A certain percentage of young offenders are re-incarcerated after their first offence and they land back in jail to serve a further sentence. This implies that they could not find their feet back in society once they have been released and it signifies failure on the part of the correctional authorities to rehabilitate the young offenders successfully. Recidivism is a complicated phenomenon which is not easy to deal with as the correctional institutions often have no control over the circumstances outside the prison walls affecting the young offender. The overall goal of this research was to establish the circumstances leading to the re-arrest of the young offender in the Kroonstad Youth Centre in order to adjust the rehabilitation programmes if necessary. The data was collected by means of a focus group consisting of young offenders who have been re-arrested after the first offence. The young offenders could not accurately identify the circumstances leading to their re-arrests, but they could give an indication of the family and community circumstances under which they must live. This ranged from unstable family life to community conditions not conducive to their adjustment. It was also found that the lack of support in the form of outside NGO's to assist them with their adjustment once they left prison was a serious shortcoming. It was recommended that intervention with the youth offenders should be focused on teaching skills that will help them to adjust in the community after their release. It was also recommended that families be trained on how to deal with the behaviour of the youths who has violated the law. / Thesis (M.A. (MW))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2008.

Many senior officers in the Royal Navy of late-eighteenth and early-nineteenth centuries saw the French Revolutionary and Napoleonic Wars as a time of dramatic social change within the officer corps. Naval and civilian commentators alike expressed concern that the virtue of birth had replaced the virtue of merit when it came to the selection of officer recruits, and that the change adversely affected discipline and subordination. This thesis seeks to test the accuracy of these observations, and modern interpretations of them, by determining when and why changes in the social make-up of the corps of “young gentlemen” took place, and the effects of those changes on naval professionalism. This study asserts that social developments in the navy’s officer corps are most transparent at the entry level. Data on the social backgrounds of more than 4500 midshipmen and quarterdeck boys, from 1761 to 1831, shows that the presence of the social elites among officer aspirants was directly affected by states of war and peace and the popularity of a naval career for well-born sons. While contemporaries saw a growing elitism among officer recruits between 1793 and 1815, the data suggests that the scions of peers and the landed gentry were more prevalent in the peacetime service of 1771 and again after 1815, when the weight of social and political connections again became determining factors in the selection of officer trainees. The cultural changes that influenced the popularity of a naval career for young “honorables” between the Seven Years’ War and Parliamentary Reform highlight the social and political pressures that were exerted on recruiting captains and the Admiralty. Together they help to explain developments in the social make-up of the navy’s future-officer corps and the relationship between the naval microcosm and British society at large.

The basis to Freud's view that men and women are essentially separate entities with their own unique psychological construction and human potential which arises from their anatomical differences, will be challenged from the paradigm of object relations theory and related research from attachment theory. It will be argued that while a substantive understanding of gender development and the related issue of spousal abuse are influenced by such important factors as patriarchal domination, social oppression, socialized roles, and economic inequality between the sexes, these forces are considered to have a secondary psychological effect when compared with the formative influence of early object relations. The object relational paradigm to be outlined is that it is the distinctive emotional impact of the contents and attitudes that occur between the members of each family that establish the blueprints for subsequent feelings about oneself and others, from which particular relational patterns with others are pursued and acted upon within the larger social structure. Freud may be credited for his recognition and pioneering systematic investigation into the central importance of the unconscious in the development and functioning of human beings. Beyond this being a theoretical entity that is devoid of any scientific rigour which cannot be tested, proven, and therefore accepted as a legitimate therapeutic modality, information will be offered that suggests otherwise. Spousal relationships in which abuse constitutes a chronic pattern of interaction between the persons involved is understood to occur within contemporary North American society as a collusive arrangement between two emotionally impaired individuals. The argument will be made that they enter into an unconscious dialogue wherein each perpetrates and perpetuates the hopes and disappointments of their own and their partner's past intrapsychic relational experiences. Incarceration alone does not serve the emotional needs of young offenders, but instead, generally provides conditions which advance what is accepted, within this paper, to be a frequently disturbed psychic structure. The emphasis within the Canadian correctional system seems to emphasize incarceration over rehabilitation with the expectation that punishing those who break the law will result in an abstention from such acts in the future. The argument will be presented that in addition to ensuring public safety through imprisonment for some, there is mounting evidence which demonstrates the success of treatment programmes both within and outside of correctional institutions for those who break the law, and whose primary emphasis is on treatment and rehabilitation rather than detention and retribution. Contrary to therapeutic intervention being carried out as an adjunct to existing penal institutions, or that it be directed principally at the conscious acquisition of skills and information, it is proposed that such efforts are best administered within 2 comprehensive therapeutic environments. Further, it will be argued that rather than the previous and current emphasis which is directed primarily at a cognitive and behavioural level of the offender, it is the emotional foundation of the individual which has a direct influence on their long-term behaviour. Therefore, this aspect should constitute a fundamental component of the treatment program for the forensic patient for which psychoanalytic psychotherapy may play an important role.

