Difficult Behaviour Research Articles

Membangun karakter anak sejak dini melalui program Tetirah Bimasakti

Elementary school children have the potential to develop positively with the support of their social environment. The more positive experiences presented in a child's daily life, the more likely they are to grow into well-adjusted individuals. The aim of this research is to evaluate the effectiveness of the Program Tetirah Bimasakti in reducing challenging behaviors in elementary school children. This study utilized a quasi-experimental, one-group pretest-posttest design. Participants included six children enrolled in the Program Tetirah Bimasakti, selected through purposive sampling. The research instrument employed was the Indonesian version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for children. Data analysis was conducted using the paired sample t-test. The results indicated a decrease in the participants' difficulty scores; however, there was no significant change in their prosocial scores. This suggests that while the Program Tetirah Bimasakti was effective in reducing difficult behaviors, it was insufficient for fostering prosocial behavior. Consequently, this study implies that relevant institutions should develop structured modules for activity programs that can be tailored to specific and targeted competencies.

An Examination of Mental Health Rates in Children During the First Year of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from the National Health Interview Survey 2019-2020.

The study objective was to examine the mental health of children during a time period that included the COVID-19 Lockdown. The sample included a cross-section of children aged 2 to 17 years (2019; n = 4, 194; 2020; n = 5,172), from the National Health Interview Survey. In multivariate models, survey years 2020 and 2019 were compared for significant changes in anxiety, depression, and social behaviors in children after adjustment for sociodemographic variables. Bivariate analysis also examined sociodemographic characteristics, health care utilization by anxiety, depression, and social behaviors, and examined differences in anxiety and depression from 2019 to 2020. In multivariate models, there was an increased risk of anxiety ((AOR = 1.3(1.0, 1.6)), depression ((AOR = 1.2 (1.0, 1.4)) and difficult social behaviors (AOR = 1.2 (1.0, 1.4) in children from 2019 to 2020. Girls were at increased risk compared to boys for anxiety and depression ((anxiety; AOR = 1.4 (1.2, 1.8), depression; AOR = 1.2 (1.0, 1.3)), however, girls were at decreased risk compared to boys for uncontrolled social behaviors (AOR = 0.51 (0.43, 0.61)). White children were at increased risk for anxiety and depression compared to all other race and ethnic groups. High rates of anxiety, depression and difficult social behaviors that preexisted the Covid-19 Lock Down, continued or increased during the Lockdown. Effective public health interventions could prevent further declines in mental health, and a potential trajectory into adulthood of poor physical and mental health.

Sözen, H. C. and Basım, H. N (Eds.), Dark Sides of Organization Life: Hostility, Rivalry, Gossip, Envy, and Other Difficult Behaviors

No abstract available

Examining Malaysian mothers' causal attributions of maladaptive externalizing and internalizing behaviors in young children

AbstractObjectiveThis study provides insight into how cultural beliefs influence parents' causal attributions of maladaptive externalizing and internalizing behaviors in young children.BackgroundUnderstanding how parents from different cultures explain difficult behavior in young children may inform culturally sensitive approaches for early intervention and prevention. To date, work on Malaysian parents' causal attributions of maladaptive behaviors in young children has received little empirical attention.MethodWe employed a semistructured interview method to assess Malaysian mothers' (N = 16) open‐ended explanations for maladaptive externalizing and internalizing behavior in their young children, as depicted in hypothetical scenarios. Mothers' responses were coded according to a coding system of parental attributions.ResultsWe identified cultural specificity in Malaysian parents' attributions of children's behaviors, with mothers endorsing reasons for children's maladaptive externalizing and internalizing behaviors that were not previously captured by the existing coding system. Mothers' attributions were informed by religious and spiritual beliefs.ConclusionsParents' causal attributions for children's maladaptive behaviors are culturally specific and are best captured by open‐ended approaches.ImplicationsCultural frames of reference shape parental beliefs, which are crucial to the effective formulation of early intervention and prevention approaches. Caution should be taken in general against universally operationalizing parents' attributions of children's behaviors.

