Children's Self-perceptions Research Articles

The Perspective Matters: A Multi-informant Study on the Relationship Between Social-Emotional Competence and Preschoolers' Externalizing and Internalizing Symptoms.

Recent research demands a multi-informant and multi-factorial assessment of preschool-age psychopathology. Based on a tripartite model, we tested the relationship between emotional and social competence and their contribution to externalizing and internalizing symptoms in a preschool-age community sample (N = 117, M = 4.67years, SD = 2.75months). We assessed teachers' (N = 109) and parents' (N = 77) perspective using the Strengths-and-Difficulties-Questionnaire and children's perspective using the Berkeley-Puppet-Interview and a standardized emotional-competence-test (MeKKi). We found externalizing symptoms being negatively related to prosocial behavior in teachers' and parents' reports and positively related to social initiative in teachers' reports. In teachers' reports only, a mediation effect of emotional competence via social competence on externalizing symptoms was shown. Children, but not caregivers, reported internalizing symptoms being positively related to prosocial behavior. These results highlight the importance of multiple informants and especially of children's self-perception in preschool-age psychopathology.

Self-perception in Children Aged 3 to 7 Years With Amblyopia and Its Association With Deficits in Vision and Fine Motor Skills

ImportanceDeficits in fine motor skills and slow reading speed have been reported in school-aged children and adults with amblyopia. These deficits were correlated with lower self-perception of athletic and cognitive competence. Although perceived competence and social acceptance are key determinants of developing self-perception in young children, the association of amblyopia with self-perception and the association of altered self-perception with fine motor skills to date have not been reported for young children aged 3 to 7 years.ObjectivesTo investigate whether amblyopia is associated with altered self-perception in young children and to assess whether any differences in self-perception are associated with deficits in vision and fine motor skills.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsIn this cross-sectional study, conducted at a pediatric vision laboratory from January 10, 2016, to May 4, 2018, healthy children aged 3 to 7 years (preschool to second grade) were enrolled, including 60 children with amblyopia; 30 children who never had amblyopia but had been treated for strabismus, anisometropia, or both; and 20 control children.Main Outcomes and MeasuresSelf-perception was assessed using the Pictorial Scale of Perceived Competence and Social Acceptance for Young Children, which includes the following 4 specific domains: cognitive competence, peer acceptance, physical competence, and maternal acceptance (total score range, 1-4; higher scores indicate higher perceived competence or acceptance). Fine motor skills were evaluated with the Manual Dexterity and Aiming and Catching scales of the Movement Assessment Battery for Children, second edition (score range, 1-19; higher scores indicate better skill performance). Visual acuity and stereoacuity also were assessed.ResultsChildren with amblyopia (28 girls and 32 boys; mean [SD] age, 6.3 [1.3] years) had significantly lower mean (SD) peer acceptance and physical competence scores compared with the control children (peer acceptance, 2.74 [0.66] vs 3.11 [0.36]; mean difference, 0.37; 95% CI for difference, 0.06-0.68; P = .04; and physical competence, 2.86 [0.60] vs 3.43 [0.52]; mean difference, 0.57; 95% CI for difference, 0.27-0.87; P = .009). Among the children with amblyopia, self-perception of physical competence was significantly correlated with aiming and catching skills (r = 0.43; 95% CI, 0.10-0.67; P = .001) and stereoacuity (r = −0.39; 95% CI, −0.05 to −0.65; P = .02). Children treated for strabismus or anisometropia, but who never had amblyopia, also had significantly lower mean (SD) physical competence scores compared with control children (2.89 [0.54] vs 3.43 [0.52]; 95% CI for difference, 0.23-0.85; P = .03).Conclusions and RelevanceThese findings suggest that lower self-perception of peer acceptance and physical competence identify the broad effects of altered visual development in the everyday life of children with amblyopia.

