Manual for the ASEBA Preschool forms & profiles

Avaliação de uma intervenção para redução de comportamentos antissociais e aumento da escolarizaçãoem adolescentes de uma instituição de acolhimento

Article

Mar 2017

Jovens são encaminhados para instituições de acolhimento por maus-tratos e abandono familiar e apresentam um conjunto de comportamentos de risco, que variam de baixo rendimento escolar a déficits em comportamento moral e até comportamentos antissociais de larga escala. As suas per-manências prolongadas em abrigos, sem intervenção especializada, agravam os comportamentos de risco determinantes da institucionalização. Esta pesquisa avaliou uma intervenção, com oito jovens acolhidos, com duração de 10 meses, por meio de pré e pós-teste utilizando o TDE (Stein, 2011), o IEP (Gomide, 2006) e o YSR (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2001). A intervenção compreendeu quatro atividades: programa de comportamento moral; reforço escolar; psicoterapia analítico-comportamen-tal; e práticas educativas para cuidadores. Os resultados mostraram que houve diminuição do déficit escolar em todos os participantes (Z= - 2,414; p = 0,016), melhoria na competência total e redução de comportamentos internalizadores, externalizadores, indicativos de TEPT, TOC, TC, entre outros, todos significativos em nível de 0,05. Os cuidadores, que anteriormente à intervenção não visitavam os adolescentes, passaram a fazê-lo com regularidade. Os resultados apontaram para a eficácia da intervenção em produzir redução de comportamentos antissociais e aumento da escolarização.

Longitudinal Effects of Cumulative Adverse Childhood Experiences on Internalizing and Externalizing Problems in Adolescents in Out-of-Home Care: Emotion Dysregulation as a Mediator

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024

Maltreated adolescents placed in the out-of-home care (OHC) system often experience multiple adversities, which are associated with many deleterious outcomes. The present study investigated the longitudinal effects of cumulative adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on internalizing and externalizing problems among adolescents in OHC, as well as the extent to which emotion dysregulation can explain the links between exposure to multiple adversities and problematic behavioral outcomes over time. One hundred and sixty-two adolescents (Mage = 13.11 years, 90 females) who were placed in OHC in Singapore self-reported on their adversities experienced and symptoms of emotion dysregulation at baseline, as well as internalizing and externalizing problems in two consecutive waves. Path analyses indicated that cumulative ACEs were positively associated with both internalizing and externalizing problems at Wave 1, which in turn were positively related to internalizing and externalizing problems at Wave 2. Emotion dysregulation at Wave 1 partially explained the paths. These findings highlight the importance of addressing emotion dysregulation and the associated internalizing and externalizing problems in early interventions for adolescents in OHC to mitigate the risks of deteriorating mental health and promote positive outcomes.

Capítulo 10. Alteraciones conductuales y su impacto en el desarrollo de funciones ejecutivas en preescolares mexicanos durante el confinamiento por COVID-19

Chapter

Full-text available

Dec 2024

El confinamiento por COVID-19 tuvo un impacto negativo en la salud mental de niños y adolescentes, incluso con el regreso de los niños a la escuela después de la eliminación de las restricciones de confinamiento. Se midió la reacción emocional y conductual de los niños pequeños al confinamiento y su impacto en el desarrollo de la función ejecutiva utilizando dos pruebas adaptadas para niños en edad preescolar mexicanos: el BRIEF-P y el CBCL/1.5-5, ambas pruebas administradas a una muestra final de 128 participantes. El índice predictivo (R2) se calculó con esta submuestra. El BRIEF-P incluye cuatro escalas: Memoria de trabajo, Control emocional, Inhibir y Planificar/Organizar. Las puntuaciones en las escalas clínicas CBCL/1.5-5 Problemas de Atención y Problemas de Sueño predicen el 31% de Memoria de Trabajo, las puntuaciones en Conducta Agresiva y Reactividad Emocional predicen el 64% de Control Emocional, las puntuaciones en Conducta Agresiva y Problemas de Atención predicen el 56% de Inhibir, y las puntuaciones en Problemas de Atención y Retraimiento predicen el 19% de Planificar/Organizar. Estos preescolares presentaron mayores problemas de autocontrol y regulación emocional (Control Inhibitorio), así como menor carga atencional y menor manejo de la información (Memoria de Trabajo) durante el confinamiento por la pandemia de COVID-19. La presencia de tales problemas en las funciones ejecutivas básicas están estrechamente relacionadas con menores niveles de rendimiento académico, principalmente en aprendizaje de matemáticas y habilidades de lectura, con efectos en la vida posterior.

Heterogeneity in Developmental Trajectories of Internalizing and Externalizing Symptomatology: Associations with Risk and Protective Factors

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2025
CHILD PSYCHIAT HUM D

Among a large sample of youth (9–10 years old at baseline) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study® (n = 11,661) we modeled trajectories of psychopathology over three years and associated risk and protective factors. Growth mixture modeling characterized latent classes with distinct psychopathology trajectories. Results indicated four different internalizing trajectories: a high-decreasing class, a moderate-decreasing class, a moderate-increasing class, and a low-stable class. There were also four externalizing trajectories: a moderate-decreasing class, a high-decreasing class, a moderate-increasing class, and a low-decreasing class. We used parallel process growth analysis to examine the co-development of internalizing and externalizing symptoms and characterized five trajectory classes with distinct patterns of co-development. These classes were differentially associated with negative life events, neighborhood safety, and parental acceptance. Together, the findings characterize general developmental patterns of psychopathology, quantify the proportion of youth that follow each pattern, and identify key predictors that discriminate these patterns.

Måleegenskaper ved den norske versjonen av Kinder Lebensqualität Fragebogen KINDL®, 2. utgave

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024

Beskrivelse: Kinder Lebensqualität Fragebogen (KINDL®) er et spørreskjema som måler livskvalitet hos barn og unge (3–17 år). Spørreskjemaet ble utviklet i Tyskland, sist revidert i 1998 av Ravens-Sieberer og Bullinger, og oversatt til norsk i 2004 av Thomas Jozefiak og Sølvi Helseth. KINDL® inneholder selv-rapporteringsskjema for barn og foresatte med ulike alderstilpassede versjoner. Det er ingen formelle krav til administrering og fortolkning av testen. Skjemaet består av 24 spørsmål fordelt på seks delskalaer. Det beregnes gjennomsnittskår for hver delskala samt totalskalaen som transformeres til en 0–100 skår. Høy skår indikerer høy grad av livskvalitet. Litteratursøk: Litteratursøket resulterte i 39 publikasjoner som ble vurdert i fulltekst, hvor 22 ble inkludert. De fleste studiene rapporterte tall fra ulike kliniske og ikke-kliniske undergrupper, mens de resterende representerte normalpopulasjonen. Psykometri: Resultatene viser god til utmerket reliabilitet i form av indre konsistens for totalskala for barn, men større variasjon på delskalaene, spesielt blant de yngste barna. For totalskalaen viste test-retest med to uker mellom en høy intraklassekorrelasjon, og noe lavere for delskalaene. Her også var det lavest for den yngste gruppa. Det er begrenset informasjon om rapportering fra foresatte, men det som eksisterer viser tilfredsstillende reliabilitet. Informantdiskrepans viste gjennomgående høy variasjon mellom informanter. Det finnes noe støtte til begrepsvaliditeten, men faktorstrukturen har ikke blitt entydig replisert. Korrelasjoner med andre instrumenter som også måler livskvalitet tyder på at KINDL® måler det den er ment for å måle. Endringssensitivitet, sett gjennom takeffekter, rapporteres som tilfredsstillende. Konklusjon: KINDL® virker som et lovende instrument for å vurdere barn og unges livskvalitet, både i kliniske og ikke-kliniske underutvalg samt i normalpopulasjonen. KINDL® har moderat dokumentasjon på psykometriske egenskaper. Totalskalaen fremstår pålitelig for alle aldersgrupper. Det er derimot variasjon mellom delskalaene, og de viser seg å være bedre egnet for eldre barn enn de yngste (under 12 år). Vurdering av foresatte-rapporteringen er mangelfull, men det som eksisterer viser tilfredsstillende reliabilitet. Normgrunnlaget som finnes per nå, er noe begrenset og begynner å bli utdatert.

