Child Behaviour Problems Research Articles

Language ability in the development of externalizing behavior problems in childhood.

Poorer language ability has been shown to predict the development of externalizing behavior problems such as aggression and conduct problems. However, the developmental process that links poorer language ability to externalizing problems is unclear. The present study examined (a) whether within-child changes in language ability predict within-child changes in externalizing problems, (b) whether social skills are a potential mechanism that explains the association between language ability and externalizing problems, and (c) whether there are sex-related differences in the association between language ability and externalizing problems. The present study examined these questions in children (N = 1,364) followed annually from 4 to 10 years of age. Language ability was assessed by a measure of receptive language (i.e., vocabulary). Externalizing problems were rated by mothers and teachers. Social skills were rated by mothers, fathers, and teachers. Findings showed that within-child changes in language ability predicted within-child changes in externalizing problems, even controlling for the family’s income-to-needs ratio. We found that social skills partially mediated the association between poorer language ability and later externalizing problems, but this was limited to a between-person effect. There was not strong evidence of sex-related differences in the association. Findings suggest that language ability may play a role in the development of externalizing problems for boys and girls, and that social skills may be a mechanism that partially explains how poorer language ability leads to the development of externalizing problems. Or, alternatively, language ability, social skills, and externalizing problems may partially share common causes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved)

Prenatal phthalate exposures and autism spectrum disorder symptoms in low-risk children

BackgroundPrenatal exposure to environmental chemicals has been associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms in some, but not all, studies, but most research has not accounted for other childhood behavior problems. ObjectivesTo evaluate the specific associations of prenatal phthalate exposures with ASD symptoms in children (ages 3–6) accounting for other behavior problems, and to assess sex differences in these associations. MethodsWe measured phthalate metabolites in prenatal urine samples. Mothers completed the Social Responsiveness Scale-2nd edition (SRS-2) to assess child ASD symptoms and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to assess general behavior problems. We assessed associations of the sum of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate metabolites, monobutyl phthalate, mono-isobutyl phthalate, and monoethyl phthalate (mEP) with ASD symptoms, adjusting for other behavior problems, using linear regression models (n=77). ResultsMost associations were null, and the sample size limited power to detect associations, particularly in the stratified analyses. After adjusting for internalizing and externalizing problems from the CBCL, ASD symptoms increased for each doubling of prenatal mEP concentration among boys only. ConclusionsFurther investigation of maternal prenatal urinary phthalate metabolite concentrations and ASD symptoms while adjusting for other behavioral problems is warranted.

Stability of father- and mother-child synchrony in a playful setting from preschool to middle childhood: Associations with children's behavior problems

As scholars move away from distinct conceptualizations of mothering and fathering (Fagan et al., 2014), scholars have developed novel observational paradigms that are adapted to mothers’ and fathers’ interactive style. For example, the Laughing Task procedure allows for the assessment of parent-child synchrony in a playful setting. However, parent-child synchrony has rarely been assessed at multiple time points, especially in middle childhood. This study aims to extend the applicability of the Laughing Task procedure to middle childhood by 1) exploring the stability between dimensions of dyadic synchrony in 76 intact biparental Canadian families over a five-year period, and 2) examining the longitudinal and concurrent association between dyadic synchrony and children's behavior problems in middle childhood. Children participated in a playful interaction with their father and their mother during separate laboratory visits at both time points. Both parents reported on their child's behavior problems at Time 2. Results showed a strong stability between the dimensions of playful interactions over time, but only for father-child dyads. Nonetheless, the interaction of mother-child and father-child coordination was a significant predictor of children's behavior problems. Result shows that children presented higher behavior problems when concurrent dyadic coordination was low with both parents. Moreover, high coordination with one parent buffered against low coordination with the other parent in the prediction of behavior problems. These results support the validity and reliability of the Laughing Task procedure in middle childhood, especially for father-child dyads.