Development of Pediatric Eye Questionnaires for Children With Eye Conditions

To develop patient-derived Pediatric Eye Questionnaires (PedEyeQ) to separately assess eye-related quality of life (ER-QOL) and functional vision in children with eye conditions. Questionnaire development study. A total of 444 children (0 to <18 years old), across 10 diagnostic categories, were enrolled at 2 sites. All parents (n= 444) and 277 children (5 to <18 years old) completed master questionnaires, developed from patient-derived concerns. Factor analysis was performed to identify unidimensional domains (eigenvalue >1.0) and Rasch analyses (differential item functioning, targeting, fit) to reduce items (separate analyses for subjects aged 0-4, 5-11, and 12-17 years and for each factor). The Child 5- to 11-year-old PedEyeQ consisted of 4 unidimensional domains/questionnaires: functional vision, bothered by eyes/vision, social, frustration/worry (10 items each). The Child 12- to 17-year-old PedEyeQ consisted of the same 4 domains (total 39 items). The Proxy 0- to 4-year-old PedEyeQ consisted of 3 questionnaires/domains: functional vision, bothered by eyes/vision, social (total 29 items). The Proxy 5- to 11-year-old PedEyeQ consisted of 5 questionnaires/domains: functional vision, bothered by eyes/vision, social, frustration/worry, eye care (total 39 items), as did the Proxy 12- to 17-year-old PedEyeQ (total 42 items). The Parent PedEyeQ consisted of 4 questionnaires/domains: impact on parent/family, worry regarding child's eye condition, worry regarding child's self-perception and interactions, worry regarding child's visual function (total 35 items). Rasch look-up tables were created for scoring. By following a rigorous approach, we have developed Pediatric Eye Questionnaires for separately assessing functional vision and ER-QOL domains in children of any age and with any eye condition.

Motor Proficiency and Generalized Self-Efficacy Toward Physical Activity in Children With Intestinal Failure.

Survival rates of children with intestinal failure have increased; however, associated co-morbidities may affect long-term motor developmental outcomes. This study evaluates motor proficiency and generalized self-efficacy toward physical activity (PA) in children ages 6 to 12 years with intestinal failure. This is an observational, cross-sectional study of children followed in a multidisciplinary intestinal rehabilitation program. Motor proficiency was assessed using the Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency-2 Short Form (BOT-2 SF) and the Scales of Independent Behavior (parent-proxy report). Children completed the Children's Self-Perceptions of Adequacy in and Predilection for Physical Activity (CSAPPA) and a PA questionnaire. Relevant demographic and medical variables were correlated with assessment results. Participants include 30 children (18 males), median age 7 years (interquartile range [IQR] 6-9) with gestational age 35 weeks (IQR 32-39) and birth weight 2.13 kg (IQR 1.68-2.77). Thirteen (43%) were dependent on parenteral nutrition. Fifteen (50%) scored below average on the BOT-2 SF. Lower BOT-2 SF scores were significantly associated with lower CSAPPA scores (r = 0.480, P = 0.01), with a common barrier to PA being the presence of a central line or enterostomy tube. Gestational age, height z scores, length of hospital admissions, and number of septic events were all significantly correlated with lower scores in motor proficiency. Number of septic events and total parenteral nutrition days were significant predictors of lower BOT-2 SF scores, when adjusting for birth weight. Multiple medical variables related to intestinal failure may affect motor proficiency and PA self-efficacy. Developmental follow-up is important to optimize motor skill development and promote PA participation.

Self-perception of School-aged Children With Amblyopia and Its Association With Reading Speed and Motor Skills

