Recent investigations of adolescents’ beliefs about risk have led tosurprisingly optimistic conclusions: Teens’ self estimates of theirlikelihood of experiencing various life events not only correlate sensibly withrelevant risk factors (Fischhoff et al., 2000), but they also significantlypredict later experiencing the events (Bruine de Bruin et al., 2007). Using thesame dataset examined in previous investigations, the present study extendedthese analyses by comparing the predictive value of self estimates of risk tothat of traditional risk factors for each outcome. The analyses focused on theprediction of pregnancy, criminal arrest, and school enrollment. Three findingsemerged. First, traditional risk factor information tended to out-predict selfassessments of risk, even when the risk factors included crude, potentiallyunreliable measures (e.g., a simple tally of self-reported criminal history) andwhen the risk factors were aggregated in a nonoptimal way (i.e., unitweighting). Second, despite the previously reported correlations between selfestimates and outcomes, perceived invulnerability was a problem among the youth:Over half of the teens who became pregnant, half of those who were not enrolledin school, and nearly a third of those who were arrested had, one year earlier,indicated a 0% chance of experiencing these outcomes. Finally, adding selfestimates of risk to the other risk factor information produced only small gainsin predictive accuracy. These analyses point to the need for greater educationabout the situations and behaviors that lead to negative outcomes.

Face memory deficits may be a bipolar disorder (BD) endophenotype. BD (n = 27) and unaffected youth at risk (n = 13) exhibited middle frontal gyrus hypoactivation during successful vs. unsuccessful encoding. Parahippocampal gyrus dysfunction was found in BD and at-risk youth (vs. low-risk, n = 37). Middle occipital gyrus hypoactivation was only present in BD.

This study evaluated the efficacy of a family-centered preventive intervention, the Family Check-Up (FCU), delivered as an online, eHealth model to middle school families. To increase accessibility of family-centered prevention in schools, we adapted the evidence-based FCU to an online format, with the goal of providing a model of service delivery that is feasible, given limited staffing and resources in many schools. Building on prior research, we randomly assigned participants to waitlist control (n = 105), FCU Online as a web-based intervention (n = 109), and FCU Online with coaching support (n = 108). We tested the effects of the intervention on multiple outcomes, including parental self-efficacy, child self-regulation, and child behavior, in this registered clinical trial (NCT03060291). Families engaged in the intervention at a high rate (72% completed the FCU assessment) and completed 3-month posttest assessments with good retention (94% retained). Random assignment to the FCU Online with coaching support was associated with reduced emotional problems for children (p = .003, d = −0.32) and improved parental confidence and self-efficacy (p = .018, d = 0.25) when compared with waitlist controls. Risk moderated effects: at-risk youth showed stronger effects than did those with minimal risk. The results have implications for online delivery of family-centered interventions in schools.

Facilitating the learning and engagement of students with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in any classroom can be challenging. In this study, we examined the use of online daily behaviour report card (DBRC) to decrease off-task behaviour in students with ADHD who were studying at a public school for at-risk youths in Singapore. Using a multiple baseline design across participants, the study involved 3 adolescents with ADHD who exhibited a high level of off-task behaviour and had received numerous office discipline referrals. Aside from the involvement of classroom teachers, the online DBRC intervention was modified to involve an additional school mentor who supported the parents in monitoring and guiding the students. Results indicated that the online DBRC intervention had been effective in decreasing off-task behaviour in the 3 students. Implications of findings and directions for future studies are discussed.

Background: The use of informant rating scales in older adults at risk of dementia may assist with early detection and intervention strategies. This study aims to evaluate whether informants rate greater cognitive change in patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) compared to cognitively intact individuals, and to determine the relationship between informant ratings of cognitive change and neuropsychological performance.

Methods: One hundred and nine health-seeking older adults underwent clinical and neuropsychological assessments, and informants completed the Cambridge Behavioral Inventory-Revised (CBI-R). Patients were rated according to MCI criteria, including amnestic and non-amnestic subtypes, or as being cognitively intact. CBI-R ratings were evaluated with respect to MCI diagnosis and neuropsychological performance.

Results: Compared to cognitively intact individuals, informants rated patients with MCI as having significantly more change in overall functioning (p < 0.05) as well as in specific domains of memory and orientation (p < 0.01), everyday skills (p < 0.05), and motivation (p < 0.05), even after controlling for depressive symptom severity. In further analyses, the non-amnestic MCI subgroup only had more informant-rated mood changes compared to the amnestic subgroup. In relation to neuropsychological performance, informant ratings were related to poorer visual memory, verbal learning and memory, language, and psychomotor speed, with correlations ranging from –0.19 to –0.43 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: These findings indicate that informants are sensitive to subtle early cognitive change in individuals with MCI, and that their ratings are related to objectively measured neuropsychological performance. Thus, the CBI-R may be valuable in assisting early screening and intervention processes.