Occurrence Of Problem Behavior Research Articles

Equine-Assisted Activities (EAAs) for Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Positive Effects Revealed Using an Ethological Approach

Equine-assisted activities (EAAs) are considered a suitable innovative rehabilitative practice for children with neurodevelopmental disorders, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD). While standardized scales have been previously used as a tool to evaluate the effects of EAAs on different domains of functioning in ASD children, few studies have considered an ethological approach as a means to describe human–horse interactions in the context of ASD. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the behavior of 19 children with ASD, in comparison with 19 typically developing children (TD), during EAA sessions. We developed an ethogram from the video recordings to assess spatial relationships, social interactions, and communicative behaviors displayed by the child toward the horse, as well as the occurrence of problem behaviors. Results indicate that children’s behaviors during EAA sessions are modulated by sex and age, while previous children’s experience with EAAs appeared to improve interpersonal distance and horse handling. Results from this study highlight the importance of exploring children’s behavioral responses during animal-assisted activities through direct measurements. This may allow linking the quality/strength of the child–horse relationship to the benefits obtained by the child, particularly in the social/communicative domain, a core symptom of ASD.

Behavior Problems in Children With Epilepsy (Age 6–14 years): A Prospective Observational Study

Background Epilepsy's psychological effects are variable, some may experience a few mental health issues while some may experience serious problems such as anxiety, depression, attention deficit hyperkinetic disorder (ADHD), and mood disorders. Hence, there is a need to screen these problems at an early age for timely intervention. So, our study was conducted to determine the prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems in children with epilepsy. Methods This was a prospective observational study on 111 children, 6 to 14 years of age. The overall prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems in childhood was determined by calculating the percentage of children with child behavior checklist score indicative of specific emotional and behavioral problems. The prevalence for specific morbidities was also calculated and reported separately for each condition. Results were presented in the form of tables, charts, graphs, and narratives. Results The overall prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems in children was 38.7%. Attention problem (13.5%), aggressive behavior (10.8%), social problems (8.1%), and withdrawal/depression (6.3%) were the four leading syndromes. The prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems was significantly associated with the age of onset of epilepsy, type of epilepsy, frequency of seizures, and antiepileptic drug therapy used by child. Conclusion As there is a higher prevalence of emotional and behavioral problems in children with epilepsy, age of onset, frequency of seizure, and duration of diseases were found to be significantly associated with the occurrence of behavioral problems. Therefore, prompt and early screening for these problems, as well as integrated management consisting of pharmacotherapy, behavioral modification, parental education and counselling, psychotherapy and psychoeducation would help to reduce their effect in these patients.

Problem behavior maintained by a precurrent relation

AbstractDifferential reinforcement of alternative behavior is a well‐established treatment for problem behavior in which the functional reinforcer is delivered after the occurrence of a replacement behavior and withheld after the occurrence of problem behavior. However, sometimes problem behavior continues to occur under these conditions, raising a question as to why problem behavior might maintain when its reinforcer is withheld. This study examined the possibility that problem behavior could be maintained indirectly in a precurrent relation. A functional analysis was conducted to identify a response‐response relation between self‐injurious behavior (SIB) and an alternative response. The results suggest that SIB was maintained by its relation with the alternative response.

Maternal stress, child behavior and the promotive role of older siblings

BackgroundIn the first years of their lives, children develop the cognitive, social and emotional skills that will provide the foundations for their lifelong health and achievements. To increase their life prospects and reduce the long-term effects of early aversive conditions, it is therefore crucial to understand the risk factors that negatively affect child development and the factors that are instead beneficial. In this study, we tested (i) the effects of different social and environmental stressors on maternal stress levels, (ii) the dynamic relationship between maternal stress and child behavior problems during development, and (iii) the potential promotive (i.e. main) or protective (i.e. buffering) effect of siblings on child behavior problems during development.MethodsWe used longitudinal data from 373 mother–child pairs (188 daughters, 185 sons) from pregnancy until 10 years of age. We assessed maternal stress and child behavior problems (internalizing and externalizing) with validated questionnaires, and then used linear mixed models, generalized linear mixed models and longitudinal cross-lagged models to analyze the data.ResultsOur results showed that higher maternal stress levels were predicted by socio-environmental stressors (i.e. the lack of sufficient social areas in the neighborhood). Moreover, prenatal maternal stress reliably predicted the occurrence of behavior problems during childhood. Finally, the presence of older siblings had a promotive function, by reducing the likelihood that children developed externalizing problems.ConclusionsOverall, our results confirm the negative effects that maternal stress during pregnancy may have on the offspring, and suggest an important main effect of older siblings in promoting a positive child development.