Reading and eye-hand coordination deficits in children with amblyopia may impede their ability to demonstrate their knowledge and skills, compete in sports and physical activities, and interact with peers. Because perceived scholastic, social, and athletic competence are key determinants of self-esteem in school-aged children, these deficits may influence a child's self-perception. To determine whether amblyopia is associated with lowered self-perception of competence, appearance, conduct, and global self-worth and whether the self-perception of children with amblyopia is associated with their performance of reading and eye-hand tasks. This cross-sectional study was conducted from January 2016 to June 2017 at the Pediatric Vision Laboratory of the Retina Foundation of the Southwest and included healthy children in grades 3 to 8, including 50 children with amblyopia; 13 children without amblyopia with strabismus, anisometropia, or both; and 18 control children. Self-perception was assessed using the Self-perception Profile for Children, which includes 5 domains: scholastic, social, and athletic competence; physical appearance; behavioral conduct; and a separate scale for global self-worth. Reading speed and eye-hand task performance were evaluated with the Readalyzer (Bernell) and Movement Assessment Battery for Children, 2nd Edition. Visual acuity and stereoacuity also were assessed. Of 50 participants, 31 (62%) were girls, 31 (62%) were non-Hispanic white, 6 (12%) were Hispanic white, 3 (6%) were African American, 4 (8%) were Asian/Pacific Islander, and 3 (6%) were more than 1 race/ethnicity, and the mean [SD] age was 10.6 [1.3] years. Children with amblyopia had significantly lower scores than control children for scholastic (mean [SD], 2.93 [0.74] vs 3.58 [0.24]; mean [SD] difference, 0.65 [0.36]; 95% CI, 0.29-1.01; P = .004), social (mean [SD], 2.95 [0.64] vs 3.62 [0.35]; mean [SD] difference, 0.67 [0.32]; 95% CI, 0.35-0.99] P < .001), and athletic (mean [SD], 2.61 [0.65] vs 3.43 [0.52]; mean [SD] difference, 0.82 [0.34]; 95% CI, 0.48-1.16; P = .001) competence domains. Among children with amblyopia, a lower self-perception of scholastic competence was associated with a slower reading speed (r = 0.49, 95% CI, 0.17-0.72; P = .002) and a lower self-perception of scholastic, social, and athletic competence was associated with worse performance of aiming and catching (scholastic r = 0.48; 95% CI, 0.16-0.71; P = .007; social r = 0.63; 95% CI, 0.35-0.81; P < .001; athletic r = 0.53; 95% CI, 0.21-0.75; P = .003). No differences in the self-perception of physical appearance (mean [SD], 3.32 [0.63] vs 3.64 [0.40]), conduct (mean [SD], 3.09 [0.56] vs 3.34 [0.66]), or global self-worth (mean [SD], 3.42 [0.42] vs 3.69 [0.36]) were found between the amblyopic and control groups. These findings suggest that lower self-perception is associated with slower reading speed and worse motor skills and may highlight the wide-ranging effects of altered visual development for children with amblyopia in their everyday lives.

Childhood Self-perceptions in Children With Amblyopia

Childhood Self-perceptions in Children With Amblyopia

The Role of Animal Assisted Intervention on Improving Self-Esteem in Children With Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder.

Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), the most ubiquitous mental health problem in children, has been associated with poor self-esteem. Psychosocial interventions have aimed to improve self-esteem among this group, with the aim of reducing the development of comorbid depression and anxiety. The present study implemented a randomized control design to examine the possibility of Animal Assisted Interventions (AAI) as a viable approach to improving self-esteem among children with ADHD. Children's self-esteem across multiple domains as measured by the Self-Perception Profile for Children was evaluated (n = 80, ages 7–9, 71% male). To test the hypothesis that AAI improves self-esteem, stratified Wilcoxon Signed-Rank Tests (SAS NPAR1WAY procedure) were used to compare pre- to post-treatment ratings. Analyses indicated that scores of children's self-perceptions in the domains of behavioral conduct, social, and scholastic competence, were significantly increased from baseline to post-treatment in the AAI group (z = 2.320, p = .021, z = 2.631, p = .008, and z = 2.541, p = .011, respectively), whereas pre-post-treatment differences in self-perceptions were not found for the children in the control group without AAI. Findings suggest that AAI is a viable strategy for improving ratings of self-perceived self-esteem in children with ADHD.

The Effect of Group Activity on Self-Perception in Children with Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder

Amaç: Dikkat eksikliği ve hiperaktivite bozukluğu tanılı çocuklarda grup aktivitesinin benlik algısı üzerine etkisini incelemek idi. Gereç ve Yöntem: Çalışmamıza ilköğretim 3. ve 4. sınıfta okuyan Dikkat Eksikliği ve Hİperaktivite Bozukluğu tanısı olan ve ilaç kullanan 6 birey dâhil edildi. Benlik algısı Piers-Harris Öz Kavram Ölçeği ile değerlendirildi. Grup aktivitelerinin çocukların ilgi alanlarına göre oluşturulması için çocuklar ve aileleri ile bireysel görüşme yapıldı. 6 hafta boyunca 6 çocuk ile haftada 1 saat grup aktivitesi yapıldı. Piers- Harris Öz Kavram Ölçeği müdahale sonrasında tekrar uygulandı. Sonuçlar istatiksel olarak karşılaştırıldı. Sonuçlar: Çalışmamıza katılan 6 birey de erkekti. Yaş ortalamaları 9,33 ± 0,51 idi. İlk ve son değerlendirmelerde Piers-Harris Öz Kavram Ölçeğinin mutluluk, kaygı, popülarite, davranış ve uyma, fiziksel görünüm, zihinsel ve okul durumu alanlarında istatistiksel olarak anlamlı bir farklılık bulunmamıştır (p&amp;gt;0,05). Tartışma: Bu çalışmamızda ilk ve son değerlendirme sonuçlarında benlik algısında önemli gelişmeler olmasına rağmen bu fark sonuçlara yansımamıştır. Dikkat Eksikliği ve Hiperaktivite Bozukluğu olan çocuklara uygulanan grup aktivitelerinin ailelere verilen benlik algısı eğitimleri ile desteklendiği uzun dönem takipler ile incelenen çalışmalara ihtiyaç olduğunu düşünmekteyiz.

