Duke Psychology & Neuroscience

Recent Publications

• • A.L. Green & D.L. Rabiner.
  • 2012.
  • What do we really know about college students with ADHD?.
  • Neurotherapeutics
  • 9:
  • 559-568
  • .

  Publication Description

  Research on ADHD in college students began in the 1990s and has been steadily increasing in recent years. Because young adults with ADHD who attend college have experienced greater academic success during high school than many peers with the disorder, which is likely to be associated with better overall functioning, the degree to which they experience similar patterns of adjustment difficulties was not initially known. Accumulating research suggests that college students with ADHD experience less academic success and greater psychological and emotional difficulties than other students and use alcohol and drugs at higher rates. However, conclusions to be drawn from this research are limited by the use of small samples that may not be representative of the wider population of students with ADHD, and a lack of diagnostic rigor in identifying students with ADHD to be included in such research. Studies of the effectiveness of psychosocial treatments, medication treatment, and academic accommodations are extremely limited or nonexistent. Issues particularly germane to college students include feigning ADHD and the misuse and diversion of stimulant medication. Given that at least 25 % of college students with disabilities are diagnosed with ADHD, methodologically sound investigations are clearly needed in order to better understand the impact of ADHD on college students’ adjustment and to develop and implement interventions that can enhance students’ success.

• • D.B. Henry & The Multisite Violence Prevention Group.
  • 2012.
  • Mediators of Effects of a Selective Family Focused Violence Prevention Approach for Middle School Students..
  • Prevention Science
  • 13:
  • 1-14
  • .

  Publication Description

  This study examined how parenting and family characteristics targeted in a selective prevention program mediated effects on key youth proximal outcomes related to violence perpetration. The selective intervention was evaluated within the context of a multi-site trial involving random assignment of 37 schools to four conditions: a universal intervention composed of a student social-cognitive curriculum and teacher training, a selective family-focused intervention with a subset of high-risk students, a condition combining these two interventions, and a no-intervention control condition. Two cohorts of sixth-grade students (total N = 1,062) exhibiting high levels of aggression and social influence were the sample for this study. Analyses of pre-post change compared to controls using intent-to-treat analyses found no significant effects. However, estimates incorporating participation of those assigned to the intervention and predicted participation among those not assigned revealed significant positive effects on student aggression, use of aggressive strategies for conflict management, and parental estimation of student’s valuing of achievement. Findings also indicated intervention effects on two targeted family processes: discipline practices and family cohesion. Mediation analyses found evidence that change in these processes mediated effects on some outcomes, notably aggressive behavior and valuing of school achievement. Results support the notion that changing parenting practices and the quality of family relationships can prevent the escalation in aggression and maintain positive school engagement for high-risk youth.

• • H.R. White & D.L. Rabiner, Editors.
  • 2011.
  • College Student Drinking and Drug Use: Multiple Perspectives on a Complex Problem..
  • .

  Publication Description

  Substance use among college students can result in serious academic and safety problems and have long-term negative repercussions. This state-of-the-art volume draws on the latest research on students’ alcohol and drug use to provide useful suggestions for how to address this critical issue on college campuses. Leading researchers from multiple disciplines examine the prevalence and nature of substance use by students; biological and neuropsychological considerations; psychological and social aspects; prevention; and policy. Exemplary programs are presented—including brief interventions, comprehensive prevention programs, and recovery support programs—enhancing the utility of the book for campus-based clinicians and administrators.

• • D.W. Murray, D.L. Rabiner, & K. Hardy.
  • 2011.
  • Teacher Management Practices for 1st Graders with Attention Problems..
  • Journal of Attention Disorders
  • 15:
  • 639-646
  • .
• • McCabe, S.E., Cranford, J.A., Teter, C.J., Rabiner, D.L., & Boyd, C.J.
  • 2011.
  • Use, misuse and diversion of scheduled prescription medications by college students.
  • 36-62
  • .