Rule-breaking Behavior Research Articles

Do risk profiles moderate the relation between age of onset of disruptive behaviour and two types of externalising problems among adolescents admitted to secure residential care?

BackgroundAdolescents with externalising problems in secure residential care differ in age of onset of disruptive behaviour and in cumulative risks in several domains. In order to reduce negative consequences of externalising behaviour for society and the adolescents themselves, it is important to gain more insight into the complexity and heterogeneity of disruptive behaviour in these adolescents. To look beyond the influence of single risk factors, the aim of this study is to investigate the moderator effect of co-occurring risk factors in multiple domains on the relation between age of onset of disruptive behaviour and two types of externalising problems in adolescence.MethodsRetrospectively collected data of 225 adolescents admitted to secure residential care were analysed. The four risk profiles were based on co-occurring pre-admission risk factors in four domains, which were identified in a previous study by latent class analysis. Multiple regression models were used to test whether the independent variable age of onset and dummy-coded moderator variable risk profiles had statistically significant associations with aggressive behaviour and rule-breaking behaviour of the adolescents, as reported by professional caregivers in the first months of admission.ResultsRisk profiles moderated the relation between age of onset of disruptive behaviour and rule-breaking behaviour. Adolescents with childhood-onset disruptive behaviour within the risk profile with mainly family risks showed more rule-breaking behaviour in the first months of their admission to secure residential care than adolescents with an onset in adolescence within the same risk profile. Risk profiles, however, did not moderate the relation between age of onset of disruptive behaviour and aggressive behaviour.ConclusionHeterogeneity of aggressive and rule-breaking behaviour was established in this study by finding differences on these two types of externalising behaviour between the childhood- and adolescence-onset groups and between the four risk profiles. Furthermore, risk profiles moderated the effect between age of onset of disruptive behaviour and rule-breaking behaviour—not aggressive behaviour—in adolescents admitted to secure residential care. While respecting the limitations, adolescents’ childhood-onset disruptive behaviour within a profile with mainly family risk factors appear to be distinctive from adolescents with adolescence-onset disruptive behaviour within the same risk profile.

Emotional functioning in pediatric epilepsy: Evidence of greater externalizing behavior with left hemisphere onset

Though it is wellknown that psychiatric concerns are common in children with epilepsy, factors predicting such problems are not well understood. The present investigation studied rates of parent-reported psychological concerns in clinically referred children with epilepsy. Further, it investigated differences in psychological distress across epilepsy subtypes (i.e., focal, generalized, mixed), relationships with epilepsy severity variables, gender, and lateralization of seizure foci. The parents of 170 children and adolescents (ages 6–18 years, 78 girls, 92 boys) completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Scale elevation frequencies (T-scores ≥ 65) were calculated and Chi square analyses examined rates of elevations between epilepsy groups. Internalizing problems (32.4%) were more common than externalizing problems (17.1%) for the sample, with attention problems being the most common concern across all epilepsy types (48.8%). While there were no significant relationships between epilepsy severity variables and CBCL broadband scales, the Total Problems scale was inversely related to intellectual functioning (r = −0.174, p = 0.023). Rates of anxiety and depression did not differ across epilepsy subtypes and no gender differences were found. Those with left-sided epilepsy had higher rates of externalizing problems (33.2%) than those with right (14.0%; χ2[1, 88] = 4.55, p = 0.03), with rule-breaking behaviors (15.4%) being more common in left-hemisphere epilepsy (15.4% versus 2.3%; χ2[1,88] = 4.66, p = 0.03). In summary, while no significant differences were found across epilepsy groups, the current study adds to the literature regarding lateralization effects and mood/behavior, with more externalizing problems in those with left hemisphere epilepsy.

Rating behavioral problems in adolescent eating disorders: Parent-child differences

The primary objective of this study was to investigate the discrepancies among the perception of behavioral problems self-reported by adolescent patients with restrictive eating disorders (REDs) and rated by their mothers and fathers. Forty-eight female adolescents with RED filled in the Youth Self-Report, their mothers and fathers separately completed the Child Behavior Check List. Patients reported lower scores for somatic complaints, thought problems, and rule-breaking behaviors compared to their mothers and fathers. These findings may inform clinical consultation and treatment.

