New Myths of OZ: The Australian Beach and the Negotiation of National Belonging by Refugee Background Youth

In this article we consider the Australian beach as a material, imaginary and social arena in which different versions of national belonging are performed and contested. Focusing on two short films produced by young people from refugee backgrounds, we explore the negotiation of national belonging on the beach by people who occupy identity categories that are typically excluded from idealising Australian beach mythologies. We argue that both the production and distribution of these films contribute to a reimagining of the Australian beach that creates new opportunities for people from migrant backgrounds to engage in the co-production of Australian identities in their own terms.

Situational adaptiveness of control orientation mediates relation between fixed-world view and youth well-being in three cultures

When proposing primary control (changing the world to fit self)/secondary control (changing self to fit the world) theory, Weisz et al. (1984) argued for the importance of the “serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can” (p. 967), and the wisdom to choose the right control strategy that fits the context. Although the dual processes of control theory generated hundreds of empirical studies, most of them focused on the dichotomy of PC and SC, with none of these tapped into the critical concept: individuals’ ability to know when to use what. This project addressed this issue by using scenario questions to study the impact of situationally adaptive control strategies on youth well-being. To understand the antecedents of youths’ preference for PC or SC, we also connected PCSC theory with Dweck’s implicit theory about the changeability of the world. We hypothesized that youths’ belief about the world’s changeability impacts how difficult it was for them to choose situationally adaptive control orientation, which then impacts their well-being. This study included adolescents and emerging adults between the ages of 18 and 28 years (Mean = 20.87 years) from the US (n = 98), China (n = 100), and Switzerland (n = 103). Participants answered a questionnaire including a measure of implicit theories about the fixedness of the external world, a scenario-based measure of control orientation, and several measures of well-being. Preliminary analyses of the scenario-based control orientation measures showed striking cross-cultural similarity of preferred control responses: while for three of the six scenarios primary control was the predominately chosen control response in all cultures, for the other three scenarios secondary control was the predominately chosen response. This suggested that youths across cultures are aware that some situations call for primary control, while others demand secondary control. We considered the control strategy winning the majority of the votes to be the strategy that is situationally adaptive. The results of a multi-group structural equation mediation model with the extent of belief in a fixed world as independent variable, the difficulties of carrying out the respective adaptive versus non-adaptive control responses as two mediating variables and the latent well-being variable as dependent variable showed a cross-culturally similar pattern of effects: a belief in a fixed world was significantly related to higher difficulties in carrying out the normative as well as the non-normative control response, but only the difficulty of carrying out the normative control response (be it primary control in situations where primary control is normative or secondary control in situations where secondary control is normative) was significantly related to a lower reported well-being (while the difficulty of carrying out the non-normative response was unrelated to well-being). While previous research focused on cross-cultural differences on the choice of PC or SC, this study shed light on the universal necessity of applying the right kind of control to fit the situation.

Unaccompanied Refugee Youth in Switzerland and the 'Refugee Crisis': The Emergence of the Child Asylum Seeker

In this paper I will reflect on the emergence of the distinct figure of the child asylum seeker which has entered public and political debates in Switzerland within the last 2 years. It is a figure that is identified through certain attributes such as youth, trauma, lostness or need for protection, and it is a figure that is imbued with certain rights (namely children’s rights). While this has helped young people to receive special treatment, the question arises what the repercussions are for those who do not fit within these categories. What, for example, happens, when different notions of youth, childhood and adolescence clash and disrupt ideals of innocence and childhood? And given that negative public discourses are largely focussed on the apparent danger and uncontrollability of male, single asylum seekers, what happens when categories mix and mingle? In this paper I will shed light on the interplay of institutional expectations of what constitutes a 'proper' child refugee and the ways young people themselves play with, test and contest these norms.

