Behavioral Problems Research Articles

Parenting Practices and Children's Mental Health: Moderating COVID-19 Stressors Experienced by Brazilian Parents

Aim: To examine whether the stressors of the COVID-19 pandemic moderate the relationship between parental educational practices and children's emotional and behavioral problems. Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly altered family routines, and children, with their limited ability to understand and interpret these changes, have been particularly vulnerable to stress. Method: An explanatory design was used with a sample of 135 Brazilian parents (mothers or fathers) who lived with a child aged between 6 and 11 years. Participants completed the Sociodemographic Data Questionnaire, the Parenting Practices Inventory, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and the COVID-19 Stress Response Questionnaire remotely. Results: Coercive discipline significantly interacted with COVID-19 stressors in relation to emotional and behavioral problems. Increased perception of stressors intensified the association between coercive discipline and conduct problems, peer issues, and internalizing problems in children. Conclusion: The COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the use of coercive discipline, negatively impacting children's mental health. Implications: The findings highlight the need to enhance and reinforce parenting skills to better manage stressful situations, thereby safeguarding the parent-child relationship and mitigating the negative effects of the pandemic on children.

Universal depressive symptom screening in middle schools in Istanbul: An epidemiologic study

IntroductionDepression is a significant public health concern, with severe adolescent morbidity and mortality. Promoting adolescents' mental health is increasingly recognized, and schools are proposed as screening and preventive intervention sites. This cross-sectional study aimed to screen self-reported elevated depressive symptom prevalence among secondary school students in Istanbul, Turkey. The secondary objectives were determining behavioral problems, resilience, positive attitudes, and risk factors associated with depressive symptoms. MethodsData collection was conducted between April–June 2022. Six thousand one hundred ten students from nine randomly selected schools from different city districts were approached. Depression was screened by the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children (CES-DC). The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used for screening behavioral problems and positive attitudes. Resilience was evaluated by the Child and Youth Resilience Measure (CYRM). ResultsThe final study sample comprised 2780 participants (response rate 47.7 %) with a mean age of 12.4 ± 1.1 years (females:52.7 %). Elevated depressive symptoms were detected in 31.2 % of the students. Female students exhibited higher scores in CES-DC and total difficulties but lower resilience scores in CYRM than male students. In a multiple regression analysis, female gender, higher total difficulties score, lower resilience score, and lower perceived academic performance significantly predicted CES-DC [F(6,2279) = 421, p < 0.01]. DiscussionOur findings showed high rates of elevated self-reported depressive symptoms in a city sample among Turkish adolescents at middle schools, in addition to coexisting behavioral difficulties and decreased resilience indicating poor psychosocial functioning. Given the prevalent depressive symptoms, screening and intervention programs involving resilience promotion may involve school systems to prevent adolescent depression.

Interpregnancy intervals and behavioural outcomes in children: A population-based longitudinal study

BackgroundWhile the physical health consequence of short interpregnancy intervals (IPIs) is well documented, its mental health impact is not well explored. This study aimed to examine the associations between IPIs and behavioural outcomes in children born following the interval at four developmental time points between ages 7 and 16. MethodsOur study sample comprised participants in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort, an ongoing population-based longitudinal birth cohort in Bristol, Avon, United Kingdom. Behavioural problems, including total behavioural difficulties, hyperactivity, emotional symptoms, conduct problems, peer-problems, and problems of pro-social behaviour, were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Over 2300 mothers and their singleton children were included in this study. Generalized Estimating Equations (GEE) were used to estimate odds ratios for the associations. ResultsChildren born to mothers with short IPI (<6 months) were 1.54 (95%CI: 1.12–2.11), 1.42 (95% CI: 1.12–1.81) and 1.37 (95%CI: 1.04–1.79) times more likely to have total behavioural difficulties, conduct problems and hyperactivity/inattention problems across the child's age, respectively, compared with children of mothers with IPIs of 18–23 months. We found no evidence of associations between short IPI (<6 months) and emotional symptoms, peer-relationship problems and pro-social behaviour problems. ConclusionShort IPI (<6 months) was associated with externalising (conduct and hyperactivity/inattention) but not internalising (emotional and peer-relationship problems) problems. Further studies are needed to confirm this association and elucidate the underlying mechanisms.

