The Dunedin Study - DMHDRU

Publications

All peer reviewed publications are listed below.

Displaying page 16 of 23.

On the Remembrance of Things Past A longitudinal evaluation of the retrospective method | 1994
Henry, B., Moffitt, T.E., Caspi, ... Show all » A., Langley, J.D., Silva, P.A. « Hide
Psychological Assessment, 1994, 6(6), 92-101.
Our ref: RO242
Show abstract » This study examined the extent of agreement between retrospective and prospective measures of variables in seven different content domains: resident changes, anthropometrics, injuries, reading ability, family characteristics, behavioural problems and delinquency. The results suggested that the use of retrospective reports should be limited to testing hypotheses about the relative standing of individuals in a distribution, and should not be used to test hypotheses that demand precision in estimating event frequencies and event dates.
« Hide abstract

Are some people crime-prone? Replications of the personality-crime relationship across countries, genders, races and methods | 1994
Caspi, A., Moffitt, T.E., Silva, ... Show all » P.A., Stouthamer-Loeber, M., Krueger, R.F., Schmutte, P.S. « Hide
Criminology, 1994, 32(32), 163-195 .
download pdf Our ref: RO241
Show abstract » We examined the relation between personality traits and crime in two studies. In New Zealand we studied 18-year-old males and females from an entire birth cohort. In Pittsburgh we studied an ethnically diverse group of 12- and 13-year-old boys. In both studies we gathered multiple and independent measures of personality and delinquent involvement. The personality correlates of delinquency were robust in different nations, in different age cohorts, across gender, and across race: greater delinquent participation was associated with a personality configuration characterized by high Negative Emotionality and weak Constraint. We suggest that when Negative Emotionality (the tendency to experience aversive affective states) is accompanied by weak Constraint (difficulty in impulse control), negative emotions may be translated more readily into antisocial acts. We review additional evidence about the developmental origins and consequences of this personality configuration and discuss its implications for theories about antisocial behavior. [Reprinted in S. Henry & W. Einstadler (Eds), Criminology: Readings in Contempory Theory. NY: New York University Press, 1997]
« Hide abstract

Neuropsychological tests predicting persistent male delinquency | 1994
Moffitt, T.E., Lynam, D.R., Silva, ... Show all » P.A. « Hide
Criminology, 1994, 32(32), 277-300.
Link to full publication »
Our ref: RO239
Show abstract » This article reports the first longitudinal evidence that prospective measures of neuropsychological status predict antisocial outcomes. We studied data for a birth cohort of several hundred New Zealand males from age 13 to age 18. Age-13 neuropsychological scores predicted later delinquency measured via multiple sources: police, courts, and self-report. Poor neuropsychological scores were associated with early onset of delinquency. The results fit our predictions about two trajectories of delinquent involvement: (1) Poor neuropsychological status predicted specifically male offending that began before age 13 and persisted at high levels thereafter. (2) By contrast, in this sample neuropsychological status was unrelated to delinquency that began in adolescence.
« Hide abstract

Multidimensional health locus of control beliefs and psychological health for a sample of mothers | 1994
Nada-Raja, S., Williams, S.M., McGee, ... Show all » R. « Hide
Social Science and Medicine, 1994, 39(39), 213-220.
https://doi.org/10.1016/0277-9536(94)90330-1
Our ref: RO238
Show abstract » Five multidimensional health locus of control (MHLC) types for 772 women whose children are enrolled in a longitudinal study of their health and development were identified. The MHLC is composed of an internal and two external dimensions (chance and powerful others). The five independent MHLC clusters were: pure internal; believer in control; pure chance; yea-sayer; and nay-sayer. Women with high scores on the three dimensions of the MHLC (yea-sayer) compared with the rest of the sample were significantly more likely to be from a lower socio-economics status, score lower on a general verbal intelligence test and higher on the Neuroticism and Lie Scales of the Eysenck Personality Inventory. They rated their overall health as significantly poorer, and reported more symptoms of depression compared with the other groups. A pure internal locus of control was strongly associated with the report of good health. Women with a strong belief in internal and powerful other loci of control were significantly more likely to have received treatment for their depression compared with other groups. Help-seeking for children's problem behaviour did not vary significantly with MHLC groups. The present study replicated five out of six MHLC types identified in an earlier study, and established the external validity of the MHLC types on measures of health status. The findings support the use of MHLC types in future research on health locus of control.
« Hide abstract