The relevance of sport-related behaviour patterns in the family for the sport participation of youth in Switzerland

Despite various efforts to promote sport participation among youth, social inequalities still exist. An explanation for these social inequalities could be traced back to transgenerational transmission of sport-related values and behaviour patterns in a family (Baur, 1989). Therefore, children’s socialisation to sport is strongly influenced by the parents’ sport-related values and sport behaviour (Burrmann, 2005). However, findings of previous studies are inconsistent, and the daily sport-related behaviour patterns of families have often not been taken into account. The paper deals with the question, to what extent sport participation of youth is influenced by factors such as the importance of sport, the self-evidence of regular sport activity, mutual support, shared sport activities, sport-related health-awareness and communication about sport in the family. In order to pursue this research question, socialisation theories were used as theoretical framework (Hurrelmann, 2006). Based on this approach, a quantitative online survey where 4’039 adolescents and young adults from the ages of 15 to 30 (n = 4’039, M = 21.48, SD = 4.64) answered questions according their sport participation and the sport-related patterns of their families. Furthermore, a qualitative study that included guideline-based interviews with adolescents and young adults (n = 13) were undertaken. Content analysis was used to analyse the interviews. Initial findings of the multiple regression analysis reveal that the most important predictors of sport participation of youth are communication about sport (β = .18, p < .001), mutual support (β = .13, p < .001), regular sport activity (β = .10, p < .01) and the importance of sport in the family (β = .10, p < .01). By means of content analysis, more in-depth information could be identified. The promotion of sport through sport-related behaviour patterns in the family appears to be a successful strategy to develop a durable sport commitment in youth. References Baur, J. (1989). Körper- und Bewegungskarrieren [Body and exercise careers]. Schorndorf: Hofmann. Burrmann, U. (2005). Zur Vermittlung und intergenerationalen "Vererbung" von Sport(vereins)engagements in der Herkunftsfamilie [On placing and "inheriting" intergenerational sport(club) commitment in the family of origin]. Sport und Gesellschaft, 2, 125–154. Hurrelmann, K. (2006). Einführung in die Sozialisationstheorie [Introduction to socialisation theory] (9th ed.). Studium Paedagogik. Weinheim: Beltz.

Sleep Disturbance in the Homeless Population: The Relationship between Homelessness, Sleep and Health

Little is known about how sleep disruption impacts physical health among the homeless. The association between homelessness, quality of sleep and physical health were investigated in the current study. Convenience sampling was used to select participants from a pool of people attending the programs of Ecclesia Ministries. Interviews were conducted with 32 persons from the Boston metropolitan area, of whom 23 were currently homeless. The researcher assessed level of sleep disturbance, number of health problems and degree of homelessness using a standard demographic questionnaire, the General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ-12) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Our results found evidence of significant sleep disturbance as well as significant mental and physical health problems in the sample. Correlational analyses provided partial support for the hypothesis that degree of homelessness impacts both sleep quality and physical health. Future work should investigate whether change in homelessness status alters sleep quality and physical health and also whether interventions may be utilized in this understudied and vulnerable population.

Age Related Differences in Individual Quality of Life Domains in Youth with Type 1 Diabetes.

