Neglect Behavior Research Articles

Machine learning algorithms on eye tracking trajectories to classify patients with spatial neglect

Background and Objective: Eye-movement trajectories are rich behavioral data, providing a window on how the brain processes information. We address the challenge of characterizing signs of visuo-spatial neglect from saccadic eye trajectories recorded in brain-damaged patients with spatial neglect as well as in healthy controls during a visual search task. Methods: We establish a standardized pre-processing pipeline adaptable to other task-based eye-tracker measurements. We use traditional machine learning algorithms together with deep convolutional networks (both 1D and 2D) to automatically analyze eye trajectories. Results: Our top-performing machine learning models classified neglect patients vs. healthy individuals with an Area Under the ROC curve (AUC) ranging from 0.83 to 0.86. Moreover, the 1D convolutional neural network scores correlated with the degree of severity of neglect behavior as estimated with standardized paper-and-pencil tests and with the integrity of white matter tracts measured from Diffusion Tensor Imaging (DTI). Interestingly, the latter showed a clear correlation with the third branch of the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), especially damaged in neglect. Conclusions:The study introduces new methods for both the pre-processing and the classification of eye-movement trajectories in patients with neglect syndrome. The proposed methods can likely be applied to other types of neurological diseases opening the possibility of new computer-aided, precise, sensitive and non-invasive diagnostic tools.

Early Stages of COVID-19 Pandemic Had No Discernable Impact on Risk of Elder Abuse and Neglect Among Dementia Family Caregivers: A Daily Diary Study.

There is widespread concern that elder abuse and neglect (EAN) incidents increased during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic due in part to increases in risk factors. Initial reports relying on administrative systems such as adult protective services records produced mixed results regarding whether or not there was a change in EAN incidents. Using data from an ongoing longitudinal study on EAN in dementia family caregiving that started before the pandemic, we assessed the hypothesis that the pandemic is related to a change in probability of EAN and EAN protective factors. Family caregivers to persons with dementia completed two waves of 21 daily diaries, 6-months apart, assessing their daily use of EAN behaviors. The first group (n = 32) completed their first wave before the pandemic and their second wave during the pandemic. The second group (n = 32) completed both waves during the pandemic. For this cohort, the generalized linear mixed logistic model results showed inconsistent associations between the onset of COVID-19 and the probability of a caregiver engaging in elder abuse or neglect behaviors. In terms of protective factors, the use of formal services was not significantly impacted by COVID-19; however, the likelihood of receiving informal support from family and friends increased significantly during the pandemic period. Dementia family caregivers were not likely impacted negatively by initial pandemic restrictions, such as shelter-in-place orders, as anticipated. These findings contribute to our understanding of how distal, disruptive processes may influence more proximal caregiver stresses and the likelihood of EAN.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10896-022-00392-8.

Emotional Neglect, Self-Deception, and Unethical Workplace Behavior: Moderating Effect of Machiavellianism

Based on ethical faded theory, this paper examines the relationship between emotional neglect and unethical behavior via self-deception under the influence of employee Machiavellianism. A two-phased survey involving 253 managerial employees of various private sector service organizations was conducted in the Punjab province of Pakistan. Data showed sufficient reliability and validity of existing measures used in this study. The conditional process analysis revealed that employees emotionally neglected at work indulged in unethical behavior and that self-deception by such employees explained this mechanism. Employee Machiavellianism moderated the relationship between self-deception and unethical behavior, indicating that the indirect effect of emotional neglect on unethical behavior would be more robust for employees with high levels of Machiavellianism in their personalities. Findings help understand the antecedents and conditions that promote unethical behavior at work and warrant the need for effective managerial strategies to prevent it. Implications of these findings have been discussed.

Maternal prolactin levels during late pregnancy and nurturing behavior of offspring in mice.

Elucidating the mechanisms underlying nurturing and neglect behaviors is meaningful but challenging. Recently, we found that CIN85-deficient mice had reduced pituitary hormone prolactin secretion during late pregnancy, and their pups later showed an inhibited nurturing behavior. To examine whether this phenomenon could be reproduced in normal mice and not just CIN85-deficient mice, we investigated the nurturing behavior of offspring born to mothers whose blood prolactin levels had been reduced by bromocriptine administration during late pregnancy. First, to determine when bromocriptine treatment should be started, we investigated the detailed changes in blood prolactin levels in late pregnancy in mice, resulting in the identification of the prepartum prolactin surge. Furthermore, prolactin receptors in the fetal hypothalamus were expressed to the same extent as in the adult hypothalamus. Treatment with bromocriptine decreased the plasma concentrations of prolactin to the basal range throughout late pregnancy. However, against expectations, the proportion of the resultant pups exhibiting nurturing behaviors as adults was as high as that in the mice without bromocriptine treatment. In conclusion, the elimination of prolactin secretion during late pregnancy alone does not induce neglect-like behavior in offspring, suggesting that CIN85-deficient mice appear to involve another factor due to CIN85 deficiency besides prolactin deficiency.