DSM-III-R disorders in New Zealand 18-year-olds | 1994
Feehan, M., McGee, R., Nada-Raja, ... Show all » S., Williams, S.M. « Hide
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 1994, 28(28), 87-99.
download pdf Our ref: RO237
Show abstract » The one-year prevalence and correlates of selected DSM-III disorders were determined in a sample of 930 18-year-olds. Using both diagnostic and impairment criteria 340 Individuals (36.6%) were considered to have disorder. The most prevalent disorders were major depressive episode (16.7%), alcohol dependence (10.4%) and social phobia (11.1%). There was a high degree of co-morbidity among disorders; 46% of those with disorder had two or more. The prevalence of disorders was greater for females with the exception of conduct disorder and alcohol or marijuana dependence. A variety of characteristics were associated with disorder including poor social competence, disadvantage and self-rated health status. A third of those with disorder had their problems recognised by a 'significant-other'. The results are presented within the context of a perceived need for research in the area of adolescent and early adult mental health in order to minimise the toll of mental disorder in later life.
« Hide abstract

Self-reported inattention, impulsivity and hyperactivity at ages 15 and 18 in the general population | 1994
Schaughency, E., McGee, R., Nada-Raja, ... Show all » S., Feehan, M., Silva, P.A. « Hide
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 1994, 33(33), 173-184.
Link to full publication »
Our ref: RO219
Show abstract » Objective: Prevalence, impact, and continuity of self-reported attention deficit disorder (ADD) symptomology from ages 15 to 18 years were examined in a longitudinal study of a New Zealand birth cohort. Method: At age 15, prevalence of ADD symptomology was estimated, with no gender differences found in self-reported symptomology. Four adolescents (0.5%) met full DSM-III criteria for ADD. Adolescents scoring higher than 1.5 SD above the sample mean on total ADD symptom score were identified as having high levels of ADD symptomology. Results: Male and female adolescents reporting ADD symptomology with (6% of males; 4% of females) and without history of behavior disorder (6% of males; 7% of females) did not differ in inattention and impulsivity, received more diagnoses other than ADD, and experienced more adverse educational and social outcomes at 15 and 18 years than did the non ADD group. Conclusions: Findings pertaining to the ADD with history group were consistent with previous research on the outcome of hyperactive children, whereas the ADD without history group may be reflecting the onset of other pathology in adolescence. Results suggest adolescent self-report of attentional difficulties may be a clinically significant marker of adjustment difficulties for both males and females, but additional information likely is needed for accurate diagnosis.
« Hide abstract

A longitudinal study of birth order, help seeking and psychopathology | 1994
Feehan, M., Stanton, W.R., McGee, ... Show all » R., Silva, P.A. « Hide
British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 1994, 33(33), 143-150.
Link to full publication »
Our ref: RO218
Show abstract » Recent studies have suggested an association between birth order and psychopathology. However, the association remains unclear due to a lack of consideration of the confounding effects of family size. At age seven years the family size and birth order of children from a large cohort of New Zealand children were examined in relation to parental help seeking for behavioural and emotional problems, and the development of DSM-III (American Psychiatric Association, 1980) disorder in pre-adolescence and adolescence. Neither the child's gender, birth order nor family size were associated with parental help seeking or the prevalence of DSM-III disorder in pre-adolescence at age 11. In adolescence at age 15, however, significantly more girls, first-borns and children from small families had DSM-III disorder, but the interactions between these factors were not significant. In particular, these associations were found with internalizing disorders. The appropriateness of further studies of birth order in relation to psychopathology is discussed.
« Hide abstract

Personality traits are linked to crime among men and women: Evidence from a birth cohort | 1994
Krueger, R.F., Schmutte, P.S., Caspi, ... Show all » A., Moffitt, T.E., Campbell, K., Silva, P.A. « Hide
Journal of Abnormal Psychology, 1994, 103(103), 328-338.
Link to full publication »
Our ref: RO214
Show abstract » Is there a relationship between personality and criminal behavior? We addressed this question in a representative birth cohort of 862 male and female 18-year-olds. Personality was assessed with the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire (MPQ). The MPQ measures 10 relatively independent personality traits and was not designed to identify offenders. Delinquency was assessed via 3 data sources: self-reports, informant reports, and official records. Variable-centered analyses revealed that MPQ scales indexing negative emotionality and behavioral constraint were consistent predictors of delinquency across the 3 data sources. Person-centered analyses revealed that youths abstaining from delinquency were uniquely characterized by low interpersonal potency. Youths involved in extensive delinquency were uniquely characterized by feelings of alienation, lack of social closeness, and risk taking. Advances in understanding criminal behavior can be made through research that places the personality-delinquency link in a developmental context.
« Hide abstract

