Related Problem Behaviors Research Articles

A Randomized Controlled Trial of a Virtually Delivered Group Parent Training for Parents of Children with ADHD During an Intensive Summer Treatment Program

ABSTRACT Background Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) is a widely implemented evidence-based treatment for youth with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and related behavioral problems. During the COVID-19 pandemic, BPT was rapidly scaled for remote delivery via video conferencing platforms to enhance reach and engagement among families in need. Objective The purpose of the present study was to conduct a randomized controlled trial of a remotely delivered group-based BPT implemented in tandem with the Summer Treatment Program (STP) during the summer of 2021, the first year our clinic returned to in-person services following initial pandemic-related lockdowns. Method Children ranged in age from 6 to 12 years (M = 8.23, SD = 1.51) and were primarily male (93%) and Hispanic/Latine (74.4%). Families were randomly assigned to either receive the virtually delivered BPT during the summer (N = 23) or to a wait-list control group (N = 20), who received virtually delivered BPT in the fall. Results All families reported significant improvements in ADHD symptoms, related impairments, negative parenting behaviors, and knowledge of effective parenting skills from pre- to post-STP. Parents in the BPT group demonstrated additional improvements in managing difficult home situations. Conclusions Results of the study suggest that participating in BPT alongside the STP produces unique benefits for families above the standard behavioral treatment. Additionally, this study demonstrates the feasibility and utility of virtual group-based BPT to reduce burden associated with in-person services while providing evidence-based care in an inclusive manner.

Single-dose 1cp-LSD administration for canine anxiety: a pilot study.

Anxiety affects 14-20% of dogs. Pharmacological treatments often fail. Psychedelics have shown to be useful for anxiety and depression in humans, but their veterinary use remains unexplored. We aimed to determine the effects of low-dose 1-cyclopropionyl-d-lysergic acid diethylamide (1cp-LSD) administered in a single dose to a dog, to observe the effect and establish the safety of the substance. The patient was a 13-year-old female dog, weighing 13kg, mixed breed, and spayed. A total of 5µg was administered orally, equivalent to 0.38µg/kg. The animal has had a history of separation related behavioral problems throughout her life. To objectively assess the degree of anxiety in the dog, a validated scale was utilized. The trial was scheduled at the house where the animal lives. The owner was present throughout the experience. Informed consent was obtained prior to the assay. The trial began at 12:15 p.m. on January 10, 2024, lasting for 5 and a half hours. The response to anxiety-inducing stimuli was equally anxious during the first two hours. From that point onwards, a significant change in the animal's behavior was observed, with no signs/mild signs of anxiety. The trial concluded without any adverse effects on the animal. The patient did not show signs of having a psychedelic experience. This is the first time that a study of this nature has been conducted and reported in the canine species. 1cp-LSD proved to be safe and exerted the desired effect on the animal's behavior, significantly reducing the patient's anxiety.

A study of behavioural problems in school going children in Wardha

Introduction Behaviour problems like hyperactivity, lack of focus, temper tantrums, aggression, disobedience, conflicts with peers, nail-biting, thumb-sucking, and insomnia can happen during childhood or during the formative years of human development. The behavioural problem might not yet be categorised as a mental disorder, but it could develop into one. Although it could be challenging to spot these problems in young children. Schools are places where kids spend a lot of time and are active. Therefore, schools are the finest setting for young children’s mental and physical growth. Objective The study objective is to assess the prevalence of the behavioural problems among school-going children. Methods This cross-sectional observational study will be conducted on school going children in government school using a questionnaire, (which include questions based on socio-demographic and child behaviour characteristics). Sample population involved 172 school-going children aged 15-18 years old. Data will be collected by Google Form (using as a data collection tool) and Microsoft Excel (MS Excel 2010) will be used for the analysis. Study implication Study interest will be identifying the factors influencing behavioural change in school-going children and to develop an intervention program to address these issues and development of effective interventions targeting behaviour-related problems in school-going children.

