Bioecological regulation of the problematic consumption of psychoactive substances in a university context / Regulación bioecológica del consumo problemático de sustancias psicoactivas en un contexto universitario

RESUMEN Objetivo: Comprender la emergencia del Consumo Problemático de Sustancias Psicoactivas (CP-SPA) de jóvenes estudiantes de un contexto universitario, como resultante de la interacción significativa entre los sistemas de regulación socioeducativa, sanitaria y normativa de la institución en estudio. Materiales y método: Estudio cualitativo de caso, desarrollado en una institución universitaria de carácter privado. Se realizó con soporte en la teoría bioecológica de Bronfenbrenner (2011), a través de inserción ecológica intervención (Koller et al., 2016). Participaron estudiantes, docentes y administrativos. Se realizaron cuatro entrevistas y seis grupos focales. Muestreo teórico hasta saturación de categorías. Codificación y categorización utilizando Atlas-Ti, a través de método comparativo constante en la recogida, codificación abierta, axial y selectiva de datos y análisis sistemático (Strauss y Corbin, 2002). Resultados: El CP-SPA en este contexto tiene lugar a través de una trilogía de procesos proximales de interinfluencia: 1. De influencia para la ingesta de múltiples SPA, 2. Enfocados en consumo problemático y 3. De transgresión de normas institucionales, que operan como gatilla-dores de la experiencia dentro y fuera de la universidad. Estos procesos, en la dinámica de la comunicación, configuran sistemas sociales de biorregulación: socioeducativa: indirecta (autorregulación), sanitaria: paliativa (ruta de atención) y normativa: punitiva (reglamento estudiantil), que intentan regular el CP-SPA. La regulación es posible gracias a la interacción de factores de riesgo/protección próximos y distantes, que pueden impulsar directa e indirectamente el CP-SPA. Conclusiones: Los sistemas de biorregulación actúan como garantes y dan forma a las simbolizaciones de la vida emocional, social e institucional del estudiante con CP-SPA, con exito en los procesos proximales persona-persona (microsistema), pero con poca efectividad en el mesosistema. Se propone a las instituciones universitarias generar las condiciones de posibilidad para una estructura regulatoria del CP-SPA que promueva un desarrollo favorable del estudiante, coherente con sus expectativas de formación profesional.

ABSTRACT Objective: To understand the emergence of Problematic Substance Use (FSV) among young students in a university context because of significant interaction between the socio-educational, health, and regulatory systems of the institution under study. Materials and method: A qualitative case study conducted at a private university, utilizing Bronfenbrenner's bioecological theory (2011) with ecological intervention (Koller et al., 2016). Participants included students, teachers, and administrative staff. Four interviews and six focus groups were conducted. Theoretical sampling was carried out until category saturation. Coding and categorization were done using Atlas-Ti, employing constant comparative method in data collection, open, axial, and selective coding, and systematic analysis (Strauss and Corbin, 2002). Results: FSU in this context occurs through a trilogy of proximal processes of interinfluence: 1. Influence for the intake of multiple substances, 2. Focused on problematic use, and 3. Transgression of institutional norms, acting as triggers for the experience within and outside the university. These processes, in communication dynamics, shape social systems of bioregulation: socio-educational (indirect self-regulation), health-related (palliative care route), and regulatory (punitive student regulations), attempting to regulate FSU. Regulation is possible through the interaction of proximal and distal risk/protection factors, which can directly and indirectly drive FSU. Conclusions: Bio-regulation systems act as guarantors and shape symbolizations of the emotional, social, and institutional life of students with FSU, succeeding in proximal person-to-person processes (microsystem) but with little effectiveness in the mesosystem. It is proposed that universities create conditions for a regulatory structure of FSU that promotes favorable student development consistent with their professional training expectations.

Correlación entre acoso, ciberacoso y trastornos emocionales en estudiantes de colegios públicos de Floridablanca / Correlation between bullying, cyberbullying, and emotional disorders in schoolchildren from public schools in Floridablanca

Resumen El objetivo de esta investigación fue analizar la relación entre la presencia de trastornos emocionales y el acoso escolar en los estudiantes de sexto a noveno grado de las instituciones educativas públicas de la ciudad de Floridablanca (Colombia). El diseño del estudio fue cuantitativo correlacional. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron la prueba de tamizaje cyberbullying y el Sistema de Evaluación de Niños y Adolescentes (SENA). Se evaluaron 76 menores que cumplen el rol de víctima o agresor, y los resultados obtenidos indicaron que un alto porcentaje de los involucrados en el acoso escolar como víctimas o agresores cara a cara o en línea presentan desajustes emocionales. Los datos descriptivos muestran que en Floridablanca (Colombia) aún hay fracciones de acoso escolar por debajo de la prevalencia internacional; sin embargo, existe una alta proporción de estudiantes en riesgo de asumir algún rol en el acoso escolar. Se concluyó que la Psicología es una disciplina científica que aporta herramientas para abordar los trastornos emocionales adscritos al acoso escolar. Que deben recibir tratamiento psicológico todos los involucrados en el acoso escolar en cualquiera de sus roles. Esta investigación puede considerarse como insumo para futuros trabajos que pretendan formular acciones de intervención para el acoso escolar y el trabajo de los trastornos emocionales qu e genera este problema.