A scoping review on parental/caregiver challenges in maintaining oral hygiene among children with autism spectrum disorder

AbstractBackgroundDental practitioners must develop feasible and evidence‐based strategies to help parents/caregivers successfully implement daily oral hygiene measures among their children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).AimThis scoping review aimed to explore challenges faced by parents/caregivers while performing routine oral hygiene care among their children with ASD.DesignA methodological framework recommended by Arksey and O'Malley and reporting guidelines prescribed by PRISMA‐ScR were adopted. A database search was conducted across PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, EMBASE, and ClinicalKey, to identify articles that addressed challenges faced by parents/caregivers while performing routine oral hygiene care for their children with ASD.ResultsThe search yielded 4934 articles. Following the inclusion/exclusion criteria, nine articles were included in this scoping review. A qualitative analysis of included articles following the PICOS coding criteria revealed major themes. These consisted of various home oral hygiene practices followed by parents/caregivers, and challenges faced by them during home oral hygiene care owing to underlying sensory, behavioral, physical, and/or functional problems experienced by their children with ASD.ConclusionChallenges experienced by parents/caregivers of children with ASD were numerous, which resulted in deviations from routine oral hygiene practices from recommended guidelines for the prevention of dental caries.

Workload-Related Issues among Nurses Caring for Patients with Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia: A Scoping Review.

As the elderly population grows, the prevalence of dementia is rising, with 70-95% of patients in hospital settings exhibiting problematic behaviors such as aggression. These behaviors significantly contribute to increased nursing workloads, affecting nurses' well-being and patient care quality. This study aims to review workload-related issues among nurses caring for dementia patients, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to mitigate stress and improve care quality. A scoping review was conducted using the five-stage framework of Arksey and O'Malley. The literature search covered studies published between 2013 and 2023, focusing on quantitative research about nurses' workload-related stress when managing patients with dementia and problematic behaviors. Databases such as PubMed and PsycINFO were searched, and 13 studies were selected based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria. The review revealed that problematic behaviors, particularly aggression, significantly increase nurses' stress and workload. This stress has negative consequences on nurses' physical and mental health, often leading to burnout, decreased job satisfaction, and a decline in care quality. Inadequate staffing and support systems exacerbate these issues. Targeted education, sufficient staffing, and support are essential to reduce the workload and stress experienced by nurses caring for dementia patients. Implementing these strategies can enhance the quality of care provided and improve the well-being of healthcare professionals.

Parenting Stress and Child Behavior Problems among Latino and non-Latino Families of Autistic Children: Exploring Day-to-Day Temporal Relations

AbstractBehavior problems are common among young autistic children and are related to elevated parenting stress levels among their caregivers. However, previous studies of this population have rarely examined relations between child behavior problems and parenting stress at a daily level and, to date, have not examined how these relations may differ for Latino families. Using a day-to-day, within-person design, this study bidirectionally examined these temporal relations among 70 families of autistic children (ages 3–5 years, 74.3% male, 49% Latino parents) who participated in a 14-day daily-diary study. Parent-reported child behavior problem severity and parenting stress were measured daily. Constructs were partitioned into their between- and within-person components and analyzed using time-lagged MLM models. At the between-person level, greater reported child behavior problem severity, relative to the group average, was positively associated with next-day parenting stress and vice versa. This relationship was moderated by Latino ethnicity, such that the positive relationship between reported child behavior problem severity and next-day parenting stress was weaker for Latino (versus non-Latino) families. These bidirectional relationships differed at the within-person level, such that, unexpectedly, greater-than-usual parenting stress, compared to parents’ own average, was negatively associated with next-day child behavior severity. Findings underscore the value of using daily diary methodology to decompose between- and within-person effects, and reveal potential intervention targets to improve parent and child functioning, particularly among minoritized families of autistic children.

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.

