Child Behavior Problems Research Articles

Predictor Role of Parental Neglect On Socio-Emotional And Moral Development And Behavioral Problems In Children

The purpose of the present study was to examine parental neglect as a predictor of socio-emotional and moral development and behavioral problems in children. The participants of the study consisted of 266 parent-child dyads in Hatay, Turkey. The data collection instruments included a Socio-Demographic Information Form, which was administered to both the parents and their children. In addition, children were administered the Social-Emotional and Moral Development Scale, whereas the parents were administered the Child Behavior Checklist and Multidimensional Neglectful Behaviors Scale. According to the stepwise regression analysis, it was found that the number of children the parents had, behavioral problems in children, nationality and duration of stay of Syrian parents in Turkey, and parental neglect predicted socio-emotional and moral development in children. In terms of behavioral problems in children, parents’ age, educational status, and neglectful behaviors, in addition to children’s socio-emotional and moral development, were found to be the significant predictors. The results of the study may shed light on the associations among parental neglect and the socio-emotional and moral development and behavioral problems in children for school authorities and mental health professionals in a cosmopolitan population with high levels of immigration.

Co-occurring trajectory of housing stability and parenting stress with child behavior problems: A randomized trial of a housing intervention for young mothers experiencing homelessness.

This study examined the effects of an integrative housing intervention (Ecologically Based Treatment, EBT - independent housing and supportive services) on the co-occurring pattern of housing stability and parenting stress among a sample of substance-using mothers who experience homelessness and have young children in their care. The association between the co-occurring patterns of housing stability and parenting stress and child internalizing and externalizing behaviors was also examined. Mothers were randomized to one of the three conditions: EBT (n = 80), Housing-only (HOU; n = 80), or Services as Usual (SAU; n = 80). Follow-up assessments were completed at 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-months post-baseline. The dual-trajectory latent class growth analyses identified five subgroups of co-occurring patterns: low-greatly improved housing paired with moderate-improved parenting stress, low-greatly improved housing paired with high-improved parenting stress, low-moderately improved housing paired with moderate-static parenting stress, low-worse housing paired with moderate-improved parenting stress, and low-worse housing paired with high-static parenting stress. Findings showed that EBT was more effective in improving housing stability and reducing parenting stress compared to HOU and SAU conditions, and further, HOU was more effective than SAU. Additionally, children whose mothers reported increased housing stability together with improved parenting stress had lower levels of internalizing and externalizing behaviors. The findings provide support to the efficacy of EBT in increasing housing stability and reducing parenting stress. The observed improvements subsequently benefited children's behavioral outcomes.

Caregiver stress, parenting, and child outcomes among grandfamilies

Over 2.4 million grandparents are responsible for raising their grandchildren (custodial grandparents; CGs). CGs have high levels of stress and many experience financial hardship. Additionally, their grandchildren are vulnerable to psychological disorders. Parenting research has found low-income, child behavioral problems, and stress are clearly linked with dysfunctional parenting strategies. The current study examined how these factors are associated among grandfamilies. 79 CGs of 6- to 12-year-old grandchildren completed measures of general stress, parenting stress, parenting strategies, and child behavior. It was hypothesized that parenting stress would be more strongly correlated with both dysfunctional parenting and child behavioral problems compared to general stress. Further, it was hypothesized that both parenting stress and dysfunctional parenting would predict child behavior and that general stress would not explain additional variance in child behavior. Finally, income was expected to moderate the associations between parenting stress and child behavior, as well as dysfunctional parenting and child behavior. Parenting stress was significantly correlated with parenting and child outcomes, and general stress was similarly associated. Parenting stress and dysfunctional parenting were predictive of child outcomes. However, general stress did explain additional variance in child behavior over and above parenting stress and parenting. Further, income did not moderate the associations of parenting and child behavior, nor parenting stress and child behavior. Consistent with previous research, grandparents’ parenting and general stress were high, grandchildren had high levels of behavioral problems and many families had low-income. Our findings highlight the need for a comprehensive treatment approach when working with grandfamilies.