Parenting behavior and growth of child conduct problems: Moderation by callous-unemotional traits.

Although positive parenting behavior is central to efficacious interventions for child conduct problems (CP), studies of youth CP have focused mostly on negative parenting behavior. That is, few studies have examined dimensions of positive parenting behavior (e.g., positive reinforcement, involvement) as independent predictors of CP and even fewer have investigated their potential moderation by callous-unemotional (CU) traits. A sample of 184 6-9 year-old children with and without attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) was followed prospectively for two years. Controlling for baseline ADHD diagnostic status, initial CP, and negative parenting (i.e., corporal punishment), we examined CU traits, positive reinforcement and involvement, and their interactions as predictors of two-year change in CP. Positive reinforcement and CU traits independently predicted increased rule breaking behavior whereas parental involvement inversely predicted aggressive behavior. A significant positive reinforcement x CU traits interaction suggested that positive reinforcement predicted a decrease in aggressive behavior, but only in children with low CU traits; conversely, positively reinforcement marginally predicted increased aggressive behavior among children with high CU traits. No other significant parenting x CU traits interaction was observed. We consider these findings within a developmental psychopathology framework where interactive exchanges underlie the development of CP.

Attachment representations to parents and emotional-behavioral problems: A comparison between children with type 1 diabetes mellitus and healthy children in middle childhood.

Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) is one of the most demanding chronic diseases for children and their families, since controlling diabetes involves a process of co-regulation with attachment figures. However, there is insufficient evidence in middle childhood on psychological mechanisms involved that might complicate the adaptation of these children. Therefore, 106 children (N = 31 with T1D and N = 75 as matched healthy group [HG]) aged 8 to 13 were assessed using the Child Attachment Interview, the Child Behavior Checklist, and the measure of glycated hemoglobin. Results showed that insecure T1D children did not have worse diabetes control than the secure ones. However, T1D children differed from HG for higher levels of idealization to father and withdrawn/depressed problems. Moreover, T1D children with insecure attachment to mother scored significantly higher in anxious/depressed, withdrawn/depressed, attention problems, and rule-breaking behavior, while T1D children with insecure attachment to father scored significantly higher only in the withdrawn/depressed scale compared to the remaining children. Therefore, diabetes does not in itself determine a psychological vulnerability in middle childhood, but the presence of an insecure attachment, especially to the mother, worsens the psychological adaptation of T1D children. Psychological support should be provided for these young patients and their families.

The Impact of Environmental Stimuli on Hotel Service Employees’ Service Sabotage—Mediation Role of Emotional Intelligence and Emotional Dissonance

While scholarly inquiries into Service Sabotage (SS) have received ample attention in the literature of various industries, the role of Emotional Intelligence (EI) and Emotional Dissonance (ED) in employee-customer relations in the context of Environmental Stimuli (ES) in the tourism accommodation sector has remained unexplored. The role of employee–customer interaction in tourism is paramount for a hospitality organization’s growth, sustainability, and profitability. We hypothesized hotel service employees’ EI and ED can be influential factors to SS. Adopting the Mehrabian–Russell model (M–R) and Stimulus-Organism-Response (S-O-R) framework as conceptual paradigms, we tested the effect of hotel ambiance on employees’ emotions, which can have significant effects on SS. The study revealed that ES links to behaviors and elicits EI and ED as human emotional responses to environments that have a parallel mediating effect on mitigating or neutralizing the negative effect of SS in an organization. The findings provide important insights into an organization’s awareness of the provision of ES as a positive factor for employees, subsequently forming their behavioral consequences of EI and ED which can mitigate the negative impacts of SS. The study yields important implications on how hospitality organizations should pay attention to the impact of rule-breaking behaviors. Theoretical and practical implications are also discussed.

Hierarchical dimensional models of psychopathology: yes, but….

Hierarchical dimensional models of psychopathology: yes, but….

