interventions, integrated dual disorder treatment) scored below the optimum. Frequency of contact during ACT and the use of Routine Outcome Monitoring instruments scored below the optimum as well. The 'content of care' data showed that most clients received an individual psychological intervention, and nearly half of the client sample received scaled-up / intensified ACT care. The findings indicate a predominantly successful translation of care from the theoretical Flexible ACT framework into practice, covering both ACT and non-ACT functions. Further room for improvement lies in the incorporation of specialized disciplines in the personal and social recovery domains, including the peer support worker and employment and education specialist, as well as in specific protocolled interventions.

Effects of Youth Flexible Assertive Community Treatment: outcomes of an 18-month observational study.

PURPOSE: This Multicenter Youth Flexible ACT Study examined the effect of Youth Flexible Assertive Community Treatment on symptomatic, social, and personal recovery outcomes of adolescents dealing with multifaceted psychiatric and social care needs who do not readily engage in regular office-based mental health services. METHODS: Newly admitted clients (n = 199) aged 12-24 years from 16 Youth Flexible ACT teams participated in this observational prospective cohort study. Client and practitioner questionnaires were administered every 6 months, up to 18 months. Latent growth curve analyses were conducted to examine changes in symptomatic, social, and personal recovery outcomes throughout Flexible ACT. RESULTS: Our analyses of client-reported outcomes showed a decrease in overall psychosocial difficulties, depressive symptoms, and subclinical psychosis symptoms. Moreover, outcomes showed improved social interaction with peers, quality of life, and feelings of empowerment and fewer contacts with the police/legal system. In addition, analyses of clinician-reported outcomes showed a decrease in problems related to family life, peer relationships, school/work attendance, emotional symptoms, and attentional problems. Problems related to personal finance, school and work status, substance misuse, disruptive and aggressive behavior, self-injury, and self-care and independence remained unchanged. CONCLUSION: Our results showed that clients participating in Youth Flexible ACT improved in symptomatic, social, and personal recovery outcomes over 18 months. With its integrated approach and personalized care, this service delivery model is promising for adolescents unable to engage successfully in regular (office based) mental health support services.

Family network typologies of adults with intellectual disability: Associations with psychological outcomes.

BACKGROUND: Based on self-reported social capital, different typologies of family networks of people with intellectual disabilities were examined. Associations between behavioural and emotional problems or well-being and typologies were investigated. METHOD: 137 participants with mild intellectual disability were interviewed using the Family Network Method-Intellectual Disability to assess their emotionally supportive family relationships. Data on participants' well-being and behavioural and emotional problems were also gathered. Latent class analysis was used to identify family typologies based on social network measures. RESULTS: Four distinguishable typologies were identified, two supportive and two less supportive. A small association was found with behavioural and emotional problems and one of the supportive typologies. Associations with constructs of well-being were found for both supportive and less supportive typologies. CONCLUSIONS: A variety of family types were found, with implications for sensitive professional support.

Randomized control trial testing the effectiveness of implemented depression prevention in high-risk adolescents.

BACKGROUND: Adolescent depression is a global mental health concern. Identification and effective prevention in an early stage are necessary. The present randomized, controlled trial aimed to examine the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based depression prevention in adolescents with elevated depressive symptoms. This prevention approach is implemented in school communities, which allows to examine effects under real-life circumstances. METHODS: A total of 5222 adolescents were screened for elevated depressive symptoms in the second grade of secondary schools; 130 adolescents aged between 12 and 16 years old (M = 13.59; SD = 0.68; 63.8% girls) were randomly assigned to the experimental (OVK 2.0) or control condition (psycho-education). Self- and parent-reported depressive symptoms were assessed at pretest and post intervention, as well as 6- and 12-months follow-up. Clinical assessment of depression was assessed at pretest and 6-months follow-up. RESULTS: Intent-to-treat analyses revealed that the decrease in adolescent-rated depressive symptoms was significantly larger in the intervention condition than in the control condition. There was no significant difference in decrease of parent-rated depressive symptoms between both conditions. CONCLUSIONS: Based on the findings, we recommend the implementation of screening and prevention in schools, according the basics of this study design. Since this is a new step forward, we discuss the clinical impact and challenges, as well possibilities for future research. TRIAL REGISTRATION: The study is registered in the Dutch Trial Register for RCT's ( NTR5725 ). Date registered: 11 March 2016.

Prevalence of comorbid depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in children with autism spectrum disorder and elevated anxiety symptoms.