Mediators and moderators of the effects of the COVID-19 crisis on parent–child conflict in children in tertiary mental health care

This study focused on children treated for mental health problems during the pandemic. The present study examined how parent’s difficulties in managing COVID-19 restrictions increased children's behavioral problems (internalizing and externalizing) and parent–child conflict through parental mental health and parental stress. Family functioning, particularly problem-solving ability, was tested as a resilience factor. were collected using online surveys from 337 parents with a child between the ages of 4 and 18 years who was receiving active outpatient mental health treatment at a pediatric tertiary care center. Parents who reported a greater impact of COVID-19 reported more behavioral difficulties in their children. This relationship was significantly mediated by parental mental health (general stress, anxiety, and depression) and parental stress. Similar indirect pathways were observed when examining internalizing and externalizing problems in children, where the most significant pathway had parental stress as the sole mediator. Furthermore, the effect of COVID-19 impact on parent–child conflict through parental stress was significantly moderated by problem-solving skills within the family. Parenting stress mediates the impact of COVID-19 on parent–child conflict. Interventions improving within family problem solving-skills may decrease the effect of parental stress on parent–child conflict.

Maternal pre-pregnancy weight status and gestational weight gain in association with child behavior: The mediating role of prenatal systemic inflammation

Maternal pre-pregnancy obesity and excessive gestational weight gain (EGWG) may predispose children to behavioral problems through increased prenatal inflammation. We investigated the association between maternal body mass index (BMI) and gestational weight gain (GWG), and child behavioral problems (primary aim), and the mediating role of prenatal inflammation (secondary aim). We used self-reported pre-pregnancy BMI and estimated-GWG data (N=1137) from a longitudinal cohort study. Maternal serum C-reactive protein (CRP) was measured in the 3rd-trimester. Parent-reported Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was used to assess child internalizing and externalizing behaviors at 3-years-of-age. We used analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), multiple linear regression, and mediation analyses for data analysis. Maternal obesity (F=21.98, df 3836), EGWG (F=6.53, df 2764), and their combination (F=18.51, df 3764) were associated with the 3rd trimester CRP, but not child behavior in the whole sample. Maternal underweight was associated with withdrawal problems in all children (β=0.56, 95%CI, 0.11,1.00) and aggressive behaviors in female children (β=2.59, 95%CI, 0.28,4.91). Obesity had a significant association with externalizing behaviors in female children after controlling for maternal CRP (β=3.72, 95%CI, 0.12,7.32). Both inadequate and EGWG were associated with somatic complaints in male children (β=0.50, 95%CI, 0.05,0.95; β=0.36, 95%CI, 0.01,0.71, respectively). Combined obesity/EGWG was associated with externalizing (β=6.12, 95%CI, 0.53,11.70) and aggressive (β=4.23, 95%CI, 0.90,7.56) behaviors in female children. We found no significant effects through CRP. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI and GWG showed sex-specific associations with child behavioral problems. Prenatal CRP, although increased in obesity and EGWG, did not mediate these associations.

Does marital satisfaction predict children aggression? Insights from parents' and children's psychological distress

AbstractMarital satisfaction is a key indicator of family members' life satisfaction and mental and physical health. Parents' marital functioning affects their children's development. Given the significant impacts of marital satisfaction on children's psychological and behavioural development, the influencing paths need to be explored. This study aims to extend prior research by examining the direct effect of marital satisfaction on children's aggression and the intermediary roles of parents' and children's psychological distress. Using multi‐stage cluster random sampling, a total of 971 children and their parents were recruited in Shaanxi Province in Mainland China. Self‐reported questionnaires regarding marital satisfaction, psychological distress and aggression were completed. Results showed no significant direct impact of marital satisfaction on children's aggression, but children's psychological distress mediated this link. Moreover, parents' and children's psychological distress served as sequential mediators in the nexus between marital satisfaction and children's aggression. It means that a chain mediating mechanism existed. A better understanding of the underlying mechanisms may offer valuable insights that would aid policymakers and clinicians in designing effective prevention and interventions targeting children's behavioural problems.

Prospective Association of Parenting Stress with Later Child Behavior Problems in Early Childhood Autism.