Role of Early Childhood Adversity, Behaviour Problems and Academic Performance among Adolescents with ADHD: A Systematic Review

Introduction: “Hyperactivity”, is characterised by difficulties related to task, oriented behaviour in children particularly hyperactive children also tends to be socially intrusive and immature. Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) children have great difficulty in compatibility with their parents and their peer group. This disorder occurs majorly in boys than girls and some residual effects, such as attention difficulties may persist into adolescence. Aim: Understanding of behavioural concerns among ADHD adolescents with their parents. Materials and Methods: A comprehensive search in the international databases of academic search complete, Psych articles, J GATE, Psychology and behavioural sciences collection, Proquest, Science Direct, and Google scholar was conducted. Studies included in this review were prospective studies, retrospective study, case-control study, cohort study, descriptive study, and review studies. The study consisted of 15 studies from review journals. Psycho social correlates were investigated in ADHD patients. The studies published from 2000 to 2016 were included in this review. Results: The present review revealed that there is significant role of early Childhood Adversity (CA), poor scholastic performance and behaviour problems in the formulation of ADHD among adolescents. Conclusion: It was concluded that there is a problem in ADHD patients related to their poor academic performances which also reflects in their adolescence, and behavioural problems with parents also. Parents with ADHD children faced more stress in comparison to parents of Non-ADHD children. There is a need to develop specific parent’s intervention training and early identification of ADHD children.

Self-compassion and posttraumatic growth mediate the relations between social support, prosocial behavior, and antisocial behavior among adolescents after the Ya’an earthquake

ABSTRACT Background: Previous studies indicate that social support, self-compassion, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) can affect prosocial behaviour and antisocial behaviour, but few studies have examined their combined role in prosocial and antisocial behaviour among adolescents who have experienced traumatic events. Objective: This study examined the mediating roles of self-compassion and PTG in the relationship between social support and prosocial and antisocial behaviour among Chinese adolescents after the Ya’an earthquake. Method: Four and a half years after the Ya’an earthquake, 492 students aged 13 to 18 in Lushan County (98.6% of the 499 students surveyed) were assessed using the following system: Measures of Trauma Exposure Questionnaire, Social Support Questionnaire, Self-Compassion Scale, Posttraumatic Growth Inventory, and Child Behaviour Problems Questionnaire. Results: When we controlled for gender, age, and traumatic exposure, social support had a positive effect on prosocial behaviour. Moreover, social support had an indirect and positive effect on prosocial behaviour via positive self-compassion and PTG, as well as via an indirect path from positive self-compassion to PTG, but social support had a negative effect on antisocial behaviour via PTG, as well as via an indirect path from positive self-compassion to PTG on antisocial behaviour. Social support also had a positive effect on antisocial behaviour via negative self-compassion. Conclusion: Findings suggest that increased support may be beneficial for prosocial behaviour and reduce antisocial behaviour. Self-compassion and PTG play a significant mediating role between social support, prosocial behaviour, and antisocial behaviour.

Solution-focused brief therapy for behavior problems in children and adolescents: A meta-analysis of treatment effectiveness and family involvement

Abstract Objective Research evidence and clinical observation support the importance of family involvement in the treatment of childhood behavior problems, and strengths-based, solution-oriented treatment offers an alternative to a problem-focused treatment approach. The current study provides a systematic review of solution-focused brief therapy (SFBT) for behavior problems in children and adolescents, and conducts meta-analyses regarding the effectiveness of SFBT compared to control conditions, the moderating role of family involvement in SFBT, and the effects of SFBT for internalizing versus externalizing behaviors. Methods SFBT studies from January 1, 1990 to February 21, 2019 were retrieved from major databases and included published and unpublished studies and dissertations. Twenty studies with control or comparison groups (9 randomized, 11 non-randomized) met all inclusion criteria and were analyzed using robust variance estimation (RVE). Results The RVE meta-analysis found a small to medium positive effect size favoring SFBT over control conditions for child behavioral problems (g = 0.43, 95% CI [0.20, 0.67], p = .001). The study did not find evidence of a moderating effect from family involvement in SFBT interventions, and there was no statistically significant difference between the effect sizes of family-involved SFBT (g = 0.37, 95% CI [−0.46, 1.21]) and family non-involved SFBT (g = 0.61, 95% CI [−0.30, 1.52]) for child behavior problems. For externalizing behaviors, SFBT showed greater effectiveness than comparison groups with a small to medium effect size (g = 0.43, 95% CI [0.18, 0.68]), but the small effect size favoring SFBT for internalizing problems was not significant (g = 0.18, 95% CI [−0.01, 0.38]). Conclusions The evidence supports the overall effectiveness of SFBT for addressing behavior problems in children and adolescents, with evidence of greater effectiveness for externalizing rather than internalizing behaviors. Findings indicated no significant effect of including a family-involvement component in solution-focused interventions for child behavior problems, suggesting the need for further research on moderating factors that may enhance the effectiveness of SFBT with children and families.