Objective: Children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often have comorbid depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. The aim of this study was to examine levels of depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation in a sample of children with ASD, normal cognitive functioning and elevated anxiety. Methods: In total, 93 children aged 8-16 years with ASD and with normal cognitive functioning and (sub)clinical anxiety symptoms participated in the present study. Both parents and children filled in questionnaires to measure the level of depressive symptoms. Moreover, children reported their level of suicidal ideation. Results: More than 35% of the children with ASD reported clinical levels of depressive symptoms while, according to parents, even more than 75% of these children showed clinical levels of depressive symptoms. Girls reported significantly higher levels of depressive symptoms than boys. Moreover, 32.2% of the children with ASD and anxiety had suicidal thoughts and 2.2% of the children showed active suicidal ideation. No gender differences were found in suicidal ideation. Conclusions: The findings indicated that children with ASD, normal cognitive functioning and anxiety symptoms have an increased prevalence of clinical depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation. Therefore, depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation should be assessed when working with anxious children with ASD.

Evaluation of a school-based depression prevention program among adolescents with elevated depressive symptoms: study protocol of a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Adolescents are at risk of developing depressive symptoms. Given the prevalence, recurrence and negative consequences of adolescent depression, it is crucial to implement prevention programs for high-risk adolescents. Prevention programs at an indicated level have shown to be successful in reducing depressive symptoms in adolescents. This study will evaluate the (cost)effectiveness of the prevention program 'Op Volle Kracht (OVK 2.0)' for adolescents with elevated depressive symptoms. METHODS: We will perform a Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT) with an intervention and control condition to test the effectiveness of an indicated prevention program aimed at depression in adolescents. Adolescents in their second year of secondary education (11-15 year) will be screened for depressive symptoms. Those with heightened levels of depressive symptoms (CDI-2 ≥ 14) will be randomly assigned to the intervention (N = 80) or control group (N = 80). The participants in the intervention condition will receive a prevention program comprising eight meetings of 60 min each. The participants in the control condition will receive psycho-educational information. All participants and their parents will complete assessment at baseline, post-intervention, and 6-, 12- and 24- month follow-up. Primary outcome will be depressive symptoms. Additionally, the present study will identify mechanisms that mediate and moderate the program effects and test the effect of OVK 2.0 on secondary outcomes. DISCUSSION: This paper describes a study designed to screen adolescents for depressive symptoms and offer them a prevention program to prevent the onset of depressive symptomatology. Adolescents in the intervention condition are expected to show lower levels of depressive symptoms at 12 month follow-up compared to adolescents in the control condition. If OVK 2.0 proves to be effective, the screening and intervention program could be implemented in schools on a large scale. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Dutch Trial Register NTR5725 . Date registered: 11th of March 2016.

Occurence of internet addiction in a general population sample: a latent class analysis.

BACKGROUND: Prevalence studies of Internet addiction in the general population are rare. In addition, a lack of approved criteria hampers estimation of its occurrence. AIMS: This study conducted a latent class analysis (LCA) in a large general population sample to estimate prevalence. METHODS: A telephone survey was conducted based on a random digit dialling procedure including landline telephone (n=14,022) and cell phone numbers (n=1,001) in participants aged 14-64. The Compulsive Internet Use Scale (CIUS) served as the basis for a LCA used to look for subgroups representing participants with Internet addiction or at-risk use. CIUS was given to participants reporting to use the Internet for private purposes at least 1 h on a typical weekday or at least 1 h on a day at the weekend (n=8,130). RESULTS: A 6-class model showed best model fit and included two groups likely to represent Internet addiction and at-risk Internet use. Both groups showed less social participation and the Internet addiction group less general trust in other people. Proportions of probable Internet addiction were 1.0% (CI 0.9-1.2) among the entire sample, 2.4% (CI 1.9-3.1) in the age group 14-24, and 4.0% (CI 2.7-5.7) in the age group 14-16. No difference in estimated proportions between males and females was found. Unemployment (OR 3.13; CI 1.74-5.65) and migration background (OR 3.04; CI 2.12-4.36) were related to Internet addiction. CONCLUSIONS: This LCA-based study differentiated groups likely to have Internet addiction and at-risk use in the general population and provides characteristics to further define this rather new disorder.

