Behavioral Assessment Questionnaire Research Articles

Comparison of owner-reported behavioral characteristics among genetically clustered breeds of dog (Canis familiaris).

During the domestication process, dogs were selected for their suitability for multiple purposes, resulting in a variety of behavioral characteristics. In particular, the ancient group of breeds that is genetically closer to wolves may show different behavioral characteristics when compared to other breed groups. Here, we used questionnaire evaluations of dog behavior to investigate whether behavioral characteristics of dogs were different among genetically clustered breed groups. A standardized questionnaire, the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ), was used, and breed group differences of privately-owned dogs from Japan (n = 2,951) and the United States (n = 10,389) were analyzed. Results indicated that dogs in the ancient and spitz breed group showed low attachment and attention-seeking behavior. This characteristic distinguished the ancient group from any other breed groups with presumed modern European origins, and may therefore, be an ancestral trait.

Assessing traits for behavioural genetics studies

Animal-assisted activities (AAAs) refer to a variety of interactions between animals and humans, intended to improve people's well-being providing recreational or educational opportunities. Domestic dogs are one of the most commonly used animals for these kinds of interventions, given their trainability and the positive effects of dog-human interactions. Nevertheless, the selection of participating animals is mainly unsystematic, and training is not required for dogs to take part in AAAs. Previous studies suggest that high sociability as well as reduced fear and aggression are desirable traits in AAA dogs. Yet, to our knowledge, there are no previous studies assessing the specific characteristics of dogs participating in AAAs. The aim of this study was to compare the performance of AAA and pet dogs (PDs) that live in the same household but do not participate in AAAs. We assessed 17 dogs (9 participating in AAAs in hospital settings and 8 pets living in the same household–control group) with a test battery comprising 3 behavioral tasks (sociability test, gazing test, and A-not-B task), and owner-rated questionnaires (Dog Impulsivity Assessment Scale [DIAS] and 4 subscales: trainability, fear to strangers, nonsocial fear, and attachment/attention seeking of the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire [C-BARQ]). Results of the gazing test indicate that, when dogs were not reinforced for looking at the human face, AAA dogs gazed longer at an unknown experimenter than PDs. Therefore, they showed an increased tendency to gaze at humans and persist on this communicative attempt when this response was not successful. Additionally, according to the DIAS score, AAA dogs would be less impulsive than the control group. No significant differences were found on the A-not-B task, the sociability test, or the C-BARQ. In conclusion, since these AAA dogs had not undergone specific training, the effects observed in the present work may be attributed, at least partially, to the learning experiences they had during AAA work. Overall, it would be important to take into account these characteristics for both the selection and training of these animals.

Genetic evaluation of behaviour in dogs

A dog's behavioural characteristics are important for the dog, for the dog owner and for society as a whole. Behavioural traits can be changed by breeding, but to be effective when selecting breeding animals, good methods for measuring behaviour are essential. The aim of this thesis was to provide information on a number of dog behavioural measurement methods regarding their potential to be used for genetic evaluation: the Herding Trait Characterisation, the Swedish and Norwegian English Setter field trials, the Swedish Armed Forces temperament test, the Dog Mentality Assessment (DMA), and an extended version of the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire. The aim was also to advance our understanding of factors affecting the usefulness of behavioural measurements for breeding purposes. Average heritabilities for behavioural variables (items) within measurement method ranged from 0.1 to 0.3, and the items were markedly influenced by systematic environ-mental effects. All studied measurement methods can be used for selection of breeding animals, but selection based on individual performance is suboptimal. Using BLUP breeding values would substantially increase accuracy of selection and the potential genetic progress and is therefore recommended. Rough Collie results from DMA showed strong genetic correlations with important everyday life traits as described by dog owners in the questionnaire. Therefore, in order to improve everyday life behaviour in Rough Collie, DMA breeding values for relevant traits should be used for selection. The results indicated that from a heritability perspective, behavioural measurements should be objective rather than subjective, and neutral rather than passing value judgments. Collaboration between countries within breed is also advised because a joint genetic evaluation increases the number of selection candidates, and may also increase breeding value accuracies rather dramatically, as was shown for the English Setter field trial results from Sweden and Norway. For half of the studied methods, the measured items were summarized into composite traits. Heritability estimates for composite traits were higher than the average of the items used for creating these traits. Because the composite traits also can be expected to be more stable over time and between situations, it would be advisable to use them as selection traits.

