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Howe-Davies H, Manstead ASR, van Goozen SHM. Atypical Facial Expressivity in Young Children with Problematic Peer Relationships. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024; 55:695-704. [PMID: 36163417 PMCID: PMC11061040 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01445-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
Peer problems are frequently associated with difficulties in recognizing and appraising the emotions of others. It has been argued that facial responsiveness to others' emotions-or motor empathy-is a precursor of emotion processing and affective empathy. Although mimicry impairments have been observed in studies of young people with conduct problems, to our knowledge no study has examined facial responsiveness to others' expressions in young children and examined how this relates to peer relationship problems. Four- to 7-year-old children (n = 91) with or without teacher-reported peer relationship problems (Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire) viewed three dynamic film clips depicting a sad, happy, or scared child, while their spontaneous facial emotional responses were assessed using iMotions software that codes the movement of facial muscles. Children displayed facial expressivity that was congruent with the emotional expressions in the clips. Groups with and without peer problems did not differ in their responses to seeing a happy child. However, children with peer problems exhibited reduced or atypical facial emotional responses to the negative emotional clips. Decreased or atypical facial expressivity to negative emotions was also associated with severity of peer problems; atypical facial responsivity to sadness and reduced facial responsivity to fear predicted peer problems independently of one another. We conclude that reduced or atypical facial expressiveness in response to other children's dynamic facial expressions is associated with problematic peer relations in young children. The implications for early identification and interventions to support prosocial development are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stephanie H M van Goozen
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Cardiff, Wales, UK.
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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Girard LC, Bøe T, Nilsen SA, Askeland KG, Hysing M. Developmental trajectories of conduct problems and time-varying peer problems: the Bergen child study. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 2024:10.1007/s00127-024-02644-y. [PMID: 38429538 DOI: 10.1007/s00127-024-02644-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND While it is increasingly acknowledged that conduct problems and peer problems often co-occur in development, less is known about the ways in which peer problems may alter the developmental course of conduct problems for distinct subgroups. METHODS Using data from a large population-based study in Norway (the Bergen Child Study/youth@hordaland; 47.4% males), we estimated group-based trajectories of conduct problems and the presence of time-varying peer problems on the developmental progression of conduct problems between seven and 19 years of age. Risk factors for group membership were also examined. RESULTS A 3-group model of conduct problems best fit the data (non-engagers, low-engagers, moderate-stable). The presence of peer problems increased the estimated level of conduct problems for both the low-engagers and moderate-stable groups across adolescence. No differences in conduct problems were observed when peer problems were present in childhood or preadolescence for these two groups, nor for the non-engagers group at any point. Being male, having lower perceived economic wellbeing, and lower levels of parental education predicted group membership for the moderate-stable group, whilst lower paternal education predicted membership for the low-engagers group. CONCLUSIONS Support for developmental 'turning points' was found, suggesting that adolescence is a particularly salient time for those with conduct problems. In particular, the presence of peer problems can increase observed conduct problems at this stage in development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Christine Girard
- Department of Special Needs Education, University of Oslo, Sem Saerlands vei Helga Engshus, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Tormod Bøe
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| | - Sondre Aasen Nilsen
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kristin Gärtner Askeland
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| | - Mari Hysing
- Department of Psychosocial Science, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
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Roberts E, Francesconi M, Flouri E. The role of inflammation in the effects of peer victimisation and stressful life events on mental health in childhood. Brain Behav Immun Health 2023; 34:100695. [PMID: 37964767 PMCID: PMC10641088 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbih.2023.100695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Peer victimisation represents a salient stressor during childhood. However, studies investigating the mechanism of its impact on children's mental health typically examine socio-cognitive factors as mediators. The current study sought to provide novel insight through testing a potential biological mechanism, inflammation. It also tested for pathway-specific effects by comparing how inflammation may mediate the effect of peer victimisation and that of another important stressor in childhood: adverse life events. Method Data from 4,583 participants of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) were used. Path analysis was carried out to investigate whether inflammation (IL-6 and CRP) at age 9 years mediates the effect of peer victimisation and stressful life events at age 8 years on internalising (peer and emotional) or externalising (hyperactivity and conduct) problems (measured at age 11 years), both before and after adjustment for potential confounders. Results IL-6 partially mediated the effect of peer victimisation on peer problems, even after adjustment for potential confounders. Inflammation did not mediate the effect of stressful life events on either type of internalising problems. Neither stressor predicted externalising problems via inflammation. Conclusion We did not find evidence that inflammation mediates the effect of stressful life events on mental health in childhood when they are considered alongside experiences of peer victimisation. Inflammation may already represent a form of biological embedding of peer victimisation in the early years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellie Roberts
