Social Functioning Research Articles

The impact of modified Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy in social adjustment functions of children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and their parents' stress levels: A nonrandomized clinical trial.

This study aims to investigate the potential of a modified Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy (CBGT) intervention in promoting social adjustment and reducing their parental stress among children exhibiting symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The research also highlights the mechanisms and advantages of employing modified CBGT to address negative symptoms associated with ADHD in children. The study was conducted at Fuzhou Children's Hospital of Fujian Province, with a total of 20 pairs of parents and children with ADHD participating. The assessment utilized measures including SNAP, Barratt Impulsivity, and Conners to evaluate changes in the children's social adjustment abilities and core/associated ADHD symptoms before and after CBGT intervention. Additionally, the Parental Stress Index was employed to gauge the level of stress experienced by the parents. Consequently, CBGT interventions have shown substantial improvements in children's social adjustment abilities and have proven to be a significant source of stress relief for parents.

Exploring early life social and executive function development in infants and risk for autism: a prospective cohort study protocol of NICU graduates and infants at risk for cerebral palsy

BackgroundDelays in early social and executive function are predictive of later developmental delays and eventual neurodevelopmental diagnoses. There is limited research examining such markers in the first year of life. High-risk infant groups commonly present with a range of neurodevelopmental challenges, including social and executive function delays, and show higher rates of autism diagnoses later in life. For example, it has been estimated that up to 30% of infants diagnosed with cerebral palsy (CP) will go on to be diagnosed with autism later in life.MethodsThis article presents a protocol of a prospective longitudinal study. The primary aim of this study is to identify early life markers of delay in social and executive function in high-risk infants at the earliest point in time, and to explore how these markers may relate to the increased risk for social and executive delay, and risk of autism, later in life. High-risk infants will include Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) graduates, who are most commonly admitted for premature birth and/or cardiovascular problems. In addition, we will include infants with, or at risk for, CP. This prospective study will recruit 100 high-risk infants at the age of 3–12 months old and will track social and executive function across the first 2 years of their life, when infants are 3–7, 8–12, 18 and 24 months old. A multi-modal approach will be adopted by tracking the early development of social and executive function using behavioural, neurobiological, and caregiver-reported everyday functioning markers. Data will be analysed to assess the relationship between the early markers, measured from as early as 3–7 months of age, and the social and executive function as well as the autism outcomes measured at 24 months.DiscussionThis study has the potential to promote the earliest detection and intervention opportunities for social and executive function difficulties as well as risk for autism in NICU graduates and/or infants with, or at risk for, CP. The findings of this study will also expand our understanding of the early emergence of autism across a wider range of at-risk groups.

Utilization of the Short-form 36 to measure health-related quality of life among end-stage kidney diseases patients undergoing hemodialysis: Evidence in central Vietnam

ABSTRACT This study aimed to evaluate the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients undergoing hemodialysis treatment and identify associated factors. A cross-sectional study was conducted in a hospital in central Vietnam. The Short form – 36 (SF – 36) was used to measure HRQOL. Multivariate Tobit regression was utilised. Results showed that among 95 patients, the mean PCS and MCS scores were 44.18 (SD = 19.45) and 48.74 (SD = 19.82), respectively. In physical components, the highest score was bodily pain (mean = 69.9, SD = 26.36). In mental components, the highest score was social function (mean = 55.13, SD = 14.30). Patients who did not depend on others in self-care had a significantly higher MCS score (Coef. = 24.02, 95%CI = 10.54-37.51) than those who entirely relied on others. Patients with 5 – <10 years of dialysis had a lower MCS score (Coef. = –8.52, 95%CI = –16.35 - -0.70) than those under five years. Having only hypertension as a comorbidity was negatively associated with PCS (Coef. = –6.32, 95%CI = –12.45 – –0.20) and MCS (Coef. = –7.73; 95%CI = –13.13 – –2.33) scores. To conclude, patients with ESKD who undergo dialysis experience a diminished quality of life.

Heightism, growth hormone treatment, and social functioning: a holistic approach to a persistent clinical challenge.