Temperament and its Association with Autism Symptoms in a High-risk Population.

Temperament was investigated in a group of high-risk infants (N = 383; 45% girls) who had an older sibling with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and in community control infants (N = 162; 46% girls) with no family history of ASD (low-risk). The infants were assessed at age 12months using the Infant Behavior Questionnaire, and at 24months using the Toddler Behavior Assessment Questionnaire. At 36months, an independent blind diagnostic assessment for ASD was conducted using the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). The results indicate not only differences in temperament traits between the high- and low-risk groups, but also differences in the structure of higher-order temperament factors. The results support the importance of early reactive temperament in the development of Effortful Control in the high-risk sample. Furthermore, Effortful Control at 24months appears to play a critical role in predicting later ASD symptoms (at 36months). Taken together, these findings support the use of early temperament as an endophenotype for ASD.

Positive affect: phenotypic and etiologic associations with prosocial behaviors and internalizing problems in toddlers.

Despite evidence for the associations of positive affect to prosocial behaviors and internalizing problems, relatively little is known about the underlying etiology. The sample comprised over 300 twin pairs at age 3. Positive affect, prosocial behaviors, and internalizing problems were assessed using the Toddler Behavior Assessment Questionnaire (Goldsmith, 1996), the Revised Rutter Parent Scale for Preschool Children (Hogg et al., 1997), and the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 1.5–5 (Achenbach, 1991), respectively. Positive affect correlated positively with prosocial behaviors, and negatively with internalizing problems. Prosocial behaviors were negatively associated with internalizing problems. The relations of positive affect to prosocial behaviors and internalizing problems were due to environmental effects (shared and non-shared). In contrast, the link between prosocial behaviors and internalizing problems was entirely explained by genetic effects. The current study has moved beyond prior emphasis on negative affect and elucidated the less understood etiology underlying the associations between positive affect, prosocial behaviors, and internalizing problems. This study could guide the development of programs for promoting prosocial behaviors and alleviating internalizing problems in children.

Abuse in Adult Intimate Relationships in Lithuania and it's Influence on Subjectively Perceived Health

The purpose of the study was to assess abuse in adult intimate relationships and its influence on subjectively perceived health. To assess the experience of abuse, subjects were asked to answer questions about having been physically, mentally/emotionally and sexually abused from an intimate partner. To determine a subjectively perceived health state, subjects were questioned based on Gostautas health and behavior assessment questionnaire (1999). 240 subjects participated in the survey. The study results revealed that ∼40% of adults reported having been mentally/emotionally abused from their partners. Almost 10% of the subjects reported having experienced physical abuse. Statistical analysis showed that having experienced abuse from a partner predicts a significantly poorer mental and general subjective health. The results validate the importance of domestic violence and its implications on subjective health. Also, they draw attention to a wide prevalence of domestic violence within intimate relationships.

Evaluation of a behavioral assessment tool for dogs relinquished to shelters

The goal of the present study was to evaluate a shortened, 42-item version of the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ(S)) as a behavioral screening tool for dogs relinquished to animal shelters. In contrast to a previous finding, the current study found no consistent evidence that relinquishing owners gave unreliable or biased responses to the questionnaire depending on whether or not they believed that this information would be shared with shelter staff or used to evaluate dogs for adoption. Relinquishing owners’ C-BARQ(S) responses for items related to aggression and fear directed toward humans and other dogs correlated with independent subjective assessments of aggressiveness made by shelter staff (generalized linear mixed models, P<0.05, N=84 aggressive dogs, N=156 non-aggressive dogs). In addition, C-BARQ(S) scores successfully discriminated between dogs based on their eventual outcomes (i.e., adoption or euthanasia; Generalized Linear Mixed Models, P<0.05, N=181 adopted, N=177 euthanized), indicating convergent validity. Follow-up surveys with a subset of adoptive owners (N=53) revealed significant correlations (after correction for multiple comparisons) between relinquishing and adoptive owners’ C-BARQ(S) ratings for 3 behavioral traits: stranger-directed aggression (rs=0.494, P<0.001), chewing inappropriate objects (rs=0.402, P<0.01), and urination when left alone (rs=0.421, P<0.01). Overall, the findings confirmed the value of this type of shelter intake survey instrument for screening owner-surrendered dogs for the presence of behavior problems.