Neglect in Childhood, Problem Behavior in Adulthood.

Few studies have reported problem behaviors in adulthood related to the timing of child neglect. The objective was to examine the relationship between classes of child neglect and later behavior. The sample included 473 participants from the prospective Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN); their mean age was 23.8years. They completed an online survey regarding behaviors and experiences in early adulthood. Neglect was assessed via Child Protective Services (CPS) and self-reports of neglect. Latent class analysis (LCA) identified three classes: Late Neglect, Chronic Neglect, and Limited Neglect. There were significant differences between Limited and Late Neglect regarding later intimate partner aggression and violence (IPAV) and psychological distress, and among all classes for criminal behavior. High-risk youth experiencing neglect beginning in mid-adolescence appear especially vulnerable to later criminal behavior, psychological distress, and IPAV. Those working with such youth can help ensure that their needs are adequately met, to prevent or mitigate problems in adulthood.

CHANGES IN SPINAL RANGE OF MOTION AFTER 16 WEEKS TRAINING PROGRAM IN PUBERTAL CHILDREN

The aim of the present research was to improve the neglect behavior of pubertal children in an intervention program. Within the framework of the program, the main function of the spinal column and the strength and extensibility of the muscles responsible for posture were investigated. The participants included in the study are 7th grade children of the Neumann János Elementary School in Szombathely, Hungary, (nb=7); (ng=10). The Idiag M360 Spinal Mouse was used to investigate the physiological curvatures and main function of the spinal column before and after the program. The device was used to examine the children's spines in standing, bending forward and again in a standing position after the Matthiass test was performed. Pre-intervention (1) and post-intervention (2) data showed significant decreases in all assessed characteristics and similar increases in sacrum to hip ratio (Sac/Hip) (9.83±4.36 - 21.63±4.39); p<0.000. The greatest change was found in the Th11/12 dorsal vertebral body angles (4.50±2.05 - -0.30±0.25); p<0.000. As a result of the postural improvement program, the degree of pelvic tilt and, in parallel, the physiological curvature of lumbar lordosis was reduced to within the age-specific reference values.

Spatial Neglect Midline Diagnostics From Virtual Reality and Eye Tracking in a Free-Viewing Environment.

Purpose: Virtual reality (VR) and eye tracking may provide detailed insights into spatial cognition. We hypothesized that virtual reality and eye tracking may be used to assess sub-types of spatial neglect in stroke patients not readily available from conventional assessments.Method: Eighteen stroke patients with spatial neglect and 16 age and gender matched healthy subjects wearing VR headsets were asked to look around freely in a symmetric 3D museum scene with three pictures. Asymmetry of performance was analyzed to reveal group-level differences and possible neglect sub-types on an individual level.Results: Four out of six VR and eye tracking measures revealed significant differences between patients and controls in this free-viewing task. Gaze-asymmetry between-pictures (including fixation time and count) and head orientation were most sensitive to spatial neglect behavior on a group level analysis. Gaze-asymmetry and head orientation each identified 10 out of 18 (56%), compared to 12 out of 18 (67%) for the best conventional test. Two neglect patients without deviant performance on conventional measures were captured by the VR and eyetracking measures. On the individual level, five stroke patients revealed deviant gaze-asymmetry within-pictures and six patients revealed deviant eye orientation in either direction that were not captured by the group-level analysis.Conclusion: This study is a first step in using VR in combination with eye tracking measures as individual differential neglect subtype diagnostics. This may pave the way for more sensitive and elaborate sub-type diagnostics of spatial neglect that may respond differently to various treatment approaches.

Childhood abuse, neglect, codependency, and affecting factors in nursing and child development students.

This study was conducted to determine the relationship of neglect and abuse behaviors experienced by nursing and child development students during their childhood with codependency, and the factors affecting codependency. This is a descriptive and correlational study. The study was conducted with 292 students who were studying at a Faculty of Health Sciences. A positive relationship was found between neglect and abuse behaviors that lead to trauma in childhood, and codependency. It was determined that there was a negative relationship between students' codependency and childhood traumatic experiences and their levels of self-esteem, depression and coping with stress. In the educational processes, it is possible to focus on students' unresolved problems with their families, and the signs of codependency.

