Behavioral Problems Research Articles

Kuwaiti Teachers’ Classroom Behavior Management Practices, Experiences, and Beliefs

Recent statistics suggest that student externalizing behaviors are increasing in Western and Asian countries; however, there is a paucity of research on teachers’ perspectives of these behaviors in Middle Eastern countries. A mixed-methods research design was used to investigate Kuwaiti public elementary and middle school teachers’ perceptions of their classroom behavior management (CBM) experiences, including their (a) academic preparation; (b) use of CBM practices to support students with externalizing behaviors; (c) observations of student externalizing behaviors; and (d) perceptions on administrative support and family involvement. Participants included 2,140 general and special education teachers randomly recruited from 45 schools. Results indicated that fewer than half of the teachers surveyed had prior instruction in CBM, reported using a wide variety of CBM practices in response to student behavior problems, and perceived higher levels of administrative support than family involvement. Implications of the study’s findings and suggestions for further research were discussed

Reliability and Validity of the Diagnostic Interview Trauma and Stressors- Intellectual Disability in Adults with Mild Intellectual Disabilities or Borderline Intellectual Functioning

ABSTRACT Objective To assess the reliability and construct validity of the Diagnostic Interview Trauma and Stressors- Intellectual Disability – Adult version (DITS-ID-adults) in adults with mild intellectual disabilities or borderline intellectual functioning (MID-BIF). Method The DITS-ID-adults, Brief Symptom Inventory–18 (BSI–18), and Impact of Event Scale-Intellectual Disability (IES – ID) were administered to 97 participants with MID-BIF who lived in supported housing. The Anxiety, Depression, and Mood Scale (ADESS) and Behavior Problems Inventory (BPI) were administered to their relatives. Results The interrater reliability of the DITS-ID-adults was good to excellent. The construct validity of the DITS-ID-adults was good, based on positive correlations between the BSI–18, IES-ID, ADESS and DITS-ID-adults, and mainly positive correlations between the BPI and DITS-ID-adults (r = .21 to r = .75). Reporting potentially traumatic events listed under the A criterium for PTSD was associated with fulfilling PTSD symptom criteria. In this sample, 58% were classified with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) according to the DITS-ID-adults, while PTSD diagnosis on file was low (7%). Conclusion The present findings support the DITS-ID-adults as a reliable and valid basis for classifying PTSD in individuals with MID-BIF.

The influence of physical exercise on adolescents’ externalizing problem behaviors: mediating effects of parent–child relationships, self-esteem, and self-control

BackgroundExternalizing problem behaviors can significantly and negatively impact adolescents’ learning, daily life, and future socialization. While physical exercise is believed to inhibit adolescents’ externalizing problem behaviors, the extent of its effect and the mediating mechanisms remain unclear.MethodsThis study is based on data from the 2018 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS). The CFPS project employed the Externalizing Problem Behaviors Scale (EPBS), the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and the Self-Control Scale (SCS) to measure adolescents’ externalizing problem behaviors, self-esteem, and self-control. Additionally, physical exercise was measured by collecting data on the time and frequency of adolescents’ physical exercise. Parent-child relationships were evaluated using a composite variable that included four dimensions: frequency of quarrels, frequency of heart-to-heart talks, parental awareness of their children’s whereabouts, and children’s trust in their parents. Based on data collection and variable construction, this study employed multiple linear regression, propensity score matching, and quantile regression to analyze the impact of physical exercise on adolescents’ externalizing problem behaviors and the heterogeneity of these effects. Additionally, the Bootstrap mediation effect test was employed to explore the mediating roles of parent-child relationships, self-esteem, and self-control in this process.ResultsThe analysis demonstrates that physical exercise significantly inhibits adolescents’ externalizing problem behaviors (β = −0.095, p < 0.01), although the effect varies significantly among different populations. Compared to males (β = −0.077, p < 0.1), rural residents (β = −0.065, p > 0.1), individuals with poorer family economic status (β = −0.080, p < 0.1), and those with more severe problem behaviors (τ = 0.75, β = −0.086, p < 0.05), physical exercise yields a more pronounced inhibitory effect on females (β = −0.113, p < 0.01), urban residents (β = −0.134, p < 0.01), individuals with better family economic status (β = −0.115, p < 0.01), and those with milder problem behaviors (τ = 0.25, β = −0.112, p < 0.01). Furthermore, through enhancements in parent-child relationships (CI: -0.015; -0.002), self-esteem (CI: -0.019; -0.003), and self-control (CI: -0.055; -0.025), physical exercise indirectly mitigates adolescents’ externalizing problem behaviors.ConclusionPhysical exercise significantly reduces adolescents’ externalizing problem behaviors, with effects differing across various groups. Parent-child relationships, self-esteem, and self-control mediate this relationship, underscoring the positive influence of exercise on adolescent behavior.

