The Biomarker Toolkit - an evidence-based guideline to predict cancer biomarker success and guide development.

BACKGROUND: An increased number of resources are allocated on cancer biomarker discovery, but very few of these biomarkers are clinically adopted. To bridge the gap between Biomarker discovery and clinical use, we aim to generate the Biomarker Toolkit, a tool designed to identify clinically promising biomarkers and promote successful biomarker translation. METHODS: All features associated with a clinically useful biomarker were identified using mixed-methodology, including systematic literature search, semi-structured interviews, and an online two-stage Delphi-Survey. Validation of the checklist was achieved by independent systematic literature searches using keywords/subheadings related to clinically and non-clinically utilised breast and colorectal cancer biomarkers. Composite aggregated scores were generated for each selected publication based on the presence/absence of an attribute listed in the Biomarker Toolkit checklist. RESULTS: Systematic literature search identified 129 attributes associated with a clinically useful biomarker. These were grouped in four main categories including: rationale, clinical utility, analytical validity, and clinical validity. This checklist was subsequently developed using semi-structured interviews with biomarker experts (n=34); and 88.23% agreement was achieved regarding the identified attributes, via the Delphi survey (consensus level:75%, n=51). Quantitative validation was completed using clinically and non-clinically implemented breast and colorectal cancer biomarkers. Cox-regression analysis suggested that total score is a significant driver of biomarker success in both cancer types (BC: p>0.0001, 95.0% CI: 0.869-0.935, CRC: p>0.0001, 95.0% CI: 0.918-0.954). CONCLUSIONS: This novel study generated a validated checklist with literature-reported attributes linked with successful biomarker implementation. Ultimately, the application of this toolkit can be used to detect biomarkers with the highest clinical potential and shape how biomarker studies are designed/performed.

Assessment of Technical Skills in Axillary Lymph Node Dissection.

OBJECTIVE: A simulator to enable safe practice and assessment of ALND has been designed, and face, content and construct validity has been investigated. SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND DATA: The reduction in the number of ALNDs conducted has led to decreased resident exposure and confidence. METHODS: A cross-sectional multicenter observational study was carried out between July 2017 and August 2018. Following model development, 30 surgeons of varying experience (n = "experts," n = 11 "senior residents," and n = 10 "junior residents") were asked to perform a simulated ALND. Face and content validity questionnaires were administered immediately after ALND. All ALND procedures were retrospectively assessed by 2 attending breast surgeons, blinded to operator identity, using a video-based assessment tool, and an end product assessment tool. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences between groups were observed across all operative subphases on the axillary clearance assessment tool (P < 0.001). Significant differences between groups were observed for overall procedure quality (P < 0.05) and total number of lymph nodes harvested (P < 0.001). However, operator grade could not be distinguished across other end product variables such as axillary vein damage (P = 0.864) and long thoracic nerve injury (P = 0.094). Overall, participants indicated that the simulator has good anatomical (median score >7) and procedural realism (median score >7). CONCLUSIONS: Video-based analysis demonstrates construct validity for ALND assessment. Given reduced ALND exposure, this simulation is a useful adjunct for both technical skills training and formative Deanery or Faculty administered assessments.

Development of a Reliable Surgical Quality Assurance System for 2-stage Esophagectomy in Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: The aim was to develop a reliable surgical quality assurance system for 2-stage esophagectomy. This development was conducted during the pilot phase of the multicenter ROMIO trial, collaborating with international experts. SUMMARY OF BACKGROUND DATA: There is evidence that the quality of surgical performance in randomized controlled trials influences clinical outcomes, quality of lymphadenectomy and loco-regional recurrence. METHODS: Standardization of 2-stage esophagectomy was based on structured observations, semi-structured interviews, hierarchical task analysis, and a Delphi consensus process. This standardization provided the structure for the operation manual and video and photographic assessment tools. Reliability was examined using generalizability theory. RESULTS: Hierarchical task analysis for 2-stage esophagectomy comprised fifty-four steps. Consensus (75%) agreement was reached on thirty-nine steps, whereas fifteen steps had a majority decision. An operation manual and record were created. A thirty five-item video assessment tool was developed that assessed the process (safety and efficiency) and quality of the end product (anatomy exposed and lymphadenectomy performed) of the operation. The quality of the end product section was used as a twenty seven-item photographic assessment tool. Thirty-one videos and fifty-three photographic series were submitted from the ROMIO pilot phase for assessment. The overall G-coefficient for the video assessment tool was 0.744, and for the photographic assessment tool was 0.700. CONCLUSIONS: A reliable surgical quality assurance system for 2-stage esophagectomy has been developed for surgical oncology randomized controlled trials. ETHICAL APPROVAL: 11/NW/0895 and confirmed locally as appropriate, 12/SW/0161, 16/SW/0098.Trial registration number: ISRCTN59036820, ISRCTN10386621.

The Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire in Lebanon and the UK: A comparison of the psychometric properties in each country.

The aim of this study was to validate the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire (TEIQue v. 1.5) in a Lebanese sample and compare its factorial structure to that of a UK sample. There were similar gender and age distributions in both samples as well as satisfactory structural reliabilities at the global, factor, and facet levels. Results from exploratory factor analysis showed a four-factor structure similar to that originally obtained by the author of the questionnaire. There were strong correlations between the factor scores derived from the two datasets (≥.90). Tucker congruence supported the similarity between the Lebanese and UK factors. Independent-samples t tests showed that Lebanese participants scored higher on the Sociability factor and the facets of self-esteem, social awareness and emotion perception, whereas UK participants scored higher on the facets of stress management, optimism and relationships. Gender differences are also reported, and recommendations for future research discussed.

Surgical Quality Assurance in COLOR III: Standardization and Competency Assessment in a Randomized Controlled Trial.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to develop an objective and reliable surgical quality assurance system (SQA) for COLOR III, an international multicenter randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing transanal total mesorectal excision (TaTME) with laparoscopic approach for rectal cancer. BACKGROUND OF SUMMARY DATA: SQA influences outcome measures in RCTs such as lymph nodes harvest, in-hospital mortality, and locoregional cancer recurrence. However, levels of SQA are variable. METHOD: Hierarchical task analysis of TaTME was performed. A 4-round Delphi methodology was applied for standardization of TaTME steps. Semistructured interviews were conducted in round 1 to identify key steps and tasks, which were rated as mandatory, optional, or prohibited in rounds 2 to 4 using questionnaires. Competency assessment tool (CAT) was developed and its content validity was examined by expert surgeons. Twenty unedited videos were assessed to test reliability using generalizability theory. RESULTS: Eighty-three of 101 surgical tasks identified reached 70% agreement (26 mandatory, 56 optional, and 1 prohibited). An operative guide of standardized TaTME was created. CAT is matrix of 9 steps and 4 performance qualities: exposure, execution, adverse event, and end-product. The overall G-coefficient was 0.883. Inter-rater and interitem reliability were 0.883 and 0.986. To enter COLOR III, 2 unedited TaTME and 1 laparoscopic TME videos were submitted and assessed by 2 independent assessors using CAT. CONCLUSION: We described an iterative approach to develop an objective SQA within multicenter RCT. This approach provided standardization, the development of reliable and valid CAT, and the criteria for trial entry and monitoring surgical performance during the trial.

Development of the Point-of-Care Key Evidence Tool (POCKET): a checklist for multi-dimensional evidence generation in point-of-care tests.

Background This study aimed to develop the Point-of-Care Key Evidence Tool (POCKET); a multi-dimensional checklist to guide the evaluation of point-of-care tests (POCTs) incorporating validity, utility, usability, cost-effectiveness and patient experience. The motivation for this was to improve the efficiency of evidence generation in POCTs and reduce the lead-time for the adoption of novel POCTs. Methods A mixed qualitative and quantitative approach was applied. Following a literature search, a three round Delphi process was undertaken incorporating a semi-structured interview study and two questionnaire rounds. Participants included clinicians, laboratory personnel, commissioners, regulators (including members of National Institute for Health and Care Excellence [NICE] committees), patients, industry representatives and methodologists. Qualitative data were analysed based on grounded theory. The final tool was revised at an expert stakeholder workshop. Results Forty-three participants were interviewed within the semi-structured interview study, 32 participated in the questionnaire rounds and nine stakeholders attended the expert workshop. The final version of the POCKET checklist contains 65 different evidence requirements grouped into seven themes. Face validity, content validity and usability has been demonstrated. There exists a shortfall in the evidence that industry and research methodologists believe should be generated regarding POCTs and what is actually required by policy and decision makers to promote implementation into current healthcare pathways. Conclusions This study has led to the development of POCKET, a checklist for evidence generation and synthesis in POCTs. This aims to guide industry and researchers to the evidence that is required by decision makers to facilitate POCT adoption so that the benefits they can bring to patients can be effectively realised.

