Dissertations / Theses on the topic 'Problem behaviours'

This review integrates findings from the research fields of temperament, cognitive processes and childhood psychopathology. It examines the role of temperamental effortful control (EC) in both internalising and externalising behaviours in children. The difficulties in operationalising the construct of EC and its developmental trajectory are also highlighted. The review then reviews evidence for attentional biases (hypervigilance to threat, disengagement difficulties and avoidance) in anxiety and aggression. Research is presented which considers the association between attentional biases and EC and discusses this association as a risk factor in the development of childhood anxiety a similar process is presented as a potential risk in externalising behaviours.

This study examines the spontaneous causal attributions made by mothers about their child's behaviour, before and after they attended a Behaviour Management Group for the management of their child's conduct problem behaviours. The attributions of eight mothers were extracted and coded from discourse using the Leeds Attributional Coding System. It was found that mothers made more attributions to positive child behaviours, and fewer to negative child behaviours following the intervention. As predicted there were some changes from pre- to post-intervention in the nature of attributions made. For all types of child behaviour mothers shifted towards causal attributions which were universal, specific and internal to themselves post-intervention. Negative child behaviours were attributed to causes which were more unstable and specific following the intervention, suggesting mothers explanations were more benign post-intervention. Positive child behaviours were more often attributed to causes which were controllable to the mothers post-intervention, suggesting they were taking some credit for the emergence of such behaviours. Methodological issues, proposals for further research and clinical implications are discussed.

The context of this report and the IRIDIA laboratory are described in the preface. Evolutionary Robotics and the box-pushing task are presented in the introduction.The building of a test system supporting Evolutionary Robotics experiments is then detailed. This system is made of a robot simulator and a Genetic Algorithm. It is used to explore the possibility of evolving box-pushing behaviours. The bootstrapping problem is explained, and a novel approach for dealing with it is proposed, with results presented.Finally, ideas for extending this approach are presented in the conclusion.

This thesis shows how children’s learning is influenced and modified by the teaching environment. The metacognitive, self-regulatory learning behaviours of sixteen kindergarten students were examined in order to determine how students perceive learning, either by adopting deep approaches, where the focus is on understanding and meaning, or surface approaches, where the meeting of institutional demands frequently subjugate the former goals. The data have been analysed within a qualitative paradigm from a phenomenographic perspective. The study addresses three issues: the nature and frequency of the strategic learning behaviours displayed by the students; the contribution strategic behaviours make to the adoption of deep or surface learning approaches; and how metacognitive teaching environments influence higher-order thinking. Findings reveal that where teachers had metcognitive training, the frequency of strategy use increased irrespective of student performance. High achieving students used more strategic behaviours, used them with greater efficiency, and tended to display more of the characteristics of deep approach learners. This study suggests that many of the differential outcomes evident amongst students may be substantially reduced through early and consistent training within a teaching environment conductive to the development of metacognitive, self-regulatory behaviours and deep learning approaches
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

The broad aim of this research was to investigate group work in schools with friends and acquaintances. More specifically, the study sought to identify motivational factors that may underlie students' attitudes and behaviours when working in these contexts. Independent and interdependent self-construal, and self-efficacy for group work, were identified as variables that may be important for working in friendship and acquaintance groups. The participants were Year 10 and Year 11 students from secondary schools in the metropolitan area of Sydney, Australia. Data collection was carried out in three phases, the first two were survey-based, and the third was a mixed-methods study. In phase 1, participants (N = 188) attended two Independent schools. The main data analyses comprised exploratory factor analysis and multiple regression analysis. In phase 2, the participants (N = 583) attended nine randomly selected public schools. Data analysis was carried out using confirmatory factor analysis and structural equation modelling. In phase 3, participants (N = 38), attended two randomly selected public schools. In this phase, survey, observational and interview data were collected and analysed. The observational analysis centred on how students in friendship and acquaintance groups interacted whilst working on a group problem-solving activity. The interviews focused on students' experiences in the group problem-solving activity and their general perceptions, beliefs, and feelings about group work with friends and acquaintances. Group performance in the problem-solving activity was measured. Two results seemed particularly important. First, was the suggestion that self-efficacy for being receptive to the ideas of others and- self-efficacy for group facilitation in the friendship context may "flow-on" to corresponding self-efficacy beliefs in the acquaintance context. Second, interdependent and independent self, and self-efficacy for group work, were identified as important variables with regard to students' attitudes and behaviours in friendship and acquaintance groups. From a theoretical perspective the focus in this research on self-beliefs represents a relatively new way of studying group work with friends and acquaintances. From a practical perspective, the findings from the research should provide direction for teachers when they make decisions about how to organize students into groups for the purposes of learning.

Data from the National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth (NLSCY), a nationally representative and prospective cohort, was used to explore patterns of problem behaviour in elementary school aged children across time and their association to adolescent health-risk outcomes. Latent profile analyses identified four profiles of problem behaviour: (1) low on all problem behaviours, (2) moderate on all problem behaviours, (3) high on all problem behaviours, and (4) high on hyperactivity/inattention and internalizing. This measurement invariant trend was observed at ages 6/7, 8/9, and 10/11. Transition patterns between these profiles of problem behaviour from ages 6/7 to 10/11 were also identified (n=8,266). The association of these profiles and transition patterns with health-risk outcomes were computed using logistic regression modelling. While patterns of persisting problem behaviour were associated with suicidal thoughts, substance use, and delinquency, they did not differ from the profile at age 10/11 years, where the “Moderate all” and “High all” profiles of problem behaviour predicted the most health-risk outcomes in adolescence. The most recent assessment of problem behaviour in adolescence was as good of a predictor of adolescent health-risk outcomes relative to patterns of problem behaviour across time.

In evolutionary robotics there has been research about the pursuit problem with different numbers of predators and prey: (i) one predator and one prey, (ii) many predators against one prey, and (iii) many predators against many prey. However, these different experiments are only involving food chains with two populations (two trophic levels). This dissertation uses three trophic levels to investigate if individuals in the middle trophic level perform equally or better than those that are been evolved in a two trophic level environment.

The investigation was done in a simulator called YAKS. A statistical analysis was conducted to evalutate the results. The result indicated that a robot with two tasks gets better at hunting and evading than robots with one task (either hunt or evade). Robots from the middle trophic level that are moving in the same direction as the camera is facing, were the best predators and prey. This dissertation is a step towards more complex and animal-like behaviours of robots.