The Impact of the Missouri School-Wide Positive Behavior Support (MO SW-PBS) on Disciplinary Exclusions

The negative outcomes of exclusionary discipline practices on children and youth are well established. Fortunately, for the past two decades, research has demonstrated that pro-active instructional approaches and building supportive class and school environments can effectively promote student social, emotional, and behavioral well-being, especially when evidence-based practices are placed within a problem-solving multitiered system of supports such as school-wide positive behavioral interventions and supports (SWPBIS). Recent work examining state-wide behavioral interventions and supports (PBIS) initiatives, which include professional development and technical assistance to school leadership teams, has clearly documented that educators can reduce problem behavior and thereby reduce the need or use for exclusionary discipline practices. This study extends that body of knowledge by examining Missouri’s SWPBIS initiative over time and across grade levels. Using an extant data base, schools implementing SWPBIS with fidelity were compared with nonimplementing schools over 11 school years. Results indicated that schools implementing SWPBIS with fidelity had statistically significant lower rates of exclusionary discipline practices at the primary, middle, and high school level. Results are discussed within the context of past state-wide SWPBIS initiatives.

Supporting African communities to increase resilience and mental health of kids with developmental disabilities and their caregivers using the World Health Organization’s Caregiver Skills Training Programme (SPARK trial): study protocol for a cluster randomised clinical controlled trial

BackgroundMost children with developmental disabilities (DD) live in low- and middle-income countries, but access to services is limited, impacting their ability to thrive. Pilot study findings of the World Health Organization’s Caregiver Skills Training (WHO CST) intervention, which equips caregivers with strategies to facilitate learning and adaptive behaviours in children with DD, are promising but evidence from an appropriately powered trial delivered by non-specialist facilitators is lacking. This study will investigate the effectiveness and the resource impacts and costs and consequences of the WHO CST intervention in four sites in rural and urban Kenya and Ethiopia.MethodsThis is a 2-arm multi-site hybrid type-1 effectiveness implementation cluster randomised controlled superiority trial. After baseline assessments (T0) are completed by participants in clusters comprising 7 to 10 caregiver-child dyads, the clusters will be randomised to either the WHO CST intervention arm or a waitlist enhanced care as usual control arm. Further assessments will be completed at endpoint (T1, 18 ± 2 weeks after randomisation) and follow-up (T2, 44 ± 2 weeks after randomisation). The intervention comprises three individualised home visits and nine group sessions with trained non-specialist facilitators. Participants in the control arm will receive the intervention after completing follow-up assessments. We aim to recruit 544 child-caregiver dyads, evenly distributed across the two arms and countries. The co-primary outcomes are the child-focused Child Behavior Checklist (assessing emotional and behavioural problems) and the caregiver-focused Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (assessing caregiver quality of life), both assessed at endpoint. Secondary outcome measures comprise the two co-primary outcomes at follow-up and ten additional outcome measures at endpoint, assessing stigma-based experiences, depressive symptoms, household food insecurity, child disciplinary strategies and beliefs, CST knowledge and skill competencies, caregiver and child quality of life, social support, and children’s communication modes and functions. After quantitative follow-up assessments are completed, a mixed-methods evaluation approach will be used to investigate implementation processes and acceptability, feasibility, and potential sustainability of the intervention.DiscussionThe study’s findings will provide evidence of the effectiveness and resource impacts and costs and consequences of a non-specialist-delivered intervention in under-resourced contexts in one low-income and one middle-income country in East Africa. Findings will inform future research, intervention, and policy efforts to support children with DD and their families in under-resourced majority world contexts.Trial registrationPan African Clinical Trial Registry PACTR202310908063134. Registered on October 16, 2023.

