Behavioral Problems Research Articles

Az óvodáskorú gyermekek ellenálló képességének előmozdítása: egy akciókutatási program eredményei

The negative impact of developmental risk often manifests itself as early as the formative years. Counteracting these risks and mitigating or modifying the factors that threaten optimal development seem feasible through pedagogical means. This study presents the initial results of a program whose primary goal is to support resilient functioning in preschool-aged children who exhibit at least four concurrent risk factors. Methods: The applied methods focused on assessing cognitive abilities, the frequency and severity of behavioral problems, and the perceived resilience as reported by the educators and parents. Children enrolled in the program participated in regular sessions, and the effectiveness of these interventions was evaluated through follow-up assessments at the end of the school year. Results: The findings indicated a slight but statistically significant improvement in cognitive abilities among the selected population. There was also a notable reduction in the risk of learning disabilities. Behavioral problems showed a significant decrease. According to both parents and educators, resilient functioning was significantly higher in the follow-up assessments compared to the initial evaluations. Conclusions: Overall, the program's impact can be considered positive. Although the sample size was not large and other factors beyond the sessions might have influenced the participants' outcomes, positive progress was achieved across all indicators. The program employs a complex methodological repertoire that extends beyond conventional pedagogical support services, which, based on the initial results, appears suitable for counteracting risk factors in preschool-aged children.

Онлайн-методы работы с детьми с расстройствами аутистического спектра: уроки, извлеченные из пандемии COVID-19 в Индии

<p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Backgrounds and Aims. </strong>The coronavirus leads to a contagious disease that triggers severe acute respiratory symptoms. It was initially detected in December 2019 in Wuhan, China, and has since led to a global pandemic. In India, the first case was reported in Kerala in January 2020. The pandemic resulted is sudden closure of intervention centres for children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) across India resulting in change in rehabilitation measures for them. A brief survey was used to identify challenges faced by rehabilitation workers in tele-rehabilitation with children with autism spectrum disorder.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Methods. </strong>Responses of Rehabilitation workers (n=44) engaged with tele-rehabilitation of children with ASD were collected using online survey using Google forms<strong>. </strong>Both open and closed ended questionnaires were used to elicit response. We conducted organized interviews with special educators. Online tools were used to record responses of special educators in providing tele-rehabilitation services.</p> <p style="text-align: justify;"><strong>Results and Discussion</strong>. Behavioural issues, Information Technology, parental approach as well as the home environment were identified as some of the major challenges encountered in online interventions with children with ASD. Rehabilitation professionals faced a range of challenges in continuing and maintaining online intervention to children with ASD most of which included behaviour problems in children with ASD, parental attitude and home environment. In general, online interventions proved effective for tele-rehabilitation during COVID-19, supporting children with autism, though reasons for their success need further study.</p>

Parental Reactions to Children’s Negative Emotions in France and the United States: Links to Preschoolers’ Socioemotional Outcomes

Parental reactions to children’s negative emotions (PRCNEs), a type of emotion socialization, has been theorized to shape children’s socioemotional development. Few studies have examined cultural variations in PRCNE among Western/Minority World cultures. The present study used a cross-cultural, preschool-based sample of 101 parent–child dyads (child age = 36–79 months, 42% females; parent age = 19–58 years, 89% mothers) from two countries: U.S. (n = 33, 58% White/European American, 87% with college or above education) and France (n = 68, 61% French or other European origin, 40% with college or above education). Parents self-reported PRCNEs across 12 hypothetical scenarios. Children’s behavioral problems and prosocial behaviors were rated by parents and preschool teachers. Children’s emotion knowledge was measured by a behavioral task. We examined (1) cultural group variations in PRCNEs, and (2) the relations between PRCNE and children’s socioemotional outcomes. Controlling for demographics, French parents endorsed more non-supportive PRCNE than U.S. parents. Across both cultures, parents’ higher use of distress and punitive reactions were linked to lower parent-rated child prosocial behaviors. These findings revealed differences and similarities in PRCNEs between French and U.S. families and have implications for early childhood education practices promoting socioemotional competence.