Autistic children are reported to display higher levels of externalizing and internalizing behaviors than neurotypical children, and their parents report more stress than parents of neurotypical children. It is unclear whether child behavior difficulties contribute to increased parenting stress, whether parenting stress contributes to child behavior difficulties, or whether the relationship may be bidirectional. We investigated prospective bidirectional associations between parenting stress and child externalizing and internalizing behaviors when autistic children were aged on average 3.5, 4.5, and 5.5years. Data collected at these three timepoints were examined across two panels: Time 1 to Time 2 (n = 38 parent-child dyads) and Time 2 to Time 3 (n = 27 dyads). Across Time 1 to Time 2, early parenting stress was significantly associated with later child externalizing behavior, and cross-lagged panel analysis supported a uni- rather than a bidirectional association between these factors. There was some evidence of a bidirectional association between parenting stress and child internalizing behavior, though this was non-significant when the strong stability of child internalizing behavior was statistically controlled. In contrast, across Time 2 to Time 3, there were no significant prospective associations found between variables, highlighting the importance of considering the impact of parenting stress early in the course of childhood autism. Our results add to research indicating that support targeting parent characteristics, especially parenting stress, could ameliorate subsequent outcomes for both parents and children.

Maternal mobile phone screen time during pregnancy and children's internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems

The behavioral problems of children and adolescents are becoming more and more serious, and the prevalence rate is increasing year by year. The overall trend is increasing, which has become one of the important public health issues of global concern. There are many influencing factors for behavioral problems in children and adolescents, including genetic, psychosocial, family and early life environment. Among them, maternal screen exposure during pregnancy is a contributing factor that deserves attention and has practical intervention significance. This study systematically evaluated the association between maternal mobile phone screen time during pregnancy and children's internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems, its potential biological mechanisms and relevant intervention measures, in order to create a good intrauterine environment for fetal neurodevelopment and further reduce the occurrence of children's behavioral problems.

Associations Between Adult Attachment, Maternal Emotion Socialization and Child Behavior.

Attachment theories suggest that the adult attachment styles of mothers may influence behavior problems among their children; however, empirical studies examining the direct role of maternal adult attachment styles and the mechanisms through emotion-related parenting are scarce. This study examined the influence of maternal adult attachment styles and emotion-related parenting on child internalizing and externalizing problems. The participants were 409 mothers with children aged 4-5years. A questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain their adult attachment styles to their mothers, maternal emotion socialization, and their children's behavior problems. The results of structural equation modelling (SEM) analyses revealed that maternal adult attachment influenced child behavior problems directly and indirectly through maternal emotion socialization. (1) Maternal attachment anxiety directly affected child externalizing problems, and indirectly affected them via mothers' higher unsupportive emotion socialization (dismissing and dysfunction). Moreover, attachment anxiety influenced child internalizing problems directly, and indirectly via mothers' higher unsupportive emotion socialization (dysfunction). (2) Furthermore, attachment avoidance indirectly impacted child externalizing problems via mothers' lower supportive emotion socialization (coaching). These results suggested that maternal adult attachment styles and emotion-related parenting have important implications for the development of child behaviors. Future interventions should target parental factors to mitigate the risk of behavior problems among preschoolers.

Coparenting, parental anxiety/depression, and child behavior problems: The actor-partner interdependence model with low-income married couples.

A considerable amount of research has suggested significant associations among perceived coparenting relationships, parental anxiety/depression, and children's adjustment. Although family members' function is influenced by other members in a shared context, much of the prior work relied on one parent's perspective to examine the relationship between both parents. To address this important limitation, we applied the actor-partner interdependence model and accounted for the interdependence between fathers and mothers in examining the mediating role of parental anxiety/depression in the association between coparenting quality and child behavior problems. The present study included 1,827 low-income couples from the Supporting Healthy Marriage project (mothers: 51.25% of White, 14.34% African American, 35.31% Hispanic; fathers: 48.11% White, 18.54% African/Black American, 35.34% Hispanic). The results showed that both fathers' and mothers' perceptions of coparenting quality had significant effects on fathers' anxiety/depression. In contrast, mothers' anxiety/depression was affected only by mothers' perceptions of coparenting quality and not by fathers' perceptions. Overall, the effects of parents' perception of coparenting on children's internalizing and externalizing behavior problems were largely mediated by parental anxiety/depression. The findings highlight both interdependent and independent roles of fathers and mothers in the pathways from coparenting quality to children's behavior problems. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Eating behavior problems of preschool children during the long-time stay-at-home: A cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China

