Early Behavior Problems Research Articles

Dietary glycemic index and load during pregnancy and offspring behavioral outcomes: exploring sex differences

Given the importance of carbohydrates during pregnancy and the limited evidence on the impact of its excessive intake on offspring neurodevelopment, this study aimed to assess the associations between maternal glycemic index (GI) and glycemic load (GL) during early and late pregnancy and behavior problems in 4-year-old children, considering potential sex-related differences in susceptibility to maternal diet. This observational study included 188 mother–child pairs from the ECLIPSES study. GI and GL were estimated from a validated food frequency questionnaire. Offspring behavior was assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist 1.5–5. Multivariable linear and logistic regression analyses were employed to assess the association between GI, GL, and child behavior. Children of mothers in the highest tertile of GL during the first trimester of pregnancy showed elevated scores of both internalizing (β = 5.77; 95% CI, 2.28–9.26) and externalizing (β = 3.95; 95% CI, 0.70–7.19) problems, including anxiety and depression problems, withdrawn, attention problems, aggressive behavior, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity problems, as well as total (β = 5.24; 95% CI, 1.71–8.77) and autism spectrum problems (β = 3.30; 95% CI, 1.11–5.50). Similarly, higher odd ratios were observed for internalizing (OR = 2.37; 95% CI, 1.09–5.18), externalizing (OR = 3.46; 95% CI, 1.49–8.00), and total problems (OR = 3.83; 95% CI, 1.68–8.71). These associations were more pronounced in girls. No associations were observed during the third trimester. Regarding GI, no associations were found for the evaluated outcomes in any of the trimesters. Conclusion: These findings indicated that elevated maternal GL during the early pregnancy, but not later stages, was associated with adverse behavioral outcomes in offspring.Trial registration: EUCTR-2012–005480-28, NCT03196882.What is Known: • Carbohydrate intake is important during pregnancy as glucose is the main energy source for an optimal fetal brain development.• Elevated prenatal glycemic index and glycemic load have been associated with adverse offspring outcomes but their impact on behavioral development remains insufficiently explored.What is New:• A high maternal glycemic load during pregnancy may increase the risk of behavioral impairments in preschool-aged offspring.• Female offspring may be more vulnerable to behavioral disturbances to elevated maternal glycemic load during gestation.

The genetic architecture of differentiating behavioral and emotional problems in early life.

Early in life, behavioral and cognitive traits associated with risk for developing a psychiatric condition are broad and undifferentiated. As children develop, these traits differentiate into characteristic clusters of symptoms and behaviors that ultimately form the basis of diagnostic categories. Understanding this differentiation process - in the context of genetic risk for psychiatric conditions, which is highly generalized - can improve early detection and intervention. We modeled the differentiation of behavioral and emotional problems from age 1.5-5 years (behavioral problems - emotional problems = differentiation score) in a pre-registered study of ∼79,000 children from the population-based Norwegian Mother, Father, and Child Cohort Study. We used genomic structural equation modeling to identify genetic signal in differentiation and total problems, investigating their links with 11 psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions. We examined associations of polygenic scores (PGS) with both outcomes and assessed the relative contributions of direct and indirect genetic effects in ∼33,000 family trios. Differentiation was primarily genetically correlated with psychiatric conditions via a "neurodevelopmental" factor. Total problems were primarily associated with the "neurodevelopmental" factor and "p"-factor. PGS analyses revealed an association between liability to ADHD and differentiation (β=0.11 [0.10,0.12]), and a weaker association with total problems (β=0.06 [0.04,0.07]). Trio-PGS analyses showed predominantly direct genetic effects on both outcomes. We uncovered genomic signal in the differentiation process, mostly related to common variants associated with neurodevelopmental conditions. Investigating the differentiation of early life behavioral and emotional problems may enhance our understanding of the developmental emergence of different psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions.

Childhood conduct problems and adolescent medical service use: serial mediating effects of peer victimization and internalizing problems.