- Department of Arts and Sciences, University College London, Malet Place, London, NW1 6AP, UK
| | - Marta Francesconi
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, University College London, 25 Woburn Square, London, WC1H 0AA, UK
| | - Eirini Flouri
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, University College London, 25 Woburn Square, London, WC1H 0AA, UK
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Frowijn I, De Caluwé E. Psychopathic traits in the interpersonal context: Is the effect of psychopathic traits on prosocial behavior mediated by peer problems? Acta Psychol (Amst) 2023; 238:103976. [PMID: 37419060 DOI: 10.1016/j.actpsy.2023.103976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Psychopathic traits are often investigated within the individual, while most traits come to expression within the interpersonal context. Low social communion might even be an important overlooked core feature of psychopathy. This raises the question how psychopathic (i.e., Grandiose-Manipulative, Callous-Unemotional, and Irresponsible-Impulsive) traits affect the tendency to show prosocial behavior, and whether peer problems explain this relationship. Besides, the effects of gender on these subrelations are explored. In total, 541 community adolescents and emerging adults (26.4 % men; 16-25 years old, Mage = 21.7, SDage = 2.50) completed questionnaires, measuring psychopathic traits, prosocial behavior, and peer problems. The relationship between psychopathic traits and prosocial behavior was investigated with three separate moderated mediation regression analyses (for Grandiose-Manipulative, Callous-Unemotional, and Impulsive-Irresponsible traits separately) including peer problems as mediator and gender as moderator. Significant direct negative effects of Grandiose-Manipulative and Callous-Unemotional traits on prosocial behavior were found, though not for Impulsive-Irresponsible traits. Peer problems did not mediate this relation and gender was no moderator. The significant moderation effect indicated that only for women a significant direct positive effect of Callous-Unemotional traits on peer problems was found, but not for men nor other psychopathic traits. More gender differences were found with men (vs. women) scoring significantly higher on all three psychopathic traits and lower on prosocial behavior. Implications of psychopathic traits within the interpersonal context are discussed and future research could further investigate how this relationship can be explained, for example by including different types of measures and other potential mediators (e.g., empathy).
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Affiliation(s)
- Iris Frowijn
- Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Tilburg, the Netherlands; Fivoor Science and Treatment Innovation (FARID), Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
| | - Elien De Caluwé
- Department of Developmental Psychology, University of Tilburg, the Netherlands
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Morales MF, MacBeth A, Swartzman S, Girard LC. Multi-Trajectories of Conduct Problems, Hyperactivity/Inattention, and Peer Problems Across Childhood: Results from the Growing Up in Scotland Birth Cohort. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2023. [PMID: 35920956 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-022-00956-8/tables/5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023]
Abstract
Using a person-centred approach, this study inspected multi-trajectories of conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention and peer problems, and associated risk factors for group membership. The sample included 3,578 children (50.8% males) from a population birth cohort in Scotland (Growing Up in Scotland). The parental version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used when children were 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10 years old. Antecedent factors at the perinatal, child, and family levels were collected using parental reports, observation, and standardised assessments at 10, 24, and 36 months. A group-based multi-trajectory analysis was employed. Findings showed that a six-group model best fit the data. Identified groups included non-engagers, normative, decreasing externalising/low peer problems, low externalising/moderate peer problems, moderate externalising/increasing peer problems and multimorbid moderate-high chronic. Findings suggest multimorbidity between externalising behaviours and peer problems in the more elevated groups. Two common protective factors emerged across all groups: caregiver mental health and parent-infant attachment. Identified risk factors were specific to group membership. Risk factors for the most elevated group included single-parent status, social deprivation, previous neonatal intensive care unit admission, child sex, whilst children's expressive language was a protective factor. Taken together, findings contribute to the emerging literature modelling trajectories of externalising behaviours and peer problems simultaneously and have important practical implications for prevention of problems in childhood, by identifying targets at the perinatal, child, and family levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Francisca Morales
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, The University of Edinburgh, Medical School (Doorway 6), Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK.