The purpose of this study was to better understand value development in an emerging adult, college student population, and to further define, identify and clarify family characteristics that influence values. Theories have sought to examine the developmental influences in emerging adulthood, but little research exists examining the role of the family, particularly in regards to value development. The current study reviewed the literature on emerging adulthood, values, and self-determination theory with attention to family influence. Questions addressed in this study included: 1) are perceived parent values predictors of emerging adult values, 2) will the quality of communication between parents and emerging adults and the presence of an emotionally supportive relationship with both mother and father moderate the relationship between the perception of parent values and emerging adult values, and 3) does the family environment influence the types of values emerging adults perceive to be important to their parents? For this purpose, 200 college students completed 5 different self-report questionnaires measuring the constructs of values, perceived parent values, family environment variables, family communication variables, and quality of relationship with both father and mother. Parents of college students completed a self-report questionnaire measuring their socialization values for their children and a questionnaire measuring family communication; however, the small number of parent responses prevented the data from being used in statistical tests. Multiple regression analyses indicated that perceived parent values predicted emerging adult values. Moderation analyses showed that family communication and the quality of the relationship with father and mother did not strengthen the relationship between perceived parent values and emerging adult values. Lastly, a warm family environment and family activities were significantly related to how important emerging adults’ perceived intrinsic values to be to both their father and mother. Family structure was significantly positively correlated the importance emerging adults’ perceived their fathers to place on extrinsic values, but not their mothers. Implications for the findings of the current study will be discussed, as well as, limitations and future research recommendations.

Group living primates utilise a number of characteristic post-conflict behaviours as a means of regulating the impact of escalated intragroup disputes. Although immature group members are typically implicated in disproportionate levels of aggression in many cercopithecine taxa, the conflict management abilities of young animals remain relatively unstudied as most previous investigations have focused solely upon adults or pooled data across age classes. This study therefore utilised a cross-sectional design to examine the immediate consequences of aggressive confrontations and the patterning of both affiliative and agonistic post-conflict interactions with former opponents and previously uninvolved bystanders, in free-ranging immature rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta) at Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico. Subjects of both sexes (n = 108) and between 1 and 4 years of age were drawn from two social groups, upon which 451 pairs of 10-minute post-conflict and matched-control observations were collected over a 10 month period in 1996. These data were supplemented by 10-minute post-conflict intervals extracted from an additional 432 hours of continuous focal observations conducted upon a balanced subset of 36 juveniles, together with a total of 549 group-wide scan samples concentrating upon affiliative behaviour. Involvement in aggression was found to have both social and ecological costs for former victims, which were subject to elevated rates of subsequent threats and attacks in the minutes following a conflict, a period in which they also spent more time in locomotion and less time upon feeding. Nevertheless the behaviour of aggressors was also affected, as contestants in both roles exhibited some degree of post-conflict elevation in self- (e.g. scratching) and object-directed activities (e.g. gnawing or manipulating) likely to be indicative of tension or anxiety, although these increases were often more pronounced in the recipient as opposed to the perpetrator of aggression. Affiliative reunions between former adversaries in the wake of aggression were demonstrable in even the youngest subject cohort and the patterning of these "reconciliatory" events was similar to that documented in previous work on adult macaques, with the context of the preceding conflict (over food versus of no discernible cause) and the quality of relationship between the protagonists (whether close kin or favoured affiliates, or not) significantly reducing or elevating, respectively, the likelihood that a reunion would take place. In the former case, variation in conciliatory tendency was also paralleled by a difference in the degree to which rates of self-scratching were elevated under post-conflict conditions, whilst in the latter case it was not - confrontations between close associates produced levels of scratching no higher than those after a dispute between less favoured affiliates. Immature subjects were also more likely to interact with certain other partner classes under post-conflict as opposed to baseline conditions. For example, there was a pronounced increase in affiliative contacts between former coalition partners following polyadic conflicts, these overtures typically being instigated by the beneficiary of support. Affinitive interactions between both aggressors and victims and previously urtinvolved bystanders were also significantly elevated, being preferentially directed toward the contestant's close relatives and those of its opponent; the latter type of interaction appeared more frequent in the youngest subjects and partner selection was not merely a side-effect of proximity to members of the opponent's family. The degree to which kinship between former opponents, or with bystanders, influenced the likelihood of post-conflict affiliation was greater in female subjects, but the sexes behaved similarly in all other respects. Significant differences in behaviour between birth cohorts were also largely absent, although older immatures were more likely to "redirect" aggression toward third parties when victimised. These attacks against bystanders in the wake of conflicts were exhibited by both aggressors and victims, although aggressive responses were more likely when in the latter role. It is suggested that redirection by former victims may function predominantly as a signal to other group members, as these aggressive events were particularly likely to take place within view of former opponents and were associated with a high incidence of vocal threats; furthermore, redirection was associated with a significant reduction in the amount of aggression the subject subsequently received from others. Immature rhesus macaques therefore appear to possess a rich repertoire of post-conflict behaviour, in many ways resembling that reported in previous studies based upon mixed-age subject samples. However, relatively small size and on average low rank may place greater constraints upon the behaviour of juvenile group members, which therefore may need to reach a certain age or size before fully expressing their potential. Further work is now needed to ducidatc the functional cons~quences for immature contestants of the patterns of post-conflict hehaviour documented. partIcularly those involving partners other than the former opponent.