BACKGROUND: Investigating individual, as opposed to predetermined, quality of life domains may yield important information about quality of life. This study investigated the individual quality of life domains nominated by youth with type 1 diabetes. METHODS: Eighty young people attending a diabetes summer camp completed the Schedule for the Evaluation of Individual Quality of Life-Direct Weighting interview, which allows respondents to nominate and evaluate their own quality of life domains. RESULTS: The most frequently nominated life domains were 'family', 'friends', 'diabetes', 'school', and 'health' respectively; ranked in terms of importance, domains were 'religion', 'family', 'diabetes', 'health', and 'the golden rule'; ranked in order of satisfaction, domains were 'camp', 'religion', 'pets', and 'family' and 'a special person' were tied for fifth. Respondent age was significantly positively associated with the importance of 'friends', and a significantly negatively associated with the importance of 'family'. Nearly all respondents nominated a quality of life domain relating to physical status, however, the specific physical status domain and the rationale for its nomination varied. Some respondents nominated 'diabetes' as a domain and emphasized diabetes 'self-care behaviors' in order to avoid negative health consequences such as hospitalization. Other respondents nominated 'health' and focused more generally on 'living well with diabetes'. In an ANOVA with physical status domain as the independent variable and age as the dependent variable, participants who nominated 'diabetes' were younger (M = 12.9 years) than those who nominated 'health' (M = 15.9 years). In a second ANOVA, with rationale for nomination the physical status domain as the independent variable, and age as the dependent variable, those who emphasized 'self care behaviors' were younger (M = 11.8 years) than those who emphasized 'living well with diabetes' (M = 14.6 years). These differences are discussed in terms of cognitive development and in relation to the decline in self-care and glycemic control often observed during adolescence. CONCLUSIONS: Respondents nominated many non-diabetes life domains, underscoring that QOL is multidimensional. Subtle changes in conceptualization of diabetes and health with increasing age may reflect cognitive development or disease adjustment, and speak to the need for special attention to adolescents. Understanding individual quality of life domains can help clinicians motivate their young patients with diabetes for self-care. Future research should employ a larger, more diverse sample, and use longitudinal designs.

Lost Youth : successfully introduced by Jennie Goldstein in Max Gabel's comedy drama "Ferlorene Yugend" at Gabel's Theatre New York City

words and music by David Meyerowitz. [Arr. by Jack Kammen]

Na 1 Nachlass Max Horkheimer, 705 - Studien über Nationalismus und Autorität; Darmstädter Gemeindestudie; "Project on Attitudes of German Youth" u.a. (p. IX 176 - IX 181a)

"Gruppenuntersuchung über Nationalismus", Juni 1950. Typoskript mit handschriftlichen Ergänzungen von Friedrich Pollock, 18 Blatt; "Beitrag des Instituts für Sozialforschung zu dem Forschungsobjekt (Forschungsprojekt?) über Autorität", 1950/51, a) Typoskript, 5 Blatt, b) Typoskript mit dem Titel "New Project on Authority" mit handschriftlichen Korrekturen, 7 Blatt; "Memorandum über eine Studie zum Problem der Autorität im deutschen Erziehungswesen", ca. 1950. Typoskript, 4 Blatt; "Darmstädter Gemeindestudie", 1950-52: 1. Theodor W. Adorno: "Memorandum re: Stand der Darmstädter Gemeindestudie bei der Abreise von Theodor W. Adorno", 15.10.1952. Typoskript mit eigenhändigen Korrekturen, 2 Blatt; 2. Ansprache bei der Überreichung der ersten Publikationen der Studie an den Minister und den Bürgermeister von Darmstadt, 2.7.1952, Typoskript, 9 Blatt; 3. Max Horkheimer: "Gutachten über die Darmstädter Gemeindestudie", 1.4.1952. Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 4. "Memorandum on the Participation of the Institute of Social Research in the Darmstadt Community Study", 31.3.1952. Typoskript, 3 Blatt; 5. Theodor W. Adorno: 'Memorandum re: Darmstadt', 4.9.1951. Typoskript, 1 Blatt; 6. "Eine Untersuchung über die Einstellung der Arbeitnehmer zu ihren wirtschaftlichen Interessenvertretungen (Darmstädter Gemeindestudie). Entwurf", 20.7.1951. Typoskript mit handschriftlichen Korrekturen, 6 Blatt; 7. Theodor W. Adorno: "Memorandum über zwei an das Institut für Sozialforschung zu vergebende Aufträge im Rahmen der Darmstädter Gemeindestudie". Typoskripte, 6 Blatt; 8. Theodor W. Adorno: "Aktennotiz über die Besprechung am 20. November 1950 zwischen den Leitern der Darmstädter Gemeindestudie, insbesondere Dr. Grigsy und Magnifizenz Rolfes, und Theodor W. Adorno". Typoskript, 2 Blatt; 9. Bemerkungen zum Abbruch und zur Neuorganisation der Studie, für eine Rede in Chicago, Typoskript, englisch, ohne Datum, 1 Blatt; "Outline of a Study of In-Between-Culture" ("Edelkitsch"), Anfang der 1950er Jahre. Typoskript, englisch, 1 Blatt; "Project on Attitudes of German Youth", 1951: 1. "Some Remarks of the Present German Social Situation", a) Typoskript, 24 Blatt, b) Typoskript mit handschriftlichen Korrekturen, 23 Blatt, c) Typoskript, 23 Blatt, d) Typoskript, 21 Blatt, e) Entwurf, Typoskript, 23 Blatt; 2. "Estimate for six month project on Attitudes of German Youth", 2 Blatt; Institut für Sozialforschung: "Umfrage unter Frankfurter Studenten" (Max Horkheimer: "Vorbemerkung"): Über die soziale Situation und die Einstellun der Studenten, 1952, Ergebnisse eines Praktikums zur empirischen Sozialforschung, Wintersemester 1951/52, als Typoskript vervielfältigt, gebunden, 126 Blatt;

