Relationship Problems Research Articles

Cybervictimization and Online Sexual Harassment: Prevalence, Association, and Predictors

Background: The daily and massive use of the Internet and social media by adolescents has led to increased interest and attention to prevalence rates, risk factors, and potential consequences of different forms of online victimization. This study aims to examine the possible associations between cybervictimization and online sexual harassment among 697 Italian adolescents (Mage = 15.17; SD = 0.68; 42.3% female), understanding the contribution of individual and school risk factors. Methods: A short longitudinal design was used to test a path model where emotional/behavioral problems and school climate predicted cybervictimization and online sexual harassment, controlling for their co-occurrence. Results: The results show similar prevalence among the two phenomena with a consistent reciprocal association (ρs = 0.426**). Regarding predictors, cybervictimization at Wave 5 is predicted by the problematic peer relationships with peers (β = 0.164*, SE = 0.068) and lack of school cohesion (β = −0.189*, SE = 0.086) assessed at Wave 4. In contrast, online sexual harassment at Wave 5 is predicted by the presence of emotional symptoms (β = 0.248***, SE = 0.077) and the absence of social norms (β = −0.254**, SE = 0.085) measured at Wave 4. Conclusion: Online sexual harassment and cybervictimization are related phenomena with a co-occurrence of around 22%; being a victim of cybervictimization is positively associated with being a victim of OSH-P. However, risk factors are different: cybervictimization is more easily explained by social and contextual factors, while online sexual harassment is explained by individual factors.

The Role of Peer Relationships in Problematic Internet Use among Adolescents: A Scoping Review and Meta-analysis

Background The swift advancement of technology, particularly the internet, has significantly influenced various aspects of human life, resulting in both positive and negative consequences. In Indonesia, adolescents represent the largest group of internet users, with usage durations exceeding four hours per day, making them vulnerable to issues such as Problematic Internet Use (PIU). During adolescence, peer relationships play a crucial role in social development. Objective This study aims to explore how peer relations can influence problematic internet use among adolescents and identify strategic factors that contribute to reducing PIU based on systematic review findings. Additionally, the research seeks to quantify the relationship between peer relations and problematic internet use among adolescents through meta-analysis. The hypothesis posits a correlation between peer relations and problematic internet use among adolescents. Methods The research employs scoping review and meta-analysis techniques. Results Scoping review results indicate that, overall, peer relationships can have both positive and negative impacts on PIU. A more positive relationship between adolescents and their peers tends to correlate with lower levels of PIU. Conversely, adolescents with problematic peer relationships are more likely to develop PIU behaviours. Meta-analysis results further strengthen these findings, demonstrating a significant correlation between peer relationships and problematic internet use among adolescents (r = 0.191; p = 0.020; 95% CI). Conclusion Despite the significant correlation, the influence of peer relationships on problematic internet use appears to be relatively low. This suggests the existence of other factors that contribute to PIU behaviours beyond peer relationships.

Examining associations among depressive symptoms, negative partner attributions, and relationship functioning in different‐gender couples using the actor‐partner interdependence mediation model

AbstractNegative attributions about the cause of and blame for relationship problems are highly predictive of relationship dysfunction and depression. Consequently, researchers have attempted to understand the role of negative relationship attributions in the association between depression and relationship functioning, with theory and research suggesting negative attributions may mediate the association between depression and relationship functioning. However, these studies were conducted on individuals, not couples. Including a couple of data and employing a dyadic design can provide a more holistic picture of the associations among these variables. The present study used the actor‐partner interdependence mediation model (APIMeM) to examine associations among depressive symptoms, relationship functioning, and negative partner attributions. Different‐gender couples (N = 200) seeking couples’ clinical services completed measures of negative relationship attributions, relationship distress, and depressive symptoms. Results revealed depressive symptoms to be indirectly related to one's own and one's partner's relationship functioning through one's own negative causal attributions. Actor and partner effects of responsibility attributions and depressive symptoms on relationship functioning were also observed. Results underscore the possible mechanistic role of negative attributions—particularly causal attributions—in maintaining the depression‐relationship dysfunction association.