Supported employment coaches’ difficulties and facilitators with clients diagnosed with personality versus other disorders: A qualitative study

AimPeople with severe mental illnesses (SMI) face different occupational challenges than those diagnosed with personality disorders (PD). Supported employment (SE) has been validated for SMI patients but its effectiveness for individuals with PD remains unclear, and the reasons for this potential difference have not been explored. This study aimed to identify differences in SE practice for clients with SMI and those with PD. MethodsSix SE job coaches were interviewed about their experiences. A thematic analysis was run. ResultsMore difficulties and facilitators were mentioned regarding clients with PD than regarding clients with other SMI. For both, patients’ symptoms were reported to negatively affect their (re)integration into the job market. However, in contrast to that of clients with SMI, the relation between symptoms and SE success for clients with PD involved difficult behaviors and their negative impact on the therapeutic relationship. ConclusionIn summary, SE practice seems to be undermined by PD and could benefit from adaptations, such as specific training for SE teams to help them in managing clients with this disorder.

Investigating environmentally sustainable consumption: A diary study of home‐based consumption behaviors

AbstractThis study analyzes three environmentally sustainable household consumption behaviors (optimizing the use of domestic water, minimizing food waste, and minimizing plastic packaging usage) through the model of goal‐directed behavior. The findings show that attitudes, subjective norms, perceived behavioral control, anticipated emotions, and habits are all significant predictors of the desire to adopt sustainable consumption behaviors, which directly fosters the intention to adopt these behaviors. Intention–behavior links were unique for each behavior; minimizing plastic packaging usage was the most difficult behavior to implement. This study offers useful insights into people's sustainable consumption goals and their intentions to adopt responsible consumption behaviors. A generalizable model of environmentally sustainable household behaviors that considers the three behaviors simultaneously is presented. This study suggests that business and policy strategies that could successfully promote sustainability in the household might proceed by, for example, empowering consumers or changing their habits.

Grace Under Pressure: a mixed methods impact assessment of a verbatim theatre intervention to improve healthcare workplace culture

BackgroundHealthcare workplace mistreatment has been documented globally. Poor workplace behaviour, ranging from incivility to bullying and harassment, is common in healthcare, and contributes significantly to adverse events in healthcare, poor mental health among healthcare workers, and to attrition in the healthcare workforce, particularly in junior years. Poor workplace behaviour is often normalised, and is difficult to address. Verbatim theatre, a form of research informed theatre in which plays are created from informants’ exact words only, is particularly suited to facilitating workplace culture change by raising awareness about issues that are difficult to discuss. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of the verbatim theatre play ‘Grace Under Pressure’ on workplace culture in NSW hospitals.MethodsThe intervention was conducted in 13 hospitals from 8 Local Health Districts (LHDs) in NSW, Australia, in October and November 2019, with aggregated impact across all sites measured by a bespoke survey (‘Pam McLean Centre (PMC) survey’) at the conclusion of the intervention. This study was conducted in 3 Local Health Districts (one urban, one regional, one remote), with data collection conducted in November–December 2019 and December 2020. The study design was a mixed methods assessment of the play’s impact using (1) validated baseline measures of psychosocial risk, analysed descriptively, (2) overall findings from the PMC survey above, analysed descriptively, (3) interviews conducted within a month of the intervention, analysed thematically and (4) interviews conducted one year later, analysed thematically.ResultsHalf (51.5%) of the respondents (n = 149) to the baseline survey had scores indicating high risk of job strain and depressive symptoms. Of 478 respondents to the PMC survey (response rate 57%), 93% found the play important, 92% recommended others see the play, 89% considered that it stimulated thinking about workplace behaviour, and 85% that it made discussing these issues easier. Thematic analysis of interviews within one month (n = 21) showed that the play raised awareness about poor workplace behaviour and motivated behaviour change. Interviews conducted one year later (n = 6) attributed improved workplace culture to the intervention due to improved awareness, discussion and capacity to respond to challenging issues.ConclusionsVerbatim theatre is effective in raising awareness about difficult workplace behaviour in ways that motivate behaviour change, and hence can be effective in catalysing real improvements in healthcare workplace culture. Creative approaches are recommended for addressing similarly complex challenges in healthcare workforce retention.

