Behavioral Adjustment Research Articles

Overcoming the cognition-reality gap in robot-to-human handovers with anisotropic variable force guidance

Object handover is a fundamental task for collaborative robots, particularly service robots. In in-home assistance scenarios, individuals often face constraints due to their posture and declining physical functions, necessitating high demands on robots for flexible real-time control and intuitive interactions. During robot-to-human handovers, individuals are limited to making perceptual judgements based on the appearance of the object and the consistent behaviour of the robot. This hinders their comprehensive perception and may lead to unexpected dangerous behaviour. Various handover trajectories pose challenges to predictive robot control and motion coordination. Many studies have shown that force guidance can provide adequate information to the receivers. However, force modulation with intention judgements based on velocity, acceleration, or jerk may impede the intended motion and require additional effort. In this paper, starting from a human-to-human handover study, an anisotropic variable force-guided robot-to-human handover control method is proposed to overcome the cognition-reality gap. The retraction motion was decoupled based on a fitted motion plane and a task-related linear trajectory, which served as a reference for overshoot suppression and impedance force modulation. The experimental results and user surveys show that the anisotropic variable impedance force suppresses overshooting without impeding the intended motions, giving the receiver sufficient time for behavioural adjustments and assisting them in completing a safe and efficient handover in a preferred manner.

Freshwater history influences farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) performance in seawater

The quality of smolts is one of the key factors for successful salmon production. We compared growth performance, physiological traits, and environmental adaptation in Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) after transfer into a sea cages farm site from recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) to a similar sized group of the same genetic linage and produced in the same husbandry facility but under flow through system (FTS) conditions. Fish vertical distribution within the sea cages and water environment were continuously recorded, while biometry data and biological samples were collected monthly. No significant difference in size and smolt development between the FTS and RAS-produced fish were observed at the end of the freshwater phase. However, after transfer into seawater, the RAS fish showed an array of physiological and molecular differences that were maintained and resulted in significantly increased mortality and lower growth over the full production cycle. The RAS smolts were characterized by lower body weight, length, K factor, HSI (indicator of energy reserve), NKA activity, plasma levels of lactate, triacylglycerol, sodium, calcium, and phosphorus than FTS fish in seawater. This implicated osmoregulatory and allostatic maladaptation for the RAS fish during the first months in seawater. Both FTS and RAS fish showed physiological and behavioral adjustments during the seawater production linked with predictable (e.g., seasonal, diurnal) and short-term unpredictable variation in water temperature and oxygen. However, the RAS fish were characterized by lower physiological response to stressful effects of unpredictable environmental variability.Based on our data, the freshwater history sets the basis for the performance success of the FTS and RAS smolts in seawater. FTS fish showed faster adaptation to the seawater environment, with higher osmoregulatory capacity, and higher physiological robustness to seasonal changes than RAS fish, which reflected in their difference in growth and harvest size. We emphasize the crucial role of the freshwater rearing conditions as the foundation for successful physiological adaptation to seawater, growth, and the success of salmon farming production.

Turbulence causes kinematic and behavioural adjustments in a flapping flier.

Turbulence is a widespread phenomenon in the natural world, but its influence on flapping fliers remains little studied. We assessed how freestream turbulence affected the kinematics, flight effort and track properties of homing pigeons (Columba livia), using the fine-scale variations in flight height as a proxy for turbulence levels. Birds showed a small increase in their wingbeat amplitude with increasing turbulence (similar to laboratory studies), but this was accompanied by a reduction in mean wingbeat frequency, such that their flapping wing speed remained the same. Mean kinematic responses to turbulence may therefore enable birds to increase their stability without a reduction in propulsive efficiency. Nonetheless, the most marked response to turbulence was an increase in the variability of wingbeat frequency and amplitude. These stroke-to-stroke changes in kinematics provide instantaneous compensation for turbulence. They will also increase flight costs. Yet pigeons only made small adjustments to their flight altitude, likely resulting in little change in exposure to strong convective turbulence. Responses to turbulence were therefore distinct from responses to wind, with the costs of high turbulence being levied through an increase in the variability of their kinematics and airspeed. This highlights the value of investigating the variability in flight parameters in free-living animals.