Fecal microbiome and functional prediction profiles of horses with and without crib-biting behavior: A comparative study

Crib-biting is a stereotyped oral behavior with poorly understood etiology and pathophysiology. The relationship between the gut microbiome and brain function has been described in behavioral disorders such as schizophrenia, depression and anxiety in humans. In horses, studies of behavioral problems and the microbiome are very limited. This study aimed to characterize the fecal microbiome and the predicted functional profile of horses with and without aerophagia. Fecal samples were collected from 12 Colombian Creole Horses of both sexes, divided into two groups: group 1, composed of six horses with crib-biting (3 females and 3 males), average body weight of 330 ± 10 kg, age of 7.0 ± 1.2 years and body condition score (BCS) of 5/9 ± 1 and group 2, consisting of six horses without crib-biting (3 females and 3 males), average body weight of 335 ± 5 kg, age 6.5 ± 1 years and BCS of 6/9 ± 1. From each horse in both groups fecal total DNA was obtained and 16S ribosomal RNA gene amplicons were sequenced to characterize the bacterial community structure. Community structure and differential abundance analyses revealed significant differences between the two conditions (p < 0.05). Specifically, the fecal microbiota at the family level in crib-biting horses, showing a decrease in Bacteroidales and an increase in Bacillota and Clostridia, differed from that of healthy horses without crib-biting, consistent with findings from previous studies. Furthermore, metagenome prediction suggests metabolic profile changes in bacterial communities between both conditions in horses. Further studies are required to validate the role of the microbiota-gut-brain axis in the etiology of crib-biting and other abnormal and stereotyped behaviors.

The development of ReGoal, a serious mobile game for young people with conduct problems*

ABSTRACT Research suggests that serious games can be used as supplementary training tools for young people with complex mental health needs. This study aimed to co-produce a mobile-accessible serious game, ReGoal, in collaboration with young people (11–16 years) and an interdisciplinary team of academic experts and practitioners. ReGoal is aimed to serve as a supplementary tool for improving emotion regulation, goal-orientation, and executive functioning skills. This study consisted of three interlinked co-production phases. First, 122 participants, of which 34% had moderate to high conduct problems, completed an online survey about the role of gaming in managing their emotions. During the second phase, 16 young people attended three focus groups in which their lived experiences shaped the narrative of ReGoal. In the third phase, an online user survey gathered feedback from 72 young people playing the most recent prototype of ReGoal. The key findings suggest that young people valued playing ReGoal as a supplementary aid to improving their mood, increasing empathy towards peers and family, reducing anxiety, anger, and impulsivity, and understanding other people’s emotions. Future research should test the applicability and feasibility of ReGoal in reducing behavioural problems with clinical and non-clinical samples.

Autism-Related Cc2d1a Heterozygous Mice: Increased Levels of miRNAs Retained in DNA/RNA Hybrid Profiles (R-Loop).

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a complex neurodevelopmental disorder with a highly variable expression of phenotypes (restricted interest or activity and repetitive behavior in communication and social interactions), genes (mutation), markers (alteration of transcription) and pathways. Loss of function of the CC2D1A gene appears to primarily affect the brain, leading to a range of behavioral problems in humans. In our study published in 2020, we found that the expressions of miR-19a-3p, miR-361-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-3613-3p, miR-126-3p and miR-499a-5p were downregulated in the serum samples of autistic patients, their families and mouse models (Cc2d1a +/- and valproic acid treated males). Here, acquired non-Mendelian hereditary character in a genetically defined mouse model of autism (Cc2d1a +/-) correlates with the transcriptional alteration of five miRNAs. We seek to test the hypothesis that miRNA levels vary by changes in RNA/DNA structure during development, thereby creating transcription alteration and cell memory. Behavioral tests were conducted on the offspring of Cc2d1a (+/-) mutant and control mice, such as novel object, social interaction, marble burying and tail suspension behavior. Two RNA fractions were isolated from mouse hippocampal tissues and sperm cells via standard TRIzol extraction: free RNA and the fraction of RNA bound to DNA in the form of a DNA/RNA hybrid (R-loop). The expression levels of miR-19a-3p, miR-361-5p, miR-150-5p, miR-126-3p and miR-499a-5p were investigated by quantitative real-time RT-PCR. We report differences in the distribution of five miRNAs in the hippocampus between male and female mice, particularly in colonies of Cc2d1a (+/-) mice. Furthermore, the number of miRNAs engaged in the DNA/RNA hybrid fraction is generally higher in the mutant pedigree than in the control group. On the other hand, in sperm, both fractions are at lower levels than in controls. R-loops contribute to the physiology and pathology of organisms including human disease. Here, we report a variation in five miRNA levels between gender and tissue. Our results suggest that the transcription levels of these five miRNAs are directly regulated by their RNA.