Reading attainment and juvenile delinquency | 1994
Williams, S.M., McGee, R.
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 1994, 35(35), 441-459.
Link to full publication »
Our ref: RO208
Show abstract » Structural equation modelling was used with data from a longitudinal study of child development (N= 698) to examine relationships between early reading attainment and antisocial behaviour at ages 7 and 9 years and subsequent reading and delinquent behaviour in adolescence. While reading, analysed as a continuous variable, did not directly influence later delinquency, antisocial behaviour during the early school years was strongly predictive of delinquency at age 15 years, particularly for boys, and had a detrimental effect on reading. These findings were independent of social disadvantage, and were unchanged by adjusting reading scores for IQ. Reading disability at 9 years old, however, predicted conduct disorder at age 15 in boys.
« Hide abstract

Cannabis use among New Zealand Adolescents [Letter] | 1993
McGee, R., Feehan, M.
New Zealand Medical Journal, 1993, 106(106), 345.
download pdf Our ref: NZ67
Show abstract » This letter describes results from the Study on cannabis use among sample members at age 15 and 18 in support of the findings of Fergusson et al on cannabis use in a sample of adolescents in Christchurch, New Zealand.
« Hide abstract

Reported food consumption and dietary habits of New Zealand adolescents | 1993
Worsley, A., Worsley, A.J., McConnon, ... Show all » S., Silva, P.A. « Hide
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health, 1993, 29(29), 209-214 .
Our ref: RO297
Show abstract » Six hundred and sixty-seven fifteen year old members of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development study cohort completed a self-administered food frequency and dietary habits inventory. The results show that only 14 foods were consumed on a regular basis by more than 80% of the cohort. Statistically significant differences were found between the numbers of boys and girls consuming a variety of foods; generally, more girls consumed fruits and green vegetables and more boys consumed foods rich in fat and sugar. Several differences were observed in the food consumption of three income groups: fewer adolescents in low income families consumed expensive foods such as steak. The implications of these food consumption findings and their associated gender and income differences for nutrition promotion and food policy are discussed.
« Hide abstract

A cognitive development framework | 1993
Stanton, W.R.
Current Psychology: Research and Reviews, 1993, 12(12), 26-45.
Our ref: RO236
Show abstract » Prominent stage theories of cognitive development show evidence of a structure in which each stage contains a number of subsidiary levels. Comparisons of the stages in these theories have commonly been made through the established links with stages of Piaget's theory. In response to Kagan's criticism of Piaget's theory, features of these developmental theories were used in this paper as the basis for a general framework of interactive stages and levels of cognitive operations. Some implications of the proposed framework in relation to cognitive development theories and directions for further research are examined. Further application of this framework could help to identify commonalities in cognitive operations across different contents, contexts and cultures.
« Hide abstract

When do individual differences matter? A paradoxical theory of personality coherence | 1993
Caspi, A., Moffitt, T.E.
Psychological Inquiry, 1993, 4(4), 247-271.
Our ref: RO235
Show abstract » This paper proposed that individual differences in personality should be studied during periods of environmental change because these periods provide an opportunity to discern the general mechanisms that govern the functions and processes of personality. The authors delineate the circumstances wherein personality differences are accentuated and then specific the conditions whereby change is produced. Personality differences are likely to be revealed during transitions into unpredictable new situations, when there is a press to behave but no information about how to behave adaptively. Dispositional differences are thus accentuated as each person seeks to transform novel, ambiguous and uncertain circumstances into familiar, clear, and expectable social encounters. The authors' theory also accounts for turning points in behavioural development: systematic change is likely to occur during transitions into new situations, when there is a press to behave and when previous responses are actively discouraged while clear information is provided about how to behave adaptively.
« Hide abstract

The definition and diagnosis of asthma | 1993
Sears, M.R.
Allergy, 1993, 48(48), 12-16.
Our ref: RO234
Show abstract » Asthma defies precise definition, despite several carefully worded statements. Perhaps the most concise and useful description of asthma is variable airflow obstruction. The diagnosis is made by recognition of a patterns of one or more characteristic symptoms including wheeze, cough, chest tightness and dyspnoea, and is best confirmed by evidence of variable or reversible airflow obstruction accompanying symptoms.
« Hide abstract

