Interactive effects of parental support and psychological control on children's emotion regulation.

Parents engage in a variety of behaviors that have important impacts on children's psychosocial functioning, including their ability to effectively regulate emotions. Parental support includes behaviors that convey warmth, love, and acceptance, whereas parental psychological control includes shaming, guilt induction, and love withdrawal. Although the unique effects of these parenting behaviors are most often examined in the literature, it is possible that they may interact with one another to influence child outcomes. The goal of the present study was to examine whether parental psychological control moderated the effect of parental support on children's emotion (dys)regulation over a 6-month period. Participants included 284 third- through fifth-grade students (51.8% boys; 51.1% Hispanic/Latinx) as well as their homeroom teachers. Children completed self-report measures of parental support, psychological control, and emotion (dys)regulation during the fall and spring semesters of an academic year. Teachers also completed measures of emotion (dys)regulation at each time point. Results indicated that parental psychological control moderated the association between parental support and self-reported emotion regulation over time. Specifically, parental support predicted increases in emotion regulation over time among youth reporting lower levels of psychological control; at higher levels, however, parental support was not associated with emotion regulation. Furthermore, psychological control uniquely predicted increases in child-reported emotion dysregulation, whereas parental support predicted decreases in teacher-reported emotion dysregulation. Findings from this study suggest that psychological control may serve as an important target for future parenting interventions. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Considering the associations of adverse and positive childhood experiences with health behaviors and outcomes among emerging adults.

Childhood is a sensitive period of development during which early life experiences can facilitate either positive or negative health trajectories across subsequent developmental periods. Previous research has established strong links between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and adverse health outcomes (e.g., sleep-related problems, pain, substance use). Despite this, less is known about positive childhood experiences (PCEs) and how they may buffer the effects of ACEs on health outcomes. The current study investigated whether PCEs moderate the associations between ACEs and health behavior and health-related outcomes (i.e., cannabis use, alcohol use, sleep disturbance, sleep-related impairment, pain intensity, and pain interference) in a sample of at-risk emerging adults. Participants (N = 165) were undergraduate college students (18-25 years of age) who reported frequent alcohol and/or cannabis use (≥3 times in the past week). A significant positive association was found between ACEs and cannabis use. There were also significant negative associations found between PCEs and pain interference and intensity. PCEs did not moderate any of the associations between ACEs and health behavior and health-related outcomes (i.e., cannabis use, alcohol use, sleep disturbance, sleep-related impairment, pain intensity, and pain interference). Findings suggest that PCEs may be unlikely to serve as a strong enough protective factor during early life to decrease risk for suboptimal health and health behaviors during emerging adulthood among individuals who report a greater accumulation of ACEs. Longitudinal research is needed to identify additional related risk and protective factors during early life to further support health and health behavior during this transitional period of development and beyond.

Peer Victimization and Callous-Unemotional Traits: The Impact of Parents and Teachers.

Research on the link between peer victimization and callous-unemotional (CU) traits has primarily relied on cross-sectional designs and yielded equivocal findings. In light of the poor outcomes related to peer victimization and CU traits, it is important to determine whether this link is reciprocal in nature and to identify factors that may influence its strength. Accordingly, the current study investigated the bidirectional association between peer victimization and CU traits over a 6-month period, accounting for the moderating effects of parents (i.e., support and hostility) and teachers (i.e., support and conflict). Participants included 284 third- through fifth-grade students (ages 7-12; 51.8% boys; 51.1% Hispanic) and their homeroom teachers. Children provided ratings of peer victimization, parental hostility, and parent and teacher support. Teachers provided ratings of CU traits and student-teacher conflict. A series of cross-lagged panel models were estimated. Results revealed that, at higher levels of parental hostility, peer victimization predicted increases in CU traits over time; in contrast, peer victimization predicted decreases in CU traits at lower levels of parental hostility. Surprisingly, at higher levels of teacher conflict, peer victimization predicted decreases in CU traits over time. CU traits did not interact with parent or teacher variables to predict subsequent peer victimization. Moreover, parental hostility was positively associated with subsequent peer victimization, whereas teacher support predicted decreases in victimization over time. These findings build on previous research examining environmental influences on the expression of CU traits by highlighting peer victimization and parental hostility as potential risk factors.

ADHD Symptoms and Sleep Problems During Middle Childhood: The Indirect Effect of Peer Victimization.