Annual Research Review: Cash transfer programs and young people's mental health – a review of studies in the United States

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024
J CHILD PSYCHOL PSYC

Worldwide, more than one in 10 children or adolescents is diagnosed with a mental disorder. Cash transfer programs, which aim to reduce poverty and improve life outcomes by providing direct cash assistance to families and incentivizing or enabling spending on education, health service use, dietary diversity and savings, have been shown to improve the mental health and well‐being of young people in low‐ and middle‐income countries. The goal of this review is to describe cash transfer programs in the United States, to describe potential mechanisms by which cash transfer programs could improve child and adolescent mental health and to summarize any evidence of the impact of cash transfer programs. We conclude that much of the evidence on the relationship between cash transfer programs and child and adolescent mental health in the United States is based on a relatively small set of studies. Although most of these studies find that cash transfer programs are associated with reductions in emotional or behavioural health problems, effect sizes are small. For potential mechanisms of cash transfer effects, the strongest evidence is that cash transfer programs increase child‐related expenditures and savings and increase time spent with children. Evidence is mixed on whether cash transfer programs improve maternal mental health, parental disciplinary practices or children's exposure to violence.

Inequalities in COVID-19 impact on preschool mental health in India: key moderators of adverse outcome

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024

Introduction Worldwide research suggests that the COVID-19 pandemic had little to no overall effect on preschool children’s mental health, but that the impact is variable depending on pre-existing and COVID-19-related inequalities. Evidence from low- and middle-income country settings is sparse, yet effects may be more variable due to greater inequalities. We provide the first empirical evidence for the impact of the pandemic on emotional and behavioural problems in Indian preschool children, after accounting for normative age-related change, and test whether the impact varied depending on COVID-19-related inequalities. Methods Families participating in an Indian-based prospective longitudinal birth cohort (Bangalore Child Health and Development Study) provided data at age 2 years (before COVID-19) and again during COVID-19 (n=528). Mothers reported child emotional and behavioural problems and a range of COVID-19-related adverse experiences. Results There was a small overall pandemic effect on emotional (rate ratio (RR)=1.31, p=0.040), but not behavioural problems, after adjusting for age-related change. However, compared with the lowest risk level, emotional and behavioural problems rose higher compared with whole sample age-expected rates in families who reported the highest levels of perceived negative impact of COVID-19-related adversities (moderation p<0.001, RR=2.43 and p<0.001, RR=1.32), COVID-19 life events (p<0.001, RR=3.28, and p<0.001, RR=1.26) and time the child spent playing alone (p<0.001, RR=2.49). Emotional problems rose higher with high perceived COVID-19 maternal stress (p=0.013, RR=1.57) and with increased child mobile phone use (p<0.001, RR 1.48). Secondary analyses controlling for variation in age trends within moderator subgroups revealed these to be rarely significant. Where significant and accounted for, having more children living at home emerged as protective, whereas living below the poverty line emerged as a risk for adverse pandemic impact on child mental health. Conclusion A small overall increase in preschool mental health problems was evident. However, this masked substantial worsening of such problems in families with elevated COVID-19 adversities in India. These findings can inform the targeting of policy and practice initiatives to better mitigate adverse longer-term mental health outcomes arising from the pandemic response.

Early Family Conflict and Behavioral Outcomes in Children from Low-Income Families: The Indirect Effects of Parental Depression and Parenting Practices

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024
Int J Environ Res Publ Health

Family conflict has been demonstrated as a risk factor impacting children’s mental health and behaviors; however, the mechanisms underlying these connections are unclear. Focusing on 1622 children from low-income families (51.4% boys, 38.3% White, 35.5% Hispanic/Latino, 22.1% African American, 4.1% other), the current study examines the role that maternal depression and parenting behaviors play in the associations between family conflict in early childhood and children’s internalizing and externalizing behaviors in early adolescence. Family conflict was positively associated with maternal depression at age 3 and detached parenting at age 5; however, maternal depression was linked to increased child internalizing and externalizing behaviors, and detached parenting was associated with decreased behavioral outcomes. Maternal depression at age 3 and intrusive parenting at age 5 successively mediated the association between family conflict and child externalizing. Multi-group analysis indicated different indirect paths of parenting behaviors in boys and girls. Specifically, in boys, the indirect effect of detached parenting on the links between family conflict and externalizing and internalizing behaviors was sustained. In girls, maternal depression and intrusive parenting sequentially explained the link between family conflict and externalizing behaviors. The findings highlighted the importance of addressing family well-being and parenting support, especially for children from low-income families.

The relationship of psychological well-being with adaptive and maladaptive functioning among older adults in Lithuania

Article

Dec 2024

Background The aging of societies highlights the importance of understanding the lives of the elderly. Researchers are interested in iden-tifying factors of psychological well-being associated with age as it is crucial to find out what contributes to a fulfilling life of older people. However, the relationship of psychological well-being with adaptive and maladaptive functioning remains ambiguous. This study aimed to assess this relationship among older adults. Participants and procedure The study involved 332 individuals aged 60 to 97, with an average age of 71.93 years, of whom 36.4% were male. A nationally representative sample of older adults was obtained using multistage stratified sampling. The short supplemen-tary scale of the Lithuanian Psychological Well-Being Scale and Older Adult Self Report (OASR/60+) were used. Results The hierarchical regression analysis revealed that, even after controlling for other factors of psychological well-being, cer-tain specific problems – namely anxiety/depression, thought problems, and irritability/disinhibition – were significant pre-dictors of psychological well-being. Conclusions Our study underscores the importance of targeting specific maladaptive behaviors, such as anxiety, thought problems, and irritability when developing interventions for the elderly. Addressing these issues may enhance their psychological well-being and contribute to successful aging.

Multimodal Functional and Structural Brain Connectivity Analysis in Autism: A Preliminary Integrated Approach with EEG, fMRI and DTI

Preprint

Jan 2018

This paper proposes a novel approach of integrating different neuroimaging techniques to characterize an autistic brain. Different techniques like EEG, fMRI and DTI have traditionally been used to find biomarkers for autism, but there have been very few attempts for a combined or multimodal approach of EEG, fMRI and DTI to understand the neurobiological basis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Here, we explore how the structural brain network correlate with the functional brain network, such that the information encompassed by these two could be uncovered only by using the latter. In this paper, source localization from EEG using independent component analysis (ICA) and dipole fitting has been applied first, followed by selecting those dipoles that are closest to the active regions identified with fMRI. This allows translating the high temporal resolution of EEG to estimate time varying connectivity at the spatial source level. Our analysis shows that the estimated functional connectivity between two active regions can be correlated with the physical properties of the structure obtained from DTI analysis. This constitutes a first step towards opening the possibility of using pervasive EEG to monitor the long-term impact of ASD treatment without the need for frequent expensive fMRI or DTI investigations.

Sono e Comportamento em Crianças Atendidas em um Serviço de Psicologia

Article

Full-text available

Oct 2016

Problemas de sono são frequentes na infância e podem causar prejuízos à criança. Há uma associação possível entre distúrbios de sono infantil e problemas de comportamento. O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar as relações entre problemas internalizantes e externalizantes e problemas de sono em crianças da faixa pré-escolar, avaliadas por suas mães pelo Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL1½-5 anos), quando estas buscaram atendimento em uma clínica-escola de psicologia. Participaram do estudo 83 mães de crianças (sendo seus filhos: 58 meninos e 25 meninas) cujas idades variaram entre 2 e 5 anos. Análises indicaram que 29% das crianças apresentavam problemas com o sono, entre os quais, os mais frequentes foram “não querer dormir sozinho” e “resistir a ir para a cama”. Os dados sugeriram ainda uma associação entre problemas de sono e comportamentos internalizantes (RP = 1,4; p < 0,05) e externalizantes (RP = 1,4; p < 0,05).