Adolescents with a history of conduct problems (CP) are at heightened risk of increased service utilization as they develop. While the mechanisms underlying this association are unclear, early CP have also been linked with peer victimization and internalizing problems. The goals of the current study were: (1) to examine peer victimization and internalizing problems as potential serial mediators explaining increased medical and psychiatric service use in adolescents with a history of childhood CP, and; (2) to explore whether the proposed mediation models vary by sex. Participants (N = 744; 53% boys, Mage = 8.39 years) from an ongoing longitudinal study that began in 2008 in Québec, Canada were recruited and assessed for CP, service use, and other behaviours via self-, parent- and teacher-reported questionnaires. Serial mediation analyses were conducted to examine the effects of peer victimization and internalizing problems on the association between childhood CP and adolescent medical and psychiatric service use, controlling for sex and household income. Adolescents with childhood CP reported higher medical and psychiatric service use than non-CP peers. Peer victimization and internalizing problems significantly mediated this association in both general medical and psychiatric service use models. The models did not vary by sex. Findings support higher levels of service use in adolescents with a history of CP, mediated by peer victimization and internalizing problems. Specifically, results highlight the importance of examining peer and socioemotional factors that may explain the increased service usage observed among youth with CP, to support better health outcomes.

Are early emotional and behavioral problems related to subsequent asthma in preschool children?

Abstract Background The most common mental health problems in preschool children are emotional and behavioral problems, and one of the most common chronic inflammatory diseases in children is asthma. Most research on the relationship between emotional and behavioral problems and asthma includes school-aged children. The current study aimed to explore the association between emotional and behavioral problems during preschool years and the risk of asthma in a Swedish context. Methods The study was a longitudinal cohort study, with 6954 children aged 3-5 years for which data on emotional and behavioral problems through the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire were collected in Uppsala Region, Sweden, between 2013 and 2017. The cohort was followed with data from the National Patient Register from 2013 to 2022. Asthma was defined as having at least three diagnoses (ICD-10 codes: J45-J46) during follow-up. Unadjusted and adjusted cox regression models were used to analyze data. Results A total of 269 children (3.9%) had diagnosed asthma during follow-up. Preliminary results show that children with emotional symptoms, rated separately by mothers (HR: 1.62, 95% CI: 1.20-2.20), fathers (HR: 1.49, 95% CI: 1.10-2.03), and preschool teachers (HR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.08-2.16) had increased risk of being diagnosed with asthma according to unadjusted cox-regression models. In addition, children with total emotional and behavioural problems, rated by fathers (HR: 1.51 95% CI: 1.10-2.07) were also at higher risk of being diagnosed with asthma. These associations remained significant when adjusting for background and sociodemographic factors. Conclusions Our findings point to the significance of a clinical awareness of the relation between emotional and behavioral problems and asthma in young children. Our findings highlight the importance of also considering somatic problems, including asthma, in children with early signs of emotional and behavioral problems. Key messages • Emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children is related to being diagnosed with asthma. • Somatic problems, as asthma, needs to be considered in children with emotional and behavioral problems.

Early childhood stress and behavioural problems in children following the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Turkey

Early childhood stress and behavioural problems in children following the 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquake in Turkey

Paternal Incarceration and Adolescent Delinquency: Role of Father Engagement and Early Child Behavior Problems.

Paternal incarceration is an important predictor of teen delinquency, but the factors that may explain this relationship-such as early child problem behaviors and level of father engagement-have not been adequately explored. The current longitudinal study examined paternal history of incarceration as a predictor of teen self-reported delinquency over a 15-year gap, considering early child problem behaviors and father engagement as mediators. Sex differences in these relationships were also evaluated. This four-wave longitudinal study included an analytic sample of 4897 teens who participated in the birth-cohort Future of Families and Child Well-Being Study. Mothers and fathers were interviewed shortly after the focal child's birth and were then reassessed in follow-up interviews at child ages 1, 3, 5, 9, and 15. The focal children were interviewed at ages 9 and 15. Results showed that paternal prior incarceration at year 1 was associated with greater child behavior problems and father engagement at year 5; however, those relationships disappeared by age 9. Paternal history of incarceration was not related to teen delinquency, but child behavior problems at age 9 were directly related to subsequent engagement in delinquent behaviors. Paternal current incarceration was related to subsequent father engagement but was not associated with later child behaviors. No significant indirect pathways emerged, indicating a lack of support for mediation. No sex differences in these relationships were observed. Overall, the findings underscore the complexity of the relationships between paternal incarceration, child behavior, and father engagement in the emergence of delinquent behaviors.

Microbiome signature of posttraumatic stress disorder and resilience in youth.