Abstract The main goal for this research was to analyze the relationship between emotional disorders and bullying in schoolchildren. Participants were recruited from sixth to ninth grade in public schools from Floridablanca, Colombia. The design method was quantitative and correlational. We administered an online test called Cyberbullying to detect students involved in bullying and cyberbullying and emotional disorders were assessed using the test Sistema de Evaluación de Niños y Adolescentes (SENA). Participants were 76 schoolchildren with high scores as victims and/or aggressors. Results show a high percentage of schoolchildren involved in bullying and cyberbullying either as victims and/or aggressors that are suffering from emotional problems. Descriptive data also shows that Floridablanca still maintains a lower prevalence of bullying compared to international standards, but there's a high risk for children getting involved in these behaviors. This research can be taken as an input for future work that intends to formulate intervention actions, both for school acoso and for the work of the emotional disorders that this problem generates.

Electronic media use during COVID-19 pandemic: effects on the behavioral/emotional functioning of Brazilian children / Uso de mídia eletrônica durante a pandemia de COVID-19: efeitos no funcionamento comportamental/emocional de crianças brasileiras / Uso de medios electrónicos durante la pandemia COVID-19: efectos sobre el funcionamiento conductual/emocional de niños brasileños

During COVID-19 pandemic an increase electronic media (e-media) usage time was reported correlated to behavioral problems. This study verified the associations between e-media and behavioral/emotional problems in children in the context of the pandemic. Sample: Parents of 277 children aged 7-11 years old. Instruments: socioeconomic questionnaire; MAF-P and CBCL/6-18. Spearman's correlation analyses showed positive associations between the MAF-P and CBCL/6-18 scales. Adult games were correlated with 12 scales; websites for information/entertainment were associated with 6 scales, gambling online with one scale; electronic games and watching YouTube videos were associated with all 17 scales. In conclusion, overall, the results indicate the need of supervising children's e-media access considering the number and frequency of use and the elevated number of emotional and behavioral problems found among the evaluated group

Durante a pandemia da COVID-19 verificou-se aumento no tempo de uso de mídias eletrônicas (e-media) relacionado a problemas comportamentais. Este trabalho avaliou associações entre tempo de uso de e-media e problemas comportamentais/emocionais em crianças no contexto da pandemia. Contou com uma amostra de 277 responsáveis por crianças de 7-11 anos. Os instrumentos utilizados foram questionário socioeconômico, MAF-P e CBCL/6-18. As análises de correlação de Spearman apontaram associações positivas entre as e-media na MAF-P e escalas do CBCL/6-18. Os jogos adultos correlacionaram-se a 12 escalas; sites para informação/diversão foram associados a seis; apostar na internet a um; e jogos eletrônicos e ver vídeos no YouTube associaram-se a 17 escalas. Conclui-se, de modo geral, que os resultados indicam a necessidade de supervisão para acesso a e-media por crianças, considerando o número, a frequência de uso e o elevado número de problemas emocionais e comportamentais verificados no grupo estudado

Durante la pandemia de COVID-19, hubo un aumento en el tiempo dedicado al uso de medios electrónicos (e-media) relacionados con problemas de comportamiento. Este trabajo evaluó las asociaciones entre el tiempo de uso de los medios electrónicos y los problemas conductuales/emocionales en niños en el contexto de la pandemia. Muestra: 277 tutores de niños de 7 a 11 años. Instrumentos: socioeconómico, MAF-P y CBCL/6-18. Los análisis de correlación de Spearman mostraron asociaciones positivas entre los medios electrónicos en las escalas MAF-P y CBCL/6-18. Juegos para adultos correlacionados con 12 escalas; sitios de información/diversión asociados a 6; apostar en internet a las 1; los juegos electrónicos y ver videos en YouTube se asociaron con 17 escalas. Se concluye, en general, que los resultados indican la necesidad de supervisión para el acceso a e-media por parte de los niños, considerando el número y la frecuencia de uso y el elevado número de problemas emocionales y conductuales verificados en el grupo estudiado

Associations between Sociodemographic and Behavioral Variables and Educational Practices on Mother-Child Dyads

The association between the sociodemographic variables of children with behavior problems and mothers with maternal depression is widely acknowledged in the literature. However, there is a lack of studies addressing the association of these variables with maternal parenting practices in typical samples, i.e., children without behavior problems and mothers without current depression indicators. The aim of this study was to identify associations between the sociodemographic variables of children and mothers with the mothers' parenting practices and children's behavioral indicators (resources and problems) in a sample of children without behavior problems and mothers without current depression indicators. This quantitative, cross-sectional, descriptive, and correlational study addressed 46 biological mothers (married or in a stable relationship) and their children. A sociodemographic questionnaire and validated instruments addressing child behavior, maternal mental health, and parenting practices were applied. Findings showed that the mothers did not present mental health problems (e.g., behavior problems or maternal depression), but a) they presented deficits of positive practices and an excess of negative practices, and the children displayed deficits in social skills and behavior problems; b) there was an association between positive practices and the children's social skills and between negative practices and children's behavior problems; c) the frequency of positive and negative practices was equivalent among boys and girls, and d) boys more frequently presented behavior problems while school-aged children more frequently presented social skills deficits. The results indicate that even non-clinical samples may present harmful parenting practices, excess negative practices, and deficits in positive practices. Hence, there is a need for timely interventions to prevent behavior problems among children and maternal depression arising from conflicting interactions in the parenthood sphere.