Assessment of the C-BARQ for evaluating dog behavior in Iran

Dog ownership in Iran differs greatly from the United States and Europe. To evaluate the behavioral traits of dogs in Iran, we used a standardized questionnaire, the Canine behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). We conducted factor analysis on data collected using a Farsi (Persian) translation of the C-BARQ completed by the owners of 223 dogs attending veterinary clinics with their dogs. Nine factors were extracted comprising 49 items that accounted for 68.4% of the common variance. Extracted factors were similar to the original version, although some differences were observed. This modified Persian version of C-BARQ may represent an effective tool for evaluating the behavior of dogs in Iran.

Behavioral and Psychological Characteristics of Canine Victims of Abuse

Abuse is an intentional act that causes harm to an individual. Dogs (Canis familiaris) with a known or suspected history of abuse were solicited for the study. A panel of 5 experts in canine behavior and abuse selected the dogs judged as having a certain or near certain history of being abused for inclusion in the study. Behavioral evaluations of the dogs were obtained using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire, which utilizes ordinal scales to rate either the intensity or frequency of the dog's behaviors. Sixty-nine dogs ultimately met the criteria for inclusion in the study. When compared with a convenience sample of 5,239 companion dogs, abused dogs were reported as displaying significantly higher rates of aggression and fear directed toward unfamiliar humans and dogs, excitability, hyperactivity, attachment and attention-seeking behaviors, persistent barking, and miscellaneous strange or repetitive behaviors. Delineating the behavioral and psychological characteristics of abused dogs provides the first step in identifying and distinguishing the risk factors and sequelae associated with abuse, which may inform the development of preventive and therapeutic programs for nonhuman animal abuse.

Genetic analysis of a temperament test as a tool to select against everyday life fearfulness in Rough Collie1

Fear-related problems are common among Rough Collies in Sweden. Annually, on average, >200 Rough Collies are subjected to the dog mentality assessment (DMA), a temperament test during which 33 behavioral reactions are rated. Previous research has shown that a dog's DMA result can be condensed into 5 underlying personality traits. The aim of the study was to evaluate if it is possible to use the DMA for selection for temperament in Swedish Rough Collies, in particular to decrease everyday life fearfulness. We also wanted to compare 2 methods to compute the personality traits: summated scales (SS) and factor scores (FS). The DMA data for 2,953 Rough Collies were used to estimate genetic parameters for the 5 personality traits (both SS and FS), using a linear animal model including fixed effects of sex, year and month of test, and random effects of litter, judge, test occasion, genetic effect of the individual, and residual. Age at test was included as linear and quadratic regressions. The DMA personality trait heritability estimates ranged from 0.13 to 0.25. The SS showed greater or equal heritability estimates compared with the FS. To validate the DMA, data on everyday life behavior of 1,738 Rough Collies were collected using an extended version of the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire. Each dog's questionnaire result was condensed into 18 underlying behavioral subscales. Genetic parameters for the subscales were estimated using a linear animal model, including a fixed effect of sex and random genetic effect of the individual and residual. Age when the questionnaire was completed was included as linear and quadratic regressions. Heritability estimates for the questionnaire subscales were 0.06 to 0.36. There were high and significant genetic correlations between DMA personality traits and questionnaire subscales. For instance, the DMA personality trait Curiosity/Fearlessness correlated strongly genetically to the questionnaire subscale Non-social fear (-0.70), DMA Sociability to Stranger-directed interest (0.87) and Stranger-directed fear (-0.80), DMA Playfulness to Human-directed play interest (0.63), and DMA Chase-proneness to Chasing (0.73). We could not detect any obvious difference in validity between DMA SS and FS. We conclude that the DMA is an effective tool for selection of breeding animals with the goal to decrease everyday life fearfulness among Swedish Rough Collies. The DMA can also be used for breeding for other traits. The SS method seems to perform at least as good the FS method.

