Patterns Of Behavior Problems Research Articles

Types and Predictors of Young Children’s Problem Behaviors Following the Birth of a Sibling

Objectives: To verify the predictors that affect problem behavior trajectories, this study examines how the problem behavior patterns of young children change over time before and the birth of their younger sibling, and the types of trajectories they are classifien into.Methods: The participants were 202 pregnant mothers who had a child over 18 months old. Questionnaires on the child’s problem behaviors were conducted one month before, one month after, and the three months after childbirth. A growth mixture model and logistic regression analyses were performed for classification and predictive analytics.Results: A total of three latent groups of children’s internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors were identified: group at low risk for problem behaviors, group at potential risk for problem behaviors and group at high risk for rising problem behaviors. Logistic regression analyses revealed that children’s temperamental emotionality and sociality, mother’s warm and encouraging behaviors, and depression were significantly associated with trajectory classes of problem behaviors.Conclusion: Our results suggest that to mediate problem behaviors in young children when a younger sibling is born, a variety of supports that consider their individual characteristics and provide affectionate parenting behavior are needed.

Behavioral disorders in children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis

ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence and pattern of behavioral problems in children and adolescents with atopic dermatitis (AD) and to study their associations with clinical data and severity. MethodsThis was a single-center, cross-sectional study of patients (6–17 years) with AD. Assessment of competencies and syndrome scale scores of behavioral problems was performed by applying the Child Behavior Checklist 6–18 (CBCL 6–18) and AD severity using the Eczema Area Severity Index (EASI) score. ResultsOf the 100 patients with AD, 56% were male, with a mean age of 11±3 years, and 43% had moderate/severe AD. Borderline or abnormal values were found in 75% of the patients for total social competence, 57% for internalization, 27% for externalization, and 18% for aggressive behavior. A higher prevalence of aggressive behavior (27.9% vs. 10.5%; p = 0.02) and sleep disorders (32.6% vs. 15.8%; p = 0.04) was observed in patients with moderate/severe AD than in those with mild AD. Children with current or previous use of immunosuppressants/immunobiological tests had a lower frequency of normal social competence (53% vs. 83%, p = 0.012). Regarding the critical questions, 8% responded affirmatively to suicidal ideation. ConclusionA high prevalence of behavioral problems was observed among children and adolescents with AD, with a predominance of internalizing profiles, mainly anxiety and depression. Children with moderate/severe AD have a higher prevalence of aggressive behaviors and sleep disorders. These findings highlight the importance of multidisciplinary teams, including mental health professionals, in caring for patients with AD.

Latent trajectories of learning- and teacher-context behavior problems across the primary school transition

This study explores children's development of behavior problems in specific classroom situations characterized by meaningful teacher interactions (teacher contexts) and structured learning activities (learning contexts) during the first four years of schooling. Multidimensional growth mixture modeling was employed to detect unobserved subpopulations (latent classes) with common trajectories of teacher- and learning- context behavior among a US national sample (N = 3872) of children from low-income backgrounds. Analyses revealed three subpopulations with distinct behavior trajectories that were differentially associated with first-grade academic skills and social-emotional outcomes. Children with ‘Optimal’ and ‘Difficult’ school transitions had similar patterns of behavior problems in both Teacher and Learning contexts, whereas children with ‘Moderate’ school transitions had more divergent trajectories of behavior problems across context domains. Results are discussed in light of developmental theory and implications for practice.

Differences in Parenting Behavior are Systematic Sources of the Non-shared Environment for Internalizing and Externalizing Problem Behavior

Although there is evidence for non-shared environmental links between parenting and problem behavior, so far, age-, informant-, and parent-specific patterns for both internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors have not been examined within one study yet. Using the twin differences design, the present study aimed to test how maternal and paternal parenting systematically act as a source of non-shared environment for problem behavior across different age groups and informants. We examined 1327 monozygotic twin pairs and their parents drawn from three birth cohorts of the German TwinLife study. Our results revealed that particularly child-reported less positive and more negative parenting by both parents contribute significantly to the unique environmental variance of problem behavior, although we did not find a clear pattern across age groups. Our study underlines the necessity of controlling for genetic confounding to uncover the truly environmentally mediated (and thus environmentally influenceable) pathways between parenting and problem behavior. A practical implication could be that it may be useful to primarily consider the child’s perspective and focus on maternal as well as paternal parenting in interventions that address parenting to reduce problem behavior.

