Reports Of Behavior Problems Research Articles

Comparing efficacy in reducing pulling and welfare impacts of four types of leash walking equipment.

Leash pulling is a commonly reported problem behavior for dog owners, as a result, a variety of leash equipment types are offered to mitigate pulling force. We were particularly interested in prong collars as their inherently aversive design has made their use a subject of debate. Though banned in certain countries and widely available in others, to date, there is no research comparing them to other leash walking equipment. We compared four types of leash walking equipment: a martingale (flat collar as baseline measure), a front-connection harness, a polymer prong-style collar (Starmark), and a standard metal prong collar. Twenty-three dogs were walked on all four types of equipment for 5-min each. Equipment was attached to a leash which was connected to a battery-powered strain gauge to measure the dog's pulling force. All walks were video recorded for behavior analysis. There were statistically significant differences among the leash equipment types in pulling impulse (Newtons × seconds), (χ2 (2) = 30.6, p < 0.001). Post-hoc analysis revealed significant differences in impulse between the martingale and the other equipment: harness (Z = -3.69, p < 0.001), Starmark collar (Z = -3.62, p < 0.001) and prong collar (Z = -3.92, p < 0.001). No other differences among equipment types were significant. Fifteen behaviors were examined as welfare indicators but only three: looking at the handler, lip licking, and sniffing occurred across all dogs and all walks. There was a statistically significant difference in frequency of lip licking behavior across the four types of leash-equipment (χ2 (2) = 8.17, p = 0.04) and post-hoc analysis showed a difference between the martingale and the harness (Z = -2.65, p = 0.008). While our research did not provide any clear evidence of poorer welfare due to equipment type, we caution the generalizability of these findings and recommend further assessment of these items of leash-walking equipment in real-life scenarios.

Caregiver skills training for caregivers of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

To systematically review the effectiveness of caregiver and parent skills training programs, including caregiver-mediated interventions, for caregivers of individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders. We conducted a systematic review with a random-effects meta-analysis. We searched 11 electronic databases through July 2021 and used a snowball methodology to locate relevant articles of randomized controlled trials. Effect size estimates were pooled using Hedges' g from data extracted from study reports and through author requests using random-effects meta-analyses for three child outcome categories (child development, adaptive behavior, and problem behavior) and three caregiver outcome categories (parenting skills and knowledge, psychological well-being, and interpersonal family relations). We located 44 910 records, from which 75 randomized controlled trials involving 4746 individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders and their caregivers were included. Random-effects meta-analyses showed improvements in child development (g = 0.30; 99% confidence interval [CI] = 0.07-0.53) and reduction in reported problem behaviors (g = 0.41; 99% CI = 0.24-0.59), but not a statistically significant improvement in adaptive behavior (g = 0.28; 99% CI = -0.42 to 0.98). Caregivers showed improvements in parenting skills and knowledge (g = 0.72; 99% CI = 0.53-0.90), psychological well-being (g = 0.52; 99% CI = 0.34-0.71), and interpersonal family relations (g = 0.76; 99% CI = 0.32-1.20). Caregiver skills training programs benefit both caregivers and children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Skills training programs improve child development and behavior, improve parenting skills, reduce caregiver mental health issues, and improve family functioning. Programs using culturally appropriate training material to improve the development, functioning, and participation of children within families and communities should be considered when caring for children with neurodevelopmental disorders. Caregiver skills training programs are effective interventions for both caregivers and children. Children with neurodevelopmental disorders benefit from improvements in development and reduction of problematic behaviors. Caregivers benefit from enhanced skills and psychological well-being. Improvements in interpersonal family relationships have also been documented.