Enurese Noturna: Associações Entre Gênero, Impacto, Intolerância Parental e Problemas de Comportamento

Article

Full-text available

Apr 2015

O objetivo do estudo foi identificar correlações entre as variáveis: gênero, impacto associado à enurese, avaliada pela Escala de Impacto; problemas de comportamento, pelo CBCL e intolerância dos pais à enurese, aferida pela Escala de Intolerância. Participaram 31 crianças e adolescentes com enurese, na faixa etária entre seis e 15 anos (M=8,84 e DP=2,08), sendo onze do sexo feminino. Foram identificadas correlações significantes entre intolerância manifestada pelos pais diante da enurese e o impacto sofrido pela criança (p=0,03). A média dos escores de problemas de comportamento do tipo internalizantes, externalizantes e de totais ficou em nível clínico, sendo os problemas de comportamento do tipo internalizantes mais frequentes nesta população. Não houve diferença significativa em relação ao gênero para as variáveis analisadas. Os dados podem sugerir delineamento de intervenções específicas para esta população de modo a aumentar a permanência e efetividade no tratamento.

Genome-Wide Insights into Internalizing Symptoms in Admixed Latin American Children

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2025

Background/Objectives: Internalizing disorders, including depression and anxiety, are major contributors to the global burden of disease. While the genetic architecture of these disorders in adults has been extensively studied, their early-life genetic mechanisms remain underexplored, especially in non-European populations. This study investigated the genetic mechanisms underlying internalizing symptoms in a cohort of Latin American children. Methods: This study included 1244 Brazilian children whose legal guardians completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) questionnaire. Genotyping was performed using the Illumina HumanOmni 2.5-8v1 BeadChip. Results: The genome-wide association analysis revealed a significant association of rs7196970 (p = 4.5 × 10−8, OR = 0.61), in the ABCC1 gene, with internalizing symptoms. Functional annotation highlighted variants in epigenetically active regulatory regions, with multiple variants linked to differential expression of ABCC1 across several human tissues. Pathway enrichment analysis identified 42 significant pathways, with notable involvement in neurobiological processes such as glutamatergic, GABAergic, and dopaminergic synapses. Conclusions: This study identifies ABCC1 variants as novel genetic factors potentially associated with early-life internalizing symptoms. These results may contribute to future research on targeted interventions for childhood internalizing conditions.

Mentalization and Parenting: Preliminary Validation of the Parent Development Interview-Brief (PDI-B): Optimizing the Assessment of Parental Reflective Functioning

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2025
Contemp Fam Ther

Parental Reflective Functioning is considered a critical variable, both for the exercise of parenthood and for child development. For some years now, there has been a need for sufficiently sensitive and effective instruments to explore and evaluate Parental Reflective Functioning. This preliminary study presents the construction and validation of a short version of the Parent Development Interview-Revised, which we call Parent Development Interview-Brief. The main objective of this abbreviation is to maintain the semi-structured nature of the interview while decreasing the time needed to administer it. A multicenter and cross-sectional study with a normative sample of 60 mothers of children under five years of age with normotypical development is presented. To analyze the criterion validity of the Parent Development Interview-Brief, participants completed the Cuestionario de Apego Adulto [Adult Attachment Questionnaire] and the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form. The psychometric qualities of the new instrument are discussed, as well as the need for sufficiently sensitive, reliable, and effective tools to tap Parental Reflective Functioning for use in clinical contexts and research.

Family Configurations of Attachment Relationships in Infancy: Associations with Children’s Externalizing and Internalizing Behaviors in Toddlerhood

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2025
J Child Fam Stud

Adopting a family system perspective, this study sets out to explore the association between family configurations of mother-child and father-child attachment to better understand children’s externalizing and internalizing behaviors in toddlerhood. A total of 182 heterosexual biparental families and their children (90 boys) were recruited from the general population. Most of the fathers and mothers were Canadian-born and the personal income and education level of the parents were high in comparison to the population of the province of Quebec at large. Attachment was assessed by direct observation using the Strange Situation Procedure (SSP) in infants aged 12–18 months. Children’s internalizing and externalizing behaviors were assessed in toddlers aged 24–30 months using questionnaires completed by both parents. Results showed that infants with resistant attachment to one parent and secure attachment to the other parent have more externalizing behaviors than children with a secure attachment to both parents. Moreover, children with a disorganized attachment to both parents showed more internalizing and externalizing problems than children with a disorganized attachment with one parent and secure with the other parent. These results highlight the need of adopting a systemic family perspective to better understand the link between attachment and children’s behavior problems.

Predictors of Academic Performance Trajectories Across Early and Middle Adolescence: Links with Internalizing and Externalizing Problems

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2025
J YOUTH ADOLESCENCE

Although there is ample evidence linking academic and behavioral domains, few studies have examined the long-term, varied impacts of academic performance trajectories on problem behavior outcomes, particularly in early and middle adolescence. This study examined the different three-year academic performance trajectories, their links with behavioral outcomes, and the demographic and educational predictors that distinguish these patterns. The sample consisted of 10,279 Chinese adolescents (46.43% girls; Mage = 12.97 years, SD = 0.89). Three trajectory groups emerged: Moderate Start with Steady Growth (45.93%), High Start with Accelerated Growth (36.89%), and Low Start with Minimal Growth (17.17%). Demographic and educational factors (i.e., age, parents’ education, family income, family size, school climate, rank, and sector) predicted group membership. The High Start with Accelerated Growth group exhibited fewer externalizing problems than the other groups. The results underscored the differences in academic performance trajectories and their associations with the predictors and outcomes of problem behaviors, which has implications for academic and behavioral development.

Youth Internalizing Symptoms Are Associated With Youth and Caregiver Readiness to Engage in Mental Health Treatment

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2025

Greater treatment readiness has been associated with better treatment outcomes and lower levels of premature dropout. Understanding factors contributing to youth and caregiver’s readiness for mental health treatment is needed to minimize dropouts and potentially improve well-being. Parent and youth readiness to engage in mental health treatment to address a youth’s mental health concerns may be influenced by either the parent’s or the youth’s perception of symptom severity. This study explored whether youth- and caregiver report of externalizing or internalizing symptom severity was associated with readiness for treatment. Second, whether the differences between caregiver- and youth report of their readiness for treatment was associated with externalizing or internalizing psychopathology severity. In total, 936 caregivers and youth completed readiness for treatment and youth psychopathology measures upon intake to a specialized youth mental health program within an urban mental health hospital. The findings showed that greater youth- and caregiver-reported internalizing symptom severity was associated with greater youth and caregiver readiness. Statistically significant associations between readiness and youth externalizing symptoms were not found. Caregivers reported greater readiness for treatment relative to youth, when youth were high on externalizing, high on internalizing, and high in both domains. Overall, the present study suggests that internalizing symptom severity may motivate youth and caregivers to seek treatment. These findings may inform clinic-based approaches to better match youth and caregivers to treatments that consider symptom severity and readiness to potentially improve participation and treatment outcomes.

Parent–child relationship quality buffers the association between mothers' adverse childhood experiences and physiological synchrony

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024
J CHILD PSYCHOL PSYC

Background Family environment plays a critical role in shaping stress response systems. Concordance between mothers' and children's physiological states, specifically their Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA), reflects dyadic co‐regulation. Negative or weakened RSA synchrony during interactions is linked to various psychosocial risks, but existing research has focused on risks in the mother or child as opposed to the dyad. This study examined the association between maternal‐child RSA synchrony and maternal ACEs, given documented associations with offspring RSA, as well as more proximal documented risks, including maternal psychopathology and children's early adversity and psychopathology. Given that sensitive parent–child relationships are a powerful source of resilience, we tested whether parent–child relationship quality buffered associations between maternal ACEs and RSA synchrony. Methods In a community sample of mother–child dyads experiencing high sociodemographic risk and oversampled for exposure to adversity, mothers (n = 123) reported on their ACEs (43.1% ≥4), their 3–5‐year‐old children's exposure to violence, and psychological symptoms. Dyads completed a puzzle task while EKG was recorded, from which maternal and child RSA was derived; parent–child relationship quality during interactions was coded observationally. Multilevel models examined within‐dyad mother–child RSA synchrony across the interaction and between‐dyad predictors of synchrony. Results Parent–child relationship quality and maternal ACEs co‐contributed to offspring and dyadic physiology. Maternal ACEs predicted dampened RSA in the child and dampened RSA synchrony in the dyad, only among dyads with low observer‐rated parent–child relationship quality during the interaction. In other words, high‐quality parent–child relationship quality buffered the association between maternal ACEs and dampened offspring and dyadic physiology. Conclusions Results suggest that mothers' early adversity may disrupt physiological regulation at both the individual child and dyadic level. High‐quality parent–child relationships mitigated this effect.

