Are Gambling Related Cognitions in Adolescence Multidimensional?: Factor Structure of the Gambling Related Cognitions Scale

The present study examined the factor structure of the Gambling Related Cognitions Scale (GRCS); (Raylu and Oei in Addiction 99:757–769, 2004) in a large sample of adolescents (N = 1,490) between the ages of 16 and 18 years (630 males, 860 females) attending several high schools in central Ontario. Problem gambling was measured using the DSM-IV-J (Fisher in J Gambl Stud 8:263–285, 1992). A 5-factor GRCS model was found to have the best fit to the data, and gambling-related cognitions were found to be powerful predictors of disordered gambling among adolescents. However, strong associations among GRCS subscales, as well as the small amount of variance in problem gambling accounted for by specific GRCS subscales, call into question the multidimensionality of the GRCS when used with adolescents.     

Teaching Note—Partnering Macro Social Work Students and Agencies Addressing Youth Homelessness: A Model for Service Learning

In addition to direct practice skills, social work students need to become familiar and competent with macrolevel approaches to addressing youth and transgender youth homelessness. Service-learning courses provide an effective approach for students to learn the necessary knowledge and skills. In two sections of an upper-division social work macropractice course, teams of students worked with nonprofit organizations that addressed the needs of homeless youths and transgender youths. A three-pronged approach—community forum, fund-raising, and advocacy campaign—allowed a range of activities and learning experiences that benefited the students and agencies. This three-pronged service-learning model engaged the community, spread the message about youth and transgender youth homelessness, and consisted of projects that people can easily implement in their own communities.     

The Influence of Volunteer Recruitment Practices and Expectations on the Development of Volunteers’ Psychological Contracts

VOLUNTAS: International Journal of Voluntary and Nonprofit Organizations - Volunteer recruitment and retention continue to be important issues for not-for-profit organisations. A theoretical...     

RELATIONAL V-CODE CONDITIONS IN A CHILD AND ADOLESCENT POPULATION DO WARRANT TREATMENT

It is often argued that relational V-code conditions are less serious than classical psychiatric disorders, and that they should therefore receive lower clinical priority or diminished levels of treatment funding. Despite these common assertions, there have been virtually no studies that have used actual case data to evaluate whether such problems are in fact less serious and less worthy of treatment funding. We used actual case data from a universally funded child and family clinic to evaluate these questions. Results showed that both classical diagnoses and relational problems were significantly related to markers of clinical severity. As with previous research, family therapy was not differentially associated with a larger number of treatment sessions.