Children's Self-Concept Scale Research Articles

Comparing the Effectiveness of Schema-Based Parenting Training with Compassion-Based Parenting Training on Mothers' Parenting Self-efficacy, Self-concept, and Parental Acceptance of Children with Internalizing Problems

Background: Children and adolescents constitute a major segment of the world's population, and their health is particularly important in any society. In recent years, attention has been paid to the issues and challenges faced by children under the title of morbid psychology of children, as one of the major topics in psychiatry and psychology. Objectives: The present study was conducted with the aim of comparing the effectiveness of schema-based parenting training with compassion-based parenting training on mothers' parenting self-efficacy, self-concept, and parental acceptance of children with internalizing problems. Methods: The current research was conducted as a semi-experimental pre-test-post-test and follow-up study. The statistical population included all primary school-aged children in Tehran and their mothers in 2020. Forty-five children with internalizing problems and their mothers, who referred to counseling centers in Tehran and met the entry criteria, were selected through available sampling. They were then randomly assigned to two experimental groups (15 people in each group) and one control group (15 people). The study utilized Achenbach's Child Behavior Inventory (1991), the Children's Self-Concept Scale (1969), Rohner's Parental Rejection-Acceptance Questionnaire (Mother's Form) (1996), and Dumka's Parental Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (2007) to collect data. Data were analyzed using repeated measures tests and SPSS-24 software. Results: The results showed that both parenting education approaches had an effect on improving parental self-efficacy, self-concept, and parental acceptance. However, there was no significant difference between the two treatment methods. Conclusions: Therefore, according to the findings of this research, it can be concluded that both the schema-based parenting method and the compassion-based parenting training method can be used to reduce the internalized problems of children.

SELF-CONCEPT development of school-aged children with congenital upper limb differences: A mixed-methods study

BackgroundSchool-aged children enter an essential phase of psychosocial development in which they begin to form their self-concept. Having a negative self-concept has a direct relationship on the gradual evolution of a child's personality which can influence academic and career success, peer interactions and relationships, generativity and life satisfaction and meaning. There is limited research examining self-concept in children with congenital upper limb differences. ObjectivesDescribe self-concept in school-aged children with congenital upper limb differences (CULD). MethodsIn this convergent mixed methods study, we used the Piers Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (PHCSCS) and modified photovoice methodology to explore self-concept in school aged children with CULD. The quantitative results from the PHCSCS were merged with the qualitative findings from the 63 photographs and 63 written descriptions provided by nine children. ResultsMean self-concept was 51.22 (±10.43). Mean domain scores: behavioral adjustment 52 (±8.19), freedom from anxiety 48.56 (±10.42), happiness and satisfaction 49.44 (±10.73), intellectual and school status 54.78 (±10.31), and social acceptance 49.89 (±8.64). Nine participants described five themes of self-concept: emotions, sense of accomplishments, positive view of oneself and one's physical body, hobbies, and a sense of connection. Children defined their self-concept through expressions of self-efficacy, self-image, and social identity. ImplicationsResults created a more comprehensive description of self-concept, and expanded understanding of the social identity of school-aged children with congenital upper limb difference. Future research is needed to examine the relationships between self-efficacy, self-image, and social identity to develop interventions promoting healthy self-concept development.

The effects of vestibular dysfunction on balance and self-concept in children with cochlear implants.