The Attitude Regarding the Uptake of Influenza Vaccine in the COVID-19 Era in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia

The onset of COVID-19 has had a profound impact on the world, leading to significant adjustments in human behavior. A plethora of behavioral modifications have been embraced by individuals. As COVID-19 symptoms are similar to influenza symptoms, this study aimed to measure attitudes regarding the uptake of influenza vaccination in the COVID-19 era. This cross-sectional study used a self-administered questionnaire. A total of 311 participants were conveniently selected from two of the most popular shopping malls in Jeddah City, Saudi Arabia, during a three-day influenza awareness campaign conducted between 11 November 2020 to 14 November 2020. Demographic items and all scales (summed and examined for internal reliability using Cronbach’s alpha) were analyzed using univariate analysis, including measures of central tendencies and frequencies. This study indicates that the COVID-19 pandemic has not significantly affected vaccination adoption rates. Only 9.3% of the individuals who received the vaccine expressed fear or a desire for protection against COVID-19.

Impact of oil massage on newborn behavioural responses in rural India.

The initial weeks of a newborn's life are marked by rapid physiological and behavioural adjustments as the infant adapts to the external environment. This critical period necessitates attentive care, prompting exploration into traditional practices such as oil massage, which holds cultural significance and is believed to enhance neonatal well-being. Despite its prevalence, empirical evidence supporting the efficacy of oil massage remains limited. This study, conducted in a rural setting, aims to bridge traditional practices with evidence-based care, exploring the impact of oil massage on newborn behavioural responses. A quasi-experimental design involving 60 newborns (30 in each group) assessed behavioural responses through a pre and post-test approach. Results indicate a significant improvement in selected behavioural responses among newborns receiving oil massage, emphasizing its potential integration into routine care. The control group showed a pre-test mean of 14.83 (SD = 2.41) and a post-test mean of 16.23, while the experimental group exhibited a pre-test mean of 15.83 (SD = 1.80) and a post-test mean of 26.07. T-test values of 5.194 for the control group and 26.137 for the experimental group were indicative of statistically significant changes. The study contributes insights into neonatal care practices, urging further exploration of contextual intricacies and demographic influences on newborn behaviour.

Hot and cool executive function in the development of behavioral problems in grade school.

Despite the well-established link between children's executive function and behavioral adjustment, it remains unclear whether the hot and cool aspects of executive function are uniquely associated with children's behavioral problems. Using longitudinal data spanning in the grade school (N = 1,140), this study aimed to examine whether hot and cool executive function skills may be uniquely related to the development of behavioral problems. Hot and cool executive function skills were measured with tasks, standardized tests, and questionnaires at 54 months and in the first grade, respectively. Internalizing and externalizing problems were evaluated by teachers using questionnaires throughout the grade school. The results indicated that, independent of each other, hot and cool executive function skills were uniquely and negatively related to the development of internalizing and externalizing problems over time at the between-individual level, adjusting for within-individual fluctuations. Moreover, internalizing and externalizing problems were positively related at the between-individual level across the grade school. Findings provide needed evidence to clarify the relations between hot and cool executive function and children's behavioral problems, emphasizing the importance of both aspects of executive function in understanding the development of behavioral problems in school-age children.

Working memory load impairs tacit coordination but not inter-brain EEG synchronization.

Coordinating actions with others is thought to require Theory of Mind (ToM): the ability to take perspective by attributing underlying intentions and beliefs to observed behavior. However, researchers have yet to establish a causal role for specific cognitive processes in coordinated action. Since working memory load impairs ToM in single-participant paradigms, we tested whether load manipulation affects two-person coordination. We used EEG to measure P3, an assessment of working memory encoding, as well as inter-brain synchronization (IBS), which is thought to capture mutual adjustment of behavior and mental states during coordinated action. In a computerized coordination task, dyads were presented with novel abstract images and tried selecting the same image, with selections shown at the end of each trial. High working memory load was implemented by a concurrent n-back task. Compared with a low-load control condition, high load significantly diminished coordination performance and P3 amplitude. A significant relationship between P3 and performance was found. Load did not affect IBS, nor did IBS affect performance. These findings suggest a causal role for working memory in two-person coordination, adding to a growing body of evidence challenging earlier claims that social alignment is domain-specific and does not require executive control in adults.

