The rebellious adolescent. Evaluation and management of oppositional and conduct disorders

Prejudice Against Citizens with Right-aligned Political Views in Western Cosmopolitan Cities, and Possible Interventions

Prejudice against citizens with right-aligned political views in western cosmopolitan cities was explored, and possible interventions proposed. Literature and theories were reviewed, with social psychological and sociological theories compiled that explain the reasons for this prejudice and an intervention to solve this problem. Scientific research in social sciences is dominated by bias from left-aligned researchers in social psychology and psychology. Dysfunctional scientific processes prominent in this area of sciences are due to the sacralization of social science. A significantly small percent of social and personality psychologists identify as politically conservative. A significant amount of errors and distortions were found in sociology textbooks. Media and corporation biases toward left-aligned political views were found, and right-aligned individuals are out-group members in cosmopolitan cities. Inoculation by media assignments and critical literacy education is proposed, that could prevent school students from being influenced by stealth messages and propaganda. Media campaigns targeting the full spectrum of political views is proposed, that could help reduce biases of citizens. A family and community health class is proposed, that could improve student’s psychological, family, and social health. Youth and adult clubs are proposed, that could help reduce animosity between social groups, and promote solidarity and community health.

Rebelliousness in patients suffering from schizophrenia-spectrum disorders--a possible predictor of attitudes towards medication

The inclusive trait of rebelliousness has a proven role both in development and in the understanding of non-psychotic psychopathologies. The present study focused on evaluating rebelliousness levels and their possible correlation with the attitude towards medication among patients suffering from schizophrenia-spectrum disorders. Patient suffering from schizophrenia-spectrum disorders (n=75) and non-psychotic disorders (n=53) underwent a thorough clinical evaluation. The attitude towards medication was evaluated using the Drug Attitude Inventory (DAI-10), and levels of rebelliousness via the validated rebelliousness scale. Rebelliousness was also assessed in an additional control group (n=64). A significant negative correlation between levels of rebelliousness and the attitude towards medication was found uniquely in the schizophrenia group (r=-0.434, p<0.001). In a regression model rebelliousness levels were found to be the strongest predictor of the attitude towards medication ((β=-0.434, p<0.01)) compared with other demographic variables such as drug abuse (β=-0.256, p<0.05) and involuntary treatment (β=0.236, p<0.05). The intriguing correlation between rebelliousness and drug attitude (as an indicator of adherence) should be further studied in additional longitudinal prospective studies.

Understanding and preventing substance abuse by adolescents: a guide for primary care clinicians

Psychoactive drug use by teens is a common occurrence. This article examines the influences that promote and deter experimentation with and hazardous use of psychoactive substances. Clinical guidance is offered on how to assess and intervene with teens and their parents at various developmental phases and levels of involvement with drugs. Understanding how youth make decisions to change their behavior can assist a clinician in helping a teenager avoid these problems.