Psychopathic traits and social brain responses during moral evaluation in adolescence

Brain functioning underlying moral decision-making in adolescents with psychopathic traits is relatively less understood. This fMRI study examined the neural correlates of moral decision-making in relation to psychopathic traits, as measured by the Youth Psychopathic Traits Inventory (YPI), in a sample of 16 community-recruited youth (mean age=13.94) with reported behavior problems. Participants viewed images that depicted a moral violation, a conflict with no moral violation, and a neutral scenario. We analyzed activation, seed-to-voxel, and seed-to-seed functional connectivity using a social brain mask during moral reasoning and decision-making. Results indicated: a) greater activity in social brain regions while assessing acts of moral, compared to nonmoral, violations; b) positive correlations between activation of several social brain regions and YPI subscale scores; c) a positive association between YPI and functional connectivity between the social brain network and the bilateral middle cingulate cortices; d) significant effects of YPI on connectivity between social brain regions and the rest of the brain; and e) decreased connectivity between several ROIs during moral reasoning: the left temporoparietal junction (lTPJ) and dorsomedial prefrontal cortex (DMPFC), the precuneus (PREC) and left amygdala (lAMYG), and the PREC and rAMYG. Clinical and developmental implications of these findings are discussed.

Factors associated with pet dog behavior in Thailand.

Dog behavior problems pose serious public health and economic and animal welfare concerns. There are many factors influencing dog behavior. This study aims to explore factors associated with pet dog behavior in Thailand using the Canine Behavioral Assessment and Research Questionnaire (C-BARQ). The Thai version of the C-BARQ was validated in 2022. The online C-BARQ survey (Google Forms) was advertised and distributed on social media for 3 months. There were a total of 1827 respondents to the survey. The relationship among 12 subscales and variables was analyzed using Spearman's correlation. "Excitability," "attachment- and attention-seeking," and "chasing" were the three most reported behavior problems. "Trainability," a favored dog behavior, also had a high score in the study. These behaviors were associated with the owner's age, house type, the dog's historical background, the number of dogs and the presence of other species in the household, the dog's training, diet types, and the daily number of meals. The lowest mean score was for "owner-directed aggression," and it was associated with the dog's gender and size, the number of dogs and the presence of other species in the household, the dog's training, and the number of daily meals. This is the first empirical study demonstrating factors related to dog behavior in Thailand. It provides an in-depth understanding of the prevalence and factors associated with Thai pet dog behavior and important knowledge for further studies to advocate for dog-human relationships and contribute to a reduction in dog abandonment in Thailand.

Parenting Styles, Family Characteristics, and Teacher-Reported Behavioral Outcomes in Kindergarten.

It is well established that parenting influences child behavior at home, but less is known about the associations between parenting and teacher reports of child behavior at school, an environment more distal from the home context. This study investigated the presence of authoritarian, authoritative, permissive, and uninvolved parenting styles (PS) in a community sample of 321 parents with kindergarteners (Mage = 5.45 years) in the Northwestern United States. This study analyzed (1) which PS were present, (2) if PS was associated with family characteristics, (3) if teacher reported behavior problems in spring of children's kindergarten year varied by PS, and (4) whether associations between PS and child behaviors were moderated by parenting stress. Study hypotheses were that PS would be associated with family characteristics, that teacher reported child behaviors would differ by PS, and that parenting stress would moderate the relationship between PS and behavior problems at school. Results indicated all PS were present. Chi-squares and ANOVA's identified that PS were significantly associated with parenting stress and child problem behaviors. ANOVAs determined differences in parenting stress and problem behaviors depending on PS. ANOVAs revealed parenting stress moderated the relation between PS and child problem behavior. Few studies to date have analyzed the presence of all four PS among kindergarteners and the relationship this has with teacher-reported classroom behavioral concerns. This study sought to fill this gap as results have implications for targeted parenting prevention interventions to promote children's social and behavioral adjustment during the transition to elementary school.

Sex-specific associations between urinary bisphenols concentrations during pregnancy and problematic child behaviors at age 2 years