Atopy in childhood. III. Relationship with pulmonary function and airway responsiveness | 1993
Sears, M.R., Burrows, B., Herbison, ... Show all » G.P., Flannery, E.M., Holdaway, M.D. « Hide
Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 1993, 23(23), 957-963.
Our ref: RO233
Show abstract » The relationship between atopy and pulmonary function in children, and how these relate directly or indirectly to airway hyperresponsiveness, is uncertain. We have examined these relationships in a sample of 13-year-old children. A questionnaire on respiratory symptoms, skin-prick tests to 11 common allergens, spirometry and an abbreviated methacholine challenge test were completed by 662 members (341 boys) of a birth cohort of New Zealand children followed longitudinally to age 13. There was a significant relationship between the presence and degree of atopy, and baseline pulmonary function. Low FEV1/VC ratios were associated with a greater likelihood of airway responsiveness, not only in subjects with diagnosed asthma, but also in the full cohort and in the sub-group of 426 children who denied asthma or current wheeze. The relationships between baseline FEV1/VC and airway responsiveness were stronger in atopic than in non-atopic children, with the strongest relationships in children sensitive to house dust mite and/or cat dander. In the presence of atopy, progressively lower levels of lung function were strongly associated with a higher prevalence of airway responsiveness (P<0.001). In non-atopic subjects, only those with the most impaired lung function (FEV1/VC <75%) showed any substantive prevalence of airway responsiveness. The relationship between the degree of atopy and the FEV1/VC ratio, although significant in univariate analysis, became completely non-significant after accounting for airway responsiveness. In 13-year-old children, atopy, especially to house dust mite and cat dander, was correlated with pulmonary function expressed as FEV1/VC ratio. Airway responsiveness likewise correlated with impaired baseline lung function. The apparent relationship of lung function to atopy occurred primarily as a result of the relationship between atopy and airway responsiveness. Atopy and impaired lung function were additive factors predicting airway responsiveness.
« Hide abstract

Atopy in childhood. II. Relationship to airway responsiveness, hayfever and asthma | 1993
Sears, M.R., Burrows, B., Herbison, ... Show all » G.P., Holdaway, M.D., Flannery E.M. « Hide
Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 1993, 23(23), 949-956.
Our ref: RO232
Show abstract » While airway hyperresponsiveness is usually associated with a diagnosis of asthma or symptoms of wheezing, some individuals with rhinitis show airway hyperresponsiveness as do some with no symptoms whatsoever. We have studied the correlations between symptoms, airway hyperresponsiveness and atopy as determined by skin-prick tests in a cohort of New Zealand children. A total of 662 members of a birth cohort were studied at age 13 years using a respiratory questionnaire, skin-prick tests to 11 common allergens, and an abbreviated validated methacholine challenge test to determine airway responsiveness. Airway hyperresponsiveness (methacholine PC20 FEV1 less-than-or-equal-to 8 mg/ml) was strongly correlated with reported asthma and current wheezing (P<0.0001) and also with atopy, especially to house dust mite and cat (P<0.0001). As weal size for both house dust mite and cat increased, so did the proportion of children with airway hyperresponsiveness. All children with diagnosed asthma and airway hyperresponsiveness were atopic. Skin-test reactions to house dust mite and cat were strongly correlated with any degree of measurable airway responsiveness (PC20 FEV1 less-than-or-equal-to 25 mg/ml) in children with rhinitis (P < 0.0001), and remained significantly correlated even in children without current asthma, without asthma ever and without rhinitis (P < 0.001). Atopy is a major determinant of airway hyperresponsiveness in children, not only in those with reported histories of asthma and wheezing, but also in the absence of any history suggesting asthma and rhinitis.
« Hide abstract

Atopy in childhood. I. Gender and allergen related risks for development of hayfever and asthma | 1993
Sears, M.R., Burrows, B., Flannery, ... Show all » E.M., Herbison, G.P., Holdaway, M.D. « Hide
Clinical and Experimental Allergy, 1993, 23(23), 941-948.
Our ref: RO231
Show abstract » Reasons for the gender differences in prevalence rates for asthma remain unclear. We have examined the relationships between allergen skin-test reactions and diagnoses of hay fever and asthma in New Zealand boys and girls examined at the age of 13 years. Information on current and past wheezing, diagnosed asthma, and hay fever was obtained for 662 subjects (341 boys) of a birth cohort followed longitudinally to the age of 13 years, using a physician-administered questionnaire. Atopic status was determined by skin-prick tests to 11 common allergens. The proportion of 13-year-old boys with current asthma was 1.6 times higher and of ever-diagnosed asthma 1.4 times higher than in girls, but the prevalence of recurrent wheeze (greater-than-or-equal-to three episodes per year) not diagnosed as asthma, or of hay fever, was not significantly different between the sexes. The prevalence of diagnosed asthma increased with increasing numbers of positive skin tests, but hay fever without asthma was little affected above one positive skin-test. Boys had a greater prevalence of any positive skin-test (50.1 % vs 37.1%), two or more positive tests (29.3% vs 21.8%), and responses to house dust mite (34.0% vs 23.1%) and cat (14.7% vs 11.2%). Gender differences for asthma became insignificant when adjusted for skin-test responsiveness to house dust mite and/or cat. The proportion of children with diagnosed asthma increased with increasing size of weals to house dust mite and cat dan er. Gender differences in allergen sensitivities partly explain the gender differences in diagnosed asthma in children. In both sexes, risk of asthma was primarily associated with sensitization to indoor allergens (house dust mite and cat), and was related to the magnitude of the skin-test response, while the risk of hay fever was primarily associated with grass pollen sensitivity.
« Hide abstract

