Behavioral Techniques Research Articles

Mechanisms and molecular targets surrounding the potential therapeutic effects of psychedelics.

Psychedelics, also known as classical hallucinogens, have been investigated for decades due to their potential therapeutic effects in the treatment of neuropsychiatric and substance use disorders. The results from clinical trials have shown promise for the use of psychedelics to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety, as well as to promote substantial decreases in the use of nicotine and alcohol. While these studies provide compelling evidence for the powerful subjective experience and prolonged therapeutic adaptations, the underlying molecular reasons for these robust and clinically meaningful improvements are still poorly understood. Preclinical studies assessing the targets and circuitry of the post-acute effects of classical psychedelics are ongoing. Current literature is split between a serotonin 5-HT2A receptor (5-HT2AR)-dependent or -independent signaling pathway, as researchers are attempting to harness the mechanisms behind the sustained post-acute therapeutically relevant effects. A combination of molecular, behavioral, and genetic techniques in neuropharmacology has begun to show promise for elucidating these mechanisms. As the field progresses, increasing evidence points towards the importance of the subjective experience induced by psychedelic-assisted therapy, but without further cross validation between clinical and preclinical research, the why behind the experience and its translational validity may be lost.

Nitrous oxide and hypnotherapy in paediatric dentistry.

Patient compliance is of paramount importance for proper dental treatment, which can be difficult to achieve in children due to anxiety and fear, hindering the therapeutic procedure. In addition to well-known sedation methods (pharmacological and nitrous oxide), further methods of approach are being tested, such as hypnotherapy. The sample consisted of 150 children (90 males, 60 females). Paper questionnaires, frequency meter, nitrous oxide dispenser in association with the use of the television were exploited. At the end of treatment, subjective pain was assessed using the VAS scale, while objective pain was assessed using the FLACC scale and heart rate. This made it possible to compare two experimental groups, one treated with nitrous oxide, and the other with hypnotherapy. The control group was treated with classic behavioural approach techniques. The results obtained were analysed by SPSS Software (Statistical Package for Social Science, version 27) and the inferences between the results were calculated for confirmation. Hypnotherapy can be a valid substitute for nitrous oxide in paediatric dentistry.

Digital traces of offline mobilization.

Since 2009, there has been an increase in global protests and related online activity. Yet, it is unclear how and why online activity is related to the mobilization of offline collective action. One proposition is that online polarization (or a relative change in intensity of posting mobilizing content around a salient grievance) can mobilize people offline. The identity-norm nexus and normative alignment models of collective action further argue that to be mobilizing, these posts need to be socially validated. To test these propositions, across two analyses, we used digital traces of online behavior and data science techniques to model people's online and offline behavior around a mass protest. In Study 1a, we used Twitter behavior posted on the day of the protest by attendees or nonattendees (759 users; 7,592 tweets) to train and test a classifier that predicted, with 80% accuracy, who participated in offline collective action. Attendees used their mobile devices to plan logistics and broadcast their presence at the protest. In Study 1b, using the longitudinal Twitter data and metadata of a subset of users from Study 1a (209 users; 277,556 tweets), we found that participation in the protest was not associated with an individual's online polarization over the year prior to the protest, but it was positively associated with the validation ("likes") they received on their relevant posts. These two studies demonstrate that rather than being low cost or trivial, socially validated online interactions about a grievance are actually key to the mobilization and enactment of collective action. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

A short review on behavioural assessment methods in rodents.

The rodent behavioural examination techniques are used to assess various psychological, neurological models and neurotoxicity studies. Therefore, it is of interest to document the various behavioural assessment methods used in rodent model to study the motor, sensory, cognitive functions and emotional behaviour.