Relationships across the elementary years: Association with children's social-behavioral skills

Students' social-behavioral competencies are foundational to development. This longitudinal study identified associations between parent-teacher and student-teacher relationships, and children's social skills and problem behaviors at a single timepoint and over time. It involved 316 students and their parents and teachers across Grades 1 through 4. Several significant associations were uncovered, generally consistent with hypotheses. Parents' and teachers' reports of the parent-teacher relationship at one point in time were associated with their own ratings of students' social-behavioral outcomes. Across grades, parents' reports of the parent-teacher relationship were associated with their own ratings of students' outcomes. Teachers' reports of parent-teacher relationships were associated with children's overall social-behavioral outcomes as reported by parents and teachers. Teacher-rated student-teacher relationships at one timepoint were associated with their own ratings but not parents' ratings of student behaviors. Teacher-reported student-teacher relationships over time were associated with students' outcomes as rated by parents and teachers. Implications are discussed.

Surfing into trouble? How internet use influences early adolescent behavior through diverse pathways?

In the digital age, the escalating accessibility of the Internet to younger populations prompts significant concerns about its potential behavioral repercussions. The objective of this research is to investigate the connection between Internet use and externalizing problem behaviors in early adolescents. A total of 1155 Chinese early adolescents, ranging in age from 11 to 14 years, participated by completing an anonymous self-report questionnaire. The findings reveal that: (1) there is a positive correlation between the extent of Internet use and the prevalence of externalizing problem behaviors, suggesting a potential risk factor inherent in unregulated digital exposure; (2) both self-education expectations and peer relationships mediate the link between Internet use and externalizing problem behaviors, indicating that educational aspirations and social interactions play a pivotal role in mediating this impact; (3) Internet use indirectly influences externalizing problem behaviors through the sequential mediation of self-education expectations and peer relationships, outlining a complex interplay that influences behavioral outcomes; and (4) the influence of Internet use on externalizing problem behaviors shows notable differences based on gender and geographical location, with a greater adverse impact observed in males than in females and in rural settings compared to urban areas. These findings underscore the urgent need for bespoke strategies to mitigate the negative influences of Internet use on youth, tailored to address the specific challenges faced by different demographic groups. The study not only extends the current understanding of digital media’s impact on adolescent behavior but also catalyzes policy discussions aimed at fostering healthier digital environments for the younger generation.

Relationship of Tetrad Dark Personality Traits and Delinquent Behavior among Adolescents: Moderating Role of Social Support

The current research studies the relationship between Dark Tetrad personality dimensions: Machiavellianism, narcissism, psychopathy, sadism, and delinquency in adolescence while considering the role of social support as the moderator. For this study the cross-sectional research design was used and the sample included 300 adolescents comprising 150 males and 150 females in the age group of 10 to 19 years randomly selected from twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The data were collected using the Short Dark Tetrad (SD4) self-reported delinquency – Problem Behavior Frequency Scale and Child and Adolescent Social Support Scale (CASSS). The analyses conducted found positive and significant correlations between the dark personality traits and the delinquent behaviors with each of the dark personality traits being positively correlated with the manifests of delinquent behaviour. Furthermore, the study revealed that social support acted as a moderator that could help decrease the delinquency rate among the adolescents who possess a high level of dark personality traits. These imply that dark personality facets and insufficient social support should be targeted to reduce delinquency among adolescents. The results imply that any prevention or treatment programs targeted at decreasing delinquency must take into account the presence of dark personality features in adolescents, especially through modulating the perceived usefulness of social support. The insights from the research can be quite useful for schools, families, and community-oriented programs to design effective interventions not only to address behavior management but also to address the potentially detrimental effects associated with these personality traits.

Preconception and prenatal vitamin D associations with positive behavioral health in Black children.