An alternative method for comparing and describing methacholine response curves | 1993
Sherrill, D.L., Martinez, F.D., Sears, ... Show all » M.R., Lebowitz, M.D. « Hide
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 1993, 148(148), 116-122.
Our ref: RO230
Show abstract » Tests of nonspecific airway hyperresponsiveness are frequently used in the study of asthma both in the clinical settings and in epidemiologic studies. However, standard methods for characterizing individual tests and comparing results between subgroups have not been established. The most frequently used method of characterizing response curves is to report the dose that results in a 20% fall in FEV1 from the initial or baseline FEV1 value (PD20FEV1). Other investigators have suggested using the response slopes. In this study we demonstrate an alternative method of analysis that uses all of each subject's response data, makes comparisons between subgroups, and can include explanatory covariables. This approach is demonstrated using methacholine challenge data obtained in New Zealand children at 9 and 11 yr of age. The results showed significant differences between the mean dose-response curves of wheezers and nonwheezers, that responsiveness increased with the frequency of reported wheeze, and that initial pulmonary function and serum IgE are significantly related to responsiveness. These factors were not always significant using more traditional methods of analysis, indicating an increased sensitivity with this method of analysis.
« Hide abstract

Additive effects of reduced pulmonary function and atopy in predicting airway responsiveness in childhood [Abstract] | 1993
Sears, M.R., Burrows, B., Herbison, ... Show all » G.P., Flannery, E.M., Holdaway, M.D. « Hide
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 1993, 147(147), A381.
Our ref: RO229
Show abstract » This abstract describes results of methacholine tests to airway responsiveness. See RO233 for full report.
« Hide abstract

Asthma and asthma-like symptoms, airway responsiveness and treatment: a longitudinal study of a birth cohort of New Zealand children [Abstract] | 1993
Sears, M.R., Holdaway, M.D., Herbison, ... Show all » G.P., Flannery, E.M., Silva, P.A. « Hide
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 1993, 147(147), A374.
Our ref: RO228
Show abstract » This study describes some of the respiratory research results from the Study.
« Hide abstract

Airway responsiveness related to allergen skin test reactivity [Abstract] | 1993
Lebowitz, M.D., O'Rourke, M.K., Paoletti, ... Show all » P., Sears, M.R., Burrows, B. « Hide
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 1993, 91(91), 163.
Our ref: RO227
Show abstract » This study found that even the smallest reaction to skin allergy testing was related to airway responsiveness.
« Hide abstract

Atopy and airway responsiveness in hayfever and asthma | 1993
Sears, M.R., Burrows, B., Herbison, ... Show all » G.P., Holdaway, M.D., Flannery, E.M. « Hide
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 1993, 91(91), 351.
Our ref: RO226
Show abstract » This study showed that atopy is a major determinant of airway responsiveness in children.
« Hide abstract

Adolescent-limited and life-course-persistent antisocial behavior: A developmental taxonomy | 1993
Moffitt, T.E.
Psychological Review, 1993, 100(100), 674-701.
download pdfLink to full publication »
Our ref: RO221
Show abstract » A dual taxonomy is presented to reconcile 2 incongruous facts about antisocial behavior (a) It shows impressive continuity over age, but (b) its prevalence changes dramatically over age, increasing almost 10-fold temporarily during adolescence. This article suggests that delinquency conceals 2 distinct categories of individuals, each with a unique natural history and etiology: A small group engages in antisocial behavior of 1 sort or another at every life stage, whereas a larger group is antisocial only during adolescence. According to the theory of life-course-persistent antisocial behavior, children's neuropsychological problems interact cumulatively with their criminogenic environments across development, culminating in a pathological personality. According to the theory of adolescence-limited antisocial behavior, a contemporary maturity gap encourages teens to mimic antisocial behavior in ways that are normative and adjustive.
« Hide abstract

Mental health disorders from age 15 to age 18 years | 1993
Feehan, M., McGee, R., Williams, ... Show all » S.M. « Hide
Journal of the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, 1993, 32(32), 1118-1126.
Link to full publication »
Our ref: RO217
Show abstract » Objective: To determine the strength of association between mental health disorders in adolescence and disorder in early adulthood. Method: The study used mental health data from a longitudinal investigation of a New Zealand birth cohort. Of the 943 with prevalence data for DSM-III disorder at age 15, 890 had prevalence data for DSM-III-R disorder when aged 18 years. Results: Two-thirds of those with disorder at age 15 had disorder at age 18. The residual form of attention deficit disorder, simple phobias, and oppositional disorders (with no other accompanying disorders) were associated with the lowest risk of later disorder and conduct disorder with the highest. With the exception of the overall symptom level, a variety of characteristics examined (e.g., social competence and adversity) could not differentiate between those with transient disorder and those with disorder at both ages. Comparisons of those with recurring disorder and those with new disorder at age 18 showed that in addition to characteristics of the disorder, disadvantage was strongly associated with recurrent disorder. Conclusions: The risk of later disorder for those with disorder in adolescence was high and differed across type of disorder. Findings suggest that to reduce the risk of disorder in early adulthood, clinicians could play a more active role in community interventions with direct social outcomes.
« Hide abstract