Sleep, screen time and behaviour problems in preschool children: an actigraphy study.

Inadequate sleep and excessive exposure to media screens have both been linked to poorer mental health in youth. However, the ways in which these interact to predict behaviour problems have yet to be examined using objective sleep measurement. The lack of objective evidence for these relationships in young children has recently been defined by the World Health Organization (2019) as a gap in the field. We thus aimed to test the interacting effects of screen exposure and objectively measured sleep on behaviour problems in the preschool age. A total of 145 children aged 3-to-6-years participated in this cross-sectional study. Sleep was assessed objectively using actigraphy for 1-week, and subjectively using parent-reported daily sleep diaries. Parents reported the child's daily duration of screen exposure, and completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Results showed that actigraphic sleep duration, timing and efficiency were associated with screen exposure. The link between screen time and behaviour problems was moderated by sleep duration, as it was significant only for children with sleep duration of 9.88h or less per night. Sleep duration also moderated the relation between screen time and externalizing-but not internalizing-problems. Hence, the combination of increased screen exposure and decreased sleep duration may be particularly adverse for child mental health. While these key relationships should be further examined in longitudinal and experimental investigations, our findings shed light on their complexity, underscoring the importance of the moderating role of sleep.

Early Childhood Co-Sleeping Predicts Behavior Problems in Preadolescence: A Prospective Cohort Study

ABSTRACT Objective/Background Co-sleeping is common practice around the globe. The relationship between early childhood co-sleeping and adolescent behavior problems remains uncertain. We aim to identify whether early childhood co-sleeping can predict behavior problems in preadolescence. Participants A cohort of 1,656 Chinese preschool children were followed up in adolescence. Methods Prospective cohort study design involving two waves of data collection from the China Jintan Cohort (1,656 children aged 3–5 years). Co-sleeping history was collected at 3-5-years-old via parent-reported questionnaire at wave I data collection. Behavior problems were measured twice in childhood and preadolescence, respectively. Adolescent behavior problems were measured by integrating data from self-report, parent-report and teacher-report using the Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment. Predictions were assessed using the general linear model with mixed effects on the inverse probability weight propensity-matched sample. Results 1,656 children comprising 55.6% boys aged 4.9 ± 0.6 were initially enrolled in the first wave of data collection. In the second wave of data collection, 1,274 children were 10.99 ± 0.74 (76.9%) aged 10–13 years were retained. Early childhood co-sleeping is significantly associated with increased behavior problems in childhood (Odds Ratio [OR] 1.22–2.06, ps<0.03) and preadolescence (OR 1.40–2.27, ps<0.02). Moreover, co-sleeping history significantly predicted multiscale increase in internal (OR 1.63–2.61, ps<0.02) and external behavior problems in adolescence. Conclusions Early childhood co-sleeping is associated with multiple behavioral problems reported by parents, teachers, and children themselves. Early childhood co-sleeping predicts preadolescent internalizing and externalizing behavior after controlling for baseline behavior problems.