Impact of dental treatment on self-esteem and oral health selfperception of children and adolescents victims of sexual abuse

Objective: To evaluate the oral health self-perception and the influence of dental treatment on the multidisciplinary approach of adolescent victims of sexual abuse. Material and Methods: It was adopted a qualitative methodology that emphasized the deepening and comprehension of the answers obtained. Six adolescents, from both genders, victims of sexual abuse in the last two years, aged between 10 and 15, took part of the study. A questionnaire was applied before and after the dental treatment in order to evaluate changes in the self-perception and self-esteem of the individuals. The answers were categorized into two thematic axes with the use of the qualitative content analysis: self-perception and self-esteem. Psychological attendance prior and after the dental interventions enabled to comprehend the changes observed. Results: The participants presented a coherent self-perception in relation to the present clinical situation and an increase of their self-esteem after the dental interventions. Conclusion: Dental treatment contributed to improvements regarding self-esteem and oral health self-perception in victims of sexual abuse. KeywordsSelf-reported oral health; Sexual abuse; Dental aesthetic; Adolescent; Child.

Mother’s Observations of Biased Self-Perceptions in Children with ADHD

A large body of research suggests that children with ADHD tend to overestimate their functioning across multiple domains. This overestimation, termed a positive illusory bias (PIB), is most often examined in controlled research settings in which child ratings are compared to ratings from an adult. We sought to advance our understanding of how a PIB presents in daily life for children with ADHD by using mixed methodology to assess mothers’ (N = 12) perceptions of their child’s self-awareness. Information was gathered from mothers of children with ADHD using surveys and an interview protocol. A grounded theory approach was used to identify themes that emerged through interview data and discrepancy methodology to confirm the presence of the PIB. Qualitative and quantitative data suggested that children with ADHD displayed limited self-awareness, with mothers reporting overestimation of competence across domains. However, some children were reported to be aware of their areas of difficulty, with variability in self-awareness based on domain, feedback, and setting. Mothers reported that children responded to evidence of their impairment both with apathy and frustration. Results help to clarify past evidence of heterogeneity in PIB levels and provide examples of how limited self-awareness and denial of difficulties are manifested in the family context for children with ADHD, according to mother’s observations. These results demonstrate the value of using mixed methodology to better understand the self-perceptions of children with ADHD in their daily lives.

The Education of Playful Boys: Class Clowns in the Classroom.

This longitudinal study identified degrees of playfulness in 278 kindergarten-aged children, and followed them through their next three school years to determine how playfulness was viewed by the children themselves, their classmates, and teachers. Perceptions of the social competence, disruptiveness, and labeling as the class clown, were assessed from all perspectives in each of first through third grades. Hierarchical linear modeling was conducted to account for the nesting of the data (children within classrooms within schools) and for the lack of independence between the measures. A central finding confirmed extant literature in that gender differences were dominant, with playful boys regarded as distinct from their less playful counterparts, while no such discrepancies appeared for girls. Playful boys were increasingly negatively regarded as rebellious and intrusive and were labeled as the “class clown” by their teachers. These findings were in direct contrast with children's self-perceptions and those of their peers, who initially regarded more playful boys as appealing and engaging playmates. The data further revealed that the playful boys were stigmatized by their teachers, and this was communicated through verbal and non-verbal reprimands, and classmates assimilated this message and became increasingly denigrating of the playful quality in the boys. In stark contrast, girls' playfulness levels were not a consideration in ratings by teachers or peers at any grade, nor did their classroom behaviors show significant variation. These negative perceptions were likely transferred by teachers to peers and to the children themselves, whereupon they changed their positive perceptions to be increasingly negative by third grade. The results contribute to the literature by demonstrating that playfulness in boys (but not girls) is often associated with the “class clown” designation, and is viewed as an increasingly lethal characteristic in school classrooms, where compelling efforts are undertaken to discourage its expression and persistence.