EFFECTS OF DIFFICULTIES IN EXECUTIVE FUNCTIONS ON BEHAVIORAL AND ADAPTIVE PROBLEMS IN ITALIAN AUTISTIC PRESCHOOLERS

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024

Objective: To describe the relationship between executive functions (EF) and symptom’s severity, behavioral problems, and adaptive functioning in autistic preschoolers.Method: Seventy-six autistic preschoolers (age-range: 37-72 months; SD: 8.67months) without intellectual disability were assessed. Executive functions were measured by both performance-based (Battery for Assessment of Executive Functions-BAFE-) and indirect measures (Behaviour Rating Inventory of Executive Function– Preschool Version -BRIEF-P); adaptive skills were assessed using the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales Second Edition (VABS-II); ASD severity was evaluated through the ADOS-2 and the SCQ; the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL ½-5)questionnaire was used to describe the emotional/behavioral profile.Results: A considerable rate of autistic preschoolers showed weaknesses in one or more measures of EF, in particular in inhibition and working memory at both performance-based and parent report measures. EF measures explained a significant proportion of variance in the emotional/behavioral profile, and in the adaptive skills,particularly in the socialization domain. Specifically, the most relevant EF predictors are Inhibition, Emotional Control and Cognitive Flexibility subscales of the BRIEF-P.Conclusions: Assessment of EF in autistic preschoolers may identify those children at higher risk for emotional/behavioral problems and adaptive difficulties. EF are a crucial target for early intervention in preschoolers with autism with the potential to improve child outcomes

Clinical Significance of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale-II in Children With Developmental Disabilities

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024
Psychiatry Investig

Objective This study compared adaptive functioning measured by the Korean version of Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales, Second Edition (K-VABS-II), in preschool children with developmental disabilities (DD) and those with typical development (TD). We also examined the correlation of K-VABS-II adaptive profiles with developmental and behavioral assessments. Methods Two hundred preschool children (73 females and 127 males, mean age 54.7±9.1 months) were recruited from special educational centers, community-based daycare centers, and kindergartens. Eighty-one with DD comprising 61 with autism spectrum disorder, 63 with intellectual disability, 12 with language disorder, and 119 with TD were included. Their developmental profiles were measured by the Psychoeducational Profile-Revised (PEP-R), Preschool Receptive-Expressive Language Scale (PRES), K-VABS-II, Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS), and the Korean version of the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (K-CARS). The parent completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC). Results The K-VABS-II Adaptive Behavior Composite and all domain scores of K-VABS-II differed significantly between children with DD and TD (all p<0.001). In most domains, K-VABS-II had moderate-to-strong correlations with PEP-R, PRES, K-CARS, and SRS. The Maladaptive Behavior Index domain of K-VABS-II had moderate correlations with behavioral assessments, including CBCL and ABC. Conclusion These findings suggest that K-VABS-II is useful in evaluating developmental levels and adaptive and maladaptive behaviors of preschool children with DD. K-VABS-II also had significant correlations with cognitive, language, social, and behavioral assessments.

Lord's Paradox Illustrated in Three-Wave Longitudinal Analyses: Cross Lagged Panel Models Versus Linear Latent Growth Models

Article

Dec 2024

Lord’s (1967) paradox showed that two basic ways to analyze change longitudinally can produce contradictory results in 2-occasion nonrandomized studies. This study extends that paradox to difference-score and ANCOVA-type residualized change score analyses across three waves of data for four corrective actions thought to be effective: corrective disciplinary actions by parents (timeout and reasoning) and corrective actions by professionals (psychotherapy and hospitalization). All significant findings indicated that these corrective actions were harmful according to cross-lagged panel models but beneficial according to linear latent growth models. One type of analysis may not generalize to the other type of analysis. These results are consistent with recent recognition that ANCOVA-type analyses are biased by invariant between-person differences, but difference-score analyses can have their own biases. Recognition of these biases is needed to discriminate between stronger and weaker causal evidence in longitudinal analyses.

Secure base script knowledge and friendship quality as protective factors for bullying and victimization in elementary school

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024
ATTACH HUM DEV

Do meaningful dimensions of childhood adversity exist? Data‐driven evidence from two prospective cohort studies

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024
J CHILD PSYCHOL PSYC

Background There is not yet a consensus on the best way to conceptualise adverse childhood experiences (ACEs). We used data‐driven methods across two populations to examine (a) if there were meaningful dimensions underlying ACEs and (b) whether dimensions were differentially associated with increased risk of adolescent psychopathology. Methods Participants were 18,539 British children from the UK Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) and 11,876 American children from the US Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study (ABCD). A wide range of ACEs (e.g., abuse, neglect, parental psychopathology, peer victimisation) were measured prospectively from infancy to mid‐adolescence using interviews and questionnaires. Internalising and externalising symptoms were assessed with child and/or parent reports during adolescence. Results Our preregistered exploratory factor analysis revealed four latent dimensions in the MCS (parental threat, deprivation, victimisation, and parental discipline) and ABCD (parental threat, deprivation, victimisation, and traumatic events). All dimensions except deprivation were associated with increased risk for internalising and externalising symptoms. Over and above the other dimensions, victimisation was more strongly associated with internalising (MCS β = .34, 95% CI 0.33–0.36; ABCD β = .11, 95% CI 0.10–0.13) and externalising (MCS β = .31, 95% CI 0.30–0.33; ABCD β = .13, 95% CI 0.11–0.15) symptoms. Conclusions Across two distinct populations, we found that ACEs can be captured by common underlying dimensions of parental threat, deprivation, and victimisation, as well as additional sample‐specific dimensions. Our findings expand dimensional theories of childhood adversity by suggesting that in addition to threat and deprivation, victimisation is a distinct dimension of adversity that has the strongest associations with adolescent psychopathology.

Familial co-aggregation and shared familiality among neurodevelopmental problems and with aggressive behavior, depression, anxiety, and substance use

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024
PSYCHOL MED

Objective To refine the knowledge on familial transmission, we examined the (shared) familial components among neurodevelopmental problems (i.e. two attention-deficit/hyperactivity–impulsivity disorder [ADHD] and six autism spectrum disorder [ASD] subdomains) and with aggressive behavior, depression, anxiety, and substance use. Methods Data were obtained from a cross-sectional study encompassing 37 688 participants across three generations from the general population. ADHD subdomains, ASD subdomains, aggressive behavior, depression, anxiety, and substance use were assessed. To evaluate familial (co-)aggregation, recurrence risk ratios ( λ R ) were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. The (shared) familiality ( f ² ), which is closely related to (shared) heritability, was assessed using residual maximum likelihood-based variance decomposition methods. All analyses were adjusted for sex, age, and age ² . Results The familial aggregation and familiality of neurodevelopmental problems were moderate ( λ R = 2.40–4.04; f ² = 0.22–0.39). The familial co-aggregation and shared familiality among neurodevelopmental problems ( λ R = 1.39–2.56; r F = 0.52–0.94), and with aggressive behavior ( λ R = 1.79–2.56; r F = 0.60–0.78), depression ( λ R = 1.45–2.29; r F = 0.43–0.76), and anxiety ( λ R = 1.44–2.31; r F = 0.62–0.84) were substantial. The familial co-aggregation and shared familiality between all neurodevelopmental problems and all types of substance use were weak ( λ R = 0.53–1.57; r F = −0.06–0.35). Conclusions Neurodevelopmental problems belonging to the same disorder were more akin than cross-disorder problems. That said, there is a clear (shared) familial component to neurodevelopmental problems, in part shared with other psychiatric problems (except for substance use). This suggests that neurodevelopmental disorders, disruptive behavior disorders, and internalizing disorders share genetic and environmental risk factors.

