Adult Behavior Research Articles

Challenges in determining the global burden of non-malignant central nervous system tumors: an analysis of international incidence and mortality data sources.

Non-malignant tumors of the CNS contribute substantially to the morbidity and mortality from CNS tumors. It is critical to understand the epidemiology of non-malignant CNS tumors separately from CNS malignancies to inform resource allocation and policy since treatment and prognosis can differ. High quality international data on non-malignant CNS tumor burden are needed to accomplish this goal. We assessed cancer registry and vital registration data available to the Global Burden of Disease study by its inclusion of non-malignant CNS tumors, reporting on the availability of data over time and by World Bank income group. We analyzed preliminary age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs), age-standardized mortality rates (ASMRs), and proportions of CNS tumors by behavior for adults, children, and all ages. Non-malignant CNS tumors were reported separately in 17·2% (N=66) of registry reports and in aggregate with malignant CNS tumors in 18·0% (N=69) of reports. Only seven low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) had data reporting CNS tumors separately by behavior. Across all ages combined, the median ASIR of non-malignant CNS tumor data was 0·31 (interquartile range: 0·15-0·50) and ASMR was 0·24 (0·10-0·44) per 100,000 in LMICs compared to median ASIR of 3·62 (2·62-4·97) and ASMR of 0·32 (0·16-0·65) in high-income countries (HICs). A larger proportion of incident CNS tumors across were reported as non-malignant in HIC data than LMIC data (p<0.0001). Our study alludes to current challenges in understanding global non-malignant CNS tumor burden and a need for increased international data collection. Further research is needed to comprehensively investigate opportunities for future data inclusion.

Differential effects of chronic unpredictable stress on behavioral and molecular (cortisol and microglia-related neurotranscriptomic) responses in adult leopard (leo) zebrafish.

Stress plays a key role in mental, neurological, endocrine, and immune disorders. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) is rapidly gaining popularity as s model organismin stress physiology and neuroscience research. Although the leopard (leo) fish are a common outbred zebrafish strain, their behavioral phenotypes and stress responses remain poorly characterized. Here, we examined the effects of a 5-week chronic unpredictable stress (CUS) exposureon adult leo zebrafish behavior, cortisol levels, and brain gene expression. Compared to their unstressed control leo counterparts, CUS-exposed fish showed paradoxically lower anxiety-like, but higher whole-body cortisol levels and altered expression of multiple pro- and anti-inflammatory brain genes. Taken together, these findings suggest that behavioral and physiological (endocrine and genomic) responses to CUS dodiffer across zebrafish strains. These findings add further complexity to systemic effects of chronic stress in vivo and also underscore the importance of considering the genetic background of zebrafish in stress research.

Valproate-Induced Model of Autism in Adult Zebrafish: A Systematic Review

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in social skills and the presence of repetitive and restricted behaviors and interests. The social behavior of the zebrafish (Danio rerio) makes this organism a valuable tool for modeling ASD in order to explore the social impairment typical of this disorder. In addition to transgenic models, exposure of zebrafish embryos to valproic acid (VPA) has been found to produce ASD-like symptoms. This review first sets out to examine the existing literature on adult social behavior in the zebrafish VPA-induced model of autism, and the authors also aim to identify the ideal VPA dosage able to induce a persistent and long-lasting ASD-like phenotype while minimizing the suffering and distress of research animals in compliance with the principles of replacement, refinement, and reduction (3Rs).

Real-time evaluation of an automated computer vision system to monitor pain behavior in older adults.

Regular use of standardized observational tools to assess nonverbal pain behaviors results in improved pain care for older adults with severe dementia. While frequent monitoring of pain behaviors in long-term care (LTC) is constrained by resource limitations, computer vision technology has the potential to mitigate these challenges. A computerized algorithm designed to assess pain behavior in older adults with and without dementia was recently developed and validated using video recordings. This study was the first live, real-time evaluation of the algorithm incorporated in an automated system with community-dwelling older adults in a laboratory. Three safely-administered thermal pain tasks were completed while the system automatically processed facial activity. Receiver Operating Characteristic curves were used to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the system in identifying facial pain expressions using gold standard manual coding. The relationship between scoring methods was analyzed and gender differences were explored. Results supported the potential viability of the system for use with older adults. System performance improved when more intense facial pain expressiveness was considered. While average pain scores remained homogenous between genders, system performance was better for women. Findings will be used to further refine the system prior to future field testing in LTC.