A Spectrum of Solutions: Unveiling Non-Pharmacological Approaches to Manage Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a developmental disorder that causes difficulty while socializing and communicating and the performance of stereotyped behavior. ASD is thought to have a variety of causes when accompanied by genetic disorders and environmental variables together, resulting in abnormalities in the brain. A steep rise in ASD has been seen regardless of the numerous behavioral and pharmaceutical therapeutic techniques. Therefore, using complementary and alternative therapies to treat autism could be very significant. Thus, this review is completely focused on non-pharmacological therapeutic interventions which include different diets, supplements, antioxidants, hormones, vitamins and minerals to manage ASD. Additionally, we also focus on complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) therapies, herbal remedies, camel milk and cannabiodiol. Additionally, we concentrate on how palatable phytonutrients provide a fresh glimmer of hope in this situation. Moreover, in addition to phytochemicals/nutraceuticals, it also focuses on various microbiomes, i.e., gut, oral, and vaginal. Therefore, the current comprehensive review opens a new avenue for managing autistic patients through non-pharmacological intervention.

An Update in Non-Nutritive Sucking Habit Cessation

Statement of the problem Non-nutritive sucking habits (NNSH) encompass a variety of comforting behaviours in children. While considered normal in early childhood, the persistence of these habits has the potential to cause adverse effects on dental and skeletal relationships in the permanent dentition. Several interceptive techniques to promote habit cessation have been recommended. Purpose of the review To update the dental practitioner on techniques recommended for cessation of NNSH in children and evidence of their efficacy. Discussion There are various interventions for NNSH cessation, including pacifier substitution, behavioural modification, orthodontic appliances, or aversive therapy. Psychological interventions were more likely to stop NNSH versus no treatment in the short and long term. Appliances were shown to be effective in stopping NNSH and demonstrated favourable effects on occlusion. There was no difference between alternative behavioural techniques. While there is insufficient evidence in support of a single intervention, these techniques demonstrate success when used alone or in combination to promote the cessation of NNSH. Conclusions Creating awareness of the treatment options available for managing NNSH may allow practitioners to work with families to establish early habit intervention, with options individualised to the patient. Further high-quality studies are needed to strengthen the evidence base surrounding techniques available for NNSH cessation in general practice.

ANALYSIS OF NURSING CARE IN PATIENTS WITH SENSORY PERCEPTION DISORDERS THROUGH APPLICATION OF THERAPY THOUGHT STOPPING

Schizophrenia is a serious mental disorder that can affect individual thoughts, feelings and behavior. Schizophrenia is part of a psychotic disorder which is primarily characterized by loss of understanding of reality and loss of self-view. Thought stopping is one of a cognitive behavioral psychotherapy technique that can be used to help clients change their thought processes. Sources of data obtained using primary and secondary data, primary data obtained by means of interviews with respondents, while secondary data related to case studies obtained from medical records.The subjects of this case study were schizophrenic patients with sensory perception disorders at Prof Dr Soerojo Psychiatric Hospital, with the number of case study subjects 3 patients who experience sensory perception disorders. The instrument is a measuring tool to measure what will be measured. The instrument for this case study method uses the PYSRAT (Psychotic Symptom Rating Scale). The nursing actions applied to three schizophrenic clients with sensory perception disorders in this case study focused on the application of thought stopping. The intervention was carried out 3 times with a duration of 10-15 minutes at each visit. Based on the application that has been done on clients, it is known that thought stopping can help reduce signs and symptoms and control sensory perceptual disorders. The results of sensory perception getting better.
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The Impact of a Digital Weight Loss Intervention on Health Care Resource Utilization and Costs Compared Between Users and Nonusers With Overweight and Obesity: Retrospective Analysis Study.