| | - Angus MacBeth
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, The University of Edinburgh, Medical School (Doorway 6), Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Samantha Swartzman
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, The University of Edinburgh, Medical School (Doorway 6), Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK
| | - Lisa-Christine Girard
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Health in Social Science, The University of Edinburgh, Medical School (Doorway 6), Teviot Place, Edinburgh, EH8 9AG, UK
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Morales MF, MacBeth A, Swartzman S, Girard LC. Multi-Trajectories of Conduct Problems, Hyperactivity/Inattention, and Peer Problems Across Childhood: Results from the Growing Up in Scotland Birth Cohort. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2023; 51:55-69. [PMID: 35920956 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-022-00956-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 10/16/2022]
Abstract
Using a person-centred approach, this study inspected multi-trajectories of conduct problems, hyperactivity/inattention and peer problems, and associated risk factors for group membership. The sample included 3,578 children (50.8% males) from a population birth cohort in Scotland (Growing Up in Scotland). The parental version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used when children were 4, 5, 6, 7, and 10 years old. Antecedent factors at the perinatal, child, and family levels were collected using parental reports, observation, and standardised assessments at 10, 24, and 36 months. A group-based multi-trajectory analysis was employed. Findings showed that a six-group model best fit the data. Identified groups included non-engagers, normative, decreasing externalising/low peer problems, low externalising/moderate peer problems, moderate externalising/increasing peer problems and multimorbid moderate-high chronic. Findings suggest multimorbidity between externalising behaviours and peer problems in the more elevated groups. Two common protective factors emerged across all groups: caregiver mental health and parent-infant attachment. Identified risk factors were specific to group membership. Risk factors for the most elevated group included single-parent status, social deprivation, previous neonatal intensive care unit admission, child sex, whilst children's expressive language was a protective factor. Taken together, findings contribute to the emerging literature modelling trajectories of externalising behaviours and peer problems simultaneously and have important practical implications for prevention of problems in childhood, by identifying targets at the perinatal, child, and family levels.
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Girard LC. Concomitant Trajectories of Internalising, Externalising, and Peer Problems Across Childhood: a Person-centered Approach. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2021; 49:1551-1565. [PMID: 34279766 PMCID: PMC8557151 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-021-00851-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
This study investigated trajectories of concomitant internalising, externalising, and peer problems, and associated risk factors for group-membership, using a person-centered approach to better understand heterogeneity in subgroups identified. A cohort of 7,507 children in Ireland was followed from infancy to late childhood (50.3%, males; 84.9% Irish). The parent-version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire was used when children were 3, 5, 7 and 9 years of age. Information on antecedent risk factors was collected when children were 9 months. Group-based multi-trajectory modelling and multinomial logistic regression were used. Six subgroups of children with distinct profiles were identified, evidencing both homotypic and heterotypic comorbidity. No support of a ‘pure’ internalising, externalising or peer problems group was found in any identified trajectory group. Difficulties in one problem domain indicated the presence of difficulty in another problem domain for all children in elevated groups. Risk factors associated with group-membership were complex, with only three common factors across elevated groups: prenatal exposure to smoking, maternal education, and maternal stress. Specific risk factors for group-membership included low birth weight, sex, maternal age, maternal depression, family composition, social class, medical card status and quality of attachment. Despite some overlap in predictors, the combination of predictors specific to each group would suggest tailored programming. For children with the most acute problems, programming targets should include families with boys, born with low birth weight, exposed to smoking prenatally, with mothers who have lower levels of education, postnatal depression, increased stress and fewer financial resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Christine Girard
- School of Health in Social Science, Clinical Psychology, University of Edinburgh, South Bridge, Edinburg, EH8 9YL, UK.