THE IMPACT OF ROMANTIC LOVE MYTHS ON CYBER DATING VIOLENCE VICTIMIZATION AMONG EMERGING ADULTS IN RELATIONSHIPS

The development of social frameworks related to romantic love myths raises concerns about the acceptance of violence in relationships. This study aims to examine the influence of romantic love myths on cyber dating violence among early adults in relationships. A quantitative method was employed with a sample of 600 early adult participants, selected through purposive sampling based on the criteria of being 18–25 years old and having been or currently being in a relationship. The study used the Spearman’s rho rank test, which found that romantic love myths affect cyber dating violence in the control/monitoring dimension, with an R Square of 0.065 (6.5%) and a significance level of 0.000 (p &lt; 0.05). These results quantitatively indicate that romantic love myths can increase cyber dating violence related to control/monitoring behaviors in early adults who are in relationships

Maternal diet and vulnerability to cognitive impairment in adulthood: possible link with Alzheimer's disease?

Aging is the main risk factor for developing cognitive impairments and associated neurodegenerative diseases. However environmental factors, including nutritional health, are likely to promote or reduce cognitive impairments and neurodegenerative pathologies. An intricate relationship exists between maternal nutrition; and adult eating behavior, metabolic phenotype and cognitive abilities. The objective of the present review was to collect available data suggesting a link between maternal overnutrition and latter impairment of cognitive functions in the progeny, and to related this relationship with Alzheimer's disease (AD). Indeed, cognitive impairments are major behavioral signs of AD. We first reviewed studies showing an association between unbalanced maternal diet and cognitive impairments in the progeny in humans and rodent models. Then we looked for cellular and molecular hallmarks which could constitute a breeding ground for AD in those models. With this end, we focused on synaptic dysfunction, altered neurogenesis, neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, and pathological protein aggregation. Finally, we proposed an indirect mechanism linking maternal unbalanced diet and progeny's vulnerability to cognitive impairments and neurodegeneration through promoting metabolic diseases. We also discussed the involvement of progeny's gut microbiota in the maternal diet-induced vulnerability to metabolic and neurodegenerative diseases. Further investigations are needed to fully decipher how maternal diet programs the fetus and infant brain. Addressing this knowledge gap would pave the way to precise nutrition and personalized medicine to better handle cognitive impairments in adulthood.

PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OFAEDES AEGYPTIIN TAIF AND JEDDAH GOVERNORATES, SAUDI ARABIA.

With their diverse species, mosquitoes are known to transmit the causal agents of diseases such as malaria, dengue, and yellow fever. Their high adaptability, attraction to humans, and variable adult behaviors make them a significant health concern. The focus on Aedes aegypti is significant for reducing vector-human contacts, monitoring insecticide resistance, and developing innovative vector management strategies. Given the scarcity of studies on Ae. aegypti in the western region of Saudi Arabia, this research is a significant step forward. The study aims to analyze the genetic variations and conduct a phylogenetic study of forty Ae. aegypti samples collected from Taif and Jeddah governorates of Saudi Arabia. The mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) locus was targeted for genetic variance and phylogenetic analysis. Sequences of COI of Ae. aegypti isolates were submitted to the DNA Data Bank of Japan (DDBJ) and National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Genbank and compared with other global Aedes species isolates. The phylogenetic analysis shows that Ae. aegypti samples from Jeddah have identities ranging from 96.9% to 99.8%, closely related to the Peru (MN299016) and Cambodia (MN299014) isolates.Taif isolates have genetic similarities ranging from 97.5% to 99.8%, closely related to theGermany (KY022526) isolate. Sequence alignment and pairwise comparison show variation among the populations of Ae. aegypti from Taif and Jeddah regions (74.24-98.84%) with a genetic divergence distance of 0.008-0.12. In comparison, ranges slightly change with other Ae. aegypti (79.92-95.96%, 0.008-0.01) as well as Ae. albopictus populations (74.13-83.58%, 0.13-0.20) found in the Genbank database. According to our findings, the present study provides information for a local variation of Ae. aegypti in the western region of Saudi Arabia that could help in disease mapping and risk mitigation, thereby enhancing our ability to manage disease vectors effectively.

Dietary Salt-Related Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors in Healthy and Hypertensive Turkish Adults from Food Choice Perspective.