Problematic Use of Video Games, Social Media, and Alcohol: Associations with Mother-Child Relationship

Introduction: According to current concepts of developmental tasks, both the use of digital media and the consumption of psychotropic substances are age-typical challenges for adolescents. The majority overcomes these developmental tasks, but a substantial proportion of youth develops problematic usage patterns (e.g., of video games) or problematic consumption behavior (e.g., of alcohol). Empirical findings show the importance of family aspects for these problematic behavior patterns. Currently, it is not clear which specific areas of parent-child relationship are associated in each case and whether there are differences between substance-related and substance-unrelated problematic behavioral patterns. Methods: We surveyed 480 adolescents (45.2% females, mean age = 16.84 years) with standardized instruments regarding the mother-child relationship as well as problematic gaming, problematic social media use, and problematic alcohol use. We conducted correlation and multiple linear regression analyses (separately for problematic gaming, problematic social media use, and problematic alcohol use) as well as a multivariate multiple regression analysis. Results: In the regression analyses, more conflicts with the mother were related to all three behavioral patterns. However, lower cohesion was only statistically significantly associated with problematic alcohol use, but not with problematic gaming and problematic social media use, whereas lower autonomy and more frequent punishment of the child were statistically significantly related to problematic gaming and problematic social media use, but not to problematic alcohol use. Discussion/Conclusion: The findings indicate partially different relational dynamics for substance-related and substance-unrelated problem behaviors (interestingly, for cohesion and autonomy, the 95% confidence intervals of the standardized regression coefficients were not overlapping). The results of the present study could be used in family-based prevention approaches or in treatments in the clinical setting.

Contextual specificity in classroom adjustment: Latent profiles of primary school behavior problems in Trinidad and Tobago

ABSTRACT Behavioral problems are commonly observed in primary school children, yet the educational contexts in which children’s behaviors occur vary across regions of the world. Thus, culturally adapted and context-specific behavioral assessments are needed to successfully identify and support children at risk for severe behavior problems. This study examines behavior problems in a nationally representative sample (N = 700) of primary school students in Trinidad and Tobago using the Adjustment Scales for Children and Adolescents, a contextually-based assessment that has been adapted and standardized for use with this population. We applied latent profile analysis, a person-centered approach, to identify distinct patterns of behavior problems and contexts in which behaviors occurred. The resultant 6-profile model consisted of two profiles of adjusted children making up 60% of the sample and four profiles of at-risk children with elevated underactive and/or overactive behavior problems associated with different classroom contexts. Profiles were differentially associated with classroom learning behaviors and reading ability. The most vulnerable subgroup of primary school students showed high levels of under- and overactive behaviors in peer, learning, and teacher contexts, deficits in reading fluency, problem-solving, and motivation.

Latent profile analysis of classroom behavior problems in an American national sample of prekindergarten children

AbstractProblematic behaviors impede young children's ability to succeed in the classroom. Examining individual patterns of behavior problems allows researchers to identify profiles of students most in need of support. This study applied latent profile analysis (LPA) among a national sample (N = 2764) of American prekindergarten children and found six distinct behavior profiles, which differed in the severity and type (underactive vs. overactive) of behavior problems and the classroom contexts in which problem behaviors arose (peer, learning, and teacher contexts). About two‐thirds of children displayed positive behaviors across classroom contexts, performed well on assessments of early academic ability, and maintained positive relationships with their teachers, indicating generally appropriate adjustment to the preschool environment. Yet, 24% of children were classified into three risk profiles as they demonstrated elevated and pervasive underactive or overactive behavior problems in multiple classroom settings. Children with these profiles were deemed the most vulnerable in the sample, as those with underactive problems had the lowest academic proficiency, and those with overactive problems showed the most negative relationships with teachers and parents. Implications for practice are discussed.

ĐIỀU CHỈNH MỘT SỐ THÀNH TỐ CỦA QUÁ TRÌNH DẠY HỌC CHO HỌC SINH TĂNG ĐỘNG GIẢM CHÚ Ý TẠI LỚP TIỂU HỌC HÒA NHẬP

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder ADHD is characterized by a pattern of behavioral problems, present in multiple settings that affect learning, social engagement and work. Accomodations in inclusive classroom facilitate for students with ADHD to participate in classroom activities. The article analyzes the accomodations in environment, objectives, content, methods, teaching organization form and assessment based on the characteristics of ADHD students, thereby helping students learn more effectively.

Correction to: Patterns of School Victimization and Problem Behaviors: Longitudinal Associations with Socioeconomic Well-Being and Criminal Justice Involvement

Correction to: Patterns of School Victimization and Problem Behaviors: Longitudinal Associations with Socioeconomic Well-Being and Criminal Justice Involvement

Psychosocial Adjustment and Mental Distress Associated With In-Game Purchases Among Japanese Junior High School Students.