The associations of anticipated parental reactions with smoking initiation and progression in adolescents.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to examine whether anticipated parental reactions to smoking were related to smoking onset and progression during adolescence. METHODS: Data were used from the six-wave, 5-year longitudinal "Family and Health" project, in which N = 428 adolescents (M = 13.4, SD = .50; 52.3% girls) and their families participated. RESULTS: Parental reactions, as anticipated by adolescents, included benign indifference, conflict engagement, disclosing disappointment, and positive problem-solving. Findings of discrete-time survival analyses indicated no direct association between anticipated reactions at baseline and smoking onset within 5 years. However, a significant interaction effect was found between parental smoking and anticipated parental disappointment. This finding indicates that adolescents of non-smoking parents, who expected reactions of annoyance and disappointment, were less at risk for initiating smoking than adolescents from smoking parents who expected such reactions. None of the anticipated parental reactions were significantly related to smoking progression, neither directly nor indirectly. CONCLUSIONS AND SCIENTIFIC SIGNIFICANCE: Findings from this study suggest that focusing on anticipated reactions to smoking is probably not the most promising endeavor for effective smoking prevention and intervention.

Do substance use risk personality dimensions predict the onset of substance use in early adolescence? A variable- and person-centered approach.

Various studies found personality to be related to substance use, but little attention is paid to the role of personality risk dimensions with regard to an early onset of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use. Therefore, the current study used a variable-centered approach to examine whether anxiety sensitivity, hopelessness, sensation seeking, and impulsivity predict the onset of alcohol, tobacco, and marijuana use in early adolescence. Additionally, we adopted a person-centered approach to examine whether different personality subgroups could be identified, and whether these subgroups would be predictive of substance use. For that purpose, longitudinal data of a broader effectiveness study were used from 758 early adolescents (53 % female) aged 11-14 years. Structural equation models showed that hopelessness and sensation seeking were predictive of having ever used alcohol and tobacco. Also, sensation seeking was predictive of marijuana use. Latent profile analyses on the first wave data revealed a three-profile solution for boys (i.e., resilients, internalizers, and externalizers) and a two-profile solution for girls (i.e., resilients and internalizers). In contrast to our expectation, further analyses revealed no significant differences in substance use between the different subprofiles for both boys and girls. The separate personality dimensions thus seem more relevant in predicting the onset of substance use compared to the personality profiles. However, the personality profiles might be informative in explaining more excessive substance use behaviors.

Social coping by masking? Parental support and peer victimization as mediators of the relationship between depressive symptoms and expressive suppression in adolescents.

Expressive suppression is regarded as a generally ineffective emotion regulation strategy and appears to be associated with the development of depressive symptoms among adolescents. However, the mechanisms linking suppression to depressive symptoms are not well understood. The main aim of this study was to examine two potential mediators of the prospective relationship from depressive symptoms to expressive suppression among adolescents: parental support and peer victimization. Structural equation modelling was used to construct a three-wave cross-lagged model (n = 2,051 adolescents, 48.5 % female, at baseline; 1,465 with data at all three time points) with all possible longitudinal linkages. Depressive symptoms preceded decreases in perceived parental support 1 year later. Decreases in parental support mediated the relationship between depressive symptoms and increases in expressive suppression over a 2-year period. Multi-group analyses show that the mediation model tested was significant for girls, but not for boys. No evidence for other mediating models was found. Although initial suppression preceded increases in depressive symptoms 1 year later, we did not find any evidence for the reversed link from suppression to depressive symptoms. Clear evidence for a reciprocal relationship between depressive symptoms and parental support was found. However, only limited and inconsistent support was found for a reciprocal relationship between depressive symptoms and peer victimization. Finally, although some evidence for a unidirectional relationship from parental support to increases in suppression was found, no significant prospective relationship was found between peer victimization and suppression. The implications of our clear results for parental support, and mostly lacking results for peer victimization, are discussed.

Secondary Outcomes of Implemented Depression Prevention in Adolescents: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Our most recent RCT provides evidence that indicated depression prevention is effective in reducing depressive symptoms in adolescents when implemented in the school community. In the present study we further test the potential effects of this prevention approach on symptoms related to depression: anxiety, suicidality, somatic symptoms, and perfectionism. We conducted exploratory analyses in 130 adolescents with elevated depressive symptoms aged between 12 and 16 years old (M = 13.59; SD = 0.68; 63.8% girls) who were randomly assigned to the experimental (OVK 2.0) or active control condition (psycho-education). Self-reported anxiety, suicidality, somatic symptoms, and perfectionism were assessed at pretest, post intervention, as well as 6- and 12-months follow-up. Latent growth curve analyses revealed that there was a significant decrease in anxiety in both conditions and that this decrease was significantly larger in the intervention condition than in the control condition. Somatic symptoms and socially prescribed perfectionism decreased significantly in the intervention condition and suicidality decreased significantly in the control condition. Yet there was no difference in decrease in suicidality, somatic symptoms, and perfectionism between the two conditions. This study suggest that screening on depressive symptoms and providing a CBT depression prevention program for adolescents with elevated depressive symptoms, can decrease comorbid symptoms of anxiety and therefore ensure better outcomes. We discuss the clinical implications as well suggestions for future research. Clinical Trial Registration: The study is registered in the Dutch Trial Register for RCTs (NTR5725). Date registered: 11th of March 2016.