Supporting health staff to recognise and respond to harmful sexual behaviour: key principles and practical tools

Abstract Sadly, sexual abuse carried out by children and young people is not a rare phenomenon. It is estimated that around a third of all child sexual abuse offences in the UK are committed by children and young people, and this is now widely referred to as harmful sexual behaviour (HSB). Despite increasing evidence on the scale, nature and complexity of the problem, service provision to respond to this type of child sexual abuse across the UK remains patchy and relatively uncoordinated, with some beacons of good practice. Levels of professional confidence and competence to address this challenge are, at best, varied. Most children and young people encounter a range of health professionals, from primary healthcare through to more specific provision such as children and adolescent mental health teams. As such, health professionals are often also very well placed for early identification of sexual behaviour problems in childhood. This paper outlines a definition of harmful sexual behaviour and how to consistently recognize, respond and refer cases when necessary. It also promotes a range of resources developed specially for health professionals to increase their awareness of HSB and support their responses to this type of abuse.

Adding the Coping Power Programme to parent management training: the cost-effectiveness of stacking interventions for children with disruptive behaviour disorders

Parent management training (PMT) programmes and child cognitive behavioural therapy are recommended approaches for treatment of oppositional defiant disorder in children, and combining these may be effective. However, little is known regarding the economic efficiency of this additive effect. A within-trial cost-effectiveness analysis was carried out in Sweden including 120 children aged 8–12 who screened positive for disruptive behaviour disorders, within a psychiatric care setting, and their parents. They were randomly assigned to either the Swedish group-based PMT Comet, or to an enhanced version, where an additional child component was provided, the Coping Power Programme (CPP). Child behaviour problems as well as healthcare and educational resource use were measured at baseline, post-test and at two-year follow-up. A net benefit regression framework was used to estimate differences in costs and health outcomes between the two intervention arms during the two-year period. Comet with CPP cost on average 820 EURO more per family than Comet only. At the 2-year follow-up, there were 37% recovered cases of ODD in Comet with CPP, in comparison to 26% in the Comet only arm. At a willingness-to-pay of approximately 62,300 EURO per recovered case of ODD, Comet with CPP yielded positive net benefits, in comparison to Comet only. Offering children the CPP simultaneously as their parents receive PMT, in comparison to only providing PMT, yields clinically relevant gains. Despite the relatively small cost for CPP, investment in combining PMT and CPP should be guided by resource prioritisation. Trial registration number: ISRCTN10834473, date of registration: 23/12/2015

Longitudinal profiles of marital satisfaction and their consequences among Korean couples

ABSTRACT This study identified dyadic patterns of change in marital satisfaction after childbirth among Korean couples, including multiparous couples; and investigated the relationship between such patterns, family cohesion, and child behaviour problems using six-year data from the Panel Study on Korean Children (N = 2,096 couples). Four distinct latent classes of dyadic patterns of change in marital satisfaction emerged through a person-centred latent profile analysis: (a) satisfied couple (30.5%), (b) moderately high and declined–discrepant initial satisfaction (46.7%), (c) husband honeymoon–wife moderate and stable (10.1%), and (d) husband moderate and steep decline–wife low and stable (12.7%). Each spouse in the satisfied couple class reported higher family cohesion levels than those in the other classes when the child was six-years-old. Wives’ reports of cohesion revealed more obvious differences among the four classes than did those of husbands. Mothers in couples where husband and wife exhibited the lowest marital satisfaction over time reported greater internalizing and externalizing problems in their children than did mothers in the satisfied couple class. The findings suggest that couples’ marital satisfaction is an important factor in promoting family cohesion and preventing children’s behavioural problems.

The role of mindful parenting in the relationship of parent and child mental health in Taiwan Chinese

ABSTRACT Parental stress increases child behaviour problems, and mindful parenting is suggested to be a potential moderator. The aim of this study was to explore the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Interpersonal Mindfulness in Parenting (IM-P) scale in Taiwan Chinese and investigate the relationship of mindful parenting with parent and child mental health. Exploratory factor analysis and moderation analysis were examined in a sample (N = 201) of parents in Taiwan. A three-factor structure was found with adequate internal consistency. Significant correlations were found between mindful parenting, parental stress, child behaviour problems, and social support from family. Non-judgmental acceptance of the child as a sub-scale of mindful parenting was a significant moderator of the relationship between parental stress and child behaviour problems. Mindful parenting should be further promoted in social work practice and research so that more Chinese families can benefit.