Parental Attitudes and Behaviors Associated with Selective Eating in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders

Although sometimes it appears as a natural behavior in children, selective eating can become problematic and severe, implying aliments rejection, a low range of eaten foods, the predominance of some foods in the child’s repertoire, aversion and avoidance of various food based on look, taste, texture, or smell. Consequences of selective eating can be noticed on health and development, interactions and inclusion in social settings, emotional and behavioral problems, low self-esteem, distress, and other family problems. In children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD), it can be associated with sensory processing disorder, mood disorders, and health problems, and can become severe (eg., avoidant restrictive food intake disorder). Parental attitudes and behaviors, family dynamics during mealtimes, the emotional climate of the family, social support, and cultural and social factors have a significant impact on the problem. A case example of a 13-year-old child, diagnosed with severe autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability, with selective eating (a low variety of foods in his menu, food refusal, and behavioral interference during mealtimes) and a tendency towards overweight will show the co-occurrence of selective eating and parental problematic behaviors. The child’s sensory profile (reported by the parent) revealed no differences from the norms. Parental tendency to overly gratify the child’s behavior, excessive worrying, and excessive assistance were associated with the child’s tendency to eat selectively, as well as to his preference for unhealthy foods and refusal of healthy ones. The attachment between mother and child seems to be anxious and there is a high degree of fusion in the relationship. Intervention for the eating problems can include attachment-based therapies, systemic family therapy, cognitive-behavioral therapies, and training of parenting skills.

Effect of improving food security on parenting practices and caregiver-adolescent relationships: qualitative findings of an income-generating agricultural intervention in rural Kenya.

Despite the recognised links between food insecurity and parenting, few studies have evaluated the perceived impacts of livelihood or food security interventions on parental practices, intra-household functioning, adolescent behaviour and psychosocial outcomes in HIV-affected households in sub-Saharan Africa. The study aimed to understand the perceived effects of food security on parenting practices and how this was experienced by both adolescent girls (aged 13-19 years) and their caregivers in rural Kenya. We conducted semi-structured, individual interviews with 62 caregiver-adolescent dyads who were participants in the adolescent Shamba Maisha (NCT03741634), a sub-study of adolescent girls and caregivers with a household member participating in the Shamba Maisha agricultural and finance intervention trial (NCT01548599). Data were analysed following the principles of thematic analysis. Compared to control households, the Shamba Maisha intervention households had improved food security and strengthened economic security, which, in turn, improved parenting practices. Intervention households described changes in parenting experiences, including decreased parental stress, reduced absenteeism and harsh parenting and improved caregiver- adolescent relationships. These positive caregiving practices, in turn, contributed to improved mental health and fewer behavioural problems among adolescent girls. Changes in the control households were less noticeable. These findings demonstrate how an income-generating agricultural intervention may improve food security and positively affect parenting practices, intra-household dynamics and adolescent psychosocial well-being and behaviour. Further research is needed to explore how to harness the social benefits of agricultural interventions to best address the critical intersections among food insecurity, parenting practices and adolescent mental health.

Lutein Exerts Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Role on Schizophrenia-Like Behaviours in Mice.

Schizophrenia is an esteemed neuropsychiatric condition delineated by the manifestation which role of the N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) is important. Lutein administration exhibits protective effects via NMDA receptors. Thus, the main goal of this research was to investigate how lutein can possibly act as an antioxidant and provide protection for the brain against schizophrenia-like behaviours in mice. In total, 24 male mice were divided into four experimental groups: control, ketamine (20 mg/kg, i.p), lutein (10 mg/kg, i.p) and a mix of ketamine (20 mg/kg, i.p) and lutein (10 mg/kg, i.p). Lutein was given to the mice for 30 days, while ketamine was given from Days 16 to 30 to create a model of schizophrenia in the animals. After giving drugs, schizophrenia-like behaviours were evaluated with novel object recognition test (NORT), tail suspension test (TST), forced swimming test (FST) and open field tests. Furthermore, the amounts of brain malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were assessed. The findings showed a noteworthy decrease in the crossings during the open field test and increase in immobility duration in the TST and FST as a result of ketamine administration (p < 0.05). Prior administration of lutein showed a decrease in the detrimental effects of ketamine on the open field assay, along with a reduction in immobility duration in the TST and FST experiments (p < 0.05). Administration of ketamine caused a notable reduction in the discrimination index, while pretreatment with lutein was associated with a rise in the discrimination index (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the administration of ketamine significantly increased the levels of MDA in both cortical and subcortical regions, which were then reduced by lutein pretreatment (p < 0.05). Moreover, ketamine use led to a significant decrease in tissue SOD, GPx and CAT levels in both cortical and subcortical brain regions in mice (p < 0.05). Nonetheless, lutein pretreatment significantly enhanced SOD, GPx and CAT levels in cortical and subcortical regions (p < 0.05). These results indicate that lutein may have protective effects on the brain to improve behavioural problems.