Consistency in children's recall of age of initiating smoking | 1993
Stanton, W.R., Silva, P.A.
International Journal of Epidemiology, 1993, 22(22), 1064-1069.
Our ref: RO216
Show abstract » Studies of the accuracy of long-term recall for information about smoking status have tended to conclude that this information is consistent and reliable. Estimation of consumption levels have been found to be less reliable and can be influenced by current consumption levels. Results of this longitudinal study indicated that children's and adolescents' 2-year recall of smoking status was inconsistent and that children's reports of age of initiating smoking showed an unacceptably high level of misclassification, particularly if they had not smoked in the last 2 years. Children's and adolescents' 2-year recall for the age at which they first smoked were imprecise and suggested that those who had smoked in the last 2 years retained a perspective as they grew older of having started in the last few years. It is recommended that the period of recall for children and adolescents be restricted to no more than 1 year.
« Hide abstract

Reasons for smoking or not smoking in early adolescence | 1993
Stanton, W.R., Mahalski, P.A., McGee, ... Show all » R., Silva, P.A. « Hide
Addictive Behaviors, 1993, 18(18), 321-329.
Our ref: RO215
Show abstract » Previous studies of smokers' and nonsmokers' reasons have not compared their reasons for smoking and their reasons for not smoking, or examined the extent of change or stability in these reasons over time. We examined reasons for smoking and not smoking in a large sample of 13-year-olds from the general population. Factor structures of reasons differed according to whether adolescents were smokers or nonsmokers. Nonsmokers were found to be less discriminating than smokers about the reasons for smoking. Smokers and nonsmokers tended to show more agreement about the reasons for not smoking. Recency of smoking was differentially related to the factors for smoking and the factors for not smoking, ''Image'' was a more important reason for smoking at age 11 than at age 13. ''Friends'' as a reason for smoking showed a small degree of consistency across age, whereas reasons involving relaxation and pleasure showed a relatively higher degree of consistency: Health, as a reason not to smoke, showed only a small degree of consistency, while social context, effects and access were moderately consistent as reasons not to smoke at ages 11 and 13.
« Hide abstract

The importance of conduct problems and depressive symptoms in predicting adolescent substance use | 1993
Henry, B., Feehan, M., McGee, ... Show all » R., Stanton, W.R., Moffitt, T.E., Silva, P.A. « Hide
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 1993, 21(21), 469-480.
download pdf Our ref: RO213
Show abstract » The current study assessed the relative importance of conduct problems and depressive symptoms, measured at two ages (11 and 15), for predicting substance use at age 15 in an unselected birth cohort of New Zealand adolescents. Among males, when the relative predictive utility of both conduct problems and depressive symptoms was assessed, only pre-adolescent depressive symptoms were found to predict multiple drug use 4 years later. No predictive relation was found between early symptomatology and later substance use among females. The strongest association between predictors and substance use emerged between age 15 multiple drug use and concurrent conduct problems for both males and females. Finally, both conduct problems and depressive symptoms at age 15 were also found to be associated with concurrent ''self-medication'' among females.
« Hide abstract

The effect of parents' alcohol problems on children's behaviour as reported by parents and by teachers | 1993
Connolly, G.M., Casswell, S., Stewart, ... Show all » J., Silva, P.A., O'Brien, M.K. « Hide
Addiction, 1993, 88(88), 1383-1390.
Our ref: RO211
Show abstract » Associations between parents' alcohol problems when children were aged 9 and children's behaviour at ages 9 and 13 as reported by parents and teachers were investigated. The sample consisted of participants in a multidisciplinary longitudinal study, data were collected by face-to-face interview. When compared to children with no or mild parental alcohol problems, children classified as having severe parental alcohol problems were more likely to display high levels of problem behaviour at age 9 as reported by teachers and at age 13 as reported by parents. Poorer family relationships, lower verbal and reading proficiency and being male were also associated with high levels of behaviour problems.
« Hide abstract