Young Patients With Persistent and Complex Care Needs Require an Integrated Care Approach: Baseline Findings From the Multicenter Youth Flexible ACT Study.

Background: The Multicenter Youth Flexible ACT Study is an ongoing observational prospective cohort study that examines the effects of Youth Flexible ACT (Assertive Community Treatment) on young people with complex care needs who are difficult to engage in traditional (office-based) mental health services. However, a clear and detailed description of this patient group is lacking. In the current paper, we present baseline characteristics and psychosocial outcomes of the Youth Flexible ACT target group and explore the existence of underlying specific patient subgroups. Methods: Sixteen Youth Flexible ACT teams from seven mental healthcare institutes in the Netherlands participated in the study. Research participants were monitored for 18 months and administered questionnaires measuring psychiatric- and social functioning every 6 months, yielding four measurements. Baseline data were obtained from 199 adolescents, their mental health workers, and parents/carers. Latent Class Analysis based on HoNOSCA scores (measuring psychosocial and daily functioning) was conducted to identify underlying subgroups. Results: The target group of Youth Flexible ACT mainly consisted of patients older than 15 years of age with a history of (specialized) mental healthcare. They face many complex problems, including trauma; developmental, mood, and anxiety disorders; and problems with school attendance, family life, and peer relationships. Other frequently reported difficulties were substance misuse, the involvement of the legal system or police, problems with intellectual functioning, and personal finance. Patients were classified into four distinct classes: the "internalizing," "externalizing," "non-specific," and the "overly impulsive" subgroup. Each subgroup had its unique pattern of difficulties and focus, respectively, high levels of depression and anxiety, disruptive behavior, unspecific difficulties, and substance misuse. Conclusions: As expected, patients in Youth Flexible ACT experienced many severe problems, rendering them vulnerable to fragmented and, thus, ineffective care. Our findings underscore the need for an integrated care approach with a multidisciplinary team of skilled professionals that can bridge these wide-ranging psychosocial problems, as each class of participants experienced a different set of difficulties. Youth Flexible ACT teams need to adjust their care services accordingly.

Investigating the critical elements and psychosocial outcomes of Youth Flexible Assertive Community Treatment: a study protocol for an observational prospective cohort study.

INTRODUCTION: When adolescents experience complex psychiatric and social problems, numerous healthcare services usually become involved. In these cases, fragmentation of care services is a risk that often results in both ineffective care and in patients disengaging from care services. To address these issues, Youth Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (Youth Flexible ACT) was developed in the Netherlands. This client-centred service delivery model aims to tackle the fragmented care system by providing psychiatric treatment and support in a flexible and integrated manner. While Youth Flexible ACT is gaining in popularity, the effectiveness of the care model remains largely unexamined. METHODS AND ANALYSIS: Here, we present an observational prospective cohort (2017-2021) in which a broad range of treatment outcomes will be monitored. The primary aim of the study is to examine change in treatment outcomes over the course of the Flexible ACT care. The secondary aim is to examine the association between (elements of) Youth Flexible ACT model fidelity and treatment outcomes. An estimated total number of 200 adolescents who receive care from one of the 16 participating Youth Flexible ACT teams will be included in the study. Participants will be asked to complete assessments at four time points in 6-month intervals, resulting in a study duration of 18 months. Latent growth curve analysis will be conducted to examine change in psychosocial functioning over time and its relation to model fidelity. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: This study received ethical approval from Trimbos Ethics Committee (201607_75-FACT2). This approval applies for all participating institutions. The results of the study will be reported in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology statement. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed academic journals and presentations at conferences. In addition, results will be made available for participating sites, funders and researchers.

Cross-Lagged Associations between Depressive Symptoms and Response Style in Adolescents.