Room to Improve: Predictors of Attendance and Outcomes Within Mindfulness-Enhanced Behavioral Parent Training

ObjectivesParents across a broad sociodemographic spectrum struggle with their children’s difficult behaviors and need effective and engaging interventions. We developed a mindfulness-enhanced behavioral parent training group program (MeBPT) aiming to be more inclusive and enable positive outcomes. This study investigated whether MeBPT can meet diverse needs across child, parent, family, and program-delivery factors, and explored whether improvements in parent-rated child behavior are predicted by changes in mindful parenting, parenting approach, or both.MethodParticipants were 338 parents of 3- to 12-year-old children presenting with externalizing problems to a university clinic in regional Australia. Factors that significantly correlated with improvements in parent and child outcomes or attendance were included in regression analyses.ResultsImproved parent-rated child behavior was predicted by change in mindful parenting (p = 0.019) but not parenting approach (p = 0.305). Attendance was high across all factors, and particularly for older parents. Improvements in parent well-being, approach, mindfulness, and child behavior were similarly large for families across child and family characteristics. Low-income families exhibited less improvement in parental well-being (p = 0.012), although demonstrated similar improvements in child behavior, parenting approach, and mindful parenting. Families with more severe problems at baseline showed largest gains (p < 0.002). Parental self-awareness and acceptance were important change agents.ConclusionsMeBPT appears effective across various sociodemographic backgrounds and is particularly beneficial for families presenting with more severe behavioral problems. Controlled research with ethnically diverse families is needed to confirm the benefits of MeBPT and to allow examination of mediators and moderators.

Does Using Core Quadrants Lead to More Teacher Self-Efficacy and Less Perceived Problem Behaviour?

PURPOSE. The number of childhood psychiatric classifications and treatments have risen rapidly in Western countries over recent decades. Since child behaviour often arises as a problem in schools, it seems important to find ways to help teachers successfully engage with pupils whose behaviours they experience as challenging. The present study attempts to shift special education teachers’ focus from challenging pupil behaviour, or pupil mental disorder, to teachers’ self-efficacy and less negative perception of pupil behaviour. METHODS. Ofman’s core quadrant model was used to engage teachers in reflecting on their own key competences, and relate them to possible pitfalls, challenges and aversions in their teaching. The professional development intervention entailed three subsequent team meetings, each lasting two and a half hours. Forty-seven teachers undertook the training, of which half (the control group) were initially put on a waiting list. Via quantitative questionnaires at three different time-points and qualitative post-intervention interviews with teachers involved, we analysed the influence of the intervention on teachers’ perceptions of problem behaviour and the grip they experienced on pupil behaviour (via a measure of self-efficacy). In the interviews, room was also made for reporting other outcomes of the training intervention. RESULTS. Neither quantitative nor qualitative data analysis revealed an effect of the intervention on self-efficacy or perceived pupil behaviour. The interview data suggest that teachers ascribe pupil behaviour they cannot control to factors outside themselves, primarily child mental disorder. CONCLUSION. Core quadrant training does not seem to alter how teachers engage with challenging pupil behaviour, nor does it help to reduce disorder thinking in special education. Our findings flag up the importance of better educating teachers about disorder thinking on the one hand, while on the other hand seeking ways to reduce the likelihood that teachers run out of pedagogical options, and instead further build up a sense of self-efficacy. Points of Interest: Childhood diagnostic classifications are on the rise in recent decades. Teachers often suggest diagnostic investigations of pupils, because they believe this will explain difficult behaviour or academic underperformance. A training aimed to shift the focus from disorder within a child to teacher’s own key competences, pitfalls, challenges and aversions, failed to change self-efficacy, behaviour perception and disorder thinking in teachers. To reduce disorder thinking in schools, simply educating teachers about what disorders are not and cannot explain, might be more effective than training programs, like studied in the present research.

Influence of Co-Parenting on Parental Burnout: A Moderated Mediation Model.