Low levels of vitamin D during pregnancy are associated with offspring behavioral problems but little is known about pre-pregnancy influences. Additionally, Black American individuals are underrepresented in studies, limiting translational impact. We tested independent and interactive effects of preconception and prenatal vitamin D in Black women in relation to positive behavioral and emotional outcomes in early childhood. Black-identifying participants (N = 156) enrolled in the longitudinal Pittsburgh Girls Study (PGS) provided venous blood samples before and during pregnancy to measure 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) levels. Participants completed questionnaires assessing sociodemographic factors, depression severity and life stress, and later reported on child behavioral and emotional problems and prosocial behavior between 2 and 4 years. Mean serum 25(OH)D concentrations were 15.5 ng/ml (s.d. = 7.7) before pregnancy and 18.0 ng/ml (s.d. = 9.2) during pregnancy; below the sufficiency threshold according to commonly used dietary guidelines. After adjusting for covariates, prenatal 25(OH)D was negatively related to behavior problems and positively related to prosocial behavior in children, although the association attenuated for behavior problems after accounting for preconception 25(OH)D, which may reflect patterns of stability. Maternal 25(OH)D was unrelated to child emotional problems, and no synergistic effects of 25(OH)D timing were observed for any child outcome. Findings have relevance for Black women living in the northeast U.S. Results suggest specific associations between maternal vitamin D and positive behaviors in early childhood, regardless of sufficiency levels and suggest potential opportunities for early interventions to support healthy child development.

Latent profiles of home behaviour problems in Trinidad and Tobago.

Caregivers who interact with children at home can provide a critical, complementary perspective on a child's behaviour functioning. This research used a parent-administered measure of problem behaviours to study perceptions of child behaviours across home situations. We applied latent profile analysis to identify subgroups of children with common behavioural tendencies in a nationally representative sample (N = 709) of 4- to 13-year-old children in Trinidad and Tobago. This study (a) identified latent profiles of children's over- and underactive behaviour problems in varied home settings and (b) examined how profile membership predicted academic skills and teacher-observed problem behaviours. The best-fitting four-profile model included one profile of adjusted behaviours (56%), one of the elevated attention-seeking behaviours (21%), a profile featuring withdrawn and disengaged behaviours (15%) and a relatively rare profile emphasising aggressive behaviours (8%). Children classified in the last profile displayed the poorest academic outcomes and the highest levels of teacher-observed behaviour problems.

20 Co-occurring behaviours of concern and sleep problems in children with neurodevelopmental disorders

Abstract Background Many children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) have behaviours of concern (BoC). These behaviours, such as aggression and self-injury, can impair functioning, cause distress to the child and caregivers, and threaten physical safety. This population also commonly experiences chronic and frequent sleep problems including issues falling asleep and staying asleep. Studies in sub-populations of NDDs suggest insufficient sleep is related to worsening BoC. Therefore, sleep may be a modifiable risk factor in children with NDDs and BoC. However, no studies have systematically characterized co-occurring behaviour and sleep problems in the general NDD population. To our knowledge this is the first study to take a transdiagnostic approach in assessing the co-occurrence of sleep problems and BoC in children with NDDs, and systematically characterizing BoC and sleep problems by their type and severity. Objectives To assess the co-occurrence of BoC and sleep problems in a population of children with diverse NDDs and systematically characterize both BoC and sleep problems. Design/Methods A literature review and clinical experience informed the creation of a REDCap database. Medical information, the nature, frequency, and severity of BoC and sleep problems, and other relevant information (e.g., demographics, medications) were included. Charts from children ages 2-18 years who visited the Child Development Centre for consultation from May – October 2022 and had confirmation of an NDD diagnosis were manually reviewed. Results 241 children met eligibility criteria. Of children with data available for both sleep and behaviour, 55% had co-occurring behaviour and sleep problems. These children displayed aggression (75%) and self-injury (49%) more frequently than children who had behaviours but no sleep problems (66% and 34%, respectively). Children with co-occurring behaviours and sleep problems were more likely to have severe BoC, including severe aggression (48%) and self-injury (45%), compared to children who had behavioural concerns but no sleep problems (21% and 20%, respectively). Conclusion The majority of children with NDDs have co-occurring BoC and sleep problems. This co-occurrence was related to increased frequency and severity of BoC in children with NDDs. Addressing sleep problems may represent a previously underrecognized therapeutic target to address BoC in this population.

