Mixed-model Design Research Articles

Drinking in social groups. Does ‘groupdrink’ provide safety in numbers when deciding about risk?

To investigate the impact of alcohol consumption on risk decisions taken both individually and while part of a four- to six-person ad-hoc group. A 2 (alcohol: consuming versus not consuming alcohol) × 2 (decision: individual, group) mixed-model design; decision was a repeated measure. The dependent variable was risk preference, measured using choice dilemmas. Opportunity sampling in campus bars and a music event at a campus-based university in the United Kingdom. A total of 101 individuals were recruited from groups of four to six people who either were or were not consuming alcohol. Participants privately opted for a level of risk in response to a choice dilemma and then, as a group, responded to a second choice dilemma. The choice dilemmas asked participants the level of accident risk at which they would recommend someone could drive while intoxicated. Five three-level multi-level models were specified in the software program HLM 7. Decisions made in groups were less risky than those made individually (B = -0.73, P < 0.001). Individual alcohol consumers opted for higher risk than non-consumers (B = 1.27, P = 0.025). A significant alcohol × decision interaction (B = -2.79, P = 0.001) showed that individual consumers privately opted for higher risk than non-consumers, whereas risk judgements made in groups of either consumers or non-consumers were lower. Decisions made by groups of consumers were less risky than those made by groups of non-consumers (B = 1.23, P < 0.001). Moderate alcohol consumption appears to produce a propensity among individuals towards increased risk-taking in deciding to drive while intoxicated, which can be mitigated by group monitoring processes within small (four- to six-person) groups.

The Effects of Age on Processing and Storage in Working Memory Span Tasks and Reading Comprehension

Background/Study Context: Declines in verbal working memory span task performance have been associated with deficits in the language processing abilities of healthy older adults, but it is unclear how storage and processing contribute to this relationship. Moreover, recent studies of the psychometric properties of span measures in the general cognitive literature highlight the need for a critical reassessment of age-related differences in working memory task performance.Methods: Forty-two young (Mage = 19.45 years) and 42 older participants (Mage = 73.00 years) completed a series of neuropsychological screening measures, four memory span tasks (one-syllable word span, three-syllable word span, reading span, and sentence span), and a measure of reading comprehension. Each span measure was completed under self-paced and timed encoding conditions. A 2 (age) × 2 (task type) × 2 (encoding conditions) mixed-model design was used.Results: (1) Age effects were reliable for both simple and complex span task performance; (2) limiting the available encoding time yielded lower recall scores across tasks and exacerbated age differences in simple span performance; and (3) both encoding condition and age affected the relationship between each of the span measures and the relationship between span and reading comprehension.Conclusion: Declines in both storage and processing abilities contributed to age differences in span task performance and the relationship between span and reading comprehension. Although older people appear to benefit from task administration protocols that promote successful memory encoding, researchers should be aware of the potential risks to validity posed by such accommodations.

Transformative Learning through Virtual Patient Simulations: Predicting Critical Student Reflections

BackgroundThe Digital Clinical Experience™ is a simulation software that allows nursing students to interview and examine virtual patient and then write self-reflections on their performance. MethodsA secondary data analysis was conducted on 130 master of science in nursing students' performance in the Digital Clinical Experience™ using a framework of situated cognition and transformative learning theory. Employing a within-stage mixed-model design, content analysis of structured self-reflections was conducted using Cook's Reflection Rating Rubric. Multiple regression was performed using self-reflection scores as the dependent variable; independent variables included time spent in simulation, lines of dialog, and primary and secondary clinical items discovered. ResultsCritical self-reflection indicating transformative learning was predicted by the number of secondary clinical items students uncover during their virtual patient interview. Yet, this level of self-reflection did not occur for students who discovered only the primary clinical findings. ConclusionsThis study presents evidence that virtual patient simulations can provide transformative learning experiences in nursing. However, to facilitate a transformative learning experience, these simulations must allow students to explore the presentation, history, and backstory of the virtual patient in depth, beyond superficial clinical findings.