An exploratory study on the psychological and epigenetic correlates of internet addiction

Background: The dopamine active transporter (DAT) gene has been implicated in various psychiatric disorders such as attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder and externalizing behaviors. Studies on the methylation loci of DAT and Internet addiction (IA) are sparse. The study aimed to look at the association between various methylation loci of the DAT gene and IA, impulsivity, and other related variables. Methodology: Thirty-two youths with 10/10 genotype of DAT gene were administered the IA Test, Barratt's Impulsivity Scale (BIS), and Adult Self-Report Scale and using buccal swab methylation loci 1–7 of DAT gene were assessed. The data were analyzed by a correlation between various variables and a multiple regression analysis. Results: It was noted that the met5 allele (r = 0.844, P < 0.01) and met7 allele (r = 0.517, P = 0.01) correlated with DAT MEDIA scores. The total scores on the BIS and Internet Addiction Scale (IAS) also showed a positive correlation (r = 0.641, P = 0.01). Positive correlations were also noted between the scores on IAS and rule-breaking behavior as well as withdrawn behavior. Similar positive correlations were found between total scores on the BIS and rule-breaking behavior, withdrawn behavior, and intrusive behavior. Conclusions: Further studies in larger samples are needed to draw conclusions on the relationship between DAT gene methylation loci and IA or impulsivity.

Mental health problems and suicidal expressions among young male prisoners in Cambodia: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Background incarceration and mental health problems are known to have a strong empirical association. Many studies have confirmed the high prevalence of mental health problems among young prisoners in particular, yet none has been conducted in Cambodia. Objectives this study aimed to assess the level of mental health problems and suicidal expressions, and determine the associated risk factors among young prisoners in Cambodia. Method this was a cross-sectional study among 572 young prisoners between the ages of 15 and 24 from three prisons. Sociodemographic data and detailed information on participants’ profiles were gathered, and mental health problems and suicidal expressions were assessed using the Youth Self-Report (YSR) and the Attitude Towards Suicide (ATTS) questionnaires, respectively. Results Mental health problems as revealed by the mean YSR scores were: 25.97 for internalizing and 18.12 for externalizing problems; 11.88 for anxiety/depression, 9.97 for aggressive behaviours and 7.53 for somatic complaints. Social problems, attention problems and rule breaking behaviour were in the range of 8.10 to 8.49. Withdrawal depression and thought problems mean scores were 6.55 and 6.66, respectively. Mental health problems were associated with younger age, lower educational background, and shorter duration of incarceration. Around 16% had thought about their own death, and 12% expressed wish to die. Suicide ideation, planning, and attempts were reported by almost 7%, 2%, and 3% of participants respectively. Prior drugs users thought about death significantly more than their counterparts while suicide ideation was significantly lower among prisoners with higher education. Conclusion Mental health problems and suicidal expressions among young prisoners warrant well-planned mental health services that are integrated into the current prison health system. A contextualised intervention that takes into account age, education, duration of incarceration and previous drug use may contribute to improve the mental well-being of young prisoners in Cambodia.

Vocal folds nodules among Egyptian children and adolescents: Behavior aspects

Objective: This study aimed to verify the relationships between voice, and behavior in children and adolescents with and without dysphonia based on parents’ reports and perceptual voice analysis by Phoniatricans.Study Design: This is a case control study.Patients and Methods: The study involved 51 of dysphonic school-age children and adolescents and 62 vocally normal controls aged from 6-18 years. Participants were assessed with auditory perceptual voice analysis, clinical laryngoscopic examination (CLE). Parents of all participants completed the Child Behavior Checklist for ages 6–18 years (CBCL)..Results: Children and adolescents with dysphonia scored higher on Internalizing, Externalizing, Anxiety/depression, Withdrawal/depression, Somatic complaints, Social problems, Attention problems, Rule-breaking, and Aggressive behavior. Children and adolescents with vocal problem scored lower on Activities, Social, School, and thought problems. Correlation analysis between dysphonia severity and CBCL scores demonstrated significant positive correlation in the following scales (Internalizing scale r=0.549; P=0.001, externalizing scale (r=0.370; P= 0.001 and total Behavior scales (r= 0.581; P=0.00), school scale score (r= 0.288; P=0.002), and total Competence indicators (r= 0.230; P= 0.014), withdrawal/depression, social problems, rule-breaking, and aggressive behavior .Conclusion: Vocal fold nodules may be a risk for behavior problems due to the higher scores on behavior problems scales in children and adolescents, especially internalization and externalization aspects and significant positive correlation found between dysphonia severity and CBCL scores. Early interventions of these problems are needed to prevent the persistence of such problems, and reduce its negative impact.