The Impacts of Co-Occurring Developmental Language Disorder on the Academic, Interpersonal, and Behavioral Profiles of Children With Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder

Purpose: Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a multifactorial disorder that has been linked to increased risk for behavioral, academic, and interpersonal problems. Developmental language disorder (DLD) has also been linked to poor outcomes in these areas. The presence of co-occurring disorders in children's profiles is generally associated with poorer outcomes relative to profiles consisting of only one disorder. This study investigated the extent to which co-occurring DLD in children already identified with ADHD presented increased risk for severity of their primary ADHD symptoms, the presence of secondary behavioral problems, and/or increased problems in the tertiary areas of academic performance and interpersonal interactions. Method: Data from 90 children from combined community-based and clinically based study samples were used in this retrospective study. Behavioral, academic, and social attributes were assessed from parent ratings on the Child Behavior Checklist. Results: Results indicated primary symptoms of ADHD and related tertiary interpersonal consequences were not increased when co-occurring DLD was present. However, the co-occurrence of DLD on ADHD resulted in increased risk for secondary externalizing problems and deficits in academic performance. Conclusions: Outcomes highlight the need for high-quality collaborations among clinical professionals, school-based professionals, and parents to ensure the complex needs of children with ADHD are adequately addressed. Children with ADHD who have elevated externalizing behaviors and who are struggling academically should be tested for possible co-occurring DLD.

Problem Behaviours and Relinquishment: Challenges Faced by Clinical Animal Behaviourists When Assessing Fear and Frustration.

Fear and frustration are two emotions thought to frequently contribute to problem behaviour, often leading to relinquishment. Inferring these emotions is challenging as they may present with some similar general signs, but they potentially require different treatment approaches to efficiently address the behaviour of concern. Although behavioural assessment frameworks have been proposed, it is largely unknown how clinical animal behaviourists (CABs) assimilate information about the emotional state of an animal to inform their behavioural assessment. In other fields (such as both in human and veterinary medicine), the use of intuition and gut feelings, without the concurrent use of an assessment framework, can lead to higher rates of error and misdiagnosis. Therefore, this study used semi-structured interviews of ten CABs and qualitative methods to explore the ways they conceptualise, recognise and differentiate fear and frustration in dogs. Although interviewees perceived fear and frustration as negative affective states that lead to changes in an animal's behaviour, there was little consensus on the definition or identification or differentiation of these emotions. The use of a scientific approach (i.e., hypothesis-driven and based on falsification of competing hypotheses) for behavioural assessment was highly variable, with individual assessment processes often characterised by tautology, intuition, circular reasoning and confirmation bias. Assessment was typically based on professional judgment, amalgamating information on interpretation of communicative signals, motivation, learning history, breed, genetics and temperament. Given the lack of consensus in the definition of these states, it is clearly important that authors and clinicians define their interpretation of key concepts, such as fear and frustration, when trying to communicate with others.

Exploring Moderation Dynamics: Callous-Unemotional Traits, Parental Practices and Conduct Problems in JuvenileDelinquency.