Identifying biomarkers that can distinguish trauma-exposed youth at risk for developing posttraumatic pathology from resilient individuals is essential for targeted interventions. As trauma can alter the microbiome with lasting effects on the host, our longitudinal, multimeasure, cross-species study aimed to identify the microbial signature of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). We followed children exposed to war-related trauma and matched controls from early childhood (Mage = 2.76 years, N = 232) to adolescence (Mage = 16.13 years, N = 84), repeatedly assessing posttraumatic symptomatology and maternal caregiving. In late adolescence, we collected fecal samples from mothers and youth and assessed microbiome composition, diversity, and mother-child microbial synchrony. We then transplanted adolescents' fecal samples into germ-free mice to determine if behavioral changes are observed. Youth with PTSD exhibited a distinct gut microbiome profile and lower diversity compared to resilient individuals, and microbiome diversity mediated the continuity of posttraumatic symptomatology throughout development. Low microbiome diversity correlated with more posttraumatic symptoms in early childhood, more emotional and behavioral problems in adolescence, and poor maternal caregiving. Youth with PTSD demonstrated less mother-child microbial synchrony, suggesting that low microbial concordance between mother and child may indicate susceptibility to posttraumatic illness. Germ-free mice transplanted with microbiomes from individuals with PTSD displayed increased anxious behavior. Our findings provide evidence that the trauma-associated microbiome profile is at least partially responsible for the anxiety component of the PTSD phenotype and highlight microbial underpinnings of resilience. Further, our results suggest that the microbiome may serve as additional biological memory of early life stress and underscore the potential for microbiome-related diagnosis and treatment following trauma. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Early emotional and behavioural problems predict use of habilitation services among children: Findings from a longitudinal follow-up study.

To explore the association between early emotional and behavioural problems and use of habilitation services among children in Sweden. In this longitudinal cohort study, we used data on children, 3-5 years of age, whose mothers (n = 7343) and fathers (n = 6322) had responded to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for assessment of emotional and behavioural problems, and who were followed for approximately 6.5 years with regard to use of habilitation services. The relations between emotional and behavioural problems and use of habilitation services were explored through cox regression models. In unadjusted models, children with identified emotional and behavioural problems were more likely to utilise habilitation services compared to those with no identified problems. These associations were shown for both mothers' (HR: 5.02) and fathers' (HR: 4.25) SDQ ratings. In adjusted cox-regression models, the associations remained significant for both mothers' (AHR: 4.24) and fathers' (AHR: 4.03) ratings. Early emotional and behavioural problems predict later habilitation service use among children in Sweden. Assessment of these problems in all children at child health services could facilitate early identification and timely interventions. Habilitation centres in Sweden could integrate mental health care into the standard treatment for children using these services.

Non-parental Childcare During Early Childhood and Problem Behaviour Trajectories from Ages 5 to 14 Years.

Using data from the nationally representative Millennium Cohort Study, this study examined the association between age of starting and weekly hours in formal childcare between birth and 5years with internalising and externalising behaviour trajectories from ages 5 to 14years in England (N = 6194 children). Associations were analysed using multilevel general linear regression models, with adjustment for socio-economic position, maternal mental health, demographics, and child temperament. Later entry was associated with more internalising behaviours at age 14years. Children who spent > 40h per week in childcare between birth and 3years displayed more externalising behaviour at 5years than children who did not attend childcare. Controlling for socio-economic position and parental mental health attenuated findings.

Bullying Victimization as an Adverse Experience for Psychosocial Adjustment among Irish Adolescents

AbstractThis study investigates the long-term effects of victimization from middle adolescence to late adolescence and early adulthood, examining emotional and behavioral problems, peer relationships, and smoking habits and sleeping difficulties. The study also explores how these outcomes can persist into early adulthood, taking into consideration early victimization experiences, gender, cognitive ability, and family social class. The total sample included 7525 participants, spanning the ages of 13, 17, and 20, from the Child Cohort of the Growing Up in Ireland study (48.9% male). The path analysis model suggests that victimization is associated with behavioral problems at age 17, and it is also linked to emotional problems and sleeping difficulties at both ages 17 and 20. Additionally, sleeping difficulties, smoking habits, and indices of emotional and behavioral adjustment exhibit some stability between ages 13 and 17, as well as 17 and 20. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.