Adolescence has always been regarded as a period of rapid psychological and behavioral change. Adolescents are subject to more difficult behaviors, and those difficult behaviors have a great impact on co-parenting and parenting burnout. In order to reveal the relationship between these factors, this study investigated the mediating effect of difficult adolescent behaviors on that relationship by constructing a theoretical model and examined the moderating effect of family functioning. In order to provide a scientific basis for preventing and intervening in adolescents' problematic behaviors and improving parents' parenting burnout, we conducted a study on the parents of 1638 teenagers in a junior high school in Huanggang City, China in May 2023, with a questionnaire filled out by the parents. The research tools included a parenting burnout questionnaire, Parental collaborative parenting Scale (PPCR), Adolescent Strengths and Difficult Behaviors Questionnaire (Parental Version), Family Function Scale, etc. An independent sample t test and ANOVA test were used to analyze whether there are certain demographic variables in parenting burnout, and SPSS27.0 was used for descriptive statistics, reliability and validity tests, correlation analysis and common method deviation tests. The adjusted mediation model was tested by using the SPSS macro program Process4.0. Results: The variance in the explanatory capacity of the largest factor in this study was 21.955%, which did not exceed the critical value of 40%, so there was no obvious common method deviation in the data of this study. The independent sample t test and ANOVA test showed that there are certain differences in parental rearing burnout dependent on parental gender, the main caregivers, family economic income and demographic variables. The results of the adjusted mediation model test by Process4.0 show the following: (1) Adolescent difficult behavior plays an intermediary role between parental collaborative parenting and parenting burnout; (2) the indirect effect of collaborative parenting on parenting burnout through adolescents' problematic behaviors is regulated by family functions; (3) the relationship between adolescent difficult behavior and parenting burnout is regulated by family function; (4) the direct influence of collaborative parenting on parenting burnout is also regulated by family function. Conclusion: Adolescents' difficult behavior partially mediates the influence of parents' collaborative parenting on parenting burnout. In addition, family function not only mediates the front and back ends of mediation, but also mediates the direct influence of collaborative parenting on parenting burnout. These findings are instructive for improving family parenting problems and promoting adolescent development. The results of this study may be helpful in enhancing parents' awareness of parenting of adolescents in China, which will provide reference for some teachers in China to understand adolescent behavior. At the same time, the results may provide new enlightenment for mental health professionals and enable them to fully understand the parenting contradictions between parents and adolescents in China.

Attachment and mother-infant interactions in dyads with infants born full-term, moderate-to-late preterm, and very-to-extreme preterm

BackgroundThe impact of prematurity status on attachment quality remains indeterminate. Some studies found no differences between infants born preterm (PT) and infants born full-term (FT), while other investigations present opposite results. AimsWe aim to contribute to this body of research by studying mother-infant interactive behaviors and quality of attachment in 3 independent samples: Full-Term (FT), Moderate-to-Late Preterm (MLPT) and Very-to-Extreme Preterm (VEPT). Study designThis is a longitudinal laboratory study conducted from 3 to 12 months of age (corrected-age in the case of infants born PT). SubjectsThe participants are 213 Portuguese infants (FT = 105; MLPT = 52; VEPT = 56) and their mothers. Outcome measuresMother-infant interactive behavior was observed in free-play at 3 and 9 months (corrected-age). Infant attachment was observed in Strange Situation at 12 months. ResultsSecure attachment is more prevalent in infants born FT, and ambivalent attachment is more prevalent in infants born VEPT. Infants with a secure attachment have higher gestational age and weight at birth. Infant and maternal interactive behavior quality is associated with attachment patterns and varies according to infant prematurity status. Last, the results indicate changes in maternal sensitivity and infant difficult behavior from 3 to 9 months of infant's age. ConclusionsOur findings indicate that prematurity status impacts attachment quality. Changes in maternal and infant behavior from 3 to 9 months suggest a period of rapid non-linear development, supporting a transactional multilayered approach to the study of mother-infant relationship.

Medicinal cannabis in neurodegenerative disorders: an open label, dose finding, safety and efficacy study.

Aim: Currently, there exist no curative treatments for neurodegenerative disorders. Recently, there has been a resurgence of interest in the use of medicinal cannabis to improve neurological conditions. Methods: A 12-month, open label, dose-finding, safety and efficacy study was conducted including 48 subjects with a variety of neurodegenerative disorders. Results: In our participants, we observed a reduction in pain, improved sleep, enhanced well-being and less agitation. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that medicinal cannabis might be useful in patients with neurodegenerative disorders in controlling pain, enhancing sleep, reducing difficult behaviors, controlling unusual and complex symptoms when other treatments havefailed - this offers medicinal cannabisa role in palliation.