Youth-focused empowerment evaluation using Photovoice

The Carrera-Children's Aid Society of New York model is a proven model of teen pregnancy prevention. There is a need to evaluate the effect that the model has had on the participants as individuals. Brighter Futures is a replication of the Carrera-Children's Aid Society of New York youth development model operated by Planned Parenthood of Houston and Southeast Texas. A qualitative youth-focused Empowerment Evaluation was initiated to determine the individual impact of the achieved program outcomes. The Empowerment Evaluation assessed what impact the Brighter Futures program has had on the students. The youth used Community-based Participatory Research (CBPR) approaches, such as Photovoice, in conjunction with guided writing and participatory groups to conduct this evaluation with in the framework of Empowerment Evaluation. Additionally, a semi-structured CBPR exercise was used to evaluate the effectiveness of the feasibility of Photovoice methodology with urban youth. ^

Internet use, exposure to Internet pornography, and sexual behavior among middle school youth

The purpose of this study is to examine associations between adolescents’ Internet use, exposure to pornography online, and sexual behavior. This cross-sectional study examines data collected from an HIV, sexually transmitted infection, and pregnancy prevention program being evaluated in inner-city middle schools. Chi-squares were used to examine differences in Internet use and exposure to Internet pornography by gender, race/ethnicity, and sexual behavior. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to examine associations between Internet use, exposure to Internet pornography, and sexual behavior. Ninety-four percent of students have used the Internet. Sixty-two percent of students had accidentally seen pornography on the Internet and 35% had purposefully viewed pornography online. Students who experienced sexual solicitation and who purposefully viewed pornography online were more likely to report lifetime and current sexual behavior. Additional research is needed to understand the impact of Internet use and exposure to Internet pornography on adolescents’ sexual behavior.^

A cross-sectional analysis of physical activity and obesity in inner city Houston Texas Mexican American youth