Las asociaciones de variables sociodemográficas de madres con depresión materna y de sus hijos con problemas comportamentales son ampliamente reconocidas en la literatura. Por otro lado, en muestras típicas existe un vacío de estudios que traten de las asociaciones de esas variables con las prácticas parentales maternas; o sea, en niños de corta edad sin problemas comportamentales y en madres sin indicadores de depresión actual. Considerando lo anterior, el objetivo de este estudio fue verificar las asociaciones entre las variables sociodemográficas de hijos y de las prácticas parentales de sus madres con los indicadores comportamentales de recursos y problemas de los hijos. Se utilizó una muestra de hijos sin problemas comporta-mentales y de madres sin indicadores de depresión actual. Se trata de un estudio cuantitativo, transversal, descriptivo y correlacional. Participaron 46 madres biológicas que vivían con su pareja y sus hijos. Las participantes respondieron al cuestionario sobre variables sociodemográficas y a los instrumentos calibrados sobre comportamientos infantiles, salud mental materna y prácticas educativas. Se identificó que: (a) a pesar de no presentar problemas de salud mental (problemas de comportamiento y depresión materna), las madres evidenciaron un déficit de prácticas positivas y un exceso de prácticas negativas; a su vez, los hijos presentaron déficit de habilidades sociales y hubo quejas comportamentales; (b) se encontró asociación entre las prácticas positivas y las habilidades sociales; también se encontró asociación entre las prácticas negativas y las quejas comportamentales; (c) las prácticas positivas y negativas ocurrieron de manera equivalente entre niños y niñas; y (d) los niños tuvieron más quejas comportamentales; además, los hijos, en edad escolar, tuvieron más déficits de habilidades sociales. Los datos indican que inclusive en muestras no clínicas existen variables de riesgo en lo que se refiere a la parentalidad, a excesos de prácticas negativas y a déficits de prácticas positivas. Lo encontrado sugiere la necesidad de intervenir precozmente, para evitar el surgimiento de problemas de comportamiento infantil y también de la depresión materna, cuando esta proviene de interacciones de conflictos en el ambiente de la parentalidad.

Analysis of related factors of behavioral problems in children with congenital pseudarthrosis of tibia

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the factors associated with behavioral problems in children with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia. METHODS: Random sampling is utilized to obtain a sample of 90 patients. The behavioral problems of the patients are detected by Achenbach Children's Behavior Scale. Parental emotional problems are investigated by the Self-Rating Depression Scale and Self-Rating Anxiety Scale. RESULTS: The results demonstrate that the detection rate of behavioral problems in children with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia is 53.3% (48/90). Among these behavioral problems, an abnormal rate is higher in the four dimensions: thinking, violation of discipline, social interaction, and aggression. The anxiety and depression scores of caregivers are statistically higher in the abnormal group than in the normal group. The results of the multivariate analysis show that the anxiety degree of the parents had a significant impact on the behavior of the children. CONCLUSIONS: Children with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia are facing the issues of high rates of behavioral problems. Parents of children with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia had higher levels of anxiety and depression than parents of normal children. The anxiety and depressive state of mind of parents or caregivers had a significant impact on the behavior of children with congenital pseudarthrosis of the tibia.

Understanding the Relationship between Preschool Teachers' Well-Being, Interaction Quality and Students' Well-Being.

A substantial body of research shows that teacher-student interactions have a significant impact on student outcomes. However, to our knowledge, less is known about the association between teachers' and students' well-being and the implications for teacher-child interactions, particularly in the preschool context. Research Findings. Using ordinary least squares regression, we investigated the association between affective balance and burnout among 28 preschool teachers and the emotional and behavioral problems of 593 students between three and four years old. We found that teacher affective balance-not teacher burnout-was associated with fewer emotional and behavioral problems in children. Furthermore, the different domains of interaction quality affected children's well-being in different ways. Practice or Policy. In initial teacher training and continuing professional development, teachers should be provided with support and strategies to help them manage their mental health and children well-being. Some interventions which have shown encouraging results are discussed.

Association between community noise and children's cognitive and behavioral development: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Noise exposure has been associated with adverse cognitive and behavioral outcomes in children, but evidence on longitudinal associations between community noise and child development in low- and middle-income countries is rare. We investigated associations between community noise and behavioral and cognitive development in preschool children in São Paulo. METHODS: We linked child development data from the São Paulo Western Region Birth Cohort with average (Lden) and night-time (Lnight) community noise exposure at children's home, estimated by means of a land use regression model using various predictors (roads, schools, greenness, residential and informal settlements). Outcomes were the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and Regional Project on Child Development Indicators (PRIDI) at 3 years of age and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and International Development and Early Learning Assessment (IDELA) at 6 years of age. We investigated the relationship between noise exposure and development using cross-sectional and longitudinal regression models. RESULTS: Data from 3385 children at 3 years of age and 1546 children at 6 years of age were analysed. Mean Lden and Lnight levels were 70.3 dB and 61.2 dB, respectively. In cross-sectional analyses a 10 dB increase of Lden above 70 dB was associated with a 32% increase in the odds of borderline or abnormal SDQ total difficulties score (OR = 1.32, 95% CI: 1.04; 1.68) and 0.72 standard deviation (SD) increase in the CBCL total problems z-score (95% CI: 0.55; 0.88). No cross-sectional association was found for cognitive development. In longitudinal analyses, each 10 dB increase was associated with a 0.52 SD increase in behavioral problems (95% CI: 0.28; 0.77) and a 0.27 SD decrease in cognition (95%-CI: 0.55; 0.00). Results for Lnight above 60 dB were similar. DISCUSSION: Our findings suggest that community noise exposure above Lden of 70 dB and Lnight of 60 dB may impair behavioral and cognitive development of preschool children.

