Geometric Phase of a Transmon in a Dissipative Quantum Circuit.

Superconducting circuits reveal themselves as promising physical devices with multiple uses. Within those uses, the fundamental concept of the geometric phase accumulated by the state of a system shows up recurrently, as, for example, in the construction of geometric gates. Given this framework, we study the geometric phases acquired by a paradigmatic setup: a transmon coupled to a superconductor resonating cavity. We do so both for the case in which the evolution is unitary and when it is subjected to dissipative effects. These models offer a comprehensive quantum description of an anharmonic system interacting with a single mode of the electromagnetic field within a perfect or dissipative cavity, respectively. In the dissipative model, the non-unitary effects arise from dephasing, relaxation, and decay of the transmon coupled to its environment. Our approach enables a comparison of the geometric phases obtained in these models, leading to a thorough understanding of the corrections introduced by the presence of the environment.

Adiabatic Shortcuts Completion in Quantum Field Theory: Annihilation of Created Particles.

Shortcuts to adiabaticity (STA) are relevant in the context of quantum systems, particularly regarding their control when they are subjected to time-dependent external conditions. In this paper, we investigate the completion of a nonadiabatic evolution into a shortcut to adiabaticity for a quantum field confined within a one-dimensional cavity containing two movable mirrors. Expanding upon our prior research, we characterize the field's state using two Moore functions that enables us to apply reverse engineering techniques in constructing the STA. Regardless of the initial evolution, we achieve a smooth extension of the Moore functions that implements the STA. This extension facilitates the computation of the mirrors' trajectories based on the aforementioned functions. Additionally, we draw attention to the existence of a comparable problem within nonrelativistic quantum mechanics.

Fast Adiabatic Control of an Optomechanical Cavity.

The development of quantum technologies present important challenges such as the need for fast and precise protocols for implementing quantum operations. Shortcuts to adiabaticity (STAs) are a powerful tool for achieving these goals, as they enable us to perform an exactly adiabatic evolution in finite time. In this paper, we present a shortcut to adiabaticity for the control of an optomechanical cavity with two moving mirrors. Given reference trajectories for the mirrors, we find analytical expressions that give us effective trajectories which implement an STA for the quantum field inside the cavity. We then solve these equations numerically for different reference protocols, such as expansions, contractions and rigid motions, thus confirming the successful implementation of the STA and finding some general features of these effective trajectories.

The Development of Co-Occurrent Anxiety and Externalizing Problems from Early Childhood: a Latent Transition Analysis Approach.

Research into co-occurrent internalizing and externalizing problems during childhood is flourishing. In particular, investigation on the association between anxiety and externalizing problems has yielded mixed findings, focused mainly on the issue of which problem might precede the other, and what role anxiety plays with respect to externalizing problems. Relatively little attention has been paid to the developmental patterns of these behaviors from early childhood, despite the potential of such knowledge to fully delineate etiological models of co-occurrence. This study aimed to examine the longitudinal association of anxiety and externalizing problems in a community sample of preschoolers (ELISA Project; N = 2,341; 48.2% girls), by identifying empirically derived profiles and then describing their change and stability through the use of Latent Transition Analysis. Gender differences were explored. Four different profiles were identified: "typically developing", "mainly anxious", "modestly externalizing" and "co-occurrent". Membership in these profile groups showed high stability over a two-year period. However, children in the "co-occurrent" profile group were the most likely to show changes, predominantly towards "modestly externalizing". Furthermore, a significant gender difference for transitions towards the "co-occurrent" profile group was found, with girls showing less likelihood of being assigned to such profile. These findings show that it is possible to identify an early persistent course of co-occurrent anxiety and externalizing problems, as well as observe changes in co-occurrence towards a simpler externalizing behavioral expression. Further research should explore predictors of group membership and changes in membership, that are malleable and therefore open to preventative intervention.