Problem Behavior and Depression in Chinese Adolescents: A Moderated Multiple Mediation Model

ABSTRACTThis study explores the complex relationships among emotional and behavioral problems, self‐esteem, subjective well‐being, school satisfaction, and depression in adolescents. We conducted a comprehensive survey of 958 students aged 9–15 using self‐report questionnaires covering emotional and behavioral problems, self‐esteem, subjective well‐being, school satisfaction, and a depression symptom self‐assessment scale. The results reveal significant positive correlations between self‐esteem, subjective well‐being, and school satisfaction, and significant negative correlations between these factors and both emotional and behavioral problems and depression. Further analysis identified self‐esteem as both a parallel and sequential mediator between emotional and behavioral problems and depression, with the multiple mediation effect accounting for 28.23% of the total impact. Additionally, school satisfaction moderates the mediation process by influencing the relationship between self‐esteem and subjective well‐being, thereby mitigating the effect of subjective well‐being on depression. These findings highlight the importance of enhancing self‐esteem, fostering a positive school atmosphere, and improving adolescents' subjective well‐being to reduce the risk of depression.

A reflection on governance, ethics and intellectual boundary enforcement in academic journals

PurposeThis paper critiques practices related to governance, ethics and intellectual boundary enforcement in critically oriented academic journals in the aftermath of mass resignations from the leading feminist journal, Gender, Work &amp; Organization. In doing so, the paper highlights problematic issues that undermine inclusive academic publishing in regard to non-White, non-Western and/or early-career academics. It calls upon scholars to address the lack of inclusion and transparency in these journals and offers suggestions to be undertaken by all academic editors to remedy the situation.Design/methodology/approachBased on the author’s experiences as joint editor-in-chief at Gender, Work &amp; Organization, the paper offers a viewpoint of exclusion issues and problematic behaviors within academic publishing through a first-hand perspective and critical analysis of practices.FindingsThree issues are found to impact inclusion in academic publishing. First, there is a lack of transparency in how editorships and board seats are allocated in many critically oriented academic journals. Alongside these governance issues, potential conflicts of interest related to prolific “cartel” or networked publishing among scholars create ethical challenges. Finally, boundary enforcement of intellectual contributions results in narrowly defined academic communities that replicate racialized exclusionary practices.Originality/valueThis paper is a reflexive praxis that calls out the need for academics to engage in good governance practices in journal management and foster ethical approaches in the publishing process. It also calls upon scholars and editors to reflect upon their practices in enforcing intellectual boundaries for the purpose of keeping particular ideas and people out of networks and consequently, out of academic communities.

Regulation Strategies, Contextual Problems, Addictive and Suicidal Behaviors: A Network Perspective with Adolescents.

Adolescence is a period marked by challenges, including problems that appear in the adolescent's context. To manage these, adolescents use a series of emotional regulation skills that can be more or less adaptive. Less adaptive regulation is related to problem behaviors such as alcohol abuse, substance addiction, problematic internet use, and/or suicidal behavior. This study employs psychometric networks to analyze the association between these problem behaviors, the existence of contextual problems, and the use of cognitive emotional regulation strategies. We performed this analysis for the total sample: the male sample and the female sample. The total sample consists of 758 participants; 424 females (55.4%) and 341 males (44.6%) between the ages of 12 and 21 years (M age = 15.85; SD = 2311). The results show that less adaptive regulation strategies are the most central node, exhibiting a positive relationship with problem behaviors and contextual problems. In contrast, adaptive regulation strategies are a less influential node. Finally, problem behaviors are related to each other. Differences emerged between the male sample and the female sample. These findings contribute to improving our understanding of the phenomenon as well as to the construction of preventive interventions.

Parental Burnout in Israeli Parents of Children with ASD During Wartime: The Role of Child Behavior, Parental Emotion Regulation, Stress, and Social Support.