Use of recombinant human growth hormone (rhGH) treatment to increase height in children with non-growth hormone deficient short stature is becoming more common. Yet, the evidence to support the notion that augmenting height directly leads to increased well being, specifically psychosocial well being, is inconsistent, with high-quality evidence lacking. Review of recent studies demonstrates that the association between height augmentation and psychosocial well being is complex. The direct contribution of height to well being may be less than the current model of clinical care of short stature assumes. Rather, the new studies provide evidence to support a role for psychosocial factors, including height-related beliefs, social support, and coping skills, in promoting psychosocial well being, specifically quality of life and self-esteem. Clinical care of short stature would benefit from incorporating a holistic model of care that considers psychosocial interventions in addition to, or instead of, rhGH treatment.

Effect of Low-Frequency Pulsed Electrotherapy Combined with Acupoint Nursing on Postpartum Urinary Retention in Patients with Vaginal Delivery.

This study was carried out to investigate the effect of low-frequency pulsed electrotherapy combined with acupoint massage on postpartum urinary retention (PUR). The patients were divided into control group, intervention group 1, and intervention group 2 according to the nursing method. The control group received conventional postpartum care, intervention group 1 received conventional postpartum care and low frequency pulsed electrotherapy, and intervention group 2 received conventional postpartum care, low-frequency pulsed electrotherapy, and Shuidao point massage. The bladder function, comfort score, and quality of life score before and after intervention were compared among the three groups. The bladder function, comfort level, and quality of life of intervention group 1 and intervention group 2 after nursing were significantly better than those of the control group. In addition, intervention group 2 had better bladder function than intervention group 1, with lower residual urine volume and higher bladder compliance. In the Kolcaba score, the mental dimension of intervention group 2 was significantly higher than that of intervention group 1. In terms of QOL scores, the social function, physical function, and state of material life scores of intervention group 2 were significantly higher than those of intervention group 1. Low-frequency pulsed electrotherapy combined with acupoint massage can significantly improve the bladder function, comfort, and quality of life of patients with PUR.

Using machine learning to discover traumatic brain injury patient phenotypes: national concussion surveillance system Pilot

ABSTRACT Objective The objective is to determine whether unsupervised machine learning identifies traumatic brain injury (TBI) phenotypes with unique clinical profiles. Methods Pilot self-reported survey data of over 10,000 adults were collected from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s National Concussion Surveillance System (NCSS). Respondents who self-reported a head injury in the past 12 months (n = 1,364) were retained and queried for injury, outcome, and clinical characteristics. An unsupervised machine learning algorithm, partitioning around medoids (PAM), that employed Gower’s dissimilarity matrix, was used to conduct a cluster analysis. Results PAM grouped respondents into five TBI clusters (phenotypes A-E). Phenotype C represented more clinically severe TBIs with a higher prevalence of symptoms and association with worse outcomes. When compared to individuals in Phenotype A, a group with few TBI-related symptoms, individuals in Phenotype C were more likely to undergo medical evaluation (odds ratio [OR] = 9.8, 95% confidence interval[CI] = 5.8–16.6), have symptoms that were not currently resolved or resolved in 8+ days (OR = 10.6, 95%CI = 6.2–18.1), and more likely to report at least moderate impact on social (OR = 54.7, 95%CI = 22.4–133.4) and work (OR = 25.4, 95%CI = 11.2–57.2) functioning. Conclusion Machine learning can be used to classify patients into unique TBI phenotypes. Further research might examine the utility of such classifications in supporting clinical diagnosis and patient recovery for this complex health condition.

Social Security Allowances to Single Women: A Case Study

This paper assesses the impacts of social security allowances provided by the Government of Nepal to single women and the various associated aspects. This study was based on the socio[1]economic status of single women, the nature of tasks performed, and the perception of society and family towards them, which were observed and studied in Phedikhola Rural Municipality, Syangja, using descriptive research methods and related tools such as semi-structured questionnaires, key informant interviews, and observations. Similarly, accessible relevant published or unpublished materials, existing legal provisions, and information available via online means were also referred to as secondary sources. A higher percentage of single women took part in decision[1]making in household non-financial affairs, but involvement in financial affairs was relatively less. Most of them were occasionally invited to social functions and were relatively more trusted by society. The study concluded that the social security allowance can be an important step in uplifting the socio-economic condition of single women. However, the allowance amount needs to be increased to help single women be more independent, and it is also crucial to ensure that the allowances are received by single women and that the expenses are at her discretion.

Ultrasonic vocalisation rate tracks the diurnal pattern of activity in winter phenotype Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus).