A Study on the Identity, Cross-Cultural Management Behavior and Career Adjustment Path of Foreign Student Counselors in China Based on Social Role Theory

Counselors for international students are not only professional identities but also social roles, encompassing counselors’ professional responsibilities and expectations, international students’ needs and expectations, as well as the influence of social and cultural environments. Under the guidance of social role theory, this paper first analyzes the current status quo of the identity of foreign student counselors in China and discusses the role conflicts and related work difficulties faced by this profession. Secondly, it explores the relationship between foreign student counselors’ understanding of their careers and their cross-cultural management behavior. Finally, the paper puts forward suggestions for strengthening the relevant system guarantees and providing platform experiences from the perspective of the state to the universities. Additionally, it proposes suggestions for self-empowerment from the perspective of the practitioners, offering a new path to the high-quality development of international students’ education.

Relationship between Grief and Loss Counselling and Adjustment of Social Behaviours among the Elderly in Sigowet-Soin Sub County of Kericho County

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between grief and loss counselling and the adjustment of social behaviours among the elderly in Sigowet-Soin Sub County of Kericho County, Kenya. The study utilized a person-centered theory and adopted a concurrent mixed methods research design, incorporating both quantitative and qualitative approaches. The quantitative study employed an experimental design, while the qualitative study utilized a case study design. The target population consisted of 60 elderly individuals, with 30 selected for the study group and another 30 for the control group using stratified random sampling. Data collection involved the use of questionnaires and in-depth interviews, with research instruments validated by experts and supervisors. The reliability of the instruments was determined through a pilot study in Sigowet-Soin constituency, employing test-retest method and Pearson correlation coefficient. Quantitative analysis involved descriptive and inferential statistics, presenting findings through frequency distribution tables, diagrams, pie charts, and bar graphs. Qualitative data was analysed thematically. The study revealed no statistically significant differences between the intervention group and control group in terms of grief and loss counselling (p >0.05). Thus, the study concluded that grief and loss counselling interventions did not help improve the social behaviours of the elderly. Grief and loss counselling has no significant effect in enhancing social behaviour of the elderly. The assessment of the grief and loss social behaviour reveals the need for further analysis to understand the effective strategies to assist elderly people cope up with the profound losses. Since the program implemented was not statistically significant. Further studies can help the influential factors on depression, stress management, self-esteem and relationship problems among the elderly.

Goal pursuit increases more after dietary success than after dietary failure: examining conflicting theories of self-regulation using ecological momentary assessment

BackgroundMaintaining a healthy body weight and reaching long-term dietary goals requires ongoing self-monitoring and behavioral adjustments. How individuals respond to successes and failures is described in models of self-regulation: while cybernetic models propose that failures lead to increased self-regulatory efforts and successes permit a reduction of such efforts, motivational models (e.g., social-cognitive theory) make opposite predictions. Here, we tested these conflicting models in an ecological momentary assessment (EMA) context and explored whether effort adjustments are related to inter-individual differences in perceived self-regulatory success in dieting (i.e., weight management).MethodsUsing linear mixed effects models, we tested in 174 diet-interested individuals whether current day dietary success or failure (e.g., on Monday) was followed by self-regulatory effort adjustment for the next day (e.g., on Tuesday) across 14 days. Success vs. failure was operationalized with two EMA items: first, whether food intake was higher vs. lower than usual and second, whether food intake was perceived as more vs. less goal-congruent than usual. Trait-level perceived self-regulatory success in dieting was measured on a questionnaire.ResultsIntended self-regulatory effort increased more strongly after days with dietary success (i.e., eating less than usual / rating intake as goal-congruent) than after days with dietary failure (i.e., eating more than usual / rating intake as goal-incongruent), especially in those individuals with lower scores on perceived self-regulatory success in dieting.ConclusionsFindings support mechanisms proposed by social-cognitive theory, especially in unsuccessful dieters. Thus, future dietary interventions could focus on preventing the decrease in self-regulatory effort after instances of dietary failures and thereby mitigate the potential risk that a single dietary failure initiates a downward spiral into unhealthy eating.

Linking school- and classroom-level characteristics to child adjustment: A representative study of children from Hong Kong, China.