Children with cochlear implants (CCI) have an increased rate of vestibular dysfunction. Vestibular dysfunction is associated with decreased balance and dynamic visual acuity ability. Hearing loss alone is associated with reduced speech perception and vocabulary in children. In adults, vestibular dysfunction is associated with reduced quality of life; however, similar relationships have not been studied in children with vestibular dysfunction. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to evaluate the effect of hearing loss and vestibular dysfunction on self-concept in CCI (n=33) compared to children with normal hearing (CNH, n=38). It was hypothesized that children with vestibular dysfunction would have reduced self-concept beyond that from hearing loss, secondary to the presence of balance and visual acuity deficits. The Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale - 2, speech perception, vocabulary, video head impulse test (vHIT), rotary chair, balance using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency (BOT-2), and dynamic visual acuity (DVA) testing were completed on all participants. In the 34 CCI, 24 had normal vestibular function, 6 had unilateral vestibular dysfunction, and 4 had bilateral vestibular dysfunction. There were no significant mean differences in the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale - 2 between groups. A Principal Component Analysis (PCA) was conducted on the predictor variables (average horizontal canal vHIT gain, BOT-2 score, DVA, speech perception, and vocabulary) resulting in two factors; factor 1 represented "vestibular" components (vHIT, BOT-2, and DVA) and factor 2 represented "auditory-language" components (speech perception and vocabulary). In addition to age and gender, the 2 PCA factors were analyzed using multivariate regression with stepwise selection to determine which factors best predicted self-concept. The PCA auditory-language factor was the only significant predictor of self-concept. Auditory-language, not vestibular related factors, contribute to the self-concept of CCI. While adults with vestibular dysfunction have reduced quality of life, it could be that children with vestibular dysfunction have some psychosocial resilience.

Thalassemia patients in transfussion dependent period and after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation: how are the psychiatric status and life quality of these patients?

Although hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) has been widely used to treat patients with beta-thalassemia major, evidence showing whether this treatment improves mental health, self esteem and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) is limited. We aimed to describe psychiatric problems, HRQoL and self-esteem scores of patients who have thalassemia and compared with patients who underwent HSCT in the current study. A total of 24 patients with thalassemia major and 13 patients who underwent HSCT at least 2 years ago aged between 7-37 years were included. We used The Children’s Depression Inventory, The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, and Pediatric Quality of LifeTM (PedsQL™) for assesment of children and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale Brief Version (WHOQOL-BREF) for assessment of adults. We also used Piers Harris Self Concept Scale for children and adults. Psychopathologies are common in both groups (50% in Thalassemia group and 69.2% in HSCT group). Popularity scores in Piers Haris scale of patients in HSCT group were significantly higher compared to thalassemia group (p = 0.03). Additionally, HSCT group had higher scores in physical health subscales of HRQoL in both children and parents’(p = 0.02, p = 0.03 respectively). Our findings suggest improved HRQoL and self-esteem in thalassemia patients after HSCT. However, due to the high prevalence of mental disorders in both groups, we would like to emphasize that clinicians should examine not only the physical but also the psychological state of the patients with thalessemia during the their treatment and follow-up period after HSCT.

Effects of neurofeedback on the self-concept of children with learning disorders.

Children with learning disorders (LDs) often have a lower self-concept than their typically developing peers. Neurofeedback (NFB) treatments seem to improve the cognitive and academic performance of these children, but the effects on self-concept have not been studied. In this exploratory study, 34 right-handed children (8-11 y.o.) with LD and delayed electroencephalographic maturation responded to the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale. One group received NFB (n = 20), and another group (n = 14) served as control, which included 9 children treated with sham-NFB and 5 on a waiting-list. A nonparametric permutation approach was used to compare the academic performance and self-concept difference (postscores - prescores) between the NFB and control groups. Given the smaller size of the control subgroups, a comparison of the percent changes between sham-NFB and the waiting-list was performed with the non-overlap of all pairs (NAP) technique. In the NFB group, the scores of reading, math, and global self-concept increased significantly, highlighting the self-concept subdomains of physical appearance, nonanxiety, popularity, and happiness. Additionally, the sham-NFB subgroup showed better outcomes than the waiting-list subgroup, perhaps due to noncontrolled factors. We found improved academic performance and self-concept in children with LDs who received NFB treatment. This study is an important exploratory step in studying a relevant treatment that seems to ameliorate symptoms of LDs such as anxiety and low self-concept.