Difficulty adjusting during the first years of school is associated with negative long-term academic and behaviour outcomes (Alexander, Entwisle, & Horsey, 1997; Ladd & Dinella, 2009; Qualter, Brown, Munn, & Rotenberg, 2010). Externalizing and internalizing behaviour problems can interfere with the ability to engage in learning or get along with others at school. Teacher-child relationship quality has been found to predict a variety of academic and social outcomes for children (e.g., Hamre & Pianta, 2001; Ladd & Burgess, 2001; Maldonado-Carreño & Votruba-Drzal, 2011; Pianta & Stuhlman, 2004). Of interest in the current study is whether teacher-child relationships moderate or mediate the association between problem behaviours observed at school and student ratings of school adjustment. The sample of students (n = 482) was taken from a longitudinal study of the school adjustment of Italian school children. Results from sequential regression analyses indicated that teacher ratings of students’ externalizing behaviours were related to student self-reports of loneliness at school and school liking. There was no evidence that teacher-child relationship features mediated the association between problem behaviours and school adjustment, although teacher-child closeness was found to moderate the relationship between physical aggression and school liking.

A model of social behaviours, peer rejection, social cognitions and psychosocial outcomes in children aged 9 to 12 was investigated. Two studies, including one pilot study (Study 1) and a longitudinal study with two waves and a 6-month lag between assessments (Study 2A and Study 2B), were conducted to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships pertaining to the antecedents and consequences of peer rejection as children approach adolescence. In Study 1, perceptions of relationships, peer-related attributions, and depressive symptoms were examined as consequences of peer rejection among 208 Grade 5 and 6 children aged 9 to 11 from one primary school. The findings from this study indicated that social cognitions play a partial mediating role linking peer rejection to depressive symptoms. The interaction between peer rejection and social cognitions did not contribute to the prediction of depressive symptoms, therefore a diathesis-stress model of depression was not supported. Study 2A and 2B were cross-sectional and longitudinal examinations of Study 1. A model of social behaviours, peer rejection, social cognitions and children's functioning was proposed and tested. In these studies, perceptions of relationships and perceived social acceptance were indicators of social cognitions. Participants were 334 Grade 5 to 7 children mostly aged 9 to 12, with 308 participants completing both assessments of the longitudinal study. Results of Study 2A provided further support for the mediating role of social cognitions between peer rejection and depressive symptoms. Positive associations between peer rejection, relational aggression and withdrawal, and a negative association between peer rejection and prosocial behaviour were also found. Significant associations of externalising behaviour with physical aggression and peer rejection were also found, suggesting separate pathways to depression and externalising behaviour via children's behaviours and peer rejection. In the longitudinal study, earlier relational aggression and withdrawal were associated with later peer rejection. No support for a longitudinal mediation effect for social cognitions in the peer rejection-depression relationship was observed, although a bidirectional association between social cognitions and depressive symptoms over time was found. Gender differences and moderation were also tested, but few effects were found. It was concluded that children's cognitions regarding peer relationships and perceived social acceptance are important factors in understanding the pathways from peer difficulties to depression during late childhood. Furthermore, evidence was found for specific pathways linking children's social behaviours to depression and externalising behaviour. Implications for theory, research and practice are discussed, including the importance of considering the child's perceptions of their peer functioning as well as actual peer status, and the need for future research to examine social cognitive factors relevant to aggression as well as withdrawal. Possible directions for targeted interventions are also described.

A model of social behaviours, peer rejection, social cognitions and psychosocial outcomes in children aged 9 to 12 was investigated. Two studies, including one pilot study (Study 1) and a longitudinal study with two waves and a 6-month lag between assessments (Study 2A and Study 2B), were conducted to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal relationships pertaining to the antecedents and consequences of peer rejection as children approach adolescence. In Study 1, perceptions of relationships, peer-related attributions, and depressive symptoms were examined as consequences of peer rejection among 208 Grade 5 and 6 children aged 9 to 11 from one primary school. The findings from this study indicated that social cognitions play a partial mediating role linking peer rejection to depressive symptoms. The interaction between peer rejection and social cognitions did not contribute to the prediction of depressive symptoms, therefore a diathesis-stress model of depression was not supported. Study 2A and 2B were cross-sectional and longitudinal examinations of Study 1. A model of social behaviours, peer rejection, social cognitions and children's functioning was proposed and tested. In these studies, perceptions of relationships and perceived social acceptance were indicators of social cognitions. Participants were 334 Grade 5 to 7 children mostly aged 9 to 12, with 308 participants completing both assessments of the longitudinal study. Results of Study 2A provided further support for the mediating role of social cognitions between peer rejection and depressive symptoms. Positive associations between peer rejection, relational aggression and withdrawal, and a negative association between peer rejection and prosocial behaviour were also found. Significant associations of externalising behaviour with physical aggression and peer rejection were also found, suggesting separate pathways to depression and externalising behaviour via children's behaviours and peer rejection. In the longitudinal study, earlier relational aggression and withdrawal were associated with later peer rejection. No support for a longitudinal mediation effect for social cognitions in the peer rejection-depression relationship was observed, although a bidirectional association between social cognitions and depressive symptoms over time was found. Gender differences and moderation were also tested, but few effects were found. It was concluded that children's cognitions regarding peer relationships and perceived social acceptance are important factors in understanding the pathways from peer difficulties to depression during late childhood. Furthermore, evidence was found for specific pathways linking children's social behaviours to depression and externalising behaviour. Implications for theory, research and practice are discussed, including the importance of considering the child's perceptions of their peer functioning as well as actual peer status, and the need for future research to examine social cognitive factors relevant to aggression as well as withdrawal. Possible directions for targeted interventions are also described.
Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School of Psychology
Full Text