Problemas de aprendizagem e comportamento no ciclo 1 do ensino fundamental / Learning difficulties and behavioral problems in elementary school / Problemas de aprendizaje y comportamiento en la educación primaria

As relações entre problemas comportamentais e dificuldades de aprendizagem ainda não estão claras na literatura. Essas variáveis representam, entretanto, importantes fatores de risco para o fracasso escolar e profissional, bem como para o desenvolvimento e a adaptação social. O objetivo desta pesquisa foi investigar as relações entre problemas comportamentais e dificuldades de aprendizagem em alunos de uma escola pública do ciclo I do ensino fundamental. Foram realizadas, também, análises dessas variáveis em função da série e do sexo dos alunos. A pesquisa seguiu um delineamento descritivo, de caráter transversal. Participaram do estudo 310 alunos do 1º ao 5º ano. Os instrumentos utilizados na coleta de dados foram o Questionário de Capacidades e Dificuldades, respondido pelos pais, e um questionário para a identificação do desempenho escolar, respondido pelas professoras. Os resultados indicam 12% de problemas comportamentais e 15% de dificuldades de aprendizagem na amostra estudada. Correlações negativas moderadas altamente significativas foram obtidas entre o desempenho escolar, as subescalas hiperatividade; problemas de conduta; e problemas de relacionamento entre pares, e o escore total do SDQ. Foram encontrados valores marginalmente significativos para a associação entre sexo e hiperatividade, indicando maior tendência de comportamentos hiperativos nos meninos. Os sintomas emocionais foram marginalmente mais frequentes nos alunos do 1º ano. Já os alunos do 2º ano apresentaram maior frequência de dificuldades de aprendizagem. Conclui-se que os dois primeiros anos do ensino fundamental podem ser considerados uma etapa crítica do percurso escolar, demandando intervenções focadas na prevenção de problemas comportamentais e de aprendizagem.(AU)

The relationships between behavioral problems and learning difficulties are still unclear in the literature. These variables represent, however, important risk factors for school and professional failures and for the development and social adaptation. This research aimed to investigate the relationships between behavioral problems and learning difficulties in the students in a public elementary school. These variables were also analyzed in relation to the school grade and gender of the students. The research followed a descriptive cross-sectional design. The sample comprised 310 students from 1st to 5th grade. The instruments used in data collection were the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, answered by the parents, and a questionnaire to identify the students school performance, answered by the teachers. The results indicated 12% of behavioral problems and 15% of learning difficulties in the studied sample. Moderate highly significative negative correlations were obtained between school performance; the subscales hyperactivity, conduct problems and peer relationship problems; and the total questionnaire score . Marginally significant values were found for the association between gender and Hyperactivity, indicating a greater tendency for hyperactive behavior in boys. Emotional symptoms were marginally more frequent in 1st grade students. On the other hand, 2nd grade students had a higher frequency of learning difficulties. We concluded that the two first years of elementary school can be considered a critical phase of the school trajectory and it needs preventive interventions focused on behavioral and learning problems.(AU)

Las relaciones entre los problemas de conducta y las dificultades de aprendizaje aún no están claras en la literatura. Estas variables representan, sin embargo, importantes factores de riesgo para el fracaso escolar y profesional, así como para el desarrollo y la adaptación social. El objetivo de este estudio fue investigar las relaciones entre los problemas de conducta y las dificultades de aprendizaje en estudiantes de una escuela primaria pública. También se realizaron análisis de estas variables en función del grado y sexo de los alumnos. La investigación siguió un diseño descriptivo y transversal. Participaron del estudio 310 estudiantes de 1º a 5º grado. Los instrumentos utilizados fueron el Cuestionario de Habilidades y Dificultades, respondido por los padres, y un cuestionario para identificar el desempeño escolar, respondido por los docentes. Los resultados indican un 12% de problemas de conducta y un 15% de dificultades de aprendizaje en la muestra estudiada. Se obtuvieron correlaciones negativas altamente significativas entre el rendimiento escolar y la puntuación total y de las subescalas hiperactividad problemas de conducta y problemas de relación con los compañeros del cuestionario. Se encontró aún mayor tendencia a la conducta hiperactiva en los niños. Los "síntomas emocionales" fueron ligeramente más frecuentes en los estudiantes de primer año, mientras los estudiantes de segundo año tenían una mayor frecuencia de dificultades de aprendizaje. Se concluye que los dos primeros años de la escuela primaria pueden ser una fase crítica de la trayectoria escolar, lo que requiere intervenciones enfocadas en la prevención de problemas de conducta y aprendizaje.(AU)

Self-harming adolescents: how do they perceive and explain this behavior? / Adolescentes que se autolesionam: como percebem e explicam tal comportamento? / Adolescentes que se autolesionan: ¿cómo perciben y explican este comportamiento?