The present cross-sectional study evaluated whether traditional and/or cyber peer victimization served as mechanisms linking ADHD symptoms to sleep disturbance and sleep impairment in a sample of 284 third- through fifth-grade students (51.9% boys; 50.4% Hispanic/Latine) from two elementary schools in the United States. ADHD symptoms were assessed using teacher ratings. Children provided reports of their traditional and cyber victimization as well as their sleep disturbance and impairment. Results from path analysis models revealed significant indirect effects of traditional victimization on the links from ADHD symptoms to sleep disturbance and impairment. There was also a significant indirect effect of cyber victimization on the link from ADHD symptoms to sleep impairment. These findings suggest that experiences of traditional and cyber peer victimization may need to be addressed among children exhibiting ADHD symptoms in order to mitigate their risk for sleep problems and downstream effects on other domains of psychosocial functioning.

Associations between forms of aggression and peer victimization: Does prosocial behavior matter?

Relatively little is known regarding factors that may mitigate the strength of the associations between forms of aggressive behavior and peer victimization. The goal of the current study was to investigate prosocial behavior as a moderator of these links over a 2-year period during middle childhood. Participants included 410 third-grade students (53% boys) and their homeroom teachers. Results indicated that prosocial behavior was associated with lower initial levels of victimization, whereas relational aggression was associated with higher initial levels of victimization. Physical aggression predicted more stable patterns of victimization over time, and prosocial behavior moderated the prospective link from relational aggression to peer victimization; specifically, relational aggression predicted decreases in victimization at higher levels of prosocial behavior and more stable patterns over time when levels of prosocial behavior were low. Further, gender differences were observed in the moderating effect of prosocial behavior on the prospective link from physical aggression to peer victimization, such that it served as a risk factor for boys and a protective factor for girls.

Latent Profiles of Sleep Disturbance and Impairment in Elementary School-Age Youth: Concurrent and Longitudinal Associations with Emotional, Behavioral, and Academic Functioning.

OBJECTIVE: The links from youth sleep problems to emotional, behavioral, and academic functioning are well documented. Latent variable mixture modeling (LVMM) has been used to explore these relations; however, additional research is needed in diverse samples and with self-reports of sleep-related difficulties. The objectives of the current study were to identify profiles based on patterns of sleep disturbance and impairment and explore associations among profiles and functioning at baseline and over a subsequent 6-month period. METHODS: Participants were 278 third- through fifth-grade students (M age = 9.27; 51.8% male; 51.1% Hispanic/Latine) and homeroom teachers. Children completed measures of sleep disturbance and impairment, emotion (dys)regulation, and depressive, anxiety, and anger symptoms. Teachers completed measures of youth's emotional and conduct problems, emotion (dys)regulation, and academic performance. LVMM was conducted. RESULTS: Three profiles emerged: (1) "Average Sleep Disturbance and Impairment" (n = 148); (2) "Elevated Sleep Disturbance and Average Sleep Impairment" (n = 40); and (3) "Elevated Sleep Disturbance and Impairment" (n = 90). Overall, youth with above average sleep problems had worse functioning at baseline. Further, youth in Profile 3 exhibited increases in self-reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and anger, as well as worsening teacher-reported academic performance and conduct problems. In contrast, youth in Profile 2 exhibited improvements in self-reported symptoms of depression, anxiety, and anger, as well as teacher-reported emotion regulation, conduct problems, and academic performance. CONCLUSIONS: Results highlight the importance of examining self-reports of sleep problems and the need for intervention among children exhibiting elevated sleep disturbance and impairment.

Impact of Sibling Victimization on Child Internalizing Symptoms.

The current study examined associations between sibling victimization and anxiety and depression symptoms while also considering peer victimization within time and six months later among elementary school-age youth. Both sibling and peer victimization were associated with depression symptoms within as well as across time when considered independently. However, when examined together, peer victimization was only uniquely associated with depression symptoms within time and sibling victimization was only uniquely associated with depression symptoms across time. Sibling and peer victimization were associated with anxiety symptoms within, but not across, time when examined independently, and no associations were evident when sibling and peer victimization were examined simultaneously. No interactive effects of sibling and peer victimization were evident for depression or anxiety symptoms, indicating unique rather than cumulative contributions. Findings suggest that the impact of sibling victimization on depression symptoms is more robust than effects of peer victimization over time.

Differences in mental health engagement and follow-up among Black and White patients after traumatic injury.