Disruptive behaviour problems in early childhood are found to be associated with many negative long-term outcomes, such as antisocial behaviour, adolescent delinquency, and substance abuse (Kellam, Werthamer-Larsson & Dolan (1991), as cited in Butler, 2005:1). Even after adolescence this arises, for, as Vogel (2008:16) states the 'frequency of behavioural problems or challenging behaviour among the youth of today often predicts the size of our future prison population'. These findings clearly highlight the importance of early identification of behavioural problems, adequate preventative intervention (Butler, 2005:1) and the necessity for early intervention to prevent their continuity, since behaviour problems are found to worsen without treatment (Loeber, 1982, cited in Butler, 2005:1). The goal of this study is to gain an understanding of disruptive behaviour in primary school learners. To achieve this goal, the objectives of this are to explore the nature of child disruptive behaviour problems; to explore parents and teachers' problem perception of child disruptive behaviour; to explore the problem threshold of parents and teachers toward child disruptive behaviour; and to explore their help-seeking behaviour. The study's aim, therefore, is to better understand and gain more insight in child disruptive behaviour problems before a threshold is reached by parents and teachers and help is sought from social service professionals. The study uses an exploratory qualitative research design to gain insight into child disruptive behaviour problems, problem perceptions and help-seeking behaviour in the Southern Cape Karoo District in the Western Cape. Child disruptive behaviour patterns were analysed along a three-point continuum (from less severe - 'preventative'; to moderate - 'early intervention'; and most severe - 'statutory') based, on problem perceptions of parents, teachers and social service professionals. In addition, the present study examines parents and teachers' problem thresholds to identify help-seeking behaviour and sources. A purposive sampling technique was used to select the participants according to appropriation and availability. Parents and teachers were contacted to participate voluntarily in the research from schools in the area - Acacia Primary School, Baartmansfontein Primary School, Buffelsriver Private Primary School and Matjiesfontein Primary School. The social service professionals who participated consisted of social workers, social auxiliary workers and police officials from the Department of Social Development, Child Welfare SA and the South African Police Service. The study consisted of a broad range of child ages and parental ages. Parent participants also included biological and foster parents. Data was gathered by means of a semi-structured interview schedule administered during 24 individual interviews. The schedule is based on information obtained from the literature review relevant to the models and theories selected. Previous research done by Jessica Hankinson in 2009 in America on child psychopathology, parental problem perception, and help-seeking behaviours was used as a reference for creating the data collection tool, since she also focused on child behavioural problems and used similar models in the theories. This tool was created in such a way as to be relevant to the South African context. The findings confirmed the serious nature of child disruptive behaviour amongst primary school learners, including abusive behaviour, assault, bullying, fighting, swearing, theft, criminal involvement, substance abuse, truancy and school dropouts. The participants were found to be able to perceive their child's problem behaviour and to perceive themselves to be competent parents in dealing with disruptive behaviour. Child disruptive behaviour was found to have a significant effect on classroom learning. Despite legislation banning this, the participants still resort to punitive corrective measures. Stigma related to professional services and the privacy of the family are found to be very relevant in help-seeking efforts. This lead to the conclusion that child disruptive behaviour may become a normal and acceptable phenomenon, and thus leads to late reporting - and social services being contacted only as a last resort. The most important recommendation resulting from the study indicates that there is a need for prevention and early intervention services for child disruptive behaviour. This should address the escalation of the behaviour that later results in the need for statutory services. The study further indicates that various sectors (social workers, teachers, community structures and the departments) need to collaborate and form partnerships in order to enhance the early reporting of children in need and the accessibility and availability of services rendered in rural areas. This could enhance the early identification, reporting and service delivery in order to find problem resolutions.

Syfte – Syftet med denna uppsats var att genom existerande fallstudier, enkätundersökningar och annan sekundärdata identifiera vilka faktorer som ger upphov till motstånd vid implementeringen av ERP-system och hur detta motstånd kan förebyggas.Metod – Metoden som användes i denna uppsats är dokument. Dokument i denna uppsats var sekundärdata i form av artiklar och böcker från världsledande journaler inom området ERP-implementering. Uppsatsens teori, analyser och modeller bygger kring dessa artiklar och böcker.Resultat och analys – Resultaten från denna studie tyder på att alla ERP-implementeringar möter motstånd vid ERP-projekt. Det är hanteringen och förebyggandet av dessa motståndsbeteenden som avgör projektets framgång. De viktigaste faktorerna som gav upphov till motstånd var: Lågt engagemang från ledning och styrelse, otillräcklig utbildning och träning vilket resulterar i kunskapsbarriärer, projektgrupp med individer som inte har tillräckligt med erfarenhet, inflytande och kunskap, bristfällig förändringshantering med en passiv ledarstil, systemets kvalitet och pålitlighet och ingen tydlig vision och affärsstrategi. Studien kom även fram till att implementeringen består av tre stora faser: innan, under och efter implementering. Misstag som görs vid fasen innan implementering visade sig vara mest avgörande för projektens framgång. Studien presenterar även olika förebyggande åtgärder som kan användas för att minska motståndsbeteendena som uppstår. De förebyggande faktorerna är: En tydlig affärsplan och vision för projektet som slutanvändarna lätt kan ta till sig, starkt stöd från ledning så att även lägre nivåer känner stöd för projektet, förutse förändringar i affärsprocesser genom att analysera konsekvenserna av implementeringen, support och kommunikation med berörda intressenter för att tidigt upptäcka problem, en projektgrupp med inflytande och erfarenhet som jobbar heltid med projektet och träning och utbildning för att övervinna kunskapsbarriärer som kan resultera i motstånd.Originalitet – Denna studie samlar den senaste forskningen kring ERP-implementation och motståndsbeteenden. En modell som visualiserar hur motstånd påverkar implementationen har även skapats som en generell vägledande modell för organisationer som implementerar ERP-system.Nyckelord – ERP, ERP-implementation, motståndsbeteenden, ERP-implementation faser.
Purpose – The purpose of this paper was to identify factors that give rise to resistance behaviours when implementing ERP-systems. The purpose was also to find ways to prevent these resistance behaviours.Methodology – This paper was conducted through examination and use of a methodology called documents. The paper was built upon existing secondary data. The secondary data was made up of articles and books from world leading academic journals in the area of ERP-implementation.Findings and results – The findings of this paper suggests that all ERP-implementations will face human resistance of some kind and that the treatment of these resistance behaviours is crucial for a successful implementation project. The paper identified important resistance factors that need to be handled: Low commitment from top management, inadequate training and education, a project group with little influence, experience and skills, poor change management and passive management styles, system quality, system reliability, poor business vision and poor strategy plans. The paper also identified the planning phase of an ERP-implementation to be the most crucial phase in the whole project. The paper presents ways to prevent the resistance threat through some important factors: A clear business plan and vision of the project is needed and this vision must be visible to people using the system, strong support from top management and the board is needed for funding and influence on lower levels of organizations, good anticipation of changes in processes connected to the implementation, support and communication with relevant stakeholders, a strong and influential project group, training and education to overcome knowledge barriers and developed change management strategies.Originality – This paper provides an examination and summary of the most critical factors that influence resistance behaviours when implementing an ERP-system and also provides a model that can be used in organizations when facing an implementation project.Keywords – ERP, ERP-implementation, resistance behaviours, ERP-implementation phases.