Evaluation of depression, anxiety symptoms, emotion regulation difficulties, and self-esteem in children and adolescents with obesity

ObjectivePediatric obesity negatively affects many areas of mental health, especially anxiety and depression. This study aimed to investigate the effects of obesity on anxiety, depression, self-esteem, and emotion regulation in children and adolescents. MethodsOur study included 50 children and adolescents aged 11–17 years with a diagnosis of obesity and 48 control participants. The Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (RCADS), Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSE), Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale (DERS), and Piers–Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale 1 (PHCSCS) were administered to all participants. ResultsA significant difference was found between the groups (p < 0.05) in the analysis of the PHCSCS and RCADS total score; the GAD, PD, SOC, and MDD subscale scores; the DERS total score; the Clarity, Impulse, Strategies, Goals subscale scores; and the RSE Self-Esteem subscale. A significant correlation was found between the PHCSCS, RCADS, DERS, and RSE total scores and some subscale scores (p < 0.05). ConclusionOn the basis of the results, it was determined that children and adolescents with obesity had high levels of anxiety and depression symptoms, they had lower self-esteem, and had more difficulties in emotion regulation. Furthermore, those with anxiety and depression symptoms had lower self-esteem, and the children who had problems in emotion regulation also had lower self-esteem. Anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, and difficulties in emotion regulation can negatively affect obesity treatment. Therefore, screening and treatment of these conditions are of great importance.

Internalizing Behavior Problems Among the Left-Behind Children of the Hui Nationality in Rural China: A Cross-Sectional Study

BackgroundThe internalizing behavior problems (IBPs) of left-behind children (LBC) due to parental migration are a widespread public health concern in China. A previous study showed that the detection rate of behavioral problems in the Hui was far higher than in the LBC of the Han nationality. However, to date, limited research has focused on IBPs in Chinese LBC of the Hui nationality. The aims of this present study are to explore the prevalence of IBPs and the influencing factors among the Hui LBC in the rural areas of China.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted among school students from the southern rural areas in Ningxia, China (2012–2013). The caregivers or parents assessed IBPs using Achenbach’s Child Behavior Checklist for parents. The children completed the Egma Minnen av Bardndosnauppforstran, Junior Eysenck Personality Questionnaire and Piers–Harris Children’s Self-concept Scale. Data on 383 Hui LBC aged 6–16 y were included in this study. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to examine the relationships between the independent variables and children’s internalizing behaviors.ResultsAmong the Hui population, the prevalence of IBPs in LBC and non-left-behind children (non-LBC) was 21.67% (83 of 383) and 18.18% (104 of 572), respectively, with no significant difference between these two groups (χ2 = 1.77 and P = 0.18). However, among males of the Hui population, the prevalence of IBPs in LBC was 22.16%, which is significantly higher than in non-LBC (14.07%; χ2 = 5.07; and P = 0.02). By controlling for gender and age, the multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that a mother highly favoring the subject (odds ratio [OR] = 2.70), average levels of neuroticism (OR = 9.01), and high levels of neuroticism (OR = 8.44) were risk factors for IBPs in Hui LBC.ConclusionOur findings suggest that IBPs among male LBC of the Hui nationality in rural China were positively related to parental migration. Positive measures should be taken to prevent IBPs of male LBC of the Hui nationality in rural China in terms of personality development and parental childrearing patterns.

Correlation between reduced telomere length and behavioural and emotional problems in left-behind children in a rural area in China

Evidence shows that being left behind experience (LBE) during childhood may increase the risks of poor psychopathological outcomes. However, it is unclear to what extent the mental health is affected by the LBE. Telomere length (TL), one of the most extensively studied biological markers of cellular ageing, provides a valuable tool for exploring the potential effects of parent-child separation on psychological problems by integrating genetic and environmental factors. In this study, a total of 613 children (mean age = 10.77, SD = 1.92) were recruited from the rural area of Deyang, Sichuan Province, China. We used a self-designed questionnaire to assess LBE, and collected psychopathological outcomes by using the Piers-Harris Children's Self-concept Scale, the Teacher's Report Form 6/18 and the Youth Self-Report 11/18. Terminal restriction fragment analysis was used to measure TL in peripheral blood leukocytes. Analyses revealed that 342 out of 613 participants (55.79%) were Left-behind children. LBE was observed to associated with shorter TL, lower self-esteem, and increased behavioural and emotional problems. The cumulative effects of LBE may be reflected by greater altered telomere homeostasis, decreased self-esteem, and worsened behavioural and emotional problems. The association of the total time of being left behind with self-esteem and behavioural and emotional problems was significantly mediated by altered telomere homeostasis, with estimated effects of 14.19%, 47.95% and 45.13%, respectively. The LBE in childhood, especially prolonged parent-child separation, increases the risk of mental health problems in childhood and adolescence.