In-game purchases, including microtransactions and loot box spending, are the monetization systems of free-to-play online games. Although some studies have suggested that excessive in-game purchases increase the risk of psychosocial maladjustment and mental distress as well as predict future problematic gaming and gambling practices, empirical studies on problematic behavioral patterns related to in-game purchasing among adolescents are lacking. This study sought to explore whether knowing the style of in-game purchases (non-purchase, planned purchase, or unplanned purchase) could be useful when characterizing maladaptive behavior among adolescents from the perspective of psychosocial adjustment and mental distress. A total of 335 junior high school students (aged 12–15 years) participated in the survey and completed a questionnaire assessing daily online gaming usage, in-game purchases, psychosocial adjustment, and mental distress. The results showed that (1) 30.7% of students had previously made in-game purchases, and at least 14.0% had made unplanned in-game purchases; (2) 19.2% of the users who had made unplanned purchases had spent greater than or equal to their actual monthly allowance within the past month, and (3) unplanned purchase gamers exhibited more behavioral problems and peer problems regarding psychosocial adjustment compared to planned purchase gamers, and more overall difficulties compared to non-purchasers. Meanwhile, more hyperactivity/inattention was seen among in-game purchasers compared to non-purchasers, regardless of whether the purchase was planned or unplanned. These findings support that understanding whether adolescents make unplanned in-game purchases could be a useful approach to describing the characteristics of online gamers with maladaptive tendencies.

Predicting latent classes of drug-related problems among adolescents: secondary analysis of a cluster randomized controlled trial.

Objective:To detect latent patterns of drug-related problems and their predictors among adolescents.Methods:A three-wave randomized controlled trial was conducted among 6,391 7th and 8th graders (51.02% girls) at 72 public schools in six Brazilian cities to evaluate the #Tamojunto school-based drug prevention program. Patterns of drug use and behavior problems were identified through latent class analysis, and logistic regression analyses were used to detect predictors of high-risk and low-risk groups.Results:Two groups were found that best explained the patterns of drug use and problem behaviors: high drug use/high problems and low drug use/low problems, representing 36.7 and 63.3% of the sample, respectively. No program effect was a determinant of the risk of belonging to these groups. Any reported problem behavior in the year preceding baseline assessment increased the likelihood of belonging to the high-risk group at the 21-month follow-up by 16 times. Alcohol use at baseline and female gender increased the likelihood of belonging to the high-risk group by 70%.Conclusion:Previous behavior problems and alcohol use were the strongest predictors of higher risk, suggesting that effective earlier interventions and early screening for alcohol use and behavioral problems are needed at schools, particularly for girls.Clinical trial registration:Registro Brasileiro de Ensaios Clínicos (REBEC), RBR-4mnv5g

Patterns of School Victimization and Problem Behaviors: Longitudinal Associations with Socioeconomic Well-Being and Criminal Justice Involvement

Patterns of School Victimization and Problem Behaviors: Longitudinal Associations with Socioeconomic Well-Being and Criminal Justice Involvement

Pay-to-Win Gaming and its Interrelation with Gambling: Findings from a Representative Population Sample

Pay-to-Win gaming describes a common type of video game design in which players can pay to advance in the game. The frequency and value of payments is unlimited, and payments are linked to players’ competitiveness or progress in the game, which can potentially facilitate problematic behavioral patterns, similar to those known from gambling. Our analyses focus on assessing similarities and differences between Pay-to-Win and different forms of gambling. Based on a survey among 46,136 German adult internet users, this study presents the demographic and socio-economic profile of (1) Pay-to-Win gamers who make purchases in such games, (2) heavy users who conduct daily payments, and (3) gamers who are also gamblers. Motives for making payments were assessed and participation, frequency and spending in gambling by Pay-to-Win gamers are presented. To assess the similarity of Pay-to-Win gaming and gambling, we tested whether Pay-to-Win participation, frequency of payments and problematic gaming behavior are predictors for gambling and cross-tested the opposite effects of gambling on Pay-to-Win. We find that Pay-to-Win gamers are a distinct consumer group with considerable attraction to gambling. High engagement and problematic behavior in one game form affects (over)involvement in the other. Common ground for Pay-to-Win gaming and gambling is the facilitation of recurring payments.

Variants of Psychopathic Traits Follow Distinct Trajectories of Clinical Features Among Children with Conduct Problems.