Eating behavior problems of preschool children during the long-time stay-at-home: A cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China

The Impact Of Gadget Addiction On Children's Personality In The VUCA Era

Using gadgets is not always bad. However, if children use it excessively and without parental supervision, it can certainly have a negative impact on their growth and development. The purpose of this research is to examine and describe the impact of gadget addiction on children's personality in the Vuca era. Materials for this research come from books, journals, and other sources. There are studies on the parts of the child's brain that are often exposed to devices (gadgets) and television which show changes in the structure of the child's brain. In addition, the frequent use of gadgets by children can trigger behavioral problems in children. Irregular use can cause personality disorders and mood disorders in children. This condition is usually caused by various games or games being played on the device.

아동양육시설 생활지도원의 양육스트레스와 아동의 행동문제 관계에서 양육효능감 및 양육행동의 매개효과

Objectives: The purpose of this study is to examine the mediating effects of parenting efficacy and behavior in the relationship between caregivers’ parenting stress and children’s behavioral problems in children’s residential care homes.
 Methods: The study collected data from 209 caregivers of children’s residential care homes. The study analyzed descriptive statistics and correlation among variables through SPSS (ver. 26.0), and verified mediation effects by using the model 4 of PROCESS Macro (ver. 3.5). Results: First, correlations among parenting stress, efficacy and behavior, and children’s behavioral problem were statistically significant. Second, parenting behavior was proven to have a mediating effect in the relationship between caregivers’ parenting stress and children’s behavioral problems.
 Conclusions: Based on above results, the study discussed how to relieve parenting stress and reinforce positive parenting behaviors of caregivers for the healthy psychological and social-emotional development of children in child care facilities, and presented suggestions for follow-up studies.

Association of cognitive and adaptive skills with internalizing and externalizing problems in autistic children and adolescents.

The presence of an intellectual disability (ID) alongside autism is considered to increase the risk for mental health and behavior problems in children and adolescents. Existing evidence is restricted by looking at ID as a categorical classification. The study aimed to examine the association of cognitive and adaptive behavior skills with internalizing and externalizing problems in a large sample of autistic children and adolescents, across a wide range of cognitive skills. Participants were 2759 children and adolescents aged between 4 and 18 years recruited as part of the Simons Simplex Collection (SSC), of whom 709 (approximately 25%) had ID. Multiple regression models examined associations of internalizing and externalizing problems with cognitive and adaptive skills (communication, daily living, and socialization skills). Cognitive skills were not associated with externalizing problems but were associated with more internalizing problems in autistic children without ID (Cog β: 0.126). All adaptive skill domains were inversely associated with externalizing (Communication β: -0.145; Daily-Living β: -0.132; Socialization β: -0.289) and internalizing problems (Communication β: -0.074; Daily-Living β: -0.064; Socialization β: -0.213) in those without ID. Daily living (β: -0.158) and socialization skills (β: -0.104) were inversely correlated with externalizing problems in autistic children with ID, while only socialization problems (β: -0.099) were associated with internalizing problems in this group. Socialization skills were systematically associated with internalizing and externalizing problems across all levels of cognitive functioning. Supporting social skills development may benefit all aspects of child mental health, while recognizing that children with higher cognitive skills are more vulnerable to internalizing problems might assist with earlier identification of these problems.

The Relation between Cognitive and Emotional Processes in Children and Adolescents with Neurodevelopmental Disorders-A Meta-Analysis.