Behavioral profiles related with distinct developmental patterns of negative emotionality from preschool to school ages / Perfiles comportamentales y su relación con patrones diferenciales de desarrollo de la emocionalidad negativa desde la etapa preescolar a la escolar

Research continues to work towards a full understanding of the early risk factors and mechanisms underlying the co-occurrence of ex-ternalizing and internalizing problems. There is increasing evidence of negative emotionality predicting the co-occurring forms of theseproblems over childhood. This feature may show substantial stability along development; however, negative emotionality might alsovary depending on child characteristics, environment, and the developmental stage. The present study aimed to examine the patternsof stability and change of negative emotionality from preschool to school years, and to identify which of these patterns lead to differentbehavioral profiles of externalizing and internalizing problems during school years. A total of 1,293 preschoolers from 4 to 6 years (M =4.64; SD = .67; 50.2 % girls) were followed-up for two years using parent-reported data, within the frame of the ELISA Project. Latentprofile and transition analyses were conducted. The overall results revealed a primarily stability pattern of negative emotionality, and toa lesser extent some change towards a less intense emotional expression after follow-up. Results also showed particular developmentalpatterns of negative emotionality for the different behavioral profiles identified. Children with co-occurrent externalizing and internalizingproblems displayed greater rates of transition towards a high negative emotionality expression. These findings were explained in light ofindividual differences during the development of temperamental characteristics, which may be the result of an interplay among biologicaland ecological factors.(AU)

La investigación continúa profundizando en torno a los mecanismos explicativos tempranos relacionados con lapresencia de problemas externalizantes e internalizantes concurrentes. Existe una creciente evidencia que destaca la capacidad de laemocionalidad negativa para predecir la concurrencia de estos problemas durante la infancia. Este rasgo parece cursar con una estabili-dad sustancial durante el desarrollo; no obstante, también se reconoce cierta variación en su intensidad en función de las característicasindividuales, del entorno y la etapa del desarrollo. El objetivo del presente trabajo es examinar los patrones de estabilidad y cambio de laemocionalidad negativa que exhiben niños/as con perfiles diferenciales de problemas externalizantes e internalizantes, centrando la aten-ción sobre el perfil concurrente. Un total de 1293 niños/as de 4-6 años (M = 4,64; DT = .67; 50.2% niñas) fueron evaluados durante laetapa preescolar y tras dos años hasta su paso a la escolarización primaria dentro del marco del Proyecto ELISA. Se emplearon análisisde perfiles y transiciones latentes. Los resultados mostraron que los preescolares se mantuvieron estables en sus niveles de emocionali-dad negativa durante el seguimiento, y con menor probabilidad cambiaron su expresión emocional hacia formas menos intensas. Además,los perfiles comportamentales se relacionaron con patrones particulares de desarrollo de la emocionalidad negativa. Los niños/as delperfil concurrente exhibieron una mayor probabilidad de evolucionar hacia niveles altos de emocionalidad negativa. Estos hallazgos seexplican a la luz de las diferencias individuales en el desarrollo de las características temperamentales, derivadas de la interacción entrefactores biológicos y ambientales.(AU)

Testing the Effects of COVID-19 Confinement in Spanish Children: The Role of Parents' Distress, Emotional Problems and Specific Parenting.

The present study aimed to examine the effects of the Spanish confinement derived from the COVID-19 crisis on children and their families, accounting for child's age. A range of child negative (e.g., conduct problems) and positive outcomes (e.g., routine maintenance) were examined, along with a set of parent-related variables, including resilience, perceived distress, emotional problems, parenting distress and specific parenting practices (e.g., structured or avoidant parenting), which were modeled through path analysis to better understand child adjustment. Data were collected in April 2020, with information for the present study provided by 940 (89.6%) mothers, 102 (9.7%) fathers and 7 (0.7%) different caregivers, who informed on 1049 Spanish children (50.4% girls) aged 3 to 12 years (Mage = 7.29; SD = 2.39). The results suggested that, according to parents' information, most children did not show important changes in behavior, although some increasing rates were observed for both negative and positive outcomes. Child adjustment was influenced by a chain of effects, derived from parents' perceived distress and emotional response to the COVID-19 crisis, via parenting distress and specific parenting practices. While parenting distress in particular triggered child negative outcomes, specific parenting practices were more closely related to child positive outcomes. These findings may help to better inform, for potential future outbreaks, effective guidelines and prevention programs aimed at promoting the child's well-being in the family.

Identifying Risk Profiles for Antisocial Behavior in a Spanish Sample of Young Offenders.