Attempts to Lose Weight Among US Children: Importance of Weight Perceptions from Self, Parents, and Health Professionals.

The objective of this study was to investigate how perceptions of weight by children themselves, parents, and health professionals influence children's persistent attempts to lose weight. The sample included 4,914 children aged 8 to 15 years from the 2005 to 2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (representing 20.7 million children). Data were analyzed using logistic regression models. About 34.2% never made an effort to lose weight, whereas 28.2% made persistent attempts to lose weight. Children's persistent attempts to lose weight were highly related to their own BMI percentile. Children's self-perceptions of overweight increased the odds of persistent attempts to lose weight more than sevenfold. Health professionals' perceptions that children were overweight increased the odds of persistent attempts to lose weight almost threefold. However, parents' perceptions of children as overweight had a relatively small though significant influence on children's attempts to lose weight. As perceptions of children's weight status play big roles in children's attempts to lose weight, interventions focusing on increasing accuracy of perceptions may help promote healthy weight loss efforts. Although parents are key agents in controlling their children's weight gain, especially among minority school-aged children, the study findings also emphasize the greater importance of health professionals on children's attempts to lose weight across different racial/ethnic groups.

Self-perception of children with autism spectrum disorders.

We aimed to evaluate self-perceived competence and self-esteem of primary school children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Japan and compare to those of children with other chronic physical diseases and healthy controls. Data were collected from 227 children: ASD (N.=91), nephrotic syndrome (NS) (N.=52) and asthma (N.=84), using Children's Perceived Competence Scale (CPCS) in 2012-2014. CPCS measures perceived competence in cognitive, social and physical domains, and a general self-worth domain as self-esteem. Scores in the social domain of the ASD group were lower than those of all other groups after adjusting for school age grades and gender. Scores of the ASD group negatively correlated with psychosomatic symptoms in all domains and IQ in the physical domain. These findings are the first data set in Japan on self-perceived competence and self-esteem in primary school children with ASD. Those results were comparable to previous researches in adolescents with ASD. Low social domain scores in the ASD group indicate the CPCS may be one of the useful tools to evaluate difficulty in social competence from the children's point of view. Correlations between CPCS scores and psychosomatic symptoms in the ASD group suggest development of psychosomatic symptoms may be addressed early by attention to low scores, especially in general self-worth.

QUALITY OF LIFE AND HEALTH SELF-PERCEPTION IN CHILDREN WITH POOR SCHOOL PERFORMANCE.

ABSTRACTObjective: To examine the association between quality of life and health self-perception of children with poor school performance, considering sociodemographic factors.Methods: An analytical, observational, cross-sectional study was conducted with 99 children aged 7 to 12 years receiving specialized educational assistance. Parents and legal guardians answered questions concerning the sociodemographic profile. For an assessment of the quality of life and proposed domains (autonomy, functioning, leisure, and family), the children completed the Autoquestionnarie Qualité de Vie Enfant Imagé (AUQEI) and answered a question concerning their self-perceived health. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regression, considering a 5% significance level.Results: Among the evaluated children, 69 (69.7%) male participants with mean age of 8.7±1.5, 27% self-assessed their health status as poor/very poor, and 36.4% of the children reported having impaired quality of life. As for the domains assessed by AUQEI, there was statistical significance in the associations between family with age, autonomy with economic classification, and leisure and functioning with self-perceived health. Conclusions: The quality of life of children with academic underachievement is associated with their health self-perception and sociodemographic characteristics.

Agreement between Weight Status and Perceived Body Size and the Association with Body Size Satisfaction in Children.

Extensive evidence suggests that children and adolescents often inaccurately perceive their body size. However, the extent of this misperception is unclear. This paper describes the agreement between children's actual weight and the perception of body size (self-reported and maternally reported) and the association of actual weight with self-reported body satisfaction. In a population-based cohort study of 3,408 children aged 9 to 10 years, we assessed the children's self-perception and ideal perception of their body size with the Children's Body Image Scale. Maternal perception of offspring body size was assessed with the question "How would you describe your child at the moment?" Children's height and weight were measured. Children tended to rate themselves toward average proportions; e.g., 83.0% of 499 children with overweight/obesity perceived themselves as less heavy then they were. Of those who underestimated their body size, most (79.2%) had a desire to be thinner; all of the children who correctly recognized their overweight/obesity had such a desire. Despite the misperception of body size, the majority of children with overweight/obesity indicated dissatisfaction with their body size, suggesting more self-awareness than would be assumed based on the self-perception assessment of body size alone.