The school is one of the most salient developmental contexts for children. However, little is known about the associations linking the school environment to child adjustment in a non-Western context, not to mention the potential processes that may mediate these associations. This study examined the associations of school- and classroom-level characteristics with child adjustment and tested whether these associations were mediated by teacher-child relationship qualities. Cross-sectional data were collected on a representative sample of 1777 children (mean age = 55.14 months; 50% of them were girls) from 100 kindergartens in Hong Kong, China. Using self-reported questionnaires, teachers rated their school-level environments, their classroom chaos, their closeness and conflict with children and children's socioemotional competence and academic ability. Meanwhile, parents rated children's behavioural problems. Multilevel structural equation modelling revealed that the school-level environment and classroom chaos were uniquely associated with children's socioemotional, behavioural and academic adjustment. Moreover, the associations of the school-level environment and classroom chaos with child socioemotional and academic adjustment were mediated by teacher-child closeness and conflict, whereas the associations of the school-level environment and classroom chaos with child behavioural problems were mediated by teacher-child conflict only. Findings indicated how school- and classroom-level characteristics may be uniquely associated with child adjustment and how teacher-child relationships may be implicated in the underlying mechanism, highlighting the potential utility of targeting school- and classroom-level environments and teacher-child relationships in promoting child development.

IMPACTS Homeostasis Trust Management System: Optimizing Trust in Human-AI Teams

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is becoming more ubiquitous throughout our lives. As our reliance on this technology increases, ensuring human operators maintain an adequate level of trust is integral to their safe and effective operations. To facilitate the appropriate level of operator trust in AI, a mechanism to continuously evaluate and calibrate human-AI trust is required. Such a Trust Management System (TMS) will be integral to developing trustworthy AI systems and thus enable collaborative and effective Human-AI Teaming (HAT) in future operations. This paper starts a review of the current state-of-the-art in trust research applicable to HAT, then summarizes the development and presents the IMPACTS (intention, measurability, performance, adaptivity, communication, transparency, security) homeostasis TMS. It is based on a dynamic and transactional trust framework and allows for continuous trust monitoring, managing, and behavior adjustment to ensure operator trust is calibrated.

Edge effects and social behavior in three platyrrhines.

Social behavior is a key adaptation for group-living primates. It is important to assess changes to social behavior in human-impacted landscape zones to better understand the impact of anthropogenic disturbance on primate species. We investigated social behavior rate and type in three species of platyrrhines across 100 m anthropogenic edge and interior zones of a fragmented forest in Costa Rica, La Suerte Biological Research Station (LSBRS). Following results from other sites, we predicted that spider monkeys (Ateles geoffroyi), capuchin monkeys (Cebus imitator) and howler monkeys (Alouatta palliata) would show lower rates and fewer types of social behavior in forest edge compared to interior. We collected 1341 h of instantaneous focal data from 2017 to 2023 across the three monkey species. We found mixed support for our predictions, with spider and capuchin monkeys modifying some but not all aspects of social behavior across forest zones at LSBRS. Spider monkeys had lower rates of social behavior and capuchin monkeys performed different types of social behaviors in forest edge compared to interior at LSBRS. In contrast, howler monkeys did not modify social behavior. Two out of three platyrrhine species altered their social behavior when in anthropogenic edges, indicating behavioral adjustment when in human-altered habitat areas at LSBRS.

Impacts of behaviour and acclimation of metabolic rate on energetics in sheltered ectotherms: a climate change perspective.

Many ectothermic organisms counter harsh abiotic conditions by seeking refuge in underground retreats. Variations in soil hydrothermal properties within these retreats may impact their energy budget, survival and population dynamics. This makes retreat site choice a critical yet understudied component of their strategies for coping with climate change. We used a mechanistic modelling approach to explore the implications of behavioural adjustments and seasonal acclimation of metabolic rate on retreat depth and the energy budget of ectotherms, considering both current and future climate conditions. We used a temperate amphibian, the alpine newt (Ichthyosaura alpestris), as a model species. Our simulations predict an interactive influence of different thermo- and hydroregulatory strategies on the vertical positioning of individuals in underground refuges. The adoption of a particular strategy largely determines the impact of climate change on retreat site choice. Additionally, we found that, given the behavioural thermoregulation/hydroregulation and metabolic acclimation patterns considered, behaviour within the retreat has a greater impact on ectotherm energetics than acclimation of metabolic rate under different climate change scenarios. We conclude that further empirical research aimed at determining ectotherm behavioural strategies during both surface activity and inactivity is needed to understand their population dynamics and species viability under climate change.