One of the main purposes of juvenile risk assessment is to distinguish different risk profiles, which may lead to referring youths into specific intervention programs tailored to their specific needs. This study is devoted to identifying main typologies of risk in a sample of 286 Spanish young offenders aged 14 to 22 (M = 17.36; SD = 1.61) years. Participants were classified into different profiles, representing different levels of risk in terms of individual and psychosocial dynamic variables. A three-class (low-, middle-, and high-risk profiles) and a four-class (low-, middle-, high-risk family problems/callous-unemotional (CU) traits, and high-risk impulsive/undercontrolled) solutions were identified. These profiles showed their distinctiveness and meaningfulness in a set of comparisons on antisocial behavior and prior offenses measures. These findings highlight the presence of diverse patterns of risk and suggest that a limited number of specialized interventions may respond to the main needs of most institutionalized youths.

Developmental Trajectories of Youth Conduct Problems: Testing Later Development and Related Outcomes in a 12-Year Period.

Developmental heterogeneity of youth conduct problems has been widely assumed, leading to the identification of distinctive groups at particular risk of more serious problems later in development. The present study intends to expand the main results of a prior study focused on identifying developmental trajectories of conduct problems (Stable-low, Stable-high, and Decreasing), by analyzing their developmental course and related outcomes during middle/late adolescence and early adulthood. Two follow-up studies were conducted 10 and 12 years after the initial study with 115 and 122 youths respectively (mean = 17.29 and 19.18). Overall results underline that the Early-onset persistent group showed the highest risk-profile; the Childhood-limited group revealed a moderate level of later maladjustment; and the Adolescence-onset group, currently identified, showed a significant peak of risk particularly in middle/late adolescence. These findings provide a more comprehensive representation of youth conduct problems, and open new means of discussion in terms of preventive intervention.

Adaptive numerical algorithms to simulate the dynamical Casimir effect in a closed cavity with different boundary conditions.

We present an alternative numerical approach to compute the number of particles created inside a cavity due to time-dependent boundary conditions. The physical model consists of a rectangular cavity, where a wall always remains still while the other wall of the cavity presents a smooth movement in one direction. The method relies on the setting of the boundary conditions (Dirichlet and Neumann) and the following resolution of the corresponding equations of modes. By a further comparison between the ground state before and after the movement of the cavity wall, we finally compute the number of particles created. To demonstrate the method, we investigate the creation of particle production in vibrating cavities, confirming previously known results in the appropriate limits. Within this approach, the dynamical Casimir effect can be investigated, making it possible to study a variety of scenarios where no analytical results are known. Of special interest is, of course, the realistic case of the electromagnetic field in a three-dimensional cavity, with transverse electric (TE)-mode and transverse magnetic (TM)-mode photon production. Furthermore, with our approach we are able to calculate numerically the particle creation in a tuneable resonant superconducting cavity by the use of the generalized Robin boundary condition. We compare the numerical results with analytical predictions as well as a different numerical approach. Its extension to three dimensions is also straightforward.

Intervention on early-onset conduct problems as indicated prevention for substance use: A seven-year follow up. / Intervención sobre problemas de conducta tempranos como prevención indicada del consumo de drogas: Siete años de seguimiento.

The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term effects of a manualised program which intervenes on children with early-onset conduct problems, their families and teachers. The program evaluation involved 14 primary schools which were randomly assigned to the intervention (45 participating families) and control (30 families) conditions during 2007-2008. After a screening process which identified children with significant conduct problems both at home with their family and at school, the program was implemented in eight schools. Seven years later, 58 families (37 from the intervention group and 21 from the control group), with characteristics equivalent to those of the study's entire initial group, were contacted again. With measures administered to the children and their parents, comparisons through multivariate analyses of variance between intervention and control groups supported the program's efficacy in reducing both conduct problems and relations with antisocial peers. Furthermore, the program fostered social and communication skills. As regards drug use, the intervention group showed less favourable attitudes towards drugs, lower intention of drug use, lower frequency of tobacco use and lower intensity of alcohol use. These results support the usefulness of multicomponent programs for conduct problems as a way to prevent, in the long term, unfavourable developmental trajectories, where drug use is a key element.