Aggression Replacement Training (ART) is a 10-week, multi-component intervention based in cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), which aims to improve social competence. It has been applied internationally as part of offender rehabilitation (NOMS, 2010). However, more recent research has focused upon its application in school-based settings. The aim of the current research is to investigate the efficacy of ART when implemented in the UK with an adolescent sample in mainstream school settings. These sessions were facilitated by newly-trained staff from the Educational Psychology Service (EPS). A quasi-experimental design was employed to evaluate this initial pilot of the programme in one Local Authority. 41 participants across six settings were allocated to intervention (N=23) and wait-list control (N=18) conditions. The Social Skills Improvement System-Rating Scales (SSIS-RS), a multi-source measure, was used to assess the group member’s problem behaviours and social skills, with data gathered from teachers, parents and pupils themselves. The Sociomoral Reflection Measure-Short Form (SRM-SF) was also completed by the participants to ascertain their moral reasoning maturity. Non-parametric statistical tests demonstrated no significant improvements in the intervention participant’s social skills or problem behaviours. However, their moral reasoning ability did increase significantly from pre to post-test, achieving a large effect size (r=-0.64), which was not reflected in the data from the control group. In contrast to the quantitative findings, supplementary qualitative data gathered from the facilitators and group members involved in the ART programme demonstrated that all felt the intervention had resulted in positive outcomes for the young people. Factors which may have contributed to the success of the programme were also provided, including organisational support and group composition. Possible explanations for these findings, including methodological considerations and comparison with previous research are discussed and the implications of these findings in future practice and in guiding further research suggested.

There are numernus social, emotional, and behavioral problems toddlers and preschool children can exhibit. Some of the more common problems reported by parents of young children are daytime behavior problems and sleep disturbances. This study investigated sleep difficulties in toddler and preschool-age children with (n = 31) and without (n = 59) significant behavior problems. Furthermore, the current study investigated the relationship between sleep difficulties and other psychological constructs (i.e., maternal general stress, maternal depression, and parenting stress), which might be related to sleep and behavior problems. Mothers of clinically referred children with behavior problems and nonclinically referred children without behavior problems completed measures regarding their children's sleep and behavior as well as their own general stress, parenting stress, and depressive symptomology. Overall, children with behavior problems showed significantly more sleep difficulties than children without behavior problems. Specifically, when compared to children without behavior problems, children with behavior problems took more time to initiate sleep, showed increased bedtime resistance, had more night wakings, and had shorter sleep durations. Additionally, the results showed that other factors (i.e., maternal depression, family stress, parent-child relationship stress) likely contribute to and/or maintain sleep disturbances in children. The findings from this study suggest a complex relationship between childhood sleep, daytime externalizing behaviors, and maternal health. Potential clinical implications of these findings and future directions for research are discussed.

The current dissertation consists of three interrelated studies examining the relationship between sleep functioning and adolescent adjustment. Although links between sleep patterns and internalizing problems and externalizing or problem behaviors in children and adolescents have been established in literature, several gaps remain in this research. This dissertation addressed these by: (a) testing sleep problems, quantity, and chronotype in childhood as predictors of internalizing problems in adolescence (Study 1), (b) testing sleep problems, quantity, and chronotype in childhood as predictors of problem behaviors in adolescence (Study 2), and (c) testing sleep problems and quantity as mediators of the chronotype-adjustment link (Study 3). Latent Growth Modeling (LGM) and Half-longitudinal Path Analysis were used to carry out these studies using a large sample of children part of the European Longitudinal Study of Pregnancy and Childhood (ELSPAC). Findings from Study 1 and 2 showed that greater sleep problems in early childhood and their slower decrease during childhood predicted higher levels of internalizing problems and problem behaviors in early adolescence. Furthermore, lower sleep quantity in early childhood predicted higher internalizing problems and problem behaviors in early adolescence and a greater increase in problem behaviors in adolescence. Lastly, greater eveningness in early childhood predicted greater increases in problem behaviors during adolescence. Results of Study 3 provided evidence that evening chronotype longitudinally predicted less favorable sleep patterns, including greater sleep problems and lower sleep quantity. However, only sleep problems significantly predicted measures of adjustment, particularly internalizing problems; no effects of sleep quantity on adjustment were found.

This study examined the relationship between behavior problems, learning behaviors and educational outcomes for at-risk preschool children. A sample of Head Start children (N = 196) were selected in the Southeast. Behavior problems were assessed using The Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA; Le Buffe & Naglieri, 1999) and learning behaviors were assessed using the Preschool Learning Behavior Scale (PLBS, McDermott, Green, Francis & Stott, 1996). Educational outcomes included measures of literacy and math, collected using subscales from the Galileo System for the Electronic Management of Learning (Galileo; Bergan et al., 2003). Behavior problems were found to predict learning behaviors, math and literacy. Furthermore, learning behaviors were found to mediate the effect of behavior problems on literacy and math, and such mediation effects were not found to be moderated by gender nor age. The findings of the study provide a preliminary explanation regarding the mechanism through which behavior problems relate to educational outcomes for preschool children.

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Aspectos do Sistema Familiar como o Conflito Conjugal e a saúde mental dos pais têm sido relacionados a Problemas Emocionais e de Comportamento em adolescentes (PEC), manifestados por meio dos sintomas Internalizantes e Externalizantes. Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar os PEC e sua relação com aspectos do Sistema Familiar (Clima Familiar) na visão de adolescentes e seus pais. Participaram do estudo 187 estudantes (112 do sexo feminino e 75 do sexo masculino), 165 mães e 102 pais. A idade dos adolescentes variou de 11 a 16 anos (Média=12,89 DP=1,08). As mães tinham uma idade média de 39,3 anos (DP=6,8) e os pais 42,4 anos (DP=9,4). Os participantes foram avaliados através da aplicação de um questionário com questões sociodemográficas, do Inventário de Auto-Avaliação de Jovens de 11 a 18 anos (YSR, Youth Self-Report), do Inventário de Auto-Avaliação de Adultos de 18 a 59 anos (ASR, Adult Self-Report) e do Inventário do Clima Familiar (ICF). Os dados foram analisados por meio de estatísticas paramétric
Many aspects of the family system such as marital conflict and parental mental health have been associated to adolescents’ emotional and behavioural problems (EPB) manifested by internalizing and externalizing symptoms. The present study aimed to investigate the EPB and its relation to aspects of the family system (family climate) according to adolescents and their parents’s view. The study investigated 187 students (112 females and 75 males), 165 mothers and 102 fathers. The adolescents’ ages ranged from 11 to 16 (Average = 12,89 SD = 1,08), the mothers’ average age was 39,3 (SD = 6,8) and the fathers’ average age was 42,4 (SD = 9,4). Participants aging from 11 to 18 were assessed through a questionnaire with socio demographic questions from Youth Self-Report Inventory (YSR, Youth Self-Report), adults from 18 to 59 years old answered questions from an Adult Self-Report Inventory (ASR, adult Self-Report) and from a Familiar Climate Inventory (FAI). Parametric statistics were used to analyze the data. The resu