Original definitions of psychopathy suggest the existence of two variants that present with distinct clinical features among antisocial adults, but whether these clinical differences originate early in life or emerge at some point during childhood remains uncertain. We examined if primary and secondary variants follow distinct developmental trajectories of theoretically relevant clinical features among children with conduct problems (CP). Participants were 370 children (40.3% girls) with CP initially aged 8.49years old in average (s.d. = 0.93). Variants indicators (callous-unemotional [CU] traits and anxiety [ANX]) and clinical features were measured at six yearly assessments. A dual trajectory modelling approach was used to identify groups and group memberships were entered in conditional growth models predicting trajectories of clinical features. Four groups were identified: CP-only, anxious (CP + ANX), primary (CP + CU), and secondary (CP + CU + ANX). Both variants showed higher initial levels of impairment than the CP-only group on most features. Compared to the primary variant, membership to the secondary variant was associated with more stable patterns of CP, oppositional problems, narcissism-grandiosity and impulsivity-irresponsibility traits. Moreover, children from the secondary variant showed higher initial levels of impairment in terms of cognitive abilities, depression, victimization, and dependency to teachers, with non-significant effects on the slope parameters suggesting that these early differences persist across development. In addition to showing distinct clinical features relatively early in childhood, children from the secondary variant of psychopathic traits are at high risk of experiencing an increasing psychopathological burden across childhood. The early identification and treatment of these children therefore appears particularly important.

The Longitudinal Influence of Self-Regulation on School Performance and Behavior Problems From Preschool to Elementary School

ABSTRACT The important role of early self-regulation skills has been repeatedly demonstrated in research. However, there is a lack of studies that have simultaneously examined the influence of hot and cool self-regulation skills on school performance and behavior problems in a longitudinal design from preschool to elementary school and controlling intelligence. Our study was conducted in Germany with a total sample of N = 434 preschool-age children (age range from 5 to 7 years). In the German education system, children in the last year before starting school are considered preschool children. Relying on structural equation modeling, we found that children’s intelligence and cool self-regulation skills are important for their school success. In addition, cool self-regulation skills in preschool are associated with behavior problems in elementary school. Since cool self-regulation predicts academic success even when controlling for intelligence, early intervention methods promoting cool self-regulation skills can positively affect subsequent school development. Likewise, a reduction of problem behavior patterns can be reached.

Aggression and delinquent behavior in a large representative sample of high school students: Cannabis use and victimization as key discriminating factors

PurposeSince conduct problems (CP) vary distinctly across youths, better subtyping CP may be an important vehicle to study specific risk factors associated to differential patterns of CP. In a sample of 63,196 adolescents, we employed a two-step method to the identify such CP patterns and to help classify youths based on several sociodemographic and psychopathological risk factors associated with CP. MethodsK-means clustering methods were first used to reduce the heterogeneity of CP by analyzing patterns of aggressive (AGG) and rule-breaking (RB) behaviors. A multi-class Classification and Regression Tree approach was further employed to examine the hierarchical interactions between risk factors specific to the emergence of different CP patterns. ResultsResults revealed a three-cluster solution: (i) Low AGG-RB, (ii) High AGG and low RB, and (iii) High AGG-RB. The frequency of cannabis use, level of victimization and hyperactivity symptoms were the three factors best discriminating youths’ membership to distinct patterns of CP. The model displayed a moderate to strong discriminatory capacity. ConclusionAlthough this study provides evidence of key factors that may increase the risk of youths following specific patterns of disruptive behavior, additional research is necessary to clarify the etiology, longitudinal trajectories and outcomes related to these patterns.

Evaluation of psychiatric comorbidity in attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder with epilepsy: A case-control study

ObjectiveAttention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a developmental disorder caused by structural and functional brain abnormalities as well as genetic and environmental factors. ADHD symptoms are commonly observed in individuals with epilepsy. A few studies have reported a pattern of behavioral problems in children with combined epilepsy and ADHD. We aimed to evaluate comorbid behavioral problems and mental health concerns among children with epilepsy with ADHD and without ADHD including autism spectrum disorder, anxiety, depression, somatic problems, oppositional defiant disorder, and conduct disorder. MethodsA total of 100 children aged between 6 and 11 years were recruited and categorized into 1 of 5 groups (20 child/group): (1) epilepsy, (2) epilepsy with ADHD, (3) ADHD with electroencephalogram (EEG) changes, (4) ADHD without EEG changes, and (5) healthy control. The scales used in our study included the Childhood Autism Spectrum Test (CAST) to screen autism spectrum conditions and related social and communication conditions, Conners’ Parent Rating Scale (CPRS) to assess ADHD and other comorbid behavioral and social-emotional difficulties, and Children Behavior Checklist (CBCL) to evaluate behavior problems. ResultsThe CAST scale score showed no significant difference among the studied groups. Regarding the Conners-3 scale, the combined type of ADHD was predominant in the ADHD with EEG changes group and the ADHD with epilepsy group, while hyperactive ADHD was predominant in the ADHD without EEG changes group. The ADHD with EEG changes group and the ADHD with epilepsy group had equally high clinical rating scores for CBCL in internalizing and externalizing problems. There was a significant difference in the profile of all Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) scales of CBCL among the studied groups. ConclusionThis is the first study to use EEG in patients with ADHD in comparison with epilepsy. ADHD with epilepsy is closely related to ADHD with EEG changes regarding psychiatric comorbidity in terms of anxiety, depression, somatic problems, oppositional defiance problems, and conduct problems.