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo evaluar los efectos a largo plazo de un programa manualizado que interviene sobre niños con problemas de conducta, sus familias y sus profesores. El programa involucró, durante el curso 2007-08, a 14 escuelas que fueron asignadas aleatoriamente a las condiciones de intervención (45 familias participantes) y control (30 familias). A partir de un screening que identificó niños con problemas significativos de conducta en la familia y en la escuela, el programa fue aplicado en ocho de esos centros. Siete años más tarde, se pudo contactar de nuevo con 58 familias (37 de intervención y 21 control), con características equivalentes al total de participantes en el estudio inicial. Por medio de informes obtenidos de los participantes y de sus padres, y a través de comparaciones con análisis multivariables de la varianza, se apoya la eficacia del programa en la reducción de los problemas de conducta y de la implicación con amigos antisociales. Asimismo, se encuentra que el programa promueve la competencia social y comunicativa de los participantes. En cuanto al consumo de drogas, el grupo de intervención muestra actitudes menos favorables hacia las drogas, menor intención de consumo, menor frecuencia de consumo de tabaco y menor intensidad de consumo de alcohol. Estos resultados apoyan la utilidad de los programas multicomponente de intervención sobre los problemas de conducta como una vía para prevenir, a largo plazo, trayectorias de desarrollo desfavorables, en las que el consumo de drogas es una pieza fundamental.

Intervención sobre problemas de conducta tempranos como prevención indicada del consumo de drogas: Siete años de seguimiento / Intervention on early-onset conduct problems as indicated prevention for substance use: A seven-year follow up

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo evaluar los efectos a largo plazo de un programa manualizado que interviene sobre niños con problemas de conducta, sus familias y sus profesores. El programa involucró, durante el curso 2007-08, a 14 escuelas que fueron asignadas aleatoriamente a las condiciones de intervención (45 familias participantes) y control (30 familias). A partir de un screening que identificó niños con problemas significativos de conducta en la familia y en la escuela, el programa fue aplicado en ocho de esos centros. Siete años más tarde, se pudo contactar de nuevo con 58 familias (37 de intervención y 21 control), con características equivalentes al total de participantes en el estudio inicial. Por medio de informes obtenidos de los participantes y de sus padres, y a través de comparaciones con análisis multivariables de la varianza, se apoya la eficacia del programa en la reducción de los problemas de conducta y de la implicación con amigos antisociales. Asimismo, se encuentra que el programa promueve la competencia social y comunicativa de los participantes. En cuanto al consumo de drogas, el grupo de intervención muestra actitudes menos favorables hacia las drogas, menor intención de consumo, menor frecuencia de consumo de tabaco y menor intensidad de consumo de alcohol. Estos resultados apoyan la utilidad de los programas multicomponente de intervención sobre los problemas de conducta como una vía para prevenir, a largo plazo, trayectorias de desarrollo desfavorables, en las que el consumo de drogas es una pieza fundamental

The aim of this study is to evaluate the long-term effects of a manualised program which intervenes on children with early-onset conduct problems, their families and teachers. The program evaluation involved 14 primary schools which were randomly assigned to the intervention (45 participating families) and control (30 families) conditions during 2007-2008. After a screening process which identified children with significant conduct problems both at home with their family and at school, the program was implemented in eight schools. Seven years later, 58 families (37 from the intervention group and 21 from the control group), with characteristics equivalent to those of the study’s entire initial group, were contacted again. With measures administered to the children and their parents, comparisons through multivariate analyses of variance between intervention and control groups supported the program’s efficacy in reducing both conduct problems and relations with antisocial peers. Furthermore, the program fostered social and communication skills. As regards drug use, the intervention group showed less favourable attitudes towards drugs, lower intention of drug use, lower frequency of tobacco use and lower intensity of alcohol use. These results support the usefulness of multicomponent programs for conduct problems as a way to prevent, in the long term, unfavourable developmental trajectories, where drug use is a key element

Assessing the stability of psychopathic traits: adolescent outcomes in a six-year follow-up

