Children's Behavior Research Articles

Association between sleep disturbances and challenging behavior in children and adolescents with Angelman syndrome

Angelman Syndrome (AS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with severe symptoms and associated comorbidities. It is caused by the inactivity or lack of the UBE3a gene. Symptoms of the syndrome include intellectual disability and developmental delay.The current study investigated sleep disturbances (SD) in children and adolescents with AS, associations between SD and possible predictors of SD. Variables examined included age, gender, newborn and infancy history, challenging behavior, type of therapy received, genetic type of AS, and seizures. The sample included data from 109 participants with a mean age of 8.21, accessed via the Global Angelman Syndrome Registry. Chi-square tests were carried out to assess the associations between the variables and a logistical regression was carried out to assess the possible predictors of SD. Associations were found between SD and certain repetitive behaviors: slapping walls, focal hand movements, and agitation at new situations. From these associations, a regression formed a predictive model for sleep disturbances. The findings of this research demonstrated the importance of investigating the relationship between sleep disturbances and challenging behavior in children and adolescents with AS and the need for further research in this area.

Trajectories of childhood bullying behaviors and conduct problems: Associations with cognitive functioning in a nationally representative cohort study.

Bullying behaviors and conduct problems are two forms of antisocial behavior that frequently co-occur in childhood. However, it remains unclear whether their developmental trajectories are distinct and the extent to which different aspects of cognitive functioning account for their development. We aimed to disentangle the developmental trajectories of bullying behaviors and conduct problems, test their interrelations across childhood, and assess associations with children's early cognitive functioning (executive functions, intelligent quotient [IQ], and theory of mind). Participants included 2,232 children from the Environmental Risk (E-Risk) Longitudinal Twin Study. We performed dual group-based trajectory modeling on combined parent and teacher reports of children's bullying behaviors and conduct problems at 5, 7, 10, and 12 years. We assessed associations with age 5 cognitive functioning using regression analyses. We identified five developmental trajectories for bullying behaviors and four for conduct problems. The developmental course of both behaviors was interrelated most strongly among those with high levels. A subgroup of children was likely to transition from conduct problems to bullying behaviors as they got older. Lower IQ was associated with both antisocial behavior trajectories, whereas lower theory of mind was only associated with conduct problems trajectories. The developmental course of bullying behaviors and conduct problems is distinct but linked across childhood. Interventions targeting bullying behaviors or conduct problems could benefit from more integration and should take into account children's cognitive functioning. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Functional Analysis and Treatment of Repetitive Verbal Behavior in Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Functional Analysis and Treatment of Repetitive Verbal Behavior in Children Diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder

Associations between abnormal sleep behavior and indoor environmental risk factors among children with a chronic cough in Wuxi, China: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundIndoor environmental factors, such as pet ownership, presence of cockroaches, mattress quality, fuel usage (gas or electricity), use of biomass for cooking and heating, exposure to tobacco smoke or household molds can significantly affect the sleep quality of children with chronic cough. However, data regarding the effects of indoor environmental conditions on sleep in this population are limited. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of abnormal sleep behaviors and to establish associations between indoor environmental factors and sleep behaviors among children with chronic cough in Wuxi, China.MethodsA cross-sectional design was employed in this study, involving children aged 3–18 years. Data on sociodemographic factors, allergies, home environmental exposures, and sleep characteristics of the participants were collected using paper-based questionnaires. The association between indoor environmental factors and sleep behaviors in children with chronic cough was analyzed using logistic regression models.ResultsThe findings demonstrated that the prevalence of chronic cough among children in Wuxi was 15.50%. The chronic cough group exhibited a significantly higher incidence of eczema, wheezing, rhinitis, food allergy, and nasosinusitis than the non-chronic cough group. In addition, children with chronic cough also tended to have a family history of sleep disorders and adenoid hypertrophy (P < 0.01). After adjusting for confounding factors, a significant association was observed between bruxism (teeth grinding) and chronic cough (sometimes: odds ratio [OR] = 1.04; confidence interval [CI] = 1.01–1.08; always: OR = 1.11; CI = 1.04–1.19; P < 0.01). Among children with chronic cough, recent home decoration was associated with sleepwalking (OR = 1.04; CI = 1.00–1.07; P < 0.05), mold exposure was associated with bruxism (OR = 1.15; CI = 1.0–1.31; P < 0.05), and carpet use at home was associated with apnea (OR = 1.09; CI = 1.02–1.17; P < 0.05), twitching during sleep (OR = 1.13; CI = 1.00–1.27; P < 0.01) and morning headache (OR = 1.14; CI = 1.05–1.23; P < 0.01).ConclusionChildren with chronic cough are more prone to some abnormal sleep behaviors than children without chronic cough. Household decoration within a year, household mold exposure, and carpet use were all significantly positively associated with abnormal sleep behaviors in children with chronic cough. Our study provides novel insights into the impact of the indoor environment on children’s sleep and the occurrence of chronic cough, offering guidance for tailored health promotion programs for families.