A STUDY OF SELF-ESTEEM, ACADEMIC SELF-CONCEPT, AND LOCUS OF CONTROL AMONG BEHAVIORAL PROBLEM AND NON-BEHAVIORAL PROBLEM CHILDREN

OBJECTIVE: The aim of current study was to identify and compare the children with behavioral problems and without behavioral problems on self-esteem, academic self-concept, and locus of control. METHOD: For this study, a cross sectional research design was used, for data collection purposive sampling technique was applied. Out of 300 children a sample of 34 children with behavioral problems (that lies above 67th percentile) and a matched comparative group of 34 children (fall below 33 percentile children) were selected. The age range of sample was 11-13 years and from Wah Cantt data was collected. A booklet consisted of consent form, demographic sheet, children behavioral problem checklist; self-esteem scale, academic self-concept, and locus of control scales were administered. RESULTS: Correlational analysis indicated that there was significant relationship between all the study variables. Children with behavioral problems exhibited lower level of self-esteem (M=39.92; SD=16.4) than non-behavioral problem children (M=47.57; SD=9.52). On academic self-concept, children with behavioral problems exhibited lower mean scores (M=32.9; SD=26.3) as compared to children having non-behavioral problems (M=44.6; SD=15.8). Furthermore, results also highlighted that non-problematic children exhibit less external locus of control (M=8.35; SD=2.51) as compared to problematic children (M=10.70; SD=3.36). CONCLUSION: This study highlighted that SE, ASC and LOC are related process children behavioral problems. Therefore, in order to handle such children, teachers and school counselor should develop such intervention strategies that promote their self-esteem, academic self-concept and internal locus of control. Keywords: self-esteem, Locus of control, Behavioral problems, academic self-esteem.

Tic disorders in children as polyethological nosology

Tic disorders (TR) occupies one of the leading places among neurological diseases of childhood. Recently, educators, medical psychologists, social workers and psychiatrists are increasingly faced with the problem of tic disorders in children, defining them as states of nervous development characterized by the presence of tics and related behavioral problems. Modern neurology, psychiatry and medical psychology need to update both the therapeutic and diagnostic aspects of tic disorders. This article presents an overview of the current literature on the problem of tic disorders in children, as well as methods of their correction. The analysis of the literature actualizes the polymodal approach, taking into account possible etiological predicates of the development of the disease.

The Effect of Scalp Acupuncture on Emotional and Emotion Related Behavioral Problems in Children with Autism

Background: Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often manifest various emotion and emotion related behavioral problems. They may exhibit externalizing difficulties such as temper tantrum, aggression, even self-injury, together with internalizing problems such as anxiety, fear, depression and impatience. Scalp acupuncture had been found to improve the cognitive, social, as well as behavioral problems. Our clinical observation noted a drastic change in emotional and emotion- related behavioral problems in children with ASD upon the therapy of scalp acupuncture. Methods: Children with ASD aged 2 to 10 were assessed as a treatment group (n=45) and a comparison group (n=44). Data were analyzed by the paired sample t-test. The treatment group received scalp acupuncture therapy of a total of 30 sessions in about 6 months, while the comparison group received no acupuncture treatment. The differences in performance were compared between the two groups. Results: There were significant improvements in performance of temper tantrum, aggression to others, impatience, fears and anxiety after scalp acupuncture. Scalp acupuncture had shown to exhibit prominent influence to items of temper tantrum and aggression take into account the natural course of the disorder. Conclusion: Scalp acupuncture is effective in alleviating emotional and emotion-related behavioral problems especially temper tantrum and aggression problems in children with ASD.

The Effect of Scalp Acupuncture on Emotional and Emotion Related Behavioral Problems in Children with Autism

Background: Children with Autistic Spectrum Disorder (ASD) often manifest various emotion and emotion related behavioral problems. They may exhibit externalizing difficulties such as temper tantrum, aggression, even self-injury, together with internalizing problems such as anxiety, fear, depression and impatience. Scalp acupuncture had been found to improve the cognitive, social, as well as behavioral problems. Our clinical observation noted a drastic change in emotional and emotion- related behavioral problems in children with ASD upon the therapy of scalp acupuncture. Methods: Children with ASD aged 2 to 10 were assessed as a treatment group (n=45) and a comparison group (n=44). Data were analyzed by the paired sample t-test. The treatment group received scalp acupuncture therapy of a total of 30 sessions in about 6 months, while the comparison group received no acupuncture treatment. The differences in performance were compared between the two groups. Results: There were significant improvements in performance of temper tantrum, aggression to others, impatience, fears and anxiety after scalp acupuncture. Scalp acupuncture had shown to exhibit prominent influence to items of temper tantrum and aggression take into account the natural course of the disorder. Conclusion: Scalp acupuncture is effective in alleviating emotional and emotion-related behavioral problems especially temper tantrum and aggression problems in children with ASD.