Interaction of Sensitivity and Stress on an Individual’s Likelihood of Depression

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024

Er (Carol) Yue

Environmental sensitivity is an individual’s ability to process and perceive external stimuli. Within a population, sensitivity greatly varies. Self-reported measures of sensitivity like sensory processing sensitivity (SPS) have been shown to have a positive correlation with stress. However, not many studies have explored Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia (RSA) as a measure of sensitivity. This study hopes to investigate the relationship between RSA and depressive symptoms when stress acts as a moderator. Through a correlational design and moderation analysis, this study seeks to prove that higher sensitivity signals more susceptibility to the impacts of stress and therefore more depressive symptoms. Examining data from a majority Hispanic sample, this paper found significant correlations between stress and depressive symptoms as well as stress and biological sex. When stress acts as a moderator, the results support the hypothesis. However, certain limitations include the lack of a generalizable sample due to factors such as race and unavoidable external validity from conducting all measures in a lab. Since this current study pointed out a vulnerable population – sensitive people – future research could focus on the prevention of depression or assistance of individuals experiencing depression. Overall, this paper hopes to provide further insight into the traits of sensitivity and depression.

Somatic complaints in adolescence

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024

Teresa Helena Schoen

Objective The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of somatic complaints in adolescents from São Paulo and to verify the correlation with other emotional problems. Method The study consisted of databases obtained from different surveys carried out from 2004 to 2019, comprising 2,228 Youth Self Report protocols (inventory for tracking behavioral and emotional problems), completed by adolescents aged 11 to 18 years. The focus was on the “Somatic Complaints” syndrome scale. Results It was observed that more girls and High School students check-marked items related to somatic symptoms. There was a correlation between somatic complaints and internalizing behaviors and time of survey completion (newer protocols had more complaints marked than older protocols). Conclusion Physical symptoms should not be ignored when detecting mental health problems. The uniqueness of adolescence requires attention to both physical and mental health.

Genetic and Environmental Influences on Aggression Across the Lifespan: A Longitudinal Twin Study

Preprint

Dec 2024

In this study, we investigated the genetic and environmental contributions to individual differences in aggression across the lifespan, in longitudinal data provided by 32,541 twin pairs aged 3 to over 60 years, from the Netherlands Twin Register. The dataset included participants with a varying number of repeated measures, and of different ages. We applied a genetic autoregressive simplex model to examine the continuity of genetic factors over time. Phenotypic correlations indicate substantial stability between aggression levels at different ages. Both genetic and environmental factors contribute to this stability in aggressive behavior throughout life. Specifically, genetic influences on aggression vary before age 25, with qualitative genetic differences as indicated by the emergence of new genetic factors, and quantitative differences as indicated by fluctuations in the heritability during this period. The heritability of aggressive behavior was highest around age 12 (.74) and then decreases to about .40 to .50 throughout life. After age 25, no new genetic factors contribute to individual differences in aggression, such that the genetic architecture of aggressive behavior does not change throughout the remainder of the lifespan. These findings have implications for understanding the etiology of aggressive behavior from a developmental perspective.

Coping patterns among sexually abused children: A latent profile analysis

Article

Dec 2024
CHILD YOUTH SERV REV

Background: Studies have identified the use of coping strategies as a key predictor of psychological outcomes in sexually abused children. However, given contradictory results in past studies, the association between approach strategies and the socio-emotional functioning of child victims remains to be clarified. Moreover, the flexible use of approach and avoidance strategies may be a more potent predictor of outcomes rather than considering these strategies separately. Objective: Using a person-centered approach, this study aimed to 1) discern different patterns of coping strategies among sexually abused children and 2) examine whether these patterns are associated with emotion regulation and behavior problems at Time 1 and Time 2 (six months later). Participants and setting: A sample of 564 children aged 6 to 12 was recruited in specialized intervention centers following disclosure of sexual abuse. Methods: Children self-reported their coping strategies mobilized following sexual abuse. Parents completed measures of emotion regulation and behavior problems of children at two time-points. Results: Three profiles were identified: Low coping (37.77%), High approach and high avoidance (19.86%), and High approach and low avoidance (42.37%). The Low coping profile showed low levels of behavior problems and high emotion regulation. Children assigned to the High approach and high avoidance profile showed more externalized behavior than the two other profiles, and greater levels of emotion dysregulation relative to children assigned to the Low coping profile. Conclusion: This study highlights the complex nature of coping strategies in sexually abused children, revealing that the interplay between approach and avoidance significantly influences their socio-emotional functioning.

Exploring the p‐Factor in Adolescence: A Bifactor Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling Approach and Its Association With Emerging Personality Pathology

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024
J ADOLESCENCE

Introduction To account for the limitations of categorical taxonomies, a general psychopathology factor (p‐factor) has been proposed as a transdiagnostic dimension that captures the shared variance across various forms of psychopathology. However, further research is required to clarify the specific characteristics that define the p‐factor, particularly in adolescence ‐ a period marked by heightened vulnerability to psychological disorders and significant developmental changes. Methods This study utilized a sample of 1366 cisgender adolescents (56% assigned female at birth, Mage = 16.25, SD = 1.44) to examine the structure of the p‐factor using Bifactor Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling. The study also explored the association between the p‐factor and emerging personality pathology, focusing on self and interpersonal dimensions. Results The p‐factor was characterized by items reflecting negative affectivity, emotional dysregulation, and behavioral problems. Greater difficulties in self‐related (e.g., sense of self, self‐acceptance, and goals) and interpersonal dimensions (e.g., family relationships, aggression, and sexuality) were associated with higher levels of general psychopathology. A small but significant negative association was found between the quality of peer relationships and the p‐factor, suggesting a potential protective role of friendships. Conclusions The study highlights the multifaceted nature of the p‐factor, confirming its relevance in capturing general psychological maladjustment during adolescence. The p‐factor demonstrated a double‐edged nature, encapsulating externalizing (e.g., impulsive behaviors, aggression) and internalizing symptoms (e.g., feelings of inadequacy and guilt). These findings provide insights into the interplay between general psychopathology and personality pathology, supporting a model that integrates self and interpersonal dimensions to understand adolescent psychopathology.

Maternal and paternal risk factors associated with diagnoses within the continuum of fetal alcohol spectrum disorders in the USA: Proximal and distal influences

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024

Background We sought to determine risk factors for fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASD) in the United States. Method Mothers of first‐grade children participating in the Collaboration on FASD Prevalence (CoFASP) in three regional sites were interviewed. Maternal and paternal data were reported by mothers of children with an FASD diagnosis and controls. Results Interviews were conducted with mothers of children with an FASD (n = 114) and controls (n = 753). Fifty‐seven percent of control mothers usually drank 2.7 drinks per drinking day (DDD) once per month prior to pregnancy, and 79% of mothers of children with FASD reported drinking 4.2 drinks 1–2 times per week. Mothers of children with alcohol‐related neurodevelopmental disorder reported the most alcohol consumption overall: bingeing, drinking frequency, drinking in each trimester, and other drug use. Mothers of children with fetal alcohol syndrome (FAS) and partial FAS (PFAS) underreported consumption. Distal maternal risk factors were liver problems, depression, later pregnancy recognition and first prenatal visit, lower frequency of marriage, and lower spirituality. Postnatal risk indicators were low birthweight and gestational age. Regression analysis indicated that maternal reports of three DDD before pregnancy were associated with a diagnosis within the FASD continuum (p < 0.001, OR = 9.92). First‐trimester exposure (p < 0.001, OR = 7.64) and all three trimesters (p < 0.001, OR = 7.77) were associated with a child's FASD diagnosis. An independent association was found between paternal DDD during pregnancy and FASD diagnoses (p = 0.002, OR = 1.08); but, once maternal drinking was a covariate, paternal influence was not significant. Stepwise models indicated that combined maternal alcohol use measures (p < 0.001, χ² = 61.09), later pregnancy recognition (p = 0.032, χ² = 4.58), later prenatal visits (p = 0.036, χ² = 4.38), and depression in lifetime (p = 0.002, χ² = 9.47) were significant FASD predictors. The final 10‐step model explained 27.4% of the variance in FASD risk. Conclusion While multiple, significant maternal risk factors for FASD were identified, paternal drinking was not a statistically significant, independent risk factor.