Vocalisations are increasingly being recognised as an important aspect of normal rodent behaviour yet little is known of how they interact with other spontaneous behaviours such as sleep and torpor, particularly in a social setting. We obtained chronic recordings of the vocal behaviour of adult male and female Djungarian hamsters (Phodopus sungorus) housed under short photoperiod (8h light, 16h dark, square wave transitions), in different social contexts. The animals were kept in isolation or in same-sex sibling pairs, separated by a grid which allowed non-physical social interaction. On approximately 20% of days hamsters spontaneously entered torpor, a state of metabolic depression that coincides with the rest phase of many small mammal species in response to actual or predicted energy shortages. Animals produced ultrasonic vocalisations (USVs) with a peak frequency of 57kHz in both social and asocial conditions and there was a high degree of variability in vocalisation rate between subjects. Vocalisation rate was correlated with locomotor activity across the 24-h light cycle, occurring more frequently during the dark period when the hamsters were more active and peaking around light transitions. Solitary-housed animals did not vocalise whilst torpid and animals remained in torpor despite overlapping with vocalisations in social-housing. Besides a minor decrease in peak USV frequency when isolated hamsters were re-paired with their siblings, changing social contexts did not influence vocalisation behaviour or structure. In rare instances, temporally overlapping USVs occurred when animals were socially-housed and were grouped in such a way that could indicate coordination. We did not observe broadband calls (BBCs) contemporaneous with USVs in this paradigm, corroborating their correlation with physical aggression which was absent from our experiment. Overall, we find little evidence to suggest a direct social function of hamster USVs. We conclude that understanding the effects of vocalisations on spontaneous behaviours, such as sleep and torpor, will inform experimental design of future studies, especially where the role of social interactions is investigated.

From "online brains" to "online lives": understanding the individualized impacts of Internet use across psychological, cognitive and social dimensions.

In response to the mass adoption and extensive usage of Internet-enabled devices across the world, a major review published in this journal in 2019 examined the impact of Internet on human cognition, discussing the concepts and ideas behind the "online brain". Since then, the online world has become further entwined with the fabric of society, and the extent to which we use such technologies has continued to grow. Furthermore, the research evidence on the ways in which Internet usage affects the human mind has advanced considerably. In this paper, we sought to draw upon the latest data from large-scale epidemiological studies and systematic reviews, along with randomized controlled trials and qualitative research recently emerging on this topic, in order to now provide a multi-dimensional overview of the impacts of Internet usage across psychological, cognitive and societal outcomes. Within this, we detail the empirical evidence on how effects differ according to various factors such as age, gender, and usage types. We also draw from new research examining more experiential aspects of individuals' online lives, to understand how the specifics of their interactions with the Internet, and the impact on their lifestyle, determine the benefits or drawbacks of online time. Additionally, we explore how the nascent but intriguing areas of culturomics, artificial intelligence, virtual reality, and augmented reality are changing our understanding of how the Internet can interact with brain and behavior. Overall, the importance of taking an individualized and multi-dimensional approach to how the Internet affects mental health, cognition and social functioning is clear. Furthermore, we emphasize the need for guidelines, policies and initiatives around Internet usage to make full use of the evidence available from neuroscientific, behavioral and societal levels of research presented herein.

Cyclical issues of pricing of regulated services

The article reflects current issues of the formation and regulation of tariffs that have developed in the modern economy. A brief analysis of the historical development of tariff regulation with the assessment of the used methods and ways is conducted. The authors identified expediency of tariff formation and regulation by a single body determining functions and set tasks. The study uses descriptive, analytical, and comparative methods. The article describes a positive example of applying the practice of deregulation with subsequent possible extension to other areas. The reasons of inefficiency of using the marginal indices mechanism are determined and justified, which is directly related to underfunding of the industry and lack of investment components. The question is raised about the fulfillment of the development, or social function by tariff regulation. It is proved that the current tariff system is not able to change the situation of increasing the investment base necessary to stabilise the deterioration of infrastructure. The main components of the current tariff regulation system are identified, and the directions of a new development model are proposed with consideration to the problems found by the study. According to the research results, conclusions are given that reflect the essence of the designated topic for possible solutions to issues existing in the functioning development model.

The impact of acute violent videogame exposure on neurocognitive markers of emotional empathic state.