Previous research has shown the relevance of psychopathic traits as predictors of severe and persistent antisocial behavior. Given that personality traits refer to developmental constructs, the main purposes of this study were to analyze the stability of psychopathic traits from childhood to adolescence, and to examine differential outcomes derived from distinctive pathways of stability and change. Data was collected in a Spanish sample of 138 children aged 6-11 at the onset of the study (T1), and 12-17 in the subsequent follow-up conducted 6 years later (T2). The stability of psychopathic traits was assessed in terms of differential continuity (rank-order), absolute stability (mean-level) and individual level change (Reliable Change Index). Results confirmed that psychopathic traits remained moderately to highly stable from childhood to adolescence (p < .001). There were, however, some differences depending on the informant (parents vs. teachers) and the particular assessment method used (rank order vs. mean-level and RCI). A stable high and an increasing developmental pattern of psychopathic traits were related with severe adolescent behavioral and psychosocial problems (ŋ² = .10-.36). These results support the usefulness of youth psychopathic personality as a developmental construct, and highlight its relevance as a predictor of long-lasting maladjustment, with relevant implications in terms of prevention and treatment (AU)

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Assessing the stability of psychopathic traits: adolescent outcomes in a six-year follow-up.

Previous research has shown the relevance of psychopathic traits as predictors of severe and persistent antisocial behavior. Given that personality traits refer to developmental constructs, the main purposes of this study were to analyze the stability of psychopathic traits from childhood to adolescence, and to examine differential outcomes derived from distinctive pathways of stability and change. Data was collected in a Spanish sample of 138 children aged 6-11 at the onset of the study (T1), and 12-17 in the subsequent follow-up conducted 6 years later (T2). The stability of psychopathic traits was assessed in terms of differential continuity (rank-order), absolute stability (mean-level) and individual-level change (Reliable Change Index). Results confirmed that psychopathic traits remained moderately to highly stable from childhood to adolescence (p < .001). There were, however, some differences depending on the informant (parents vs. teachers) and the particular assessment method used (rank order vs. mean-level and RCI). A stable high and an increasing developmental pattern of psychopathic traits were related with severe adolescent behavioral and psychosocial problems (ŋ² = .10-.36). These results support the usefulness of youth psychopathic personality as a developmental construct, and highlight its relevance as a predictor of long-lasting maladjustment, with relevant implications in terms of prevention and treatment.

Riesgo y protección de desviación social en adolescentes inmigrantes: Personalidad, familia y aculturación / Risk and protection for social deviation in immigrant adolescents: Personality, family, and acculturation

En este trabajo se analizan los niveles de conducta antisocial en adolescentes inmigrantes latinoamericanos, residentes en España, integrando tales resultados en un marco explicativo amplio, definido por las interrelaciones de las estrategias de aculturación prevalentes con algunas variables de personalidad y con evaluaciones del funcionamiento familiar. Nuestros resultados alertan acerca de la configuración de ciertas situaciones de especial riesgo (y, alternativamente, particularmente protectoras) en términos de desviación social en tales sujetos: concretamente, un estilo de separación asociado con bajos niveles de empatía cognitiva y afectiva, pobre autocontrol, escasa supervisión parental, baja adaptabilidad y cohesión familiar. Se atiende a las diferencias de sexo/género en todas las variables evaluadas. Se discuten los resultados desde un punto de vista psicosocial, al tiempo que se aboga por prácticas facilitadoras de patrones de integración flexible y bidireccional de inmigrantes, solo posibles cuando la sociedad receptora privilegie unas actitudes de aculturación contrarias al etnocentrismo, al prejuicio, la discriminación y la xenofobia. A lo largo del texto se argumenta acerca de los peligros que pueden acarrear ciertas aproximaciones que parecerían sostener la responsabilidad exclusiva del inmigrante en el éxito adaptativo de su experiencia migratoria (AU)

This study analyzes levels of antisocial behavior in Latino immigrant adolescents who are living in Spain. The results are integrated within a wide explanatory framework, defined by the relationships between acculturation strategies and personality variables and family functioning. The results allow us to underline configurations of high risk (and, alternatively, strongly protective) in terms of social deviation: particularly, a separation style linked to low cognitive and affective empathy, poor self-control, low parent supervision, low family adaptability and cohesion. Differences of sex/gender are considered for all the assessed variables. The results are discussed from a psychosocial viewpoint, suggesting the need of promoting patterns of bidirectional flexible integration for immigrants. These patterns would only be feasible when the receiving society favors acculturation attitudes contrary to ethnocentrism, prejudice, discrimination and xenophobia. Throughout the article, the dangers of approaches that hold immigrants exclusively responsible for their adaptive success are pointed out (AU)