Nors Rolando epilepsijai (RE) būdinga gerybinė eiga, dalis sergančiųjų turi miego bei elgesio problemų. Nuosekliai ištyrėme 75 RE sergančius bei 32 lyginamosios grupės nesergančius epilepsija pacientus. Grupės nesiskyrė pagal amžių ir lytį. Suskirstėme sergančiuosius RE į dvi grupes pagal priepuolių pasikartojimą per paskutinius 6 mėnesius. Elgesio sutrikimai buvo vertinami pasitelkiant CBCL (angl. Child Behavior Checklist) klausimyną, miego sutrikimai-pagal vaikų miego sutrikimų skalę (SDSC) (angl. Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children). Vertinome miego ir elgesio problemas bei jų sąsajas su klinikiniais, EEG duomenimis bei vizualinės-motorinės reakcijos laiko duomenimis. Bendradarbiaudami su Vilniaus universiteto Matematikos ir informatikos fakultetu rankiniu ir automatiniu būdu tyrėme pacientų EEG. Tik tiems RE pacientams, kuriems buvo priepuolių per paskutinius 6 mėn., nustatėme patikimai aukštesnius SDSC klausimyno įverčius (padidintą mieguistumą, kvėpavimo sutrikimus miego metu, miego- budrumo ritmo sutrikimus, ilgesnę miego latenciją) bei patikimai aukštesnius CBCL klausimyno rodiklius (socialinių sunkumų, mąstymo sunkumų, dėmesio sunkumų, agresyvaus elgesio bei bendrų sunkumų skalių įverčius). Elgesio problemos buvo susiję su ilgesne epilepsijos trukme, sunkesniais ir dažnesniais priepuoliais, miego problemomis bei miego EEG pakitimais (>35/min pikų kiekiu bei pikų lokalizacija ir kitose nei centrotemporalinės srityse). Budrumo EEG nustatytas >17/min pikų kiekis buvo... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]
Although patients with benign Rolandic epilepsy (RE) exhibit a benign course of the disease, some of them display sleep and behavioural problems. Seventy five patients with RE, aged 6–11 years, were included in this study. The patients were divided into two subgroups according to the presence of seizures over the preceding 6 months. The comparison group comprised 32 patients without epilepsy and with similar characteristics in terms of age and sex. All patients underwent evaluation of sleep (Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children) and behaviour (Lithuanian version of Child Behaviour Checklist). We examined the sleep and behavioural problems in correlation with the clinical data, EEG data, and simple visual-motor reaction time data. We automatically and manually analysed EEG in the collaboration with Vilnius University Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics. Only patients who had had seizures over the preceding 6 months displayed significantly higher scores for sleep problems (disorders of excessive daytime sleepiness, disorders of sleep breathing, and disorders of sleep-wake transition, longer sleep onset latency), and behavioural problems (social problems, thought problems, attention problems, and aggressive behavior) than the patients of the comparison group. Behavioural problems were associated with the longer epilepsy duration, more frequent and more severe seizures, sleep problems and sleep EEG data (spike frequency >35/min and spike focus, spreading to the other than... [to full text]

Darbo tikslas - nustatyti 13 – 16 metų paauglių, turinčių mišrių elgesio ir emocinių sutrikimų, internalių ir eksternalių problemų lygį ir įvairovę. Tyrimo pradžioje keliama hipotezė, jog paaugliai, turintys mišrių elgesio ir emocinių sutrikimų, turi aukštesnį internalių bei aukštesnį eksternalių problemų lygį, nei tokių sutrikimų neturintys bendraamžiai. Tikslui pasiekti kėlėme šiuos uždavinius: įvertinti 13 - 16 metų paauglių, pasižyminčių mišriais elgesio ir emociniais sutrikimais, internalių bei eksternalių problemų lygį ir įvairovę. Palyginti 13 - 16 metų paauglių, turinčių mišrių elgesio ir emocinių sutrikimų, su tokio pat amžiaus paauglių, neturinčių emocinių sutrikimų, internalių ir eksternalių problemų lygį ir įvairovę. Palyginti 13 – 16 metų paauglių, turinčių mišrių elgesio ir emocinių sutrikimų, su tokio pat amžiaus paauglių, neturinčių emocinių sutrikimų, nerimo lygį ir įvairovę. Tyrimas atliktas, taikant šias metodikas: Žmogaus piešinys: emocinių sutrikimų atrankos procedūra DAP : SPED ( Screening Procedure for Emotional Disturbance); T. M. Achenbacho (1991) klausimynus 11 -18 metų jaunuolio savęs vertinimo lapą (Youth Self – Report (YSR 11/18), 6 -18 metų vaiko elgesio tyrimo lapą (Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL 4/18), bei Daugiamatę vaikų nerimo skalę MASC ( Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children). Tyrime dalyvavo 92 13 -16 metų paaugliai, 52 – klinikinės grupės paaugliai, pasižymintys mišriomis elgesio ir emocinėmis problemomis, bei 40 –... [toliau žr. visą tekstą]
The aim of the work is to ascertain the level and variety of internal and external problems of 13 – 16 years teenagers having medley behavior and emotional problems. In the beginning of the research was raised hypothesis, that the level of behavior and emotional problems is elevated for teenagers having medley behavior and emotional problems, than for teenagers do not having these problems. In order to achieve the aim we have raised these main objectives: to evaluate the level and variety of internal and external problems of 13 – 16 years teenagers having medley behavior and emotional problems. To evaluate the level and variety of anxiety of 13 – 16 years teenagers having medley behavior and emotional problems. The research was carried out applying these research methods: standardized questionnaire by Achenbach (1991) – Your Self –Report (YSR 11 / 18), Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL 4 / 18); standardized MASC - Multidimensional Anxiety Scale for Children and DAP : SPED Draw A Person : Screening Procedure for Emotional Disturbance. 92 13 -16 years teenagers participated in the research. 52 teenagers, having medley behavior and emotional problems and 40 teenagers do not having these problems. Participated in the research and 52 parents of teenagers, having medley behavior and emotional problems and 40 parents of teenagers, do not having these problems. After the research we carried out, that teenagers, having medley behavior and emotional problems experience more... [to full text]