Exercise Capacity and Self-Efficacy are Associated with Moderate-to-Vigorous Intensity Physical Activity in Children with Congenital Heart Disease.

This study sought to determine whether exercise capacity, self-efficacy, and gross motor skills are associated with moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) levels in children, and if these associations differ by congenital heart disease (CHD) type. Medical history was abstracted from chart review. We assessed MVPA levels (via accelerometry), percent-predicted peak oxygen consumption ([Formula: see text] cardiopulmonary exercise test), gross motor skill percentiles (test of gross motor development version-2), and self-efficacy [children's self-perceptions of adequacy and predilection for physical activity scale (CSAPPA scale)]. CHD patients (n=137, range 4-12years) included children with a repaired atrial septal defect (n=31, mean±standard deviation MVPA=454±246min/week), transposition of the great arteries after the arterial switch operation (n=34, MVPA=423±196min/week), tetralogy of Fallot after primary repair (n=37, MVPA=389±211min/week), or single ventricle after the Fontan procedure (n=35, MVPA=405±256min/week). MVPA did not differ significantly between CHD groups (p=0.68). Higher MVPA was associated with a higher percent-predicted [Formula: see text] (EST[95% CI]=16.9[-0.2, 34] MVPA min/week per 10% increase in percent-predicted [Formula: see text] p=0.05) and higher self-efficacy (EST[95% CI]=5.2[1.0, 9.3] MVPA min/week per 1-unit increase in CSAPPA score, p=0.02), after adjustment for age, sex, and testing seasonality, with no association with CHD type. Higher MVPA was not associated with gross motor skill percentile (p=0.92). There were no significant interactions between CHD type and percent-predicted [Formula: see text] self-efficacy scores, and gross motor skill percentiles regarding their association with MVPA (p>0.05 for all). Greater MVPA was associated with higher exercise capacity and self-efficacy, but not gross motor skills.

La percepción de los estilos de crianza y su relación con las autopercepciones de los niños de Buenos Aires: Diferencias en función del género

El objetivo de este trabajo fue estudiar la influencia de la percepción de los estilos de crianza en las autopercepciones de los niños en función del género. Se administró el Perfil de Autopercepciones para Niños (SPPC) y la Escala Argentina de Percepción de la Relación con los Padres a una muestra de 98 niños de ambos sexos (varones 43.90%; edad media= 9.86; DE= 1.28) de Buenos Aires (Argentina). Se encontró que la percepción de la relación con los padres predice el nivel de las autopercepciones de las niñas en los todos los dominios evaluados (físico/social, académico/comportamental, y autoestima global) mientras que sólo la aceptación por parte de la madre predice las autopercepciones de los varones en el dominio físico/social.

Validation of the Spanish version of the children’s self-perceptions of adequacy in and predilection for physical activity (CSAPPA) questionnaire

Abstract: The main purpose of the present study was to evaluate the validity of the Spanish version of the Children’s Self-Perceptions of Adequacy in and Predilection for Physical Activity questionnaire (Hay, 1992). Two studies were carried out with independent samples (N = 688 / N = 201). The first study checked the internal consistency, the factorial and the predictive validity of the scale in relation to gender, and the second, checked the criterion validity of the questionnaire in relation to exercise rate and intensity. The design was a crosssectional with self-reported questionnaires. The results revealed a structure of three oblique factors and 12 interactions among residual errors with adequate internal consistency. The MANOVA showed significant differences in relation to gender, but the effect sizes were low or moderate. The analysis of invariance in relation to the school of origin of the participants revealed that factor structure was invariant. On the other hand, the analysis of structural equations in the second study revealed that practice predicted the perception of adequacy in physical activity, this adequacy predicted the perception of predilection for physical activity, and this situation predicted enjoyment, too. In conclusion, this study provided support for the reliability and validity of the Spanish version of the CSAPPA) questionnaire. Validación española del cuestionario de autopercepción sobre la adecuación y predilección de la actividad física (CSAPPA) Resumen: El objetivo de este estudio fue validar el Cuestionario de Autopercepción sobre la Adecuación y Predilección de la Actividad Física de Hay (1992) al contexto español. Para ello se llevaron a cabo dos estudios con muestras independientes (N = 688 y N = 201). El primer estudio analizó los indicios de consistencia interna, la validez factorial y predictiva de la escala en función del sexo, mientras la segunda trató de analizar la validez de criterio del cuestionario en relación a la tasa de ejercicio y la intensidad del mismo. El diseño fue transversal con el empleo de un cuestionario de autoinforme. Los resultados del primer estudio mostraron una estructura factorial de tres factores oblicuos y 12 interaciones entre los residuales con una consistencia interna adecuada. El MANOVA mostró diferencias significativas en función del sexo aunque los tamaños de los efectos fueron bajos o moderados. Un análisis de invarianza en función del centro de procedencia de los participantes (rural versus urbana) mostró que la estructura factorial era invariante. Por otra parte, el análisis de ecuaciones estructurales en el segundo estudio mostró que la práctica física predijo positivamente la percepción de adecuación de la actividad física, esta predijo positivamente la percepción de predilección hacia la actividad física y esta situación predijo también positivamente el disfrute en la práctica. En conclusión, este estudio ofrece datos sobre la validez y fiabilidad de la versión española del cuestionario CSAPPA.