Empirical Relationships between Problematic Alcohol Use and a Problematic Use of Video Games, Social Media and the Internet and Their Associations to Mental Health in Adolescence.

Adolescents frequently show risky behavior, and these problematic behavior patterns often do not occur in isolation, but together. Problematic alcohol use is widespread among youth, as is problematic use of the Internet and of specific online applications (video games or social media). However, there is still a lack of findings for minors regarding the relations between these behavioral patterns (particularly between problematic alcohol use and problematic gaming or problematic social media use). Standardized instruments were used to survey problematic alcohol use, problematic gaming, problematic social media use, problematic Internet use and mental health among 633 adolescents (mean age: 15.79 years). Bivariate correlation and multivariable linear regression analyses were conducted. The correlation analyses showed statistically significant positive bivariate relationships between all four behavioral patterns each. Antisocial behavior was related to all problematic behavioral patterns. Whereas, emotional distress, self-esteem problems and hyperactivity/inattention were associated with substance-unrelated problematic behavior patterns only. Anger control problems were related to problematic alcohol use and problematic gaming. In adolescence, the findings revealed small effect sizes between substance-related and substance-unrelated problematic behavior patterns, but moderate to large effect sizes within substance-unrelated behavioral patterns. Similarities and differences were found in the relations between the behavioral patterns and mental health.

Association of abuse-specific, familial, and post-incident factors with patterns of behavior problems in sexually abused preschoolers

BackgroundThe negative effects of child sexual abuse are well known; however, limited research has been conducted on the symptom patterns and their predictors in sexually abused preschoolers. ObjectiveThe aim was to identify the subtypes of parent-reported behavior problems and sexual behaviors among sexually abused preschool-aged children using latent profile analysis (LPA) and investigate factors that can affect the identified subtypes.Participants and Setting: Participants included 194 (28 males; 166 females) sexually abused children (age, 3–6 years) located in the Republic of Korea. MethodsLPA was performed using the seven syndrome scales of the Korean version of the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 1.5–5 and the Child Sexual Behavior Inventory as indicators. Demographic, sexual abuse characteristics, familial variables, and post-incident variables were compared between the derived classes. Multinomial regression analysis was performed to investigate the predictors for each class. ResultsFour classes were obtained from LPA: “Mild” (29.9 %), “Moderate” (18.0 %), “High Internalizing” (21.6 %), and “High Internalizing/Externalizing” (29.9 %). The Mild group included more cases of a single episode of abuse or victimization by strangers and immediate disclosure. Marital conflict was significant in differentiating the High Internalizing/Externalizing group from the other groups. ConclusionsSexually abused preschoolers could be classified into three groups according to severity, and the severe group could be classified into two heterogeneous groups. Furthermore, relationship with the perpetrator may predict more serious internalizing behavior problems, and marital conflict may be associated with complex symptoms involving externalizing and sexual behavior problems.

Associating personality disorders in fathers with substance-related disorder and their index child behavioral problems: a cross-sectional study

Background Paternal comorbid personality disorder among fathers with substance-related disorder may directly throw its effect on child monitoring and disciplinary practices or indirectly through its impact on the interparental relationship on their children and adolescents. Objective The objective of this study was to illustrate the pattern of behavioral problems of children and adolescents of substance-related disorder fathers with comorbid personality disorder, and to explore the association between these behavioral problems of children and adolescents. Patients and methods One hundred patients were recruited from the inpatient wards and outpatient clinics of the Institute of Psychiatry, Ain Shams University. They were subjected to a structured clinical interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IV Axis I diagnosis (clinical version), SCID-II and child behavior checklist. Results and conclusion Depressive, paranoid, passive aggressive, narcissistic, and antisocial personality disorders in fathers with substance-related disorder have the worst impact on child behavioral problems..