The effect of therapeutic drug monitoring of risperidone and aripiprazole on weight gain in children and adolescents: the SPACe 2: STAR (trial) protocol of an international multicentre randomised controlled trial

BackgroundAntipsychotic drugs are an important part of the treatment of irritability and aggression in children with an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, significant weight gain and metabolic disturbances are clinically relevant side effects of antipsychotic use in children. In the SPACe study, we showed positive correlations between both risperidone and aripiprazole plasma trough concentrations and weight gain over a 6-month period. The trial SPACe 2: STAR is designed as a follow-up study, in which we aim to research whether therapeutic drug monitoring in clinical practice can prevent severe weight gain, while retaining clinical effectiveness.MethodsSPACe 2: STAR is an international, multicentre, randomised controlled trial (RCT). One hundred forty children aged 6 to 18 who are about to start risperidone or aripiprazole treatment for ASD related behavioural problems will be randomised into one of two groups: a therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) group, and a care as usual (CAU) group. Participants will be assessed at baseline and 4, 10, 24, and 52 weeks follow-up. In the TDM group, physicians will receive dosing advice based on plasma levels of risperidone and aripiprazole and its metabolites at 4 and 10 weeks. Plasma levels will be measured in dried blood spots (DBS). The primary outcome will be BMI z-score at 24 weeks after start of antipsychotic treatment. Among the secondary outcomes are effectiveness, metabolic laboratory measurements, levels of prolactin, leptin and ghrelin, extrapyramidal side effects, and quality of life.DiscussionThis will be the first RCT evaluating the effect of TDM of antipsychotic drugs in children and adolescents. Thus, findings from SPACe 2: STAR will be of great value in optimising treatment in this vulnerable population.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT05146245. EudraCT number: 2020–005450-18. Sponsor protocol name: SPACe2STAR. Registered 8 June 2021. Protocol Version 6, Protocol date: 18 august 2022.

Nutritional Status and Nutritional Management Implementation for Residents with Disabilities in Welfare Facilities: A Nationwide Survey in Japan.

In Japan, fees for nutritional management (NM) was introduced in April 2009 to improve nutritional care for persons with disabilities residing in welfare facilities. The present study aimed to clarify (1) the nutritional status as well as eating-related functions and behaviors of such residents and (2) status of incorporating claim fees for NM and oral maintenance in facilities supporting persons with disabilities. This cross-sectional study approached 2,510 welfare facilities for persons with disabilities across Japan. Anonymous questionnaire surveys were conducted in August 2018. Among the 1,543 responses, 1,538 (61.3%) were valid for analysis. The median number of residents in a facility was 50. Among all residents (n=80,322), 16.9% were underweight (body mass index [BMI]<18.5) and 14.5% were obese (BMI≥25.0). Of the residents, 38.9% adjusted food form and 15.2% had eating behavior-related problems. In total, 723 (47.0%) and 54 (3.5%) facilities, claimed the fees for NM and oral maintenance, respectively. The main reasons for not implementing the claim fees for NM was the lack of time for nutritional care and management (NCM; 30.2%), absence of a registered dietitian (29.3%), and difficulty in assessing swallowing function (24.1%). Our results revealed that the implementation rates of claim fees for NM and oral maintenance were low despite most respondents having problems with the double burden of malnutrition and necessity of oral care, suggesting the importance of securing time for NCM, appointing registered dietitians, and evaluating swallowing function.

Nocturnal enuresis and related behavioral problems in children

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to investigate how the prevalence of emotional and behavioural issues in a sample of Egyptian youngsters relates to nocturnal enuresis. Methods:The Center of Social and Preventive Medicine at Cairo University's Enuresis specialised outpatient clinic served as the source of 200 of the youngsters for this cross-sectional study. Children in the NE varied in age from 5 to 14 years; their mean age was 8.6 2.3 years. There were just as many boys and girls among the children. Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to evaluate behavioural problems (SDQ). Results: When it comes to emotional scale, 37% of participants fall into the abnormal category, and 41% were labelled abnormal when it comes to hyperactivity and inattention. Although 34% of the individuals reported aberrant scores for all issues, boy's average scores were significantly higher. the existence of behavioural and emotional issues in a sample Females scored lower on the hyperactivity-inattention scale than males (6.5 vs. 4.5; p-value 0.001) In summary, NE is linked to an increased incidence of behavioural issues that point to both internalising and externalising symptoms.

The Use of Social Media in Children and Adolescents: Scoping Review on the Potential Risks.