Effects of prenatal bisphenol A (BPA) exposure on child behavior are mixed with some reports suggesting increased problematic behaviors in girls (e.g., aggression and emotional reactivity) and in boys (i.e., externalizing behaviors), while other reports suggest decreased problematic behaviors in girls. Little is known about the potential impact of pregnancy bisphenol S (BPS) exposure on child behavior. In a prospective cohort study (n = 68), five maternal spot urine samples collected across pregnancy were pooled and analyzed for BPA and BPS. Child behavior at 2 years was assessed using the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Linear regression models were used to assess associations between bisphenols concentrations and both composite and syndrome CBCL scales. Exposure x child sex interactions were included in addition to their main effects and sex-stratified analyses were conducted. Models were adjusted for maternal age, number of siblings, and child age at CBCL intake. Mean maternal age was 29.7 years. Most women were White (88%), had an annual household income ≥$50,000 (66%), and at least a college degree (81%). Median concentrations were 1.3 ng/mL (range 0.4–7.2) for BPA and 0.3 ng/mL (range 0.1–3.5) for BPS. Sex modified the relationship between BPA and scores on several syndrome scales—anxious-depressed, aggressive, and sleep problems—where the association was consistently inverse in males in lower BPA concentrations, and positive (more reported behavior problems) among girls in the higher BPA group. Higher BPS was associated with more problematic internalizing behaviors among girls but not boys, and sex modified the relationship between BPS and emotionally reactive behaviors (Pinteraction = 0.128), with sex-specific estimates revealing more emotionally reactive behaviors among girls (expβ = 3.92 95% CI 1.16, 13.27; P = 0.028) but not boys. Findings were mixed overall, but one notable finding was that BPS, a replacement for BPA, was associated with increased problematic behaviors. There is a need for replication of findings due to our small sample size.

Delinquency, drug use, and gang membership in the English-speaking Caribbean

In this study, the authors examine the prevalence of self-reported delinquency, drug use, and gang membership among school-attending youth in nine English-speaking Caribbean nations including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Trinidad and Tobago. We also examine the frequency of these problem behaviors by gender and ethnicity. In doing so, we seek to gain an understanding of the extent and variation of delinquency and associated problems across the region and among subpopulations. The sample comprises more than 18,000 school-aged youth attending 306 schools. Our findings suggest that while offending varies significantly within and across the English-speaking Caribbean, youth engage in a disproportionate amount of violence when compared to other offense types, and though the current study is not cross-regional, youth appear to engage in substantially higher rates of violence than youth in other regions. Self-reported offending was higher among males than females for every offense type, though females in some nations reported more delinquency than males in other nations. In some of the study nations, there were no significant relationships between ethnicity and problem behaviors; however, in other nations, Afro-Caribbean, mixed, and youth from “other” ethnic backgrounds were significantly more likely to report problem behaviors than East Indian youth. Implications for future research are discussed.

Adolescents With Non-Suicidal Self-Harm—Who Among Them Has Attempted Suicide?

We aimed to determine differences between adolescents with non-suicidal self-harm with and without a history of suicide attempt (SA). Sixty-eight adolescents with a mean age of 15.6 years (SD = 1.5) attending child and adolescent psychiatric outpatient clinics for repeated self-harm in Oslo, Norway, were included. A battery of instruments was used to assess sociodemographic information and psychopathology such as Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) diagnoses, emotional and behavioral problems, borderline symptoms, depression, hopelessness, suicidal ideation, and history of SA. Twenty-six participants (38.2%) reported a lifetime history of SA. Compared to the participants without a history of SA, those with an SA history had used a higher number of methods of self-harm and methods with higher lethality and had higher degrees of emotional and behavioral problems. They also scored higher in depressive symptoms, borderline pathology, emotional dysregulation, hopelessness, and suicidal ideation. History of SA was independently associated with perceived moderate to high risk of death on the most severe episode of self-harm (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 15.93; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.96–129.66), a longer duration (months) since self-harm debut (aOR, 1.07; 95% CI, 1.01–1.13), and suicidal ideation severity (aOR, 1.05; 95% CI, 1.01–1.11). Parental report of behavioral problems associated with SA suggested a strong association with externalizing problems. A combination of having a high level of psychopathology, externalizing problems, an extended history of self-harm behavior and use of more lethal self-harm methods seems to entail a significantly increased risk for making SAs among adolescents with non-suicidal self-harm. HIGHLIGHTS Non-suicidal self-harm (NSSH) with suicide attempt may be distinctive from NSSH without suicide attempt. Adolescents with NSSH with suicide attempt had relatively greater psychopathology. Protracted/lethal self-harm methods and externalizing problems indicate comorbidity.

Maternal Attribution, Perceptions of Parenting, and Behavior Management Strategies as Predictors of Mother-Teacher Discrepancies in Rating Behavior Problems of Korean Preschoolers.