Responding to children's emotional and cognitive needs: Applying the cumulative model to the general population

Objectifs:Plusieurs facteurs de risque sont associés à des conduites à caractère négligent. Leur effet cumulatif, soit l’accumulation du risque indépendamment de la présence ou de l’absence de facteurs spécifiques, est toutefois méconnu. La présente étude a pour objectif de déterminer si le cumul prédit la réponse aux besoins affectifs et cognitifs de l’enfant dans la population générale et d’examiner la présence d’un seuil critique.Méthode:Un total de 1 102 figures maternelles ayant des enfants âgés de 5 à 9 ans vivant au Québec ont été questionnées par le biais d’un sondage téléphonique. La réponse aux besoins affectifs et cognitifs de l’enfant a été mesurée à l’aide d’une adaptation validée de l’échelle multidimensionnelle des conduites de négligence. Dix facteurs de risque individuels, familiaux et socioéconomiques ont été combinés afin de calculer un indice de risque cumulatif.Résultats:Les résultats montrent que l’indice cumulatif prédit la réponse aux besoins affectifs et cognitifs de l’enfant dans la population générale. Cet effet est observé pour les familles présentant au minimum deux facteurs de risque et augmente de manière importante lors d’une exposition à cinq facteurs.Conclusions:La présente étude appuie l’hypothèse du cumul, qui avait jusqu’à présent, principalement été examinée au sein d’échantillons vulnérables ou cliniques. Elle favorise une meilleure compréhension statistique des contextes qui rendent difficiles la réponse de l’environnement de l’enfant d’âge scolaire à ses besoins affectifs et cognitifs dans la population générale. Cette avancée est d’autant plus importante considérant les défis liés à l’identification des enfants à risque de voir leurs besoins négligés.

The longitudinal effects of maltreatment class membership on post-traumatic stress & depression

BackgroundWhile the link between maltreatment and mental illness has been largely established, there is a need to better understand how certain types or profiles of maltreatment place youth at heightened risk for depression and traumatic stress, and when the risk of developing symptoms may be greatest. ObjectiveWe examined the extent to which youth experiences of maltreatment co-occur and how certain combinations of maltreatment work to influence the subsequent development of depression and post-traumatic stress over time. Participants & settingData were drawn from NSCAW-II, a nationally representative longitudinal sample of 5872 child welfare involved youth, aged 0–18. MethodsLatent Class Analysis was used to investigate profiles of child maltreatment. We then used a longitudinal three-wave panel design to examine whether membership in various maltreatment classes predicted development of depression and post-traumatic stress measured at two future time points. ResultsThree classes emerged: Class 1 (68 %) the “Neglect and Adverse Parental Behaviors Class”, Class 2 (20 %) the “Physical Abuse Class”, and Class 3 (12 %) the “Sexual Abuse Class”. Membership in Class 2 increased depression and trauma symptoms at Wave 2, compared to Class 1 (b = 1.8 and 1.4, respectively; p < 0.05).Membership in Class 3 increased trauma symptoms at Wave 3, compared to Class 1 and Class 2 (b = 2.3 and 2.7, respectively; p < 0.01). ImplicationsChild welfare involved youth need to be appropriately screened for psychiatric health annually and provided with services that correspond with their level of need.

The moderating role of three-generation households in the intergenerational transmission of violence

Background & objectiveConsidering the increasing trends in multi-generational living arrangements, the current study aimed to test the intergenerational transmission of violence hypothesis in three-generational households. We also examined whether and how living in a three-generation household would moderate the negative effect of childhood maltreatment on adults’ abusive and neglectful parenting behaviors. MethodWe conducted secondary data analysis using data from the Wisconsin Families Study. The study sample included 727 low-income parents of young children, most of whom were African American women with, on average, a high school diploma. We estimated a series of ordinary least squares regression models. ResultsOur findings indicated that parents who reported a history of childhood abuse, neglect, and witnessing domestic violence showed more frequent use of psychological aggression, physical aggression, and neglectful behavior against their children. Living in a three-generation household played a protective role: The negative effects of a) a history of childhood abuse on the use of neglectful parenting and b) witnessing domestic violence on the use of psychological aggression were reduced for respondents living in a three-generation household (b = −0.11; b = −0.33, ps < 0.05, respectively). ConclusionThe risk of the intergenerational transmission of violence may decrease in three-generation households where parents of young children can meet their needs by sharing family resources or easing the burden of childcare. Further research is needed to identify and specify factors and contexts associated with the beneficial effects of multi-generational living arrangements.

