a b s t r a c tWe describe an animated, conversational computer agent designed to promote antipsychotic medication adherence among patients with schizophrenia. In addition to medication adherence, the agent also promotes physical activity and system usage, and includes verbal and nonverbal behavior designed to foster a therapeutic alliance with patients. We discuss special considerations in designing interventions for this patient population, and challenges in developing and evaluating conversational agents in the mental health domain. Results from a pilot evaluation study of the agent indicate that it is accepted and effective.

Research has revealed the impact of the diagnosis of cancer on an individual, their spouse, and their family. One dimension that has received little attention is the impact of the cancer diagnosis on the patient's adolescent. This article offers an analysis of descriptive studies, intervention studies, and databased book chapters, published between 1966 and 2006, that examined the impact of parental cancer on the adolescent. The results of 45 studies and three databased book chapters are organized around four themes: adolescents' (1) emotions and behaviors (2) perceptions and knowledge of parental cancer (3) changes in roles and (4) ways of coping. These themes will assist the reader in understanding the application of the knowledge gained from the analysis of the literature to directions for future research.

Nurses composing the largest group of healthcare workers are in key positions to screen, intervene, and provide education about substance use.

The role of a psychiatric nurse in the school system providing short-term psychoeducation interventions is a practical and effective mental health practice.

The role of school nurses and examples of mental health collaborative activities are provided.

The predictive and moderating model was useful for building knowledge about the process of PR in rural adolescents.

The study examined the effectiveness of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with university students suffering from moderate to severe depressive symptoms in Jordan. Eighty-four university students were recruited and assigned randomly to control and intervention groups. Intervention impact was assessed on measures of depressive symptoms, perceived stress, and coping strategies at three time points; baseline, postintervention, and 3-months postintervention. The interventional model used was the Modified Teaching Kids to Cope (MTKC), and the control group received no treatment. Overall, using CBT showed a significant improvement in the outcome measures. At postintervention, students had lower scores on perceived stress, lower depressive symptoms, less use of avoidance coping strategies, and more use of approach coping strategies. The findings are discussed in terms of treatment implications and recommendations for use at academic and health care settings.

Stress, developmental changes and social adjustment problems can be significant in rural teens. Screening for psychosocial problems by teachers and other school personnel is infrequent but can be a useful health promotion strategy. We used a cross-sectional survey descriptive design to examine the inter-relationships between depressive symptoms and perceived social support, self-esteem, and optimism in a sample of rural school-based adolescents. Depressive symptoms were negatively correlated with peer social support, family social support, self-esteem, and optimism. Findings underscore the importance for teachers and other school staff to provide health education. Results can be used as the basis for education to improve optimism, self-esteem, social supports and, thus, depression symptoms of teens.