Protocol for a randomized controlled trial of an internet-based prevention intervention for young children at-risk for functional abdominal pain

BackgroundChronic pain often clusters in families, where parents and their offspring both experience chronic pain conditions. Young children of parents with irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) represent an at-risk group for the development of abdominal pain, disability, and excess health care visits in later childhood. Parental solicitous responses to children’s expressions of discomfort and maternal modeling of their own illness behavior contribute to a greater focus on somatic sensations, leading to illness behaviors in children. This randomized controlled trial will test the effectiveness of an early preventive web-based psychosocial intervention (REACH)[TM] vs. an educational web-based safety comparison condition delivered to parents with IBS to alter parental responses and lead to improved child health and decreased health care costs.MethodsParents with IBS who have children ages 4–7 years are recruited via community-based approaches (e.g., social media advertisements, school electronic distribution, research networks) and health care providers. The target sample is 460 parents randomized to REACH, a web-based social learning and cognitive behavior therapy (SLCBT) intervention or an educational web-based safety comparison condition (EC). Participants will be assessed at baseline, 6-week (immediate post-intervention), 6-month, 12-month, and 18-month follow-up periods (months post-completion of intervention). The primary outcome is change in parental solicitous/protective behaviors. Secondary outcomes include parent risk and protective factors, child health and symptom outcomes, and health care utilization and cost savings.DiscussionThis study adapts a validated, parent-delivered intervention to treat chronic pain in children to a web-based application designed to prevent the development of chronic pain in very young, high-risk children. If successful, this strategy can both prevent adverse sequelae of this condition from developing as well as be widely accessible. Furthermore, the availability of a prevention model for parent training could result in significant short- and long-term health benefits across a broad spectrum of conditions.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT05730491. Registered on February 15, 2023.

Sleep, cognitive functions, behavioral, and emotional disturbance in self-limited focal childhood epilepsies

BackgroundSelf-limited focal epilepsies of childhood, including self-limited epilepsy with centrotemporal spikes (SeLECTS), idiopathic childhood occipital epilepsy of Gastaut (ICOE-G), and self-limited epilepsy with autonomic seizures (SeLEAS), were considered benign conditions. However, recent research assumed potential adverse impacts on sleep, cognition, behavior, and emotional well-being. Our aim was to investigate the effects of self-limited focal epilepsies on sleep architecture, cognitive functions, behavior, and emotional disturbances in drug naive children. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 46 newly diagnosed children (ages 6–12) with SeLECTS (n = 22), ICOE-G (n = 12), SeLEAS (n = 12), and 20 healthy controls. Overnight polysomnography was performed. Cognitive assessments included intelligence scales, executive function tests, verbal fluency, visuospatial abilities, and memory. Behavioral and emotional problems were evaluated using standardized questionnaires and psychiatric interviews.ResultsChildren with epilepsy exhibited significant disturbances in sleep architecture, impairments in cognitive domains (executive functions, verbal fluency, visuospatial skills, and memory), and higher rates of internalizing/externalizing problems, social issues, attention deficit hyperactive disorder, depression, and anxiety compared to controls. No significant differences were found among the three epilepsy subtypes.ConclusionSelf-limited focal epilepsies in childhood are associated with sleep disruption, cognitive deficits, behavioral issues, and psychiatric comorbidities, challenging their traditional "benign" perception. Comprehensive management approaches addressing these multidimensional impacts are warranted.