BACKGROUND: Severe injury necessitating hospitalization is experienced by nearly three million US adults annually. Posttraumatic stress disorder and depression are prevalent clinical outcomes. The mechanisms by which programs equitably promote mental health recovery among trauma-exposed patients are understudied. We evaluated clinical outcomes and engagement among a cohort of Black and White patients enrolled in the Trauma Resilience and Recovery Program (TRRP), a stepped-care model to accelerate mental health recovery after traumatic injury. METHODS: Trauma Resilience and Recovery Program is a four-step model that includes (1) bedside psychoeducation about mental health recovery following traumatic injury, (2) a text-messaging symptom tracking system, (3) a 30-day postinjury mental health screen, and (4) referrals to mental health services. Data describe 1,550 patients enrolled in TRRP within a Level I trauma center ( Mage = 40.86; SD, 17.32), 611 of whom identified as Black (74.5% male) and 939 of whom identified as White (67.7% male). RESULTS: Enrollment in TRRP was nearly universal (97.9%) regardless of race or injury mechanism. Enrollment and usage of the text-message system were statistically similar between Black (35.7%) and White patients (39.5%). Trauma Resilience and Recovery Program reengaged Black and White patients at a similar rate at the 30-day postinjury follow-up. However, Black patients were more likely to report peritraumatic distress at the bedside and clinical elevations in posttraumatic stress disorder and depression on the 30-day screen. Referrals were more likely to be accepted by Black patients relative to White patients with clinically elevated symptoms. CONCLUSION: Enrollment and engagement were comparable among Black and White patients served by TRRP. Data provide preliminary evidence to suggest that TRRP is feasible and acceptable and engages patients in mental health follow-up equitably. However, research that includes careful measurement of social determinants of health and long-term follow-up examining initiation, completion, and benefit from treatment is needed. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Therapeutic/Care Management; Level III.

Phylogeny of North Americas largest cicada radiation redefines Tibicinoides and Okanagana (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadidae: Tibicininae).

Tibicinoides, with three small endemic California cicada species, has a confusing, intertwined systematic history with Okanagana that we unravel here. An ingroup including all species of Tibicinoides and the majority (84.7%) of Okanagana species were sampled for six gene regions, polarized with Clidophleps, Okanagodes, Subpsaltria, and Tibicina outgroups, and subjected to Bayesian phylogenetic analysis. Although the ingroup was monophyletic from all outgroups including Tibicina, Tibicinoides rendered Okanagana paraphyletic among two major ingroup clades. To bring classification into agreement with phylogeny, we redescribe and redefine Tibicinoides to include all Okanagana species with a hooked uncus in the male genitalia, all of which grouped with the type T. cupreosparsa (Uhler, 1889) in the first of these clades: T. boweni (Chatfield-Taylor & Cole, 2020) comb. n., T. catalina (Davis, 1936) comb. n., T. hesperia (Uhler, 1876) comb. n., T. mercedita (Davis, 1915), T. minuta (Davis, 1915), T. pallidula (Davis, 1917a) comb. n., T. pernix (Bliven, 1964) comb. n., T. rubrovenosa (Davis, 1915) comb. n., T. simulata (Davis, 1921) comb. n., T. striatipes (Haldeman, 1852) comb. n., T. uncinata (Van Duzee, 1915) comb. n., T. utahensis (Davis, 1919) comb. n., and T. vanduzeei (Distant, 1914) comb. n. Okanagana is redescribed and restricted to the species of the second major clade which contained the type O. rimosa (Say, 1830). We describe two new genera for morphologically distinct orphan lineages: Chlorocanta gen. nov. for C. viridis (Davis, 1918) comb. n. and Hewlettia gen. nov. for H. nigriviridis (Davis, 1921) comb. n. We recognize O. rubrobasalis Davis, 1926 stat. rev. as a species and relegate two former species to junior subjective synonyms: O. noveboracensis (Emmons, 1854) = O. canadensis (Provancher, 1889) and O. occidentalis (Walker in Lord, 1866) = O. lurida Davis, 1919. Tibicinoides and Okanagana together represent a rapid radiation that presents challenges to phylogenetic analysis including suboptimal outgroups and short internodes.

Gut microbiome insights from 16S rRNA analysis of 17-year periodical cicadas (Hemiptera: Magicicada spp.) Broods II, VI, and X.