The present study aimed to investigate mother-teacher discrepancies in reports of preschoolers' behavior problems and to examine whether maternal attribution to behavior problems, perception of parenting, and behavior management strategies predicted the discrepancies. The mothers and teachers of 384 preschoolers aged 3-6 years from 16 preschools of Seoul, South Korea, completed the Child Behavior Checklist and the Caregiver-Teacher Report Form. Based on their ratings, they were classified into three groups: (a) mother-teacher Agreement Group, (b) Disagreement Group with Mother only reporting at Risk (Disagreement Group-MR), and (c) Disagreement Group with Mother only reporting No Risk (Disagreement Group-MNR). The results showed marginal similarities between mothers' and teachers' reports of behavior problems, indicating both low correlations and differences in percentages of at-risk children. Multinomial logistic regressions revealed that maternal attribution and maternal perception of parenting difficulties predicted group membership regarding mother-teacher discrepancies. For both internalizing and externalizing problems, mothers who attributed environmental factors as primary causes of children's behavior problems were more likely to be in the Agreement Group than the Disagreement Group-MNR. With regard to externalizing problems, the more the mothers perceived parenting difficulties, the more likely they were to belong to either of the Disagreement Groups. The outcomes suggest the importance of considering that mothers' reports of children's behavior and mother-teacher discrepancies partly mirror mothers' beliefs and perceptions regarding children's behavior and parenting. Professionals need to be aware that information from mother-teacher discrepancies can be of help in understanding mothers as well as children in practice.

Neglect in Childhood, Problem Behavior in Adulthood.

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

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

Dietary patterns in middle childhood and behavior problems in adolescence.

Adherence to a "Western" style dietary pattern has been related to behavior problems in children in high-income countries; however, dietary patterns may differ in countries undergoing the nutrition transition. Associations of dietary patterns with behavior problems in a Latin American context have not been evaluated. Mothers of 385 children 5 to 12 y old completed a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) on the children's usual intake at enrollment into a cohort study. Four dietary patterns were identified through principal component analysis of the FFQ: animal protein, snacking, cheaper protein, and traditional/starch. After a median 6 y follow-up, adolescents reported behavior problems via the Youth Self Report, a standardized questionnaire. We compared the continuous distributions of externalizing and internalizing behavior problems and their subscales across quartiles of adherence to the four dietary patterns using multivariable linear regression. Boys in the highest quartile of adherence to the animal protein pattern in middle childhood had an adjusted 5.5 units lower (95% CI -9.5, -1.5) mean total externalizing problems score compared with boys in the lowest quartile (P trend = 0.008). Adherence to the animal protein pattern was also inversely related to the aggressive behavior externalizing subscale in a dose-response manner among boys (P trend = 0.009). There were no associations between adherence to other dietary patterns and externalizing problems in boys or girls. There were no associations with internalizing problems. Adherence to an animal protein dietary pattern in middle childhood was associated with less externalizing behavior problems in adolescent boys.

Early intervention and mental health: evidence review from premature and disadvantaged infants

: The purpose of this review is to examine the data on the potential effect of early childhood interventions on later child and adult mental health. Specifically, it examines the effect of early intervention strategies to prevent or ameliorate of early behavioral problems, potential antecedents of later mental health issues. To maximize the generalizability the review focuses on two general, ‘at-risk’ groups: disadvantaged children and those born prematurely. Only one study, the Infant Health and Development Study provided long term results to address this question. Like other early interventions in the form of educational centers, home visiting and primary care strategies, care-giver reported behavior problems are reduced in the intervention group by the end of the intervention period. However, none of these approaches appears to confer no long-term effect on behavior problems, and hence, are unlikely to influence any associated mental health diagnoses. Many support an important indirect effect of interventions in decreases in delinquency, incarceration, other high-risk behaviors and welfare dependency. The pathway by which this occurs appears to be greater school success. Thus, an indirect effect may be posited. In summary, despite its importance, little systematic intervention with longitudinal follow-up has addressed the prevention of mental health problems.