COLOR III: a multicentre randomised clinical trial comparing transanal TME versus laparoscopic TME for mid and low rectal cancer.

INTRODUCTION: Total mesorectal excision (TME) is an essential component of surgical management of rectal cancer. Both open and laparoscopic TME have been proven to be oncologically safe. However, it remains a challenge to achieve complete TME with clear circumferential resections margin (CRM) with the conventional transabdominal approach, particularly in mid and low rectal tumours. Transanal TME (TaTME) was developed to improve oncological and functional outcomes of patients with mid and low rectal cancer. METHODS: An international, multicentre, superiority, randomised trial was designed to compare TaTME and conventional laparoscopic TME as the surgical treatment of mid and low rectal carcinomas. The primary endpoint is involved CRM. Secondary endpoints include completeness of mesorectum, residual mesorectum, morbidity and mortality, local recurrence, disease-free and overall survival, percentage of sphincter-saving procedures, functional outcome and quality of life. A Quality Assurance Protocol including centralised MRI review, histopathology re-evaluation, standardisation of surgical techniques, and monitoring and assessment of surgical quality will be conducted. DISCUSSION: The difference in involvement of CRM between the two treatment strategies is thought to be in favour of the TaTME. TaTME is therefore expected to be superior to laparoscopic TME in terms of oncological outcomes in case of mid and low rectal carcinomas.

Simulating various levels of clinical challenge in the assessment of clinical procedure competence.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Immersive simulation is increasingly used for competency assessment of emergency physicians. This group's concept of hybrid simulation (HS) (combining simulated patients and part-task trainers (a simulator that simulates a limited component of a clinical procedure) to create a multimodal clinical context) requires clinicians to integrate technical and nontechnical skills in a holistic clinical performance for assessment. It also offers the potential to provide authentic simulation of a given clinical procedure across multiple levels of challenge. The aims of this study are to systematically design and validate 2 patient-focused HS scenarios (each combining a simulated patient with a part-task simulator) for assessment of the management of a commonly encountered problem in an emergency department (ED) at different levels of clinical challenge, and to explore the effect of level of challenge of the HS scenario on physicians' performance. METHODS: A simple (HS1) and a complex (HS2) HS scenario (based on the management of a patient with a traumatic skin laceration within the ED) was developed according to expert opinion through cognitive task analysis. Interns and emergency medicine residents (stratified into expert and novice groups according to experience) were recruited to participate in both scenarios. Participants were randomized to perform either the HS1 or HS2 scenario first. Participants completed a questionnaire for face validity (realism of simulation) and content validity (comprehensiveness of simulation). Performances were assessed by 2 independent raters using validated rating tools modified to the needs of this study: the Modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills-Task Specific Checklist, the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills-Global Rating Score, and the Direct Observation of Procedural Skills. RESULTS: Ten novice and 10 expert clinicians completed both scenarios. Mean face and content validity ratings were high for both HS1 (mean 4.4 [SD 0.52] and 4.2 [SD 0.48], respectively) and HS2 scenarios (mean 4.5 [SD 0.35] and 4.3 [SD 0.43], respectively). In HS1, no difference was found between experts' and novices' Modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills-Task Specific Checklist, Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills-Global Rating Score, and Direct Observation of Procedural Skills ratings. Experts performed significantly better than novices in HS2 in terms of the 3 tools' ratings. Novices' Modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills-Task Specific Checklist and Direct Observation of Procedural Skills ratings were significantly worse in HS2 compared with HS1, but no difference was found with the Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills-Global Rating Score. No statistical difference was found in experts' Modified Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills-Task Specific Checklist, Objective Structured Assessment of Technical Skills-Global Rating Score, and Direct Observation of Procedural Skills ratings between HS2 and HS1 scenarios. CONCLUSION: Recreating clinical challenge is an important consideration in the design of simulation-based assessment of procedural skills of clinicians. In this study, we have demonstrated a systematic approach to developing HS scenarios, which may be able to recreate various levels of clinical challenge for purpose of assessment of procedural skills.

Cognitive ability, neighborhood deprivation, and young children's emotional and behavioral problems.