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8
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Dachew BA, Scott JG, Mamun A, Alati R. Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy and emotional and behavioural problems in children: a longitudinal population-based study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2020; 29:1339-1348. [PMID: 31758357 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-019-01443-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 11/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
There is evidence that offspring of mothers who have hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) are at increased risk of adverse health outcomes. This study aims to examine the association between maternal HDP and emotional- and behavioural problems in offspring at age 11 years as reported by teachers and parents. The current study is based on the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC), a prospective, population-based study that has followed a cohort of offspring since their mothers were pregnant. Childhood emotional- and behavioural problems were measured using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), completed by parents (n = 7196) and the child's teacher (n = 7411). Maternal preeclampsia, but not gestational hypertension, was associated with teacher-reported total behavioural difficulties (RR = 1.62; 95% CI 1.03-2.52) and internalising problems in children [peer problems (RR = 1.48; 95% CI 1.06-2.08) and emotional problems (RR = 1.68; 95% CI 1.13-2.51)]. No associations between preeclampsia and/or gestational hypertension and parent-reported emotional- and behaviour problems were observed. Our study showed that children exposed to preeclampsia had higher risk of teacher-reported total behavioural difficulties and internalising problems compared with unexposed children. The findings suggest emotional- and behavioural difficulties may not be evident in all settings, hence the importance of collecting evidence from multiple informants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berihun Assefa Dachew
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, 80 Meiers Road, Indooroopilly, Brisbane, QLD, 4068, Australia. .,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Institute of Public Health, University of Gondar, Gondar, Ethiopia.
| | - James G Scott
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia.,Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, Australia.,Metro North Mental Health, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, Australia
| | - Abdullah Mamun
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, 80 Meiers Road, Indooroopilly, Brisbane, QLD, 4068, Australia
| | - Rosa Alati
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, 80 Meiers Road, Indooroopilly, Brisbane, QLD, 4068, Australia.,School of Public Health, Curtin University, Perth, WA, Australia
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Conti-Ramsden G, Mok P, Durkin K, Pickles A, Toseeb U, Botting N. Do emotional difficulties and peer problems occur together from childhood to adolescence? The case of children with a history of developmental language disorder (DLD). Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2019; 28:993-1004. [PMID: 30519863 PMCID: PMC6647450 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-018-1261-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2018] [Accepted: 11/23/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Children and adolescents with developmental language disorder (DLD) are, overall, vulnerable to difficulties in emotional adjustment and in peer relations. However, previous research has shown that different subgroups follow different trajectories in respect to the quality of peer relations. Less is known about the trajectories of emotional development. We consider here the possibility that development in these two domains is interrelated: that is, the trajectories of emotional and peer problems will proceed in parallel. We conducted longitudinal joint trajectories analyses of emotional and peer relations in a sample of young people identified as having DLD at the age of 7 years and seen at intervals up to 16 years. Potential influences on joint trajectory group membership were examined. Findings revealed five distinct joint trajectories. Emotional and peer difficulties do occur together from childhood to adolescence for just over half of the sample, but not all. The variables most clearly associated with group membership were pragmatic language ability, prosociality and parental mental health. This is the first study to examine joint longitudinal trajectories of emotional and peer difficulties in individuals with DLD. We demonstrate that development in individuals with DLD is heterogeneous and identify three key variables associated with personal and social adjustment from childhood to adolescence. Theoretical and clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Conti-Ramsden
- Human Communication, Development and Hearing (HCDH), School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Ellen Wilkinson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK.
| | - Pearl Mok
- Human Communication, Development and Hearing (HCDH), School of Health Sciences, The University of Manchester and Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Ellen Wilkinson Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PL, UK
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Abstract
Can the retelling of an unpleasant experience help adolescents cope with that experience? This study answers that question by looking at the role of psychological self-distancing when adolescents write about recently untold stressful events with peers using either a traditional expressive writing (EW) intervention or a cognitively oriented expressive writing (CEW) intervention. Extent of self-distancing (i.e., low and high) as well as its variability (i.e., increasing or stable) were taken into account. Data, obtained from 292 written essays from 78 Italian adolescents (mean age was 12.9; 50% was female), were collected longitudinally on four occasions. Group-based trajectory modeling determined the extent and variability in self-distancing for the two writing interventions (i.e., EW and CEW) and two baseline peer problem conditions (i.e., low and high). Findings indicate that, for adolescents who experience high peer problems at baseline, CEW intervention fosters meaning-making through self-distancing, resulting in being more beneficial than traditional EW.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Margola
- Faculty of Psychology, Catholic University of Milan, Italy.