Food choices are influenced by knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KABs); therefore, determining KABs regarding salt is a key point for salt reduction, which is a primary public health problem in Turkey. This study aimed to assess salt-related KABs in Turkey. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 415 adults in a hospital in Turkey. A structured questionnaire assessing salt-related KABs was administered, and blood pressure was measured. The majority of participants were aware of the health risks associated with high salt intake. Higher overall attitude scores increased the odds of performing most behaviors to reduce salt, except for checking food labels, using spices instead of salt, and purchasing foods labeled as low-sodium, by almost three-fold. These results suggest that both normotensive and hypertensive adults need to improve their knowledge of the health effects and dietary sources of salt, and how to reduce it. Salt-related KABs were not found to be aligned with all positive attitudes toward salt consumption; this indicates the need for regulations that operate independently of public perceptions, such as policies for reducing salt in the food industry and making reduced-salt products more affordable to encourage healthier food choices.

Assessment and analysis of factors influencing suicidal ideation in young adults: a large cohort study using an elastic network logistic regression model

ObjectivesThis study aims to review and analyze factors associated with suicidal ideation to provide a rationale for subsequent effective interventions.MethodsData from this study were obtained from the Assessing Nocturnal Sleep/Wake Effects on Risk of Suicide (ANSWERS). The University of Arizona evaluated 404 young adults aged 18–25 years using different scales. Then, general demographic data was recorded. An elastic network (EN) was used to optimize feature selection, combined with logistic regression, to determine the influencing factors associated with SI in young adults.ResultsThe EN regression retained 11 potential influencing factors with nonzero coefficients. In the multivariate logistic regression analysis, INQ-15 perceived burdensomeness (PB) scores (OR: 1.10, 95% CI: 1.04–1.17), CESD depression mood scores (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.07–1.26), and age (OR: 0.72, 95% CI: 0.55–0.94) were significant factors for SI.ConclusionsThis is the first study to use an Elastic Network logistic regression model to assess the factors affecting suicidal ideation in young adults. Perceived Burdensome, depression, and age play an important risk role and are the best predictor combination of suicidal ideation in young adults, with depression being the most significant risk factor. Increased focus on Perceived Burdensome and negative emotions, along with simultaneous interventions for other potentially influential factors, can be more effective in preventing suicidal behavior in young adults.

Effects of maternal condition, disease status, and behavior on survival of juvenile bighorn sheep

AbstractNutrition integrates and interacts with a variety of biotic and abiotic factors that modulate performance of large‐herbivore populations. Accordingly, studying patterns of herbivore performance through the lens of nutrition can shed light on the complex mechanisms that drive population dynamics. We studied bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) and their habitat and quantified relationships among 1) the foodscape (defined herein as spatiotemporal variation in the quality and availability of forage plants); 2) female behavior (i.e., use of the foodscape and rugged escape terrain), condition (% ingesta‐free body fat), and disease status (infection status and antibody levels); and 3) juvenile survival. We conducted intensive vegetation sampling and used generalized additive modeling to map the foodscapes available to bighorn sheep during summer (May–September) over 2 years in 2 population ranges in Idaho, USA: the East Fork of the Salmon River and the Lost River Range. In each study area, we used global positioning system (GPS) collars and field observations to monitor adult female behavior and lamb survival, quantified nutritional condition and disease status of maternal females in late winter, and used known‐fate survival modeling to test for effects of female traits and behavior on lamb survival. Adjusted R2 values for foodscape models ranged from 0.34 to 0.61. Collared females consistently selected rugged escape terrain in both study areas, but we found little evidence of selection for the foodscape. We did not detect any consistent effects of maternal space‐use behavior on lamb survival. In contrast, nutritional condition of females in late winter had a strong, positive effect on summer lamb survival: lambs born to females in relatively good condition (15% ingesta‐free body fat, ~94% probability of lamb survival) were roughly 4 times more likely to survive the summer months than lambs born to females in poor condition (5% ingesta‐free body fat, ~25% probability of lamb survival). In addition, whereas maternal infection with the pathogen Mycoplasma ovipneumoniae had no discernable effect on juvenile survival, lambs born to females that showed no sign of exposure (antibody) to M. ovipneumoniae (~99% probability of survival) were roughly 3 times more likely to survive the summer than lambs born to females that had mounted a strong immune response (35% probability of survival). Our work adds to a growing body of literature linking nutritional condition to juvenile survival and other key vital rates, and highlights the importance of efforts to better understand the role of nutrition in the context of disease and other factors limiting performance of herbivore populations.

Interoceptive ageing and the impact on psychophysiological processes: A systematic review.