Speech-on-speech masking with variable access to the linguistic content of the masker speech for native and nonnative english speakers.

Masking release for an English sentence-recognition task in the presence of foreign-accented English speech compared with native-accented English speech was reported in Calandruccio et al (2010a). The masking release appeared to increase as the masker intelligibility decreased. However, it could not be ruled out that spectral differences between the speech maskers were influencing the significant differences observed. The purpose of the current experiment was to minimize spectral differences between speech maskers to determine how various amounts of linguistic information within competing speech Affiliationect masking release. A mixed-model design with within-subject (four two-talker speech maskers) and between-subject (listener group) factors was conducted. Speech maskers included native-accented English speech and high-intelligibility, moderate-intelligibility, and low-intelligibility Mandarin-accented English. Normalizing the long-term average speech spectra of the maskers to each other minimized spectral differences between the masker conditions. Three listener groups were tested, including monolingual English speakers with normal hearing, nonnative English speakers with normal hearing, and monolingual English speakers with hearing loss. The nonnative English speakers were from various native language backgrounds, not including Mandarin (or any other Chinese dialect). Listeners with hearing loss had symmetric mild sloping to moderate sensorineural hearing loss. Listeners were asked to repeat back sentences that were presented in the presence of four different two-talker speech maskers. Responses were scored based on the key words within the sentences (100 key words per masker condition). A mixed-model regression analysis was used to analyze the difference in performance scores between the masker conditions and listener groups. Monolingual English speakers with normal hearing benefited when the competing speech signal was foreign accented compared with native accented, allowing for improved speech recognition. Various levels of intelligibility across the foreign-accented speech maskers did not influence results. Neither the nonnative English-speaking listeners with normal hearing nor the monolingual English speakers with hearing loss benefited from masking release when the masker was changed from native-accented to foreign-accented English. Slight modifications between the target and the masker speech allowed monolingual English speakers with normal hearing to improve their recognition of native-accented English, even when the competing speech was highly intelligible. Further research is needed to determine which modifications within the competing speech signal caused the Mandarin-accented English to be less effective with respect to masking. Determining the influences within the competing speech that make it less effective as a masker or determining why monolingual normal-hearing listeners can take advantage of these differences could help improve speech recognition for those with hearing loss in the future.

A systematic review of social support in youth sport

The purpose of this study was to provide a systematic review of studies concerning social support in youth sport from 1990 to 2013. A total of 73 studies were evaluated and are reported in four sections: sample characteristics; research designs; social support provider type; and key correlates relating to social support. Samples ranged from 1 to 564. Studies examined a wide range of sports, ages (10–22 years) and competition levels. Studies used qualitative (23%), quantitative (75%) and mixed-model (2%) designs. The main conclusion is that recent advances in the conceptualization of social support have generated a more diverse set of methods to examine the quantity and satisfaction of social support in a sports context. Coaches were identified as the most prevalent provider of social support through offering participants unique forms of tangible, informational, emotional and esteem support. Furthermore, coach, parent and peer support plays a significant role in shaping youth sport experiences both from a positive (athlete motivation levels, elite sport participation) and negative (drop-out) perspective. The discussion focuses on the current status of the research area, limitations, suggested practical implications (e.g., providing proactive support) and future research directions (e.g., examining optimal support matching).