The Noom Weight program is a smartphone-based weight management program that uses cognitive behavioral therapy techniques to motivate users to achieve weight loss through a comprehensive lifestyle intervention. This retrospective database analysis aimed to evaluate the impact of Noom Weight use on health care resource utilization (HRU) and health care costs among individuals with overweight and obesity. Electronic health record data, insurance claims data, and Noom Weight program data were used to conduct the analysis. The study included 43,047 Noom Weight users and 14,555 non-Noom Weight users aged between 18 and 80 years with a BMI of ≥25 kg/m² and residing in the United States. The index date was defined as the first day of a 3-month treatment window during which Noom Weight was used at least once per week on average. Inverse probability treatment weighting was used to balance sociodemographic covariates between the 2 cohorts. HRU and costs for inpatient visits, outpatient visits, telehealth visits, surgeries, and prescriptions were analyzed. Within 12 months after the index date, Noom Weight users had less inpatient costs (mean difference [MD] -US $20.10, 95% CI -US $30.08 to -US $10.12), less outpatient costs (MD -US $124.33, 95% CI -US $159.76 to -US $88.89), less overall prescription costs (MD -US $313.82, 95% CI -US $565.42 to -US $62.21), and less overall health care costs (MD -US $450.39, 95% CI -US $706.28 to -US $194.50) per user than non-Noom Weight users. In terms of HRU, Noom Weight users had fewer inpatient visits (MD -0.03, 95% CI -0.04 to -0.03), fewer outpatient visits (MD -0.78, 95% CI -0.93 to -0.62), fewer surgeries (MD -0.01, 95% CI -0.01 to 0.00), and fewer prescriptions (MD -1.39, 95% CI -1.76 to -1.03) per user than non-Noom Weight users. Among a subset of individuals with 24-month follow-up data, Noom Weight users incurred lower overall prescription costs (MD -US $1139.52, 95% CI -US $1972.21 to -US $306.83) and lower overall health care costs (MD -US $1219.06, 95% CI -US $2061.56 to -US $376.55) per user than non-Noom Weight users. The key differences were associated with reduced prescription use. Noom Weight use is associated with lower HRU and costs than non-Noom Weight use, with potential cost savings of up to US $1219.06 per user at 24 months after the index date. These findings suggest that Noom Weight could be a cost-effective weight management program for individuals with overweight and obesity. This study provides valuable evidence for health care providers and payers in evaluating the potential benefits of digital weight loss interventions such as Noom Weight.

SuperKid makes it easier: Effect of an intervention prepared with cognitive behavioral technique on reducing fear and pain of children during intravenous insertion

PurposeThe aim of this randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of a cognitive-behavioral SuperKid intervention, in reducing fear and pain among children undergoing intravenous insertion in outpatient services. Design and methodsThis study was designed as a randomized controlled trial, with 96 children aged 5–7 years. SuperKid intervention employed cognitive-behavioral techniques, implemented through a set of prepared cards. Fear was assessed using the Child Fear Scale, while pain status was measured using the Wong Baker Face Pain Scale. Scoring was performed by the mother, child, and researcher. Time series tests were conducted using the Wilks Lambda test. ResultsMost children in both the experimental and control groups reported fear regarding hospital procedures, particularly those involving pain and separation from their mothers. However, children in the experimental group who underwent the SuperKid intervention during and after IV insertion procedure experienced significantly less fear and pain than those in the control group. ConclusionsSuperKid intervention was found to be effective in reducing the procedural fear and pain of children undergoing intravenous insertion in outpatient services. The utilization of cognitive-behavioral techniques through a set of prepared cards provides an accessible and engaging means of alleviating negative emotional experiences among children undergoing medical/nursing procedures. Practice implicationsSuperKid intervention can potentially improve children's attitudes toward medical care and make future procedures easier for them. Healthcare providers could consider incorporating cognitive-behavioral interventions, such as the SuperKid intervention, into their clinical practice to reduce the fear and pain experienced by children during medical/nursing procedures.

Age Weakens the Other-Race Effect among Han Subjects in Recognizing Own- and Other-Ethnicity Faces.

The development and change in the other-race effect (ORE) in different age groups have always been a focus of researchers. Previous studies have mainly focused on the influence of maturity of life (from infancy to early adulthood) on the ORE, while few researchers have explored the ORE in older people. Therefore, this study used behavioral and eye movement techniques to explore the influence of age on the ORE and the visual scanning pattern of Han subjects recognizing own- and other-ethnicity faces. All participants were asked to complete a study-recognition task for faces, and the behavioral results showed that the ORE of elderly Han subjects was significantly lower than that of young Han subjects. The results of eye movement showed that there were significant differences in the visual scanning pattern of young subjects in recognizing the faces of individuals of their own ethnicity and other ethnicities, which were mainly reflected in the differences in looking at the nose and mouth, while the differences were reduced in the elderly subjects. The elderly subjects used similar scanning patterns to recognize the own- and other-ethnicity faces. This indicates that as age increases, the ORE of older people in recognizing faces of those from different ethnic groups becomes weaker, and elderly subjects have more similar visual scanning patterns in recognizing faces of their own and other ethnicities.