PURPOSE: To examine if cognitive ability moderates the effect of area (neighborhood) deprivation on young children's problem behavior. METHODS: Data from the first two sweeps of the Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) in the UK were used. Children were clustered in small areas in nine strata in the UK and were aged 9 months at Sweep 1 and 3 years at Sweep 2. Neighborhood deprivation was measured with the Index of Multiple Deprivation at Sweep 1. Overall and specific problem behavior was measured with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire at Sweep 2. To explore moderator specificity we used three indices of ability (verbal cognitive ability, non-verbal cognitive ability, and attainment of developmental milestones). Adjustment was made for child's age and sex, and for Sweep 1 family adversity (number of adverse life events), family structure, mother's social class and psychological distress, and family socio-economic disadvantage. RESULTS: We found both support for our main hypothesis, and evidence for specificity. Neighborhood deprivation was, even after adjustment for covariates, significantly associated with children's peer problems. However, verbal and non-verbal cognitive ability moderated this association. CONCLUSIONS: Neighborhood deprivation was related to peer problems even at preschool age. Although the effect of neighborhood deprivation on externalizing problems was mediated by family poverty and parental socio-economic position and although its effect on internalizing problems was mediated by parental mental health, its effect on difficulties with peers was independent of both parental and child characteristics. Cognitive ability moderated the effect of neighborhood deprivation on preschoolers' peer relationships difficulties.

The feasibility and acceptability of integrating regular centralised laboratory-based skills training into a surgical training programme.

BACKGROUND: Traditional laboratory-based skills training provides mass training that does not match clinical experience and is not tailored to individual needs. This compromises the transfer and retention of skills into clinical practice. AIM: To demonstrate the feasibility of integrating a centralised programme of laboratory-based surgical skills training into a higher surgical training programme and to evaluate its effectiveness and acceptability to trainees. METHODS: Laboratory-based skills training was provided at a central site, delivered by consultants and tailored to the trainees' level of clinical experience. Each trainee was expected to attend one session a month for 11 months a year. Evaluation was conducted through attendance records, structured evaluations by participants, independent qualitative questionnaires and web interviews. RESULTS: Forty-two specialist surgical trainees in the North West London higher surgical training programme participated in laboratory-based skills sessions delivered by 19 consultants over a period of two years. The average attendance was 70.5% for trainees and 100% for trainers. All sessions were rated by trainees as well-organised and useful with an average score of more than 4 out of 5. Trainees felt that the Skills Programme can complement surgical training by allowing practice under expert supervision in a safe environment. CONCLUSIONS: Centralising laboratory-based skills training and integrating it into a clinical programme is feasible and acceptable and represents a paradigm shift in surgical training. Involvement of trainees in designing the content is valuable.

The development and evaluation of "Training the trainer" curriculum for surgical residents: Feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Over the last decades, there has been greater emphasis on enhancing teaching skills and concepts of Train-The-Trainer (TTT) have been widely adopted across surgical training programs. Current TTT curricula, however, mostly address teaching generic principles without specific guidance on how to teach technical skills among residents. The aim of this proof-of-concept study was to design a bespoke TTT curriculum for surgical technical skills and evaluate its impact. MATERIAL AND METHODS: A bespoke TTT curriculum was developed to address key teaching surgical skills including a training framework, and performance enhancing feedback. The curriculum was delivered to 41 junior surgical residents in this feasibility study and focused on promoting a training framework including three domains; "set" involving pre-operative preparation, "dialogue" referring to teaching techniques and "closure" covering structured feedback. It was evaluated using Kirkpatrick's model: (i) course feedback; (ii) training quality assessment on a suturing simulated scenario using (a) Competency Assessment Tool (CAT) and a (b) Structured Training Trainer Assessment Report (STTAR) tool; (iii-iv) follow-up survey after one year. RESULTS: The TTT curriculum was well-perceived, with a median score of 4/5 ("agree") across all components of evaluation forms. The simulated training scenario demonstrated a significant reduction in suturing errors following delivery of training (pre-TTT [4.25; IQR:4.42]; post-TTT [2.34; IQR:2.38], p-value = 0.014). Improvement in teaching was also noted and reflected in 'Set' (pre-TTT [3.50; IQR: 3.00] and post-TTT [5.00; IQR: 0.00], p-value = 0.019) and 'Closure' (pre-TTT [4.75; IQR: 1.88] and post-TTT [5.00; IQR: 0.00], p value = 0.007). 25% of participants contributed to the long-term survey highlighting that most practiced skills within 6 months of the curriculum with positive feedback from their learners. CONCLUSION: This proof-of-concept study confirms the feasibility and acceptability of delivering a bespoke Train-The-Trainer curriculum to surgical residents. It provides a structured training framework that can enhance teaching technical skills.

Trait emotional intelligence influences on academic achievement and school behaviour.