During emergencies like wartime, parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) face heightened challenges, potentially leading to Parental Burnout (PB). Wartime conditions can exacerbate children's behavioral difficulties, contributing to PB. Protective factors such as successful Emotional Regulation (ER) and perceived social support may mitigate PB. This study aims to compare child behavioral problems, parental ER difficulties, perceived social support, stress, and PB between parents of children with ASD and Typical Development (TD) during wartime. It also investigates how ER difficulties, perceived social support, and stress moderate the relationship between child behavioral problems and PB. The study included 213 Israeli parents: 101 parents of children diagnosed with ASD and 112 parents of TD children. Participants were recruited during the "Swords of Iron" War using purposive sampling via online platforms. Findings indicate that children with ASD exhibited higher levels of behavioral problems, and their parents experienced increased difficulties in ER, stress, and PB, alongside decreased perceived social support compared to parents of TD children. Moderation analysis revealed that ER difficulties, perceived social support, and stress moderated the direct association between child behavioral problems and PB specifically among parents of TD children. This study underscores the heightened vulnerability of parents with ASD-diagnosed children during wartime, emphasizing the importance of understanding how these circumstances impact parental well-being and available resources. Effective interventions should target enhancing ER, social support, and addressing parental stress, PB, and child behavioral issues, underscoring the need for prioritized services despite wartime challenges.

Expression of Adolescent's School Engagement

The article focuses on the analysis of adolescent's engagement in school life including in the process of education. The conducted theoretical analysis allows the conclusion that school students, who remain school disengaged, are distinguished by low academic achievements, behavioural problems and other learning problems. They have special educational needs learning disorders and they tend to abandon an educational institution early. The method of quantitative research is applied employing the international Student Engagement Instrument, which targets at emotional and cognitive engagement. The conducted data analysis revealed gender-based differences in adolescent's school engagement and particularly evident differences between school students in state and private educational institutions.

The Association Between In Utero Exposure to Painkillers and Trajectories of Hyperactivity and Emotional Problems in Children with Autism Compared with Neurotypical Peers

Background/Objectives: In utero exposure to painkillers has raised concerns regarding its potential impact on neurodevelopmental disorders, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD). This study investigates the association between in utero exposure to painkillers and trajectories of hyperactivity and emotional problems in children with and without ASD, separately. Methods: Data were drawn from 5107 participants enrolled in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Children. Emotional and behavioral problems were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at ages 4, 6, and 8 years. ASD diagnosis was determined based on parental self-report by age 12. To examine the association between the exposure and the outcomes, mixed linear models were applied to assess the impact of in utero exposure to painkillers on hyperactivity and emotional problems, controlling for sex, time, and other perinatal risk factors. The interaction term between exposure and time was included to evaluate the effect of exposure on the trajectory over time. Results: In utero exposure to painkillers did not significantly affect hyperactivity or emotional problem trajectories in children with ASD. However, in non-ASD children, painkiller exposure was associated with worsening emotional problems by age 8, with males being affected to a greater extent than females. Further, emotional problem scores increased over time by gender, reflecting developmental challenges in early childhood. Conclusions: These findings indicate that prenatal painkiller exposure is unlikely to be a major determinant of the severity of neurodevelopmental outcomes in autistic children, but its role in neurodevelopmental outcomes among neurotypical children warrants further investigation. Future research should prioritize precise exposure assessments and integrate multi-environment interactions to further elucidate the long-term impacts of prenatal painkiller use.

Medical, subjective and objective forms of exercise dependence and the role of learning, cognitive and emotional biases.

Despite numerous benefits of regular exercise, research has demonstrated some people develop problematic exercise behaviour, with ongoing debates regarding the definition. This study defined three approaches: a traditional medical model including for example withdrawal symptoms; a subjective approach whereby individuals identify their own problematic exercise; and an objective perspective involving persistent exercise despite negative consequences. This cross-sectional study assessed the association between these three approaches in UK-based frequent exercisers (n = 139) alongside correlations with learning, cognitive and emotional biases (reward vs punishment sensitivity, delay discounting and sensation seeking). The results indicate these three approaches to problematic exercise are related but different. Further, medical problematic exercise was associated with heightened sensitivity to reward and punishment; subjective problematic exercise was only associated with heightened punishment sensitivity; objective problematic exercise was associated with reduced punishment sensitivity. This novel classification approach to problematic exercise may help clarify the factors that initiate and perpetuate this behaviour.