Toward Artificial Cell-Mediated Tissue Engineering: A New Perspective.

The fast-growing pace of regenerative medicine research has allowed the development of a range of novel approaches to tissue engineering applications. Until recently, the main points of interest in the majority of studies have been to combine different materials to control cellular behavior and use different techniques to optimize tissue formation, from 3-D bioprinting to in situ regeneration. However, with the increase of the understanding of the fundamentals of cellular organization, tissue development, and regeneration, has also come the realization that for the next step in tissue engineering, a higher level of spatiotemporal control on cell-matrix interactions is required. It is proposed that the combination of artificial cell research with tissue engineering could provide a route toward control over complex tissue development. By equipping artificial cells with the underlying mechanisms of cellular functions, such as communication mechanisms, migration behavior, or the coherent behavior of cells depending on the surrounding matrix properties, they can be applied in instructing native cells into desired differentiation behavior at a resolution not to be attained with traditional matrix materials.

Short Research Article: RESEED - the perceived impact of an enhanced usual care model of a novel, teacher-led, task-shifting initiative for child mental health.

Task-shifted, teacher-led care may begin to bridge the child mental health care gap in low- and middle-income countries by improving mental health literacy. We explore the perceived impact of RESEED (Responding to Students' Emotions through Education), an abbreviated version of Tealeaf (Teachers Leading the Frontlines). After classroom implementation of tools from a 3-day training on child mental health and cognitive behavioral techniques in Darjeeling, India, 29 teachers participated in focus group discussions (FGDs). Inductive content analyses of FGDs demonstrated RESEED's acceptability, positive overall impact, and barriers. Stepped levels of teacher-led care may support child mental health in resource-limited settings through mental reframing.

Oral appliance therapy for the management of obstructive sleep apnea in adults: an umbrella review protocol.

The objective of this review is to summarize the evidence on the effectiveness of oral appliance therapy compared with other therapeutic approaches (continuous positive airway pressure, maxillomandibular and upper airway surgeries, behavioral techniques) for the management of obstructive sleep apnea in adults. For primary snoring, mild to moderate obstructive sleep apnea, and patients with a severe condition who are intolerant of continuous positive airway pressure therapy, an oral appliance is the treatment of choice among conservative procedures. The effectiveness of these appliances is largely determined by a variety of parameters, including the severity of sleep apnea (mild, moderate, severe), materials and methods used to fabricate the appliance, and the degree of mandibular protrusion. Thus, it is important to evaluate the effectiveness of oral appliances in the reduction of sleep apnea. This review will include systematic reviews of quantitative studies reporting on the effectiveness of oral appliances for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea of any severity, confirmed using polysomnography. The primary outcome will be measured by reduction in the apnea-hypopnea index. A search will be conducted of MEDLINE, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL, Epistemonikos, Embase, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, and Shodhganga Dissertations and Theses from database inception until the present, with no language restrictions. Google Scholar will be searched manually. Two independent reviewers will screen titles, abstracts, and full-text articles and perform data extraction. Quality assessment will be conducted using the standard JBI critical appraisal tool. Data will be extracted from systematic reviews and a synthesis of the findings will be presented. The certainty will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE). PROSPERO CRD42021258515.

Real-time monitoring of the thermooxidative degradation behavior of poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) using isothermal in-situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy combined with principal component analysis

Real-time monitoring of the thermooxidative degradation behavior of poly(acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene) (ABS) was enabled by isothermal in-situ Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) measurements combined with principal component analysis (PCA). By applying PCA to the complex time-dependent spectral data obtained during the aging process of ABS, containing multiple components, crucial information to draw meaningful conclusions was effectively extracted. The in-situ characterization unveiled the aging behavior of ABS at 120, 150, and 180 °C under air, which involved oxidation, chain scission, and volatilization of polybutadiene, in addition to consumption of the brominated flame retardant. The aging behavior varied notably depending on the aging temperature. No variations in the spectral intensities derived from styrene and acrylonitrile reveal that these compounds were roughly constant under the aging conditions. This newly developed technique for probing polymer aging behavior can provide a better understanding of the thermooxidative degradation mechanisms of polymers.