Control less, trust more: Parenting and externalising problems of adolescents

Previous research recognises poor parental monitoring, negative parental upbringing practices and insecure attachment as risk factors of great importance for understanding externalising problems in adolescence. The aim of the research is to understand the role that affective attachment to parents plays in the interpretation of the relationship between parental monitoring and upbringing practices with externalising problems of adolescents. A total of 507 adolescents (209 males and 298 females), aged between 15 to 18 filled the questionnaires. Through the use of structural equation modelling, trust in parents is revealed as important mediator with systematic effect that deserves further attention. It is found that trust in parents, especially in mothers, is a more potent mediator for explaining the link between positive parenting and parental monitoring with aggressive behaviour than with rule-breaking behaviour. Results are discussed in the light of the importance of parent-adolescent relationship for externalising problems in adolescence.

Assessing the NCAA as a Compliance Organization

The National Collegiate Athletic Association is, at essence, a compliance organization. This is evidenced by the NCAA’s stated and functional mission—one supported by a considerable and growing administrative apparatus—that is aimed at ensuring its member-schools abide by the association’s rules. While a significant body of academic literature analyzes the NCAA and its bylaws, surprisingly none of these prior works evaluate the effectiveness of the NCAA as a compliance organization. This omission is glaring considering the past decade has seen a rich body of work emerge regarding the field of corporate governance and organizational compliance. And it is all the more surprising given the sustained and withering critiques of the NCAA centered on the association’s inability to adequately and fairly police the integrity of college athletics. This article seeks to fill this conspicuous gap in the literature by analyzing the NCAA through the lens of corporate compliance. What it finds, after applying theories based in behavioral ethics, criminology, and procedural justice, is that the association’s legislative and enforcement apparatus has become so overwrought, so “overcriminalized,” that it is eroding the legitimacy of the NCAA as a whole. Critically, this delegitimization not only decreases compliance effectiveness, but actually fosters future wrongdoing by allowing players, coaches, staff, and third-parties to rationalize rule-breaking behavior. In its misguided attempts to increase the integrity of college sports, the NCAA has damaged its own legitimacy, thereby creating conditions ripe for further rule violations. The origins, operation, and examples of this phenomenon are detailed, but so too are the implications for the NCAA, which must learn from corporate compliance if it is ever to effectuate its laudable, yet increasingly embattled, mission.

충청지역 ‘정신건강 전문가 학교방문지원사업’에 참여한 초등학생 중 학교폭력 경험군의 임상적 특성

Objectives: This study examined the characteristics of elementary school students who were referred to the Professional school visits outreach project in 2017 and 2018 and analyzed the emotional and behavioral characteristics of the students who experienced school violence. Methods: 160 elementary students were included in the analysis and the participant’s parents were asked to complete the Child Behavior Checklist 6-18. To obtain general information and experience of bullying, a semi-structured interview with the student, parents and the teacher was conducted. Results: The participants had a high proportion of vulnerable groups, and the main presumptive diagnoses were ADHD and depression, which were similar to those of the clinical group. Experiences of child abuse increased the risk of experiencing bullying (OR=2.16, p,0.5). The median scores of rule-breaking (p=.03) and aggressive behaviors (p=.01), externalization (p=.01) and conduct problems (p<.01) were significantly different among bullying participant roles. Bullies exhibited the most serious emotional behavior problems. Conclusion: The group with experience of school violence had more social immaturity and behavior problems, and less social and adaptability than the group without experience. Bullies had severe rule-breaking, aggression, externalization, and behavior problems, and showed the most problems in emotional behavior, and victims showed a tendency to have poor social and adaptation skills.