Machine learning approach for early detection of autism by combining questionnaire and home video screening

Preprint

Mar 2017

Existing screening tools for early detection of autism are expensive, cumbersome, time-intensive, and sometimes fall short in predictive value. In this work, we apply Machine Learning (ML) to gold standard clinical data obtained across thousands of children at risk for autism spectrum disorders to create a low-cost, quick, and easy to apply autism screening tool that performs as well or better than most widely used standardized instruments. This new tool combines two screening methods into a single assessment, one based on short, structured parent-report questionnaires and the other on tagging key behaviors from short, semi-structured home videos of children. To overcome the scarcity, sparsity, and imbalance of training data, we apply creative feature selection, feature engineering, and novel feature encoding techniques. We allow for inconclusive determination where appropriate in order to boost screening accuracy when conclusive. We demonstrate a significant accuracy improvement over standard screening tools in a clinical study sample of 162 children.

O enfrentamento de adolescentes diante da deslealdade

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024

A adolescência pode ser atravessada pela vivência de eventos conflituosos, especialmente quando se considera o contexto escolar. Nesse estudo foram analisadas as características de competência de alunos de uma escola pública bem como suas estratégias de coping frente a uma situação estressora hipotética por meio da Teoria Motivacional do Coping. Foi observado que os alunos tinham uma experiência escolar marcada pelo temor da reprovação e da percepção que tinham um desempenho acadêmico insuficiente. A possibilidade de experimentar uma situação estressante produziu nos estudantes reações predominantes de raiva e tristeza. Havia por parte dos alunos a ideia de não serem capazes de lidar com o problema, acreditando que seriam pouco acolhidos e que teriam baixa autonomia para lidar com a situação. As estratégias mal adaptativas foram predominantes entre os alunos. Esses dados mostram que estudantes experimentando a escola de forma negativa também apresentaram predomínio de estratégias de coping mal adaptativas.

Heterogeneous Trajectories of Parental Psychological Aggression from Middle Childhood to Early Adolescence in China: Associations with Child- and Family-Level Predictors and Children’s Developmental Outcomes

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024
J YOUTH ADOLESCENCE

Previous research has shown that parental psychological aggression may change with children’s age, and individual differences existed in the developmental trajectories of parental psychological aggression within different families. However, most studies on the heterogeneous psychological aggression trajectories have focused solely on mothers or combined mothers’ and fathers’ data, with few studies separately exploring the unique trajectories of fathers and mothers and their predictors and outcomes within Chinese societies. Therefore, this study investigated the heterogeneous trajectories of paternal and maternal psychological aggression from middle childhood to early adolescence and their associations with child- and family-level predictors and outcomes in China. A total of 1137 Chinese families with children in grades 1–3 (Mage = 7.17; SDage = 0.95 at Time 1; 52.35% boys, 47.65% girls) participated in assessments at five time points, using 1-year internals in between. Latent class growth models were used to estimate the heterogeneous trajectories of paternal and maternal psychological aggression from ages 7 to 11 years. Logistic regression analyses were used to understand the child- and family-level predictors of these trajectories, and analysis of covariance was used to examine the outcomes of these trajectories. The findings revealed that three trajectories of paternal psychological aggression were identified: low-persistent (88.95%), high-decreasing (7.93%), and high-increasing-decreasing (3.12%) trajectories. Four trajectories of maternal psychological aggression were identified: low-persistent (86.17%), high-decreasing (5.94%), high-increasing-decreasing (4.08%), and low-increasing (3.81%) trajectories. Lower marital satisfaction, more psychological aggression experiences during childhood, and being a parent of a boy were risk factors for both paternal and maternal trajectories, while higher negative affectivity in children was a risk factor of maternal but not paternal trajectories. In addition, the high-increasing-decreasing trajectory for both fathers and mothers as well as the low-increasing trajectory for mothers predicted children’s more internalizing and externalizing problems. These findings highlight the importance of considering heterogeneity in understanding the developmental patterns of parental psychological aggression, their predictors, and cumulative effects on child development.

Executive functioning as a prospective moderator of the relations between maltreatment in childhood and externalizing symptoms and wellbeing from adolescence to young adulthood

Article

Dec 2024
DEV PSYCHOPATHOL

Although childhood maltreatment is associated with externalizing symptoms, not all individuals with these experiences develop externalizing behaviors and some exhibit positive adjustment. To address this multifinality, we used latent growth curve modeling to identify trajectories of (a) externalizing symptoms and (b) subjective wellbeing from late adolescence through young adulthood, determine whether types of childhood maltreatment and domains of executive functioning (EF) are associated with initial levels and growth (slopes) of externalizing symptoms or subjective wellbeing, and investigate whether EF moderates these relations. Participants were youth recruited at ages 10–12 ( N = 775; 69% male, 31% female; 76% White, 21% Black/African American, 3% multiracial). We examined EF at ages 10–12, childhood maltreatment reported retrospectively at age 25, and externalizing symptoms and subjective wellbeing at multiple points between ages 16 and 28. Experience of childhood maltreatment and certain EF domains were associated with externalizing symptoms and subjective wellbeing at age 16. EF domains were associated with rate of change in externalizing problems, though not in expected directions. EF variables moderated the relation between maltreatment and initial levels of both outcomes and change in externalizing symptoms. Findings have implications for intervention efforts to mitigate externalizing problems and bolster positive adjustment.

Using action research to examine multi‐tiered systems of support in an elementary school in a post‐COVID era

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024

The COVID‐19 pandemic presented unprecedented learning loss for all students. Although researchers have indicated negative impacts across all age and demographic groups, learning loss is most pronounced in elementary school‐aged students and those from low SES backgrounds. Given the disproportionate impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic, the authors utilise multi‐tiered systems of support to provide targeted support to identified elementary students in an urban school in the south‐east United States. This study explores the efficacy of the tiered intervention (Tier I: social–emotional learning instruction, Tier II: Mentoring, and Tier III: Play Therapy) using third‐person action research design and the authors explore a quantitative analysis of pre‐ and post‐achievement data, as measured by state achievement reading and maths scores. Finally, the authors describe future directions for researchers interested in applying a similar tiered intervention to respond to learning deficits resulting from the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Alliance Rupture Resolution in Psychodynamic Child Psychotherapy

Article

Jan 2025
J Infant Child Adolesc Psychother

Links between preschool inhibitory control and working memory and elementary school adjustment

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2025
DEV PSYCHOPATHOL

The development of inhibitory control (IC) and working memory (WM) in preschool is linked to a multitude of cognitive, emotional, and social outcomes, including elementary school adjustment. Furthermore, there are both cognitive and socioemotional domains of IC and it is unclear if both are related to these outcomes in the same manner. Using a family study design, the present investigation examined preschoolers’ IC, WM and externalizing behavior problems, maternal depression and anxiety measured when the children were in preschool, and elementary school externalizing behaviors and child and family functioning. Families with two children between 2.5 and 5.5 years of age ( n = 198; mean age = 3.88, SD = 1.04) completed online surveys and laboratory visits, as well as another online survey after the children entered elementary school. Both cognitive and emotional domains of preschool IC significantly predicted the externalizing and functioning aspects of adjustment in elementary school (but WM did not predict either). In addition, child age predicted functioning in elementary school, and maternal depression predicted externalizing in elementary school. These longitudinal results indicate that supporting both cognitive and emotional aspects of preschool IC can benefit adjustment in elementary school.

The Widening Therapeutic Scope of Schema Focused Therapy (SFT): Potential in Addressing Adolescent and Parenting Difficulties: A Theoretical and Narrative Review

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2025
CLIN SOC WORK J

Gary Byrne

Proponents of schema focused therapy (SFT) have accrued a growing and persuasive evidence base that indicates it as one of a small number of treatments for personality difficulties and associated issues. However, unlike other treatments, SFT’s focus has predominantly remained on adults with enduring and chronic psychopathology. This comprehensive narrative review firstly aims to articulate the theoretical application of SFT as a means of addressing suitable psychological vulnerabilities and associated issues with adolescents. In addition, the review aims to highlight the potential use of SFT techniques when integrated into parental interventions as a means of strengthening the parent-child relationship. Finally, the review aims to synthesize the accumulation of SFT research applicable to work with adolescents and parents with a view towards delineating future treatment development and clinical application among a wide range of mental health and social care professions.