Depressive disorders are highly prevalent during adolescence and they are a major concern for individuals and society. The Response Style Theory and the Scar Theory both suggest a relationship between response styles and depressive symptoms, but the theories differ in the order of the development of depressive symptoms. Longitudinal reciprocal prospective relationships between depressive symptoms and response styles were examined in a community sample of 1343 adolescents. Additionally, response style was constructed with the traditional approach, which involves examining three response styles separately without considering the possible relations between them, and with the ratio approach, which accounts for all three response styles simultaneously. No reciprocal relationships between depressive symptoms and response style were found over time. Only longitudinal relationships between response style and depressive symptoms were significant. This study found that only depressive symptoms predicted response style, whereas the response style did not emerge as an important underlying mechanism responsible for developing and maintaining depressive symptoms in adolescents. These findings imply that prevention and intervention programs for adolescents with low depressive symptoms should not focus on adaptive and maladaptive response style strategies to decrease depressive symptoms, but should focus more on behavioral interventions.

Visualising improved peritoneal perfusion at lower intra-abdominal pressure by fluorescent imaging during laparoscopic surgery: A randomised controlled study.

BACKGROUND: Laparoscopy is the gold standard for many surgical procedures and is embraced as minimally invasive surgery in the enhanced recovery after surgery programme. Lowering intra-abdominal pressure during laparoscopy may decrease the degree of surgical injury and further enhance patient outcomes. This study aims to assess the effect of low pressure pneumoperitoneum on peritoneal perfusion during laparoscopic surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We performed a prospective randomized intervention study in 30 adults undergoing colorectal robot assisted laparoscopic surgery at a secondary care medical center in the Netherlands between June and December 2018. A 3 min video recording of the parietal peritoneum was made with the Da Vinci® Firefly mode following intravenous injection of 0.2 mg/kg indocyanine green at a pneumoperitoneum pressure of 8, 12 or 16 mmHg. Observers were blinded for the level of intra-abdominal pressure that was used. Fluorescent intensity in [-] over time was extracted from each video in MATLAB. Time to reach maximal fluorescent intensity (TMFI) and maximum fluorescent intensity (MFI) were compared among groups. The study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov (NCT03928171). RESULTS: Mean TMFI was shorter at low pressure (8 mmHg) than standard pressure (12 and 16 mmHg): 44 ± 12 versus 58 ± 18 s (p = 0.032), respectively. Mean MFI was higher at 8 mmHg than 12 and 16 mmHg (222 ± 25 versus 188 ± 54, p = 0.033). Regression analysis identified intra-abdominal pressure, mean arterial pressure and female gender as significant predictors of peritoneal perfusion. CONCLUSION: Low pressure pneumoperitoneum was associated with improved perfusion of the parietal peritoneum. Current available evidence supported feasibility and enhanced postoperative recovery. Future investigations should focus on optimizing factors that facilitate lower intra-abdominal pressure and explore effects on other clinically relevant patient outcomes such as anastomotic leakage and immune homeostasis.

Effects of the video game 'Mindlight' on anxiety of children with an autism spectrum disorder: A randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: In the clinical setting, a large proportion of children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience impairing anxiety symptoms. Recently, an applied videogame called Mindlight has been developed that focuses on decreasing anxiety in children. The present study involved a randomized controlled trial (RCT) investigating the effect of Mindlight on (sub)clinical anxiety symptoms in children with an ASD. METHODS: In total, 109 children of 8-16 years old with an ASD and (sub)clinical anxiety symptoms were randomly assigned to the experimental (N = 53) or the control (N = 56) condition. Children in the experimental condition played Mindlight, children in the control condition played a commercial game (Triple Town) for 1 h per week, for six consecutive weeks. All children and parents completed assessments at baseline, post-intervention and 3-months follow-up. RESULTS: Results showed no differences in decrease of child-rated anxiety symptoms between both conditions. However, the decrease of parent-rated anxiety symptoms was significantly larger in the experimental condition. LIMITATIONS: Mechanisms of change associated with treatment outcomes were not investigated in the present study. Therefore, it remains unclear which specific or non-specific factors contributed to the decrease in anxiety symptoms in both conditions. CONCLUSIONS: The present study provided some preliminary evidence that video games are a promising new intervention vehicle for children with an ASD and anxiety, at least according to parents. However, further research on working mechanisms is needed, in order to specify to what extent and for which children with ASD Mindlight could be an effective anxiety treatment.

Nicotine withdrawal symptoms following a quit attempt: an ecological momentary assessment study among adolescents.

