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Homicidal youth have received considerable attention in the mass media and social science literature in recent years. Due to several methodological obstacles, relatively little is known about the premorbid and offense characteristics of this population. The current investigation compared 30 juvenile males charged with murder with a group of 62 juvenile males charged with other violent felony offenses. Comparisons were made across 33 demographic, historical, clinical, offense, and forensic characteristics. Both groups were similar in their demographic characteristics and family backgrounds. Juvenile homicide defendants, however, were less likely than the comparison group to have a current Axis I psychiatric diagnosis. Homicide defendants were also more likely to have acted alone and to have committed their alleged crime in a domestic setting. Implications of the results are discussed as are suggestions for future research.

Attachment formation is considered a developmental process that continues far beyond infancy and early childhood. Yet the research on adolescent attachment formation remains relatively modest. This article reviews the normative and pathological developmental trajectories of attachment during adolescence. Specific attention is focused on the assessment of attachment in adolescence and different classification systems developed to describe adaptive and maladaptive adolescent attachment. The review continues with an examination into the predictors associated with secure versus insecure attachment in adolescence. Finally, forensic considerations are explored.

Today’s generation of young clinicians appear unfamiliar with how to incorporate existential concepts when treating adolescents experiencing internalizing symptoms. Empirically validated treatments for this population, including cognitive–behavioral, interpersonal, and psychopharmacological approaches undoubtedly are clearly beneficial. Several core existential concepts, however, can be effectively integrated with these empirically supported treatments to enhance outcomes. The article begins with a discussion of Rank, Tillich, and May’s conceptualization of existential anxiety for those unfamiliar with existential theory. This is followed by an examination of evidence supporting the adolescent’s capacity to contemplate existential concerns as well as evidence indicating existential focus in adolescent mental life. Building on the therapeutic aims and implications of existential–integrative therapy outlined by Schneider, the article concludes with specific recommendations regarding how existential thinking can be incorporated into the treatment of many anxious and depressed adolescents.

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