Positive attitudes and self-harming behavior of adolescents in a juvenile detention house in Taiwan

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the less stigmatizing positivity construct screening measurement and its association with recent self-harming behaviors among adolescents. Participants were 193 detained Taiwanese adolescents. Questionnaires consisted of a deliberate self-harm inventory, a positivity construct measurement, a depression scale, data concerning risky health behaviors and demographics. The prevalence rate of recent self-harming behavior among adolescents in the detention house was 43.5%. The logistic model showed that age, gender and level of positivity demonstrated significant odds ratios for self-harm behavior. Results showed that younger age and female gender increased self-harming behavior. In addition, low score on positivity construct screening measurement increased the probability of self-harming behavior. Furthermore, these adolescents also engaged in risky health behaviors and were more depressed. Parental and school awareness for these risky behaviors should be enhanced and appropriate early interventions implemented to prevent negative health outcomes.

Developing and Validation of Identifying People in Risk of Addiction Questionnaire (I.P.R.A)

“…The findings of the research are along with the findings of Worley et al (31), Greenfield et al (32), Tsai et al (33), Wolitzky et al (34), Zabela et al (35) in which psychological parameters of depression, anxiety, having a positive attitude to drug and excitement-seeking are correlated with drug addiction. In their research, Worley et.al.…”

“…Moreover, according to Tsai et al (33), having a positive attitude to drug and the belief that "I don't get addicted", "I'm different", and "Marihuana and grass are not addictive" make the person prepared for drug-abuse (34). People don't get addicted all of a sudden and overnight.…”