Research examining the purported association between violent gaming and aggression remains controversial due to concerns related to methodology, unclear neurocognitive mechanisms, and the failure to adequately consider the role of individual differences in susceptibility. To help address these concerns, we used fMRI and an emotional empathy task to examine whether acute and cumulative violent gaming exposure were associated with abnormalities in emotional empathy as a function of trait-empathy. Emotional empathy was targeted given its involvement in regulating not only aggression, but also other important social functions such as compassion and prosocial behaviour. We hypothesized that violent media exposure increases the risk of aberrant social behaviour by altering the aversive value of distress cues. Contrary to expectations, neither behavioural ratings nor empathy-related brain activity varied as a function of violent gaming exposure. Notably, however, activation patterns in somatosensory and motor cortices reflected an interaction between violent media exposure and trait empathy. Thus, our results are inconsistent with a straightforward relationship between violent media exposure and reduced empathy. Furthermore, they highlight the importance of considering both individual differences in susceptibility, and other aspects of cognition related to social functioning to best inform public concern regarding safe gaming practices.

What’s the Point of Authors?

In this paper, I want to start to untangle some of the philosophical issues associated with our practices of ascribing authorship for collaborative work, with an eye to formulating better guidelines for authorship. I will focus on the following questions: 1. What epistemic, social, and ethical functions are played by our practices of ascribing authorship for academic papers? 2. What ways of ascribing authorship would best address these functions? Can any one way of ascribing authorship address all of the functions? I hope to make three contributions. First, I hope to build on established debates about authorship to offer a general framework for assessing practices of assigning authorship. Secondly, to argue that the different functions of authorship are incoherent, making different predictions about who should be an author. Thirdly, I will argue that this incoherence points in the direction of replacing the role of an author with a number of different roles which address the different functions. In the final section I will set out a proposal that does just this, which I will call the no author account of authorship.

Japanese value set for the EORTC QLU-C10D: A multi-attribute utility instrument based on the EORTC QLQ-C30 cancer-specific quality-of-life questionnaire

Abstract Purpose This study aimed to develop a Japanese value set for the EORTC QLU-C10D, a multi-attribute utility measure derived from the cancer-specific health-related quality-of-life (HRQL) questionnaire, the EORTC QLQ-C30. The QLU-C10D contains ten HRQL dimensions: physical, role, social and emotional functioning, pain, fatigue, sleep, appetite, nausea, and bowel problems. Methods Quota sampling of a Japanese online panel was used to achieve representativeness of the Japanese general population by sex and age (≥ 18 years). The valuation method was an online discrete choice experiment. Each participant considered 16 choice pairs, randomly assigned from 960 choice pairs. Each pair included two QLU-C10D health states and life expectancy. Data were analyzed using conditional logistic regression, parameterized to fit the quality-adjusted life-year framework. Preference weights were calculated as the ratio of each dimension-level coefficient to the coefficient for life expectancy. Results A total of 2809 eligible panel members consented, 2662/2809 (95%) completed at least one choice pair, and 2435/2662 (91%) completed all choice pairs. Within dimensions, preference weights were generally monotonic. Physical functioning, role functioning, and pain were associated with the largest utility weights. Intermediate utility weights were associated with social functioning and nausea; the remaining symptoms and emotional functioning were associated with smaller utility decrements. The value of the worst health state was − 0.221, lower than that seen in most other existing QLU-C10D country-specific value sets. Conclusions The Japan-specific QLU-C10D value set is suitable for evaluating the cost and utility of oncology treatments for Japanese health technology assessment and decision-making.

A pre-post study design: evaluating the effectiveness of a new community-based integrated service model on patient outcomes

This study aimed to evaluate a new service model, Specialists Together In the Community (STIC), in terms of patient outcomes. This model integrates Flexible Assertive Community Treatment (FACT)-principles with expertise of specialized teams that offer diagnosis-related outpatient treatment. In a pre-post design, symptoms and quality of life of 930 former FACT-patients were measured repeatedly pre- and post-STIC. Regarding patients in former specialized teams, pre- and post-treatment social functioning and symptoms were measured for the pre- (n = 944) and post-STIC (n = 544) groups. Against expectation, symptoms of former FACT-patients remained stable post-STIC compared to a slight decrease pre-STIC. According to expectation, pre- and post-STIC groups had an equal symptom reduction. Unexpectedly, the post-STIC group did not improve more on social functioning than the pre-STIC group. Explorative analysis showed less treatment contacts in the post-STIC group. The highly similar patient outcomes post-STIC could be improved by monitoring process outcomes and prolonging study duration.

Taboo language across the globe: A multi-lab study.