Living, Caring, Learning – Setting boundaries for the wellbeing of everyone in bleeding disorders care

Abstract Cathy, a haemophilia nurse specialist in the UK, reflects on a challenging patient with a rare inherited platelet disorder. The patient did not attend regular clinic appointments, and when presenting at clinic due to severe bleeding or feeling unwell was often aggressive and abusive towards staff. The care team were concerned that he was putting his health at risk and followed protocols for vulnerable adults to try and ensure he was accessing the care he needed. This involved bringing in expertise outside of the multidisciplinary team (MDT), including non-medical services. Steps were also taken to ensure staff safety and wellbeing through in-house psychological support and the agreement of strategies for dealing with difficult behaviour. Ultimately, it was necessary to find an alternative care pathway for the patient. While acknowledging her disappointment in this outcome, Cathy reflects on how the processes followed have reinforced the development of individualised care plans for all patients with complex needs, and the importance of access to specialist services beyond the MDT. She also highlights considerations around the safety and wellbeing of the care team, the role of discussion and ‘debriefing’, and the value of staff access to psychological support.

Parent Mediated Interventions for Children with Autism across India: A Qualitative Study

Background: Lifelong intervention is the mainstay of rehabilitation for individuals on the autism spectrum. The Lancet Commission on care and clinical research on autism has noted the prohibitive cost of intervention services in Low Middle Income Countries and has recommended active involvement of parents in the intervention process. However, there appear to be limited resources for parents to train themselves. The purpose of this qualitative study was to understand the state of Parent Mediated Interventions across India. Method: The study was carried out in two phases. In the first phase, professionals from centers across India were interviewed to understand the methods followed in their centers. In the second phase, focus group discussions were conducted with parents of children on the autism spectrum to understand their needs and challenges in working with their children. The findings from these two phases were then presented to an experienced professionals to corroborate the results. Results: Parent-mediated interventions were found to be limited and relying on manuals published in the West. Parents of children above the age of six continued to face challenges in teaching communication and managing difficult behaviors. Conclusion: Empowering parents by educating them right from the time of diagnosis of the child will ensure better adult outcomes among individuals with autism spectrum disorders.

SITUATION OF CHILDREN FROM PLACEMENT CENTERS (CASE OF THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA)

The article presents the analysis of some results regarding the research of the situation of children from placement centers based on the study carried out by the PRODOCS Association. A considerable part of the children in risk situations grow up and are educated in the 26 functional placement centers in the Republic of Moldova. The profile of the beneficiaries from placement centers consists of children with disabilities, children with traumas, abused, children with difficult behaviour, aged 4-18. The separation of the child from the family of origin, even if it is not functional, brings a series of negative emotional, cognitive, social, and physical consequences. The most relevant problems faced by children from placement centers are: lack of parental affection, learning difficulties, insufficiently developed social skills, limited vocational orientation, discrimination. The situation of children from 11 placement centers was analysed and studied by applying quantitative and qualitative research methods. Research results show that children lack developed social skills manifests through fits of anger, apathy or passivity, aggression, and dismissive attitudes. One of the conclusions is that the children's learning difficulties are not the result of mental retardation or sensory deficiencies, but are the result of the environmental and cultural factors.

Dziecko z zaburzeniami zachowania – trudności i przeszkody w postępowaniu terapeutycznym

The article discusses the problem of functioning of a child diagnosed with behavioral disorders. In particular, the focus is on the difficulties and obstacles of therapeutic procedures and the factors that cause them. The symptoms and causes of behavioral disorders were indicated, including environmental factors that may intensify the observed difficult behaviors, which are a component of behavioral disorders.

ASSISTED LIVING DIRECT CARE WORKFORCE TRAINING REQUIREMENTS BY LICENSE TYPE

Abstract Assisted living (AL) residents and families often assume that care staff have clinical certifications or specialized training. We analyzed direct care worker training requirements for each AL license type across all 50 states and DC, using health services regulatory and content analyses. Across all licenses, we found the most common required training topics specific to care provision were resident rights, providing assistance with daily living, identifying and alleviating safety risks for residents with cognitive impairment, medication management and non-pharmacological interventions, nutrition and hydration, preservation of resident dignity, recognizing and reporting changes in a resident’s condition, understanding resident actions and behavior as communication, and coping with difficult behaviors. We found the most common approach—accounting for the regulations governing 22% of licensed AL communities in the U.S.—was licenses that require between 1 and 10 hours of initial and annual training, but do not have a detailed list of training topics. Only three states (Arizona, Michigan, and New Hampshire) have no training requirements for any unlicensed direct care workers, while 20 states have at least one license without requirements regarding training hours or topics that must be covered. We found that 10 states have a license that requires more than 10 hours of initial and annual training and specifies a detailed list of training requirements. Interestingly, four of these states (New Mexico, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and Washington) have these requirements for all license types, but three of these states (North Carolina, Illinois, and DC) also have a license with no training requirements.