Associations of fetal and infant growth patterns with behavior and cognitive outcomes in early adolescence

AbstractBackgroundFetal life and infancy might be critical periods for brain development leading to increased risks of neurocognitive disorders and psychopathology later in life. We examined the associations of fetal and infant weight growth patterns and birth characteristics with behavior and cognitive outcomes at the age of 13 years.MethodsPopulation‐based prospective cohort study from fetal life until adolescence. Pregnant women with a delivery date between April 2002 and January 2006 were eligible. Follow‐up measurements were available for 4716 children. Fetal weight was estimated in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy by ultrasonography. Infant weight was measured at birth and at 6, 12, and 24 months. Fetal and infant weight acceleration or deceleration were defined as a change in SD greater than 0.67 between time points. Total, internalizing and externalizing problems and attention‐deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms were measured using Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL/6–18), autistic traits by the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) and intelligence quotient (IQ) by the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children‐Fifth Edition (WISC‐V).ResultsOne week longer gestational age at birth was associated with a −0.03 SDS (95% Confidence Interval (CI): −0.04, −0.01) lower total behavior problems score, a −0.02 SDS (95% CI: −0.04, −0.01) lower ADHD symptoms score. Also an increase in birth weight of 500 g was associated with a lower odds of having high externalizing problems (OR 0.92 (95% CI: 0.86, 0.98) and of having a low IQ score (OR 0.79 (95% CI: 0.71, 0.88). Compared to children with normal fetal and infant growth, those with accelerated fetal and infant growth had a 0.27 SDS higher IQ (95% Confidence Interval 0.11, 0.44).ConclusionsBoth fetal and infant weight development are associated with behavioral and cognitive outcomes in early adolescence. Follow‐up studies are needed to assess whether these associations link to later life mental health outcomes.

Close relationships with caregivers as protective factor for the mental health and functioning of war-affected Congolese youth

BackgroundSupportive social connections are a crucial determinant of the mental health and adjustment of youth in conflict-torn regions. Conflict-affected youth face particular risks to their well-being due to high levels of trauma exposure and perpetration of violent acts as members of armed groups and post-conflict discrimination. However, little is known about the possible protective role of close relationships with caregivers in the aftermath of trauma. This study examined whether a higher perceived quality of relationships with caregivers would attenuate the associations between exposure to traumatic experiences and four indicators of adjustment (posttraumatic stress symptoms [PTSS], emotional problems, behavioural problems, criminal behaviour) in a sample of 268 war-affected youth (61.2% male, Mage = 16.31 years) living in Bukavu, Democratic Republic of Congo. More than half of the present sample (56.7%) were former members of armed groups.MethodsData were collected using quantitative structured interviews and analyzed through regression models using the PROCESS macro.ResultsHigher cumulative trauma exposure was significantly related to higher levels of PTSS and emotional problems, while more frequent perpetration of war-related violence was significantly related to higher levels of PTSS, behavioural problems, and criminal behavior. The perceived quality of relationships with caregivers significantly moderated the associations between youth’s cumulative trauma exposure and all four outcomes. At higher perceived quality of relationships with caregivers, the associations between trauma exposure and emotional problems, behavioural problems, and criminal behaviour were no longer significant and the association with PTSS was significantly weakened. Higher perceived quality of relationships with caregivers was also directly significantly related to lower levels of mental health problems and criminal behaviour.ConclusionsThe findings suggest that interventions that focus on strengthening relationships with caregivers are crucial for supporting the mental health and functioning of youth who experienced and perpetrated war-related violence.