Periodical cicadas (Hemiptera: Magicicada) have coevolved with obligate bacteriome-inhabiting microbial symbionts, yet little is known about gut microbial symbiont composition or differences in composition among allochronic Magicicada broods (year classes) which emerge parapatrically or allopatrically in the eastern United States. Here, 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing was performed to determine gut bacterial community profiles of three periodical broods, including II (Connecticut and Virginia, 2013), VI (North Carolina, 2017), and X (Maryland, 2021, and an early emerging nymph collected in Ohio, 2017). Results showed similarities among all nymphal gut microbiomes and between morphologically distinct 17-year Magicicada, namely Magicicada septendecim (Broods II and VI) and 17-year Magicicada cassini (Brood X) providing evidence of a core microbiome, distinct from the microbiome of burrow soil inhabited by the nymphs. Generally, phyla Bacteroidetes [Bacteroidota] (> 50% relative abundance), Actinobacteria [Actinomycetota], or Proteobacteria [Pseudomonadota] represented the core. Acidobacteria and genera Cupriavidus, Mesorhizobium, and Delftia were prevalent in nymphs but less frequent in adults. The primary obligate endosymbiont, Sulcia (Bacteroidetes), was dominant amongst core genera detected. Chryseobacterium were common in Broods VI and X. Chitinophaga, Arthrobacter, and Renibacterium were common in Brood X, and Pedobacter were common to nymphs of Broods II and VI. Further taxonomic assignment of unclassified Alphaproteobacteria sequencing reads allowed for detection of multiple copies of the Hodgkinia 16S rRNA gene, distinguishable as separate operational taxonomic units present simultaneously. As major emergences of the broods examined here occur at 17-year intervals, this study will provide a valuable comparative baseline in this era of a changing climate.

Understanding the Perseverance of the Muscular Dystrophy Community One-Year into the COVID-19 Pandemic.

INTRODUCTION: In this study, we examined the long-term social and health impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on people with muscular dystrophy. METHODS: We modified our prior COVID-19 Impact Survey to assess impacts from the continuing pandemic using feedback from muscular dystrophy experts, patients, and advocacy group/registry representatives. The survey assessed COVID-19 medical history, and the effects of the pandemic on social aspects, muscle disease, and medical care. We also used the validated 10-item Perceived Stress Scale. The de-identified, electronic survey was distributed to adults with muscular dystrophy via international patient registries and advocacy group websites from February 8, 2021 to March 22, 2021. RESULTS: Respondents (n = 1243 : 49% Facioscapulohumeral Muscular Dystrophy (FSHD); 43% Myotonic Dystrophy (DM), and 8% Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD)) were mostly women and middle-aged (range 18-90 years). Rates of COVID-19 infections were low at 8% with zero deaths. Reported recovery times were also short with only 9% reporting a recovery period greater than eight weeks, and 7% requiring hospitalization with one individual requiring a ventilator. Major challenges reported during the pandemic included stress management, particularly for those with LGMD (27%), and wearing a mask (24%). The majority reported a slight worsening of their disease state. Respondents reported moderate stress levels (stress score = 16.4; range = 0-39), with higher stress levels reported by women and those under age 30 years. Seventy-percent of participants who had telemedicine visits were satisfied with the encounters; however, most reported a preference for in-person visits. CONCLUSIONS: People with muscular dystrophy found ways to manage their stress and overcome obstacles during the COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 infection rates and medical complications were similar to a general population. Telemedicine visits may have a more permanent role in care.

Interactive Effects of Coping Strategies and Emotion Dysregulation on Risk for Peer Victimization.

The aim of the current longitudinal study was to examine the interactive effects of six common coping strategies (i.e., adult support seeking, friend support seeking, problem solving, humor, passive coping, and cognitive distancing) and emotion (i.e., anger and sadness) dysregulation on concurrent levels and subsequent trajectories of peer victimization over a 2-year period. Participants were 287 predominantly Caucasian students (53.7% boys; ages 6-9) from an elementary school located in the Midwestern United States. Self-reported coping strategies and emotion dysregulation were assessed at baseline; children also provided ratings of peer victimization annually over a 2-year period. Results indicated that the effectiveness of particular coping strategies may depend on children's overt, undercontrolled displays of anger and sadness. Consistent with recent recommendations, these findings suggest that some youth may require interventions that focus on both enhancing emotion regulation skills and teaching strategies for responding to peer victimization in a more adaptive manner.

Emotion Regulation Attenuates the Prospective Links from Peer Victimization to Internalizing Symptoms during Middle Childhood.