BACKGROUND. Trait emotional intelligence (trait EI or trait emotional self-efficacy) refers to individuals' emotion-related self-perceptions (Petrides, Furnham, & Mavroveli, 2007). The children's trait EI sampling domain provides comprehensive coverage of their affective personality. Preliminary evidence shows that the construct has important implications for children's psychological and behavioural adjustment. AIMS. This study investigates the associations between trait EI and school outcomes, such as performance in reading, writing, and maths, peer-rated behaviour and social competence, and self-reported bullying behaviours in a sample of primary school children. It also examines whether trait EI scores differentiate between children with and without special educational needs (SEN). SAMPLE. The sample comprised 565 children (274 boys and 286 girls) between the ages of 7 and 12 (M((age)) = 9.12 years, SD= 1.27 years) attending three English state primary schools. METHOD. Pupils completed the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Child Form (TEIQue-CF), the Guess Who peer assessment, the Peer-Victimization Scale, and the Bullying Behaviour Scale. Additional data on achievement and SEN were collected from the school archives. RESULTS. As predicted by trait EI theory, associations between trait EI and academic achievement were modest and limited to Year 3 children. Higher trait EI scores were related to more nominations from peers for prosocial behaviours and fewer nominations for antisocial behaviour as well as lower scores on self-reported bulling behaviours. Furthermore, SEN students scored lower on trait EI compared to students without SEN. CONCLUSIONS. Trait EI holds important and multifaceted implications for the socialization of primary schoolchildren.

Adversity, Emotional Arousal, and Problem Behaviour in Adolescence: The Role of Non-Verbal Cognitive Ability as a Resilience Promoting Factor.

BACKGROUND: To test whether emotional arousal mediates the moderator effect of non-verbal cognitive ability on the association between cumulative contextual risk (number of proximal and distal adverse life events) and adolescent problem behaviour. METHOD: Data from a UK community sample of secondary school aged children were used. The study sample comprised 207 children with a mean age of 13.44 years (SD = 1.45). Problem behaviour was assessed with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, non-verbal cognitive ability was assessed with Raven's Standard Progressive Matrices Plus, and emotional arousal was measured with the Acting Out Emotions Scale of the Emotion Awareness Questionnaire. Adjustment was made for gender, age, family structure, and socio-economic disadvantage. RESULTS: Non-verbal cognitive ability moderated the effect of cumulative contextual risk on overall problem behaviour, and emotional arousal mediated this moderator effect. That is, risk predicted emotional arousal, which predicted overall problem behaviour, but emotional arousal was more strongly related to overall problem behaviour among children of low non-verbal cognitive ability than among children of high non-verbal cognitive ability. CONCLUSIONS: These findings are important for both theory development and intervention design. They advance theory because they suggest that non-verbal cognitive ability buffers the effect of risk on overall problem behaviour by strengthening control over emotions. They have implications for intervention design because they suggest that interventions carried out to enhance children's emotion regulation skills in the presence of multiple adversity might be more effective if they target children who score low on non-verbal cognitive ability.

Challenges to quality assurance of surgical interventions in clinical oncology trials: A systematic review.

Where surgery forms the primary curative modality in surgical oncology trials the quality of this intervention has the potential to directly influence outcomes. Many trials however lack a robust framework to ensure surgical quality. We aim to report existing published challenges to quality assurance of surgical interventions within oncological trials. A systematic on-line literature search of Embase and Medline identified 34 relevant studies, including 19 RCTs, 11 further analyses of the primary RCTs, and 4 trial protocols. Inclusion criteria: oncological RCTs with a surgical intervention and/or associated publications relevant to the research question; 'Challenges to quality assurance of surgery in clinical oncology trials'. Selected articles were assessed by two reviewers to identify reported challenges to quality assurance of surgical intervention within these trials. Reported challenges to surgical quality could be classified as those affecting credentialing, standardisation and monitoring of surgical interventions. Constraints of using case volume for credentialing surgeons; inter-centre variation in the definition and execution of interventions; insufficient training, and monitoring of surgical quality, were the most commonly encountered challenges within each of these three domains. Findings confirmed an inadequacy in the implementation and reporting of effective surgical quality assurance measures. The surgical community should enable implementation of agreed upon mitigating strategies to overcome challenges to surgical quality in oncology trials.

Modeling risks: effects of area deprivation, family socio-economic disadvantage and adverse life events on young children's psychopathology.