Treatment of Cognitive Behavior Therapy for the Locus of Control with Internet Gaming Addiction Problem

AbstractResearch has identified Internet gaming addiction as a new and often unrecognized clinical disorder that impacts users' ability to control Internet gaming use, which can lead to relational, work, and social problems. The locus of control is a factor in controlling the use of Internet games. Researchers have suggested using cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) as the treatment of choice for Internet addiction. This paper presents the findings of a study that utilized an A‐B‐A single‐case research design to explore the impact of CBT on enhancing internal locus of control and reducing Internet gaming addiction. The participants in this study were three high school students (N = 3) who exhibited a high level of Internet gaming addiction and a predominantly external locus of control. CBT intervention was provided in six sessions. Treatment focused on modified cognitive distortion and developing positive behavior using the down arrow technique, acting as if, shaping, problem‐solving, and behavior reinforcement. Participants completed the Game Addiction Scale for Adolescents and the Locus of Control Scale for Game Addiction. Data were obtained at three distinct phases: before, during, and after the CBT intervention. Results show that CBT reduced Internet gaming addiction and enhanced internal locus of control both during and after the intervention, indicating its potential as an effective treatment for students with gaming addiction issues.

When Is Teasing Abuse? A Grounded Theory of Teasing Among Mexican American Adolescent Dating Couples

This study examined the use of teasing during observed videotaped interactions of Mexican American adolescent dating couples ( N = 34; 15–17 years old) from an urban area of the Southwest United States. During the interaction task, couples discussed two relationship problems for 14 min and nearly all interactions (88.2%) contained teasing. In turn, we developed a grounded theory of teasing that delineated who initiated the teasing (boys/girls), teasing types, levels of severity of teasing incidents, youth’s motivations for teasing, and the resulting consequences of teasing in real time. We found that most teasing incidents were mild to moderately severe and that girls initiated teasing to a greater extent than boys. Regarding motives, youth used teasing to exert power during the interaction and/or to repair a problem in the relationship. Despite various types of teasing, the resulting consequences were hurt feelings, power struggles, and shame. Participants overtly stated that they desired improved communication. We recommend that socioemotional learning and dating violence prevention programs include teasing as part of conflict resolution skill sets and that these programs be informed by the cultural values of Mexican-origin youth.

Personality Dimension, Suicidal Intent, and Lethality: A Cross-sectional Study of Suicide Attempters with or Without Personality Disorders

Background: Although personality disorders (PD) are known risk factors for suicide attempts, studies on personality dimension are scarce, which may provide further insights for interventions. Methods: The relationship between personality dimension, lethality, intent, and quality of life (QOL) was studied in suicide attempters with or without PD. We used the international personality disorder examination (IPDE) dimensional score, the scale for assessment of lethality of suicide attempt (SALSA), suicide intent scale (SIS), and WHOQOL-BREF QOL scale, to assess a sample of suicide attempters admitted to a general hospital. Results: PD was present in 43.2% and 57.9% of them had more than one PD. Comparison of attempters with or without PD suggested that the lethality of attempts and QOL were comparable, whereas self-reported suicide intent was significantly low in patients with PD. A higher proportion of PD patients reported relational problems as the reason for the attempt. The personality dimensional score was significantly higher for female attempters from urban backgrounds than for those with previous attempt histories. It was negatively correlated with the lethality of attempts and suicide intent. Conclusion: It is important to explore the personality dimension of the suicide attempters, along with PD, that may highlight additional risks and suggest the need for specific support.

Exploring Factors Associated with Limited Male Partner Involvement in Maternal Health: A Sesotho Socio-Cultural Perspective from the Free State, South Africa.

Despite efforts to promote gender-inclusive approaches to maternal health, male partner involvement (MPI) remains limited, underscoring the need for a comprehensive understanding of the factors associated with a lack of MPI. A mixed method, concurrent/parallel design was applied to explore MPI in maternal health and to identify factors associated with limited MPI. Data collection entailed a cross-sectional survey among 407 fathers together with 16 focus group discussions with men and women of reproductive age and eight community discussions with community leaders. MPI was defined in terms of communication, decision making, physical and emotional support and physical presence at ANC. Data was subjected to descriptive, multiple linear regression and thematic analysis. Three out of five participants (63.9%) scored above the mean for higher levels of MPI in maternal health. Factors significantly associated with a lower level of MPI were younger age, unemployment, men not living with the mother of their youngest child, men who had not had a male role model involved in domestic chores, and men who were not interested in attending future maternal health programmes. In addition, the qualitative analysis also identified relationship problems, family conflicts, health systems barriers and alcohol abuse as hinderances to MPI in maternal health. Health systems capacity is required for the promotion of male partner interventions that are in line with socio-cultural practices and gender norms.