INTRODUCTION: The present study describes growth curves of withdrawal symptoms among 138 daily smoking adolescents before, during, and after a quit attempt. METHODS: Participants reported their levels of withdrawal symptoms (craving, negative affect, and hunger) three times a day over a period of 28 days: 1 week prior to and 3 weeks following a quit attempt. RESULTS: All withdrawal symptoms were quite stable at a relatively low level during the 5 days prior to the quit day. At Day 8, withdrawal symptoms (especially craving) increased substantially. A significant decrease in symptoms was visible during the week following the quit day, and within 2 weeks postquit, both abstinent and relapsed adolescents had reverted to levels comparable to those during the prequit period. The course over time for craving and hunger were best described by a quadratic term, and a linear model best suited negative affect. Individual intercepts and slopes of the growth curves were used to predict abstinence during the last week of the study and at the 2-month follow-up. Analyses revealed that higher levels of craving at the beginning of the prequit week and on the target quit day (intercepts) decreased the odds of being abstinent during the last week of the study. In addition, the quadratic term for hunger predicted abstinence during the last week. Finally, among all three symptoms, none of the growth model characteristics predicted abstinence at follow-up. DISCUSSION: The findings generally suggest that smoking cessation among daily smoking adolescents does not largely depend on how their withdrawal symptoms evolve over time after achieving abstinence.

Maternal behaviors and restrained eating and body dissatisfaction in young children.

OBJECTIVE: The present study aimed at testing the relations between maternal weight concern and maternal encouragement to be thin as perceived by the child, and restraint and body dissatisfaction in young children. METHOD: Cross-sectional data were collected among 501 children (aged 7-10), using self-reports on maternal behaviors, body dissatisfaction, and restraint. Height and weight were objectively measured. Model testing was conducted with M+, and multigroup tests were conducted to test differences between the sexes, and between younger and older children. RESULTS: Associations between the child's perception of maternal encouragement to be thin and child body dissatisfaction and restrained eating were found, whereas the child's perception of maternal weight concern was primarily related to child restrained eating. No sex differences were found, but the relations were stronger for the older children. CONCLUSION: Not only in girls, but in boys as well the child's perception of maternal behaviors plays a role. At primary school age children may become more vulnerable to possible maternal influences.

Identification and prediction of drinking trajectories in early and mid-adolescence.

The aim of this study was to identify subgroups of early and mid-adolescents with different drinking trajectories. In addition, we examined whether gender, parental, and peer factors predicted adolescents' membership of these drinking trajectories. We used longitudinal data of 428 families (fathers, mothers, mid-adolescents, and their younger siblings). Latent Class Growth Analyses were performed to identify drinking trajectories. Four drinking trajectories emerged for early adolescents: abstainers, light drinkers, increasers, and heavy drinkers. For mid-adolescents, we identified a fifth group (stable drinkers) in addition to the four trajectories identified for early adolescents. Our results showed that being a boy, having a best friend or father who drinks heavily, and having parents who are permissive toward adolescents' alcohol creates increased risk for both siblings to attend the more heavy drinking trajectories.

The crown of love: intimate relations and alcohol use in adolescence.

BACKGROUND: Remarkably, little attention has been paid to the role of intimate partners and their drinking behavior in relation to adolescent alcohol use. In the current study, we examined associations between adolescent alcohol use and romantic partners' drinking behavior. METHODS: A total of 428 families, consisting of both parents and two adolescents (aged 13.4 and 15.2 at Time 1) participated in a prospective study with four annual waves. Correlations and multivariate regressions were used to examine (1) similarity in drinking behaviors of adolescents and intimate partners, (2) whether alcohol use of partners prospectively predicts adolescent alcohol consumption, and (3) whether adolescents who consume alcohol select partners over time who show similar drinking behaviors. RESULTS: (1) Frequency of alcohol consumption of adolescents and of their romantic partners correlated significantly. (2) Alcohol use of partners was not predictive of adolescent alcohol consumption over time, if previous levels of alcohol consumption were taken into account. (3) Adolescents acquired partners with similar drinking behaviors. Gender effects were found; adolescent girls, but not boys, were more likely to become involved with partners who also frequently consumed alcohol. CONCLUSIONS: Regarding alcohol consumption, adolescents and their intimate partners were relatively similar in alcohol use. This resemblance is best explained by adolescents' selection of future partner on the basis of alcohol consumption. Less indication was found for influence effects, perhaps due to the transient nature of most adolescent romantic relationships.