Relationship Between the Self-Concept of Children and Their Ability to Recognize Emotions in Others.

The aim of this study was to assess the relationship between the self-concept of children and their ability to recognize emotions in others from facial expressions. It is hypothesized that children use their self-representations to interpret depictions of emotion in others and that higher self-concepts might be associated with earlier development of emotion recognition skills. A total of 54 children aged between 5 and 11 years participated in this study. Self-concept was assessed in all children using the Piers-Harris Self-Concept Scale for Children (Piers-Harris 2). To assess emotion recognition, a computerized instrument, the Penn Emotion Recognition Task (PERT), was applied. Despite the small sample of children, results show clear statistical effects. It is shown that emotion recognition ability is directly correlated with self-concept for intellectual/school status. The ability to correctly identify emotions from facial expressions is affected by general self-concept, intellectual/school status, and stimulus features of gender, intensity, and emotion. Further analysis shows that the general self-concept of children particularly affects the ability to identify happy faces. Children with a higher intellectual status score recognize happiness and neutral faces more easily. We concluded that the self-concept in children relates to the ability to recognize emotions in others, particularly positive emotions. These findings provide some support to the simulation theory of social cognition, where children use their own self-representations to interpret mental states in others. The effect of the self-concept for intellectual status on emotion recognition might also indicate that intellectual abilities act as a mediator between self-concept and emotion recognition, but further studies are needed.

Psychosocial status of patients with unilateral and bilateral microtia before auricular reconstruction surgery

ObjectiveMicrotia can profoundly influence health-related quality of life. The aim of this study was to investigate the psychosocial status of children and adolescents with unilateral and bilateral microtia before reconstruction surgery. MethodsEighty-six patients with microtia from Peking Union Medical College Hospital (54 with unilateral microtia and 32 with bilateral microtia) responded to structured interviews before reconstruction surgery. The 3 clinically validated questionnaires were the Piers-Harris Children's Self-concept Scale (PHCSS), the Social Anxiety Scale for Children (SASC), and the Children's Loneliness Scale (CLS). Scores from the PHCSS and SASC were compared with Chinese norms. The total scores of the unilateral and bilateral groups were compared for all three questionnaires. ResultsMales with unilateral and bilateral microtia had significantly different PHSCC scores than norms (both P < 0.05), and male patients overall had a total score that was 10.61 ± 2.20 points lower than female patients overall. Patients who were 7–9 years-old in the unilateral group and 10 to 13 years-old in the bilateral group had lower total PHSCC scores than norms of the same age (both P < 0.05). There was no significant difference between patients and norms in the 14-16 years-old group. The SASC scores of patients were significantly higher than the norms (P < 0.05). The CLS score was significantly lower in the unilateral group than in the bilateral group (50.17 ± 14.63 vs. 61.38 ± 13.24, P < 0.05), but these two groups did not significantly differ in PHCSS and SASC scores. ConclusionCompared to Chinese norms, children with unilateral and bilateral microtia had lower self-concept, especially males and those who were 7–13 years-old. Patients with microtia also had increased social anxiety and loneliness. Patients with bilateral microtia were more likely to report loneliness than those with unilateral microtia.

Predicting young adults’ self-concept with couples’ coordination and intellectual mutuality in Qeshm County in Iran

The present study was intended to predict young adults’ self-concept according to couples’ coordination and intellectual mutuality. The study’s statistical population consists of Qeshm County high-school students and their parents, and their data was collected from March 2014 until August 2015. The sample of this descriptive-co relational study consisted of 200 individuals selected using the convenience sampling method. For data analysis, simple correlation and multivariate regression were used in the deductive section to predict and analyze the relationship between variables. This study used the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (CSCS) and the Iranian Couples’ Intellectual Mutuality and Coordination Questionnaire by Javedan (2013), as well as SPSS 21 for data analysis. The results showed a simple and multivariate relationship between the young adults’ self-concept and couples’ intellectual mutuality, and these variables were significant at the P≤0.01 level.