Self-harm is a prevalent adolescence behavior, indicated as a public health problem. The objective was to understand how adolescents perceive and explain this behavior, considering family and school characteristics. It's a multiple case study, in which five self-harming adolescents participated, enrolled in a public school in Novo Hamburgo-RS, participated in the study. They answered the following instruments: Sociodemographic Data Sheet, Semi-Structured Interview, Family Support Perception Inventory, Youth Self-Reporting and Delaware School Climate Survey-Student. Each case was individually analyzed and cross-case synthesis was performed. Self-harm was indicated as a strategy to relief suffering and regulate emotions. Low familial support, lack of skills, and presence of internalizing and externalizing problems were evidenced, as well as negative evaluation of peer relations and student engagement. When faced with a complex phenomenon, it is important to contemplate individual and relational issues in interventions. (AU)

A autolesão é prevalente na adolescência e indicada como um problema de saúde pública. Objetivou-se compreender como adolescentes percebem e explicam esse comportamento, considerando características de seu contexto familiar e escolar. Trata-se de um estudo de casos múltiplos, do qual participaram cinco adolescentes que se autolesionavam, matriculados em uma escola pública de Novo Hamburgo-RS, que responderam aos instrumentos: Ficha de Dados Sociodemográficos, Entrevista Semiestruturada, Inventário de Percepção de Suporte Familiar, Inventário de Comportamentos Autorreferidos para Jovens de 11 a 18 Anos e Delaware School Climate Survey-Student. Analisou-se individualmente cada caso e realizou-se a síntese de casos cruzados. A autolesão foi indicada como uma estratégia para aliviar sofrimento. Evidenciou-se baixo suporte familiar, carência de competências e presença de indicadores de problemas internalizantes e externalizantes, assim como avaliação negativa das relações entre pares e do engajamento estudantil. Frente a um fenômeno complexo, faz-se importante contemplar questões individuais e relacionais nas intervenções. (AU)

La autolesión es frecuente en adolescencia y se indica como un problema de salud pública. El objetivo era comprender cómo adolescentes perciben y explican este comportamiento, considerando características de su contexto familiar y escolar. Es un estudio de caso múltiple, en el participaron cinco adolescentes con autolesión, matriculados en escuela pública en Novo Hamburgo-RS, que respondieron a los instrumentos: Hoja de Datos Sociodemográficos, Entrevista Semiestructurada, Inventario de Percepción de Apoyo Familiar, Auto informe para Jóvenes de 11 a 18 años y Delaware School Climate Survey-Student. Cada caso se analizó individualmente y se realizó una síntesis cruzada de casos. La autolesión se indicó como estrategia para aliviar el sufrimiento. Se evidenció poco apoyo familiar, falta de habilidades y presencia de indicadores de problemas de internalización y externalización, así como una evaluación negativa de las relaciones con los compañeros y la participación de los estudiantes. Ante un fenómeno complejo, es importante contemplar problemas individuales y relacionales en las intervenciones. (AU)

Does Maternal Mental Health and Maternal Stress Affect Preschoolers' Behavioral Symptoms?

(1) Background: Maternal stress and depression are considered risk factors in children's socioemotional development, also showing high prevalence worldwide. (2) Method: Participants correspond to a longitudinal sample of 6335 mother/child pairs (18-72 months), who were surveyed in 2010 and then in 2012. The hypothesis was tested with SEM analysis, setting the child's internalized/externalized problems as dependent variable, maternal depression as independent variable, and stress as a partial mediator. (3) Results: Both depression during pregnancy and recent depression has not only a direct effect on the internalizing and externalizing symptomatology of the child, but also an indirect effect through parental stress. Significant direct and indirect relationships were found. (4) Conclusions: Maternal depression and the presence of parental stress can influence children's behavioral problems, both internalizing and externalizing.

Students with ADHD: social skills, behavioral problems, academic performance, and family resources / Estudantes com TDAH: habilidades sociais, problemas comportamentais, desempenho acadêmico e recursos familiares / Estudiantes con TDAH: habilidades sociales, problemas de comportamiento, rendimiento académico y recursos familiares

ADHD constitutes a developmental risk. The general aim was to identify social skills, behavior problems, academic performance and family resources of children with ADHD, with the specific aim being to compare students regarding indicators of ADHD and the use or not of medication. Participants were 43 Elementary Education I students (M=9.6 years, SD=1.5), 43 parents (M=39.1 years, SD=7.6) and 38 teachers (M=43.1 years, SD=8.4). The instruments used were the Inventory of Social Skills, Behavior Problems and Academic Competence (SSRS-BR), Conners' Scale and the Inventory of Family Resources. The collection was carried out in public schools. The results showed that the students had scores higher than the reference sample in Behavior Problems and Social Skills and lower in classes of social skills and Academic Competence; the presence of family resources; and grades above 5.0 as a school mean. We concluded that there is a need for interventions with the studied population. (AU)

TDAH constitui risco no desenvolvimento. Teve-se como objetivo geral identificar habilidades sociais, problemas de comportamento, desempenho acadêmico e recursos familiares de crianças com TDAH e, como específico, comparar alunos quanto a indicadores de TDAH e uso ou não de medicação. Participaram 43 estudantes (M = 9,6 anos, DP = 1,5) do Ensino Fundamental I, 43 responsáveis (M = 39,1 anos, DP = 7,6) e 38 professoras (M = 43,1 anos, DP = 8,4). Os instrumentos utilizados foram Inventário de Habilidades Sociais, Problemas de Comportamento e Competência Acadêmica (SSRS-BR), Escala de Conners e Inventário de Recursos Familiares. A coleta foi realizada em escolas públicas. Os resultados apontaram alunos com escores superiores à amostra de referência em Problemas de Comportamento e Habilidades Sociais, e inferiores em classes de Habilidades Sociais e Competência Acadêmica; recursos familiares presentes e; notas acima de 5,0 como média escolar. Conclui-se a necessidade de intervenções com a população estudada. (AU)