The effectiveness of mindful parenting training on attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder symptoms in male students.

One of the main influential factors in the occurrence of behavioral problems in children with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is the behavior related to the parenting styles. This study aimed at investigating the effect of mindful parenting training on mothers of children with ADHD in reducing the symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention behaviors. The research method was quasi-experimental with a pretest-posttest control group. The study population consisted of all mothers of children from 8 to 12 years. Therefore, 24 mothers of children with ADHD whose scores in the Connors questionnaire (parent form) were above the cut-off point score and diagnostic interview were selected and randomly paired and assigned into two experimental and control groups. All the mothers were between 30 to 38 years old. The research tools included the Connors questionnaire. Mindful parenting training was accomplished in eight 90-minute sessions for the experimental group. In the end, the two groups completed the questionnaires as post-test. Analysis of covariance was used to analyze the data. The analysis of the results showed the effect of mindful parenting training on reducing the symptoms of hyperactivity/impulsivity and inattention behaviors of children with ADHD in the experimental group compared to the control group (p-value <0.05). The educational and behavioral methods that parents and especially mothers use in response to their children's problematic and undesirable behaviors can increase the incidence of these behavioral problems in the long run. Hence, it is addressed in this study due to the great importance of changing the behavioral and educational methods of such parents. The findings generally show that mindful parenting education has affected the emotional climate governing parent-child interactions and has reduced behavioral problems in children suffering from ADHD.

Prevalence and factors associated with behavioural problems in children with epilepsy attending Mulago hospital, Uganda: A cross-sectional study

Purpose: To determine the prevalence of behavioural problems and the associated factors in children with epilepsy (CWE). Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted at Mulago National Referral Hospital, Kampala, Uganda, from December 2019 to May 2020. A total of 300 CWE aged 6 to 17 years were consecutively enrolled and assessed for behavioural problems using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. We obtained data on the associated factors by using pretested structured questionnaires, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Kilifi Stigma Scale of Epilepsy, the Morisky medication adherence scale and the Tumaini Child Health Screener for childhood disabilities. Simple logistic regression and multivariate analysis was done to determine the associated factors while adjusting for the presence of neurodevelopmental disorders and childhood disabilities. Results: Behavioural problems were detected in 108/300 CWE (36%) with more internalizing (28%) than externalizing (21%) behaviour scores noted. The odds of behavioural problems increased with the presence of co-morbid neurodevelopmental disorders or childhood disabilities (cOR: 5.42, p-value < 0.001). Factors associated with occurrence of behavioural problems were high stigma perception (aOR: 4.06, p-value < 0.001) and being seizure-free in the last six months (aOR: 3.43, p-value =0.031) while being an adolescent (aOR: 0.33, p=0.001) lessened the risk. Conclusions: Behavioural problems occur in more than a third of CWE. They are more in the internalizing domain than in the externalizing domain. Their odds increase with high perceived stigma and in the first six months of seizure control.

Caretaker attitudes and animal training are associated with alpaca behaviour towards humans—An online survey