The use of taboo words represents one of the most common and arguably universal linguistic behaviors, fulfilling a wide range of psychological and social functions. However, in the scientific literature, taboo language is poorly characterized, and how it is realized in different languages and populations remains largely unexplored. Here we provide a database of taboo words, collected from different linguistic communities (Study 1, N = 1046), along with their speaker-centered semantic characterization (Study 2, N = 455 for each of six rating dimensions), covering 13 languages and 17 countries from all five permanently inhabited continents. Our results show that, in all languages, taboo words are mainly characterized by extremely low valence and high arousal, and very low written frequency. However, a significant amount of cross-country variability in words' tabooness and offensiveness proves the importance of community-specific sociocultural knowledge in the study of taboo language.

Comprehensive dry eye therapy: overcoming ocular surface barrier and combating inflammation, oxidation, and mitochondrial damage

BackgroundDry Eye Disease (DED) is a prevalent multifactorial ocular disease characterized by a vicious cycle of inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction on the ocular surface, all of which lead to DED deterioration and impair the patients’ quality of life and social functioning. Currently, anti-inflammatory drugs have shown promising efficacy in treating DED; however, such drugs are associated with side effects. The bioavailability of ocular drugs is less than 5% owing to factors such as rapid tear turnover and the presence of the corneal barrier. This calls for investigations to overcome these challenges associated with ocular drug administration.ResultsA novel hierarchical action liposome nanosystem (PHP-DPS@INS) was developed in this study. In terms of delivery, PHP-DPS@INS nanoparticles (NPs) overcame the ocular surface transport barrier by adopting the strategy of “ocular surface electrostatic adhesion-lysosomal site-directed escape”. In terms of therapy, PHP-DPS@INS achieved mitochondrial targeting and antioxidant effects through SS-31 peptide, and exerted an anti-inflammatory effect by loading insulin to reduce mitochondrial inflammatory metabolites. Ultimately, the synergistic action of “anti-inflammation-antioxidation-mitochondrial function restoration” breaks the vicious cycle associated with DED. The PHP-DPS@INS demonstrated remarkable cellular uptake, lysosomal escape, and mitochondrial targeting in vitro. Targeted metabolomics analysis revealed that PHP-DPS@INS effectively normalized the elevated level of mitochondrial proinflammatory metabolite fumarate in an in vitro hypertonic model of DED, thereby reducing the levels of key inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). Additionally, PHP-DPS@INS strongly inhibited reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and facilitated mitochondrial structural repair. In vivo, the PHP-DPS@INS treatment significantly enhanced the adhesion duration and corneal permeability of the ocular surface in DED mice, thereby improving insulin bioavailability. It also restored tear secretion, suppressed ocular surface damage, and reduced inflammation in DED mice. Moreover, it demonstrated favorable safety profiles both in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionIn summary, this study successfully developed a comprehensive DED management nanosystem that overcame the ocular surface transmission barrier and disrupted the vicious cycle that lead to dry eye pathogenesis. Additionally, it pioneered the regulation of mitochondrial metabolites as an anti-inflammatory treatment for ocular conditions, presenting a safe, efficient, and innovative therapeutic strategy for DED and other inflammatory diseases.

Exploring unmet needs and preferences of young adult stroke patients for post-stroke care through PROMs and gender differences

BackgroundStroke incidence among young adults of working age (under 65 years of age) has significantly increased in the past decade, with major individual, social, and economic implications. There is a paucity of research exploring the needs of this patient population. This study assessed: (1) young adult stroke patients' physical, psychological, and occupational functioning and health-related quality of life (HRQoL); and (2) post-stroke care preferences using patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs), with attention to gender differences.MethodsA cross-sectional pilot study was conducted. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were collected through chart review and data on occupational function, physical, psychological, and social wellbeing &amp;gt;90 days post-stroke through a self-reported survey. Descriptive statistics, gender-based, and regression analyses were conducted.ResultsThe sample included 85 participants. Participants reported impairments in both, occupational functioning, with 58.7% not returned to work (RTW), and HRQoL, specifically with social activities (37%), anxiety (34%), and cognitive function (34%). Women had significantly (p &amp;lt; 0.05) worse physical symptoms (sleep disturbance and fatigue), emotional health (depression, stigma, emotional dyscontrol) scores, and sense of self-identify post-stroke. Over 70% of participants preferred in-person post-stroke care led by health care providers and felt they would have benefited from receiving information on physical health (71.4%), emotional and psychological health (56.0%), RTW (38.1%), and self-identity (26.2%) post-stroke. Women preferred cognitive behavioral therapy (p = 0.018) and mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy (p = 0.016), while men preferred pharmacotherapy (p = 0.02) for psychological symptoms.ConclusionThis is the first study to report impaired HRQoL, psychological and occupational functioning using PROMs, with significant gender differences and preferences for post-stroke care delivery among young adult stroke patients at &amp;gt;90 days after stroke. The findings highlight the importance of needs, gender, and age-specific post-stroke education and interventions.