Behavior of hearing or vision impaired and normal hearing and vision dogs (Canis lupis familiaris): Not the same, but not that different

The article compared behavioral characteristics of dogs (Canis lupis familiaris) labeled as hearing and/or vision impaired by their owners with cohort dogs labeled as having normal hearing and vision (NHV) by their owners. The Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire, developed by Hsu and Serpell (2003), was used to survey owners. Four hundred sixty-one dog owners completed the online survey, with 183 of these being owners of hearing and/or vision impaired (HVI) dogs. Data analysis revealed that HVI dogs were reported by owners to show less aggression, less excitement, and were less likely to engage in behaviors, such as chasing of rabbits and rolling in feces than their normally hearing/seeing (NHV) cohorts. HVI dogs, however, were reported to be more likely to chew inappropriate objects, consume feces, bark excessively, and engage in greater licking behavior. When owners were surveyed about the type of training method used, owners of HVI dogs were found to be more likely to use hand signs, physical prompts, or combination of these training methods. Owners of NHV dogs reported being more likely than owners of HVI dogs to use gestures or report no formal training with their dogs. The data provide evidence that HVI dogs are as trainable as NHV dogs, can make excellent pets, and show behavior that is well within the parameters of NHV dog behavior. Still, because of their sensory limitations, specialized training methods and adaptations should be implemented with these dogs. This may limit HVI dogs to owners who are motivated, understand the sensory deficits, and are willing to engage in the modified training.

Effectiveness of Web-Based Tailored Advice on Parents’ Child Safety Behaviors: Randomized Controlled Trial

BackgroundInjuries at home are a major cause of death, disability, and loss of quality of life among young children. Despite current safety education, required safety behavior of parents is often lacking. To prevent various childhood disorders, the application of Web-based tools has increased the effectiveness of health promotion efforts. Therefore, an intervention with Web-based, tailored, safety advice combined with personal counseling (E-Health4Uth home safety) was developed and applied.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of E-Health4Uth home safety on parents’ safety behaviors with regard to the prevention of falls, poisoning, drowning, and burns.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted (2009-2011) among parents visiting well-baby clinics in the Netherlands. Parents were randomly assigned to the intervention group (E-Health4Uth home safety intervention) or to the control condition consisting of usual care. Parents in the intervention condition completed a Web-based safety behavior assessment questionnaire; the resulting tailored safety advice was discussed with their child health care professional at a well-baby visit (age approximately 11 months). Parents in the control condition received counseling using generic safety information leaflets at this well-baby visit. Parents’ child safety behaviors were derived from self-report questionnaires at baseline (age 7 months) and at follow-up (age 17 months). Each specific safety behavior was classified as safe/unsafe and a total risk score was calculated. Logistic and linear regression analyses were used to reveal differences in safety behavior between the intervention and the control condition at follow-up.ResultsA total of 1292 parents (response rate 44.79%) were analyzed. At follow-up, parents in the intervention condition (n=643) showed significantly less unsafe behavior compared to parents in the control condition (n=649): top of staircase (23.91% vs 32.19%; OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.50-0.85); bottom of staircase (63.53% vs 71.94%; OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.53-0.88); top and bottom of staircase (68.94% vs 78.28%; OR 0.62, 95% CI 0.48-0.81); storage of cleaning products (30.33% vs 39.91%; OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.53-0.85); bathing of the child (23.46% vs 32.25%; OR 0.65, 95% CI 0.51-0.84); drinking hot fluids (34.84% vs 41.73%; OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.61-0.96); using rear hotplates (79.34% vs 85.27%; OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.50-0.90); and the total risk score in which a higher score indicates more unsafe behavior (mean 13.63, SD 6.12 vs mean 15.34, SD 6.07; beta –1.59, 95% CI –2.26 to –0.93). There were no significant differences for other specific behaviors between the two study conditions.ConclusionsCompared to generic written materials, the E-Health4Uth home safety intervention seems more effective in promoting parents’ safety behavior for safe staircases, storage of cleaning products, bathing, drinking hot fluids, and cooking. This study supports the application of Web-based, tailored, safety advice for the prevention of unintentional injuries in the youth health care setting.Trial RegistrationNederlands Trial Register: NTR1836; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=1836 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6MPIGQxpx).