Interactive mobile learning: a pilot study of a new approach for sport science and medical undergraduate students

Mobile learning has increasingly become interwoven into the fabric of learning and teaching in the United Kingdom higher education sector, and as technological issues become addressed, this phenomena has accelerated. The aim of the study was to examine whether learning using a mobile learning device (Samsung NC10 Netbook) loaded with interactive exercises promoted learning compared with a traditional library exercise. Using a randomized trial, 55 students from an undergraduate sports science course (n = 28) and medical course (n = 27) volunteered to participate in this study. A mixed-model design ANOVA was used to examine the percent change in test score after a 3-wk intervention. Results showed that there was a significant difference between the two courses (P < 0.001), methods (P = 0.01), and trials (P < 0.001). The findings suggested that both methods augmented student knowledge and understanding in sports science and medical students. The sports science group demonstrated proportionally greater increases in test performance when exposed to the mobile interactive intervention compared with the traditional library approach. Qualitative data suggest an increased level of engagement with the Netbooks due to the stimulating interactive content. In conclusion, the Netbooks were an effective additional learning tool, significantly enhancing knowledge and understanding in students. Further research should ensure that participants are assessed for preferred learning styles, the subjective task value of expectancy value, and readiness for mobile learning to ascertain if this has an effect on the potential for using mobile learning and interactivity.

Effects of exercise self-schema on reactions to self-relevant feedback

ObjectivesThe purpose of this study was to test the influence of exercise self-schema on the processing of self-relevant information in the sport and exercise domain. It was hypothesized that exercise schematics would cognitively prefer consistent feedback over positive feedback (self-consistency principle), whereas affectively, participants without exercise self-schema would prefer positive feedback over consistent feedback (self-enhancement principle). DesignCross-sectional online study with a 2 × 3 mixed model design. Method472 subjects (52.54% female, Mage = 31.35, SD = 11.90) participated in an online-study providing them with bogus test results consistent with as well as positively and negatively deviating from their self-assessments in exercise-related aspects. To measure preference, affective and cognitive reactions were assessed after each feedback presentation. ResultsMixed-model ANOVAS (between-subject factor: exercise self-schema, within-subject factor: type of feedback) reveal significant interactions for both affective and cognitive reaction. However, these are not based on an interaction of the levels ‘consistent’ and ‘positive’ of type of feedback, but on an interaction of ‘negative’ and ‘consistent’ feedback. For exercise schematics, the gap between reactions to consistent and negative feedback is larger than for participants without exercise self-schema. ConclusionsThe original hypotheses could not be confirmed, indicating a general dominance of the self-enhancement principle. However, the unexpected interaction suggests that participants with exercise self-schema seem to devalue negative feedback more than those without exercise self-schema, which could be explained by self-consistency principles.

Athletes' career transition out of sport: a systematic review

The purpose of this study was to provide a systematic review of studies on athletes' career transition out of sport from 1968 until the end of 2010. A total of 126 studies were evaluated and reported in three sections: sample characteristics, research designs and correlates of athletes' career transition adjustment. Samples ranged from 1 to 1617. Investigators examined a wide range of competitive levels, both genders and various sports. Researchers have used qualitative (44%), quantitative (44%), and mixed-model (12%) designs. Variables correlated to athletes' career transition adjustment were categorized into factors related to career transition (e.g., self-identity) and available resources during the career transition process (e.g., social support). The discussion focuses on the current status of the study area, limitations in its knowledge, suggested practical implications (e.g., providing proactive support) and future research directions (e.g., examining athletes' retirement decision-making process).

Thought–shape fusion in anorexia and bulimia nervosa: a comparative experimental study

'Thought-shape fusion' (TSF) is a cognitive distortion specific in patients with eating disorders and occurs when the thought about eating a forbidden food increases a person's estimate of her weight/shape, elicits a perception of moral wrongdoing and makes her feel fat. This study aimed to experimentally induce, study and compare TSF between patients with bulimia nervosa (BN) and patients with anorexia nervosa (AN). 31 patients diagnosed with a current eating disorder, of which 20 met DSM-IV-TR criteria for BN and 11 for AN, participated in a mixed-model experimental design with the aim of eliciting TSF and investigating the effects of corrective behaviors (checking and mental neutralizing). Verbal analogue scales constituted the main outcome measures. TSF was experimentally induced and expressed in a similar way in both clinical groups, apart from 'feeling fat' which was higher in BN patients. TSF induction triggered heightened levels of anxiety, guilt and urges to engage in corrective behaviors in both groups. Body dissatisfaction only increased in the BN patients. Mental neutralizing and to a lesser extent checking reduced most effects of the experimental procedure, but this effect was larger for BN patients. The nature of TSF seems to have similarities between BN and AN patients; however, the precise connection between TSF and different types of eating disorders remains to be explored in future clinical trials.