TDAH constituye riesgo de desarrollo. El objetivo general era identificar habilidades sociales, problemas de comportamiento, rendimiento académico y recursos familiares de niños con TDAH; qué tan específico es comparar estudiantes con respecto a los indicadores de TDAH y el uso de medicamentos. Participaron 43 estudiantes (M = 9.6 años, SD = 1.5) de la escuela primaria, 43 padres (M = 39.1 años, SD = 7.6) y 38 maestros (M = 43.1 años, SD = 8.4). Los instrumentos utilizados fueron: Inventario de Habilidades Sociales, Problemas de Comportamiento y Competencia Académica (SSRS-BR), Escala de Conners e Inventario de Recursos Familiares. La colección se realizó en escuelas públicas. Los resultados mostraron estudiantes con puntajes más altos que la referencia en Problemas de comportamiento y habilidades sociales y más bajos en clases de habilidades sociales y competencia académica; recursos familiares presentes; calificaciones promedio de la escuela superiores a 5.0. Concluye la necesidad de intervenciones. (AU)

Práticas educativas de genitores e professores e repertório comportamental infantil / Educational practices of parents and teachers and children's behavioral repertoire

O objetivo deste estudo é descrever, a partir de múltiplos instrumentos e informantes, o repertório comportamental (habilidades sociais e problemas de comportamento) de quatro crianças de 6 a 7 anos, duas de cada sexo, e as práticas educativas positivas (habilidades sociais educativas) e negativas de quatro mães, quatro pais e duas professoras dos primeiros anos do Ensino Fundamental. Foram utilizados na coleta de dados instrumentos de relato e protocolo de observação de interações genitores-criança a partir de situação de brincadeira. Os resultados reafirmam que práticas positivas estão relacionadas à baixa frequência de problemas de comportamento e presença de habilidades sociais e, ao contrário, práticas negativas estão relacionadas a problemas de comportamento. A literatura tem encontrado tais relações entre pais e filhos e com a presente pesquisa nota-se o mesmo no que se refere à interação professor-aluno.

The aim of this study is to describe, from multiple instruments and informants, the behavioral repertoire (social skills and behavioral problems) of four children aged six to seven years old, two of each sex, and positive educational practices (educational social skills) and negative practices of four mothers, four fathers and two teachers from the first years of elementary school. Data collection instruments and protocol for observing the parent-child interactions, from a situation of play, were used. The results reaffirm that positive practices are related to the low frequency of behavioral problems and the presence of social skills, and, on the contrary, negative practices are related to behavioral problems. The literature has found such relationships between parents and children and with the present research the same can be noticed with regard to teacher-student interaction.

General Cognitive Abilities and Psychosocial Development in Children and Adolescents Having a Co-Twin with Down Syndrome.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the general cognitive and psychosocial development in children and adolescents having a co-twin with Down syndrome. STUDY DESIGN: A case control study with an individually matched control group was conducted. Participants included families with twins discordant for Down syndrome as well as with typically developing twins. The group of unaffected co-twins aged 4-16 years was compared with a control group of typically developing twins in terms of general cognitive abilities, behavioral problems, and prosocial behavior. The age and sex and the sex composition of the twins were individually matched. The Sijnders-Oomen nonverbal intelligence test was applied to assess children's IQ, and parents completed the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. RESULTS: The unaffected co-twins did not differ from typically developing twins with respect to their IQ. Concerning the psychosocial development, significantly heightened values in unaffected co-twins twins were only obtained for the conduct problems scale (P = .01; r = 0.45), neither for the total difficulties score nor for the other behavioral problem scales significant differences were found. CONCLUSIONS: The general cognitive development of the unaffected co-twin of children with Down syndrome is not affected by the presence of their Down syndrome twin. Unaffected co-twins showed increased conduct problems, which is most pronounced in the younger children.

Habilidades sociais e problemas de comportamento de crianças com altas habilidades/superdotação / Social skills and behavioral problems of high-ability/gifted children / Habilidades sociales y problemas conductuales de niños con altas habilidades/superdotados

Resumo O estudo das habilidades sociais contribui para a compreensão das relações interpessoais, embora ainda haja poucos estudos que relacionem esse tema a crianças com altas habilidades/superdotação (AH/SD). Portanto, os objetivos deste estudo foram: a) descrever e comparar as habilidades sociais de crianças com AH/SD sob o ponto de vista da criança e de seus respectivos pais/responsáveis e professoras; b) descrever e comparar as habilidades sociais e os problemas de comportamento de crianças com AH/SD sob o ponto de vista de seus pais/responsáveis e professoras, considerando o sexo e comparando a importância das habilidades sociais para os dois grupos; e c) descrever a competência acadêmica das crianças segundo as professoras. Participaram dez pais/responsáveis, oito professoras e dez crianças estudantes do ensino fundamental identificados com AH/SD. Os participantes responderam ao questionário Sistema de Avaliação de Habilidades Sociais (SSRS) versão para pais, professores e alunos, e ao Questionário de Respostas Socialmente Habilidosas (QRSH), versão para pais e professores. Os resultados apontaram que as crianças apresentaram habilidades sociais acima da média para seus pais e professores, e abaixo da média no autorrelato das crianças. Entretanto, há indicativos de necessidade de atenção preventiva e de intervenção nos fatores que apresentaram déficits sociais de acordo com o relato dos três grupos de participantes em: autocontrole/civilidade; cooperação/empatia; assertividade/desenvoltura social; problemas de comportamento externalizantes e internalizantes; e hiperatividade. Tais dados possibilitam que sejam programadas intervenções preventivas, conforme indicação dos pais/responsáveis e professoras, condizentes com a necessidade apontada pelas próprias crianças para a promoção de habilidades sociais. (AU)