Emerging Borderline Personality Features, Attachment Representations and Behavioral Dysregulation in School-Age Children

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2025
J Child Adolesc Trauma

This study aims to shed light on the influence of insecure attachment representations on the presence of emerging borderline personality features (EBPF) in school-age children, and the role of these features in manifestations of behavioral dysregulation. The sample is composed of 116 children aged 7 to 12 (Mage = 9.11; SD = 1.68; 47 girls) drawn from three groups: children under youth protective care (n = 35), consulting psychologists or child psychiatrists (n = 42), and the general population (n = 39). The EBPF were evaluated using the Borderline Personality Features Scale for Children. Attachment representations were assessed using the Child Attachment Interview. The Child Behavior Checklist for youth was used to verify the presence of behavioral dysregulation. Analyses of variance indicate that the three groups differ in the insecurity of attachment representations and the extent of behavioral dysregulation, with children under youth protective care showing the highest levels and children in the general population showing the lowest. Children under youth protective care have a higher EBPF score than the general population. Regression analyses confirmed that more insecure attachment representations predict an increase in EBPF, while the latter influence the increase in behavioral dysregulation. A partial mediating effect of EBPF was found in the relationship between attachment representations and behavioral dysregulation. To our knowledge, this is the first study to identify a mediation trajectory between attachment representations, EBPF, and behavioral dysregulation in a sample of school-age children. These results are discussed with regard to their implications for borderline-to-be functioning.

Co-occurring Psychopathology in Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Differences by Sex in the ECHO Cohorts

Article

Full-text available

Jan 2025
J AUTISM DEV DISORD

Purpose Our goals were to: 1) examine the occurrence of behavioral and emotional symptoms in children on the autism spectrum in a large national sample, stratifying by sex, and 2) evaluate whether children with increased autism-related social communication deficits also experience more behavioral and emotional problems. Methods Participants (n = 7,998) were from 37 cohorts from the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes (ECHO) Program. Cross-sectional information on demographic factors, parent-report of an ASD diagnosis by clinician, Social Responsiveness Scale (SRS) scores, and Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) scores were obtained for children aged 2.5–18 years by surveys. We examined mean differences in CBCL Total Problems and DSM-oriented subscale scores by autism diagnosis and by child sex. Analyses using logistic regression were conducted to examine whether autism was associated with higher CBCL scores. We further examined if these relationships differed by child age category (< 6 years, 6–11 years, 12 + years). The relationships between SRS score and CBCL total and subscale scores were examined using quantile regression models, with analyses adjusted for child sex and age. Results In ECHO, 553 youth were reported by a parent to have a clinician diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (432 [78%] boys and 121 [22%] girls). Youth on the spectrum had higher mean CBCL raw scores on Total Problems and all DSM-oriented subscales compared to those not on the spectrum (all p < 0.0001). Analyses adjusted for sex and stratified by age group indicated that higher odds of autism diagnosis were associated with total, depression, anxiety, and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) scales in the top 30% of the CBCL score distribution. Autistic girls were more likely to have parent-reported depression and anxiety compared to autistic boys. In quantile regression analyses, we observed evidence of stronger associations between SRS and CBCL for those in higher quantiles of CBCL total problems scale score (beta representing 1-unit change in SRS associated with 1-unit increase in CBCL total problems scale score), among children in the 70-90th percentile (β = 1.60, p < 0.01), or top 10th percentile (β = 2.43, p < 0.01) of the CBCL total problems scale score distribution. Similar findings were seen for the DSM-oriented depression, anxiety, and ADHD subscales. Conclusion Results from this large national sample suggest increased behavioral and emotional problems among autistic children compared to non-autistic children throughout early life. Among children on the spectrum this may warrant increased monitoring for co-occurring behavioral and emotional problems.

Measurement invariance of the Child Behavior Checklist in autistic toddlers

Article

Jan 2025
RES AUTISM SPECT DIS

Criminal Trajectories of SNAP (Stop Now And Plan) and Non-SNAP Children and Predictors of Trajectory Group Membership Among SNAP Children Using the Early Assessment Risk Lists (EARLs)

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024

The use of risk assessments for adults and youth has become widespread in criminal justice systems across North America. However, the lack of a risk assessment instrument for children has been a shortcoming in the developmental criminology literature. The Early Assessment Risk Lists (EARLs) were developed by researchers at the Child Development Institute and have become important tools for assessing the level of risk among children between the age of 6 and 11 years referred to the Stop Now And Plan (SNAP) program for children who engage in conduct problem behavior. In this longitudinal study, we examined the criminal trajectories of two groups of children, those admitted into the SNAP program between 2001 and 2009 and those referred but not admitted to the SNAP program in this same period. We also examined the use of the EARLs to predict trajectory group membership in the SNAP sample. Latent class growth analysis zero-inflated Poisson models were estimated for criminal convictions to cluster individuals into latent classes. Results indicated that a two-class model provided the best fit to the data for both groups. In terms of predictors, higher EARL total risk scores and responsivity risk scores were associated with higher odds of being in the high-level offender class than in the rare offender class. The child risk score and male youth had marginally (p < 0.08) higher odds of being in the high-level offender class. The findings suggest a need to address early risk factors for children on a developmental pathway towards involvement in criminal activity, particularly for male children.

An Attachment-Based Family Therapy for Anxiety and Depression in Children: A Mixed-Methods Evaluation of BEST-Foundations †

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024

Background/Objectives: Parent-child attachment and family relationships have been identified as risk factors for childhood internalising symptoms such as anxiety and depressive symptoms. This mixed-methods evaluation examined the feasibility of a recently developed attachment-based family intervention, Behaviour Exchange Systems Therapy-Foundations (BEST-F), delivering 16 h of therapy over 8 weeks to treat internalising symptoms in children aged between 3 and 11 years. Methods: The quantitative outcomes of this uncontrolled study of 17 families were based on the parent-reported Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL) measure, completed at four-timepoints (baseline, pre-, post-intervention, and follow-up), while qualitative data were collected from interviews with participants at follow-up. Results: Pre-and post-BEST-F intervention results demonstrated a significant change in internalising symptoms from the borderline and clinical range to the normal range, with a large effect size (d = 0.85). Notably, additional reductions in internalising symptoms were reported two months after cessation of treatment, with a very large effect size (d = 1.85). Furthermore, there were substantial reductions in child externalising symptoms and parental mental health symptoms, with large effect sizes ranging from d = 0.80 to 1.12. Qualitative reports were consistent with these quantitative findings. Conclusions: These pilot results suggest that children presenting with clinical-range internalising symptoms may benefit from family-based approaches where the parent-child relationship is a focus.

L’enfant borderline-en-devenir : le rôle des expériences vécues au sein des relations d’attachement dans la compréhension de la tendance à l’agir