Although alpacas are becoming increasingly popular animals, their behaviour towards humans has received little research interest until now. The purpose of our study was to investigate, for the first time, associations between caretaker attitudes and handling practices (i.e., frequency of different types of contact, and the use of training) and alpaca behaviour in the presence of humans in a large sample of alpaca caretakers. To this end, we conducted an online survey among German-speaking alpaca caretakers. Regarding alpaca behaviour, we were interested in their behaviour towards their caretaker’s approach (assessed as ‘the majority of the alpacas run away’ / ‘keep standing’ / ‘approach the caretaker’), ease of handling in different situations (rated on a 5-point scale), and behavioural problems (spitting, kicking, biting, rising, pushing, or several of these behaviours beyond the normal level) from the caretakers’ point of view. To avoid reactance in participants, we decided against a forced choice answer format, which resulted in varying sample sizes. Questions assessing general attitudes, affective attitudes, behavioural beliefs, frequency of caretaker contact, and questions assessing the animal’s ease of handling were summarised to factors, followed by the performance of confirmatory factor analyses to determine if our hypothesized factor structures fit the observed data. Next, four regression models were calculated with the dependent variables alpacas’ reaction to caretaker approach (n = 142), ease of handling during moving and leading (n = 144), ease of handling during restraint (n = 140), and absence of behavioural problems (n = 139). Predictor variables were eleven attitude factors, four frequency of contact factors, and the use of training by means of the ‘TTeam method / Camelidynamics’. We found associations between caretaker attitudes, handling practices, and animal behaviour. For instance, moving and leading was more difficult in cases of a more negative general attitude (p < 0.05), but easier in cases of training for easier handling (p < 0.05). More talking to alpacas related to easier handling during moving and leading (p < 0.05). Negative general attitudes were associated positively with the occurrence of behavioural problems (p < 0.05). The overall results suggest similar relationships between caretakers’ attitudes and behaviour and the animals’ behaviour, as demonstrated in other species. The fact that training was a highly significant predictor of ease of handling during moving and leading supports findings in other species, that non-aversive training can improve ease of handling.

Adaptation of positive youth development sustainability scale (PYDSS)

This study aimed to determine the validity and reliability of the adaptation of Positive Youth Development Sustainability Scale (PYDSS). Positive Youth Development is an approach in the form of caring, supportive attitude, and tends to see adolescents as a source that must be developed to reduce the occurrence of behavioral problems (Nystrom, et al., 2008). There are five aspects of PYD or called the 5 Cs Model of PYD consisting of character, competence, connection, caring, and confidence (Lerner, 2005). The five aspects encourage the emergence of the sixth aspect is contribution (Sieng, et al., 2018). The focus of this research lies in the development of measuring instruments through the adaptation of PYDSS as a means to see the validity and reliability of the items in the PYDSS measurement tools. This study involved 242 subjects with age categories 15-18 years. The research instrument was in the form of a questionnaire consisting of 29 statement items. Quantitative data analysis techniques used are validity tests based on content using Content Validity Ratio (CVR) and Content Validity Index (CVI), validity tests based on internal structure using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), and reliability tests based on homogeneity/internal consistency through Cronbach's coefficient alpha and construct/composite reliability (CR). The results of data analysis showed that the value of CVR almost met the minimum parameters of 0.952 &lt; 0.99 where the average (CVI)&gt; 0.8; loading factor&gt; 0.5 except for items CH2, CN4, and HC1, and the suitability of the model that is quite fit with a value of χ2 / df&gt; 2; SRMR &lt;0.1; RMSEA &lt;0.1; CFI&gt; 0.8; TLI&gt; 0.8; and p-value &lt;0.05. Reliability test through the Cronbach's alpha coefficient shows a number&gt; 0.9 and a CR value&gt; 0.7. This shows that the adaptation of PYDSS measurement tools for high school adolescents in Surabaya fulfils good validity and reliability values.

Educational Social Skills and Repertoire of Children Differentiated by Behavior and Sex

Abstract Our study sought to compare mothers’ behavioral repertoire (educational social skills and negative practices) and maternal anxiety and depression indicators with children’s behaviors (behavior problems and social skills), by assessing the variables “sex” (boys and girls) and “occurrence of behavior problems”. The sample consisted of 20 children with behavior problems (clinical group), 20 without behavior problems (non-clinical group), their mothers and teachers. Reporting instruments were used with teachers and mothers and comparative analyzes were conducted between groups. The results indicated that the clinical group had higher rates of behavior problems and maternal depressive symptoms, whereas the non-clinical group showed more child social and educational social skills. Sex did not differ between groups. We concluded that maternal educational practices are more influenced by children’s behaviors than by their sex.