In recent years, social media has become part of our lives, even among children. From the beginning of COVID-19 pandemic period, media device and Internet access rapidly increased. Adolescents connected Internet alone, consulting social media, mostly Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. During “lockdown”, the Internet usage allowed communication with peers and the continuity activities such as school teaching. However, we have to keep in mind that media usage may be related to some adverse consequences especially in the most vulnerable people, such as the young. Aim of the review is to focus on risks correlated to social media use by children and adolescents, identifying spies of rising problems and engaging in preventive recommendations. The scoping review was performed according to PRISMA guidelines, searching on PubMed the terms “social media” or “social network”, “health”, and “pediatrics”. Excluding articles not pertinent, we found 68 reports. Out of them, 19 were dealing with depression, 15 with diet, and 15 with psychological problems, which appeared to be the most reported risk of social media use. Other identified associated problems were sleep, addiction, anxiety, sex related issues, behavioral problems, body image, physical activity, online grooming, sight, headache, and dental caries. Public and medical awareness must rise over this topic and new prevention measures must be found, starting with health practitioners, caregivers, and websites/application developers. Pediatricians should be aware of the risks associated to a problematic social media use for the young’s health and identify sentinel signs in children as well as prevent negative outcomes in accordance with the family.

Dealing With Stress in Cats: What Is New About the Olfactory Strategy?

Domestic cats are descended from solitary wild species and rely heavily on the olfaction system and chemical signals for daily activities. Cats kept as companion animals may experience stress due to a lack of predictability in their physical or social environment. The olfactory system is intimately connected to the brain regions controlling stress response, thus providing unique opportunities for olfactory strategies to modify stress and related behavioral problems in cats. However, the olfactory intervention of stress in cats has been mainly focused on several analog chemical signals and studies often provide inconsistent and non-replicable results. Supportive evidence in the literature for the potentially effective olfactory stimuli (e.g., cheek and mammary gland secretions, and plant attractants) in treating stress in cats was reviewed. Limitations with some of the work and critical considerations from studies with natural or negative results were discussed as well. Current findings sometimes constitute weak evidence of a reproducible effect of cat odor therapy for stress. The welfare application of an olfactory stimulus in stress alleviation requires a better understanding of its biological function in cats and the mechanisms at play, which may be achieved in future studies through methodological improvement (e.g., experiment pre-registration and appropriate control setting) and in-depth investigation with modern techniques that integrate multisource data. Contributions from individual and environmental differences should be considered for the stress response of a single cat and its sensitivity to olfactory manipulation. Olfactory strategies customized for specific contexts and individual cats can be more effective in improving the welfare of cats in various stressful conditions.

Problem drinking among university students in Berlin

Objective Problem-drinking among university students is common and poses serious health-related risks. Therefore, identifying and addressing associated factors is important. Participants and methods A large cross-sectional online-survey with 12,914 university students from Berlin was conducted from November 2016 to August 2017. Relative-risk- and correlation-analysis was used to identify factors associated with problem-drinking and regular heavy-drinking. Independent t-tests compared impulsivity and personality traits, chi-square-tests compared drinking motives between risk- and non-risk-drinkers. Results Male gender, tobacco-smoking, illegal substance use, impulsivity and various sociodemographic and psychosocial variables were significantly related to problem/heavy-drinking. Extraversion was a risk, conscientiousness and agreeableness were protective factors. Drinking-motives did not differ significantly between risk- and non-risk-drinkers. Generally, the main drinking-motives were to feel elated, relax and social purposes. Conclusion The identified markers and related problem behaviors may serve as a tool to enhance the identification of student subgroups at risk for problem/heavy-drinking, and hence improve targeted health-intervention-programs.

Miniature Pediatric Dental Office Model

Background: Dental fear and anxiety remains the most common emotions experienced by the child who visit the pediatric dentist. The success of pedodontics is determined by the odontologist's capability to gain the confidence and maintain the cooperation of the child. Objective/Aim: The aim of the study was to assess the behavior and anxiety levels of school-going children in a dental setting using a Miniature Pediatric Dental Office Model during the first dental visit of the child. Study Design: This cross-sectional research was carried out in a dental institute in the department of pediatrics and preventive dentistry. The study protocol was explained to the parents of 3–9-year-old children. Demographics were elicited from the parents and their correlation with the placement of the doll in the pediatric dental office model and a modified Frankl's behavior rating scale was used to assess the child's behavior. Results: Of 84 participants, 47 children were under the age of 6 years and 37 children were ≥6 years of age. In the doll placement test, the majority (36.9%) of the children preferred pattern 2 (the child is on the chair, the dentist is inside the operatory, the mother is inside the operatory, and the father is outside the operatory) in the doll placement test, and the least (8.3%) preferred pattern 1 (the child is on the chair, the dentist is inside the operatory, the father is inside the operatory, the mother is outside the operatory). Thirty-four percent children up to the age of 6 years exhibited a mix of negative-positive behavior, and 43.2% of children aged 6 years showed a positive behavior according to the modified Frankl's rating scale. Conclusion: The doll placement test using a miniature pediatric office aided us in determining the child's anxiety level during their first dental visit. To achieve emotional support and avoid the impact of traumatic separation, especially in younger children, our study showed that mothers should be present in the dental office to remove behavior-related problems.