Dog behavior co-varies with height, bodyweight and skull shape.

Dogs offer unique opportunities to study correlations between morphology and behavior because skull shapes and body shape are so diverse among breeds. Several studies have shown relationships between canine cephalic index (CI: the ratio of skull width to skull length) and neural architecture. Data on the CI of adult, show-quality dogs (six males and six females) were sourced in Australia along with existing data on the breeds' height, bodyweight and related to data on 36 behavioral traits of companion dogs (n = 8,301) of various common breeds (n = 49) collected internationally using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). Stepwise backward elimination regressions revealed that, across the breeds, 33 behavioral traits all but one of which are undesirable in companion animals correlated with either height alone (n = 14), bodyweight alone (n = 5), CI alone (n = 3), bodyweight-and-skull shape combined (n = 2), height-and-skull shape combined (n = 3) or height-and-bodyweight combined (n = 6). For example, breed average height showed strongly significant inverse relationships (p<0.001) with mounting persons or objects, touch sensitivity, urination when left alone, dog-directed fear, separation-related problems, non-social fear, defecation when left alone, owner-directed aggression, begging for food, urine marking and attachment/attention-seeking, while bodyweight showed strongly significant inverse relationships (p<0.001) with excitability and being reported as hyperactive. Apart from trainability, all regression coefficients with height were negative indicating that, across the breeds, behavior becomes more problematic as height decreases. Allogrooming increased strongly (p<0.001) with CI and inversely with height. CI alone showed a strong significant positive relationship with self-grooming (p<0.001) but a negative relationship with chasing (p = 0.020). The current study demonstrates how aspects of CI (and therefore brain shape), bodyweight and height co-vary with behavior. The biological basis for, and significance of, these associations remain to be determined.

Differences in behavioral characteristics between dogs obtained as puppies from pet stores and those obtained from noncommercial breeders

To compare the owner-reported prevalence of behavioral characteristics in dogs obtained as puppies from pet stores with that of dogs obtained as puppies from noncommercial breeders. Cross-sectional study. Animals-Dogs obtained as puppies from pet stores (n = 413) and breeder-obtained dogs (5,657). Behavioral evaluations were obtained from a large convenience sample of current dog owners with the online version of the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire, which uses ordinal scales to rate either the intensity or frequency of the dogs' behavior. Hierarchic linear and logistic regression models were used to analyze the effects of source of acquisition on behavioral outcomes when various confounding and intervening variables were controlled for. Pet store-derived dogs received significantly less favorable scores than did breeder-obtained dogs on 12 of 14 of the behavioral variables measured; pet store dogs did not score more favorably than breeder dogs in any behavioral category. Compared with dogs obtained as puppies from noncommercial breeders, dogs obtained as puppies from pet stores had significantly greater aggression toward human family members, unfamiliar people, and other dogs; greater fear of other dogs and nonsocial stimuli; and greater separation-related problems and house soiling. Obtaining dogs from pet stores versus noncommercial breeders represented a significant risk factor for the development of a wide range of undesirable behavioral characteristics. Until the causes of the unfavorable differences detected in this group of dogs can be specifically identified and remedied, the authors cannot recommend that puppies be obtained from pet stores.

Importance of Puppy Training for Future Behavior of the Dog

In this study, we attempted to clarify whether puppy socialization and command training class, which was limited to puppies approximately 4 months of age, prevented behavior problems in dogs. We evaluated the behaviors of 142 dogs with 4 types of training experience by using a behavior test and the Canine Behavior Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). Dogs in the puppy class (PC) group (n=44) attended the class for 1 hr each week for 6 weeks, dogs in the puppy party (PP) group (n=39) attended a 1-hr "puppy party," dogs in the adult class (AC) group (n=27) undertook basic obedience lessons for adolescent/adult dogs for 1 hr each week for 6 weeks, and dogs in the no class (NC) group (n=32) underwent no formal training. The behavior test evaluated each dog's response to commands, owner's recall, separation, a novel stimulus and strangers. The C-BARQ evaluated 15 canine behavioral factors. The behavior test results indicated that the PC and AC groups showed significantly higher response to commands than the PP or NC group. Thus, participation in puppy and adult classes improved the obedience behavior of dogs, regardless of age. Positive response to strangers in the PC group was significantly higher than that in the AC and NC groups and tended to be higher than that in the PP group. Therefore, PC may help prevent canine behavioral problems such as disobedience or fear of strangers.