The aim of this study was to investigate the associations and differences regarding behaviour- and emotional problems and physical activity (PA) in early school-age children born preterm in comparison to children born full term. The sample consisted of 131 children at age 6-9 (mean age 7.8, including 54 % girls). The participants were divided into four groups depending on weeks of gestational age (GA): extremely preterm (EPT; 22-27 weeks), very preterm (VPT; 28-33 weeks), moderate preterm (MPT; 34-37 weeks) and the control group born at full term (FT; 38-42 weeks). The data were received from parent’s ratings on the questionnaire Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). The result showed that children born EPT were rated as having significantly more symptoms of depression, ADHD and conduct disorders, compared to the children born VPT, MPT and FT. The children born EPT also participated more in individual sports rather than team sports and in particular for those children with high ratings on ADHD Scale and Oppositional Defiant Scale. In conclusion, children born EPT seem to have more symptoms on behavioural and emotional problems and therefore more attention is needed to define appropriate interventions for this group to prevent and treat these problems. Even though PA didn’t manifestly decrease with lower GA in this sample it’s likely that bigger differences will show when the children grow older and more investigations are needed to examine the impact of PA among children born PT.
Syftet med denna studie var att undersöka relationer mellan beteende och emotionella problem samt fysisk aktivitet i tidig skolålder hos prematura barn i jämförelse med fullgångna barn. Urvalet bestod av 131 barn i åldern 6–9 (medelvärde 7.8, inklusive 54 % flickor). Deltagarna blev indelade i fyra grupper beroende på gestationsålder: extremt prematura (22–27 veckor), mycket prematura (28–33 veckor), måttligt prematura (34–37 veckor) och kontrollgruppen som bestod av fullgångna barn (38–42 veckor). Datamaterialet inhämtades från föräldrarnas skattningar på enkäten Child Behaviour Checklist (CBCL). Resultaten visade att barn som fötts extremt prematurt skattades ha signifikant mer symtom av depression, ADHD och uppförandestörning jämfört med mycket och måttligt prematura samt fullgångna barn. Barnen som fötts extremt prematurt utövade även mer individuella idrotter och mindre lagidrotter, vilket var speciellt tydligt för barn med höga skattningar på skalorna ADHD och trotssyndrom. Sammanfattningsvis har barn födda extremt prematurt mer emotionella och beteendemässiga problem jämfört barn med längre gestationsålder, och utifrån det behövs mer fokus på att utforma lämpliga interventioner för att förebygga och behandla dessa problem. Även om fysisk aktivitet inte visade sig minska med lägre gestationsålder i vårt urval är det troligt att större skillnader kommer visa sig när barnen blir äldre och vidare undersökningar krävs för att avgöra hur fysisk aktivitet kan tänkas påverka utfallen för prematura barn.

This study investigated the information seeking process of the networked generation youth. Specifically, I examined the cognitive, affective, and physical information seeking behaviors and problem solving techniques adolescent student users of the networked environment utilize to solve information needs. Grounded in the theoretical context of the information seeking process in the networked environment, the research extended the user-centered approach to modeling the information seeking process of networked generation youth. A mixed model research design was used to address the research questions. Phase 1 used an online questionnaire to solicit information from 125 students in Grades 7-12 regarding their understanding and use of networked environments, information seeking skills, and problem solving techniques. Phase 2 observed 12 students, two from each grade level, to gain an understanding into the information seeking process of networked generation youth. Participants completed information seeking scenarios of varying levels of complexity. As the participants completed the scenario, they engaged in talk-aloud verbal protocol to describe and explain their behaviors and techniques as they advanced through their information seeking process. Semi-structured interviews were conducted which provided an opportunity for the participants to clarify their information seeking experience. A profile of students' networked environment knowledge and use in relationship to their information seeking process was created. Findings suggested that knowledge and experience influence networked generation youth's information seeking process in the networked environment. A subset of students were found to be experienced information seekers who applied various cognitive, affective, and physical information seeking behaviors and behavioral actions that guide them through their information seeking process. The study presented a preliminary model of the networked generation youth's information seeking process. The model provides a detailed map to networked generation youth's information seeking and problem solving. I bring to light experienced users successful behaviors, as well as areas where all students need assistance in understanding networked environments and their own information seeking. The study suggests ways in which educators can evaluate students and integrate the successful behaviors as well as assist students with the behaviors that hinder their process.

Gambling becomes a source of difficulties of varying severity for some individuals whereas it is a positive experience for most of other people. Although gambling continues to be an entertaining activity for the majority of gambling individuals, prevalence rates suggest that pathological gambling is not low compared to other types of diagnosis. Most of the data with respect to gambling is from Western gambling literature, whereas research investigating the associated features of problem and pathological gamblers are very limited in the Turkish sample. The present study aimed to adapt two gambling-related instruments into Turkish and subsequently to examine the contributory roles of gambling participation, personality, affect, cognition, and motives of Turkish gamblers on gambling severity and gambling-related harm. The present study sample consisted of 357 males who were gambling in the sports and horse-races betting terminals. The findings pointed out it is important to conduct gambling research with Turkish samples considering the gambling severity and harm scores of the participants. The Turkish versions of Gambling-Related Cognitions Scale and Gambling Motives Scale showed promising psychometric properties with respect to their reliability and validity analyses. Besides, relatively higher negative affect, neuroticism, gambling-related cognitions, avoidance motive, and gambling participation were found to be associates of probable pathological gambling among Turkish regular gambling individuals. Moreover, the relationships of gambling cognitions / motives and gambling severity were mediated by the gambling participation. The main findings and related findings of the present study together with their implications are reported and discussed within the relevant gambling literature.