Impact of Sanskrit prosody on anxiety, mindfulness, and self-concept in young adolescents: A four-armed control trial

Background: Upsurge in anxiety and struggle with self-concept commonly appears during adolescence. Chanting of many forms have been established to improve emotional personality features. Aim and Objectives: We conducted a four-armed comparative study to explore the capacity of Chanda/prosody to impact anxiety, mindfulness, and self-concept in young adolescents. Material and Methods: A total of 140 students (12.12 ± 0.74 years) were screened, out of which 138 met the inclusion criteria and were allocated into four groups: humming a Chanda, chanting a Sanskrit verse, reading an English phrase (EP), and silent sitting. Baseline and postintervention data were collected using the Spence Children's Anxiety Scale, Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale for Children, and Children's Self-Concept Scale. Result: Our study results reveal that there was a significant reduction in anxiety levels in the humming group and few domains of anxiety in the chanting group as well. The mindfulness scores were significantly improved in all the four groups including the humming and chanting groups after the interventions. Conclusion: There was no effect on self-concept scores in the humming group whereas the chanting group had a significant improvement in self-concept scale.

The Association between Behavioral Problems with Self-Esteem and Self-Concept in Pediatric Patients with Thalassemia.

Objective: High prevalence of behavioral and psychological disorders in children with thalassemia can be associated with a decrease in the self-esteem of patients and can completely alter the person's self-concept. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of behavioral problems and its relationship with self-esteem and self-concept in patients with thalassemia major aged 6 to 18 years. Method : In a cross-sectional study, 30 patients with thalassemia major at the age of 6 to 18 years were enrolled. behavioral problems, self-esteem, and self-concept were evaluated by the child's behavioral check list at the ages of 6 to 18 years (CBCL 6-18), the Coopersmith's Self-Esteem Inventory, and the Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale. Results: A total of 10.0% of patients had behavioral disorders, 3 (10.0%) desirable self-esteem, 15 (50.0%) moderate self-esteem, and 12 (40.0%) poor self-esteem. There was a strong but adverse correlation between behavioral disorder score and both self-esteem score (correlation coefficient equal to -0.886, p value = 0.001) and self-concept score (correlation coefficient equal to -0.498, p value = 0.001), and thus those patients with behavioral disorder had less appropriate self-esteem and self-concept. Conclusion: The incidence of behavioral disorders is associated with decreased self-esteem and poor self-concept in these patients. Therefore, improvement in behavioral disorders can be expected by improving self-esteem and self-concept in such patients.

Self-Concept, Depression, and Anxiety Levels of Adolescents with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.

In this study we explored the level and severity of issues related to self-concept, depression, and anxiety in adolescents with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Cross-sectional and case-control study. The research was conducted in the outpatient Pediatric Endocrinology Clinic of Adiyaman University School of Medicine in Turkey. The study population comprised 153 patients with PCOS and 161 healthy adolescents. The Personal Information Form, State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children, Children's Depression Inventory, and Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale were administered to all of the participants who took part in the study. The Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale scores were lower in the PCOS group than in the control group (P<.001). In addition, the scores for the Children's Depression Inventory were also significantly higher in the PCOS group (P<.001). The State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Children scores showed statistically significant higher levels of state anxiety and trait anxiety in the PCOS group (P<.001). Adolescents with PCOS had lower self-concept scores, greater anxiety levels, and increased depressive symptoms than the healthy controls. Future studies are needed to examine the psychiatric problems in adolescents with PCOS.

Adolescents Living with Food Allergies in Select Global Cities: Does a WhatsApp-Based Mindful Eating Intervention Promote Wellbeing and Enhance their Self-Concept?