Emotional and behavioural problems of children and adolescents who stutter: Comparison with typically developing peers

Purpose There are several studies showing contradictory results on concurrent emotional and behavioural problems of children and adolescents who stutter (CAWS). This study aimed to identify whether there is a difference between Turkish-speaking CAWS and their typically developing peers (TDP) in emotional and behavioural problems. Methods The study group consisted of 45 CAWS, aged between 3.40 and 15.92 years, and the control group consisted of 45 TDP, aged between 3.15 and 16.80 years. Participants were divided into three age groups: early childhood (0–6 years), middle childhood (7–11 years) and adolescence (12–18 years). CAWS and TDP were compared separately in each age group with Mann–Whitney U tests. Assessments of emotional and behavioural problems were conducted with the Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) for Ages 1.5–5 and the CBCL for Ages 6–18. Results In early childhood, CAWS had significantly higher emotional reactivity, anxiety/depression, somatic complaints, withdrawal, sleep problems, attention problems and aggressive behaviour scores than TDP. In middle childhood and adolescence, CAWS had significantly higher anxiety/depression, withdrawal/depression, social problems, attention problems, rule-breaking behaviour and aggressive behaviour scores compared to TDP. In adolescence, somatic problems and thought problems scores were also significantly higher in AWS than TDP. Conclusions We concluded that emotional and behavioural problems associated with stuttering are noticeable from early childhood to adolescence. Cooperation with mental health professionals may be needed to improve the quality of speech therapy in CAWS.

Multiple developmental pathways underlying conduct problems: A multitrajectory framework.

In the past decades, there has been an overemphasis of a descriptive/behavioral approach to study conduct disorder. In an equifinal perspective, we aimed to examine the developmental multitrajectory groups of psychological features (irritability, interpersonal callousness, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and depressive-anxiety symptoms) and their associations with conduct problems. In a population-based cohort (n = 1,309 participants followed from 5 months to 17 years old), latent-class growth analysis was performed for each psychological feature to identify a two-trajectory model (from ages 6 to 12 years). Based on parameter estimates of the two-trajectory models for each of the four psychological features, a parallel process growth mixture model identified eight significant developmental patterns that were subsequently compared with typically developing children. Furthermore, we observed that while interpersonal callousness conferred an increased risk for childhood and adolescence conduct problems, its co-occurrence with hyperactivity/impulsivity, irritability, and/or depressive-anxiety symptoms heightened the general risk, but also predicted distinct subtypes of conduct problems (i.e., aggressive and rule-breaking behaviors). Thus, by studying complex developmental combinations of psychological features, we observed qualitatively distinct pathways towards conduct problems. A multitrajectory framework of psychological features should be considered as a significant step towards unveiling the multiple etiological pathways leading to conduct disorder and its substantial clinical heterogeneity.

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.

Public Service Motivation and Prosocial Rule-Breaking: An International Vignettes Study in Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands

We theorize that people with high Public Service Motivation (PSM) are especially prone to engage in prosocial rule-breaking (PSRB) behavior, which ultimately leads to discriminatory practices, particularly for clients associated with positive affect. We conduct an original vignette study in three countries (Belgium, Germany, and the Netherlands) with 928 observations in total. Our findings provide tentative behavioral evidence on a linear relationship between PSM and the likelihood of PSRB and a strong positive association with client likeability, which is an asymmetric relationship: Negative affect cues have a larger negative effect than positive affect cues have a positive effect on PSRB. Although our results vary across the three country studies regarding the effects of PSM, overall, the results imply that high-PSM individuals have a tendency to being more likely to engage in PSRB and that clients who are perceived as more favorable will receive a less strict application of bureaucratic rules compared to less favorable clients.

A quasi-experimental pilot study to the effects of Responsive Aggression Regulation Therapy (Re-ART) Outpatient for young adults.