Objective: Peer victimization has been shown to be a robust predictor of depressive and anxiety symptoms over time. Relatively little is known, however, regarding what protective factors may attenuate these associations and render youth more resilient to this interpersonal stressor. Therefore, the current study examined sadness and worry regulation as moderators of the prospective links from peer victimization to internalizing symptoms over a 1-year period.Method: Participants included 464 predominantly Caucasian children (54.7% boys; ages 7-10), as well as their homeroom teachers, from an elementary school located in the Midwestern United States. Child and teacher reports of peer victimization and child reports of sadness and worry regulation were assessed at Time 1. Children also provided ratings of depressive and anxiety symptoms at Time 1, approximately 6 months later (Time 2), and again approximately 1 year later (Time 3). Moderating effects were evaluated using a series of multivariate latent growth curve models.Results: Consistent with expectations, sadness regulation attenuated the prospective links from both child- and teacher-reported peer victimization to internalizing symptoms. Worry regulation also attenuated the prospective links from teacher-reported peer victimization to internalizing symptoms. The moderating effects of emotion regulation did not differ according to gender.Conclusions: Findings suggest that the ability to effectively manage feelings of sadness and worry may serve as a buffer against the internalizing symptoms associated with peer victimization. Additional research is needed to determine whether interventions focused on enhancing victims' emotion regulation skills reduce their subsequent risk for depressive and anxiety symptoms.

Advances in the Evolution and Ecology of 13- and 17-Year Periodical Cicadas.

Apart from model organisms, 13- and 17-year periodical cicadas (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Magicicada) are among the most studied insects in evolution and ecology. They are attractive subjects because they predictably emerge in large numbers; have a complex biogeography shaped by both spatial and temporal isolation; and include three largely sympatric, parallel species groups that are, in a sense, evolutionary replicates. Magicicada are also relatively easy to capture and manipulate, and their spectacular, synchronized mass emergences facilitate outreach and citizen science opportunities. Since the last major review, studies of Magicicada have revealed insights into reproductive character displacement and the nature of species boundaries, provided additional examples of allochronic speciation, found evidence for repeated and parallel (but noncontemporaneous) evolution of 13- and 17-year life cycles, quantified the amount and direction of gene flow through time, revealed phylogeographic patterning resulting from paleoclimate change, examined the timing of juvenile development, and created hypotheses for the evolution of life-cycle control and the future effects of climate changeon Magicicada life cycles. New ecological studies have supported and questioned the role of prime numbers in Magicicada ecology and evolution, found bidirectional shifts in population size over generations, quantified the contribution of Magicicada to nutrient flow in forest ecosystems, and examined behavioral and biochemical interactions between Magicicada and their fungal parasites and bacterial endosymbionts.

Anger and Attention Problems as Mechanisms Linking Maltreatment Subtypes and Witnessed Violence to Social Functioning Among Children in Out-of-Home Care.

Research has consistently shown that child maltreatment and witnessed violence lead to disrupted patterns of social functioning, yet the mechanisms underlying these pathways remain unclear. This cross-sectional study evaluated whether anger and/or attention problems mediated the links from abuse, neglect, and witnessed violence to peer problems and aggressive behavior. Participants included a diverse sample of 470 children (ages 8-11; 52.1% boys) living in out-of-home care. Subtype and severity of maltreatment exposure were coded using Child Protection Services' intake reports and court records. Witnessed violence and anger were assessed using child-reports, and caregivers provided ratings of attention problems and social functioning. Indirect effects were tested using a series of structural equation path analysis models. Results indicated that anger fully mediated the links from witnessed violence to both peer problems and aggressive behavior. Further, attention problems fully mediated the links from physical abuse and physical neglect to both peer problems and aggressive behavior. These findings highlight the need for interventions to target anger regulation and attentional control among children in out-of-home care in order to mitigate their risk for social maladjustment.

A patient-focused survey to assess the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and social guidelines on people with muscular dystrophy.