Externalizing problem behaviors among adolescents in a southern city of China: Gender differences in prevalence and correlates

• Boys had a higher prevalence rates of externalizing behaviors than girls. • Correlates were found from personal, family and school dimensions. • Grade 11 was the peak of reported problem behaviors in the secondary school years. • Four significant interactions were found between gender and examined correlates. • Gender-specific design and school-home collaboration to impart PYD were suggested. This study aimed to test whether there are gender differences in the prevalence of and correlates for various externalizing problem behaviors among secondary school adolescents in a southern city of China. A large cross-sectional sample survey of 12,244 adolescents from Grade 7 to Grade 12 was conducted in Shenzhen, a metropolis in southern China. The participants completed measures assessing externalizing behaviors, positive youth development (PYD), family functioning, school maladjustment and sociodemographic characteristics. Multiple liner regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with externalizing problem behaviors among participants. The results showed that (1) 35.1% of the sample displayed at least one externalizing problem behavior (i.e. alcohol consumption, tobacco use, running away from home, truancy, gang fighting, and stealing) during the previous year. Boys were more likely than girls to engage in all the examined behaviors. (2) Grade 11 was the peak of reported problem behaviors in the secondary school years and there was no difference between scores from participants in Grade 9 and Grade 7. (3) Having siblings, male gender, lower positive youth development level, lack of an intact family, lower family functioning, and school maladjustment were statistically significantly associated with more externalizing problem behaviors. (4) Four significant interactions were found between gender and Grade 11, gender and Grade 12, gender and PYD, and gender and school maladjustment. Boys in Grades 11 and 12, and with school maladjustment, and girls with lower PYD were more likely to report externalizing behaviors. The findings suggest that greater focus should be placed on late adolescent boys who have school difficulties, girls with low PYD levels, and adolescents with sibling(s), who are from non-intact families or who live in poor family environments, to prevent or intervene in the possibility of developing externalizing problem behaviors. Further Prevention and intervention work may require gender-specific design and school-home collaboration to impart positive youth qualities among adolescents.

Owner perception of problem behaviours in dogs aged 6 and 9-months

Problem behaviours may lead to compromised welfare, risk of relinquishment and euthanasia for dogs, as well as distress and safety issues for owners. This study used data provided by 1111 UK and Republic of Ireland participants in the ‘Generation Pup’ longitudinal study of canine health and behaviour. The aims were to; i) identify the proportion and type of problem behaviours reported by owners when their dogs were 6 and 9-months; ii) identify risk factors for behaviours owners reported as a ‘problem’ when their dog was 9-months old; iii) identify risk factors for behaviours reported to occur but not recorded as a ‘problem’ by owners when dogs were 9-months old; and iv) identify whether and how owners sought help for undesired behaviours. In the 6 and 9-months questionnaires, 31 % and 35 % (respectively) of owners reported their dog to be showing behaviour(s) that they found a problem. Owners most often sought help for these behaviours from dog trainers (72 % at 6-months and 68 % at 9-months), and online sources excluding those associated with welfare organisations (which were listed separately) (34 % at 6-months and 27 % at 9-months). The most commonly reported problem behaviours at both ages were pulling on the lead, jumping up at people and poor recall. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that female owners, owners who were unemployed/homemakers/pensioners/retired, owners who did not attend (nor planned to attend) puppy classes, and owners who reported they used a mixture of positive reinforcement and positive punishment or positive punishment only training methods at 9-months had increased odds of reporting a problem behaviour in their dogs at that age. Further investigation determined risk factors for owners reporting one or more of the three most commonly reported problem behaviours (pulling on the lead, jumping up at people and poor recall) in their dog’s 9-months questionnaire compared with those owners who separately recorded the occurrence of these behaviours, but did not report any to be problematic. Owners who were employed/self-employed/students, owners who reported that they used positive reinforcement only, owners that had not attended puppy class, and owners of small dogs had increased odds of not reporting a behaviour to be problematic despite evidence of the behaviour having been observed by the owner. These results indicate that not all potentially concerning canine behaviours were perceived by the owners to be problematic, and has identified groups of owners more likely to require support with behaviour issues in their dogs.