Obesity prevalence among children and adolescents is rising. It is one of the most attributable causes of hospitalization and death. Overweight and obese children are more likely to suffer from associated conditions such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, chronic inflammation, increased blood clotting tendency, endothelial dysfunction, hyperinsulinemia, and asthma. These children and adolescents are also more likely to be overweight and obese in adulthood. Interestingly, rates of obesity and overweight are not evenly distributed across racial and ethnic groups. Mexican American youth have higher rates of obesity and are at higher risk of becoming obese than non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white children. ^ Methods. This cross-sectional study describes the association between rates of obesity and physical activity in a sample of 1313 inner-city Mexican American children and adolescents (5-19 years of age) in Houston, Texas. This study is important because it will contribute to our understanding of childhood and adolescent obesity in this at-risk population. ^ Data from the Mexican American Feasibility Cohort using the Mano a Mano questionnaire are used to describe this population's status of obesity and physical activity. An initial sample taken from 5000 households in inner city Houston Texas was used as the baseline for this prospective cohort. The questionnaire was given in person to the participants to complete (or to parents for younger children) at a home visit by two specially trained bilingual interviewers. Analysis comprised prevalence estimates of obesity represented as percentile rank (<85%= normal weight, >85%= at risk, >95%= obese) by age and gender. The association between light, moderate, strenuous activity, and obesity was also examined using linear regression. ^ Results. Overall, 46% of this Mexican American Feasibility cohort is overweight or obese. The prevalence for children in the 6-11 age range (53.2%) was significantly greater than that reported from NHANES, 1999–2002 data (39.4%). Although the percentage of overweight and obese among the 12-19 year olds was greater than that reported in NHANES (38.5% versus 38.6%) this difference was not statistically significant. ^ A significant association between BMI and sit time and moderate physical activity (both p < 0.05) found in this sample. For males, this association was significant for moderate physical activity (p < 0.01). For the females, this association was significant for BMI and sit time (p < 0.05). These results need to be interpreted in the light of design and measurement limitations. ^ Conclusion. This study supports observations that the inner city Houston Texas Mexican American child and adolescent population is more overweight and obese than nationally reported figures, and that there are positive relationships between BMI, activity levels, and sit time in this population. This study supports the need for public health initiatives within the Houston Hispanic community. ^

Youth population's health issues in Comal County, Texas

This study assesses adolescent's health issues in Comal County, TX. Adolescents are defined as youth between the ages of 12 to 17 years of age, who resided in Comal County during the time period of 2000 to 2007. The analysis focused on high risk behaviors including use of gateway drugs—tobacco and alcohol; illegal substance use; and reproductive health related indicators, including sexual activity, sexually transmitted diseases, and pregnancy. This study is based on the primary and secondary data collected as part of the 2008 Comal County Community Assessment. It compares findings from the primary data sources to extant data from four secondary data sources including: (1) The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (national) Healthy People 2010; (2) The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, Youth Risk Behavior Surveillance Survey, 2007; (3) The Texas Department of State Health Services, 2000 to 2007; and The Pride Survey (Local and Statewide). The methods are drawn from the literature on "rapid epidemiologic appraisal" (Annett H. & Rifkin S. B., 1988). The study focus on corroborating the perceptions, subjective concerns, opinions and beliefs of the Comal County key stakeholders and community participants with qualitative and quantitative indicators of health and well being. The value of this approach is to inform community leaders using a public health perspective and evidence in their decisions about priority setting and resources allocation activities for prevention of high risk behaviors and promotion of adolescent health and well being. ^

The Comal County Needs Assessment Youth Survey

A crucial link in preserving and protecting the future of our communities resides in maintaining the health and well being of our youth. While every member of the community owns an opinion regarding where to best utilize monies for prevention and intervention, the data to support such opinion is often scarce. In an effort to generate data-driven indices for community planning and action, the United Way of Comal County, Texas partnered with the University Of Texas - Houston Health Science Center, School Of Public Health to accomplish a county-specific needs assessment. A community-based participatory research emphasis utilizing the Mobilization for Action through Planning and Partnership (MAPP) format developed by the National Association of City and County Health Officials (NACCHO) was implemented to engage community members in identifying and addressing community priorities. The single greatest area of consensus and concern identified by community members was the health and well being of the youth population. Thus, a youth survey, targeting these specific areas of community concern, was designed, coordinated and administered to all 9-11th grade students in the county. 20% of the 3,698 completed surveys (72% response rate) were randomly selected for analysis. These 740 surveys were coded and scanned into an electronic survey database. Statistical analysis provided youth-reported data on the status of the multiple issues affecting the health and well being of the community's youth. These data will be reported back to the community stakeholders, as part of the larger Comal County Needs Assessment, for the purposes of community planning and action. Survey data will provide community planners with an awareness of the high risk behaviors and habit patterns amongst their youth. This knowledge will permit more effective targeting of the means for encouraging healthy behaviors and preventing the spread of disease. Further, the community-oriented, population-based nature of this effort will provide answers to questions raised by the community and will provide an effective launching pad for the development and implementation of targeted, preventive health strategies. ^