Enterprise Implementation of Educational Technology: Exploring Employee Learning Behavior in E-Learning Environments

In the rapidly evolving landscape of information technology and with the ubiquitousness of the internet, corporations are increasingly focused on harnessing educational technology to boost their competitive prowess. A pivotal question emerges: Can they implement this technology effectively and sustainably to enhance the learning capabilities of their workforce and facilitate their accumulation of knowledge and skills? This concern remains a central focus in the corporate sphere. From educational psychology, goal orientation theory offers an explanatory framework for understanding learner (employee) behavior variations following learning interventions. This research is grounded in the e-learning environment fostered by educational technology within corporations. It explores and hypothesizes the impact of employee achievement motivations—including learning, proving, and avoiding goal orientations—on self-regulated learning (encompassing cognitive, motivational, and behavioral adjustments). Additionally, this study examines how employees’ self-regulated learning and learning satisfaction with the learning process influence learning effectiveness (learning outcomes) assessments. Our empirical survey targeted 380 employees from 26 companies participating in corporate educational technology learning (e-learning), with our research hypotheses tested through PLS structural equation modeling. The analysis indicates that employees’ learning and proving goal orientations indirectly positively affect their learning outcomes by mediating self-regulated learning and learning satisfaction. Conversely, employees’ avoidance goal orientation indirectly negatively impacts their learning outcomes by mediating their self-regulated learning and learning satisfaction. Finally, the researchers offer recommendations for management and future research directions.

Case Report: Comprehensive management of Bulbar Motor Neuron disease in an elderly male: A Multidisciplinary case report approaching the treatment

Abstract* Bulbar Motor Neuron Disease (MND), a specific form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) primarily affecting the upper and lower motor neurons in the brainstem’s bulbar region, presents a significant challenge in clinical management. This case report delves into the clinical presentation and management of an 85-year-old male patient with typical symptoms, such as left-sided weakness, dysphagia, and dysarthria, along with a history of aphasia and hypertension, underlining the complexities associated with diagnosing and managing this condition. Methods: The patient underwent a thorough clinical examination, diagnostic investigations, and imaging, leading to a confirmed diagnosis of bulbar MND. Multidisciplinary interventions were employed to addressed the diverse symptoms, including compensation therapy, swallowing function training, physiotherapy, bolus modification, behavioral adjustments, oromotor exercises, postural corrections, and sensory and neurophysiologic stimulation to enhance swallowing safety and comfort. Additionally, interventions for dysarthria and left-sided weakness encompassed speech rate control, strength training, and the use of augmentative communication aids. Results: Over a 30-day follow-up period, the patient showed improvements in dysphagia, dysarthria, and activities of daily living. The treatment strategies effectively addressed the specific challenges associated with bulbar MND, focusing on enhancing the patient’s quality of life and functional abilities. Conclusions: This case report underscores the need for a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach to manage bulbar MND. It highlights the complexities of diagnosing and addressing the diverse symptoms and difficulties that patients with this condition encounter, emphasizing the importance of a holistic and individualized therapeutic strategy.

Psychosocial outcomes of children born via embryo donation.

What are parents' perceptions of their relationships with and the psychosocial adjustments of their children who are born via embryo donation? Families created through embryo donation have well-adjusted parent-child relationships and reassuring child psychosocial outcomes. Embryo donation is an effective and growing form of third-party reproduction, but there is limited research in this field. Prior studies suggest that families created through gamete donation function well regarding parent-child relationship quality and child behavioral and socioemotional adjustment. This is a cross-sectional survey study with 187 total participants. Parents of children born via embryo donation were recruited nationally by contacting all embryo donation programs registered with the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology Clinic Outcome Reporting System (SART CORS) as well as medically directed embryo donation or 'embryo adoption' centers. Participants completed three online Qualtrics questionnaires. The first was a survey including 33 questions on demographics, the procurement process, and self-reported obstetric outcomes. Participants also completed two standardized measures assessing children's behavior and parents' adjustment to parenthood: the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and the Parental Acceptance-Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ). Scoring of the SDQ and PARQ was totaled and compared to standardized values (SDQ) or previously published results on other forms of gamete donation (PARQ), such as oocyte donation and sperm donation. On the SDQ (n = 46), the average total difficulties scores by age were: 8.2 ± 0.98 for ages 2-4, 7.6 ± 0.93 for ages 5-10, and 3.5 ± 0.77 for ages 11-17; this is compared to the normal reported range of 0-13, which indicates that clinically significant psychosocial problems are unlikely. Across all ages and individual categories (emotional symptoms, conduct problem, hyperactivity, peer problem, prosocial), scores on the SDQ were within the normal ranges. The average PARQ score (n = 70) for all respondents was 27.5 ± 1.18 (range: 24-96), suggesting perceived parental acceptance. Because this study was cross-sectional, it could not capture familial relationships over time. This survey-based study design allows for potential selection bias (parents of well-adjusted children may be more likely to participate). Additionally, the overall sample size is relatively small; however, it remains one of the largest published to date. Another significant limitation to this study is the lack of generalizability: most participants were recruited from private, faith-based, embryo donation programs who are demographically similar. Though embryo donation is an established form of third-party reproduction, it is significantly less robustly studied compared to other forms of gamete donation (oocyte or sperm donation). This study provides a larger data set with a more expanded age range of children compared to the limited number of previously published studies. Furthermore, these findings indicate a high parental disclosure rate with respect to the use of embryo donation which contrasts previous findings. No external funding source was utilized for the completion of this study. No conflicts are disclosed. N/A.