Acoustic stress in domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) living around football stadiums

Football matches, as a common urban activity, produce high levels of noise because of vehicular traffic, screams, whistles, and firework displays. Fear of noise is one of the most commonly reported behavior problems in dogs (Canis familiaris); however, few studies have focused on the effects of repeated exposition to noise in these animals. Here, we investigated whether the noise produced during football matches may act as a stress source for dogs living near football stadiums. We measured noise levels on days with and without matches, in the surrounding neighborhoods of two football stadiums of Minas Gerais, Brazil: (a) Arena Independência (AI) and (b) Governador Magalhães Pinto (GMP). Noise measurements were carried out by using a sound level meter, in distances varying between 0 and 400 m from the stadiums. A structured interview was conducted to dog owners living nearby AI, about the dogs' characteristics, demographics, and behavior. Noise records of days with and without matches were compared, and questionnaires were analyzed (general linear models) to identify possible correlations between the reported changes in the animals’ behaviors on days with football matches and the distance these animals lived from the stadium. Higher noise levels were recorded on football match days than on days without matches, with a greater effect of these between 0 and 249 m (D1) than between 250 and 400 from AI. Around Governador Magalhães Pinto, we recorded greater noise levels on days without football matches compared with match days, with no difference between distances. Fear/anxiety behaviors were reported as more intense on days with football matches, in comparison with days without matches for 90.6% of the study dogs. The occurrence of matches made specific fear-related behaviors of the dogs—severe trembling, excessive salivation, agitation/restlessness, whining, and appetite loss—more frequent. The proximity of AI intensified the exhibition of general fear/anxiety behaviors and made intense trembling and excessive salivation more frequent at D1, in relation to D2. On the other hand, dogs living at D2 barked, howled, and lost appetite more often than those living at D1. Our results suggested a detrimental influence of noise from football matches on the behavior of dogs living around football stadiums. These data are relevant for public policy-making to promote preventive and mitigating measures, to improve the quality of life of both the dog and the human populations in the surroundings of football stadiums.

Online Self-Management Support for Family Caregivers Dealing With Behavior Changes in Relatives With Dementia (Part 2): Randomized Controlled Trial.

BackgroundOnline contacts with a health professional have the potential to support family caregivers of people with dementia.ObjectiveThe goal of the research was to study the effects of an online self-management support intervention in helping family caregivers deal with behavior changes of a relative with dementia. The intervention—involving among others personal email contacts with a dementia nurse—was compared with online interventions without these email contacts.MethodsA randomized controlled trial was conducted with 81 family caregivers of people with dementia who live at home. Participants were randomly assigned to a (1) major self-management support intervention consisting of personal email contacts with a specialist dementia nurse, online videos, and e-bulletins; (2) medium intervention consisting only of online videos and e-bulletins; or (3) minor intervention consisting of only the e-bulletins. The primary outcome was family caregivers’ self-efficacy in dealing with behavior changes of the relative with dementia. Secondary outcomes were family caregivers’ reports of behavior problems in the people with dementia and the quality of the relationship between the family caregiver and the person with dementia. Measurements were performed at the baseline and at 6 (T1) and 12 weeks (T2) after the baseline. A mixed-model analysis was conducted to compare the outcomes of the 3 intervention arms.ResultsFamily caregivers participating in the major intervention involving email contacts showed no statistically significant differences in self-efficacy after the intervention compared with the minor intervention involving only e-bulletins (difference –0.02, P=.99). In the adjusted analysis, the medium intervention (involving videos and e-bulletins) showed a negative trend over time (difference –4.21, P=.09) and at T1 (difference –4.71, P=.07) compared with the minor intervention involving only e-bulletins. No statistical differences were found between the intervention arms in terms of the reported behavior problems and the quality of the relationship between the family caregiver and the person with dementia.ConclusionsThe expectation that an online self-management support intervention involving email contacts would lead to positive effects and be more effective than online interventions without personal email contacts was not borne out. One explanation might be related to the fact that not all family caregivers who were assigned to that intervention actually made use of the opportunity for personal email contact. The online videos were also not always viewed. To obtain more definite conclusions, future research involving extra efforts to reach higher use rates is required.Trial RegistrationNetherlands Trial Registry NTR6237; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=6237 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/6v0S4fxTC)International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID)RR2-10.2196/resprot.8365

Effectiveness of the ViSC Social Competence Program in Turkish Elementary Schools

This study examined whether participating in the ViSC social competence program is able to reduce different types of reported problem behaviors including bullying perpetration and victimization as well as promoting various social competencies in elementary school children. Two wave longitudinal self-report and teacher report data was available from 822 students (546 intervention group, 276 control group, 50% girls, Mage = 9.30) from five intervention (23 classes) and four control (14 classes) schools. Multilevel growth models revealed a more favorable development of the ViSC intervention group compared with the control group in three student-reported and all teacher reported variables. Participating in the program reduced conduct problems, reactive and proactive aggression and promoted school bonding, relationships with classmates, emotional regulation, and prosocial skills. However, the program was not effective regarding the reduction of bullying and victimization. Findings are discussed with regard to the implementation of future bullying prevention programs and social policies in Turkish schools.