Thesis (M.S.)--Boston University

acase@tulane.edu / Community Based Nutrition (CBN) began implementation in Ethiopia in 2009 in four regions with the objective of improving maternal and child nutrition. Among other interven-tions, CBN scaled up behavior change communication (BCC) to promote household practices and behaviors known to be associated with improved child nutrition. Nutrition BCC was pri-marily delivered through a cadre of Voluntary Community Health Workers (VCHWs). Program exposure was measured using household reports of contact with VCHWs for nutrition BCC. This quasi-experimental study used data collected from two rounds of household surveys be-fore and after program implementation. The design of this study used the natural variation in CBN implementation to allow post hoc categorization of communities into high/low program intensity groups. This enabled an evaluation of the differences in nutrition outcomes associated with the different categories of program intensity that were observed in the sample. Community-level program intensity was measured using the percentage of households reporting VCHW exposure in each community, dichotomized into high or low at the sample mean. We found evidence of a scale up in CBN over the two survey rounds: Mean households reporting exposure to a VCHW in the previous six months increased significantly, as did the mean households in communities with high VCHW intensity. The association between selected nutrition behavior outcomes and the program was evaluated using three approaches: (i) an examination of the association between cluster change in the outcomes and community intensity of Volunteer Community Health Workers (VCHWs); (ii) examination of the association be-tween individual-level outcomes and community intensity of VCHWs; and (iii) examination of the association between the outcomes behaviors and household exposure to VCHWs. We found plausible evidence that CBN scale up was associated with greater dietary di-versity and more women eating the same or more in pregnancy. We also found that living in a higher VCHW intensity community or having exposure to VCHWs was associated with more women receiving IFA in pregnancy, but that this association was not modified by the survey round. We did not find consistent evidence that that the increases in VCHW intensity or expo-sure were associated with improvements in colostrum, hand washing, or minimum meal frequency. These results imply that community-based programs of this intensity can bring about change in nutrition behaviors linked to improved nutrition. / 1 / Lisa Saldanha

Thesis (M.D.S.)--University of Hong Kong, 1993. / Includes bibliographical references. Also available in print.