| | | | - John Lawrence Dennis
- Department of Philosophy, Social and Education Sciences, University of Perugia, and John Cabot University, Italy
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Many children and adolescents with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) have difficulties in their social skills and peer relationships. Because social problems exacerbate later maladjustment in ADHD populations, it is important to address this serious impairment. Although social skills training (SST) is a common intervention approach, evidence to date suggests that SST has limited efficacy, at least when provided in traditional, clinic-based settings. The current review summarizes recent advances to traditional SST approaches that may potentially enhance their efficacy. RECENT FINDINGS We identify two promising directions in which SST may be modified to make it more efficacious for ADHD populations. The first direction involves providing increased reinforcement and reminders of appropriate social behavior at the point of performance to youth with ADHD (e.g., in vivo, in real life peer situations as opposed to in the clinic). We note the importance of ensuring that youth with ADHD are receptive to such reminders. The second direction involves encouraging peers to be more socially accepting and inclusive of youth with ADHD. This avenue has been understudied in the literature to date. SST for children and adolescents with ADHD may be enhanced by providing more in vivo reminders and feedback at the point of performance and by making efforts to alter peers' impressions about youth with ADHD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amori Yee Mikami
- University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada.
| | - Sophie Smit
- University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Adri Khalis
- University of British Columbia, 2136 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
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Abstract
This study examined the within-and between-person associations between daily negative events - peer problems, academic problems and interparental conflict - and diurnal cortisol in school-age children. Salivary cortisol levels were assessed four times per day (at wakeup, 30min later, just before dinner and at bedtime) on eight days in 47 youths ages 8-13 years old (60% female; M age=11.28, SD=1.50). The relative contributions of within- and between-person variances in each stressor were estimated in models predicting same-day diurnal cortisol slope, same-day bedtime cortisol, and next morning wakeup cortisol. Children who reported more peer problems on average showed flatter slopes of cortisol decline from wakeup to bedtime. However, children secreted more cortisol at wakeup following days when they had reported more peer or academic problems than usual. Interparental conflict was not significantly associated with diurnal cortisol. Findings from this study extend our understanding of short-term cortisol responses to naturally occurring problems in daily life, and help to differentiate these daily processes from the cumulative effects of chronic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunhye Bai
- University of California, Los Angeles, United States.
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Abstract
Peer interactions and executive function play central roles in the development of healthy children, as peer problems have been indicative of lower cognitive competencies such as self-regulatory behavior and poor executive function has been indicative of problem behaviors and social dysfunction. However, few studies have focused on the relation between peer interactions and executive function and the underlying mechanisms that may create this link. Using a national sample (n = 1164, 48.6% female) from the Study of Early Child Care and Youth Development (SECCYD), we analyzed executive function and peer problems (including victimization and rejection) across three waves within each domain (executive function or peer problems), beginning in early childhood and ending in middle adolescence. Executive function was measured as a multi-method, multi-informant composite including reports from parents on the Children's Behavior Questionnaire and Child Behavior Checklist and child's performance on behavioral tasks including the Continuous Performance Task, Woodcock-Johnson, Tower of Hanoi, Operation Span Task, Stroop, and Tower of London. Peer problems were measured as a multi-informant composite including self, teacher, and afterschool caregiver reports on multiple peer-relationship scales. Using a cross-lagged design, our Structural Equation Modeling findings suggested that experiencing peer problems contributed to lower executive function later in childhood and better executive function reduced the likelihood of experiencing peer problems later in childhood and middle adolescence, although these relations weakened as a child moves into adolescence. The results highlight that peer relationships are involved in the development of strengths and deficits in executive function and vice versa.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J Holmes
- Department of Psychology (MC 0436), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| | - Jungmeen Kim-Spoon
- Department of Psychology (MC 0436), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
| | - Kirby Deater-Deckard
- Department of Psychology (MC 0436), Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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Schwab S, Gebhardt M, Hessels MGP, Nusser L. Predicting a high rate of self-assessed and parent-assessed peer problems--Is it typical for students with disabilities? Res Dev Disabil 2016; 49-50:196-204. [PMID: 26707928 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2015.11.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2015] [Revised: 11/25/2015] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 06/05/2023]
Abstract
Peer problems are common in children with special educational needs (SEN), but the reasons are poorly understood. This study aims to identify risk factors of peer problems (e.g., SEN, school setting, pro-social behaviour) for their occurrence. A subsample of 3900 children from the National Educational Panel Study in Germany was analysed. Children and parents answered the items of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) subscales 'peer problems' and 'pro-social behaviour'. Students with SEN (attending special schools or inclusive classes) were more likely to score within the abnormal range of the SDQ subscale peer problems than students without SEN. The results further show a low level of parent-child agreement on the subscale 'peer problems'. Logistic regression analyses showed that having SEN is always an explaining variable for 'peer problems' and that group differences cannot be fully explained by gender, school setting or 'pro-social behaviour'.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susanne Schwab
- University of Bielefeld, Universitätsstraße 25, 33615 Bielefeld, Germany.