Testing a sustainable coconut coir cat litter: Cat versus owner

Effective management of indoor cats’ elimination needs is necessary to prevent the development of behavioural and physiological problems that can result in their relinquishment by owners. Feline toileting is based upon a series of complex behaviours, which, if not completed adequately, result in persistence of behaviours associated with toileting, such as scratching and sniffing in the litter box. In a cattery environment, a new sustainable coconut coir litter of dirt consistency, and pelletised wood litter were offered to individually housed cats over a four-day period. The coconut coir litter was found to promote appropriate toileting behaviour by reducing inappropriate elimination behaviours such as perseveration in interacting (scratching at the litter and surrounding areas), lingering (sniffing in and around the litter), and defecation or urination outside the box within a few days. In comparison, inappropriate behaviour continued with the use of basic pelletised wood litter, indicating it may not provide an ideal toileting environment. While the coir improved the opportunity for appropriate cat behaviour, as it is similar to the substrate they use when eliminating outdoors, it also increased the mess and maintenance workload for cattery staff. Convenience in managing the waste of indoor cats tends to be more important to owners than the capacity for a litter to fulfil cats’ toileting needs. Accordingly, to promote positive relationships between owners and cats, future experimentation will focus on both how to minimise inconvenience for owners and on identifying a product that gives cats the opportunity to perform appropriate toileting behaviours.

The Behavioral Health Service Corps: An Innovative Model for Workforce Development.

The increased prevalence of behavioral health problems in the US is intensified by the critical shortage of providers in the field. The historical failure of behavioral health specialties to attract BIPOC students and workers limits leadership, access to quality care, and the generalizability of research findings. Most workforce development programs serve only those with earned graduate degrees. This report describes a service-learning program that is successfully attracting new graduates with bachelor's degrees and culturally diverse professionals into the behavioral health workforce.

Resilience in Families of Autistic Children and Children With Intellectual Disability During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Resilience in families of autistic children and children with intellectual disability is associated with factors such as family functioning, social support, and financial strain. Little is known about family resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic when many resources were limited. This study examined the association of family resilience with child characteristics, family resources, and socioecological factors during the pandemic. Data collected during the COVID-19 pandemic from 734 United Kingdom parents/caregivers of children who are autistic and/or have intellectual disability were analyzed using path analysis. Greater family resilience was significantly associated with fewer child behavior problems, absence of intellectual disability, higher financial status, and greater family functioning, though not school support. These factors might guide future research and practices to support vulnerable families at risk of low resilience.

Demystifying open defecation in the capital city of Delhi, India

ABSTRACT In India, open defecation is often seen as an individual’s behavioural problem rather than the institutional inability and the failure of the policies and programmes of the government on sanitation drive. In this regard, this study tries to critically look into how infrastructural incapacity and institutional inability are responsible for the ongoing open defecation in Delhi. This study was conducted in three slum settlements across three Municipal Corporations of Delhi. It adopted a mixed methods approach. In-depth interviews, focus group discussions, observations, and various quantitative techniques have been used for showing open defecation practices in the capital city of Delhi. The study reveals that around 80% of the surveyed households purely or occasionally are still associated with open defecation. Infrastructural incapacity related to the inadequacy of public latrine and household latrine, poor availability of water, fear of foul smell due to improper drainage condition is responsible for open defecation rather than the people’s old habit. Despite this, lacuna in the public policy, e.g. underutilisation of funds and poor coordination among different governmental bodies also lead to the open defecation. The study concludes that infrastructural incapacity and institutional inability are responsible for the ongoing open defecation in Delhi. Despite this, there is lacuna in the public policy in eradicating open defecation.

Effects of Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Treatment on ASD Symptoms in Children: A Pilot Study.

