Use Of Behavioral Observations Research Articles

Parenting in a post-conflict region: Associations between observed maternal parenting practices and maternal, child, and contextual factors in northern Uganda.

Studies show that war leads to an increase in harsh parenting and a decrease in parental warmth, which in turn has a devastating impact on children's development. However, there is insufficient research on the factors that affect parenting in post-conflict regions. In addition, most previous studies on the role of parenting in the context of war rely on self-reports, which are subject to a number of limitations. To complement existing research, the present cross-sectional study used behavioral observations of 101 mothers and their 6-12 year old children to assess parenting in post-conflict northern Uganda. The aim of the current study was to explore associations between observed maternal warmth and coercion and self-reported socioeconomic status (e.g., mother's educational level) as well as maternal (e.g., posttraumatic stress disorder), child (e.g., externalizing problems), and social contextual factors (e.g., family violence). Results show a link between observed parenting, child characteristics, and family violence. Higher levels of children's externalizing problems were associated with more severe maternal coercion. In addition, a negative association was found between family violence and maternal warmth. Findings are discussed in terms of their implications for prevention and intervention programs and the use of behavioral observations in post-conflict environments.

Abstract- Poster

Background-Hair pulling behavior associated with a bald patch is rarely reported in a geriatric population.Aim- To describe the psychopathological intricacies posing diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.Case PresentationA 90-year-old lady, presented with insidious onset of repetitive hair-pulling behavior resulting in a huge area of baldness measuring 10*20 cm2 over the parieto-central region. On evaluation, a history of ‘as if insects are crawling under the skin and producing itching sensations’ was reported. Ward-observation was notable for the anxious distress preceding hair pulling and feeling of relief after completion of the act. No history was notable for amnesia, delusions, hallucinations, obsessions, and compulsions, or any organicity. Brain imaging, viral markers, and nutritional parameters were within normal limits. No family history of neuropsychiatric condition was noted. Premorbid personality was suggestive of anankastic personality traits. The patient had bilateral senile cataracts and presbycusis. Hair-root examination of the bald patch revealed the absence of telogen hairs. A provisional diagnosis of Trichotillomania was considered. Because, she was not amenable for therapy, a trial of Tab Escitalopram 10mg/day was started, with reduction in the scores on Psychiatric Institute Trichotillomania Scale (PITS) from 36 to 20 in 4 weeks.Conclusion-This is the first report on isolated hair-pulling behavior in the geriatric population. The age-associated sensory impairments pose a significant challenge in dissecting the phenomenology of hair-pulling behavior. However, effective use of behavioral observation with the help of a caregiver and proper use of pharmacotherapy can be helpful in the management of the condition.

OBSERVATION AND COMPARISON OF MEALTIME BEHAVIORS IN A SAMPLE OF CHILDREN WITH AVOIDANT/RESTRICTIVE FOOD INTAKE DISORDERS AND A CONTROL SAMPLE OF CHILDREN WITH TYPICAL DEVELOPMENT.

Despite widespread use of behavioral observations to evaluate child feeding behaviors in research and clinical practice, few studies have comprehensively characterized mealtimes or identified features that differentiate children with and without disordered feeding; these were the aims of the current study. Mealtime observations were conducted for 18 children with avoidant restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) and 21 typically developing children. Observations were coded inductively, and associations between disorder and observed mealtime actions were examined. Most behaviors were observed across both clinical and nonclinical mealtimes, and many did not differ in frequency between children with and without ARFID. However, significant group differences were observed in the frequencies of behaviors relating to food intake, visual and physical engagement with feeding, and movement during mealtimes. The comparability of behaviors across clinical and nonclinical groups suggests that eating behaviors exist on a continuum from "normal" to "abnormal," with group differences relating to frequency rather than type of behavior. The behavioral differences observed in this study suggest that identification of children with ARFID should focus on child engagement with food and restlessness during mealtimes. Reliance on emotional and escape-maintained behaviors will lead to underrecognition of families in need of clinical support.