Callous-unemotional (CU) traits, parental practices and conduct problems (CP) have been consistently identified across numerous studies as significant predictors of the severity and persistence of juvenile delinquency. This study seeks to investigate the moderation dynamics underlying the relationships between these variables among Arab incarcerated youth. Specifically, the study aims to (1) explore whether parental practices moderate the relationship between CU traits and CP among incarcerated youth in Jordan and (2) examine the bidirectional moderating influence of CU traits in shaping the dynamic relationship between parental practices and CP within the context of Arab juvenile delinquency. An observational survey design was employed, gathering data from 184 incarcerated youth across 11 rehabilitation centres in Jordan. Latent profile analysis identified three parental practice classes: more positive, balanced and more negative. Moderation analyses indicated significant associations between CU traits, parental practices and CP. Parental practices, especially positive ones, moderated the relationship between CU traits and CP, highlighting the protective influence of balanced parenting. Furthermore, bidirectional moderation effects were observed: CU traits moderated the link between parental practices and CP, while CP influenced parenting practices, particularly in the presence of elevated CU traits. The findings of this study underscore the vital role mental health nurses can play in addressing the behavioural and psychological challenges faced by youth involved in the justice system and their families. Specifically, mental health nurses can aid in ameliorating mental distress by supporting parents in understanding and managing CU traits and CP. Nurses can provide targeted educational programmes that empower parents with strategies to reinforce positive parenting practices and reduce negative interactions. Furthermore, nurses can facilitate access to community resources and therapy options, helping families build a supportive environment conducive to the mental well-being of the youth. These interventions are crucial not only for the direct treatment of juveniles but also in providing holistic support to their families, thereby enhancing the overall efficacy of mental health care in juvenile delinquency. This study highlights the essential role that mental health nurses play in managing behavioural issues among youth, emphasising the significance of implementing culturally sensitive interventions. Mental health nurses possess a pivotal position in early detection and intervention, which enables them to guide families in fostering positive parenting practices, essential for preventing delinquent behaviours. Their efforts to promote understanding and responsiveness within family dynamics make a significant contribution to the mental well-being of individuals, highlighting the necessity of their role in global mental health.

Considering the Dark Side of Work: Bullshit Job Perceptions, Deviant Work Behavior, and the Moderating Role of Work Ethic

AbstractThis contribution aims to expand the study of experiences at work by (a) analyzing a theoretical perspective concerning experiences at work which emphasizes both positive aspects as well as negative aspects, (b) exploring the relation of both negative (Bullshit job perceptions; BJP) and positive aspects (Meaningful Work perceptions; MWP) experienced at work to negative work-related behavior (Counterproductive Work Behavior [CWB] and Cyberloafing), (c) investigating the (moderating) role of work ethic, and (d) examining the robustness of these relations when considering additional contextual factors (organizational work values and tightness–looseness reflecting social norms). Three studies were conducted, including two samples of German employees (N = 247 and N = 240), and another one of employees in the USA (N = 253). Our findings reveal that negative experiences at work (BJP) are the main predictor of problematic workplace behavior (CWB and Cyberloafing). Furthermore, their relation was contingent on individuals’ endorsement of work ethic. BJP and CWB (or Cyberloafing) were more closely associated for individuals strongly endorsing work ethic. In contrast, the relation of positive experiences (MWP) to problematic behavior at work was not significantly qualified by work ethic. The observed relations were robust when additional contextual factors were controlled for. The results emphasize the importance and complexity of work experiences including and differentiating positive and negative aspects. They also highlight the significance of work ethic and related beliefs of employees in shaping problematic behavior in work settings.

Understanding the Emergence of Comorbidity between Problematic Online Gaming and Gambling: A Network Analysis Approach.