Diagnostic accuracy of Achenbach scales in detecting youths' substance use disorders.

It is vital to identify substance use disorders (SUDs) in youths and adults early and accurately. Previous studies have investigated the validity and reliability of the Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Youth Self Report (YSR) for other related anxiety, mood, and behavior problems. The present study tested if the CBCL and YSR substance use items can discriminate adolescents with versus without a SUD diagnosis accurately enough to justify clinical application within an evidence-based assessment framework. N = 422 outpatient adolescents (age 9-18) and their caregivers completed semistructured diagnostic interviews. Caregivers completed CBCL, and adolescents completed the YSR. K-SADS-PL + diagnoses indicated that 34 youths met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM)-IV criteria for SUDs. Receiver Operating Characteristics (ROC) models estimated the likelihood of having Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime (KSADS-PL) + SUDs based on substance use scores of CBCL or YSR. Scores on all scales significantly identified KSADS-PL-diagnosed SUDs in adolescents: Area under the curve (AUCCBCL = .90, p < .0005; AUCYSR = .84, p < .0005). There was no significant difference in the accuracy comparing each informant used separately; CBCL showed incremental value above the YSR report when both were included in logistic regression models. CBCL and YSR substance items demonstrated diagnostic and clinical utility in identifying SUDs in adolescents. Findings suggest that Achenbach Scales could be a valuable intake instrument in detecting adolescents SUDs. A supplemental clinical vignette illustrates the clinical application of the study findings. It will be important for future research to replicate use of these measures across varying clinical scenarios and settings. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Promoting Strong Latino Families Within an Emerging Immigration Context: Results of a Replication and Extension Trial of a Culturally Adapted Preventive Intervention.

We conducted a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of Nuestras Familias: Andando Entre Culturas, a culturally adapted evidence-based parent management training (PMT) preventive intervention, with a sample of 241 Spanish-speaking Latino parents and their middle-school-aged children residing in an emerging immigration context. Scientifically rigorous studies of programs designed for this setting are rare. The intervention was designed to promote prosocial parenting practices and to prevent youth substance use and related problem behaviors. The RCT was designed as an extension and replication of a prior trial (Martinez & Eddy in Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, 73, 841-851, 2005) which was also conducted in an emerging immigration context. Two key issues were of primary interest: intervention feasibility and intervention efficacy. Intervention feasibility was assessed through weekly session attendance, participation, and parent-reported session satisfaction as well as overall program satisfaction. Intervention efficacy was assessed by comparing changes within the intervention and control groups on parenting practices and youth adjustment from pre-intervention baseline to post-intervention termination 6months later. Results provided support for the feasibility of delivering the intervention on a large scale within communities. Consistent with the prior trial, positive effects of the intervention were detected on parenting practices and on youth outcomes. Differential effects of the intervention were detected based on youth gender and nativity status, such that girls benefited the most with respect to tobacco use likelihood, and foreign-born youth benefited the most with respect to decreased depressive symptoms.Findings provide additional evidence for Nuestras Familias as an efficacious family-based intervention for Latino families within communities that are sites of emerging immigration in terms of both improving parenting practices and decreasing risk for youth substance use and related problem behaviors.

Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial of Cyproterone Acetate to Prevent Flare-Up Effect on Dogs Implanted With Deslorelin.