Maternal concentrations of environmental phenols during early pregnancy and behavioral problems in children aged 4 years from the Shanghai Birth Cohort

BackgroundPrenatal exposure to environmental phenols such as bisphenol (BPs), paraben (PBs), benzophenone (BzPs), and triclosan (TCS) is ubiquitous and occurs in mixtures. Although some of them have been suspected to impact child behavioral development, evidence is still insufficient, and their mixed effects remain unclear. ObjectivesTo explore the association of prenatal exposure to multiple phenols with child behavioral problems. MethodIn a sample of 600 mother–child pairs from the Shanghai Birth Cohort, we quantified 18 phenols (6 PBs, 7 BPs, 4 BzPs, and TCS) in urine samples collected during early pregnancy. Parent-reported Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaires were utilized to evaluate child behavioral difficulties across four subscales, namely conduct, hyperactivity/inattention, emotion, and peer relationship problems, at 4 years of age. Multivariable linear regression was conducted to estimate the relationships between single phenolic compounds and behavioral problems. Additionally, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression was employed to examine the overall effects of the phenol mixture. Sex-stratified analyses were also performed. ResultsOur population was extensively exposed to 10 phenols (direction rates >50 %), with low median concentrations (1.00 × 10−3–6.89 ng/mL). Among them, single chemical analyses revealed that 2,4-dihydroxy benzophenone (BP1), TCS, and methyl 4-hydroxybenzoate (MeP) were associated with increased behavior problems, including hyperactivity/inattention (BP1: β = 0.16; 95 % confidence interval [CI]: 0.04, 0.30), emotional problems (BP1: β = 0.11; 95 % CI: 0.02, 0.20; TCS: β = 0.08; 95 % CI: 0.02, 0.14), and peer problems (MeP: β = 0.10; 95 % CI: 0.02, 0.18); however, we did not identify any significant association with conduct problems. Further phenol mixture analyses in the WQS model yielded similar results. Stratification for child sex showed stronger positive associations in boys. ConclusionOur findings indicated that maternal phenol levels during early pregnancy, specifically BP1, TCS, and MeP, are associated with high behavioral problem scores in 4-year-old children.

Racial–Ethnic Discrimination and Early Adolescents’ Behavioral Problems: The Protective Role of Parental Warmth

The purpose of the study was to investigate the association between discrimination by multiple sources (ie, teachers, students, and other adults) and early adolescents' behavioral problems (ie, internalizing, externalizing, and attention problems), also considering the protective role of parental warmth in the association. Cross-sectional analyses were conducted with 3,245 early adolescents of color obtained from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD Study) at year 1 follow-up (Y1), a large and diverse sample of children (mean age= 9.48 years) in the United States. Racially-ethnically minoritized adolescents reported sources of discrimination, parental warmth, and symptoms of psychopathology. Regression with interaction terms was conducted to investigate the associations among sources of discrimination, parental warmth, and behavioral problems among racially-ethnically minority adolescents. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to examine (1) race/ethnicity and sex/gender variations; (2) whether the associations between different sources of discrimination and behavioral problems were reliably different; and (3) effects of discrimination, parental warmth, and their interplay at Y1 in predicting adolescents' behavioral problems at year 2 follow-up. Early adolescents experiencing interpersonal racial-ethnic discrimination by multiple sources, including teachers, students, and other adults, reported higher levels of attention, internalizing, and externalizing problems. Parental warmth was protective for the association between interpersonal racial-ethnic discrimination and early adolescents' behavioral problems. Experiencing interpersonal racial-ethnic discrimination from teachers, peers, and other adults is related to heightened attention, internalizing, and externalizing problems among racially-ethnically minoritized early adolescents. Parental warmth may reduce the risk of developing behavioral problems among early adolescents who experience interpersonal racial-ethnic discrimination from students, teachers, and other adults outside of school. We worked to ensure race, ethnic, and/or other types of diversity in the recruitment of human participants. We worked to ensure sex and gender balance in the recruitment of human participants. We worked to ensure that the study questionnaires were prepared in an inclusive way. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science. One or more of the authors of this paper self-identifies as a member of one or more historically underrepresented sexual and/or gender groups in science. One or more of the authors of this paper received support from a program designed to increase minority representation in science. We actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our author group. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote inclusion of historically underrepresented racial and/or ethnic groups in science in our reference list. We actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our author group. While citing references scientifically relevant for this work, we also actively worked to promote sex and gender balance in our reference list.

교사의 유아 문제행동에 대한 인식 및 지도상의 어려움에 관한 질적 메타분석

This study examined the difficulties in the perception and guidance of problematic behavior experienced by teachers in the field of early childhood teaching, through a qualitative meta-analysis. Apropos this, 10 qualitative studies related to children’s problem behaviors were analyzed. The following results were obtained. First, early childhood teachers faced problem behaviors expressed in various aspects of their daily lives. Second, in guiding problem behaviors, teachers experienced both positive and negative aspects. Third, early childhood teachers experienced dilemmas in the relationship between parents and fellow teachers in the process of guiding problem behaviors. Fourth, efforts to improve the professionalism of early childhood teachers and the necessity of linking experts to teachers are recognized as future tasks to support early childhood problem behavior. Based on these results, implications for guiding problem behavior in the field of early childhood education are discussed.