Academic self-concept and sense of school belonging of adolescent siblings of autistic children

BackgroundWhilst there is a growing body of research on the psychological outcomes for siblings of autistic children (autism siblings), few studies have considered the school context. AimsTo explore group differences on two school-related self-reported outcomes for autism siblings and siblings of non-autistic children: sense of school belonging, and academic self-concept. Data on self- and parent/carer-reported behavioural and emotional problems were also collected. Methods and procedures65 autism siblings and a comparison group of 57 siblings of non-autistic children aged 11–16 years completed questionnaires measuring sense of school belonging, academic self concept, and behaviour problems. 73 parents in the autism sibling and 67 parents in the comparison sibling group completed the behaviour problems measure. Outcomes and resultsAutism siblings reported significantly lower school belonging and academic self-concept, and had significantly poorer self- and parent- reported behaviour problems. When controlling for demographic variables and internalising and externalizing behaviour, robust sibling group differences on academic variables remained. Conclusions and implicationsAutism siblings reported poorer school-related outcomes and increased behavioural difficulties relative to siblings of non-autistic children. There was wide variation in autism siblings’ outcomes, highlighting the importance of taking an individualised and contextualised approach to understanding the varying needs of autism siblings.

Owners' Attitudes, Knowledge, and Care Practices: Exploring the Implications for Domestic Cat Behavior and Welfare in the Home.

Simple SummaryAvailable research on the link between domestic cats’ environment and welfare has primarily been conducted on cats living in animal shelters or research facilities; a better understanding of the welfare of cats living in homes is needed. We used an anonymous online survey to investigate the attitudes of current U.S.-based cat owners towards cats as pets; owner knowledge about normal cat behavior and environmental needs; current trends in cat care; behavior problems reported for these cats; and the human-animal bond. We found that owners with a more accurate understanding of cat behavior, and stronger reported bond with their cats, reported fewer behavior problems. Conversely, owners’ agreement with certain misconceptions about cats, and high perceived costs of care, were correlated with the use of punishment (e.g., yelling, hitting, or spraying with water) in response to misbehavior. Our results suggest that many cats living in private homes may be receiving only minimal environmental enrichment, particularly in the case of interactive (e.g., playing with a friendly human, or exploring changing environments) vs. static (e.g., cat toys such as stuffed mice) enrichment. Collectively, these results support the premise that better education of cat owners could benefit the welfare of cats living in private homes.Available research on the link between domestic cats’ environment and welfare has primarily been conducted in animal shelters or research facilities; a better understanding of the welfare of cats living in homes is needed. This study measured the attitudes of current U.S.-based cat owners towards cats as pets; owner knowledge about normal cat behavior and environmental needs; current trends in cat care; cats’ behavior in the home; and the human-animal bond. The primary hypothesis was that owners with a more accurate understanding of cat behavior and a stronger reported bond with their cats would report fewer behavior problems. Data from an online, anonymous, cross-sectional survey of 547 cat owners supported the primary hypothesis: owner knowledge, along with two measures of the human-animal bond (owner-pet interactions, and perceptions of affordability of cat ownership), were significant predictors of the number of reported behavior problems. In addition to fewer reported behavior problems, greater owner knowledge about cats was correlated with less use of positive-punishment-based responses to misbehavior, and increased tolerance of potential behavior problems when present. Owners’ agreement with certain misconceptions about cats and perception of high costs of care were correlated with the use of positive punishment in response to misbehavior. Based on the survey results, many cats living in private homes may be receiving only minimal environmental enrichment. Collectively, these results suggest the need for better education of cat owners. Topics could include: understanding normal cat behavior and correcting misconceptions; enrichment needs (particularly of indoor-only cats) and the risk of behavior problems when cats’ needs are not met; welfare risks associated with declawing; and the importance of sufficient resources to minimize social and territorial conflict.