INTRODUCTION/AIMS: In this study, we examined the social and health impacts of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic and social guidelines on people with muscular dystrophies. METHODS: A prospective de-identified electronic survey was distributed to adults with self-reported facioscapulohumeral muscular dystrophy (FSHD), myotonic dystrophy (DM), and limb-girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) enrolled in national registries or with patient advocacy groups. The COVID-19 Impact Survey was developed by muscular dystrophy experts in association with patient collaborators and advocacy groups. The Perceived Stress Scale was used to measure perceived stress. RESULTS: Respondents (n = 774: 56% FSHD; 35% DM, and 9% LGMD) were mostly women and middle-aged (range 19-87 y). Rates of COVID-19 infections were low (<1%), compliance with local social distancing guidelines and policies high (98%). Major challenges reported during the pandemic included: obtaining treatment (40%), managing stress (37%), social distancing (36%), and obtaining essentials (34%). The majority reported a slight worsening in their disease state. Respondents reported moderate stress levels (stress score = 15.4; range = 0-35), with higher stress levels reported by women and those under age 30 y. Three-quarters of participants who participated in telemedicine visits were satisfied with the encounters; however, most reported a preference for in-person visits. DISCUSSION: People with muscular dystrophy reported moderate stress and challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic. Interventions such as exercise and stress-coping strategies, including strategies specific to women or individuals <30 y, may be important. Further investigation is needed into the role of telemedicine in the care of individuals with muscular dystrophy.

Fostering Healthy Futures Preventive Intervention for Children in Foster Care: Long-term Delinquency Outcomes from a Randomized Controlled Trial.

Child maltreatment and foster care placement are strong risk factors for delinquency and juvenile justice involvement, and there is substantial crossover between youth in the child welfare and juvenile justice systems. This study examines the long-term impact of the Fostering Healthy Futures (FHF) program, a 30-week mentoring and skills group preventive intervention for preadolescent maltreated children in foster care. Participants included 426 children recently placed in out-of-home care who were randomized to intervention or control conditions. Outcomes included both self-reported delinquency, measured at multiple time points between 6 months and 12 years post-intervention, as well as court records of delinquency charges, which were measured for 7 consecutive years beginning 3 months after the intervention began. Results from multilevel models indicated that the intervention group self-reported 30-82% less total and non-violent delinquency than the control group between ages 14 and 18. Court charges for total and violent delinquency in mid-adolescence were also 15-30% lower for the intervention group. These findings indicate that a mentoring and skills training program in preadolescence can reduce delinquency and justice involvement for children who are at high risk for these outcomes.

Bidirectional associations between affective empathy and proactive and reactive aggression.

Preliminary evidence indicates that affective empathy is differentially related to proactive and reactive functions of aggression. However, additional longitudinal research is needed to understand the potential reciprocal nature of these links. The current study examined the bidirectional associations between affective empathy and proactive and reactive aggression over a 6-month period during middle childhood, with attention to potential gender differences. Data were collected from 294 elementary school children (52% girls; M = 9.25 years; SD = 0.944 years) and their homeroom teachers. Affective empathy was assessed using self-reports, and teachers provided ratings of children's functions of aggression. Data were collected during the fall and spring of one academic year. Overall, results suggest some evidence that affective empathy and functions of aggression are reciprocally linked over time. As predicted, Time 1 empathy was inversely associated with Time 2 proactive aggression and Time 1 reactive aggression was inversely associated with Time 2 empathy. Contrary to expectations, Time 1 proactive aggression was marginally positively associated with Time 2 empathy, and Time 1 empathy was not significantly associated with Time 2 reactive aggression. These prospective links did not differ according to gender. Implications and directions for future research are discussed.

Incorporating evidence-based behavioral teacher training into Head Start mental health consultation: Description and initial outcomes of a large-scale program.

Development of a multicomponent mental health consultation program for a countywide Head Start program is described. The consultation program incorporates strategies from the evidence-based practice, Teacher-Child Interaction Training (TCIT). Through large group professional development trainings before the school year, comprehensive feedback reports based on observations, and in-class coaching via modeling and performance feedback on teachers' use of TCIT skills, the consultation program served 55 Head Start classrooms with 789 children. Outcome data are presented on teachers' improvement in TCIT skill use and the relative effectiveness of two coaching methods (i.e., modeling and performance feedback) used during consultation. Results from multilevel modeling analyses indicated that teachers improved in the use of multiple observed TCIT skills between the initial and midyear assessment (i.e., increased frequency of labeled praises, reflections, behavioral descriptions, and commands that were complied with; decreased frequency of commands that children did not have an opportunity to comply with). Additionally, teachers who received coaching in the form of performance feedback, in comparison to modeling, exhibited greater gains in the frequency of labeled praises and commands that resulted in compliance. Discussion focuses on implementation of evidence-based practice in large-scale preventative early interventions, study limitations, and directions for future research.