Abstract Studying social skills helps understanding interpersonal relations, but studies relating both issues in high-ability/gifted (HA/G) children are still scarce. Thus, this study aimed to describe (a) the social skills of HA/G children from the viewpoints of the children themselves, their parents/guardians, and teachers; (b) the social skills and behavioral problems of HA/G children from the viewpoints of their parents/guardians and teachers, considering gender and the importance attributed by each group to social skills; and (c) children academic competence according to their teachers. The study comprised ten parents/guardians, eight teachers, and ten elementary school students identified as presenting with high abilities/giftedness. Data were collected by means of the Social Skills Rating System (SSRS), applied to parents, teachers, and students; and the Socially Skillful Responses Questionnaire (SSRQ), applied to parents and teachers. For parents and teachers, children's social skills were considered above average, whereas for themselves they were considered below average. However, the three groups indicated social deficits in some factors that require preventive attention and interventions, namely: self-control/civility; cooperation/empathy; social assertiveness/resourcefulness; external and internalizing behavior problems; and hyperactivity. These findings enable the development of preventive interventions aimed at promoting social skills among HA/G children based on the reports of parents/guardians, teachers and children themselves. (AU)

Resumen Los estudios de las habilidades sociales contribuyen a la comprensión de las relaciones interpersonales, pero todavía son pocos los que relacionan este tema al de niños con altas habilidades/superdotados (AH/SD). Teniendo en cuenta esto, los objetivos de este estudio fueron: a) describir y comparar las habilidades sociales de niños con AH/SD desde el punto de vista del niño y de sus respectivos padres/responsables y profesoras; b) describir y comparar las habilidades sociales y los problemas conductuales de niños con AH/SD desde el punto de vista de sus padres/responsables y profesoras, considerando el sexo y la importancia de las habilidades sociales para ambos grupos; y c) describir la competencia académica de los niños según las profesoras. Participaron 10 padres/responsables, siendo ocho profesoras y diez alumnos de educación primaria de una escuela pública identificados con AH/SD. Los participantes respondieron al cuestionario Sistema de Evaluación de las Habilidades Sociales (SSRS), versión para padres, profesores y alumnos, y al Cuestionario de Respuestas Socialmente Habilidosas (CRSH), versión para profesores. Los resultados indicaron que los niños presentaban habilidades sociales mayor del promedio para sus padres y maestros y por debajo del promedio en el autoinforme de los niños. Sin embargo, se observó la necesidad de atención preventiva e intervención en los factores que presentaron déficits sociales de acuerdo con el relato de los tres grupos de participantes en: autocontrol/cortesía; cooperación/empatía; asertividad social/ingenio; problemas de conducta externos e internalizantes e hiperactividad. Estos datos permiten programar intervenciones preventivas, conforme indicación de los padres/responsables y profesoras y la necesidad de los propios niños, para la promoción de habilidades sociales. (AU)

Beloved Whiskers: Management Type, Care Practices and Connections to Welfare in Domestic Cats.

The quality of cat care practices depends in part on the type of management applied, which either positively or negatively impacts cat welfare. This study investigated whether the type of cat management (indoor vs. outdoor) was related to other cat care practices adopted by cat owners, associated with the quality of human-cat relationships and cat welfare. An online survey was distributed via social networks. Descriptive statistics, categorical Principal Component Analysis, Fisher's Exact test and Chi-square test in contingency table were applied. A total of 16,302 cat owners returned the survey. Most Brazilian owners reported indoor management of their cats; this was related to owners living in apartments, more frequent use of cat care practices, and more interactions with their pets. Outdoor management was related to cats living in houses or farms, sleeping outdoors or around the neighborhood, and owners had fewer interaction with their pets. In conclusion, owners practicing indoor management seemed to be closer to their cats than owners reporting outdoor management. However, obesity and owner-reported behavioral problems were associated with indoor management.

Behavioral problems and their relationship to maternal depression, marital relationships, social skills and parenting.

Behavioral problems have been associated with multiple variables; however, studies simultaneously investigating parenting practices, marital relationships in bi-parental families, maternal depression, and child behavior remain a gap in the literature. The objective was to verify associations between positive and negative parenting practices, marital relationships, social skills, and behavioral problems among children from bi-parental families with and those without maternal depression; to identify the predictive effect of positive and negative parenting practices, marital relationships, children's social skills, and maternal depression, for internalizing, externalizing behavior problems and internalizing and externalizing comorbidities. A case-control study with a cross-sectional design was adopted to ensure the groups were homogeneous in regard to the children's, mothers', and families' sociodemographic characteristics. A total of 35 mothers currently with depression and 35 without depression indicators participated in the study, while the children were 25 preschoolers and 23 school-aged children. The mothers responded to instruments addressing depression, child behavior, parenting practices, and marital relationships. The results reveal maternal depression associated with marital relationships, positive parenting, and context variables. Maternal depression and marital relationship were found to influence externalizing problems; maternal depression, child-rearing practices, marital relationships, and the children's behavioral repertoires influence internalizing and externalizing comorbidities; and none of the independent variables influenced the occurrence of internalizing problems.