| | - Markus Gebhardt
- TU Munich, School of Education, Arcisstr. 21, 80333 Munich, Germany
| | - Marco G P Hessels
- University of Geneva, Boulevard du Pont d'Arve 40, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland; North-West University, Optentia Research Focus Area, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
| | - Lena Nusser
- Otto-Friedrich-Universität Bamberg, Markusstraße 12A, 96047 Bamberg, Germany
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Andrade BF, Browne DT, Tannock R. Prosocial skills may be necessary for better peer functioning in children with symptoms of disruptive behavior disorders. PeerJ 2014; 2:e487. [PMID: 25083349 PMCID: PMC4106187 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.487] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 06/25/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Children with disruptive behavior disorders experience substantial social challenges; however, the factors that account for (i.e., mediate), or influence (i.e., moderate), peer problems are not well understood. This study tested whether symptoms of Oppositional Defiant Disorder and Conduct Disorder were associated with peer impairment and whether prosocial skills mediated or moderated these associations. Teacher ratings were gathered for 149 children (Mage = 9.09, SD = 1.71, 26% female) referred for behavioral concerns to an urban child psychiatry clinic. Path-analytic linear regressions testing mediation and moderation effects showed that prosocial skills significantly moderated the negative effects of symptoms of Conduct Disorder on peer impairment. Children showed less peer impairment only when they had relatively few conduct symptoms and high prosocial skills. Measurement of prosocial skills, in addition to conduct problems, may best capture factors which contribute to peer problems of children with disruptive behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendan F Andrade
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health , Toronto, ON , Canada ; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto , Toronto, ON , Canada
| | - Dillon T Browne
- Ontario Institutes for Studies in Education, University of Toronto , Toronto, ON , Canada
| | - Rosemary Tannock
- Ontario Institutes for Studies in Education, University of Toronto , Toronto, ON , Canada ; Hospital for Sick Children , Toronto, ON , Canada
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Conti-Ramsden G, Mok PL, Pickles A, Durkin K. Adolescents with a history of specific language impairment (SLI): strengths and difficulties in social, emotional and behavioral functioning. Res Dev Disabil 2013; 34:4161-9. [PMID: 24077068 PMCID: PMC3830176 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2013.08.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2013] [Revised: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
Adolescents with specific language impairment (SLI) are at a greater risk of emotional and behavioral problems compared to their typically developing (TD) peers, but little is known about their self-perceived strengths and difficulties. In this study, the self-reported social, emotional and behavioral functioning of 139 adolescents with a history of SLI and 124 TD individuals at age 16 was examined. The self-report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to assess their prosocial behavior and levels of peer, emotional and behavioral difficulties. Associations of these areas of functioning with gender, verbal and non-verbal skills were also investigated. Adolescents with a history of SLI were more likely than their TD peers to report higher levels of peer problems, emotional symptoms, hyperactivity and conduct problems. The majority of adolescents in both groups (87% SLI and 96% TD), however, reported prosocial behavior within the typical range. Difficulty with peer relations was the strongest differentiator between the groups, with the odds of reporting borderline or abnormally high levels of peer problems being 12 times higher for individuals with a history of SLI. Adolescents with poorer receptive language skills were also more likely to report higher levels of emotional and behavioral difficulties. The findings of this study identify likely traits that may lead to referral to services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gina Conti-Ramsden
- School of Psychological Sciences, Communication and Deafness, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
- Corresponding author. Tel.: +44 0 161 275 3514.
| | - Pearl L.H. Mok
- School of Psychological Sciences, Communication and Deafness, The University of Manchester, Oxford Road, Manchester M13 9PL, UK
| | - Andrew Pickles
- Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, 16 De Crespigny Park, London SE5 8AF, UK
| | - Kevin Durkin
- School of Psychological Sciences and Health, University of Strathclyde, 40 George Street, Glasgow G1 1QE, UK
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