Predictive validity of a method for evaluating temperament in young guide and service dogs

As part of a collaborative project involving five guide and service dog organizations in the USA (Canine Companions for Independence, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Leader Dogs for the Blind and The Seeing Eye), volunteer puppy raisers provided information about the behavior of the guide and service dogs in their care via a questionnaire (the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire, or C-BARQ©; www.cbarq.org). The surveys were completed online when the puppies were 6 months old and again at 12 months of age. Dogs were tracked through training and those that successfully completed training and were matched with a blind/disabled handler or were selected as breeders were classified as “successful” while dogs rejected from the program due to behavioral issues were classified as “released” (dogs rejected for medical reasons were excluded from analysis). A total of 11,997 C-BARQ evaluations for 7696 dogs were analyzed. Generalized linear modeling for each of the five schools revealed that dogs that successfully completed training scored more favorably on 27 out of 36 C-BARQ traits at both 6 and 12 months of age compared to those that were released from the programs. The most predictive trait at both age levels was ‘pulls excessively hard on leash,’ for which each unit increase in score was associated with a 1.4 increase in the odds of being released from the program. The ability of the C-BARQ to discriminate between dogs that were later successful or released differed across organizations (P=0.001 and P<0.0001 for 6- and 12-month surveys, respectively), most likely due to differences in the procedures used when making decisions about whether or not to release dogs. These findings provide convincing evidence that the C-BARQ is able to discriminate between dogs that are behaviorally suited for guide or service work and those that are not and may provide trainers with useful information about potential training or breeding candidates as early as 6 months of age.

Effects of prescription diet on dealing with stressful situations and performance of anxiety-related behaviors in privately owned anxious dogs

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effects of a diet (CALM CANINE) supplemented with alpha-casozepine and L-tryptophan on the stress response of anxious dogs with a focus on anxiety-related behavioral parameters and physiological parameters. Forty-four privately owned dogs were first fed with the control diet, followed by the study diet, each for an 8-week period, with a transitional period of 1 week between the diets. After 7 weeks on a particular diet, owners reported their dogs' behavior by filling out a questionnaire. Using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire, the effect of the study diet was found to be significant for 4 anxiety-related behavioral parameters, possibly mirroring a placebo effect. After 7 weeks on each diet, the urine cortisol-to-creatinine ratio (UCCR) was measured to assess the stress response to a visit to a veterinary practice for toenail clipping. UCCR was measured to complement the interpretation of behavioral data with regard to the stress susceptibility of the dogs. A positive correlation was found between baseline UCCR, as measured in the home situations, and poststressor UCCR. The stressor-induced increase was significantly lower in the dogs when they were fed the study diet than earlier when they were fed the control diet. The supplementation of casozepine or the proportion of protein in a given diet could have been a determining factor. The study diet seems to improve the ability of an individual to cope with stress and may reduce anxiety-related behavior in anxious dogs.

Pilot testing of the Czech versions of the Coaching Behavior Assessment Questionnaire structure