Childhood behavior problems and adverse economic outcomes: a 30-year population-based study of intergenerational income mobility.

The objectives of this study were to (a) assess the associations between early behavioral problems and intergenerational income mobility (i.e., the degree to which income status is transmitted from one generation to the next), (b) verify whether these associations are moderated by child sex, and (c) explore indirect effects of early behavioral problems on income mobility via high school graduation. Data were drawn from the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Kindergarten Children (n = 3,020; 49.17% girls). Participants were followed from age 6 to 37 years. Measures included parents' and teachers' ratings of behavioral problems at age 6 years as well as participants' (ages 30-35 years) and their parents' (when participants were aged 10-19 years) income data obtained from tax return records. Regression models were used to predict upward and downward mobility (i.e., increased or decreased income status from one generation to the next) from attention-deficit/hyperactivity problems, conduct/opposition problems, depression/anxiety problems, prosociality, and the quality of children's relationship with their caregiver. Two-way interaction effects between behavioral problems and child sex were examined and indirect effect models including high school graduation as a mediator of these associations were conducted. Despite their higher educational attainment, females had lower incomes and experienced lower upward (but higher downward) income mobility than males. For both females and males, higher levels of attention-deficit/hyperactivity and conduct/opposition problems were associated with decreased odds of upward mobility, whereas higher levels of attention-deficit/hyperactivity were associated with increased odds of downward mobility. Attention-deficit/hyperactivity problems, conduct/opposition problems as well as low prosociality were associated with lower educational attainment (no high school diploma), which in turn was associated with increased odds of downward mobility. Results highlight the importance of providing intensive support to children with early behavioral problems as a means of improving educational attainment and intergenerational income mobility.

Integrating equifinality and multifinality into the of prevention programs in early childhood: The conceptual case for use of tiered models.

Introduced in the context of developmental psychopathology by Cicchetti and Rogosh in the Journal, the current paper incorporates the principles of equifinality and multifinality to support the use of tiered models to prevent the development of emerging child psychopathology and promote school readiness in early childhood. We use the principles of equifinality and multifinality to describe the limitations of applying one intervention model to address all children presenting with different types of risk for early problem behavior. We then describe the potential benefits of applying a tiered model for having impacts at the population level and two initial applications of this approach during early childhood. The first of these tiered models, Smart Beginnings, integrates the use of two evidenced-based preventive interventions, Video Interaction Project, a universal parenting program, and Family Check-Up, a selective parenting program. Building on the strengths of Smart Beginnings, the second trial, The Pittsburgh Study includes Video Interaction Project and Family Check-Up, and other more and less-intensive programs to address the spectrum of challenges facing parents of young children. Findings from these two projects are discussed with their implications for developing tiered models to support children's early development and mental health.

Preschoolers' Self-Regulation and Behavior Problems in the Midst of Caregiver Depression and Chaos.

Preschoolers' self-regulation is partially developed through home and child care routines. COVID-19-related child care closures increased caregiver depressive symptoms, household chaos, and children's behavior problems. This longitudinal study examined how preschoolers' prepandemic self-regulation was related to behavior problems early in the pandemic, including buffering against the adverse effects of caregiver depressive symptoms and household chaos. A sample of 264 caregivers of preschoolers reported on their children's self-regulation (Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function-Preschool Version Inhibitory Self Control Index) before the pandemic and caregiver depressive symptoms (Center for Epidemiological Studies), household chaos (Confusion, Hubbub, and Order Scale), and children's behavior problems (Behavior Rating Index for Children) during the pandemic. We used linear mixed models to examine predictors of children's behavior problems, including prepandemic self-regulation, and further examined moderation by pandemic-related caregiver depressive symptoms and household chaos. Children were 64% non-Hispanic White and 24% non-Hispanic Black, with mean pandemic age 5.9 years. Prepandemic self-regulation significantly predicted early pandemic behavior problems (β = -0.38 [95% confidence interval, -0.69 to -0.07]). This association was moderated by pandemic-related caregiver depressive symptoms and household chaos; the protective association was maintained at high levels of caregiver depressive symptoms or household chaos, although the association diminished when these co-occurred. The protective association between prepandemic self-regulation and subsequent behavior problems suggests longitudinal benefits of preschoolers' inhibitory and emotional control. Despite reduced protection associated with co-occurring caregiver and household challenges, self-regulation continued to demonstrate protection against subsequent behavior problems, even in the midst of a pandemic.