Reducing Vocal Fatigue While Preserving Realism During Video Game Voice-Overs Using the Vocal Combat Technique: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Vocal Combat Technique (VCT) teaches indirect and direct behavioral voice techniques to voice-over artists performing in violent video games. Although previous work on VCT has shown promise for mitigating dysphonia symptoms, a randomized clinical trial has yet to be undertaken. Therefore, we completed a randomized, controlled trial between a group of experienced video game voice-over actors receiving VCT and a control group comparison. A total of 24 video game voice-over actors completed this study. Participants were randomly assigned to receive VCT or indirect vocal hygiene training prior to completing an intensive 1-hour video game voice recording session. The primary outcome was a change in Voice Handicap Index-10 (VHI-10) preperformance/postperformance. Secondary measures included a modified version of the Evaluation of the Ability to Sing Easily (m-EASE), the Vocal Tract Discomfort Scale (VTDS), and questions regarding return to work. Participants were also rated on the realism of their vocal performance by a blinded video game director. The VCT group showed a significantly smaller change in VHI-10 and m-EASE scores postperformance, and a higher increased likelihood to return to work compared to the control group. There were no group differences for VTDS or realism ratings. Four participants from the control group exhibited outlier behavior with more pronounced phonotraumatic symptoms following performance than all other participants. VCT shows evidence of mitigating symptoms of dysphonia while preserving the realism of the vocal performance. More work is needed to understand performers at risk for more severe vocal symptoms following extreme voice-over work, so as to target them for preventative techniques and voice preservation.

Effect of a conventional and modified-cognitive behavioural counselling techniques on aggressive behaviour among pupils of Almajiri Integrated Schools in Gombe Metropolis

Effect of a conventional and modified-cognitive behavioural counselling techniques on aggressive behaviour among pupils of Almajiri Integrated Schools in Gombe Metropolis

Effects of an internet-delivered behavioral activation program on improving work engagement among Japanese workers: A pre-and post-test study.

To examine the effect of a newly developed internet-delivered behavioral activation (iBA) program on work engagement and well-being among Japanese workers with elevated psychological distress. Participants were recruited via an internet survey company (N = 3299). The eligibility criteria were: 1) Japanese employees aged 20-59 years old, 2) having psychological distress, and 3) not self-employed. This iBA program was a 3-week web-based training course using behavioral activation techniques. Work engagement, psychological distress and eudemonic well-being at work were measured at baseline and post-intervention period. A paired sample t-test was conducted to assess the intervention effect. Of the 568 eligible participants, 120 were randomly selected. A total of 108 participants completed the baseline survey and received the iBA program. Eighty respondents completed the post-intervention survey and were included in analyses. The iBA program did not show a significant intervention effect on work engagement (p = 0.22, Cohen's d = 0.14), while psychological distress (p < 0.01, d = -0.40) and role-oriented future prospects (p = 0.02, Cohen's d = 0.27) were significantly improved. The effect of the iBA program on work engagement may be limited.

Behavioural Biases in Equity, Futures, and Options Trading: Implications for Market Efficiency

This research paper presents a comprehensive analysis of behavioural biases among traders operating in the equity, futures, and options segments of financial markets. The study aims to understand the psychological factors influencing trading decisions, risk perception, and trading strategies. By exploring the impact of behavioural biases on market efficiency and stability, this research contributes to the growing field of behavioural finance. Using a mixed-method approach, the study collected data through surveys, interviews, and behavioural experiments from a diverse group of traders, including retail investors and institutional participants. The analysis focused on identifying common behavioural biases such as overconfidence, loss aversion, herding behaviour, anchoring, and the disposition effect. The findings reveal that behavioural biases are prevalent among traders in all three segments. Overconfidence leads to excessive trading and underestimation of risks, while loss aversion influences risk aversion and reluctance to exit losing positions. Herding behaviour results in the formation of market bubbles and crashes, and anchoring affects traders' reliance on past information to make decisions. The disposition effect influences traders to hold onto losing positions longer than profitable ones. The study also highlights the impact of behavioural biases on trading strategies and risk management practices. Traders tend to exhibit risk-seeking behaviour during periods of market euphoria and become risk-averse during times of uncertainty and volatility. Moreover, behavioural biases can lead to suboptimal portfolio allocation and performance outcomes. The implications of these findings for market efficiency and stability are significant. Behavioural biases can contribute to market inefficiencies, distorted price patterns, and increased market volatility. As a result, market participants and regulators must address these biases to foster more informed decision-making and improve market outcomes. To mitigate the impact of behavioural biases, the study recommends trader education programs focusing on behavioural finance principles and risk management techniques. Additionally, market regulators should implement measures to promote transparency and discourage excessive speculative trading. In conclusion, this research underscores the importance of understanding behavioural biases in equity, futures, and options trading. By shedding light on the psychological drivers of trading behaviour, this study provides valuable insights for traders, financial institutions, and policymakers to enhance market efficiency and stability in the face of behavioural challenges.