Comparing the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition, personality disorder models scored from the same interview.

The alternative model of personality disorders (AMPD) traits were designed to maintain continuity with the Section II personality disorder (PD) diagnoses by retaining the same clinical information. Whether the AMPD traits achieve this is not well established. Prior work testing incremental validity of AMPD traits and Section II diagnoses is limited by the fact each model was measured by a different instrument or rater, making it unclear whether discrepancies are due to the constructs or methods. Here, we compare the incremental validity of AMPD traits versus Section II PDs assessed by the same instrument and rater. Participants (N = 311, 50% received past-year mental health treatment) completed a clinical interview, baseline self-reports, and 14-day ambulatory assessment protocol. Interviewers rated AMPD domains, facets, and Section II criteria from the same interview (Structured Interview for DSM-IV Personality). We used hierarchical regression models to evaluate the variance predicted in 17 clinically relevant cross-sectional and momentary variables by the AMPD traits and Section II PDs. Incremental R² showed that Section II PDs account for little variance in outcomes over and above the AMPD domains/facets, whereas the AMPD facets were generally more predictive of outcomes than the Section II PDs. Results add novel evidence that dimensional PD traits-not a particular assessment method-are equivalent or superior to PD categories for predicting social, emotional, and behavioral functioning. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

The Comparison of Lifestyles, Mental Risks, and Physical Indices among Individuals with Ultra-High Risk of Psychosis, Patients with Schizophrenia, and the General Public

(1) Background: Early interventions may effectively reduce the risk of mental disorders in individuals with ultra-high risk. Specifying the health needs of individuals with ultra-high risk is crucial before the implementation of successful early intervention. This study aimed to explore the differences in lifestyles, mental risks, and physical indices among individuals with ultra-high risk, patients with schizophrenia, and healthy subjects. (2) Methods: A cross-section design applying seven questionnaires with physical examinations for 144 participants aged 13–45 years old was conducted in this study. The questionnaires included one about personal data, four on mental risks, and two for lifestyles. (3) Results: The individuals with ultra-high risk scored similarly in many dimensions as the patients with schizophrenia, but they displayed lower positive symptoms, lower negative symptoms, lower prodromal symptoms, higher interpersonal deficits, lower nutrition intake, and higher levels of exercise than the patients with schizophrenia. Female individuals with ultra-high risk had lower self-esteem, higher positive symptoms, lower nutrition intake, and higher exercise levels than male ones. (4) Conclusions: The study pinpointed specific health needs with interpersonal deficits, nutrition intake, and physical activity for the individuals with ultra-high risk. Future interventions targeted on improving social function, dietary pattern, and exercise will be beneficial.

Factor Structure of the Experiences in Close Relationships—Relationship Structures Scale (ECR-RS) in Siblings of Children with Chronic Disorders

Our objective was to examine the factor structure of the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationships Structures (ECR-RS), an attachment-theory based relationship measure, in at-risk sample comprising siblings of children with chronic disorders. Psychometric studies with general populations have demonstrated that the ECR-RS comprises two factors, representing anxiety and avoidance in close relationships. The sample comprised 103 siblings (M age = 11.5 years, SD = 2.2, range 8 to 16 years) of children with chronic disorders and their parents. The siblings completed a 9-item version of the Experiences in Close Relationships-Relationships Structures (ECR-RS) about their relations with mothers and fathers that was analyzed with confirmatory factor analysis. We examined construct validity using correlations between sibling social functioning, measured with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and parent mental health, measured with the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-90-Revised. The ECR-RS comprised two factors, anxiety and avoidance, in line with previous studies. Both factors demonstrated significant overlap with sibling social functioning, but not with parental mental health. We conclude that the ECR-RS comprises two factors, anxiety and avoidance, that are related to siblings’ social functioning. The ECR-RS can be used as a psychometrically sound measure of relationship anxiety and avoidance in families of children with chronic disorders.