The development of self- and group orientations among Chinese young adolescents: Implications for social and behavioral adjustment.

Self- and group orientations represent distinct ways of perceiving the relations between the world and the self and are relevant to adolescents' development. Most of the existing studies in this area are cross-sectional, providing little information about how self- and group orientations develop. This 3-year longitudinal study examined the developmental patterns of self- and group orientations and their relations with adjustment among Chinese adolescents. The participants included 1,257 students (648 boys, initial Mage = 13.37 years, SD = 0.63 years). Data on self- and group orientations and social and behavioral adjustment were obtained from multiple sources, including self-reports, peer nominations, and teacher ratings. The results showed that self-orientation increased, and group orientation decreased during early adolescence. Moreover, an increase (slope) in self-orientation was positively associated with subsequent assertive behavior, whereas a slower decrease in group orientation was positively associated with subsequent prosocial behavior and peer preference. The initial level (intercept) of self-orientation was positively associated with later externalizing problems, and the initial level of group orientation was negatively associated with later internalizing problems. The intercepts of self- and group orientations were higher for boys than girls. No significant gender differences were found in the slopes of self- and group orientations or in the associations of intercepts and slopes with adjustment outcomes. The results indicated different developmental patterns of self- and group orientations and their different implications for adjustment in Chinese adolescents. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Neurophysiological correlates of interpersonal discrepancy and social adjustment in an interactive decision-making task in dyads.

The pursuit of convergence and the social behavioral adjustment of conformity are fundamental cooperative behaviors that help people adjust their mental frameworks to reach a common goal. However, while social psychology has extensively studied conformity by its influence context, there is still plenty to investigate about the neural cognitive mechanisms involved in this behavior. We proposed a paradigm with two phases, a pre-activation phase to enhance cooperative tendencies and, later, a social decision-making phase in which dyads had to make a perceptual estimation in three consecutive trials and could converge in their decisions without an explicit request or reward to do so. In Study 1, 80 participants were divided in two conditions. In one condition participants did the pre-activation phase alone, while in the other condition the two participants did it with their partners and could interact freely. In Study 2, we registered the electroencephalographical (EEG) activity of 36 participants in the social decision-making phase. Study 1 showed behavioral evidence of higher spontaneous convergence in participants who interacted in the pre-activation phase. Event related Potentials (ERP) recorded in Study 2 revealed signal differences in response divergence in different time intervals. Time-frequency analysis showed theta, alpha, and beta evidence related to cognitive control, attention, and reward processing associated with social convergence. Current results support the spontaneous convergence of behavior in dyads, with increased behavioral adjustment in those participants who have previously cooperated. In addition, neurophysiological components were associated with discrepancy levels between participants, and supported the validity of the experimental paradigm to study spontaneous social behavioral adaptation in experimental settings.

Sibling and pet relationships: links with adversity and adjustment in pre-adolescence

Although children view pets (i.e. companion animals) as family members, child-pet relationships are rarely studied alongside other family relationships. In a socially diverse sample of 77 British families with pre-adolescent children (M age = 12.14 years, SD = 0.29 years), we examine how the quality of children’s relationships with their pets and siblings vary in the context of adversity, and controlling for parent-child relationship quality, predict their behavioral adjustment. Children reported on the quality of their relationships and mothers rated child adjustment. Mother, child, and researcher ratings were combined to construct a multi-informant index of adversity. Child-pet positivity differed by adversity level for girls (but not boys) and, in low adversity contexts, was associated with greater concurrent prosocial behavior. Sibling positivity was unrelated to adversity, but had a buffering effect, in that adversity only predicted increases in problem behaviors over 12 months for those with low sibling positivity.