The aim of this paper is to describe the predictors and correlates of previous incarceration and re-incarceration among a sample of 319 young offenders in New South Wales, Australia. At baseline, most (78%) participants had been previously incarcerated and after 18 months follow-up, 50% of participants were re-incarcerated in either adult or juvenile custody. Significant correlates of any previous incarceration included heavy alcohol consumption, cannabis dependence, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and possible borderline intellectual disability. Significant correlates of re-incarceration within 18 months included heavy drinking and using any cannabis. Heavy alcohol consumption and cannabis use are important risk factors for recidivism among young offenders. More research is needed to determine the nature of this association. Evidence-based interventions that address alcohol and cannabis use among this high risk population are needed.

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Introduction Previous investigation from UK sexual health clinics has suggested that men from Central Asian and Middle Eastern backgrounds are more likely to present with premature ejaculation (PE) than men from Western backgrounds. This interesting finding requires replication, especially in populations from other countries. Aim The current study aimed to determine whether men who had sought treatment for PE from a community sexual health clinic were more likely to come from Central Asian and Middle Eastern backgrounds than from Western backgrounds. Main Outcome Measures Demographic and clinical data were collected retrospectively from patient files over a 3-year period. Patient-defined ethnicity for outpatients seeking psychological interventions for PE was compared to the ethnicity of those attending for other sexual dysfunctions and also to local population census data. Method Clinical files for 215 men seeking psychological interventions for sexual dysfunctions at an urban sexual health clinic in Sydney were examined. Men were included in the study if they reported being born in one of two regional groups: Western countries or Middle Eastern/Central Asian countries. The rates of men seeking help for PE vs. other sexual dysfunctions were compared between these two regional groups and were compared with the representation of each region in the broader sexual health service as well as the local population. Results Relative to men born in Western regions, men from Central Asian/Middle Eastern countries were more likely to present with PE than with other sexual dysfunctions. The proportion of men from Central Asian/Middle Eastern countries presenting with PE was considerably higher than expected for the population attending the sexual health clinic or the broader local community. Conclusion Consistent with previous research, Asian and Middle Eastern men living in a Western society appear to be more likely than Western men to report difficulties with PE.

Positive psychology has identified six virtues comprising 24 character strengths of humans. This study examines the relationships among these character strengths, including Happiness, Life Purpose and Life Satisfaction as valued by Singapore Chinese, Malays, Indians and Other Asians and Caucasians. A sample of Singapore adults (N = 304) completed an online survey in English comprising four measures, the Values in Action Inventory of Strengths, the Orientations to Happiness Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Life Engagement Test. Results show that Zest, Hope, Curiosity, Capacity to Love and Gratitude are the top five character strengths of the sampled Singaporeans. Happiness orientation through pursuing a Life of Meaning is preferred by all four ethnic groups. Ethnic differences are found for character strengths of Kindness, Humour, Gratitude, and Religiousness and Spirituality. Life of Meaning and Life of Engagement, Happiness orientations and character strengths of Curiosity and Perseverance are direct predictors of Life Purpose. In turn, Life Purpose and character strengths of Capacity to Love and Gratitude are found to be direct predictors of Life Satisfaction. Despite its other limitations, this study lays the groundwork for future studies using more robust sampling strategies and greater participation from the major ethnic groups in Singapore.

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