The Effect of Online Training of Competitive Domino and Cup Stacking Games on Mindfulness, Emotion Regulation and Executive Functions of Children

Background: Children's behavior inside the home indicates that playing digital games and engaging in social networks are more prevalent than studying and physical activity. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effect of online training of dominoes and cup stacking games on the metacognitive processes of children. Methods: Fifty-four fifth and sixth grade students were equally assigned into three groups of cup stacking, domino, and control. Twelve training sessions, 2 sessions per week for 45 minutes, were held online in the experimental groups. The participants filled in the Adolescent and Adult Mindfulness Scale (AAMS), Emotion Regulation for Children and Adolescent (ERQ-CA), and Children's Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function Questionnaire (BRIEF) before and after the training protocol. Results: MANCOVA showed that there was no significant difference between the cup stacking and domino groups in mindfulness. Cup stacking group on reappraisal strategy (emotion regulation), and dominoes on attention transfer, emotion control, and strategic planning (executive function) was significantly higher than other. The dominoes game, compared to the control group, had a significant impact on attention, non-judgment (mindfulness), reappraisal (emotion regulation), attention transfer, emotion control, and strategic planning (executive function). The cup stacking game, compared to the control group, had a significant effect on attention, and reappraisal. Conclusions: The findings emphasized the importance of the positive effect of online education, dominoes, and cup stacking games on certain metacognitive processes of children.

Sosialisasi Story Telling dan Media Poster untuk Menumbuhkan Minat Baca pada Anak Usia Dini di Desa Tanjung Dalam

The community service program in the form of education which is carried out on the basis of the collaboration of students from the Raden Fatah State Islamic University Palembang Real Work Study Program with Tanjung Dalam Village, Rambang District, Muara Enim Regency, South Sumatra Province provides teaching related to the introduction of storytelling as a means of fostering interest in reading in young children early through the media posters. The formation of children's behavior must at least form habits from an early age. This is important because early age is the initial stage of human life. Posters as learning can function to attract children's interest in the message to be conveyed, seek support for an event or idea, and make children interested in the information displayed and carry out the messages displayed on the poster. Research methods carried out by the author in implementing this KKN is with a qualitative research approach which is a method that is more often done when going directly to the field. Through this activity it is hoped that children will know and learn about storytelling and will be interested in reading books and other reading materials whose stories have been conveyed in storytelling or storytelling activities. Thus, the public's interest in reading, especially early childhood, will increase.

Using Technologies to Promote Adaptive Responding and Reduce Challenging Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Selective Review

Using Technologies to Promote Adaptive Responding and Reduce Challenging Behaviors in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder: A Selective Review

Effects of the Parental Stepping Stone Triple P Program on Parental Mental Health and Disruptive Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Effects of the Parental Stepping Stone Triple P Program on Parental Mental Health and Disruptive Behavior in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Auditory Behavior in children with prenatal exposure to arsenic, from a cohort study in the city of Rio de Janeiro

Auditory Behavior in children with prenatal exposure to arsenic, from a cohort study in the city of Rio de Janeiro

Associations of sugar-related food parenting practices and parental feeding styles with prospective dietary behavior of children and adolescents: a systematic review of the literature from 2017 to 2023.

High consumption of sugar-rich foods and beverages has been associated with increased overweight and obesity in children and adolescents. Dietary behavior is influenced by learned mechanisms that originate in childhood and is associated with food parenting practices (FPP) and parental feeding styles (PFS). This systematic review aimed to narratively synthesize FPP and PFS concerning sugar-rich foods and beverages and their associations with the prospective dietary behavior of children and adolescents to derive evidence-based recommendations for health professionals and parents to promote healthy behaviors. A systematic literature search was conducted using PubMed and Web of Science databases covering the publication years 2017-2023. The results were narratively synthesized, and exposure-outcome matrices were used for visual representation. The review included 15 peer-reviewed studies from different geographical regions that investigated FPP or PFS regarding the handling of sugar-rich foods and beverages in children's diets and reported the associations with the prospective dietary behavior of children and adolescents. The findings indicate that highly controlling parental practices were associated with the development of unhealthy eating behaviors and preferences for sugar-rich foods and beverages over time. Conversely, parental practices that emphasized structure and balance in dietary choices yielded more positive long-term outcomes, associated with reduced preferences for sugar-rich foods and drinks. The results underscore the significance of fostering a healthy home environment and active parental role modeling in promoting healthier dietary behaviors among children and adolescents.