BACKGROUND: The effects of contextual risk on young children's behavior are not appropriately modeled. AIMS: To model the effects of area and family contextual risk on young children's psychopathology. METHOD: The final study sample consisted of 4,618 Millennium Cohort Study (MCS) children, who were 3 years old, clustered in lower layer super output areas in nine strata in the UK. Contextual risk was measured by socio-economic disadvantage (SED) at both area and family level, and by distal and proximal adverse life events at family level. Multivariate response multilevel models that allowed for correlated residuals at both individual and area level, and univariate multilevel models estimated the effect of contextual risk on specific and broad psychopathology measured by the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. RESULTS: The area SED/broad psychopathology association remained significant after family SED was controlled, but not after maternal qualifications and family adverse life events were added to the model. Adverse life events predicted psychopathology in all models. Family SED did not predict emotional symptoms or hyperactivity after child characteristics were added to the model with the family-level controls. CONCLUSIONS: Area-level SED predicts child psychopathology via family characteristics; family-level SED predicts psychopathology largely by its impact on development; and adverse life events predict psychopathology independently of earlier adversity, SED and child characteristics, as well as maternal psychopathology, parenting and education.

Trait emotional intelligence and disposition for forgiveness.

The association of trait emotional intelligence with a disposition for forgiveness was explored. In addition, the relationship between emotional intelligence and affect was also examined. A sample of 268 Portuguese students completed measures of trait emotional intelligence, disposition to forgive, and affect. Results demonstrated that trait emotional intelligence scores were negatively associated with lasting resentment and negative affect and positively associated with positive affect.

Exploring the relationships between trait emotional intelligence and objective socio-emotional outcomes in childhood.

BACKGROUND: Trait emotional intelligence (trait EI or trait emotional self-efficacy) is a constellation of emotion-related self-perceptions and dispositions located at the lower levels of personality hierarchies. This paper examines the validity of this construct, as operationalized by the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Child Form (TEIQue-CF), in primary schoolchildren. AIMS: The main aim was to examine the construct validity of trait EI in middle and late childhood by exploring its relationships with cognitive ability, emotion perception, and social behaviour. SAMPLE: The sample comprised 140 children aged between 8 and 12 years (M=9.26 years, SD=1.00 year; 63 girls) from two English state primary schools. METHOD: Pupils completed the TEIQue-CF, the standard progressive matrices (SPM), the guess who peer assessment, the social skills training (SST) test, and the assessment of children's emotion skills (ACES) during formal class periods. The procedure took approximately two hours with a short break between assessments. RESULTS: Trait EI scores were positively related both to peer-rated prosocial behaviour and to overall peer competence. They also predicted emotion perception accuracy beyond overall peer competence. As hypothesized in trait EI theory, the construct was unrelated to IQ (Raven's matrices) and academic performance. CONCLUSIONS: Trait EI is successfully operationalized through the TEIQue-CF and has important and multifaceted implications for the socialization of primary schoolchildren.

The relative contribution of parenting practices in predicting trait emotional intelligence in an Italian adolescent sample.

This study examines the relationship between trait emotional intelligence (trait EI), support, and parental psychological control practices. Three hundred adolescents, between 11 and 13 years old, took part in the study (163 were males and 137 were females). Participants completed the Perceptions of Parents Scales for the parental support, the Dependency (DPC)- and Achievement (APC)-oriented Psychological Control Scales for the parental psychological control, and the Trait Emotional Intelligence Questionnaire-Child Form for the child's trait EI. Trait EI was related to parenting variables, and also, parental practices (both support and psychological control) predicted global trait EI in adolescents. Some gender-specific differences were found: both APC and DPC were negative predictors of trait EI in males, whereas only APC significantly predicted trait EI in females. Future longitudinal studies are needed to examine these results and to shed light on the processes involved in the development of trait EI. STATEMENT OF CONTRIBUTION: What is already known on the subject? There exists strong evidence of the interaction between parenting practices and emotional development in children and adolescents. Therefore, parental psychological control is negatively correlated with peer support and self-esteem, and positively related to anxiety and aggressive behaviour in children. However, there is paucity on research examining the relationship between parenting and trait EI in children. What does this study adds? This study extends earlier work in this field and investigates whether there is a relationship between trait EI and parenting practices (parental support and psychological control) and whether it depends on child and parent gender. This study, therefore, aims to investigate, for the first time, parental factors that may, in addition to those constitutional, be related to trait EI in children. Specifically, the objective of the present study was to investigate whether parenting practices would predict adolescents' trait EI and whether these relations depend on the gender.