Associations among psychological health problems, intimate-relationship problems, and suicidal ideation among United States Air Force active-duty personnel

ABSTRACT Linkages among psychological health problems, intimate relationship distress, and suicide risk have been widely studied, but less is known about how these factors interact, especially in military populations. With steady increases in suicide rates among active military and post-service members (SMs), it is critical to better understand the relation among known risk factors. The current study addresses this gap by testing a model hypothesizing that the association between intimate-relationship problems and suicidal ideation is mediated by individual mental health symptoms. We tested this model on a sample of 862 active-duty Air Force members in committed relationships. The sample consisted of 35.0% women and 64.8% men, with an average age of 21.9 years and a mean relationship length of 2.8 years. Findings supported the hypothesized statistical mediation model. Results indicated that relationship problems contribute to psychological health problems, which, in turn, are related to suicidal ideation. These findings may help direct suicide intervention and prevention protocols that consider intimate relationship distress as a significant risk factor. Limitations and further implications for policies regarding suicide prevention in the armed forces are discussed.

“When you are alone you have a narrow mind, but when you are with others you think broader into the other aspects”. A qualitative study on the role of sense of belonging and mattering in attempted suicide in Uganda

ABSTRACT Introduction Suicide is globally a severe problem with an estimated 700.000 deaths annually. Six of the 10 countries with the highest suicide rates worldwide are in Africa, though, reliable statistics are scarce. Method In this qualitative interview study in Uganda, we analysed the stories of 16 people admitted to hospital following a serious suicide attempt. We focussed especially on each person’s decision process towards their resolution to attempt suicide. Findings Despite the huge heterogeneity of the narratives, we could identify problems regarding the sense of belonging and mattering in all the stories. Both the sense of belonging and mattering have been related to suicidal behaviour in earlier theories, but they were never studied together or under consideration of the influence of this specific cultural context. We found that the participants’ sense of belonging and mattering to a large degree was influenced by their traditional communalistic context with a worldview where the line between the natural and spiritual world was blurry. Conclusion This kind of knowledge could be a valuable source for health professionals in their treatment of suicidal persons; it could direct their approach to the core of each person’s relational problems and meaning-making, which is crucial for their decisions with regard to suicide.

Emotional and behavioral problems are associated with hypothalamic development from childhood to adolescence: Findings from a longitudinal cohort study

BackgroundDespite the pivotal role of the hypothalamus in regulating various physiological processes, our understanding of its developmental trajectory and subregional organization during childhood and adolescence remains limited, as well as how emotional and behavioral problems can impact hypothalamic development, potentially leading to neurodevelopmental disorders. MethodsThis population-based longitudinal cohort study utilized data from a representative sample of 702 children, who were followed two to five times. Emotional and behavioral problems were assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Linear mixed models were employed to delineate developmental trajectories and behavioral regulation. ResultsUsing an automated segmentation technique, we quantified the volumes and asymmetries of the hypothalamus and its subregions in a large longitudinal sample of 702 subjects aged 6–15 years with 1371 MRI scans, and mapped their developmental trajectories. Our findings indicate that while the anterior and posterior regions of the hypothalamus exhibit a tendency toward decline, the tubular region demonstrates a linear increase which is influenced by lateralization, sex, and intracranial volume. Furthermore, emotional and behavioral problems - particularly emotional symptoms and peer relationship problems - are related to faster development in superior tubular and anterior-superior regions. ConclusionsIn this study, we initially delineated the developmental trajectories of the hypothalamus and its subregions from childhood to adolescence based on a longitudinal cohort study. Our findings revealed that the development of hypothalamus followed the pattern of “lateral early to medial late, and dorsomedial early to ventromedial late”, and the emotional and behavioral problems are associated with faster hypothalamic development. This study provides preliminary evidence regarding the impact of emotional and behavioral problems on the dynamic development of the hypothalamus, offering a crucial foundation for future prevention and intervention strategies targeting cognitive and emotional behavioral problems.

Persistence of ADHD into adulthood and associated factors: a prospective study.