Using Behavioral Observations to Develop Escape Devices for Freshwater Turtles Entrapped in Fishing Nets

AbstractThe drowning of freshwater turtles following incidental capture in fishing gear has the potential to cause population declines. Fyke nets can be equipped with bycatch reduction devices that enable the escape of turtles before they drown. We employed quantitative and qualitative behavioral observations (with action cameras deployed underwater) to develop a new, collapsible, escape bycatch-reduction device that mounts internally in the terminal end of a fyke net. We also used behavioral observations to identify areas of the net most used by turtles, thus revealing the most logical placement for an escape bycatch-reduction device. When turtles were introduced into modified nets, escape was rapid (mean of 12.4 min), with 100% escape for map Graptemys geographica and musk turtles Sternotherus odoratus and 94% escape for painted turtles Chrysemys picta. Our preliminary field trials indicated that modified fyke nets decreased the capture rate of turtles relative to unmodified nets. Escape devices can be used as a key component of a bycatch reduction program and be particularly effective when paired with exclusion bycatch-reduction devices. The escape device developed in this study can potentially be used in the local fishery or modified for other fisheries. The use of behavioral observation to guide the development of bycatch reduction devices may provide an extra tool for managers to increase selectivity and maintain sustainable harvests of target fish.

Relation of food intake behaviors and obesity development in young common marmoset monkeys.

ObjectiveIncreasing prevalence of childhood obesity and associated risks of adult type disease have led to worldwide concern. It remains unclear how genetic predisposition, environmental exposure to obesogenic food, and developmental programming interact to lead to overweight and obese children. The development of a nonhuman primate model of obesity, and particularly juvenile obesity, is an important step to elucidating the factors associated with obesity and evaluating intervention strategies.Design and MethodsInfant marmosets were followed from birth to 12 months of age. Feeding phenotypes were determined through the use of behavioral observation, solid food intake trials, and liquid feeding trials monitored via lickometer.ResultsMarmosets found to be Obese at 12 months of age (more than 14%body fat) start consuming solid food sooner and initiate more time off of care givers. These individuals developed stable feeding phenotypes that included being more efficient consumers during liquid intake trials, drinking more grams of diet per contact with the licksit.ConclusionsThe weaning process appears to be particularly important in the development of feeding phenotypes and the development of juvenile obesity for the marmosets, and thus this is the time that should be focused upon for intervention testing in both nonhuman primates and children.

See me, feel me. Using physiology to validate behavioural observations of emotions of people with severe or profound intellectual disability

Behavioural observations are the most frequently used source of information about emotions of people with severe or profound intellectual disabilities but have not yet been validated against other measures of emotion. In this study we wanted to validate the behavioural observations of emotions using respiration (rib cage contribution, total breath duration, inspiratory time, expiratory time, tidal volume, mean inspiratory flow, minute ventilation) and heart rate variability. Twenty-seven participants were presented with four negative and four positive stimuli. During the presentation the participants' respiration and heart rate variability was measured. Each behaviour of the participant was coded as emotive or not. We found the hypothesised higher percentage rib cage contribution, marginal lower mean inspiratory flow and lower heart rate variability when the expressed emotions became more positive. These results validate the use of behavioural observations to make inferences about emotions.

Advancing the Discussion About Systematic Classroom Behavioral Observation, a Product Review of Tenny, J. (2010). eCOVE Observation Software. Pacific City, OR

Applied child psychologists and behavioral consultants often use systematic behavioral observations to inform the psychological assessment and intervention development process for children referred for attention and hyperactivity problems. This article provides a review of the 2010 version of the eCOVE classroom observation software in terms of its utility in tracking the progress of children with attention and hyperactive behaviors and its use in evaluating teacher behaviors that may impede or promote children’s attention and positive behavior. The eCOVE shows promise as an efficient tool for psychologists and behavioral consultants who want to evaluate the effects of interventions for children with symptoms of ADHD, ODD, mood disorders and learning disorders; however, some research-based improvements for future models are suggested. The reviewers also share their firsthand experience in using eCOVE to evaluate teacher and student behavior exhibited on a television show about teaching urban high school students and during a movie about an eccentric new kindergarten teacher. Rich examples are provided of using strategic behavioral observations to reveal how to improve the classroom environment so as to facilitate attention, motivation and positive behavior among youth. Broader implications for enhancing the use of systematic behavioral observations in the assessment of children and adolescents with attention disorders and related behavioral problems are discussed. Key issues are examined such as the use of behavioral observations during psychological consultation to prevent the previously found gender bias in referrals for ADHD. Using behavioral observations to enhance differential diagnosis is also discussed.