Relaciones entre estilos educativos parentales y rasgos psicopáticos en la infancia / Relationships between parenting styles and psychopathic traits in childhood

Durante la última década se ha generado un interés creciente por el análisis y comprensión de los mecanismos etiológicos relacionados con el desarrollo de rasgos psicopáticos en la infancia. A pesar de que los factores contextuales han sido escasamente analizados, ciertos planteamientos proponen que determinadas variables ambientales, entre las que cabe destacar las prácticas educativas parentales, juegan un papel relevante en la evolución y manifestación de la personalidad psicopática. En esta línea, el presente trabajo pretende analizar, por una parte, la relación existente entre rasgos psicopáticos y prácticas educativas parentales y, por otra, en qué medida los diversos estilos de socialización parental se relacionan con la personalidad psicopática. Para ello se han empleado los datos proporcionados por padres (173) y profesores (113) de 192 niños entre 6 y 11 años. Los resultados muestran la existencia de relaciones estadísticamente significativas entre prácticas y estilos de socialización parental y la presencia de rasgos psicopáticos a edades tempranas, tanto de tipo afectivo-interpersonal como conductual (AU)

During the last decade, a growing interest has been generated in the analysis and understanding of etiological mechanisms related to the development of psychopathic traits in childhood. Although contextual factors have been poorly studied, some approaches suggest that certain environmental factors, namely parenting practices, may play an important role in the development and expressions of psychopathic personality. In this line, this study aims to analyze, firstly, the relationship between psychopathic traits and parenting practices and, secondly, to what extent the different styles of parental socialization are related to psychopathic personality in childhood. To achieve this objective, data were collected from parents (173) and teachers (113) about 192 children (aged 6-11 years). The results show the existence of statistically significant relationships between parenting practices/styles, and the presence of psychopathic traits, both affective-interpersonal and behavioral, at early ages

[Latin-American adolescents, acculturation and antisocial behavior]. / Adolescentes latinoamericanos, aculturación y conducta antisocial.

The main purposes of this study are: a) To determine whether the acculturation styles proposed by Berry's model (integration, separation, assimilation and marginalization) can be replicated in a sample of Latin-American immigrant adolescents living in Spain; b) to examine the relationships between acculturation styles and both antisocial behavior and involvement with alcohol. For these purposes, data were collected in a sample of 750 Latin-American immigrants in a number of schools in Galicia and Madrid. Results confirm the existence of the four acculturation strategies, with integration and marginalization as the most and least used, respectively. With respect to the relationships of these styles with antisocial behavior and alcohol use, it was found that adolescents who use the separation strategy show the highest levels of antisocial behavior; conversely, and contrary to expectations, the marginalization group had the lowest levels of antisocial involvement.

Adolescentes latinoamericanos, aculturación y conducta antisocial / Latin-American adolescents, acculturation and antisocial behavior

El principal objetivo de este estudio es analizar si los estilos de aculturación de Integración, Separación, Asimilación y Marginación propuestos en el modelo de Berry pueden ser replicados en una muestra de adolescentes inmigrantes latinoamericanos que viven en España y examinar la relación de esas estrategias con el nivel de conducta antisocial y abuso de alcohol. Para ello se ha analizado una muestra de 750 adolescentes inmigrantes latinoamericanos escolarizados en diferentes centros de Galicia y Madrid. Los resultados obtenidos confirman la existencia de las cuatro estrategias de aculturación, siendo la integración la más utilizada y la marginación la que menos. En cuanto a la relación de esos estilos con la conducta antisocial y el consumo de alcohol, se observa que es el grupo de adolescentes latinoamericanos que optan por la estrategia de separación los que presentan mayores conductas antisociales y, contrariamente a lo esperado, es el grupo de marginación el que se asocia con menores actos antisociales(AU)

The main purposes of this study are: a) To determine whether the acculturation styles proposed by Berry’s model (integration, separation, assimilation and marginalization) can be replicated in a sample of Latin-American immigrant adolescents living in Spain; b) to examine the relationships between acculturation styles and both antisocial behavior and involvement with alcohol. For these purposes, data were collected in a sample of 750 Latin-American immigrants in a number of schools in Galicia and Madrid. Results confirm the existence of the four acculturation strategies, with integration and marginalization as the most and least used, respectively. With respect to the relationships of these styles with antisocial behavior and alcohol use, it was found that adolescents who use the separation strategy show the highest levels of antisocial behavior; conversely, and contrary to expectations, the marginalization group had the lowest levels of antisocial involvement(AU)

Cohesion and conflict: family influences on adolescent alcohol use in immigrant Latino families.