Evaluation of mixed-model U-line operational designs

Often in lean manufacturing, multiple products are produced in U-shaped manufacturing cells to simultaneously achieve product variety and production efficiency. We examine two design issues for mixed-model U-lines: work rules (a first-come-first-serve rule and a crossover-and-return rule) and inventory flow choices (direct flow and buffered flow). Simulation results indicated that throughput and labor utilization can be improved by implementing a “buffer” with the first-come-first-serve rule. Interestingly, the effectiveness of an inventory flow choice was dependent on the work rule (interaction effect), and relationships among performance dimensions differed across the designs.

The Effect of Rhythmic Musical Training on Healthy Older Adults’ Gait and Cognitive Function

Older adults' gait is disturbed when a demanding secondary cognitive task is added. Gait training has been shown to improve older adults' walking performance, but it is not clear how training affects their cognitive performance. This study examined the impact on gait, in terms of cost or benefit to cognitive performance, of training healthy older adults to walk to a rhythmic musical beat. In a mixed model design, 45 healthy older adults aged more than 65 years (M = 71.7 years) were randomly assigned to 3 groups. One group received a rhythmic musical training and their dual-task (DT) walking and cognitive performances were compared with a group who had music playing in the background but no training, and a third group who heard no music and received no training. Outcomes in single-task (ST) and DT conditions were step-time variability and velocity for gait and correct cognitive responses for the cognitive task. The Musical Training group's step-time variability improved in both the ST (p < .05) and the DT (p < .05) after training, without adversely affecting their cognitive performance. No change was seen in the control groups. Rhythmic musical training can improve gait steadiness in healthy older adults with no negative impact on concurrent cognitive functioning. This could potentially enhance "postural reserve" and reduce fall risk.

074 HUMAN VS ROBOT: A COMPARISON OF CATHETER CONTACT FORCE APPLICATION FOR AF ABLATION (A MAST-AF SUBSTUDY)

<h3>Introduction</h3> It is not known whether there is any difference in catheter force application and therefore effective lesion creation between robotic and human procedures. This may impact on procedural efficacy and clinical outcome. <h3>Method</h3> MAST-AF (Manual vs Amigo SmartTouch AF Study) is an ongoing prospective randomised trial (NCT01583855) of the Amigo Remote Catheter System (Catheter Robotics Inc.) compared with conventional ablation for symptomatic AF, using a catheter capable of measuring myocardial contact force (Smart Touch, Biosense Webster) in conjunction with Carto 3 (Biosense Webster). Left and right wide area circumferential ablation (L/RWACA) was performed in all patients. All RF applications were delivered at 40 W. For both manual and robotic procedures, the operator and assisting staff were blinded to the force data. This data was instead analysed retrospectively by another physician who was blinded to the technique used. In each case, force data was collected on a point-by-point basis, dividing the WACA lesions into regions using a clock model, with lower numbers being represented anteriorly, higher numbers posteriorly (see figure&nbsp;1) The defined regions were: superior and inferior positions (12 and 6 o9clock), between LUPV and LAA (1 o9clock)/anterior RUPV (1–2 o9clock), anterior L/RLPV (4–5), posterior L/RUPV (7–8), and anterior/posterior to the carina (3/6). Statistical analysis was performed using R, applying planned contrasts within a mixed-model design ANOVA to appropriately transformed data. <h3>Results</h3> Force data was collected and regionalised from 10 robotic and 8 manual cases. A total of 3329 ablation points were analysed, acquiring 662 471 pieces of force data. On the LWACA, the overall mean force applied from the Amigo was 8.2 g, compared with 7.3 g manually, whilst for the RWACA, the Amigo applied a mean force of 10.2 g, compared with 9.3 g manually (p&lt;0.05 for all comparisons). On a regional basis, only the anterior RLPV showed a significantly increased mean force using the robot compared with a manual technique (see figure&nbsp;2). Higher than average force values were observed in anterior RUPV region using both techniques. <h3>Discussion</h3> Higher contact force has been associated with increased lesion size and depth, as well as lower rates of acute pulmonary vein reconnection and AF recurrence. However, elevated force is also correlated with increased thrombus formation and steam generation, which are important contributory factors to the generation of cerebral microemboli. In addition, the risk of RF energy delivery varies depending on the location within the left atrium. Consequently, an awareness of catheter force is potentially crucial in ensuring safe yet efficacious AF ablation. The rather low values we have recorded overall suggest operator overestimation of force application: nevertheless PVI was demonstrated in all patients post-ablation. Higher force around the aorta has been noted previously, and our results are consistent with this (RWACA regions 1–3). Overall, our initial findings suggest a difference in the performance of robot and human AF ablation. The clinical impact of our findings will be evaluated as part of the scheduled 1 year follow-up for the MAST-AF trial.