Lack of association between paw preference and behaviour problems in the domestic dog, Canis familiaris

Evidence suggests that paw preferences are related to emotional functioning in the domestic dog. Whether motor bias in this species is related to the display of behaviour problems, which often have their basis in emotional reactivity, is still unknown. This study therefore explored the relationship between lateralised motor behaviour in the form of paw preferences and the occurrence of canine behaviour problems. Fifty-two dogs presenting with one or more behaviour problems, and 61 control animals, had their paw preferences assessed using the commonly employed Kong™ ball test. The dogs’ behavioural profile was determined using the C-BARQ, a psychometric tool designed to provide standardized evaluations of canine behaviour. Analysis revealed a roughly equal split in the proportion of dogs classified as ambilateral and lateralised, although dogs were more like to be ambilateral than left- or right-pawed. Dogs differed significantly in their behavioural profile, with animals in the behaviour problem group displaying more severe patterns of stranger- and dog-directed aggression and fear, non-social fear and touch sensitivity than those in the control group. There was no significant difference in the distribution, direction or strength of the dogs’ paw use between the two groups of animals. The dogs’ paw preference classification was significantly associated with one of the C-BARQ subscale scores, namely stranger-directed aggression, with left-pawed dogs having lower scores on this subscale than right-pawed or ambilateral animals. The direction of the dogs’ paw use in the behaviour problem group was significantly correlated with C-BARQ scores for the subscales of stranger-directed aggression, stranger-directed fear and attention-seeking behaviour, with higher subscale scores associated with increasing right-pawedness. There was no significant correlation between the direction of the dogs’ paw use and any of the other C-BARQ subscale scores. The strength of the dogs’ paw preferences was not significantly correlated with any of the C-BARQ subscale scores for either the control or behaviour problem group of animals. Canine sex was not significantly related to either the dogs’ paw preferences or the presentation of behaviour problems. Overall, this study provides little evidence in support of a relationship between paw preference and the occurrence of behaviour problems in the domestic dog. Further, longitudinal, work is recommended in an effort to unravel the ontogeny of lateralisation and its association with emotional reactivity in this species.

Development of an in-vivo metric to aid visual inspection of single-case design data: Do we need to run more sessions?

Comparing visual inspection results of graphed data reveals inconsistencies in the interpretation of the same graph among single-case experimental design (SCED) researchers and practitioners. Although several investigators have disseminated structured criteria and visual inspection aids or strategies, inconsistencies in interpreting graphed data continue to exist even for individuals considered to be experts at interpreting SCED graphs. We propose a fail safe k metric that can be used in conjunction with visual inspection, and it can be used in-vivo after each additional data point is collected within a phase to determine the optimal point in time to shift between phases (e.g., from baseline to treatment). Preliminary proof of concept data are presented to demonstrate the potential utility of the fail safe k metric with a sample of previously published SCED graphs examining the effects on noncontingent reinforcement on occurrences of problem behavior. Results showed that if the value of fail safe k is equal to or less than the number of sessions in the current phase, then the data path may not be stable and more sessions should be run before changing phases. We discuss the results in terms of using the fail safe k as an additional aid for visual inspection of SCED data.

Estudo investigativo de parâmetros associados à presença de problemas comportamentais em cães

A ocorrência de problemas comportamentais em cães tem implicações importantes no bem-estar animal e na sua relação com seus proprietários. Este trabalho tem o objetivo de investigar os principais parâmetros relacionados à epidemiologia, etiologia e ontogenia dos problemas comportamentais em cães. Para tanto, foi formulado um questionário com questões de múltipla escolha sobre: o animal, presença de comportamentos alterados, seu ambiente, rotina e características do seu proprietário. Este foi aplicado em três municípios do noroeste do estado de São Paulo. A análise estatística foi realizada por comportamentos e contemplou os efeitos das outras características do animal e seu ambiente. Os resultados significativos pelo teste F a 5% de probabilidade e procedimento para comparações múltiplas (PDIFF) foram discutidos. Dos 880 questionários válidos estudados foi encontrado que 88,08% dos animais apresentaram pelo menos um comportamento alterado. O comportamento mais encontrado (76,75%; p

Behavioral Problems in Indian Children with Epilepsy.