Cannabidiol for treatment of Irritability and Aggressive Behavior in Children and Adolescents with ASD: Background and Methods of the CAnnabidiol Study in Children with Autism Spectrum DisordEr (CASCADE) Study.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder commonly associated with behavioral challenges. There are few evidence based pharmacological interventions available for the treatment of behavioral symptoms associated with ASD. Cannabidiol (CBD), the non-psychoactive component of cannabis, has potential neuroprotective, antiepileptic, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic effects and may be useful in treating the behavioral symptoms of ASD. We describe the research methods of a 27-week double-blind placebo-controlled cross-over trial of cannabidiol for the treatment of irritability and aggression associated with ASD, utilizing the irritability subscale of the Aberrant Behavior Checklist-2nd edition (ABC-2) as the primary outcome measure. Adverse effects and safety monitoring protocols are included. Several secondary and exploratory outcomes measures also include anxiety, communication, repetitive behaviors, attention, hyperactivity, autism family experience, and telehealth functional behavior assessment. There is a significant need for clinical research exploring alternative medications for the treatment of behavioral symptoms of ASD. Cannabidiol (CBD) is being studied for the management of irritability, aggression, and other problem behaviors associated with ASD.

Advances in the Study of Psychological Stress and Eating Behavior in Children and Adolescents

With the rapid development and change in society, children and adolescents are facing more and more psychological pressure, which comes not only from academic performance and interpersonal relationships but also from family environment, social expectations and other aspects. Psychological stress not only affects the mental health of children and adolescents but is also closely related to their eating behavior. Therefore, exploring the relationship between psychological stress and eating behaviors is of great significance in promoting the physical and mental health development of children and adolescents. Based on this, the study reviewed the research progress on the relationship between psychological stress and eating behavior of children and adolescents in recent years. The relationships between psychological stress and general eating behaviors, abnormal eating behaviors and eating disorders were successively reviewed, and the related physiological mechanisms were explored with a view to providing a scientific basis for mental health education and eating behavior intervention for children and adolescents.

Analisis Dampak Dari Penggunaan Gawai Pada Anak Usia Dini Di Sekitar Rumah

ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) refers to the broad category of technological tools used to process and communicate information. Gawais are one part of ICT that plays a crucial role in early childhood development. Advancements in media and technology present challenges to children's growth. This study uses qualitative methods with data collection technique to process it as research material. This data is sourced from several relevant journals, then selected, processed, presented, discussed, and finally complied into a single conclusion. There are various negative impacts that can affect children's health, development, safety, behavior, concentration, and brain function. Early childhood education aims to stimulate all aspects of a child's development by providing enjoyable play activities that support the integration of their abilities optimally. Language development in early childhood plays a central role in their lives. However, the use of Gawais can influence children's language skills, sosial interaction, health, information acquisition, and knowledge. These skills typically develop through a series of stages including habituation, listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Parents play a crucial role in monitoring, controlling, and observing children's activities to ensure their optimal growth.

What Are the Challenges of Mothers with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Children in Hebron District: Cross-Sectional Study

Aim: To identify the most frequent challenges of mothers raising ADHD children. Background: Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is a neurobehavioral childhood disorder. The impulsivity and inattention by the child make parenting challenging. Methods: A cross-sectional study with67 mothers of ADHD children recruited from ADHD child management center, filled out the Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), simple linear regression analysis was used to find an association between total burden score and variables (p&lt;0.05) Results: 70% of mothers had a high Burden of care,24% with a moderate burden of care, and 6% with a low burden. Feelings of loss of control and insufficient time for self were the most significant correlated variables to the high burden of care (p&lt;0.05), deterioration of the mother's health and social life, stigma, mistrust about proper treatment, and lack of school cooperation Conclusions: Mothers of ADHD children face difficulties and challenges in raising ADHD children, high level of burden among mothers correlated to psychological and social difficulties. Relevance to clinical practice: Positive parenting programs are recommended for parents with ADHD children to empower them in the management of their ADHD children's behavior to gain a better quality of life for ADHD children and their caregivers.