Social, emotional, and behavioral problems and parent-reported sleep bruxism in schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND: A number of theories associate emotional factors with the triggering of sleep bruxism (SB). Few studies have used validated instruments to assess psychological characteristics and SB in children. In this study, the authors aimed to assess the prevalence of parent-reported SB in children and its association with social, emotional, and behavioral problems. METHODS: The authors conducted a cross-sectional study with a school-based sample at 20 public schools in Brazil. Parents or caregivers provided information related to tooth-grinding sounds during sleep and about children's social, emotional, and behavioral problems by using the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire. Analyses were carried out considering each subscale of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and the total score. The authors estimated prevalence ratios by using a Poisson regression model. Statistical inferences were based on 95% confidence intervals. RESULTS: A total of 556 children aged 8 years were included. Prevalence of SB was 30.83%. Results of an adjusted analysis showed a significant association of SB with higher scores on total difficulties (overall score) (P < .001) and emotional symptoms (P < .001) and peer relationship problems (P = .010) subscales. CONCLUSIONS: Parental reports of emotional and behavioral problems were associated with a higher prevalence of SB in schoolchildren. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS: This study's results contribute to those of previous investigations about the association between psychological characteristics and SB. Interdisciplinary research involving dentistry and psychology may improve the understanding of bruxism.

Feline behaviour problems in Brazil: a review of 155 referral cases.

BACKGROUND: Geographical variations in feline behaviour problems exist. The occurrence of feline behaviour problems in different regions are therefore important to prepare professionals for the emerging needs of cat owners. METHODS: One-hundred and fifty-five feline behaviour cases that were referred to a veterinary behaviourist in São Paulo (Brazil) during the period 2008-2014 are described. RESULTS: Inter-cat aggression was the main behavioural complaint reported (31%), followed by housesoiling (26.4%). Unlike other international studies, inter-cat aggression was more frequently seen than inappropriate elimination. Oral repetitive behaviours, including problems such as psychogenic alopecia and pica, were also a prevalent problem (ie, 16.8% of the cases). Human-directed aggression accounted for 13.5% of the cases, taking fourth place in the list of the most common feline behavioural problems. Female and male cats were equally likely to be presented (51% and 49% of cases, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights potentially geographical or temporal variation in the behavioural problems that need to be recognised by veterinary behaviourists in order to meet the emerging needs of owners.

Behavioral problems and their relationship to maternal depression, marital relationships, social skills and parenting

Abstract Behavioral problems have been associated with multiple variables; however, studies simultaneously investigating parenting practices, marital relationships in bi-parental families, maternal depression, and child behavior remain a gap in the literature. The objective was to verify associations between positive and negative parenting practices, marital relationships, social skills, and behavioral problems among children from bi-parental families with and those without maternal depression; to identify the predictive effect of positive and negative parenting practices, marital relationships, children's social skills, and maternal depression, for internalizing, externalizing behavior problems and internalizing and externalizing comorbidities. A case-control study with a cross-sectional design was adopted to ensure the groups were homogeneous in regard to the children's, mothers', and families' sociodemographic characteristics. A total of 35 mothers currently with depression and 35 without depression indicators participated in the study, while the children were 25 preschoolers and 23 school-aged children. The mothers responded to instruments addressing depression, child behavior, parenting practices, and marital relationships. The results reveal maternal depression associated with marital relationships, positive parenting, and context variables. Maternal depression and marital relationship were found to influence externalizing problems; maternal depression, childrearing practices, marital relationships, and the children's behavioral repertoires influence internalizing and externalizing comorbidities; and none of the independent variables influenced the occurrence of internalizing problems.

Emotional and behavioral problems in children and adolescents with lower urinary tract dysfunction: a population-based study.

BACKGROUND: An association has been found between lower urinary tract dysfunction (LUTD) and emotional and behavioral problems, particularly in cases of urinary incontinence. Other associated symptoms and the coexistence of functional constipation require further investigation. OBJECTIVE: To assess whether emotional and behavioral problems are more common in children and adolescents with LUTD. STUDY DESIGN: A multicenter, cross-sectional, population-based study conducted in public places. Parents answered questions on urinary and psychological symptoms in their children aged 5-14 years. Children/adolescents with neurological problems or anatomical urinary tract abnormalities were excluded. The Dysfunctional Voiding Scoring System was used for assessing urinary symptoms, the Rome III Diagnostic Criteria for evaluating bowel symptoms, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) for evaluating emotional and behavioral problems. RESULTS: Of the 806 children/adolescents included, 53% were female. The mean age was 9.1 ± 2.7 years. The prevalence of LUTD was 16.4%. Overall, 26.2% had abnormal scores in the overall SDQ scale, 29.2% in the emotional problems subscale, and 30% in the conduct problems subscale. Of the children with LUTD, 40.5% screened positive for emotional/behavioral problems, with a significant association being found for the overall SDQ scale (P < 0.001) and for the emotional problems (P < 0.001), conduct problems (P < 0.001), and hyperactivity (P = 0.037) subscales. Urinary urgency, urinary incontinence, and voiding postponement were significantly associated with a greater prevalence of abnormalities in the overall SDQ score (P = 0.05; P = 0.004, and P = 0.012, respectively). Bladder and bowel dysfunction was an aggravator of emotional and behavioral problems, with more intense symptoms, both in the overall SDQ scale and in the subscales. In the multivariate analysis, the factors independently associated with the presence of emotional and behavioral problems were LUTD (odds ratio [OR] = 1.91), constipation (OR = 1.7), studying in a government-funded school (OR = 2.2), and poor education of the head of the family (OR = 1.9). CONCLUSIONS: Children and adolescents with LUTD have more emotional and behavioral problems, with bladder and bowel dysfunction being an aggravating factor for this association.