Interoception, the perception and response to internal bodily states, significantly influences physical and mental wellbeing. While ageing is associated with interoceptive decline, research has primarily examined selective dimensions of interoception. Understanding these changes is vital as the global population ages, addressing age-related health issues and sustaining psychological wellbeing. This systematic review synthesised findings from 22 studies on age-related interoceptive changes and their impact on psychophysiological processes. Results showed age-related declines (48.4%), no age differences (32.3%), an age-related increase (16.13%), and an inverted U-shaped curvilinear relationship (3.23%) in interoceptive sensitivity across age groups and interoceptive dimensions. Three patterns emerged regarding psychophysiological processes in older adults: altered mind-body connections with age were associated with reduced high-arousal and increased positive emotional experiences, cognitive protective effects, and improved body representation that correlated with better interoceptive sensitivity. These patterns indicate the complex relationships between interoceptive ageing and psychophysiological processes, showing both, aspects of decline and compensatory mechanisms. We propose future research avenues to elucidate the functional significance of different interoceptive dimensions across the lifespan for optimised psychological wellbeing and health behaviours in older adults.

Predation behaviors of Pterostichus melanarius adults on larvae of the soybean gall midge, Resseliella maxima

Predation behaviors of Pterostichus melanarius adults on larvae of the soybean gall midge, Resseliella maxima

Occupational Performance Coaching on Health Self-Care Behavior and Activity Participation for Adults With Heart Failure: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Patients with heart failure (HF) experience restrictions in their activity participation. Health self-care behavior (HSCB) among patients with HF is an essential component of managing HF symptoms. To assess the effect of occupational performance coaching (OPC) on improving activity participation and HSCB among patients with HF. Single-blind randomized controlled trial. Outpatient HF clinic in Rajaie Cardiovascular, Medical & Research Center (Tehran, Iran). Forty-four adults with HF randomized into two groups (1:1 ratio). All participants received the usual health self-care education, and the intervention group also received eight weekly sessions of the OPC intervention. HSCB and activity participation were the primary outcomes. Primary outcomes and secondary outcomes (depression, quality of life, self-efficacy, cognitive level, fatigue, social support, functional capacity, and activities of daily living) were collected at baseline and 8 and 12 wk postintervention. The results of two-way repeated-measures analysis of covariance for three assessment time points with the primary and secondary outcomes showed a significant improvement in primary outcomes and depression (p < .05) among the intervention group. There were no significant between-groups differences in the other outcomes (p > .05). These findings indicate that an 8-wk OPC intervention could enhance HSCB and activity participation and reduce depression among patients with HF. Therefore, integrating OPC into standard care may improve the well-being of patients with HF. Moreover, the results suggest that the participation-based interventions have the potential to enhance HSCB among HF patients. Plain-Language Summary: Occupational performance coaching (OPC) is a client-centered occupational therapy intervention designed to enhance behavior change and activity participation by promoting the development of healthy habits and routines. This study presents important insights into the impact of the OPC intervention on patients with heart failure (HF). Our findings indicate that the OPC intervention can significantly improve health self-care behavior, increase participation, and reduce depression among HF patients.

Anxiety in aquatics: Leveraging machine learning models to predict adult zebrafish behavior.

Accurate analysis of anxiety behaviors in animal models is pivotal for advancing neuroscience research and drug discovery. This study compares the potential of DeepLabCut, ZebraLab, and machine learning models to analyze anxiety-related behaviors in adult zebrafish. Using a dataset comprising video recordings of unstressed and pre-stressed zebrafish, we extracted features such as total inactivity duration/immobility, time spent at the bottom, time spent at the top and turn angles (large and small). We observed that the data obtained using DeepLabCut and ZebraLab were highly correlated. Using this data, we annotated behaviors as anxious and not anxious and trained several machine learning models, including Logistic Regression, Decision Tree, K-Nearest Neighbours (KNN), Random Forests, Naive Bayes Classifiers, and Support Vector Machines (SVMs). The effectiveness of these machine learning models was validated and tested on independent datasets. We found that some machine learning models, such as Decision Tree and Random Forests, performed excellently to differentiate between anxious and non-anxious behavior, even in the control group, where the differences between subjects were more subtle. Our findings show that upcoming technologies, such as machine learning models, are able to effectively and accurately analyze anxiety behaviors in zebrafish and provide a cost-effective method to analyze animal behavior.

Exploring public support for novel tobacco and alcohol control policies in Great Britain 2021-2023: A population-based cross-sectional survey.