Evaluation of ANKOMMEN as a group intervention based on life story work for adolescents in residential care in Germany: a single-arm pilot study

BackgroundAdolescents face many challenges when coping with out-of-home placement, and life story work can be helpful in this context. Typically conducted in individual settings, life story work’s high resource requirements pose a challenge for implementation in the standard care of youth welfare institutions. To address this issue, the ANKOMMEN intervention was developed as a manualized group program for adolescents in residential care focusing on processing and coping with experiences associated with their out-of-home placement.MethodThe intervention was evaluated in a single-arm pilot study with questionnaires administered at three time points (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and 3-month follow-up). The primary outcome was self-efficacy, while secondary outcomes included self-esteem, depressive symptoms, posttraumatic stress symptoms, and behavioral problems. A total of 31 intervention groups with 115 adolescents (M = 14.91 years; SD = 1.45; 52.2% male) were conducted between October 2020 and September 2022 in Germany. Data were analysed using mixed effect models.ResultsPre-post comparisons revealed increased self-efficacy (d = −0.80) and self-esteem (d = −0.68) among participants with below-average scores prior to the intervention. Additionally, there was a decrease in self-reported depressive symptoms (d = 0.76), self-reported posttraumatic stress symptoms (d = 0.58), self-reported internalizing behavior problems (d = 0.74), caregiver-reported internalizing behavior problems (d = 0.76), and self-reported externalizing behavior problems (d = 0.52) for participants with clinically relevant scores prior to the intervention. These improvements were stable in the 3-month follow-up assessment. Furthermore, the intervention proved its feasibility in standard care within the context of the evaluation study.ConclusionsThe results of the pilot study provide preliminary evidence for the feasibility and potential effectiveness of ANKOMMEN but further research is needed to obtain valid evidence for the efficacy of the intervention.

Tobacco Smoke Exposure in Children and Adolescents: Prevalence, Risk Factors and Co-Morbid Neuropsychiatric Conditions in a US Nationwide Study

Background: Tobacco smoke exposure (TSE) is a major public health concern, impacting not only smokers but also those around them, particularly children and adolescents. TSE is linked to various neuropsychiatric conditions and significantly impacts quality of life. This study examines the prevalence, socio-demographic factors, and the impact of TSE on the severity of neurological and psychiatric co-morbidities. Methods: Data from the National Survey of Children’s Health (NSCH) in the US from 2020 to 2021 were used in this study. We included 91,404 children and adolescents aged between 0 to 17 years for the TSE prevalence and socio-demographic analysis, and 79,182 children and adolescents aged between 3 and 17 years for the neuropsychiatric co-morbidities analysis. The mean age of these individuals was 8.7 (standard deviation: 5.3), and 11,751 (12.9%) had confirmed TSE. Results: Our analysis showed that TSE is more common in males (53%) than females (47%). Additionally, the odds of TSE were higher in families with a lower income level and with American Indian/Native Alaska racial descent. We found that 36.4% of youths with TSE developed at least one co-morbid condition. The most common neuropsychiatric co-morbidities were anxiety problems (15.7%), Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) (15.5%), behavioral and conduct problems (13.7%), and learning disability (12%). Females had lower odds of co-morbid anxiety (OR: 0.3, p = 0.02) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) (OR: 0.9, p = 0.04) than males. Asians showed lower odds of co-morbid ADHD (OR: 0.3, p-value: 0.001), anxiety problems (OR: 0.4, p-value: 0.003), speech/other language disorder (OR: 0.4, p-value: 0.001), developmental delay (OR: 0.4, p-value: 0.001), behavioral and conduct problems (OR: 0.4, p-value: 0.003), and learning disability (OR: 0.5, p-value: 0.004). Conversely, American Indian children and adolescents had higher odds of co-morbid headaches (OR: 3, p-value: 0.005). TSE co-occurring with Tourette’s Syndrome (TS) (OR: 4.4, p < 0.001), ADHD (OR: 1.3, p < 0.001), developmental delay (OR: 1.3, p < 0.001), behavioral problems (OR: 1.3, p < 0.001), headaches (OR: 1.3, p = 0.005), depression (OR: 1.2, p = 0.02), anxiety (OR: 1.2, p < 0.01), ASD (OR: 1.2, p < 0.001), and learning disability (OR: 1.2, p = 0.03) may contribute to a more severe manifestation. Conclusions: ADHD, behavioral/conduct problems, and learning disabilities were the most prevalent co-occurring conditions with TSE. Our findings show that 36.4% of youths with TSE had at least one neuropsychiatric comorbidity. Screening for these conditions in youths exposed to TSE is crucial for early detection and interventions to increase their mental health and well-being.