Screening for Medical and Neurodevelopmental Disorders for the Professional Counselor

This article reviews several assessment factors useful identifying the presence of a possible medical illness or neurodevelopmental disorder contributing to a client's adjustment problems. Use of behavioral observations, record reviews, brief neuro‐behavioral screening tests, and the taking of a history are outlined that can assist in raising the index of suspicion for organic influence. Also addressed are issues pertaining to referral for medical and specialty assessments, including neuropsychological evaluation.

The use of behavioural observations in the larviculture of cold-water marine fish

The use of behavioural observations on marine fish larvae has a long history and has added considerable depth to our understanding of the ecological adaptations of larval fish. In marine fish larviculture we are trying to domesticate wild animals. Behavioural observation, in conjunction with growth and survival information, is a powerful tool for understanding the behavioural adaptations of larvae. This paper reports on the results of experiments conducted on the first-feeding of two species of marine larvae. Results of experiments carried out on lumpfish ( Cyclopterus lumpus) fed the same density of live prey in pulses (twice or three times/day) or continuously, demonstrated that growth and feeding behaviour was significantly higher in the pulse treatments. A second set of experiments was performed on weaning of Atlantic wolffish ( Anarhichas lupus) larvae. Live prey and pelleted food were offered to larvae from the onset of first-feeding. Observations on larvae indicated that over the first few weeks, larvae fed mostly on live prey with some pellet feeding. This pattern changed as larvae grew and by eight weeks larvae fed mostly on pelleted feed. In this example, the behaviour of the larvae provided a schedule which could be used to wean wolffish from live prey to pellet food. Using this information, improvements of the rearing protocols of these species may now be made.

Depression and the Experience and Expression of Anger in Marital and Other Relationships

In prior research using trait self-report measures, depression has been linked to elevated anger experience and anger suppression, whereas observational studies of marital interactions reveal high rates of overt anger expression by depressed people. This study tested whether the key distinction between these contradictory lines of research is a) target of anger expression (people in general versus spouse) or b) method of measurement (self-report versus behavioral observation). Depressed patients (N = 33) scored significantly higher than did nondepressed controls (N = 41) on self-report measures of anger and anger suppression regardless of whether the target of anger was the spouse or others. Group differences were nonsignificant on anger expression. Thus, it appears that the critical feature of studies linking depression with heightened anger expression may be their use of behavioral observations rather than their specific focus on the marital relationship.

Neurological Trauma and Family Functioning.

Griffin and Greene ("Social Interaction and Symptom Sequences," this issue) present evidence linking patterns of family interaction with the expression of disease symptoms, in this case orofacial bradykinesia in a patient with Parkinson's disease. They argue that symptom expression may be influenced by family interaction for many diseases or chronic conditions and advocate the use of behavioral observation and microanalytic coding of behavior sequences as a means of studying this linkage. They note that the success of this approach will depend on the temporal characteristics of symptom fluctuation and suggest that observational strategies will be primarily useful for studying symptoms that fluctuate across seconds or minutes rather than across days. What kinds of conditions might this include? Griffin and Greene mention three categories: (1) mental and emotional disorders; (2) chronic pain; (3) neurological conditions.

Use of behavioral observation to augment quantitative data when studying clinical teaching.

Observation of behavior to study clinical teaching provides advantages over the use of questionnaires alone. The great advantage is the richness of the data. Problems encountered in the process, e.g., gaining access to subjects in multiple institutions, selecting non-volunteer subjects, obtaining informed consent in a manner which will not bias the data, becoming unobtrusive and non-threatening to subjects, coping with the unpredictability of the clinical setting, and staying in the role of researcher in spite of temptations to enact other roles within the setting, are all foreseeable and to some degree preventable. Being aware of the potential obstacles permits the investigator to plan for them and to be less emotionally aroused as each new problem arises. Other nurse researchers are encouraged to utilize these techniques; the experience can be not only valuable in terms of realistic data obtained, but also can be an extremely rewarding experience.