Problematic online gaming and gambling tend to co-occur. The exact mechanisms underlying this phenomenon and the potential effects of gender differences remain unknown. This study aimed to identify the early clustering patterns of problematic online gaming and gambling in a community sample of young adults without a lifetime history of psychiatric treatment. Data were collected through an online survey and analyzed using partial correlations and Bayesian networks. Altogether, 1441 individuals (aged 18-40 years, 51.4% females) participated in the survey. Both problematic online behaviors were weakly interrelated, suggesting that they serve as distinct constructs. Men's networks appeared to be more complex and had significantly higher global connectivity. Moreover, men and women differed with respect to the specific nodes that bridged both constructs. In men, the bridge nodes were "being criticized because of betting or being told about gambling problems", "loss of previous interests due to gaming", "deceiving other people because of gaming", and "health consequences of gambling". Among women, the bridge nodes were "feeling guilty because of gambling", "loss of previous interests because of gaming", "social consequences of gaming", and "continued gaming problems with other people". In men, the strongest edge was found between "borrowing money/selling anything to gamble" and "financial problems because of gambling", while in women, the strongest edge appeared between "betting more than afforded to be lost" and "tolerance symptoms of gambling". The findings indicate that problematic online gaming and gambling tend to emerge in different ways among men and women. Therapeutic interventions should be planned considering gender differences.

Novel loss-of-function variants in WDR26 cause Skraban-Deardorff syndrome in two Chinese patients.

Mutations in the protein WD repeat structural domain 26 (WDR26, MIM 617424) have been identified as the cause of autosomal dominant Skraban-Deardorff syndrome, a rare genetic disorder characterized by intellectual disability (ID), developmental delay (DD), hypotonia, epilepsy, infant feeding difficulties, gait abnormalities and distinctive facial features. The objective of this study is to investigate the genetic factors that may contribute to the development of Skraban-Deardorff syndrome in affected individuals. In this study, we used whole-exome sequencing (WES) to analyze pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants in two unrelated Chinese patients with DD and ID. We confirmed the origin of the variants by conducting Sanger sequencing and classified them according to ACMG/AMP guidelines. Here, two novel de novo variants (c.1797delC(p.His599fs*11) and c.1414C>T(p.Gln472*)) in the WDR26 gene have been identified in two Chinese patients with Skraban-Deardorff syndrome. These patients exhibit a range of symptoms, including varying degrees of ID, DD, speech delay, an abnormal wide-foot and/or stiff-legged gait, facial dysmorphism, behavioural abnormalities, with or without seizures. In this study, We report two unrelated Chinese patients with Skraban-Deardorff syndrome caused by novel de novo pathogenic variants of the WDR26 gene. These patients showed a clinical phenotype similar to that of patients with the WDR26 variant. Compared to reported cases with WDR26 pathogenic variants, patient 2 presented a novel complication of severe behavioural problems, including hyperactivity, social anxiety, self-mutilation, impulsivity and violent behaviour. This research broadens the range of genetic and clinical features of Skraban-Deardorff syndrome. In addition, the symptoms may become more pronounced as the patient ages. Furthermore, our report highlights the clinical diversity of Skraban-Deardorff syndrome. The findings may assist healthcare professionals in providing more accurate genetic testing and counselling to affected families and improving the overall management of the condition.

Associations of Reversal Learning Performance With Personality Disorder Profile and Drug Abuse History in a Sample of Prison Inmates.

Prison inmate samples present a high prevalence of impulsivity- and compulsivity-related behavioral problems. The Probabilistic Reversal Learning Task (PRLT) is a useful tool to assess decision-making, and we explore its associations with inmates' personality disorder (antisocial personality disorder, APD; obsessive-compulsive personality disorder, OCPD; or both) and history of drug abuse. Mixed-effects methods were used to model acquisition and reacquisition curves across PRLT, in a sample of 275 prison inmates diagnosed with OCPD, APD, or both. Two aspects were assessed: general discrimination learning and decision-making inflexibility. Participants with a mixed personality disorder profile showed a clear pattern of decisional inflexibility. A history of drug abuse was associated with a general poorer performance but not with decision-making inflexibility. Inability to adapt to changing contingencies, and thus to adverse consequences of previously rewarded choices, was not linked to compulsivity, as hypothesized to be present in OCPD and substance use disorders, but to the mixed APD/OCPD profile.

Effects of a Social-Emotional Learning Intervention on Social-Emotional Competencies and Behavioral Problems in Elementary Students Amid COVID-19.