Thesis

Dec 2024

Olivier Didier

Il a été établi dans la documentation scientifique que les enfants ayant subi des expériences précoces de maltraitance ont une propension accrue à la dérégulation comportementale. Cette association a particulièrement été mise en évidence auprès des enfants hébergés sous la protection de la jeunesse. En s’appuyant sur la notion de l’enfant borderline-en-devenir, cette thèse vise à éclaircir les processus liés à la personnalité en développement impliqués dans la tendance à réguler le monde interne au moyen de l’agir. Plus spécifiquement, le premier objectif vise à proposer une actualisation de la notion de l’enfant borderline-en-devenir, intégrant notamment les résultats d’études contemporaines et les apports de la théorie de l’attachement. Le second objectif est d’amorcer une réflexion théorique en ce qui a trait aux expériences relationnelles précoces qui peuvent précéder l’organisation limite de la personnalité. Le troisième objectif cherche à détailler empiriquement les liens entre les représentations d’attachement, les traits de personnalité limite en émergence (TPLÉ) et la dérégulation comportementale au sein d’un échantillon d’enfants d’âge scolaire. Le quatrième objectif vise à comparer les représentations d’attachement, les TPLÉ et les manifestations de dérégulation comportementale entre trois groupes, soit un groupe d’enfants hébergés sous la protection de la jeunesse, un groupe consultant en psychologie ou en pédopsychiatrie et un groupe issu de la population générale. La thèse est organisée autour de quatre articles. Deux articles présentent des élaborations théoriques et deux articles détaillent des résultats des analyses empiriques menées au sein d’un échantillon composé de 116 enfants âgés de 7 à 12 ans. Dans le premier article, une recension de la documentation contemporaine permet d’appuyer la validité théorique de la notion de l’enfant borderline-en-devenir en y intégrant notamment les résultats d’études soulignant la présence, chez les jeunes ayant des TPLÉ, de déficits développementaux sur le plan socio-cognitif, émotionnel, relationnel, de la régulation des comportements et identitaire. Le second article propose un regroupement des expériences relationnelles précoces jouant un rôle dans le développement d’une organisation limite de la personnalité, détaillant en ce sens les expériences de dérégulations affectives, d’inclusion et d’exclusion excessives, ainsi que les défaillances parentales à mentaliser les états internes de l’enfant. Le troisième article présente, pour la première fois à notre connaissance, des résultats empiriques qui soulignent le rôle prédictif des représentations d’attachement insécurisantes sur les TPLÉ chez des enfants d’âge scolaire. Finalement, le quatrième article met en évidence le rôle médiateur des TPLÉ dans la relation entre les représentations d’attachement insécurisantes et l’augmentation de la dérégulation comportementale. Il présente également des résultats indiquant un niveau plus élevé de représentations d’attachement insécurisantes, de TPLÉ et de dérégulation comportementale chez les enfants hébergés comparativement aux jeunes n’ayant pas subi de maltraitance. En discussion générale de la thèse, ces élaborations théoriques et résultats empiriques sont intégrés au sein d’un modèle développemental de l’enfant borderline-en-devenir. Les implications des avancées présentées dans la thèse pour la pratique professionnelle sont discutées, à la fois concernant les démarches d’évaluation de la pathologie dans l’enfance et d’intervention thérapeutique.

Trajectories of children's intrusive grief and association with baseline family and child factors and long-term outcomes in young adulthood

Article

Dec 2024
DEV PSYCHOPATHOL

This study reports on the description of children’s distinct trajectories of intrusive grief, baseline predictors of grief trajectories, and the association of grief trajectories with mental health, substantive abuse and disordered grief six and fifteen years following baseline assessment. The study uses data on 244 parentally-bereaved children ages 8–16 at baseline. Four distinct trajectories were identified using Growth Mixture Modeling over four waves of assessment across 6 years. The trajectories were labeled high chronic grief, moderate chronic grief, grief recovery (starts high but decreases over 6 years of assessment) and grief resilience (chronic low grief). Baseline factors associated with chronic high or moderate chronic levels of grief included depression, traumatic cause of death (homicide or suicide), active inhibition of emotional expression, active coping, child age and gender. At the six-year assessment, trajectories were associated with internalizing mental health problems, higher level of traumatic grief, and aversive views of the self. At the fifteen-year assessment, trajectories were associated with intrusive grief. The results are interpreted in terms of consistency with prior evidence of children’s long-term grief, theoretical processes that may account for chronic grief and implications for the development of preventive and treatment interventions.

Brief Report: Psychometric Properties of the Brief Problem Monitor-Parent (BPM-P) 6–18 in a Sample of Children Referred to an Autism Specialty Clinic

Article

Dec 2024
J AUTISM DEV DISORD

Detection and monitoring of emotional and behavior problems is a critical part of clinical care for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs), as well as a common focus of research. The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) is a well-established caregiver-report instrument that is used for screening and monitoring of emotional and behavior problems in individuals diagnosed with ASD and NDDs. However, it has over 100 items and can be time-consuming to complete. The Brief Problem Monitor Parent Report (BPM-P; Achenbach et al. 2011) includes a subset of the CBCL items and is intended for monitoring emotional and behavior problems. However, its validity has not been examined in ASD or NDD samples. Data from 302 children ages 6–18 years whose caregivers had completed the CBCL were drawn from a clinical research databank. Confirmatory factor analysis of the BPM-P three-factor structure had mixed findings. All BPM-P scales had acceptable internal consistency, and agreement between the BPM-P cutoffs and the corresponding CBCL clinical cutoffs was acceptable for the broad problem scales. The Attention scale demonstrated high sensitivity, but poor specificity. Results provide initial evidence that the BPM-P may be a useful alternative to the CBCL, producing comparable information for broad problems, while requiring much less time from caregivers. BPM-P users may want to consider the Attention scale separately due to poor specificity compared to the CBCL. These results will need to be replicated using larger samples and independent administrations of the BPM-P and the CBCL.

Uso de pantallas, interacciones familiares y problemas exteriorizados en una muestra de niños colombianos: Screen use, family interactions and externalizing problems in a sample of Colombian children

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024

El uso excesivo de pantallas favorece la aparición y mantenimiento de problemas exteriorizados en la infancia. Este estudio busca identificar la contribución del uso frecuente de pantallas y la parentalidad positiva y negativa en problemas exteriorizados en 84 niños colombianos de 7 a 9 años. Los padres completaron la Lista de Chequeo de Comportamiento Infantil para identificar síntomas exteriorizados e interiorizados, el Cuestionario de Uso Problemático de Tecnologías para identificar la frecuencia y problemas asociados al uso de pantallas y el Cuestionario de Parentalidad de Alabama para la parentalidad positiva y negativa. Los modelos de regresión múltiple mostraron una relación entre el uso frecuente de pantallas y la disciplina inconsistente pero únicamente para los problemas exteriorizados. El sexo masculino y el estrato socioeconómico medio-alto también se relacionaron con problemas de conducta. Los resultados enfatizan la relevancia de que los padres utilicen la disciplina consistente y regulen el uso de pantallas para así prevenir tempranamente los problemas exteriorizados.

Self-Rated Symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder: Factor Structure, Reliability, and Validity in a Clinical Sample of Adolescents

Article

Full-text available

Dec 2024
CHILD PSYCHIAT HUM D

This study examined the psychometric properties of self-rated symptoms of oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) and conduct disorder (CD). We analyzed symptom ratings from a clinical outpatient sample of 658 adolescents aged 11;0–17;11 years diagnosed with ODD/CD and/or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder. In two steps, we examined the factor structure of ODD models and an additional CD symptom dimension using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). Our preferred three-factor CFA and ESEM models (CFI = 0.937–0.975, TLI = 0.926–0.962, RMSEA = 0.049–0.068, SRMR = 0.045–0.070) demonstrated scalar measurement invariance across age groups (≥ 14;0 years) and metric measurement invariance across informants (parents, teachers). With exceptions, the self-rated symptom scales showed acceptable internal consistencies (α = 0.68–0.84). Convergent (r =.27–.65) and divergent validity (r =.13–.41) were supported using Achenbach’s Youth Self Report Form. Our results provide implications for using self-rated ODD/CD symptoms in clinical practice and research.

The influence of early childhood education and care on the relation between early-life social adversity and children's mental health in the environmental influences for Child Health Outcomes Program

Article

Dec 2024
DEV PSYCHOPATHOL

Early adversity increases risk for child mental health difficulties. Stressors in the home environment (e.g., parental mental illness, household socioeconomic challenges) may be particularly impactful. Attending out-of-home childcare may buffer or magnify negative effects of such exposures. Using a longitudinal observational design, we leveraged data from the NIH Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes Program to test whether number of hours in childcare, defined as 1) any type of nonparental care and 2) center-based care specifically, was associated with child mental health, including via buffering or magnifying associations between early exposure to psychosocial and socioeconomic risks (age 0–3 years) and later internalizing and externalizing symptoms (age 3–5.5 years), in a diverse sample of N = 2,024 parent–child dyads. In linear regression models, childcare participation was not associated with mental health outcomes, nor did we observe an impact of childcare attendance on associations between risk exposures and symptoms. Psychosocial and socioeconomic risks had interactive effects on internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Overall, the findings did not indicate that childcare attendance positively or negatively influenced child mental health and suggested that psychosocial and socioeconomic adversity may need to be considered as separate exposures to understand child mental health risk in early life.

Diverging Trajectories of Child Externalizing Behavior by Family Economic Status at Birth: The Mediating Role of Neighborhood Poverty

Article

Dec 2024
J SOC SERV RES

Manual for the ASEBA Preschool forms & profiles

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