Childhood Maltreatment and Psychosis: A Comparative Validity Study of Maltreatment Indices.

Childhood maltreatment is a robust risk factor for psychosis, but it remains unclear whether different measurement methods provide equivalent validity in predicting psychotic symptoms. This study compared the predictive validity of two common indices of maltreatment at age 12-children's self-report and Child Protective Services (CPS) reports-on the development of psychotic symptoms at age 18 using data from a large, multisite longitudinal study ( = 629). Consistent with prior research, agreement was low between indices, with the prevalence of self-reported maltreatment being 2-3 times higher.

A Co-Twin Control Study of the Relationship Between Adolescent Drinking and Adult Outcomes.

Objective: The effect of drinking during adolescence on adult functioning is a public health concern. A variety of mechanisms have been proposed where drinking in adolescence has an adverse impact on later outcomes; unfortunately, few studies have included methodologies that account for confounding influences that might link adolescent drinking with subsequent problems. To address this limitation, the current study used a co-twin control design, which uses members of twin pairs that differ from each other on their adolescent drinking.

Genetic and environmental sources of covariation between early drinking and adult functioning.

The vast majority of individuals initiate alcohol consumption for the first time in adolescence. Given the widespread nature of its use and evidence that adolescents may be especially vulnerable to its effects, there is concern about the long-term detrimental impact of adolescent drinking on adult functioning. While some researchers have suggested that genetic processes may confound the relationship, the mechanisms linking drinking and later adjustment remain unclear.