This study assessed support for novel tobacco compared with alcohol control policies among adults in Great Britain in 2021-2023. Objectives were to assess 1) overall level of support for tobacco compared to alcohol control policies; 2) level of support for tobacco compared to alcohol control policies among people who smoke tobacco or who consume alcohol at increasing and higher risk levels, or who do both; 3) level of support for tobacco compared to alcohol control policies among different sociodemographic groups? Data were collected in September/October 2021-2023 in a monthly population-based survey on smoking and drinking behaviour of adults across Great Britain (N=6311), weighted to match the overall population. Outcome measure was level of support for each seven tobacco and alcohol control policies. More people were in support of tobacco than alcohol control policies (e.g., 57% vs. 51% for tax-related policies). This trend was apparent across all sociodemographic subgroups. With one exception, the policies included in this study were supported by more than half of the participants. The exception was decreasing the visibility of alcohol products in shops, which received 41% of support. People who engaged in the behaviour targeted by policies (tobacco more so than alcohol use) were generally less supportive. Overall, public support for tobacco and alcohol control policies is high in Great Britain. With one exception, the policies were supported by over half of participants, suggesting that the public is in favour of government regulations to reduce smoking and drinking prevalence in Great Britain.

Impact of varying accelerometer epoch length on physical activity patterns in adults: Considerations for public health.

To process wearables sensors data, end-users face a wide variety of choices influencing physical activity (PA) patterns estimation. This study investigated the impact of varying epoch length on PA patterns in adults and World Health Organization (WHO) PA guidelines prevalence, assessed by accelerometer. The study included 181 adults (18-74 years) from the Esteban Study (2014-2016). Participants wore an accelerometer for 7 consecutive days. Data were processed with ActiLife® software using epoch lengths from 1 to 60 seconds to assess PA patterns. Difference of PA patterns between epoch length was assessed using repeated measures ANOVA. Difference in meeting WHO PA guidelines was assesses using Fisher's exact test. Significant changes were observed in sedentary behaviour and PA intensities with epoch length variation (p<0.001). Longer epochs led to reduced moderate and vigorous PA, increased light PA, and less sedentary time, affecting adherence to WHO PA guidelines. Result underline the importance of careful epoch length selection when processing accelerometer data to accurately assess sedentary behaviour and PA in adults. Shorter epochs seem preferable to capture short and spontaneous PA bouts and preventing underestimation of MVPA along with prolonged PA bouts. Further investigation including a PA reference measure is needed to confirm these findings and their implications for adult health.

POSTING SHORT-FORM VIDEOS PROMOTES OLDER ADULTS’ PSYCHOLOGICAL HEALTH: A MODEL BASED ON SELF-DETERMINATION THEORY

Abstract Objectives This study focuses on how posting behaviors of older adults on short-form video platforms (e.g., TikTok) influences depression and reveals the psychological mechanism (satisfying basic psychological needs of autonomy, competence, and relatedness) from the perspective of the Self-Determination Theory and uncover whether browsing behavior moderates this effect. Method: A total of 1705 older adults aged 55 to 83 years were instructed to complete the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, the Short-form Video Usage Behavior Questionnaire, and the Basic Psychological Needs Scale. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 25.0. Results 1) Older adults posting short-form videos exhibit lower levels of depression compared to those who have never posted short-form videos through the mediations of greater competence (indirect effect = -.15) and autonomy (indirect effect = -.05), and the indirect effect of autonomy becomes insignificant when the diversity of browsing behaviors is high. 2) Among older adults posting short-form videos, posting short-form videos frequently decreases depression through competence (indirect effect = -.16), autonomy (indirect effect = -.04), and relatedness (indirect effect = -.06), regardless of the diversity of browsing behaviors. Discussion This study highlights the positive effect of posting short-form videos on older adults’ psychological health by satisfying basic psychological needs. For those unable or unwilling to post videos, diversifying browsing behaviors can improve autonomy and safeguard psychological health. These findings emphasize older adults’ initiative and creativity, along with the importance of lifelong competence development, and present new strategies to support successful aging in the era of Internet-based media.