BackgroundAttention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent disorders in child and adolescent psychiatry. The aims of this study are to describe the persistence of ADHD into adulthood and to explore factors associated with persistence.Methods: This is a prospective study conducted in a clinical sample of Spanish children and adolescents diagnosed with ADHD. After a baseline interview in which a battery of standardized scales was administered (e.g., Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). A review of the digital medical history was carried out ten years after recruitment. The persistence of the ADHD diagnosis into adulthood and the end-point diagnoses were described. We carried out logistic regression to explore the factors associated with ADHD persistence.Results: Most of the patients (87.5%) kept the ADHD diagnosis into adulthood. Factors associated with ADHD persistence was high SDQ hyperactivity/inattention subscale scores at baseline (OR = 1.197), high scores on the SDQ peer relationship problems subscale (OR = 0.823), number of diagnoses at baseline (OR = 0.490).Conclusions: Our findings show that ADHD diagnosed in children often persists into adulthood. An appropriate transition between child and adolescent mental health services and adult services needs to be mapped out, as a large proportion of children with ADHD will continue to need mental health care during their adulthood.

Prevalence and predictors of help-seeking steps in a nationally representative Dutch sample of romantic couples.

Couples appear to frequently experience relationship problems, yet estimates of the prevalence and prediction of three distinct help-seeking steps, (1) recognition of serious relationship dissatisfaction, (2) considering help, and (3) receiving relationship help, are unknown for representative population samples. This is unfortunate as such knowledge may inform policy makers in the development of strategies to motivate couples to seek help. The prevalence of these steps along with reasons for not acquiring help was studied in a representative population sample of 1014 Dutch heterosexual couples. Multilevel Actor-Partner Interdependence Modeling (APIM) analyses estimated the extent to which static socio-demographic factors were predictive of help-seeking behaviors. Of all partners, 28.6% reported having ever been seriously dissatisfied with their relationship (step 1), of which 86.2% had told their partner they were dissatisfied, on average 1.5 years after onset of the dissatisfaction. Of the seriously dissatisfied partners 36.4% considered professional relationship help (step 2) and 19.5% eventually received help (step 3), on average 3.7 years after the onset of dissatisfaction. Of these, 88.5% consulted a (couple) therapist. Main reasons for not acquiring help were that "things got better" (48.8%) and "the partner did not want relationship help" (35.4%), whereas financial considerations and shame were rarely endorsed. Although serious relationship dissatisfaction was common (i.e., 40.1% of all couples consisted of at least one partner who was ever dissatified), few couples sought help and they did so rather late. Waxing and waning of dissatisfaction often guided the decision to not seek help. Women and younger partners were more proactive in help-seeking. Marital status, having children, and education were largely unrelated to help-seeking.

Abstract Strengths and difficulties Lithuania

Abstract Background Most mental health disorders begin before the age of 18, peaking at 14.5 years (Solmi, 2022) and manifest as emotional and behavioural difficulties that are more frequent in institutional social care (ISC): former foster care recipients have higher rates of depression and PTSD than the general population (Pecora, 2009). The rate of children living in residential care facilities in Europe and Central Asia is double the global average (UNICEF, 2024). This study aims to assess and compare the mental health of children in ISC centers and regular high schools. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in ISC centres and high schools in 2022-2023. The sample size consisted of children aged 11-17 living in ISC (n = 49) or in families (n = 193). Online anonymous survey was applied to assess the prevalence of endured violence, substance use and measure mental health outcomes using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-25). Results A total of 242 respondents (age mean 14.6, SD = 2.12) in ISC and families showed similar poor mental health rates (42% and 44%, respectively). Prosocial behaviour problems were exhibited more by boys (p < 0.05), whereas emotional symptoms were more common in families (p < 0.001): 90% normal SDQ-25 scores in ISC vs 60% in families. Enduring psychological (38% vs 60.2%) violence was more prevalent among children in families (p < 0.05); smoking - in ISC, alcohol use - in families (p < 0.05). In both groups enduring physical violence was associated with smoking and alcohol use (p < 0.05), and overall poor SDQ-25 results strongly correlated (p < 0.001, r = 0.815, r = 0.610, respectively) with hyperactivity. Conclusions A significant part of study participants reported poor mental health outcomes with most problems in relationships with peers. Mental health risk factors such as violence or substance abuse are associated with poor emotional wellbeing while being more common among children living with families. Key messages • Children living in ISC and in families demonstrate similar level of mental health problems. • Varying prevalence of substance abuse among children living in different settings highlights the importance of environmental factors when addressing the issue.

Correction: Susceptibility to Peer Relationship Problems: Does Sociability Play a Role?

Correction: Susceptibility to Peer Relationship Problems: Does Sociability Play a Role?

Circumstantial Factors Among Kentucky Nurse Suicide Decedents, 2005 to 2019.