Ebeveyn-Çocuk Etkileşim Terapisi

Parent-child interaction therapy is a parent-mediated therapy approach that focuses on solving internalization-externalization problems observed in children aged 2-7. The approach based on parenting styles, attachment theory, behavioral theory, and social learning theories aims to teach play therapy skills to parents. In this direction, each stage was organized as teaching and coaching sessions in an approach that included two phases: a child-directed interaction phase and parent-directed interaction. The first stage, which is the child-directed stage, it is aimed to developing a sincere and warm relationship between the parent and the child by following the child's lead.. In the second phase, the parent-directed interaction phase, effective discipline methods are taught to parents and coached at the point of use, depending on the goal of increasing their child's adaptation skills. Therapy is not time-limited and is performance-oriented. In this study, the general characteristics of parent-child interaction therapy, its historical development, theoretical foundations, the structure of therapy sessions, the intervention process, and parent-child interaction therapy research are included. As a result of the review, depending on the international literature, can be said to be parent-child interaction therapy is an early-term, parent-oriented and evidence-based approach that is effective on early childhood compliance and behavior problems, including children with neurodevelopmental problems, parenting stress, parental efficacy perception, and family harmony.

Early Risk Factors for Self-Injurious Thoughts and Behaviours: A UK Population-Based Study of 219,581 People.

Mental disorders are a major problem among young people. To identify early risk factors of self-injurious thoughts and behaviours (SITB) among young adults with mental health problems, this case-control study drew data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), a primary care database covering 8% of the UK population. We explored the role of early factors (presenting at 8-14 years old) for suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) in young adulthood (age 18-25 years) by performing logistic regressions. Our sample consisted of 219,581 participants, of which 6.51% had at least one SITB in young adulthood. Early risk factors for SITB included early NSSI, suicidal ideation, sexual abuse, behavioural problems, and mood and psychotic symptoms. Frequency of GP visits had a protective effect. Lack of access to mortality data, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status was a limitation of the current study. In conclusion, early symptoms in late childhood/early adolescence can be the start of long-standing problems going into adult life. The training of primary care providers in suicide risk assessment and proper co-ordination with child and adolescent mental health services are crucial for suicide prevention.

A Meta-Analysis of Social Skills Interventions for Preschoolers with or at Risk of Early Emotional and Behavioral Problems.

Early social-behavioral intervention that emphasizes social skill training is critical to addressing emotional and behavioral problems in early childhood. In this meta-analysis review, we examined all the social skills intervention studies for preschoolers with, or at risk of, emotional and behavioral problems using group designs. This review included 25 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The robust variance estimation method was used to calculate the overall effect size of all the included studies, as this method can count for the pre-existing difference between the experiment and control groups. The included studies yielded an overall effect of 0.54 from the 151 effect sizes that were obtained for the 3484 preschool participants. Curriculum, integration, and treatment fidelity were identified as significant moderators of effects.

Interactions between genetic risk for 21 neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders and sport activity on youth mental health

Childhood is a sensitive period where behavioral disturbances, determined by genetics and environmental factors including sport activity, may emerge and impact risk of mental illness in adulthood. We aimed to determine if participation in sports can mitigate genetic risk for neurodevelopmental and psychiatric disorders in youth. We analyzed 4975 unrelated European youth (ages 9–10) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. Our outcomes were eight Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) scores, measured annually. Polygenic risk scores (PRSs) were calculated for 21 disorders, and sport frequency and type were summarized. PRSs and sport variables were tested for main effects and interactions against CBCL outcomes using linear models. Cross-sectionally, PRSs for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and major depressive disorder were associated with increases in multiple CBCL outcomes. Participation in non-contact or team sports, as well as more frequent sport participation reduced all cross-sectional CBCL outcomes, whereas involvement in contact sports increased attention problems and rule-breaking behavior. Interactions revealed that more frequent exercise was significantly associated with less rule breaking behavior in individuals with high genetic risk for obsessive compulsive disorder. Associations with longitudinal CBCL outcomes demonstrated weaker effects. We highlight the importance of genetic context when considering sports as an intervention for early life behavioural problems.