Previous research has demonstrated that there is a negative relationship between ethnic diversity in a local community and social cohesion. Often the way social cohesion is assessed, though, varies across studies and only some aspects of the construct are included (e.g., trust). The current research explores the relationship between diversity and social cohesion across a number of indicators of social cohesion including neighbourhood social capital, safety, belonging, generalized trust, and volunteering. Furthermore, social psychological theories concerning the role of positive contact and its impact on feelings of threat are investigated. Using a sample of 1070 third generation ‘majority’ Australians and structural equation modelling (SEM), findings suggest ethnic diversity is related to positive intergroup contact, and that contact showed beneficial impacts for some indicators of social cohesion both directly and indirectly through reducing perceived threat. When interethnic contact and perceived threat are included in the model there is no direct negative effect between diversity and social cohesion. The theoretical implications of these findings are outlined including the importance of facilitating opportunities for positive contact in diverse communities.
We undertook a systematic review to assess the efficacy of exposure‐based writing therapies (WTs) for trauma‐exposed adults with subthreshold or clinical levels of posttraumatic stress disorder. Four databases (PsycINFO, Medline, Wiley Online, PILOTS) were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of exposure‐based WTs. A total of 13 RCTs that reported on results from 17 WT versus control comparisons were included. The primary outcomes were posttraumatic stress symptom severity at posttreatment and/or clinical response. An overall unclear or high risk of bias was identified in 84.6% of studies. In comparison to both waitlist k = 3, Hedges’ g = −0.97, 95% CI [‐1.20, ‐0.73], and placebo writing conditions, k = 9, Hedges’ g = −0.48, 95% CI [‐0.87, ‐0.08], WTs were more beneficial to participants. There was no evidence of a difference between WTs that were longer in duration compared to other psychotherapy, k = 2; pooled OR = 1.42; 95% CI [0.83, 2.43]. These findings indicate that exposure‐based WTs are effective when compared to waitlist and placebo writing control conditions. The evidence needs to be considered in the context of the modest number of studies conducted to date, the high methodological heterogeneity between the studies, and the high or unclear risk of bias across many studies. Further research is needed to increase the evidence base regarding the efficacy of WTs for posttraumatic stress. Future research should also measure the mediators and predictors of outcomes to further develop protocols and understand which variants of WTs work for different populations or individuals.
Although adolescents’ perspective on the parent‐adolescent relationship uniquely predicts their mental health and wellbeing, there is limited research using qualitative methodologies to explore rich descriptions of adolescents’ expectations, attitudes, and beliefs towards parents. The current study qualitatively analyzed adolescent narratives regarding their relationships with their parents. Seventy‐two adolescents (68% female; M age = 16.56) provided three‐minute speech samples that were examined using thematic analysis to understand key themes in adolescent–parent relationships from adolescents’ perspectives. Overall, adolescents valued positive relationships with parents (involving emotional support and companionship), respected their authority, and looked to parents to role‐model–valued traits. Mentions of negative interactions were mostly absent or justified as normal. Thus, normative adolescent–parent relationships are largely positive and valued by adolescents.
Although the quality of the parent-teen relationship is key to understanding both psychopathology and well-being in adolescence, there are limited assessments of adolescents' underlying attitudes regarding their parents. This study aimed to evaluate a novel and brief method of coding adolescents' 3-min speech samples regarding their affective attitudes (e.g., thoughts and feelings) toward their parent. A community sample of 72 adolescents (M age ϭ 16 years) completed a 3-min speech sample and several questionnaire measures of the quality of the parent-teen relationship and adolescents' psychosocial outcomes. Speech samples were coded for critical and warm affective attitudes toward the parent using the Family Affective Attitude Rating Scale (FAARS). Results showed that FAARS negative relational schemas (NRS) and positive relational schemas (PRS) scales were reliable and converged with questionnaire assessments of attachment and relationship quality, antisocial outcomes, and pro-social behavior. When included in the same model, adolescents' NRS, but not the questionnaire measures, was uniquely associated with externalizing behavior and prosocial behavior. Furthermore, adolescents' PRS, but not the questionnaires, was uniquely associated with callous-unemotional traits. Results suggest that the FAARS coding scheme can reliably assess adolescents' affective attitudes toward their parents and that this information is relevant to understanding adolescents' psychosocial outcomes. The implications of these findings for multimethod clinical assessments, large cohort research, and adolescents' therapeutic outcomes are discussed.
Objective This study utilised digital technology to assess the clinical needs of young people presenting for care at headspace centres across Australia. Method 1490 young people (12–25 years) who presented to one of 11 headspace services from four geographical locations (urban New South Wales, urban South Australia, regional New South Wales, and regional Queensland) completed a digital multidimensional assessment at initial presentation. Characteristics were compared between services and geographical locations. Results We identified major variation in the demographics, and the type and severity of needs across different services. Individuals from regional services were more likely to be younger, of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander origin, and present with psychotic-like symptoms and suicidality, while those in urban areas were more likely to have previously sought help and have problematic alcohol use. Further differences in age, distress, depressive symptoms, psychotic-like experiences, trauma, family history, alcohol use, education/employment engagement, and days out of role were identified between different urban sites. Conclusions The variability between services provides insight into the heterogeneity of youth mental health populations which has implications for appropriate early intervention and prevention service provisions. We propose that integrating digital technologies has the potential to provide insights for smarter service planning and evaluation.
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