Background: Nurse suicide, a complex occupational health concern, is urgently in need of research due to the personal and occupational suicide risk factors experienced by nurses, namely mental health problems (e.g., depression), job problems, and substance misuse. Therefore, the study aims were to determine the contextual characteristics and circumstantial factors associated with nurse suicide in Kentucky. Methods: Secondary suicide data were obtained from the Kentucky Violent Death Reporting System (KYVDRS) from 2005 to 2019. Nurse suicide cases were identified using the Bureau of Labor Statistics Standard Occupational Classification. A mixed-methods analysis using descriptive statistics and qualitative evaluation was conducted to determine the distributions of demographic, injury, and weapon characteristics, followed by a qualitative analysis of the KYVDRS incident narrative text of nurse suicide decedents. Results: There were 88 decedents identified with a nursing occupation. The predominant means of death for male (59%) and female (45%) nurses involved firearms. Thematic analysis showed nurse decedents experienced a mental health problem (51%) and premeditated (50%) suicide preceding death. Incidentally, 51% of all cases experienced multiple circumstantial factors (e.g., relationship problems and premeditation) preceding their death by suicide. Discussion/Application to Practice: Nurse suicide decedents experienced multifactorial risk factors preceding their death by suicide, namely depression, premeditated suicide, and relationship problems. Occupational health practitioners and health care organizations can implement individual and organizational prevention efforts to help prevent nurse suicide.

Prevalence, reasons, and attitude towards abortion among Iranian married women of reproductive age in Qazvin province

Background and aimsAbortion influences the composition and size of population. Estimating the overall and type-specific abortion rates, the reasons to choose the abortion can be helpful in designing and implementing preventive intervention. Therefore, the present study was designed to determine the: (i) prevalence of abortion, (ii) attitude of married women of reproductive age towards abortion, and (iii) reasons for choosing abortion by married women of reproductive age in Qazvin province.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted between February and April 2023, and comprised married women of reproductive age (N = 1571) referred to urban and rural comprehensive health centers in five cities of Qazvin province. Utilizing multi-stage proportional sampling process, data for the survey (including demographic and fertility information, reasons for choosing abortion, and attitudes toward abortion) were collected online.ResultsThe lifetime prevalence of abortion was 18.6% (among the total sample). The past-year prevalence was 22.3% (among those who reported having had an abortion). Of those reporting having had an abortion, 73.6% reported it was their first one, and 65.1% reported it was non-spontaneous . Women’s reasons for choosing abortion fell into one of three main clusters: (i) couple’s behavior, health and relationship problems, (ii) fertility-related stressful experiences, and (iii) family economic situations. The main reported reason to choose abortion was a couple’s behavior (e.g., drug use), health (e.g., physical disease, psychological problems), and relationship problems (e.g., sexual infidelity, divorce) explaining 27% of the variance. Also, pro-abortion attitude was the most important attitude towards non-spontaneous abortion explaining 26.33% of variance. The variables that increased the likelihood of non-spontaneous abortion included choosing a reason for abortion vs. having no reason (OR = 1.77, p = 0.05), having poor vs. good mental health (OR = 1.74, p = 0.03), having a pro-abortion attitude (OR = 1.09, p = 0.09), and having ≥ 3 children vs. having no children (OR = 0.53, p = 0.06).ConclusionWomen in high-risk groups for non-spontaneous abortion (i.e., those aged over 35 years, those married for more than five years, those with an infertility history, those with a lower number of children, those living in rural areas, and those having poor mental health status) should be assessed by primary healthcare services during preconception and have early prenatal counseling to help in decisions regarding abortion.

THE EVOLUTION OF PUBLIC REACTIONS ON CELEBRITY GROOMING RELATIONSHIPS: AN ANALYSIS OF BILLIE EILISH AND TAYLOR SWIFT

The two well-known female musicians, Billie Eilish and Taylor Swift are examined in connection to their grooming relationships within different periods, specifically in the pre-and post-Me Too movement. The study uses comparative analysis, and feminist media theory was implied, it explores public perceptions, digital magazine portrayal, and cultural awareness of on grooming relationships depicted by celebrities. The pre-Me Too era, characterized by romanticized portrayals of celebrity romances and a shortage of investigation into power dynamics, gave rise to accusations concerning Swift’s grooming relationship. However, when the Me Too movement gained popularity, Eilish made her charge at a period when grooming techniques were more generally acknowledged and denounced. This article highlights how societal perceptions of consent, power dynamics, and ethical problems in relationships have evolved using news reporting, cultural discussions, and public responses. The findings demonstrate how public discourse, along with an understanding of celebrity grooming relationships, has been revolutionized by social movements such as Me Too. In the context of evolving societal norms and values, they also illuminated how the public’s views and media portrayals are shifting.