Mediating Role of Emotional Neglect and Self-Injurious Behaviors in the Relationship Between Family Satisfaction and Depression

The current research is aimed at investigating the mediating role of emotional neglect and self-injurious behaviors in the association between family satisfaction and depressive symptoms in 312 undergraduates (45% boys and 55% girls) in the age range of 14–19 years ( M = 17.23, SD = 1.02). The measures include the Emotional Neglect Scale, Self-Injurious Behaviors Scale, Family Satisfaction Scale, and Depressive Symptomatology Scale for Adolescents and a Demographic Performa. Results indicated that emotional neglect and self-injurious behaviors fully mediated the relationship between family satisfaction and depressive symptoms in college students. These findings have very important implications for counselors to provide tailor-made intervention plans and provide preventative measures to avoid serious consequences of depression.

Your boss is the problem and solution: How supervisor-induced hindrance stressors and LMX influence employee job neglect and subsequent performance

Utilizing conservation of resources (COR) theory and social exchange theory (SET), we argue that supervisors influence employee performance through two opposing means. First, supervisor-induced hindrance stressors enhance the degree to which employees seek to conserve psychological resources by engaging in job neglect in response to these stressors. This neglect negatively influences task performance and organizational citizenship behavior. Next, we argue that supervisors who create high-quality leader-member exchange (LMX) with subordinates via social exchange processes influence this hindrance stressor–neglect relationship by reducing the impact of these stressors on employee neglect and subsequent employee performance. As such, both the negative and positive aspects of the relationship between supervisors and employees influence neglectful behaviors and ultimately, employee performance. Using time-lagged, multisource data collection, we establish that these relationships have a theoretical and practical impact, demonstrating the interactive influence of supervisor-induced hindrance stressors and LMX in the workplace.

The Associations between Loneliness and Self-Esteem in Children and Neglectful Behaviors of their Parents

The aim of this study was to examine the associations between loneliness and self-esteem in children and neglectful behaviors of their parents. The study group was comprised of 270 children attending four separate elementary schools in Hatay Turkey, as well as 270 parents. In terms of the data gathering instruments, an Individual Information Form was administered to both the children and parents for the purpose of gathering socio-demographic data. A Loneliness Scale was also administered to the children for the purpose of assessing their loneliness levels along with the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory for the purpose of assessing their self-esteem. On the other hand, the Multidimensional Neglectful Behaviors Scale-Parents Form was administered to the parents in order to assess the level of their neglectful behaviors. Prior to conducting statistical analysis, the relevant assumptions of regression were tested. For this purpose, the autocorrelation, linearity and normality of the data were examined. As a result, it was found that parents’ neglect scores were significantly and positively correlated with the scores of the Loneliness Scale for Children (p < .05) and negatively correlated with the scores of the Coopersmith Self-Esteem Inventory (p < .01). The results of the stepwise regression analysis showed that the parents’ age, education level and neglectful behaviors predicted loneliness in children (p < .01). In terms of self-esteem in children, only neglectful behaviors of the parents was a significant predictor (p < .01). The results are discussed in line with the relevant findings in the literature.

Examining unique substance-related risk profiles for neglectful behaviors among parents with and without clinical depression

BackgroundParental substance use disorder (SUD) is one of the predominant parental risk factors observed for child neglect. Yet, individual risks do not exist in a vacuum. ObjectiveThis study explored the relative importance of parental substance use behaviors based on the presence of key risk (clinical depression) and protective (social support type) factors. Participants and settingThe final analytic sample was composed of 3,545 parents of children aged 2–17 years from Wave 4 data collection of the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW I). MethodsWeighted negative binomial regression models examined the interactive relationship between parent self-report of past year substance use patterns, clinical depression, and social support type for annual neglect frequencies. ResultsAmong parents meeting criteria for clinical depression, only parental SUD was associated with higher annual neglect frequency (compared to harmful/risky use); the presence of tangible supports was associated with lower annual neglect frequency while the presence of social companionship was associated with higher annual neglect frequency. For parents not meeting criteria for clinical depression, the study observed an interactive effect where both harmful/risky use behaviors and meeting criteria for SUD significantly contribute to higher average neglect frequencies compared to no past year use, depending on social companionship level. ConclusionsIn order to mitigate neglect risk among substance-using parents, practitioners should look beyond abstinence to address parents’ underlying cognitive/affective functioning and social context.