This study focused on measuring the importance and contribution of information obtained from the library, particularly electronic information services (EIS), to success in solving clinical problems in hospitals. Three research questions with three main hypotheses were advanced and tested on clinicians in 44 hospitals in Hong Kong. The findings were tested against the framework from Wilson's (1996) existing general information behaviour model, from which a new extended model for clinicians was built. Measures of EIS were then derived from the new model. The research was broadly divided into a series of five studies in two stages: nominal group, quantitative survey, and interviews in the first stage, and randomized controlled study as well as the analyses of statistical data and computer transaction logs in the second stage. The key results in Stage I led to the studies in Stage 11. The randomized controlled study in Stage 11 attempted to reduce the barriers identified in the information environment, with a view to test the results of an educational intervention, and to confirm that the hypotheses were true given reduced barriers and the presence of enabling conditions. The effects of the interventions in this experimental study were validated and verified by statistical data and transaction logs. Corroborative evidence from the two-stage studies showed that the three main inter-connected hypotheses were supported: success in problem-solving is related to the information sources used; user satisfaction is related to success in problem-solving; and EIS use is an indicator of user satisfaction. EIS use is determined by a number of factors: the preference for EIS, the use of the library, the skills and knowledge in searching, the profession of the user and the characteristics of the work environment. Educational intervention was found to improve success in problem-solving, the attitudes, skills and knowledge in searching, the satisfaction with and use of EIS, and is an important enabling condition. The research rejected part of the first hypothesis posed that success in problem-solving is related to clinical question posed and suggests that further research is needed in this area. The study supported the extension of the general model to clinical information needs and behaviours and found new relationships. The study found an additional determinant of EIS satisfaction, the satisfaction with the information obtained. EIS satisfaction would not be changed by educational intervention alone if the information obtained was not satisfactory. On the other hand, education can improve EIS satisfaction regardless of whether the problem has been solved. Of critical importance is the time factor in determining the use (or non-use) of EIS. There is new evidence that the awareness of the user of an answer in literature is a determining factor for active searching. Borrowing the concept of opportunity cost from economic theory, the researcher relates it with the differing levels of self-efficacy and postulates a model for planning EIS and related library services. From the new extended model of information behaviour, sixteen main measures or indicators were tested on a proposed framework in developing performance measures to diagnose information behaviours and predict EIS use, satisfaction and success in problem-solving. In measuring EIS, the researcher suggested the holistic approach in assessing traditional (non-electronic) library and information services as part of information behaviours of clinicians. The study pointed to the imbalance between self-efficacy and the actual skills and knowledge of users in their searching mentality and activities and the implication for library practice. Qualitative aspects that require further research on measurement were suggested. The study has important ramifications for theory and practice for the information professional. The new extended model of information behaviour for clinicians establishes deterministic relationships that help explain why an information search is pursued actively, continuously, or not at all. Measures that have been derived from these relationships can help diagnose and predict information behaviours. The study highlights the flexibility and utility of the general model of information behaviour. Also, this is the first time that such a methodological approach has been adopted to derive EIS measures. The application of the randomized controlled study methodology in information science was proven to be feasible and yielded definitive results. The researcher proposes that further development of information behaviour model should incorporate the element of knowledge generation process in an organization.

The movement towards the provision of evidence-based services has become increasingly important to psychological practice (CPA Task Force on Evidence-Based Practice of Psychological Treatments, 2012; Levant, 2005). One of the key components of this movement is the summarizing and dissemination of important findings to key stakeholders for interventions using techniques such as meta-analysis. Meta-analyses are typically based on reviews of the published literature on a particular topic, but increasingly researchers are acknowledging the importance of examining and including unpublished, grey literature in their reviews in presenting an accurate picture of a body of literature (Hopewell, McDonald, Clarke, & Egger, 2008; McAuley, Pham, Tugwell, & Moher, 2000). However, the inclusion of grey literature in meta-analyses and reviews remains controversial (Coad, Hardicre, & Devitt, 2006; Martin, Perez, Sacristan, & Alvarez, 2005; Seymour, 2010). A number of reviews of behavioural parenting interventions have been conducted. The body of literature in this area continues to grow quickly, and recent meta-analyses in this area have examined only subsets of the literature, thus necessitating an overall examination of all available literature in this area: published and unpublished. The present meta-analysis synthesized the results of 42 published and 6 unpublished behavioural parenting intervention studies conducted between 1966 and 2011. In the first manuscript, treatment efficacy was examined with respect to three different outcomes (parent behaviour, child behaviour, and parent adjustment). I also examined the differential effects of six moderator variables in two categories: child characteristics (child formal diagnostic status and child age) and methodological characteristics (overall quality, comparison group, experimenter allegiance, and publication status). In the second manuscript, I examined both the advantages and challenges of including grey literature in meta-analyses, and explored the use of an innovative search program. I also explored the influence of the inclusion of grey literature on outcomes, including whether effect sizes, sample homogeneity, and publication bias indices are affected by the inclusion of grey literature. Results of the present study confirm the efficacy of behavioural parenting interventions on parent behaviour, child behaviour, and parent adjustment outcomes. Further, I extend the knowledge base through the inclusion of recent reports, grey literature, searches of basic search engines such as Google and Yahoo, and the examination of previously unexplored moderator variables. My results underline the importance of consistent reporting practices in the field and their impact on the availability of evidence for policy-makers, administrators, researchers, clinicians and consumers. I also discuss the implications of these findings for the provision of evidence-based services for parents, knowledge translation, and grey literature.

An extensive body of empirical evidence indicates that function-based behavior support plans are likely to be more effective and efficient in school settings than plans that are not function-based. Designing technically adequate behavior support plans, however, is not sufficient to ensure that these plans will be implemented with fidelity by school staff. The contextual “fit” of support plan procedures with the values, skills, resources and administrative support of implementing personnel also affects the likelihood of implementation. In this dissertation a single-subject concurrent multiple baseline design across participants was used to examine the efficacy of the Contextual Fit Enhancement Protocol (CF Intervention). The CF Intervention was designed to improve the contextual fit of support plans for four elementary school students with problem behaviors. This CF Intervention was designed based on the assumption that when procedures included in a plan match the values, skills, administrative support and resources of the people responsible for implementation the plans will be implemented with higher fidelity and will be more likely to produce desired student outcomes. Results from the study indicate that after implementation of the CF Intervention, support plans that were already technically adequate improved in contextual fit: instructional staff (a) had a better understanding of behavioral procedures being used, (b) received specific, systematic feedback about its implementation, (c) perceived high levels of administrative support, and (d) perceived a collective commitment to improve current plans. Following implementation of the CF Intervention, substantial increases in implementation fidelity and decreases in student problem behavior were observed. In addition, teacher participants rated the CF Intervention process as effective and efficient. Limitations and implications for future research, practice, and training are discussed.