Psychological, psychophysical, and ergogenic effects of music in swimming

ObjectivesExisting work using dry land exercise-related activities has shown that the careful application of music can lead to a range of benefits that include enhanced affect, lower perceived exertion, greater energy efficiency, and faster time trial performances. The purpose of this study was to assess the psychological, psychophysical, and ergogenic effects of asynchronous music in swimming using a mixed-methods approach. DesignA mixed-model design was employed wherein there was a within-subjects factor (two experimental conditions and a control) and a between-subjects factor (gender). The experimental component of the study was supplemented by qualitative data that were analysed using inductive content analysis. MethodsTwenty six participants (Mage = 20.0 years, age range: 18–23 years) underwent a period of habituation with Speedo Aquabeat MP3 players prior to the experimental phase. They were then administered two experimental trials (motivational and oudeterous music at 130 bpm) and a no-music control, during which they engaged in a 200-m freestyle swimming time trial. ResultsParticipants swam significantly faster when exposed to either music condition relative to control (p = .022, ηp2=.18). Moreover, the music conditions were associated with higher state motivation (p = .016, ηp2=.15) and more dissociative thoughts (p = .014, ηp2=.16). ConclusionsFindings supported the hypothesis that the use of asynchronous music during a high-intensity task can have an ergogenic effect; this was in the order of 2% when averaged out across the two experimental conditions. The use of music, regardless of its motivational qualities, resulted in higher self-reported motivation as well as more dissociative thoughts.

Prospective evaluation of the pyramid plus psychosocial intervention for shy withdrawn children: an assessment of efficacy in 7- to 8-year-old school children in Northern Ireland.

Social withdrawal is known to precede and contribute to the development of internalization problems in shy children. This study examined the efficacy of a selective primary school-based psychosocial intervention for withdrawn children. The sample comprised 82 Primary 4 children aged between 7 and 8years from 7 schools across Northern Ireland. There were 31 children in the comparison group (50.6% male) and 57 children received the intervention (41.7% male). A 2×2 mixed-model design was used: group (intervention group vs. comparison group)×3 time points (pre- vs. 10 postintervention vs. 12-week follow-up) with repeated measures on the time factor. Teachers completed the SDQ at the three time points to assess participants' socio-emotional health status. Pyramid participants showed greater reductions than the comparison group on the Emotional Symptom and Peer Problem factors following the intervention and their scores did not return to baseline levels at follow-up. Pyramid attendance accounted for approximately 12% and 9% of the variance in the Emotional Symptom and Peer Problems decreases respectively. Pyramid Plus helped to alleviate internalization problems in participants and initially had a positive impact on social re-integration. The incorporation of cognitive restructuring techniques may be a necessary intervention modification to affect participants' emotion regulation strategies.