PurposeFood allergy prevalence in children and adolescents is increasing globally. Dietary restrictions are linked to the identities of food-allergic adolescents, which influences their wellbeing and self-concept. Mindful eating (ME) has been widely used to treat eating disorders. This study investigates whether WhatsApp-based mindful eating (ME) posts are effective for food-allergic adolescents in managing the condition, building self-concept and wellbeing. Design and methodsA waitlist control design study was conducted with food-allergic adolescents (N pre-test = 244; N post-test = 215). Three measures were used to assess the outcomes pre- (T1) and post-test (T2): Mindful Eating Questionnaire (MEQ), Brief Psychological Wellbeing Scale for Adolescents (BPWBS-A), and Piers-Harris 2 Children's Self-Concept Scale (PH-2-CSCC). ResultsThe intervention was overall effective and more so for girls, middle class adolescents, with mothers as primary caregivers, whose primary caregivers had higher or postgraduate and professional qualifications, who were in turn also more likely to report no anaphylactic reaction and hospitalization emergency episodes at T2. Intervention compliance mediated the association between demographic predictors and outcome scores. Discriminant function analysis indicated stronger associations between certain predictors and subdomains of the self-concept outcome. ConclusionsWith adequate emphasis on intervention compliance and condition management, the WhatsApp-based ME posts would be effective for food-allergic adolescents. Practical implicationsPediatric nurses can recommend the intervention for community-dwelling food-allergic adolescents across contexts. Some refinements may be needed for boys, upper class adolescents, with father/kin as primary caregivers and less qualified parents.

СУЧАСНІ СТАНДАРТИЗОВАНІ ЗАРУБІЖНІ МЕТОДИКИ ДОСЛІДЖЕННЯ Я-КОНЦЕПЦІЇ МОЛОДШИХ ШКОЛЯРІВ

В статті розглянуто дванадцять найпопулярніших зарубіжних методик дослідження Я-концепції школярів: Опитувальник самооцінки Розенберга, Опитувальник самооцінки Куперсміта, Шкалу дитячої Я-концепції Пірса-Гарріса, Шкалу Я-концепції Теннессі, Профіль самосприйняття для дітей Хартер, Опитувальник самоопису Марша, Профіль самосприйняття для підлітків Хартер, Рисунковий тест самооцінки компететності та соціального прийняття для дошкільників, Шкалу самооцінки Хейра, Шкалу ситуативної самооцінки Хітертона та Полівого, Багатовимірну шкалу Я-концепції Бракена, Шкалу Я-концепції для дітей Мартінека-Заїчковського. За результатами аналізу встановлено, що всі методики мають добрі показники валідності, надійності та внутрішньої узгодженості. Окремі з них перекладено та адаптовано російською чи українською мовами. Однак в більшості випадків відомості щодо психометричних властивостей адаптованих версій методик авторами не розкриваються. Лише окремі версії методики самосприйняття Хартер представлені у форматі, який дає можливість їх повноцінного практичного застосування. Поряд із цим ряд методик (тест Розенберга та різні версії методики Хартер) мають добрі перспективи впровадження в навчально- виховний процес за належної стандартизації та додаткових досліджень її валідності та надійності.

Determine the BMI levels, self-concept and healthy life behaviours of children during a school based obesity training programme.

Sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy nutrition, in particular, cause childhood obesity. The purpose of this semi-experimental research is to determine the changes in body mass index, self-concept, and healthy lifestyle behaviours of children during a training programme to prevent obesity. Children 9 and 15 years old were included from two public secondary schools. A total of 1609 students completed the study in the intervention and control groups (1022 vs 587, respectively). The training programme for the intervention group at the schools had three sessions in 12 weeks and was about obesity, body mass index (BMI) calculation, a healthy lifestyle and coping with stress. Data was collected through a sociodemographic data form, healthy lifestyle behaviours data form, Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale and weight-height measurements during the first and last weeks of the programme (except for the sociodemographic form). Before training, BMI's of children in the intervention group were higher than in the control group (19.61 ± 3.8 vs 19.00 ± 3.5, respectively). The gap between BMI scores of the groups was narrowed after the training (p > 0.05). The mean score on the Self-Concept Scale increased in the intervention group after the training (63.21 ± 9.5) as compared to before the training (61.16 ± 10.4); whereas in the control group, there were no differences found (p = 0.908). In the intervention group, the number of children who had breakfast after the training (81.1%) increased compared to before the training (74.1%) (p = 0.001). The trainings were provided to students to increase healthy nutrition, physical activity and to decrease sedentary lifestyles.