Up to 80% of children with autism spectrum disorders (ASDs) have mental health issues-either emotional or behavioral problems. The underlying mechanisms are still unknown, even if emotional regulation (ER) is considered to play a major role in child and adolescent psychopathology. Several studies link the ability to regulate the intensity and quality of emotions with executive functioning. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the association between executive functions (EFs) and ER and affective problems in children with ASD. This meta-analysis is based on a literature search of peer-reviewed journals from the following databases: Scopus, ProQuest, Ebsco, Science Direct, Springer Link and Clarivate. We analyzed 15 studies that investigated the link between EF, ER or affective problems (APs) in children and adolescents with ASD aged between 2 and 18 y with ASD. To assess the effect size of the relationship between EF and ER, and EF and AP, 15 studies comprising 54 effect sizes were analyzed. Our findings revealed a small effect size regarding the association between EF and ER, r = 0.331, p = 0.034, and a small effect size regarding the association between EF and AP, r = -0.213, p = 0.024. No significant moderators were found. The results are presented in regard to the two analyses developed, as well as a short review of the studies included in the meta-analysis. Even if there are several limitations of this study, especially considering the small number of studies included, the results suggest that it is worth considering EF as an underlying mechanism for the appearance of emotional or behavioral problems in children with ASD. These findings have important implications for the development of ASD intervention plans, as well as for increasing awareness among specialists about the importance of executive functions in school adjustment and social functioning.

Perinatal morphine but not buprenorphine affects gestational and offspring neurobehavioral outcomes in mice

Within the national opioid epidemic, there has been an increase in the number of infants exposed to opioids in utero. Additionally, opioid agonist medications are the standard of care for women with opioid use disorder during pregnancy. Buprenorphine (BUP), a partial µ -opioid receptor agonist, has been successful in improving gestational and neonatal outcomes. However, in utero exposure has been linked to childhood cognitive and behavioral problems. Therefore, we sought to compare offspring cognitive and behavioral outcomes after prenatal exposure to a clinically relevant low dose of BUP compared to morphine (MO), a full µ -opioid receptor agonist and immediate metabolite of heroin. We used a mouse model to assess gestational and offspring outcomes. Mouse dams were injected once daily s.c. with saline (SAL, n = 12), MO (10 mg/kg, n = 15), or BUP (0.1 mg/kg, n = 16) throughout pre-gestation, gestation, and lactation until offspring were weaned on postnatal day (P)21. Offspring social interaction and exploratory behavior were assessed, along with executive function via the touchscreen 5 choice serial reaction time task (5CSRTT). We then quantified P1 brain gene expression in the frontal cortex and amygdala (AMG). Perinatal MO but not BUP exposure decreased gestational weight gain and was associated with dystocia. In adolescent offspring, perinatal MO but not BUP exposure increased social exploration in males and grooming behavior in females. In the 5CSRTT, male MO exposed offspring exhibited increased impulsive action errors compared to male BUP offspring. In the AMG of P1 MO exposed offspring, we observed an increase in gene expression of targets related to activity of microglia. Importantly, both MO and BUP caused acute hyperlocomotion in the dams to a similar degree, indicating that the selected doses are comparable, in accordance with previous dose comparisons on analgesic and reward efficacy. These data suggest that compared to MO, low dose BUP improves gestational outcomes and has less of an effect on the neonatal offspring brain and later adolescent and adult behavior.

Trace elements, cognitive function and behavioral problems in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Trace elements, cognitive function and behavioral problems in children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder

Coparenting Profiles and Children's Socioemotional Outcomes in Unmarried Parents with Low-Income.

This study aimed to examine patterns of mother-father coparenting relationship quality and their associations with child empathy, emotional insecurity, and behavior problems in families with low income. Given the growing number of nonmarital births and the high risk of relationship dissolution among cohabiting couples living with low income, it is important to examine the coparenting relationships among racially diverse unmarried couples from low-income contexts. To date, little research has assessed patterns of coparenting relationships and their associations with child socioemotional outcomes among this population. Participants were 4,266 unmarried couples and their preschool-aged children from the Building Strong Families study. Latent profile analysis was conducted. Latent profile analysis of survey data from mothers and fathers revealed four coparenting patterns: Profile 1: low quality, more negative maternal coparenting perceptions (7.2%); Profile 2: moderate-high quality, high congruence, slightly more negative paternal coparenting perceptions (25.2%); Profile 3: low congruence, severely more negative maternal coparenting perceptions (11.8%); and Profile 4: mutual high-quality coparenting (55.8%). Children of parents with the mutual high-quality coparenting profile had the most positive outcomes according to maternal reports of child socioemotional development. Highly congruent and positive perceptions of the other parent as a coparent were found to be significant promotive factors for positive child socioemotional development. Family strengthening policies and programs for unmarried couples with low income should target and support the development of mutually satisfying, high-quality coparenting relationships, with the ultimate goal to improve developmental outcomes for young children in such families.

