A Test of Problem Behavior and Self-Medication Theories in Incarcerated Adolescent Males.

The purpose of this study is to examine the problem behavior and self-medication models of alcohol abuse in incarcerated male adolescents. Male adolescents (N = 56) incarcerated in a juvenile correction facility were administered a battery of psychological measures. Approximately 84% of adolescents with clinically significant alcohol-related problems prior to incarceration indicated use of alcohol for purposes of self-medication and 73% indicated that their alcohol use was associated with aggressive and rebellious behavior. Further, adolescents with clinically significant alcohol-related problems prior to incarceration reported higher levels of affective symptoms, mood-related cognitive distortion, and less use of social support during incarceration than adolescents without clinically significant alcohol-related problems. They also reported more symptoms associated with oppositional defiant but not conduct disorder. For the majority of incarcerated male adolescents in this sample, alcohol-related problems appeared to be associated with both self-medication and problem behavior. Incarcerated adolescents with a history of alcohol-related problems may require skills training in addition to substance abuse services to address affective symptoms and coping skill deficits.

Juvenile Correctional Workers' Perceptions of Suicide Risk Factors and Mental Health Issues of Incarcerated Juveniles.

Correctional staff knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of incarcerated juveniles' mental health needs, including suicide prevention, have not been studied empirically. This study measured juvenile correctional officers' knowledge and attitudes regarding suicide risk factors and mental health and substance abuse issues through administration of the Mental Health Knowledge and Attitude Test (MHKAT) before and after a staff training on suicide prevention. Seventy-six participants completed the pre- and post-training MHKAT. They demonstrated significant improvement in knowledge of and attitudes toward mental health treatment of incarcerated youth as reflected by higher post-training MHKAT scores. Findings suggest that correctional staff are receptive to increasing knowledge of critical mental health issues. Studies of the retention and implementation of this new knowledge by direct care staff over time and the optimal type and frequency of new staff training and continuing education are indicated.