Early-Childhood Tablet Use and Outbursts of Anger

Tablet use continues to increase in preschool-aged children. The use of mobile devices has been linked to child emotional dysregulation. However, few studies have been able to show a clear direction of association between child tablet use and the development of self-regulation skills. In addition, few studies have modeled within-person associations over time. To estimate how child tablet use contributes to expressions of anger and frustration across the ages of 3.5 to 5.5 years at the within-person level. The study team also examined the extent to which associations are bidirectional to clarify the direction of the correlations. This prospective, community-based convenience sample of 315 parents of preschool-aged children from Nova Scotia, Canada, was studied repeatedly at the ages of 3.5 (2020), 4.5 (2021), and 5.5 years (2022) during the COVID-19 pandemic. All analyses were conducted between October 5, 2023, and December 15, 2023. Parent-reported tablet use at the ages of 3.5, 4.5, and 5.5 years. Parents reported child expressions of anger/frustration at the ages of 3.5, 4.5, and 5.5 years using the Children's Behavior Questionnaire. The sample was equally distributed across child sex (171 were identified by parents as being born boys [54%] and 144 as girls [46%]). Most reported being Canadian (287 [91.0%]) and married (258 [82.0%]). A random-intercept cross-lagged panel model revealed that a 1-SD increase in tablet use at 3.5 years (corresponding to 1.22 hours per day) was associated with a 22% SD scale increase in anger/frustration at age 4.5 years (standardized coefficient = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.01-0.44). A 1 SD scale increase in anger and frustration at 4.5 years was associated with a 22% SD (corresponding to 0.28 hours per day) increase in tablet use at 5.5 years (standardized coefficient = 0.22; 95% CI, 0.01-0.43). In this study, child tablet use at age 3.5 years was associated with more expressions of anger and frustration by the age of 4.5 years. Child proneness to anger/frustration at age 4.5 years was then associated with more use of tablets by age 5.5 years. These results suggest that early-childhood tablet use may contribute to a cycle that is deleterious for emotional regulation.

Eating Behaviors in Children in out of Home Care: A Scoping Review

Food shortages have been described as features of child neglect and consequential problematic eating behavior in children in out of home care has been reported in some countries. Other predictors of eating difficulties such as trauma and absence of routine are also high in this cohort. Research in this area is in its infancy and etiological understanding is limited. This scoping review sought to: (1) describe the patterns of eating behavior demonstrated by children in out of home care, (2) summarize the evidence base for any mechanisms behind these patterns and (3) synthesize existing information about appropriate interventions and lines of enquiry for these. Systematic searches were conducted, resulting in 16 studies eligible for inclusion. Patterns and inconsistencies are described; children in out of home care are particularly vulnerable to aberrant eating patterns and future lines of enquiry should consider mechanisms and potential intervention.

Childhood Gender Diversity and Mental Health: Protocol for the Longitudinal, Observational Gender Journey Project.

Prepubertal transgender, nonbinary, and gender-diverse (TGD) children (ie, those asserting gender identity, expressing gender-role behavior outside of culturally defined norms for their sex registered at birth, or both) are presenting in greater numbers to pediatric gender clinics across the United States and abroad. A large subset of TGD children experiences gender dysphoria, that is, distress that arises from the incongruence between gender identity and sex registered at birth. A lack of consensus exists regarding care for prepubertal TGD children due, in part, to a dearth of empirical research on longitudinal developmental trajectories of gender identity, role behavior, and gender dysphoria (when present). The objective of this National Institutes of Health-funded study is to provide evidence to inform clinical care for prepubertal TGD children by establishing a US longitudinal cohort (N=248) of prepubertal TGD children and their caregivers that is followed prospectively at 6-month intervals across 18 months. At each timepoint, clinical and behavioral data are collected via web-based visit from child and caregiver reporters. Latent class analysis, among other methods, is used to identify subgroups and longitudinally characterize the gender identity and gender-role behavior of TGD children. These models will define longitudinal patterns of gender identity stability and characterize the relationship between TGD classes and mental and behavioral health outcomes, including the moderating role of social gender transition (when present), on these associations. Baseline data collection (N=248) is complete, and the identification of TGD subgroups based on gender identity and expression using latent class analysis is anticipated in 2024. The completion of all 4 waves of data collection is anticipated in July 2024, coinciding with the start of a no-cost study extension period. We anticipate longitudinal analyses to be completed by winter 2024. Through a longitudinal observational design, this research involving prepubertal TGD children and their caregivers aims to provide empirical knowledge on gender development in a US sample of TGD children, their mental health symptomology and functioning over time, and how family initiated social gender transition may predict or alleviate mental health symptoms or diagnoses. The research findings have promise for clinicians and families aiming to ensure the best developmental outcome for these children as they develop into adolescents. DERR1-10.2196/55558.

The Analysis of children's sports behavior analysis and health management system based on deep learning

The Analysis of children's sports behavior analysis and health management system based on deep learning