To assess prevalence of behavioral problems in children with epilepsy. This was a cross-sectional study of children with epilepsy, and normal controls enrolled between July 2013 to June 2015. Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) was used as a tool to assess the behavior based on parents reported observation. There were 60 children with epilepsy in 2-5 years and 80 in 6-14 years age groups, and 74 and 83 unaffected controls, respectively. Mean CBCL scores for most of the domains in children of both age groups were significantly higher than controls. Clinical range abnormalities were mainly detected in externalizing domain (23.3%) in 2-5 years, and in both internalizing (21.2%) and externalizing (45%) domains in children of 6-14 years. Younger age of onset, frequency of seizures and duration of disease had significant correlation with behavioral problems in both the age groups. Antiepileptic drug polytherapy was significantly associated with internalizing problems in older children. Age at onset, frequency of seizures and duration of disease were found to be significantly associated with occurrence of behavioral problems.

An Analysis of Group-Oriented Contingencies and Associated Side Effects in Preschool Children

Group-oriented contingencies are arranged to target the behavior of a group of people simultaneously. Overall, group-oriented contingencies have been shown to be effective in both decreasing problem behavior and increasing appropriate behavior. However, results are mixed regarding which type(s) of group-oriented contingency is most effective for changing behavior. In addition, although there are anecdotal reports of positive and negative side effects when using group-oriented contingencies, little research has involved direct measurement of these potential side effects. The purposes of the current study were to (a) compare the effects of three types of group-oriented contingencies for increasing on-task behavior and decreasing problem behavior, (b) determine whether implementing a group-oriented contingency for one behavior resulted in changes in a non-targeted behavior, and (c) determine how often and under what conditions side effects occurred within group-oriented contingencies conditions for two groups of preschool children. The results of the study were mixed. The results suggested that group-oriented contingencies were effective in decreasing problem behavior and increasing on-task behavior, but varied across groups as to which contingencies were the most effective at changing both behaviors. Secondary data suggested that side effects were associated with group-oriented contingencies, as well as the occurrence of problem behavior and reinforcer delivery.

Comparisons of synthesized and individual reinforcement contingencies during functional analysis.

Researchers typically modify individual functional analysis (FA) conditions after results are inconclusive (Hanley, Iwata, & McCord, 2003). Hanley, Jin, Vanselow, and Hanratty (2014) introduced a marked departure from this practice, using an interview-informed synthesized contingency analysis (IISCA). In the test condition, they delivered multiple contingencies simultaneously (e.g., attention and escape) after each occurrence of problem behavior; in the control condition, they delivered those same reinforcers noncontingently and continuously. In the current investigation, we compared the results of the IISCA with a more traditional FA in which we evaluated each putative reinforcer individually. Four of 5 participants displayed destructive behavior that was sensitive to the individual contingencies evaluated in the traditional FA. By contrast, none of the participants showed a response pattern consistent with the assumption of the IISCA. We discuss the implications of these findings on the development of accurate and efficient functional analyses.

Functional Analysis of Phenotypic Behaviors of a 5-Year-Old Male with Novel 4q21 Microdeletion

The 4q21 microdeletion syndrome is a relatively newer syndrome that has been recently characterized by mild to severe intellectual disability, growth delay, and behavioral problems. The literature reports that aggression and self-injurious behavior have been identified as elements of the 4q21 microdeletion behavioral phenotype (Bonnet et al. in Journal of Medical Genetics, 47, 377–384, 2010; Strehle et al. in American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A, 158A, 2139–2151, 2012; Tsang et al. in American Journal of Medical Genetics Part A, 158A, 2606–2609, 2012). In this case report, functional assessment of aggression and self-injurious behavior of a 5-year-old male with 4q21 microdeletion syndrome was completed to determine the function of behavior and evaluate the effectiveness of behavioral intervention. The assessment result informed treatment subsequently produced a decrease in the occurrence of problem behaviors. This is one of the first functional assessments completed on behaviors associated with 4q21 microdeletion. Furthermore, this study exemplifies the utility of functional assessments in assessing and treating behaviors in those with known genetic conditions.