Parents' perceptions of a group‐based parenting programme in families with child protection and other family support services in a real‐life setting

AbstractThe aim of this study was to assess parents' satisfaction and perceived usefulness of the Incredible Years® (IY®) parenting programme in the Child Protection Services (CPS) context, where children's behaviour problems are common. Evidence‐based programmes are rarely offered in CPS, and little is known about how they are perceived by parents. We compared parents (N = 62) with (N = 43) and without (N = 19) CPS contact regarding their satisfaction with the IY® parenting programme, with information gathered from weekly and final evaluation forms. The attendance rate of parents to the weekly sessions (max 19) was also calculated. Comparisons between CPS and non‐CPS clients were analysed using multilevel models. Satisfaction scores ranged between 5.8 and 6.2 (max 7) for all studied domains. Mean attendance rate to the group sessions was 11.5 (SD 5.9), and 74% of participants attended at least nine out of 19 sessions. No group differences emerged in satisfaction or attendance between CPS and non‐CPS parents. Parents in CPS committed well to the programme and found it as useful as parents without CPS contact. IY® appears to be acceptable to parents involved in CPS, and their engagement to the programme can be considered as reasonably good.

Caregiver depression and child behaviour problems: A longitudinal mixed effects approach

AbstractCaregiver mental health has a powerful influence on child well‐being. Both maternal depression and paternal depression predict behaviour problems in young children. However, little is known about the nature of this link over time. The present study leveraged a large sample of at‐risk families to examine the impact of maternal and paternal depression on trajectories of child behaviour from age 3 to 15. Data came from the At‐Home substudy of the Fragile Families and Child Well‐Being Study, which observed a cohort of children born 1998–2000 in 20 large American cities (N = 1,090). Multiple imputation by chained equations addressed missing data to maximize available information without biasing models. Linear mixed effects models tested the association between caregiver depression and child behaviour over 12 years; interaction models tested whether this association changed as children transitioned into adolescence. Results showed caregiver depression is related with increases in both child internalizing and externalizing problems, and these relationships strengthened over time. Findings inform risk trajectories of distinct behavioural problems, shedding light on the development of child psychopathology and highlighting opportunities for intervention.

Disparity of child/parent-reported quality of life in cerebral palsy persists into adolescence.

To examine the evolution of child-parent discrepancy in reporting quality of life (QoL) between childhood and adolescence in children with cerebral palsy (CP) and to investigate potential factors associated with such a discrepancy. We used data from the SPARCLE (Study of PARticipation of Children with CP Living in Europe) study, a population-based cohort study of children with CP, aged 8 to 12years at baseline (in 2004-2005), in nine European centres, who were followed up at the age of 13 to 17years. The KIDSCREEN-52 Quality of Life measure was used at baseline and follow-up; 354 child-parent dyads out of 500 eligible dyads were followed up (201 males, 153 females). We used intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) to examine agreement between parent proxy-reports and self-reported QoL. We used linear regression to examine factors associated with child-parent discrepancy in QoL reporting. Agreement was low to moderate (ICC=0.16-0.48) in childhood and in adolescence across all QoL domains. In four domains (moods and emotions, self-perception, relationship with parents and home life, and social support and peers), the extent of the discrepancy increased significantly between childhood and adolescence. Parenting stress, child pain, and child behaviour problems influenced parent proxy-reports during both childhood and adolescence. The points of view of the child and their parents should be treated as complementary to obtain better knowledge regarding the QoL of children and adolescents with CP.