THE IMPACT OF DIGITAL HEALTH LITERACY ON CANCER PREVENTION BEHAVIORS AMONG OLDER ADULTS

Abstract In today’s age of digital advancement, it is crucial to understand how digital health literacy affects the cancer prevention behaviors of older adults. This study investigates how digital health literacy influences older adults’ ability to navigate online health information and its impact on adopting behaviors to prevent cancer. This study analyzes data from the Health Information National Trends Survey (HINTS) 5, focusing on individuals aged 60 and above. It explores different variables related to digital health literacy and engagement in cancer prevention behaviors, such as smoking cessation, physical activity, alcohol cessation, and cancer screening. Better digital health literacy is linked to an increased chance of quitting smoking (OR = 1.90, 95% CI: 1.02-3.52, p = 0.043). However, there is no such link to physical activity or cancer screening. Nevertheless, searching for health information electronically is associated with giving up alcohol, suggesting that digital health literacy can assist older adults in quitting drinking (OR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.09-1.98, p = 0.012). The study highlights the importance of digital health literacy in promoting healthy habits among older adults. Specifically, it may help support smoking and alcohol cessation efforts. Though it may not apply to all behaviors, improving digital competencies is crucial to prevent cancer in older adults effectively. Therefore, tailored digital health literacy interventions are necessary to cater to the unique needs of this demographic and minimize their cancer risk.

Представления о жизненной компетенции детей с ОВЗ у педагогов и родителей: разные взгляды, единая цель

&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Introduction.&lt;/strong&gt; The sphere of life skills is considered from the standpoint of the ideas of cultural-historical psychology as a reflection of the social situation of child development and the process of forming &amp;laquo;practical&amp;raquo; thinking (L.S. Vygotsky), and its formation as a target for special and inclusive education. &lt;strong&gt;The purpose of the study &lt;/strong&gt;was to identify ideas about the importance of skills from the sphere of life competence among teachers and parents of children with disabilities, as well as to compare assessments of their importance at different levels of education. &lt;strong&gt;Materials and methods.&lt;/strong&gt; The representations of teachers and parents about life skills of children with disabilities were studied using questionnaires. The sample included parents (n = 1530) of students with disabilities of different age groups (under 7 years &amp;mdash; 20,1%, 7&amp;mdash;11 years &amp;mdash; 32,3%, 11&amp;mdash;16 years &amp;mdash; 40,0%, 16&amp;mdash;18 years &amp;mdash; 7,6%), as well as teachers (n = 1327). &lt;strong&gt;Results and conclusions.&lt;/strong&gt; The dynamics of changes in the importance of life skills from preschool to adolescence is presented. The skills that occupy the top three places in the ranking of importance for teachers and parents have both coincidences and differences. Most often, skills related to personal safety, distinguishing situations in which a child needs help or can act independently, and emotional self-regulation are chosen. The discrepancy between the representations of teachers and parents about the importance of the life skills of children of different age groups is revealed; the need to develop a unified position in the interests of effective interaction between family and school aimed at the harmonious formation of the child's personality is substantiated. The importance of having cultural patterns of life skills in the behavior of significant adults in the social situation of a child's development is emphasized.&lt;/p&gt;

Agreement and Discrepancies of Maternal- and Self-Reported Psychopathology in Emerging Adults

Collateral reports on psychopathology improve clinical care and research. Previous research showed moderate agreement between adults’ self- and collateral reports. Factors associated with discrepancies in different age groups, especially the crucial period of emerging adulthood, are yet to be investigated. We examined mother-child agreement and factors associated with discrepancies in N = 256 mother-child dyads with emerging adult children (M = 22.3 years) who participated in a longitudinal prevention study (18-year follow-up). Children completed self-report measures on psychopathology (Adult Behavior Checklist, ASR), current psychological distress, and two individual items regarding the mother-child relationship and frequency of contact. Mothers reported on their children’s psychopathology (Adult Behavior Checklist, ABCL) and their own psychological distress. Children and mothers completed a half-structured clinical interview on mental disorders. Agreement between ASR and ABCL was moderate to high (r = .48 to .53). Both reports significantly correlated with children’s diagnoses based on the clinical interview (r = .37 to .58). When children reported higher levels of psychopathology, higher levels of current psychological distress were associated with larger mother-child discrepancies. When mothers reported higher levels of child psychopathology, higher levels of maternal psychological distress, lower relationship quality, and higher frequency of contact were associated with larger discrepancies. Mother-child agreement in emerging adulthood is comparable to agreement in adolescence and adulthood. Factors associated with discrepancies differ for higher maternal- vs. self-reported psychopathology. Maternal psychological distress is more relevant for informant discrepancies than maternal mental disorder diagnoses. Longitudinal studies are needed to enhance the understanding of informant discrepancies.