Adolescents, sexual behaviour and implications for an epidemic of HIV/AIDS among the young | 1993
Dickson, N., Paul, C., Herbison, ... Show all » G.P. « Hide
Genitourinary Medicine, 1993, 69(69), 133-140.
Our ref: RO207
Show abstract » Objective-To determine the patterns of sexual behaviour, condom use and sexually transmitted diseases among young New Zealanders, and the characteristics of those with many sexual partners. Subjects-A cohort of young people enrolled in a longitudinal cohort study, and followed up since age three. Methods-Subjects were interviewed at age 18 years as part of a multidisciplinary health and development study. Questions about sexual behaviour were presented by computer. Results-Overall 862/1027 (83.9%) surviving in the cohort was interviewed. Only 1.4% declined to answer the section on sexual behaviour. Sexual intercourse in the previous 12 months was reported by 57.6% of the young men and 67.9% of the young women. Amongst those who were sexually active more of the young men reported multiple partners than the young women (59.8% v 46.5% p < 0.001). There was a trend for increasing number of partners with indices of lower school achievement but no significant association with socio-economic status. Condom use decreased with increasing number of partners for the young women, and for the young men there was no association. Sexually transmitted diseases were reported more commonly with increasing number of sexual partners for both men and women. The rates of sexual activity were substantially higher than reported in a comparable survey 20 years ago. Conclusions-The pattern of sexual behaviour and condom use, and the occurrence of sexually transmitted diseases in this sample give cause for concern about the spread of sexually transmitted diseases including the possibility of an epidemic of HIV among heterosexual young people in New Zealand. The findings should help in targeting health promotional activities within this age group.
« Hide abstract

Allergic disorders and attention deficit disorder in children | 1993
McGee, R., Stanton, W.R., Sears, ... Show all » M.R. « Hide
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology, 1993, 21(21), 79-88.
Our ref: RO205
Show abstract » No relationship was found between attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and allergic disorder in a longitudinal study of 1,037 children as part of the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study. At ages nine and 13, behavior problems in children with zero to three or more allergic disorders were analyzed using a 4 x 2 analysis of variance, with no significant relationships between ADHD and allergic disorders found. Atopic responsiveness by skin test and serum immunoglobulin E levels were also examined.
« Hide abstract

A longitudinal study of reasons for smoking in adolescence | 1993
McGee, R., Stanton, W.R.
Addiction, 1993, 88(88), 265-271.
Our ref: RO203
Show abstract » This longitudinal study examined factors related to smoking at age 13 and to persistence of smoking from ages 13 to 15 years in a sample (n = 719) of New Zealand adolescents. History of smoking at 9 and 11 years predicted smoking at 13 (odds ratio = 2.8), persistence of smoking from age 13 to 15 (OR = 2.4) and smoking at 15 among those not smoking at age 13 (OR = 2.4). While there were no significant sex differences in pre-adolescent and early adolescent smoking, by age 15 more girls than boys reported smoking. A concern with the immediate negative effects of smoking (taste, smell, feeling ill and feeling silly) as a reason for not smoking at age 13 was inversely related to smoking at age 15 (OR = 0.4). Reasons for smoking at age 13 were not associated with later smoking. Family disadvantage and use of alcohol and other drugs were also associated with later adolescent smoking.
« Hide abstract

The natural history of change in intellectual performance: Who changes? How much? Is it meaningful? | 1993
Moffitt, T.E., Caspi, A., Harkness, ... Show all » A.R., Silva, P.A. « Hide
Journal of Child Psychology and Psychiatry, 1993, 34(34), 455-506.
Our ref: RO199
Show abstract » A prerequisite step for studying the magnitude and meaning of IQ change is to distinguish between true IQ change that is a researchable phenomenon and IQ ''change'' that can be accounted for by measurement error. We studied the reliability, magnitude and meaning of IQ change using scores on the WISC-R obtained from a representative sample of 794 children at ages 7, 9, 11 and 13. The findings suggest that, in the majority of children, IQ change is either negligible in amount, unreliably measured or both. In a nontrivial minority of children, naturalistic IQ change is marked and real, but this change is variable in its timing, idiosyncratic in its source and transient in its course. We discuss the implications of these findings for interventions that aspire to improve IQ scores.
« Hide abstract

Early family predictors of child and adolescent antisocial behaviour: who are the mothers of delinquents | 1993
Henry, B., Moffitt, T.E., Robins, ... Show all » L., Earls, F., Silva, P.A. « Hide
Criminal Behavior and Mental Health, 1993, 3(3), 97-100.
Link to full publication »
Our ref: RO198
Show abstract » Examined whether familial characteristics (FCs) are associated with antisocial outcomes (AOs), as opposed to other behavioral or mental health problems that children have. The utility of 29 maternal and FCs to identify children who are at high risk for AOs and delinquent outcomes were tested. Three groups of 11-yr-old children were compared on family variables (FVs): 50 antisocial children, 37 with other disorders, and 220 with no disorder. Nine FVs differentiated the antisocial Ss from the non-disordered Ss. The most important FVs were parental disagreement about how to discipline the 5-yr-old child and many changes of the child's primary caretaker during childhood. Among children who were known to police by age 15, prospective FVs accounted for significant amounts of the variance in number of police contacts and age at 1st contact. FCs were associated with AOs in childhood and early adolescence.
« Hide abstract