Variety of woody debris as the factor influencing wood-inhabiting fungal richness and assemblages: Is it a question of quantity or quality?

Conservation of saproxylic organisms requires knowledge about the effects of forest management on their habitat. To better understand such effects, 16 beech forest sites in Navarre (Northern Spain) were examined. Woody debris volume and variety of woody debris were recorded in each sampled plot. To calculate variety of woody debris, dead wood pieces were classified into nine categories according to three size and three main decay stage classes. Results showed that forest management had a negative impact on fungal diversity and woody debris variety. Likewise, a nested mixed model design performed with PERMANOVA showed that both fungal assemblages and woody debris composition were significantly dissimilar between forests with distinct management history. When fungal richness was analyzed against variety and volume of woody debris, variety of woody debris explained much more variability than woody debris volume. Similarly, canonical correlation analysis revealed that groups formed according to the forest management factor based on fungal assemblages fitted better with the variety of woody debris variable than with the woody debris volume one. Accordingly, most fungal species showed preference for the type of woody debris on which they grow, and thus, some general growing patterns were established for them. In conclusion, taking into consideration that variety of woody debris is the main factor affecting wood-inhabiting fungal diversity and forest management is the factor which most affects the presence of wood debris variety, some recommendations for wood-inhabiting fungal conservation are provided.

Development of a home visitation programme for the early detection of health problems in potentially frail community-dwelling older people by general practices.

The integration within existing health care systems of preventive initiatives to maintain independent living among older people is increasingly emphasized. This article describes the development and refinement of the [G]OLD home visitation programme: an eight-step programme, including a comprehensive geriatric assessment, for the early detection of health and well-being problems among older people (≥75years) by general practices. A single group post-test study using a mixed model design is performed to evaluate (a) the feasibility of the home visitation programme in general practice, (b) the practical usefulness of the geriatric assessment instrument, and (c) programme implementation with respect to reinventions introduced by general practitioners (GPs) and practice nurses (PNs). Within 3months time, 22 PNs of 18 participating general practices visited 240 community-dwelling older people (mean age=82.0years; SD4.2) who had not been in contact with their general practice for more than 6months. Mean time investment of the programme per older person was 118.1min (SD27.0) for GPs and PNs combined. Evaluation meetings revealed that GPs and PNs considered the home visitation programme to be feasible in daily practice. They judged the geriatric assessment to be useful, although minor adjustments are needed (e.g., lay-out, substitution of tests). PNs often failed to register follow-up actions for detected problems in a care and treatment plan. Future training for PNs should address this issue. No reinventions were introduced that threatened fidelity of implementation. The findings are used to improve the home visitation programme before its evaluation in a large-scale controlled trial.

Train in Vain: The Role of the Self in Claimed Self-Handicapping Strategies

Two field studies investigate the role of self in the tendency of athletes to engage in claimed handicapping strategies during training (anticipatively claiming that handicaps may interfere with their performance). Study 1 tested the relationship between trait self-esteem and athletes' engagement in claimed self-handicapping. As hypothesized, low physical self-esteem athletes claimed more handicaps than high physical self-esteem athletes. For stronger evidence for the causal role of the self, Study 2 tested whether securing athletes' self-worth through self-affirmation would lead to decreased claimed self-handicapping by using a mixed model design that allows for both between-subjects (affirmation vs. control condition) and within-subject comparisons (before vs. after self-affirmation intervention). Self-affirmed athletes had decreased levels of claimed self-handicapping. Studies 1 and 2 also demonstrate that athletes engage in claimed self-handicapping during training, which could have deleterious effects on subsequent performance. Discussion centers on theoretical implications and applications for coaches, sport teachers, and sport psychologists.