Context: Young women are at high risk of weight gain but there has been limited knowledge on weight management in this group. Hyperandrogenemia and menstrual abnormalities are common co-morbidities of obesity in young women but their associations with food cravings are not known. Metformin has been shown to reduce body weight and improve metabolic outcomes in older adults but its effects on healthy overweight and obese young women have not been investigated. Quantitative lifestyle advice has been shown to be effective in inducing weight loss but its psychological effects on young women have not been extensively studied. The overall objective of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of metformin, quantitative lifestyle advice and internet-based intervention on weight management in young. Methods: In the first 12-weeks, 203 overweight and obese young women (BMI 33.3±0.3 kg/m² , age 28±0.3 years; age range:17-37) were randomized to one of three treatment arms to receive metformin (Diabex XR 1500mg a day) plus qualitative lifestyle advice (M-QL), placebo plus qualitative lifestyle advice (P-QL) or a structured lifestyle program (L-QT). L-QT consisted of an energy restricted diet with quantitative lifestyle advice (6000KJ; 40% protein, 40% carbohydrate, 30% fat), structured exercise program, and behavioural therapy. From weeks 13 to 48, all participants were placed on the structured lifestyle program conducted through a website. Outcome measures include body weight, fasting lipids, insulin, glucose, psychological distress, self-esteem, food cravings, energy intake and physical activity. Primary analyses were conducted using linear mixed models. Results: At baseline, psychological distress and hyperandrogenemia were associated with increased food cravings (P<0.01). At 12-weeks, L-QT group had greater weight loss (-4.2±0.4 kg) compared to M-QL (-1.0±0.4 kg) and P-QL groups (-0.2±0.3 kg) (P<0.001). Attrition at week 12 was high particularly in L-QT group, ie 48% (28/59) for L-QT group, 34% (22/65) for M-QL group and 29% (23/79) for P-QL group (P=0.08). Baseline psychological distress and food cravings predicted attrition at week 12. At week 12, L-QT group had significantly greater improvements in psychological distress (-3.0+0.9 vs -0.84+0.52, P=0.013) and self-esteem (3.2±0.8 vs -0.04±0.4, P<0.001) compared to the M-QL and P-QL groups. At 48 weeks, both QT and QL groups maintained significant weight loss (-4.8±0.1 kg vs -1.3±0.4 kg respectively, P=0.0005). Weight changes from week 13 to 48 were similar between the groups (P>0.05). Attrition was similarly high in both groups by week 48 (78%; 159/203) (P=0.003). Being married or having children predicted attrition at week 48. Conclusions: A structured lifestyle intervention program was more effective than metformin in achieving weight loss in young women. Quantitative lifestyle advice produced greater improvements in psychological outcomes compared to qualitative lifestyle advice. Internet-based weight loss program was effective in maintaining weight loss in young women independent of initial weight loss. High attrition rates were seen throughout the study, particularly among those who had greater psychological distress or food cravings, and those who were married or had children. Strategies on managing issues relating to psychological distress, food cravings and family responsibilities may allow better tailoring of weight management programs for this group. / http://proxy.library.adelaide.edu.au/login?url= http://library.adelaide.edu.au/cgi-bin/Pwebrecon.cgi?BBID=1523605 / Thesis (Ph.D.) -- University of Adelaide, School of Molecular and Biomedical Science, 2009

Fiction that incorporates gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, or questioning of heterosexuality itself (GLBTQ) themes and characters has been noted among the most widely censored novels for young adults (ALA, 2007; Finnessy, 2002; Karolides, 2002). Despite many teachers’ and librarians’ anxiety about even recommending a novel that includes homosexual characters, more novels with GLBTQ characters and themes are receiving significant literary accolades and awards. Furthermore, acclaimed researcher and young adult literary historian, Michael Cart (2004) notes that reading young adult literature, “the quintessential literature of the outsider,” provides “the lifesaving necessity of seeing one’s own face reflected in the pages of a good book and the corollary comfort that derives from the knowledge that one is not alone” (p. 46). For GLBTQ youth, this is exceptionally important given the heteronormative structures in place to monitor and control sexual and gender identities and expressions. With this in mind, I utilized a dynamic and multi-faceted analytic approach, including interpretivist, textual discursive, and literary analyses, to examine seventeen GLBTQ themed novels for images, characterizations, and messages depicted about nonconforming sexualities and gender identities. I sought to answer three primary questions: 1) What are the networks or systems of power that are unveiled as inhibiting the identities of the characters? 2) How are the identities of these characters constructed? 3) What messages do the texts convey regarding nonconforming sexual and gender identities? I found that the authors largely created dynamic, three-dimensional characters with complex histories and narratives that affirm and validate GLBTQ identities. Moreover, I observed two overarching set of factors: one that encompasses culturally mediated forces, which include cultural institutions and practices, persecution, and social networks, and a second that emphasizes a critical modernist construction of identity. Additionally, I found a progressive-oriented didacticism pervasive through the texts that positively portrays GLBTQ characters, denounces homophobia, frequently challenges heteronormative assumptions and behaviors, and instructs readers about various issues and conflicts common to GLBTQ youth.