PERSON-CENTERED DEMENTIA TRAINING ONLINE FOR BSN STUDENTS: A PILOT STUDY

Abstract We launched a Person-Centered Dementia Training in March 2023, focused on Four interactive modules were offered via an Online Learning Platform. Topics included: Introduction to Dementia, Communication Process and Approach, Environmental and Cultural Implications in Dementia Care, and Best Practices in Responding to Difficult Behaviors. Subtopics included: Introduction to Age-Friendly and Dementia-Friendly Care, High-risk Medications and Dementia Care, Dementia vs Delirium, and Reframing Aging—Understanding and Recognizing Ageism Specific to People Living with Dementia. BSN students were recruited via (3) email blasts and (1) in-person announcement of participation opportunity. A total of (n=33) participants were recruited from 4 nursing programs, Traditional BSN Junior (34%), Traditional BSN Senior (48%), Degree Completion LPN to BSN (3%) and Accelerated BSN (14%). Most participants were female (96%), between the ages of 18-24 (60%). 24 participants completed the pre-/post-test and Final Program Evaluation. Participants rated the course content and structure as 4.5/5 on 5pt-likert scale. Common themes from evaluations included: need for additional content, more interactive activities, and inclusion as a required course for all nursing students. Future steps to include revising course content based on participant feedback, offer revised course over the next 2 academic semesters, and expand reach by offering course to practicing nurses to improve care of people living with dementia (PLWD).

RESILIENCE AMONG BLACK FAMILY CAREGIVERS OF PERSONS WITH DEMENTIA

Abstract Black family caregivers of persons with dementia often experience elevated levels of stress related to lower incomes, chronic health conditions, and care recipient behaviors. Resilience theory suggests that stress may be moderated by various resources and processes, however, few studies have examined factors that may influence emotional resilience among Black family caregivers. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationships between adaptive coping, caregiving self-efficacy, and positive affect within a sample of current caregivers (n=20). Self-efficacy in obtaining respite care was significantly correlated with both positive affect (p=.041) and adaptive coping (p=.022). Self-efficacy for managing difficult behaviors was also correlated with positive affect (p=.001). Finally, we identified a significant correlation between body mass index and self-efficacy for controlling upsetting thoughts. Caregiver resilience may be enhanced by providing increased access to respite services and culturally responsive support programs aimed at enhancing positive emotions and affective balance.

Human perception of cats' communicative cues: human‐cat communication goes multimodal

As a central key to apprehend the human-cat relationship, the question of how humans decode the behaviours expressed by their feline companions has drawn scientists’ attention in the past decades. To this point, previous studies have not investigated humans’ understanding of cats’ communicative cues in a multimodal perspective. While communication generally implies multiple channels, the influence of signal modality as relates to human-cat communication, is still poorly understood. Therefore, the primary aim of the present study was to investigate whether people can identify cats’ communicative information using unimodal (visual or vocal) and bimodal (visual and vocal) signals. Participants (n=630) were recruited via online advertisement on social media. Each participant viewed 24 carefully operationalised video clips of cats in different emotional/behavioural conditions. Four categories were included: contentment, discontentment, solicitation (food or attention) and predatory behaviour. Clips were presented as vocal only, visual only, or bimodal (visual and vocal cues). Video clips showing a bimodal expression were identified with the highest score (91,8% of correct ratings) compared with the visual only (87,3%) and the vocal only (72,2%). All modalities considered, contentment returned the highest identification score (90,1% correct), followed by solicitation (87,2%), then predatory behaviour (86,3%). Discontentment was the most difficult behaviour to be correctly identified (71,6%). Finally, for all behavioural categories and modalities, professionals working with animals returned a higher score than lay people (86.2% vs 82.9%). Taken together, our data underline the influence of the signal modality on interspecific communication between cats and humans. Information emitted by cats as a bimodal signal (visual and vocal) is better understood by humans than visual signals. The most difficult to decipher for humans are vocal signals emitted alone. A better understanding of humans’ abilities to understand their feline counterparts, could potentially help pet owners, and animal care practitioners to optimise cat care and welfare.