Language barriers and mental health problems of preschool children born very preterm in Germany.

We assessed whether behavioural and emotional problems of 5- to 6-year-old preschool children born very preterm (<32 weeks' gestation) are associated with an immigrant background and linguistic distance of their first language to the host country's official language, German. This is an observational longitudinal cohort study. Data are from the national multicentre German Neonatal Network cohort, including all very preterm births from 2009 onwards. A total of 3220 (n = 1570 female) children were followed up at preschool age; 629 (n = 324 female) of these had an immigrant background. Behavioural and emotional problems were assessed using the parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Mixed-effects models showed that immigrant status alone was not associated with children's behavioural and emotional problems. However, a higher linguistic distance of the children's first language to German was associated with higher SDQ total problem scores (coefficient = 0.008, 95% confidence interval 0.002, 0.015), after adjusting for known confounders. Language barriers in the form of linguistic distance between the first language of children born very preterm and countries' official languages are associated with increased risk for behavioural and emotional problems. More research is needed on how language barriers affect long-term developmental outcomes of immigrant children born very preterm.

Cognitive performance, mental health, and quality of life in β-thalassemia individuals: a comprehensive analysis

IntroductionBeta-thalassemia is a prevalent autosomal recessive haemolytic disorder, particularly in the Middle East. Patients with beta-thalassemia major (βTM) require iron chelation therapy and regular blood transfusions, while those with beta-thalassemia intermedia (βTI) exhibit milder symptoms. This study aimed to evaluate cognitive function, behavioural problems, quality of life, and related aspects in individuals with βTM and βTI.MethodsThe cross-sectional study included 20 βTM participants, 20 βTI participants, and 19 healthy controls. Participants underwent psychiatric interviews, the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale (WAIS-III), Symptom Checklist-90 Revised (SCL-90R), and Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36). Clinical data and laboratory investigations were also collected.ResultsβTM participants exhibited lower vocabulary and picture completion scores on the WAIS-III compared to other groups. βTI participants had significantly higher scores on SCL-90R subscales for somatization, depression, anxiety, paranoid ideation, and psychoticism. Both patient groups reported poorer quality of life across all SF-36 domains compared with controls. Longer disease duration correlated with lower levels of somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, depression, anxiety, and paranoid ideation. Less frequent blood transfusions were associated with better physical and mental health summary scores but also higher somatization. Elevated serum iron levels corresponded with increased anxiety, hostility, and psychoticism symptoms, while higher serum ferritin related to more obsessive–compulsive behaviours but less somatization and psychoticism.ConclusionsIndividuals with thalassemia exhibit cognitive deficits, psychological disturbances, and diminished quality of life, with distinct patterns depending on disease severity. Regular monitoring and appropriate interventions are crucial for optimizing their overall well-being and functioning.

Parents' perception of children's behaviors, self-compassion, and parenting stress: Actor-partner interdependence model.

This study explores how self-compassion mediates the relations between parents' perceptions of children's behaviors and parenting stress, as well as interactions between parents. We conducted a longitudinal actor-partner interdependence mediation model and assessed parents' perceptions of children's behaviors, self-compassion, and parenting stress. A total of 656 pairs of parents (fathers' Mage = 34.96 years, SDage = 5.62; mothers' Mage = 33.13 years, SDage = 5.77) participated in the study. Results revealed that parents' perceptions of children's problem behavior affected their own parenting stress through their self-compassion. Additionally, parents' perceptions of children's prosocial behavior directly influenced their own parenting stress and also affected it through self-compassion in both parents. Parents' perceptions of children's problem behavior directly influenced their partner's parenting stress and also indirectly through their own self-compassion. Similarly, parents' perceptions of children's prosocial behavior affected their partner's parenting stress via self-compassion in both parents. The findings highlighted the importance of parents recognizing and valuing their children's positive behaviors, thereby fostering a constructive "child effect" that improved the dynamics of the parental subsystem. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Gambling-related attitudes and dimensional structure of the GABS-15 in outpatient addiction care patients: associations with gambling disorder