S.P.42 Effects of a physical exercise programme in adults with myotonic dystrophy type 1 – A one-year follow-up study

Abstract Reduced physical activity can be a consequence of a progressive neuromuscular disease like myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and lead to an increased risk for secondary chronic conditions. Regular physical activity has a positive effect on health in able-bodied populations, but there is limited clinical research on people with DM1. The aim of this study was to evaluate functioning, in particular walking capacity, lower-extremity performance, and mobility and balance, one-year after the completion of a physical exercise programme. Thirty-five persons with DM1, stratified for functional level, were assigned to a control group (10 women and seven men, mean age 41 years) or a training group (10 women and eight men, mean age 44 years). The training group participated in an individually adapted group exercise programme incorporating aerobic activities, strength training and flexibility exercises, for 60 min twice a week during 14 weeks. Eleven persons completed the exercise programme with at least 75% adherence. No negative effects were reported. Primary outcome measure was the six-minute walk test (6MWT) and secondary were the timed-stands test and the timed up-and-go test. Assessments were made before, immediately after and 12 months after the intervention period by two independent physiotherapists, blinded to group allocation. A linear mixed-model design was used for evaluation. Intention-to-treat analyses did not reveal any significant differences between groups or interaction effects between time and group. There was, however, a significant time effect for the 6MWT ( p = 0.027). Pair-wise comparisons showed that the mean 6MWT distance decreased with 13.3 m (95% CI: 1.2–25.5), p = 0.032, from before to 12 months after the intervention, and with 15.7 m (95% CI: 3.5–28.0), p = 0.013, from immediately after to 12 months after the intervention. In conclusion, there were no long-term effects of the physical exercise programme and walking capacity decreased over time.

PopED: An extended, parallelized, nonlinear mixed effects models optimal design tool

Several developments have facilitated the practical application and increased the general use of optimal design for nonlinear mixed effects models. These developments include new methodology for utilizing advanced pharmacometric models, faster optimization algorithms and user friendly software tools. In this paper we present the extension of the optimal design software PopED, which incorporates many of these recent advances into an easily useable enhanced GUI. Furthermore, we present new solutions to problems related to the design of experiments such as: faster and more robust FIM calculations and optimizations, optimizing over cost/utility functions and diagnostic tools and plots to evaluate design performance. Examples for; (i) Group size optimization and efficiency translation, (ii) Cost/constraint optimization, (iii) Optimizations with different FIM approximations and (iv) optimization with parallel computing demonstrate the new features in PopED and underline the potential use of this tool when designing experiments.

Strengthening socio‐emotional competencies in a school setting: Data from the Pyramid project

Development of socio-emotional competencies is key to children's successful social interaction at home and at school. This study examines the efficacy of a UK primary school-based intervention, the Pyramid project, in strengthening children's socio-emotional competencies. Participants were 385 children from seven schools in two UK cities. All children were aged 7-8 years and in school Year 3. Children were screened for socio-emotional difficulties through the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ; Goodman, 1997) and a multi-agency meeting of relevant professionals before being allocated to attend a Pyramid Club intervention (n= 103) or a comparison group (n= 282). A 2 × 2 mixed-model design was used: group (intervention group vs. comparison group) × 2 time points (pre- vs. 12 weeks post-intervention) with repeated measures on the time factor to investigate the impact of the Pyramid Year 3 intervention. Teachers completed the SDQ-T4-16 for all children pre- and post-intervention to measure participants' socio-emotional health status. As measured by the two SDQ difficulty sub-scales of Emotional and Peer problems and the SDQ strength sub-scale of Prosocial behaviour, post-intervention improvements in the Pyramid attendee group were of greater magnitude than those of the comparison group. The Pyramid project intervention improves the socio-emotional health of vulnerable children through promoting positive outcomes as well as reducing socio-emotional deficits. These findings further support the inclusion of a salutogenic approach in promoting children's socio-emotional well-being.