AUTISM SPECTRUM DISORDERS AS A SYNDROME OF MENTAl IMMUNODEFICIENCY IN THE 4D-MIRROR OF MENTAl MEDICINE

Conceptual and methodological, instrumental and technological resources of mental medicine (MM) in the diagnostics and treatment of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) are systematized in the article. Mental medicine is a system synthesis of clinical psychiatry (thesis) and anti-psychiatry (antithesis) that continuingly and harmoniously integrates preventive and correctional, treatment and rehabilitation approaches. With the creation of mental medicine, anti-psychiatry century ends and a new stage in the development of clinical neuroscience begins based on a synergetic multidimensional methodology. Isolation of the mental immunodeficiency syndrome (MIS) is justified as the pathogenic mental disorder of mental immunity (MI). MI is biopsychosociospiritual matrix of identity and the basis of personal security. Identity is self-determination (for children self-perception) of an individual in terms of his physical and mental, social and moral traits. The synergetic functional diagnostics (SFD) is proposed as an expanded mental 4D-mapping, which gives not only clinical, psychological, social and spiritual evaluation of phenomenology, but also helps to identify the preserved and potentially claimed new resources of personalized assistance and adaptation enhancement. Definition of standard functions of MI is given. Clinical phenomenology of MIS is provided manifesting in disorders of identity and communication. MIS can be congenital and early, childhood and late, acquired or induced. The technological platform of mental medicine is revealed, synergetically accumulating molecular genetic and medical-biological, social and psychological, spiritual and moral resources that increase the effectiveness of the early intervention due to the screening batteries of mental 4D-mapping and multidisciplinary brigade block-modular assistance programs. Pathogenetic treatment of MIS is sanogenetic therapy - adaptive engineering and management of mind and health for the recovery of mental immunity. The article gives examples of the positive regional experience in the implementation of pilot models. Autism as a "mystery of the nineteenth century" was isolated and developed by many prominent psychiatrists. The modern ASD became "a problem of the twentieth century", breaking out of the nosocentric boundaries of the clinical psychiatry. The demand for a synergetic scientific-practical paradigm of the MM has emerged, particularly in the made by us allocation of MI and MIS, having become one more step that makes neurosciences closer to the tomorrow "opening of the XXI century".

Mental health of child & adolescent refugees: The hidden momentum for a paneuropean call for action

IntroductionOver one percent of the world's population are currently uprooted. Over half of the world's displaced population are children.ObjectiveThere is considerable evidence that refugee children are at significant risk of developing psychological disturbance as they are subject to a number of risk factors.AimConsistent research findings show that as the number of risk factors accumulates for children, the likelihood that they will develop psychological disturbance dramatically increases.MethodsTraumatic events can have an effect on a child's emotional, cognitive and moral development because they influence the child's self-perceptions and expectations of others. The multidimensional effects of trauma on children and their families are compounded by forced uprooting, multiple losses and the myriad changes brought about by migration. Mental health services can be key to restoring basic psychological functioning and to supporting resilience and positive coping strategies for children, adolescents and adults.ResultsRefugee children are a silent group that are easily overlooked. Our attitude toward young refugees and their families will determine the burden of trauma, not only on their adult future but also on our community.ConclusionsAn empathic and mentalizing attitude, secure sheltering, addressing health and educational needs will create a sense of stability and confidence. This is the very first step to favour, for these future adults.Disclosure of interestThe author has not supplied his/her declaration of competing interest.