Positive aspects of caregiving (PAC): Scale validation among Chinese dementia caregivers (CG)

ObjectivesThis study validates the psychometric properties of the PAC scale among Hong Kong Chinese informal dementia caregivers. MethodsThree hundred and seventy-four caregivers responded to questionnaires including the Chinese version of the PAC scale, Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D), Zarit Burden Interview (ZBI), occurrence of problem behaviors, caregiver bother, caregiver confidence, and self-rated health (SRH). Translation and back translation were conducted in translating the PAC scale. ResultsResults of an exploratory principal component analysis (PCA) suggest two components in the 11-item Chinese PAC (C-PAC) scale, namely enriching life and affirming self. C-PAC demonstrates satisfactory reliability. Criteria-related validity of C-PAC is suggested by significant correlations with CES-D, SRH, occurrence of problem behaviors, caregiver bother, and caregiver confidence. ConclusionOur results support the psychometric properties of C-PAC among Hong Kong Chinese caregivers. This brief measure may help interventionists identify psychological resources of caregivers and capitalize these resources during strength-based interventions.

The Effect of Divorce on School Performance and Behavior in Preschool Children in Greece: An Empirical Study of Teachers’ Views

According to the National Statistical Service of Greece, single-parent families, which emerged after divorce, in 2011 occupied an important place among other family types, endangering a large number of children to display behavioral problems and poor school performance. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of divorce on preschool children. Specifically, we studied the behavior problems and academic performance of children from single-parent families compared with children from nuclear families according to teachers’ views. The research sample consisted of 314 students from various urban and suburban parts of Greece, for which their 118 preschool teachers completed the “Pupil Behavior Rating Scale” (PBRS) and a questionnaire with demographic characteristics and data of themselves, their students and their students’ parents. The results of the research showed statistically significant correlations between 1) the type of family and occurrence of behavioral problems and 2) the type of family and school performance of the two student groups (single parenthood-nuclear). According to the findings of the present study, it appears that the family pattern affects the emotional development and school progress of children. For this reason, bearing always in mind that each family is unique, they are of particular importance: the assurance of a structured family environment (quality relationships of the members), the regular communication with parents built upon relationships of respect and trust, and finally, the social support and assistance of competent institutions to single-parent families.

RELIABILITY AND VALIDITY OF THE FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS SCREENING TOOL

The Functional Analysis Screening Tool (FAST) is a 16-item questionnaire about antecedent and consequent events that might be correlated with the occurrence of problem behavior. Items are organized into 4 functional categories based on contingencies that maintain problem behavior. We assessed interrater reliability of the FAST with 196 problem behaviors through independent administration to pairs of raters (Study 1). Mean item-by-item agreement between pairs of raters was 71.5%. Agreement for individual items ranged from 53.3% to 84.5%. Agreement on FAST outcomes, based on comparison of informants' highest totals, was 64.8%. We assessed the validity of the FAST by comparing its outcomes with results of 69 functional analyses (Study 2). The FAST score predicted the condition of the functional analysis in which the highest rate of problem behavior occurred in 44 cases (63.8%). Potential uses of the FAST in the context of a clinical interview, as well as limitations, are discussed.

The Effect of Varying Teacher Presentation Rates on Responding During Discrete Trial Training for Two Children With Autism

Recent research has emphasized the importance of manipulating antecedent variables to reduce interfering behaviors when teaching persons with autism. Few studies have focused on the effects of the rate of teacher-presented instructional demands as an independent variable. In this study, an alternating treatment design was used to evaluate the effects of varied rates of teacher-presented demands (1 s, 5 s, 10 s) on the occurrence of problem behavior, opportunities to respond, responses emitted, accuracy of responding, and magnitude and rate of reinforcement for two children with autism. Results indicated that fast presentation rate (1 s) resulted in lower rates of problem behavior, higher frequencies of instructional demands, higher frequencies of participant responding, and greater magnitudes and rates of reinforcement. Differential effects on accuracy of responding across conditions were not observed. Implications for manipulating the rate of teacher-presented instructional demands as an antecedent variable to reduce problem behavior are discussed.