Background: In the sports environment, the opinion that the leadership style of the coach plays an essential role in achieving team success is generally accepted (Amorose &amp; Horn, 2001). Scott Martin and Kelly Barnes in 1999 created Coaching Behavior Assessment Questionnaire, based on CBAS (Smith et al., 1977) and LSS (Chelladurai &amp; Saleh, 1978, 1980). Currently in the Czech Republic, there is no diagnostic tool that would address the effectiveness of the coach. Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to translate and evaluate the structure of CBAQ by method of structural equation modeling for population of children in age 10 - 16. Methods: For translation of the questionnaire we utilized a modified direct translation method (Behling &amp; Law, 2000). A total of 100 participants age 10 to 16, female 63 (mean age 13.02, SD = 2.10), male 37 (mean age 13.27, SD = 1.37) completed the CBAQ. For data analysis we applied both exploratory and confirmation factor analysis approaches. Results: The original model was tested to verify the structural theory and diagnosis quality of this tool. Results of the original CBAQ 12-factor model showed poor fit of the underaverage values RMSEA on the level 0.082, CFI on the level 0.600 and lack coefficients of generic reliability. After reanalyzing the data we established a modified 5-factor structure of CBAQ. This 5-factor model with restricted numbers of items gave the best values of fit RMSEA = 0.056, CFI = 0.964 and acceptable values of generic reliability. Conclusions: This study had pilot character and we were aware of problems with loosing information due to very restricted numbers of items in modified version, however it is suggested that final 5-factor version with 15 items could made basis for future full standardized Czech version of CBAQ.

Direction des effets entre le tempérament de l'enfant et la sensibilité maternelle.

This study aims to examine the potential direction of effects between infant temperament and maternal sensitivity between 15 and 18 months, while considering five different temperament dimensions (activity level, pleasure, social fearfulness, anger proneness and interest/persistence). More specifically, it aims to verify if the direction of effects and the strength of the relation between these two variables vary as a function of the level of psychosocial risk infants are exposed to and infant gender. Fifty low-risk and 98 high-risk mother-infant dyads (defined as a function of mother status: adult or adolescent) were evaluated twice during home visits. At 15 and 18 months, mothers completed a French-Canadian version of the Toddler Behaviour Assessment Questionnaire (TBAQ; Goldsmith, 1996), the Questionnaire d’evaluation du comportement de l’enfant (QECE; Lemelin, Tarabulsy, Provost, Fournier, Robitaille, Hemond & Tessier, 2007), and observers completed the Maternal Behaviour Q-Sort (MBQS, Pederson & Moran, 1995). Results obtained in the study show that the strength of the relation, and the direction of effects, between infant temperament and maternal sensitivity vary as a function of the temperament dimension taken into account. In 276 THERRIAULT, LEMELIN, TARABULSY ET PROVOST

The efficacy of reality therapy in the reduction of Hiv/Aids – risk behaviour among adolescents in Nigeria

Over the years HIV had been a life threatening virus. Governments, organisations and parents are not comfortable particularly when the thought of their adolescent children comes to mind. Consequently, it became necessary to embark on investigating the efficacy of RealityTherapy (RT) on reduction of HIV-risk behaviour among adolescents in Ogun state. Interactive effects of gender differences and age group on HIV- risk behaviour among the population were also investigated. Using a multi-stage approach a total of twenty (20) SS2 students (10 males and 10 females) identified to exhibit HIV risk behaviour were randomlydrawn from two public co-educational schools from two local Government Areas in Ogun state after administering an assessment questionnaire [HIV Risk Behaviour Assessment Questionnaire (HRBAQ). A 2x2 pre -test, post- test control group design was used. The psychometric properties of the instruments used in the study were established using contentvalidity and test-re-test methods. Group one was exposed to RT while the control received “placebo”. Three research hypotheses were formulated and tested at 0.05 significant levels. Both descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyse the data. Also used werepercentages, Analysis of variance (ANOVA), Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) and Duncan Multiple Range Test (DMRT) for post-hoc test. Results showed significant difference between the pre and post test mean scores of the participants in the treatment group and those in thecontrol [F (2, 20) = 39.86; p < 0.05]. Significant differences were also found in the HIV risk behaviour of participants (i) between the age group of 16-17 years and 18 years and above [F (2, 10) = 6.21; p< 0.05 ]. (ii) in gender [F (2,10) =5.83; p < 0.05 ]. It was recommended that there was a need to integrate cognitive restructuring procedures into counselloreducation curriculum as a corrective measure as well as a preventive measure in dealing with HIV- risk behaviour among adolescents and adults. Based on the efficacy of the therapy used in this study, it was further recommended that counsellors should arm themselves withthe technique and apply same on students from time to time in order to check their HIV-risk behaviours.