Clinical evaluation of premonitory urges in children and adolescents using the Chinese version of Individualized Premonitory Urge for Tics Scale.

Premonitory urges (PUs) have been the focus of recent efforts to assess the severity and develop interventions for tic disorders (TD). We aimed to investigate the PUs in TD and its comorbidities from multiple dimensions, using the Chinese version of the Premonitory Urge for Tics Scale (C-PUTS) and the Chinese version of the Individualized Premonitory Urge for Tics Scale (C-IPUTS), in order to provide perspectives for the diagnosis and management of TD in children and adolescents. A total of 123 cases were included in the study. The IPUTS was translated, back-translated, culturally adjusted, and pre-investigated to determine the items of the C-IPUTS. The reliability and validity of the C-IPUTS scale were evaluated by a questionnaire survey on children and adolescents with TD at the Developmental Pediatrics Department of the Second Hospital of Jilin University. Meanwhile, the C-PUTS, which had been evaluated and used in China, Yale Global Tic Severity Scale (YGTSS), Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), Depression Self-Rating Scale (DSRS), Screen for Childhood Anxiety-Related Disorders (SCARED), Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and Swanson, Nolan and Pelham, Version IV (SNAP-IV), were used to assess the association of PUs with tics and comorbidities of TD. All dimensions of the C-IPUTS demonstrated good reliability and validity. Our findings suggested that PUs in children and adolescents in China occurred primarily at the head/face and neck/throat. The different dimensions of the C-IPUTS (number, frequency, and intensity) and C-PUTS were positively correlated with the YGTSS total score, while the C-PUTS was positively correlated with the Y-BOCS, SCARED, DSRS, and SNAP-IV scale total scores. The three dimensions of the C-IPUTS demonstrated correlations with anxiety severity and obsessive-compulsive symptoms. The C-IPUTS can be used to assess PUs reliably and effectively and provide further information for the C-PUTS from various dimensions in a Chinese setting. PUs relate to obsessive-compulsive symptoms, anxiety, attention deficit hyperactivity, and behavioral problems in children and adolescents with TDs. Accordingly, PUs evaluation using the C-IPUTS combined with the PUTS might provide useful information for future therapies for TDs to achieve greater tic reduction.

Recurrent otitis media and behaviour problems in middle childhood: A longitudinal cohort study.

To investigate the long-term effects of early-life recurrent otitis media (OM) and subsequent behavioural problems in children at the age of 10 years. Data from the Raine Study, a longitudinal pregnancy cohort, were used to categorise children into those with three or more episodes of OM (rOM group) and those without a history of recurrent OM in the first 3 years of life (reference group). The parent report Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used to assess child behaviour at the age of 10 years. Parental questionnaires were used to report past and present diagnoses of various mental health and developmental conditions, including attention, anxiety, depression, learning, and speech-language problems. Multiple linear and logistic models were used to analyse the data and were adjusted for a fixed set of key confounding variables. The linear regression analysis revealed significant, independent associations between a history of recurrent OM and higher Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire scores, including total, internalising, externalising, emotional, attention/hyperactivity and peer problems subscales. Logistic regression analyses revealed an independent increased likelihood for children in the rOM group to have a diagnosis of attention, anxiety, learning and speech-language problems. Children at 10 years of age with an early history of recurrent OM are more likely to exhibit attentional and behavioural problems when compared to children without a history of recurrent OM. These findings highlight the association between early-life recurrent OM and later behavioural problems that may require professional allied health-care interventions.