Parent-reported sleep problems in school-aged children with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder: association with child behaviour, caregiver, and family functioning

Objective/backgroundSleep problems are a common clinically reported area of concern for children and adolescents with fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD). However, limited empirical research has been undertaken investigating sleep problems for children with FASD. The current study aimed to examine the associations between parent-reported sleep problems in children with FASD and child behaviour, caregiver mental health and health-related quality of life and family functioning. Participants163 caregivers of children diagnosed with FASD aged 5–17 years were included in the current study. MethodCross-sectional online survey that collected information pertaining to child sleep problems (difficulty falling asleep, difficulty staying asleep and/or frequent waking during the night and waking early in the morning) and standardised caregiver reported measures of child behaviour, caregiver mental wellbeing, caregiver health-related quality of life, and family functioning. ResultsSleep problems were common, affecting 65.6% (n = 107) of participants. Difficulty falling asleep (56.4%) was the most common sleep problem encountered, followed by difficulty staying asleep (44.8%) and waking early (29.4%). Sleep problems were associated with increased rates of child behaviour problems and caregiver anxiety and negative impacts on caregiver and family quality of life. ConclusionSleep problems in children and adolescents with FASD are common and associated with poorer child, caregiver and family outcomes. Future research needs to determine whether effective identification and management of sleep problems can reduce adverse outcomes.

Combining parenting and economic strengthening programmes to reduce violence against children: a cluster randomised controlled trial with predominantly male caregivers in rural Tanzania

IntroductionParenting programmes may reduce the risk of violence against children and improve child well-being. However, additional economic support may be necessary in highly deprived rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa. Furthermore,...

Childhood abuse and externalizing behavior among immigrant high school students.

There is a current lack of data on the relation between childhood abuse and behavior problems in recently immigrated Latino youth and potential protective factors. This study sought to assess rates of abuse, explore relations between abuse and behavior problems, and examine peer attachment as a possible moderator in 76 recently immigrated high school students. High rates of prior abuse were observed: 36.84% emotional abuse, 22.37% physical abuse, and 9.21% sexual abuse. Emotional abuse was associated with conduct problems (B = 4.19, 95% CI [3.88, 9.39], t = 2.23, p = .028). In the context of physical abuse, peer attachment played a significant, mitigating role on conduct problems (B = -.02, 95% CI [-.05, .00], t = -1.10, p = .049). Results require replication but suggest a critical need for attention to immigrant youth as a highly victimized sample with a high risk for conduct problems.

Child behaviour problems moderate effectiveness of coping strategies except for reframing for mothers of children with ASD

The current study examined the relationship between coping strategies and parenting stress, and explored whether child behaviour problems moderated any relationships. 311 mothers of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), whose child had been diagnosed within the last three years, completed a set of questionnaires relating to coping strategies, parenting stress, their child’s behaviour problems, and their child’s autism severity. Use of reframing, passive appraisal, and seeking social support, coping strategies were all associated with lower parenting stress. There was no effect of seeking spiritual support, or mobilising the family to acquire or accept help. In addition, it was found that the severity of the child behaviour problems (itself associated with parenting stress) served to moderate the effectiveness of passive reappraisal and seeking social support. However, reframing was more successful in reducing parenting stress when the child behaviour problems were not severe.

Parenting style and practices and children’s externalizing behaviour problems: Mediating role of children’s executive functions

ABSTRACT The aim of this study is to examine the role of executive functions (EF) in explaining the association between parenting and externalizing behaviour problems (EBP) in early school-age children. A representative sample consisted of 175 parents and 36 teachers. Parents completed Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire, Parenting Style Questionnaire, and Childhood Executive Functioning Inventory. Teachers completed Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The results of structural equation modelling showed indirect effects of authoritarian parenting and parental indifference/neglect (but not authoritative parenting and parental warmth/affection) on children’s EBP through themediation of children’s EF deficits. Additionally, analyses revealed both direct and indirect effects of parental hostility/aggression on children’s EBP through the mediation of children’s EF deficits. The study suggests that EF deficits contribute to social difficulties of children whose parents exhibit high levels of negative parenting style and practices. The study indicates that interventions should be aimed at children’ s EF training programmes.