The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the relative efficacy of a manualized family psychoeducational intervention versus treatment as usual in enhancing disease knowledge, and improving the psychological and psychosocial functioning of youth with SCD and their primary caregivers. Thirty-nine (39) 7-16 year old

Coping variables that mediate the relation between intimate partner violence (IPV) and mental health outcomes among African American women were investigated. The study sample included 143 economically disadvantaged African American women ranging in age from 21 to 64 years old who were receiving services at an urban public health system. Sixty-five had experienced IPV within the past year and 78 had never experienced IPV. Results indicated that (a) the IPV status-depressive symptoms link was mediated by multiple ways of coping, spiritual well-being, and social support; (b) the IPV status-anxiety symptoms link was mediated by multiple ways of coping, social support, and ability to access resources; and (c) the IPV status-parenting stress link was mediated by multiple ways of coping, spiritual well-being, and social support. Implications of these findings for clinical practice with abused women are discussed.

No abstract

Emotional and behavioral symptoms and disorders are prevalent in children and adolescents. There has been a burgeoning literature supporting evidence-based treatments for these disorders. Increasingly, family-based interventions have been gaining prominence and demonstrating effectiveness for myriad childhood and adolescent disorders. This article presents the current evidence in support of family-based interventions for mood, anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity, disruptive behavior, pervasive developmental particularly autism spectrum, and eating disorders. This review details recent data from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and promising interventions not yet examined using a randomized controlled methodology. It highlights the evidence base supporting various specific family-based interventions, some of which are disorder dependent. A practitioner perspective is then offered with regard to recommendations for future practice and training. The article closes with a summary and directions for future research.

Sickle cell disease (SCD), a chronic, hereditary, and congenital blood disorder, affects I in every 400 to 500 African American babies. In addition to experiencing myriad medical problems, children and adolescents in whom SCD has been diagnosed often manifest neurocognitive impairments and learning problems, internalizing and externalizing of behavior problems, problematic interpersonal relationships, low self-esteem, and maladaptive coping patterns. Despite the proliferation of research on medical interventions for SCD, there is a paucity of data on effective psychosocial interventions. This article reviews both the existing psychosocial interventions and related empirical literature for SCD youth. As many psychosocial treatment options were initially designed for SCD adults, developmentally appropriate modifications for children and adolescents will be offered. Particular attention is paid to nonpharmocologic pain management strategies (i.e., biofeedback and relaxation training, self-hypnosis, behavioral contracting, coping skills training, patient-controlled analgesic medications); educational programs, self-help and support groups; andfamily counseling and therapy.