The Use of Noncommercial Parent-Focused mHealth Interventions for Behavioral Problems in Youth: Systematic Review.

The rates of substance use among adolescents are alarmingly high, and current treatment options lack integration of parent-focused interventions, despite evidence that effective parenting practices can mediate treatment outcomes for adolescents involved in substance use. Accessibility and other barriers to parental interventions may be mitigated through mobile health (mHealth); however, few mHealth platforms target substance use behaviors for adolescents through the implementation of behavioral parent training strategies. This study seeks to review current mHealth platforms within empirical literature that are designed to increase effective parenting through behavioral parent training techniques. Because of the paucity of mHealth modalities that use parenting strategies to target substance use in adolescents, the objective was expanded to include mHealth platforms addressing behavior problems among youth, given that parent-targeted treatments for these clinical presentations overlap with those for adolescent substance use. Overall, the systematic review was conducted to inform the development of mHealth apps for parents of youth involved in substance use, improve accessibility, and better align with parental needs. This systematic review was conducted using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) method to select relevant articles across several databases. Each study was assessed for relevance and inclusion. Each study was reviewed for demographics, delivery medium, intervention status as stand-alone treatment or as an enhancement to treatment, mobile device used, mental health condition targeted, intervention type, underlying intervention theory, behavior change theory applied in design, behavior change techniques, parent training techniques, youth outcomes, parent outcomes, visual design, content, and features. Overall, 11 studies were included. Nearly all studies (9/11, 82%) predominantly sampled female caregivers. Most of the studies (6/11, 55%) integrated social learning theory. Only a few of the studies (2/11, 18%) discussed the embedded behavior change theories, whereas all the studies (11/11, 100%) used at least one behavior change technique to encourage change in parental behaviors. Many of the studies (7/11, 64%) tailored design features to the end user. Of the various behavioral parent training techniques, nearly all studies (10/11, 91%) included the skill of strengthening the parent-child relationship. A preliminary evaluation of treatment outcomes suggests a positive impact of parent-targeted mHealth interventions. When reported, the effect sizes for treatment ranged from Cohen d=0.38 to Cohen d=1.58 for youth and from Cohen d=0.13 to Cohen d=2.59 for parents. Although features and techniques were referenced, only a few of the studies provided specific information related to behavior change theory (2/11, 18%), visual design (2/11, 18%), and the translation of parent-targeted interventions to mHealth platforms. Such information would be useful for the development of mHealth apps. Preliminary outcomes for youth and parents are encouraging, but future studies should consider conducting a meta-analysis as the body of studies grows to determine aggregate statistical findings.

Behavioral Skill Training sebagai Solusi dari Adiksi Gadget pada Anak

Gadget addiction causes children to be less physically active and less skilled in interacting socially. To overcome the impact of this training, this research provides a solution in the form of a behavioral skill technique in the psychology of behaviorism called Behavioral Skill Training (BST). This study uses the method of literature study. The findings in this paper show that BST is effective in dealing with gadget addiction in children based on techniques in BST which include Instruction, Modeling, Rehearsal, and Feedback steps. The BST program can help develop social, emotional, interpersonal, and problem solving skills in children so that they can reduce the level of gadget addiction and improve the quality of life for children as a whole. Support from parents and schools, as well as regular and systematic evaluations need to be considered in the implementation of the BST program.