Self-rated child maltreatment, behavioural problems, and contacts with welfare and police authorities – longitudinal community data

ABSTRACT This study examines how children report abuse, neglect and behavioural problems and what authorities they claim to have had contact with that are legally mandated to report to the Child Welfare Services, e.g. health services and police. It draws data from a longitudinal research programme, LoRDIA, in which four data collections followed adolescents’ development from 12 to 15 years (n = 1884). A total of 61 indicators of self-reported child abuse, neglect and behavioural problems were constructed to identify children with severe exposure so that each indicator would have prompted referral. The main finding is that 445 (25.3%) of the study population reported severe exposure of this magnitude. Among these self-reported severely exposed children (SSE), boys reported higher rates of child neglect and of overall behavioural problems, specifically criminal and other socially destructive behaviour. Poverty and living in single-parent households significantly increase the risk of abuse, neglect, and behavioural problems. Increased risk of neglect and criminal behaviour were found for children studying Swedish as second language. The SSE children more than other children report contact with all authorities with mandatory reporting. Odds ratios of contact were higher in the case of behavioural problems compared to the odds ratios for abuse and neglect.

Is the Brief Version of the Child Abuse Potential Inventory a Valid and Reliable Measure for Childcare Providers?

ABSTRACT This study aims to validate a Korean version of the Brief Version of the Child Abuse Potential Inventory (BCAP-K) for use with childcare providers in South Korea. By employing a stratified sampling method, 808 childcare providers in charge of infants’ classes were selected for participation. Participants completed a questionnaire that included socio-demographic characteristics, the BCAP-K, frequency of child abuse behaviors, and the Caregiver Interaction Scale. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) were conducted to identify what the structure of the BCAP-K should be. Construct validity and internal reliability were also examined. Research Findings: The study’s results revealed that the five-factor model (Distress and loneliness, Family conflict, Happiness, Rigidity, and Feelings of Persecution) was the best model for child abuse potential. All BCAP-K subscales were positively related to the frequency of neglect behaviors and negatively associated with childcare providers’ interaction quality. When controlling for the demographic variables, Rigidity was the strongest factor in predicting both child abuse behaviors and child–caregiver interaction. The internal reliability of the BCAP-K was good. Practice or Policy: The BCAP-K may therefore be an effective and time-efficient tool to screen for child abuse risk among South Korean childcare providers.

The roles of housing, financial, and food insecurities in understanding the relationship between childhood neglect and violence in adulthood.

The aim of this study is to determine whether basic housing, financial, and food insecurities in part explain the relationship between childhood neglect and violence as documented in the “cycle of violence” literature. Using a prospective cohort design, neglected children (under the age of 12) with court substantiated histories (1967–1971) in one metropolitan Midwest area and demographically matched non-neglected children were followed into adulthood. Housing, financial, and food insecurities were assessed in 2003–2005 interviews at mean age 41. Official arrest data were used to measure violence ever and from 2003 through 2013. Mediation was tested using probit structural equation modeling. Controlling for age, sex, and race, childhood neglect predicted violent arrests and housing, financial, and food insecurities in middle adulthood. Housing and financial securities predicted violent arrests ever and after 2003, whereas food insecurity only predicted any violent arrest ever. Housing and financial insecurities partially mediated the relationship between childhood neglect and violent criminal behavior. Greater attention and efforts need to focus on providing basic housing, financial, and food support for neglected children to reduce their risk for violent criminal behavior.

Listening to children: Evaluation of a positive parenting programme through art‐based research

AbstractThis paper presents data from a unique programme evaluation of the parenting programme titled ‘Learning together, growing as a family’ applied in 14 cities in Spain and targeting families at risk of neglectful behaviour. The programme evaluation is based on the voices of children using the qualitative methodology of art‐based research. Eighty‐six children 6–12 years of age were interviewed in groups. The outcomes of the evaluation reveal that children perceive improvements in the parental competencies of their parents and in themselves and that these changes serve as a catalyst for positive family change.

발달장애 형제를 둔 청소년들의 방임경험과 비행행동 간의 관계: ‘장애형제로 인한 긍정경험’의 보호적 역할을 중심으로

발달장애 형제를 둔 청소년들의 방임경험과 비행행동 간의 관계: ‘장애형제로 인한 긍정경험’의 보호적 역할을 중심으로