This study examines how cohesion and parent­child conflict relate to alcohol use among Mexican-heritage adolescents. The sample consists of 120 adolescents (14 to 18 years) participants from the Southwest sub-sample of the Latino Acculturation and Health Project. Lifetime and recent alcohol use and binge drinking were tested. Results from the logistic regressions identified high and low levels of family cohesion as a risk factor for alcohol use compared to medium levels of cohesion, and parent­child conflict predicted lifetime use and binge drinking. Low and high family cohesion levels appear to be especially problematic among Mexican adolescents who are trying to navigate two different cultural worlds. Although high family cohesion is often a characteristic of Mexican families, Mexican-heritage adolescents may view high family cohesion as a hindrance to their own independence. Unresolved conflict seems to be connected to children's problem behaviors and alcohol misuse could be utilized by adolescents as a mechanism to reduce emotional distress caused by family tensions.

A cross-national study of preadolescent substance use: exploring differences between youth in Spain and Arizona.

This study aims to comparatively examine drug use in Arizona and Spain, in order to know if similarities and differences in drug use patterns justify the administration in Spain of U.S. prevention intervention programs. Data were obtained from independent samples of seventh-grade students recruited from urban public schools and surveyed in 1998: 4,035 ethnically diverse Arizona students (Latinos and non-Hispanic Whites), and 2,243 Spanish-White students. Comparisons using Odds ratios and Chi-square tests allowed assessment of differences in drug use rates between preadolescents in Arizona and Spain taking into account gender. Furthermore, ethnicity differences in preadolescent drug use and in psychosocial risk factors were explored using multivariate analysis (ANOVA and logistic regression). Our results showed similar trends in drug use between Arizona and Spain students, with gateway drugs already in use by early adolescents, and with higher rates of drug use among males than among females. However, cross-national differences in marijuana/cannabis use were noteworthy: Arizona preadolescents were over 25 times more likely to report marijuana/cannabis use than preadolescents from Spain. Moreover, when ethnic differences were considered, Latinos in Arizona reported higher marijuana/cannabis use compared with non-Latino students. Drug use patterns among Latino preadolescents, as well as the relevance of some risk factors among the diverse groups, were strongly influenced by their level of acculturation. Study limitations and the implications of our findings for early drug use prevention and future research are discussed.

Immigrant advantage? Substance use among Latin American immigrant and native-born youth in Spain.

This article reports the results of a descriptive study conducted with middle school and high school age youth residing in northwestern Spain. The main outcome of the study is to advance knowledge about the drug use attitudes and behaviors of immigrants versus native youth in a social context where Latin American immigrants share a common language and a set of core cultural norms with the host society. The research was conducted by a bi-national Spain-US research team as a preliminary study leading to the development of joint culturally appropriate prevention interventions for youth in the northern region of Galicia, Spain. Surveys were administered in Spring 2005 to 817 students in 7th to 10th grades in 10 urban, secondary schools with high immigrant enrollment. The sample included Spanish natives (two-thirds) and Latin American immigrants (one-third), mainly from Colombia, Argentina, and Venezuela. Multiple regression analyses predicted substance use intentions, and a composite variable measuring lifetime and last 30-day frequency and amount of alcohol, cigarette and marijuana use. Controlling for the fact that the immigrant students were generally older and performing less well academically than natives, and for other predictors, Latin American immigrant youth were less at risk than native youth on their intentions to use substances and on their reported actual substance use. In a mediational analysis, most of the key explanatory variables in youth substance use etiology failed to account for the immigrant versus native differences, including a range of risk and protective factors for substance use, substance use norms, strength of ethnic identity, and degree of social integration within native-born social networks. Differential access to drugs mediated the immigrant-native gap in substance use intentions but did not mediate differences in actual substance use.