This study investigated whether a social-emotional learning program, implemented over a one-year period, could lead to gains in social-emotional competencies and to a reduction in internalizing and externalizing problems in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, the program analyzed how students (boys vs. girls) with varying levels of social-emotional competencies and externalizing and internalizing problems, and from different socioeconomic backgrounds, were differently affected. The program was applied to 358 Portuguese third- and fourth-grade students (51.4% boys, Mage = 8.56; SD = 0.82). Self-report (students) and hetero-report (teachers) questionnaires were administered before and after the intervention. Linear mixed-effects models were computed to test intervention impacts. Significant intervention gains were noted in social-emotional learning competencies, namely emotional knowledge, social competence, peer relations, self-management, and academic behavior, and in externalizing (social problems) and internalizing (anxiety) problems. No effects were found in aggressiveness. Students with lower social-emotional competencies and higher externalizing and internalizing problems at baseline profited more from the program. Gender moderated both emotional knowledge and social problems, and socioeconomic status only moderated social problems. Findings highlight the effectiveness of this social-emotional learning program, especially for students facing initial challenges. Recommendations for future research, acknowledging limitations and strengths, are discussed.

Стресс и стратегии совладания у студенческой молодежи: обзор исследований

&lt;p&gt;Global socio-economic crises, new pandemics, climate disasters, and other large-scale factors create an unfavorable background for humanity, often involving painful processes that lead to significant changes in personality and the social situation of development. Students, as they navigate personal and professional development during their university education, determine their life prospects and societal roles for many years to come. A normative age crisis, combined with everyday and global stresses, can lead to adverse consequences such as high anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorders, other emotional and behavioral problems, and social maladjustment. The issue of coping strategies that help students effectively manage stress becomes increasingly relevant. The review included 75 full-text Russian and English papers, mainly from 2019&amp;ndash;2024, sourced from bibliographic databases such as Elibrary, Google Scholar, and PubMed. The analysis included articles where the participants were aged 17&amp;ndash;25, primarily students. The analysis of theoretical and empirical studies allowed us to systematize the types of students' stressors and the specifics of coping strategies. It is important to distinguish whether coping is a response to a specific stressor (situational coping) or if its use is related to an individual's personality traits (dispositional coping). Additionally, it is informative to consider socio-demographic characteristics such as the gender of participants, year, and field of education, which help to identify additional factors associated with the use of different coping strategies. The choice of effective or ineffective coping strategies is characterized by different relationships between stress, existing emotional problems (such as anxiety and depression), and mental toughness (adaptive resource). Thus, a scientifically based approach to effective coping strategies for students, with detailed consideration of perceived stress, mental toughness, the level of emotional problems, and demographic factors, can be considered the most relevant theoretical model.&lt;/p&gt;

Integrating pro-environmental behaviors into school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports for creating green schools

The causes of dramatic climate change mostly lie in human behavior. Humans cause climate change, for example, by creating waste. Pro-environmental behavior plays a crucial role in fighting climate change by preventing waste and conserving resources. Therefore, schools should foster pro-environmental behavior to fight climate change more effectively. Schools can foster pro-environmental behavior by organizing activities focused on both saving water, energy and managing waste through recycling and reuse. As such, one of the systems that can be used to increase the quality and efficiency of green school practices is School-Wide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (SW-PBIS). SW-PBIS is a three-tiered approach that matches intervention intensity to student’s needs, aiming to improve all students’ social and educational outcomes through evidence-based preventive behavioral interventions. However, when SW-PBIS implementations are generally considered, the system is mainly used to prevent problem behaviors. While respect, responsibility, and safety are the most common expectations, no expectation is created or included in the system based on sustainability. So, the starting point of the idea is that while problem behaviors can be prevented with SW-PBIS, pro-environmental behaviors to promote a green school can also be taught and supported. Consequently, this article introduces a conceptual framework to integrate pro-environmental behaviors into SW-PBIS for creating green schools. We discuss the importance of SW-PBIS in fostering pro-environmental behavior and how it can help develop responsible students who contribute to green schools to fight climate change. We also discuss implications for future research and practice. This conceptual framework is expected to expand the scope of SW-PBIS and contribute to the implementation of green school initiatives.