Acne Vulgaris Significantly Lowers the Self-Concept of Girls in Junior High School: A Prospective Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract Objective: To evaluate the self-concept level of female students with acne vulgaris in junior high school and the relevant influencing factors. Methods: A total of 598 students in Grade 7 at two junior high schools in Nantong City, Jiangsu Province, China were sampled by cluster sampling method, and divided into two groups: the acne group and the healthy control. Both groups were surveyed using a self-designed demographic questionnaire, and the self-concept level was determined using the six-dimensional Piers-Harris Children's Self-Concept Scale (PHCSS). The differences were compared between two groups using Chi-square test, non-parametric test, and multiple regression analysis. Results: We released a total of 598 questionnaires, and 576 valid questionnaires were received, including 267 in the acne group and 309 in the healthy group. The subscale score of the popularity dimension of the PHCSS in the acne group (8.89 ± 1.780) was significantly lower than that in the healthy group (9.45 ± 1.78, P &lt; 0.01). When only the girls were considered, compared with the healthy group, the acne group had a significantly lower total PHCSS score (58.72 ± 12.15 vs. 61.47 ± 11.14, P &lt; 0.05) and significantly lower subscale scores for physical appearance and attributes (6.68 ± 3.26 vs. 7.97 ± 3.30, P &lt; 0.05), happiness and satisfaction (7.70 ± 1.85 vs. 8.12 ± 1.47, P &lt; 0.05), and popularity (8.69 ± 1.82 vs. 9.84 ± 1.67, P &lt; 0.01). Furthermore, multiple regression analysis revealed the girls’ relationship with their parents and classmates, and the paternal educational background showed a significantly impact on the self-consciousness of the acne girls. Conclusion: Acne vulgaris significantly lowers the self-concept of girls in junior high school. The factors influencing the PHCSS scores of girls with acne were the relationship with parents and classmates, and the paternal educational background.

The mediating effect of self-consciousness between peer relationship and social anxiety in HIV-infected children

Objective To explore the relationship among peer relationship, self-consciousness and social anxiety in HIV-infected children. Methods Peer Relationship Scale, Piers-Harris Children's Self-concept Scale and Social Anxiety Scale for Children were applied to 126 HIV-infected children. Results The score of peer relationship was 53.0(45.0, 62.0), the score of self-concept was 52.0(42.0, 60.0), and the score of social anxiety was 6.0(2.0, 9.0). Peer relationship was positively correlated with social anxiety( r=0.196, P=0.029) and negatively correlated with self-consciousness(r=-0.628, P<0.01). Self-consciousness was negatively correlated with social anxiety(r=-0.504, P<0.01). Bootstrap analysis showed that self-consciousness played a complete mediating role between peer relationship and social anxiety, and the mediating effect value was 0.377. Conclusion Peer relationship, self-consciousness and social anxiety are closely related.Furthermore, self-consciousness plays a complete mediating role between peer relationship and social anxiety in HIV-infected children. Key words: HIV-infected children; Peer relationship; Self-consciousness; Social anxiety

The rural children's loneliness and depression in Henan, China: the mediation effect of self-concept.

This research explored the relationship among loneliness, depression and self-concept of rural children in China. Seven hundred and twenty-four children (Mage = 9.15years) from two rural primary schools were selected as respondents to participate in this study. Piers-Harris Children's Self-concept Scale, Asher Loneliness Scale and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale for Children were used. Of the rural children surveyed, 14.50% and 10.22%, respectively, experienced strong loneliness and severe depression, and 28.52% had low self-concept. There was a significant positive relationship of moderate level between loneliness and depression, and significant negative relationships between total self-concept and depression, and between total self-concept and loneliness. Moreover, a partial mediation role of self-concept was found in the relationship between loneliness and depression. Children's loneliness was not only directly related to depression, but also was indirectly mediated by self-concept, which demonstrated a partial mediation role in the relationship between loneliness and depression.