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) are neurodevelopmental disorders marked by challenges in social interaction, communication, and repetitive behaviors. People with ASD may exhibit repetitive behaviors, unique ways of learning, and different ways of interacting with the world. The term "spectrum" reflects the wide variability in how ASD manifests in individuals, including differences in abilities, symptoms, and support needs, and conditions characterized by difficulties in social interactions, communication, restricted interests, and repetitive behaviors. Inflammation plays a crucial role in the pathophysiology, with increased pro-inflammatory cytokines in cerebrospinal fluid. Previous studies with transcranial magnetic stimulation have shown promising results, suggesting nervous system susceptibility to electromagnetic fields, with evidence indicating that extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) treatment may modulate inflammatory responses through multiple pathways, including the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α, and the enhancement of anti-inflammatory mediators. This pilot study included 20 children (ages 2-13) with a confirmed diagnosis of ASD. A 15-week protocol involved ELF-EMF treatments using the SEQEX device, with specific day and night programs. Assessment was conducted through standardized pre- and post-treatment tests: Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist, Peabody Picture Vocabulary Test-4, Expressive One Word Picture Vocabulary Test-4, and Conner's 3GI. Statistically significant improvements were observed in receptive language (PPVT-4: from 74.07 to 90.40, p = 0.002) and expressive language (EOWPVT-4: from 84.17 to 90.50, p = 0.041). Notable reductions, with statistical significance, were found in externalizing problems across both age groups (1.5-5 years: p = 0.028; 6-18 years: p = 0.027), with particular improvement in attention and behavioral problems. The results were observed over a short period of 15 weeks, therefore excluding the possibility of coincidental age-related gains, that would typically occur during a normal developmental timeframe. Parent evaluations showed significant reduction in ASD symptoms, particularly in the 1.5-5 years group (p = 0.046). ELF-EMF treatment demonstrated a high safety profile and efficacy in mitigating ASD-related symptoms. The observed improvements suggest both direct effects on central and autonomic nervous systems and indirect effects through inflammatory response modulation. Further studies are needed to confirm these promising results through broader demographics and randomized control designs.

Peer Problems and Prosocial Behavior Among Icelandic Children and Adolescents with ADHD and/or Autism: Gender and Age Differences.

Children with neurodevelopmental disorders tend to have more social difficulties than typically developing children. The aim of the current study was to examine parent and teacher-reported effects of age and gender on social functioning in a large clinical sample of children and adolescents with ADHD, autism, or co-occurring ADHD and autism using a cross-sectional study design. This nationwide clinical sample included 2132 Icelandic children and adolescents (35% girls, 65% boys) aged 5-18 years referred for a neurodevelopmental diagnostic assessment (ADHD and/or autism) in Iceland. Social functioning was measured using the Prosocial behavior and Peer problem subscales on the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) completed by parents and teachers. Results revealed that autistic youth and youth with co-occurring ADHD and autism experienced more peer problems and showed less prosocial behavior than youth with ADHD only. According to parents and teachers, girls were found to experience more social difficulties compared to boys. Interaction for age and gender, although only significant for teacher reports, indicated that younger girls with neurodevelopmental disorders experience more peer problems and show less prosocial behavior than older girls. In contrast, boys with neurodevelopmental disorders experience similar issues at all ages. The results suggest different patterns of social difficulties for boys and girls with neurodevelopmental disorders. Future research should examine different developmental pathways of social challenges for boys and girls. Implications for developing and providing clinical interventions appropriate developmental stages are discussed.

Annual Research Review: Cash transfer programs and young people's mental health - a review of studies in the United States.

Worldwide, more than one in 10 children or adolescents is diagnosed with a mental disorder. Cash transfer programs, which aim to reduce poverty and improve life outcomes by providing direct cash assistance to families and incentivizing or enabling spending on education, health service use, dietary diversity and savings, have been shown to improve the mental health and well-being of young people in low- and middle-income countries. The goal of this review is to describe cash transfer programs in the United States, to describe potential mechanisms by which cash transfer programs could improve child and adolescent mental health and to summarize any evidence of the impact of cash transfer programs. We conclude that much of the evidence on the relationship between cash transfer programs and child and adolescent mental health in the United States is based on a relatively small set of studies. Although most of these studies find that cash transfer programs are associated with reductions in emotional or behavioural health problems, effect sizes are small. For potential mechanisms of cash transfer effects, the strongest evidence is that cash transfer programs increase child-related expenditures and savings and increase time spent with children. Evidence is mixed on whether cash transfer programs improve maternal mental health, parental disciplinary practices or children's exposure to violence.