Helping agency contact for emotional problems in childhood and early adolescence and the risk of later disorder | 1993
Feehan, M., McGee, R., Stanton, ... Show all » W.R. « Hide
Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry, 1993, 27(27), 270-274.
Link to full publication »
Our ref: RO193
Show abstract » Despite waning enthusiasm for labelling theories in the development of psychopathology, it has been claimed that contact with professional agencies in childhood can be associated with increased levels of later problem behaviour. In this study, help-seeking by parents for children with behaviour problems was examined using a birth cohort followed longitudinally to age 15 years. No evidence was found to support the hypothesis that agency contact increased the risk of later mental health disorder, either in childhood or adolescence. Rather, the results suggested that help-seeking was associated with a reduction in both the risk of DSM-III disorder and problem behaviour scores, up to five years after agency contact.
« Hide abstract

Inequities in oral health: implications for the delivery of care and health promotion | 1992
Brown, R.H. , Treasure, E.T.
New Zealand Dental Journal, 1992, 88(88), 132-138.
Our ref: NZ68
Show abstract » This paper has summarised data showing that inequities in oral health and the receipt of oral health care exist in New Zealand. We submit that these inequities, and the consequences of oral ill-health, are of such seriousness that they cannot be ignored. Overcoming barriers to oral ill health and barriers to dental care will be a complex task. Although much can be done by the dental providers and their organisations, there is need for oral ill health to be viewed within the overall context of inequity and disadvantage within society.
« Hide abstract

Motor vehicle road crashes during the fourteenth and fifteenth years of life | 1992
Begg, D.J., Langley, J.D., Chalmers, ... Show all » D.J. « Hide
New Zealand Medical Journal, 1992, 105(105), 150-151.
Our ref: NZ65
Show abstract » From a sample of 848 teenagers, 50 individuals reported a total of 52 motor vehicle road crash events: 42 involved a car, six a motorcycle, and four a bus, over a two year period. Males and females were equally represented in each type of crash. Twenty-one of the car crashes, four of the motorcycle crashes and three of the bus crashes involved injury. The injuries sustained in the motorcycle crashes were predominantly to the extremities and in the other crashes they were mainly to the head or face. On average drivers less than 25 years of age had more passengers in their cars and were involved in more nighttime crashes. A seat belt was worn in only 18 (44%) of the car crashes. A motorcycle helmet was worn in four of the six motorcycle crashes. Six (15%) crashes were reported to have involved alcohol. The main areas of risk associated with motor vehicle road crashes involving teenagers and young adults have been addressed by legislation or the graduated drivers licensing system. An evaluation of these measures is required to establish whether they are effective.
« Hide abstract

Smokefree medical students | 1992
Stanton, W.R., Ferry, D.G.
New Zealand Medical Journal, 1992, 105(105), 292-293.
Our ref: NZ64
Show abstract » This paper describes a small study of the smoking behaviour of medical students.
« Hide abstract

Relationships of bronchial responsiveness assessed by methacholine to serum IgE, lung function, systems and diagnoses in 11-year-old New Zealand children | 1992
Burrows, B., Sears, M.R., Flannery, ... Show all » E.M., Herbison, G.P., Holdaway, M.D. « Hide
Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, 1992, 90(90), 376-85.
Our ref: RO224
Show abstract » This study describes the relationship of bronchial responsiveness assessed by methacholine to serum IgE, lung function and diagnosis of respiratory disorder. The results supported the view that IgE is a critical factor in the development of bronchial responsiveness in childhood.
« Hide abstract

An alternative method for describing methacholine challenge response curves [Abstract] | 1992
Sherrill, D.L., Martinez, F.D., Herbison, ... Show all » G.P., Sears, M.R. « Hide
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 1992, 145(145), A706 .
Our ref: RO223
Show abstract » This abstract described a new approach to describing methacholine challenge response curves. See RO230 for a full account of this study.
« Hide abstract

Gender differences in skin allergen sensitivities, and the risks for development of hayfever and asthma in childhood [Abstract] | 1992
Sears, M.R., Burrows, B., Holdaway, ... Show all » M.D., Flannery, E.M., Herbison, G.P. « Hide
American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 1992, 145(145), A658.
Our ref: RO222
Show abstract » This abstract described gender differences in allergies and the risks for the development of hayfever and asthma in childhood.
« Hide abstract

« Prev | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 | 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | Next »