Detection of major and minor depression in children and adolescents: evaluation of the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire

The detection of major and minor depression in children and adolescents was evaluated in an outpatient sample of 113 children employing the Mood and Feelings Questionnaire (both child and parent versions) and the K-SADS interview. Differences between depressed and nondepressed groups, those with major or minor depression, and depressed children compared with those comorbid for anxiety, were examined. Our findings support the validity of the MFQ as a screening instrument for major and minor depression in a population with a high proportion of depressed cases. High agreement between parent and child ratings was found, with cognitive items being the best predictors of depression.     

Is there an association between lateral preference and delinquent behavior?

Results of recent research suggests an association between left lateral preference and delinquent behavior. In this study the lateral preferences of 881 seven-year-old children were determined using behavioral indicators of hand and foot use. Mixed-handedness was associated with parent-reported problem behavior scores and self-reported delinquency scores at ages 13 and 15. However, preference for left hand and foot use was found to be unrelated to the delinquency measures. The distribution of lateral preferences in an identified delinquent group was not significantly different from the distribution in the sample remainder. The lack of an association between left preference and delinquency may be accounted for by an increased cultural acceptance of individual preference. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

The New Zealand Rugby Injury and Performance Project: I. Design and methodology of a prospective follow-up study

Injury resulting from participation in sporting and physical recreational activities is a major contributor to the overall incidence of injury in the developed world. If sports injuries are to be reduced, a comprehensive approach must be taken to define the nature and magnitude of the problem, to establish models of relationships between risk factors, protective factors and injury experience, and to address injury through well designed intervention and evaluation programmes. The Rugby Injury and Performance Project (RIPP) is a prospective cohort study designed to examine the risk and protective factors for rugby injury. Data were collected on potential risk and protective factors from the RIPP cohort pre-season. Data on exposure to rugby, injury events and medical treatments were collected from the players each week during the season through telephone interviews. Pre-season measures were repeated post-season. A key feature of the design was that data were collected on both injured and non-injured players, allowing a longitudinal comparison of the injury experience of players with and without the factors of interest. A wealth of information was collected on each cohort member during the pre-season interview. A contact rate of 90% was achieved during the weekly follow-up phase. Post-season questionnaires were completed by 76% of the players and 88% of the coaches. Recommendations are made for the use of this methodology by other researchers and future directions for RIPP are described.     

21—AN ALTERNATIVE APPROACH TO TWO-FOLD WEAVING YARN PART IV: FACTORS AFFECTING STRAND-TWIST

A method for estimating the amount of strand-twist in a two-strand yarn is described. The effects of various parameters of a modified spinning frame on the level of strand-twist were investigated and are discussed. Parameter values giving a compromise between high strand-twist and good spinning performance are presented.     

Correlates of intimate partner violence among male alcoholic patients.

Male-to-female partner violence was investigated in heterosexual couples with an alcoholic male partner. Partner violent (PV) alcoholic patients (n?=?183), when compared with nonviolent (NV) alcoholic patients (n?=?120), had more antisocial personality characteristics, greater alcohol problem severity, greater use of other drugs, higher relationship distress, and stronger beliefs in the link between alcohol consumption and relationship problems. Demographic factors did not account for these PV–NV differences. Relationship distress and alcohol problem severity had independent associations with partner violence. Relationship adjustment and drug use remained significantly associated with partner violence, whereas alcohol problem severity did not, after controlling for patient antisocial traits. Beliefs in the link between drinking and relationship problems were associated with partner violence independent of other clinical factors. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)     

Physical assault in New Zealand: the experience of 21 year old men and women in a community sample

AIM: To obtain epidemiological information on physical assault in a high risk group of New Zealanders. METHOD: Rates of physical assault in the preceding twelve months were ascertained by interview in a cohort of 21 year old, Dunedin-born men (n = 482) and women (n = 462). RESULTS: Forty-five percent of the men and one quarter of the women reported at least one physical assault, either completed, attempted or threatened. A small proportion of these received medical treatment. Most serious assaults were by a perpetrator who was thought to have been drinking alcohol. Most assaults on men were by strangers but partners carried out more assaults against women, especially those receiving medical treatment. One quarter of all assaults on women were by other women, compared to 15% of the assaults on men. Differences between patterns of assaults on women and on men are discussed. CONCLUSION: It is important for doctors to be aware of the widespread occurrence of interpersonal violence in New Zealand and its underreporting.