Prospective analysis of sex differences and factors associated with suicidal thoughts and behaviours in young people from the MILESTONE Italian sample

Suicide is a significant leading cause of death among young people, particularly those struggling with mental disorders. The present study utilised data from 230 young people (aged 16–18 years) undergoing a transitional care process from Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services to Adult Mental Health Services within the MILESTONE European project (2014–2019), a longitudinal cluster randomised controlled trial. The objectives of this study were to monitor temporal patterns of general health and social functioning over two years, to detect sex differences, and to identify factors associated with Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviours (STB) at the first and last time points. The results demonstrate a decrease in STB over the two-year follow-up period among all participants. Females exhibited a higher prevalence of STB across all time points, whereas males only exhibited STB at the nine-month follow-up. The most influential factors associated with STB were previous suicide attempts and mood disorders at baseline, and mood disorders and relational problems at the end of follow-up. These findings emphasise the importance of monitoring STB and informing young people undergoing a transitional care period about its key risk factors. Moreover, sex differences in STB suggest the need for different preventive strategies for males and females.

Optimal Layout of Urban Green Space System Based on the Coupling Model of Spatial Reconstruction

In the layout of urban planning, the rational design of green land includes the optimal choice of landscape and vegetation, which needs to solve the conflict of local/global optimal solution and understand the rationality of urban green layout with multi-objective natural language. According to the demand for multi-objective optimal solutions in urban green land planning, we study the target deep learning algorithm based on space vector mutation operation. In this paper, we propose to search for a local optimal solution based on Diversity Indicator Double and Niched Local Search Evolutionary Algorithm diversity fitness and filter the information of objective space and decision space through the niche method. It intends to avoid the imbalance between the diversity of goal space and decision space caused by the wrong distance information. By improving genetic diversity, we take the complex changes of gene vector reaction in generating offspring as the research focus. Based on the improvement of multi-objective non-dominated genetic variation, we search for the optimal transfer function relationship in the primary stage of variation to achieve the goal. For high-dimensional planning with constraints, we first select the coupling model to reduce the dimension, and then combine the spatial reconstruction data clustering to complete the clustering. Priority is given to the optimal selection of the output of the non-dominated solution set obtained in each stage to improve the algorithm’s performance. Experiments show that the proposed algorithm, combined with the use of different mutation strategies, outperforms the current mainstream algorithms in solving multi-objective problems of natural language understanding, especially in solving complex relational problems, which is 10.2% and 15.6% higher than other algorithms. The frequency of parameter operation can be updated in real-time, which strengthens the convergence effect of the algorithm. It is proved that the research content of this paper has better application potential in multi-objective spatial decision-making. The research content of this paper can not only achieve intelligent layout optimization for urban green space system but also carry out reasoning for large-scale spatial layout. The effect is higher than the current mainstream algorithm and plays a role in promoting science and technology for future urban construction and long-term planning.

Extended Child Adjustment and Parent Efficacy Scale (CAPES): inclusion of the peer relationship problems subscale and updated psychometric properties

ABSTRACT Objective The current study aimed to validate an extended version of a frequently used parent-report measure of child functioning and parent self-efficacy, the Child Adjustment and Parent Efficacy Scale (CAPES). Method A 5-item peer relationship problems subscale was developed to address the original measure’s limitation in assessing the quality of children’s peer relationships. Three additional items were added to the parent self-efficacy subscale that measures parents’ confidence in supporting children to manage peer relationship problems. Utilising data from 2,272 Australian parents of primary-school-aged children, we evaluated the psychometric properties of the extended CAPES through conducting a confirmatory factor analysis, correlational analyses of relevant measures, and calculations of internal consistency. Results A three-factor structure of the child adjustment subscale was supported, which included three subscales, namely the original emotional maladjustment subscale, the original behavioural problems subscale, and the newly developed peer relationship problems subscale. The one-factor structure of the updated parent self-efficacy subscale was also supported. All subscales displayed acceptable to excellent internal consistency, and significant correlations with relevant measures. Conclusions The extended CAPES demonstrated good validity, reliability, and readability in this initial validation study. It has great potential to be used in both research and clinical practice.