IntroductionIndividuals with gambling disorder (GD) harbor cognitive distortions and dysfunctional beliefs about gambling that may foster problematic gambling behaviour. Evidence on particularly detrimental attitudes and beliefs is however lacking. To close this knowledge gap, we analysed associations between gambling attitudes and beliefs (Gambling Attitudes and Beliefs Survey (GABS-15)) and severity of gambling disorder (DSM-5 criteria met) in a German cohort of 123 individuals receiving outpatient gambling treatment.MethodsData from the "Katamnese-Study" covering a 36-months timeframe with 5 assessment points was pooled. The multidimensional structure of the GABS-15 was examined using explorative and confirmatory factor analyses, followed by mixed-effect regression models using different operationalizations of the GABS-15.ResultsA three-factorial structure comprising “attitudes while gambling”, “sensation-seeking / excitement”, and "gambling fallacies” demonstrated better fit indices than the GABS-15 sum score. Only the "gambling fallacies " factor (1.00, p&amp;lt;0.05; 15.36, p &amp;lt; 0.01) was significantly associated with increased severity of GD.DiscussionAs a one-dimensional conceptualization of gambling-related attitudes and beliefs might not sufficiently guide staff of outpatient treatment facilities regarding priority setting in gambling care, evidence on attitudes with particularly detrimental associations is highly warranted. Here, focussing on mitigating "gambling' fallacies" by tailored treatment strategies appears promising.

Exploring Research Dynamics in Aggression and Violence

Background: From 1994 to 2023, the research landscape on the subjects of aggression and violence has grown considerably, influenced by a growth in concerns around mental health, the prevention of violence, and cross-disciplinary approaches in the study of human behavior. The rising complexity of such fields requires a bibliometric analysis for an understanding of the thematic trends, key research areas, and scholarly collaborations that have shaped this body of knowledge. Objective: This study attempts to conduct an inclusive bibliometric analysis representing important themes, research trends, and interdisciplinary relationships of scholarship on psychology, aggression, violence prevention, and other public health-related topics in the past three decades. This paper aims at identifying influential topics, authors, and emerging areas of interest as well as shedding light on potential gaps in this research area. Methods: A bibliometric approach has been applied using VOSviewer for network visualization and mapping. The dataset includes scholarly publications in the period between 1994 and 2023; co-authorship, citation analysis, and keyword co-occurrence are included. Major research clusters, prominent authors, and thematic trends identified in this paper represent the main findings in a visual manner. An overview of key topics and their interrelations is shown visually in word clouds and network visualizations. Findings: Results show that psychology is the most dominant discipline in the discourse of aggression, violence, and public health. Dominant topics include mental health, suicide prevention, poison control, and occupational safety. Other fast-growing topics deal with cyber-aggression and media-fueled violence, reflecting technological changes impinging on behavioral studies. There is considerable interdisciplinary interaction, especially between psychology and medicine and/or public health. These three issues do not cover the broadness of research; other areas, such as environmental health and substance abuse, are underrepresented in the scholarship. Conclusion: This bibliometric analysis underlines the role of psychology and public health as significant in addressing aggression, violence, and mental health. The research landscape is large and interdisciplinary, with future research needing to cover environmental, socio-economic, and systemic factors of public health even more. Enhanced interdisciplinary collaboration and embedding of hitherto less explored topics will play a decisive role in the further development of a comprehensive understanding of the complex issues at play. Novelty: The paper therefore carves out a distinctive bibliometric perspective on the evolution of research in psychology, aggression, and violence within the period 1994-2023, pointing not just toward the themes at the forefront, but also the emergent trends and lacunae in the literature. By identifying key areas of scholarly concentration and underrepresented areas, the analysis constructs a roadmap to future research and advances a more integrated approach toward resolving behavioral and public health problems.