Deslorelin slow-released implants are registered in Europe for the reversible suppression of fertility in male dogs. After administration, a time-limited increase in sex hormones concentration and related behavioral problems may be observed. The aim of this work was to assess whether cyproterone acetate, a synthetic progestogen, can prevent this flare-up effect. Eighteen privately-owned entire male dogs were enrolled in this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. All subjects received a 4.7 mg deslorelin implant by SC route and 1–3 capsules containing either cyproterone acetate 2 mg/kg (N = 9) or a placebo (N = 9), by oral route BID for 14 days, depending on the dog's weight. The dogs were followed for 28 days. An increase in the blood testosterone concentration was observed in respectively 9/9 and 7/9 dogs of the control and cyproterone groups (p = 0.47). However, a worsening of the sex hormone related problems (i.e., urinary marking, mounting, aggressiveness toward other dogs and/or escape) was only observed in the placebo group, in 56 or 66% of the dogs as measured by respectively the veterinarian and the owners. Our study suggests that cyproterone acetate is effective and safe to supress the deslorelin induced behavioral flare-up effect, but not the rise in testosterone.

Sleep difficulties and related behavioral problems in Korean preschool children

ObjectivesSleep difficulties are associated with various behavioral problems and cognitive development, but the association has not been thoroughly evaluated in preschoolers with and without developmental disability (DD). The aim of this study was to compare the behavioral and cognitive characteristics of poor and good sleepers with and without DD in a community-based sample of preschool children. MethodsWe recruited 196 children aged 34–77 months from community-based daycare centers, kindergartens, and special education centers. Children were classified as poor sleepers with DD (n = 23), poor sleepers without DD (n = 23), good sleepers with DD (n = 64), and good sleepers without DD (n = 94). Poor sleepers were defined based on Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire Total Sleep Disturbance Score (CSHQ TSDS) cutoff of >52. ResultsWhen compared to good sleepers with DD, poor sleepers with DD scored significantly higher on the Attention Problems (p = 0.005) and Aggressive Behaviors (p = 0.001) subscales of the CBCL, indicating greater difficulty. Caregivers of the poor sleepers with DD reported more depressive symptoms (p = 0.028) and more stress related to the child (p = 0.002) and the parent (p = 0.045) than caregivers of the good sleepers with DD. On the other hand, when compared to good sleepers without DD, poor sleepers without DD scored significantly higher only on the Anxious/Depressed subscale (p = 0.045) of the CBCL. Cognitive development and adaptive functioning were not significantly different between poor and good sleepers with and without DD. Among the subscales of the CSHQ, the Sleep Onset Delay showed strongest correlation with behavioral measures of the children and distress of the caregivers. ConclusionExternalizing problems such as aggressive behaviors, rather than cognitive development, are associated with sleep difficulties in preschool children with DD.

Understanding practices and needs of researchers in human state modeling by passive mobile sensing

Passive mobile sensing for the purpose of human state modeling is a fast-growing area. It has been applied to solve a wide range of behavior-related problems, including physical and mental health monitoring, affective computing, activity recognition, routine modeling, etc. However, in spite of the emerging literature that has investigated a wide range of application scenarios, there is little work focusing on the lessons learned by researchers, and on guidance for researchers to this approach. How do researchers conduct these types of research studies? Is there any established common practice when applying mobile sensing across different application areas? What are the pain points and needs that they frequently encounter? Answering these questions is an important step in the maturing of this growing sub-field of ubiquitous computing, and can benefit a wide range of audiences. It can serve to educate researchers who have growing interests in this area but have little to no previous experience. Intermediate researchers may also find the results interesting and helpful for reference to improve their skills. Moreover, it can further shed light on the design guidelines for a future toolkit that could facilitate research processes being used. In this paper, we fill this gap and answer these questions by conducting semi-structured interviews with ten experienced researchers from four countries to understand their practices and pain points when conducting their research. Our results reveal a common pipeline that researchers have adopted, and identify major challenges that do not appear in published work but that researchers often encounter. Based on the results of our interviews, we discuss practical suggestions for novice researchers and high-level design principles for a toolkit that can accelerate passive mobile sensing research.

Left-Behind Children, Parent-Child Communication and Psychological Resilience: A Structural Equation Modeling Analysis.

This study aims to examine the role of parental migration status and parent communication in the psychological and related behavioral status of left-behind children and their psychological resilience. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Anhui Province of China, and a questionnaire survey was conducted with 1992 teens using the Chinese version of the Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale (PACS), Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC), and Strength and Difficulties Questionnaires (SDQ). Compared with the never left-behind group, left behind children had relatively lower PACS, CD-RISC and SDQ scores. Absence of parents is related with poorer psychological resilience, while good parent communication is related with better psychological resilience. Better psychological resilience is related to fewer psychological problems regardless of parental migration status. Currently left-behind status demonstrated a negative influence on psychological resilience, while never left-behind status had a positive effect. Interventions are needed to enhance psychological resilience of left-behind children to prevent psychological and related behavioral problems.