It is important to provide treatment for juvenile and young adult violent offenders, since no or (too) late treatment increases the risk of recidivism and persistent aggressive behavior in adulthood. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of the intervention Responsive Aggression Regulation Therapy (Re-ART) Outpatient, which has been developed for adolescents and young adults between 16 and 24years old with severe aggression problems. This quasi-experimental (pilot) study compared the effects of Re-ART Outpatient (n=47) with a control group (n=29) receiving treatment as usual on measures regarding risk of violent recidivism, impulsivity, emotional/personal functioning, family functioning, motivation, handling anger, self-reported problem behavior, coping skills, and cognitive distortions. Re-ART showed significantly better results than the control group on risk of violent recidivism, impulsivity, emotional/personal functioning, motivation, handling anger, certain coping skills, and certain cognitive distortions. Family functioning and self-reported rule-breaking behavior did not differ significantly between the groups. The results implicate that Re-ART is a promising outpatient intervention for young adults with severe aggressive behavior. The results can be explained by the fact that Re-ART treats both systemically and individually and pays specific attention to stress reduction and the improvement of executive functions.

Psychosocial health of adolescents in relation to underweight, overweight/obese status: the EU NET ADB survey.

Both deviations from normal weight, namely, underweight and overweight/obese status, have been inversely associated with psychosocial health in adolescents. This study aimed to examine the relationship between psychosocial health and body mass index (BMI) among adolescents in five European countries, while assessing the effect of sociodemographic variables. A cross-sectional school-based study of adolescents aged 14-17.9 years was conducted in the framework of the European Network for Adolescent Addictive Behavior survey. Self-reported questionnaires from Greece, Iceland, the Netherlands, Romania and Spain were used for the current analysis. Associations between Youth Self-Report (YSR) scales and BMI status were investigated by multiple logistic regression analysis. The effect of sociodemographic variables was also measured. Τhe sample consisted of 7005 adolescents aged 14-17.9 years. Borderline/clinical scores on some YSR scales were independently associated with overweight/obesity, specifically total problems (OR = 1.52, 95% CI: 1.18-1.96), internalizing ( OR = 1.48, 95% CI: 1.16-1.91), externalizing (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.10-1.68), social (OR = 1.67, 95% CI: 1.19-2.35) and thought problems (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.20-2.20). Among subscales, overweight/obesity specifically correlated with anxiety/depression (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.33-2.51), withdrawal/depression (OR = 1.58, 95% CI: 1.02-2.48) and rule-breaking behavior (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.15-2.08). Underweight was associated with problems on activities (OR = 1.31, 95% CI: 1.01-1.68) and withdrawal/depression (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.27-3.01). Lower levels of psychosocial health are associated with both deviations from normal weight. These findings suggest the need for health policies that target health habits and lifestyle, as well as positive attitudes towards the body image, with respect to the different psychosocial characteristics of each body weight status category.

The Effects of the Exposure to Neurotoxic Elements on Italian Schoolchildren Behavior

Background/Aim: Neurodevelopmental disorders are constantly increasing on a global scale. Some elements are known to be neurotoxic being able to interfere with neurons. In this study we assessed the neurobehavioral effect of the exposure to trace elements including lead, mercury, cadmium, manganese, arsenic and selenium among 6-12 years old children residing in Taranto area in Italy. Methods: A total of 299 children from 6 to 11 years were enrolled in the 12 primary schools located in the 5 sub-areas. Whole blood, urine and hair were collected while The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and the Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), administered to the main teacher and to the mother were considered to identify problem behavior in children. The relationship between metal exposures and neurobehavioral outcomes was tested through linear mixed effects model and tobit regressions. Results: Blood lead mainly influenced social problems (beta 0.7; 95% CI 0.1, 1.4), aggressive behaviour (beta 0.9; 95% CI 0.2, 1.6), externalizing (beta 1.8; 95% CI 0.1, 3.5) and total problems (beta 1.9; 95% CI 0.2, 3.7). Urinary arsenic showed to have an impact on anxiety and depression (beta 0.4; 95% CI 0.1, 0.8), somatic problems (beta 0.6; 95% CI 0.1, 1.1), attention problems (beta 0.4; 95% CI 0.1, 0.7) and rule breaking behaviour (beta 0.4; 95% CI 0.1, 0.7). Conclusions: Overall, we were able to test that higher blood lead or urinary arsenic concentrations increase the risk of neurobehavioral problems. This is in line with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) priority list of hazardous substances where arsenic and lead are ranked as first and second respectively. No other studied elements appeared to have a statistically significant effect on children neurobehavior.