Els Centres Residencials d’Educació Intensiva (CREI) són una tipologia de recurs residencial especialitzat existent a Catalunya per a joves amb problemes greus de comportament, sobre els que no s’ha realitzat cap investigació específica fins el moment. És per això que la Direcció General d’Atenció a la Infància i l’Adolescència (DGAIA), organisme dependent del Departament de Treball, Afers Socials i Famílies de la Generalitat de Catalunya va encarregar la realització del present estudi amb la finalitat d’endinsar-se en els CREI i, així, entendre com funcionen, quin perfil de joves acullen i quina és l’evolució que aquests joves fan durant la seva estada. A més, es va aprofundir en les trajectòries d’aquells joves que van evolucionar positivament analitzant els factors que podrien haver tingut una incidència significativa. En aquest estudi exploratori hem utilitzat un disseny transaccional mixt, que combina la metodologia qualitativa i quantitativa. La recollida de dades es va fer a través dels equips directius i els professionals dels centres mitjançant l’observació, un qüestionari i entrevistes semiestructurades. Les dades obtingudes es van organitzar en tres blocs. En el primer d’ells es van identificar similitud i diferències referents a l’organització i el funcionament dels centres. En el segon bloc, es va identificar que, durant els tres anys previs a la realització de l’estudi, la mitjana d’edat d’ingrés era de 15.4 anys (SD=1.4) i normalment procedien de CRAE, de centre d’acollida o de domicili familiar. El temps mitjà d’estada era de 14.4 mesos (SD=10.10) i més de la meitat dels joves es escapolir alguna vegada durant el seu internament, consumia algun tòxic i es coneixia que havia comès algun delicte. Ja al centre, un 47.8% van fer una millora progressiva; un 44.9% no va presentar cap millora significativa; i un 7.3% va iniciar un procés amb una millora però va acabar trencant el seu procés. La mitjana d’edat de sortida va ser de 16.6 anys (SD=1.10) i dels que es coneixia el destí de sortida normalment retornaven al domicili familiar o a CRAE, o anaven a altres recursos residencials de transició a l’autonomia, o acabaven internats en un Centre educatiu del Departament de Justícia. Els principals motius pels quals aquests joves van ser desinternats van ser la pèrdua de plaça per escapoliment de llarga durada, la finalització del procés, la majoria d’edat i el trasllat a un altre centre que s’adaptés millor a les seves característiques. En el tercer bloc es va aprofundir en aquells casos que van residir als CREI durant un any o més. Els anàlisi van mostrar que els joves que havien evolucionat positivament eren aquells que majoritàriament s’havien adaptat al funcionament del centre molt ràpidament, van crear un vincle positiu amb els professionals, tenien fona relació amb persones de dins i fora del CREI, assistien a recursos externs, van residir més temps als centres desinternant-se per haver finalitzat el seu procés, i el destí més freqüent va ser el retorn a domicili o a CRAE. En pocs casos consumien estupefaents, se’ls coneixien delictes o es van escapolir del centre. D’altra banda, els joves que no van millorar significativament eren aquells que majoritàriament consumien drogues, havien comès algun delicte, s’escapolien, no tenien cap persona disponible fora del centre i, si la tenien, la relació amb ella desorganitzada o negligent. En sortir del centre, aquests joves ingressaven en un Centre educatiu del Departament de Justícia o retornaven al domicili familiar. Les troballes d’aquesta investigació poden aportar informació rellevant que faciliti als professionals vinculats a aquests centres reflexionar sobre la seva pràctica i evolucionar cap al disseny i la implementació d’intervencions i estratègies que incrementin el seu impacte positiu.
Los Centros Residenciales de Educación Intensiva (CREI) son una tipología de recurso residencial especializado existente en Catalunya para jóvenes con problemas graves de comportamiento, sobre los que no se ha realizado ninguna investigación específica hasta el momento. Es por ello que la Direcció General d’Atenció a la Infància i l’Adolescència (DGAIA), organismo dependiente del Departament de Treball, Afers Socials i Famílies de la Generalitat de Catalunya encargó la realización del presente estudio con la finalidad de adentrarse en los CREI y así entender cómo funcionan, qué perfil de jóvenes acogen y cuál es la evolución que dichos jóvenes protagonizan durante su estancia. Además, se profundizó en las trayectorias de aquellos jóvenes que evolucionaron positivamente analizando los factores que podrían haber tenido una incidencia significativa. En este estudio exploratorio hemos utilizado un diseño transeccional mixto, que combina la metodología cualitativa y cuantitativa. La recogida de datos se hizo a través de los equipos directivos y profesionales de los centros mediante la observación, un cuestionario y entrevistas semiestructuradas. Los datos obtenidos se organizaron en tres bloques. En el primero de ellos se identificaron similitudes y diferencias referentes a la organización y el funcionamiento de los centros. En el segundo bloque, se identificó que, durante los tres años previos a la realización del estudio, la mediana de edad de ingreso era de 15.4 años (SD=1.4) y solían proceder de CRAE, centro de acogida o domicilio familiar. El tiempo medio de estancia era de 14.4 meses (SD=10.10) y más de la mitad de los jóvenes se fugó en alguna ocasión durante su internamiento, consumía algún tóxico y se conocía que había cometido algún delito. Ya en el centro un 47.8% realizaron una mejora progresiva; un 44.9% no presentó mejora significativa; y un 7.3% inició su proceso con una mejora pero acabó truncado su proceso. La mediana de edad de salida fue de 16.6 años (SD=1.10) y de los que se conocía el destino de salida, solían retornar al domicilio familiar o a CRAE, u otros recursos residenciales de transición a la autonomía, o acababan internados en un Centro educativo del Departament de Justícia. Los principales motivos por los que estos jóvenes fueron desinternados fueron la pérdida de plaza por fuga de larga duración, la finalización de proceso, la mayoría de edad y el traslado a otro centro que se adaptara mejor a sus características. En el tercer bloque se profundizó en aquellos casos que residieron en los CREI durante un año o más. Los análisis mostraron que los jóvenes que habían evolucionado positivamente eran aquellos que mayoritariamente se habían adaptado al funcionamiento del centro de forma muy temprana, crearon un vínculo positivo con los profesionales, tenían buena relación con personas de fuera del centro y tenían amigos dentro del CREI, asistían a recursos externos, residieron más tiempo en los centros, desinternándose por haber finalizado su proceso y el destino más frecuente fue el retorno a domicilio o a CRAE. En pocos casos consumían estupefacientes, se les conocían delitos o se fugaron del centro. Por otro lado los jóvenes que no mejoraron significativamente eran aquellos que mayoritariamente consumían drogas, habían cometido algún delito, se fugaban, no tenían ninguna persona disponible fuera del centro y si la tenían la relación con ellas era desorganizada/negligente, y al salir del centro ingresaban en un centro educativo del Departament de Justícia o volvían al domicilio familiar. Los resultados de nuestra investigación pueden aportar información relevante que facilite a los profesionales vinculados a estos centros reflexionar sobre su práctica y evolucionar hacia el diseño y la implementación de intervenciones y estrategias que incrementen su impacto positivo.
Residential Centers for Intensive Education (CREI) are a type of specialized residential resource in Catalonia for young people with serious behavioral problems, over which no specific research has been carried out so far. For this reason, the Direcció General d’Atenció a la Infància i l’Adolescència (DGAIA), a body dependent on the Departament de Treball, Afers Socials i Famílies of the Generalitat of Catalonia, commissioned the realization of this study with the aim of getting in the CREIs and understand how they work, what is the profile of the attended youth and the evolution these young people make during their stay. Besides, the trajectories of those young people who evolved positively, analyzing the factors that could have had a significant impact were studied in depth. In this exploratory study we have used a mixed transactional design, which combines qualitative and quantitative methodology. The collection of data was made through the management teams and the professionals of the centers using semi-structured interviews, a questionnaire and the observation. The obtained data was organized in three phases. In the first one, we identified similarities and differences among centers regarding the organization and functioning. In the second phase, the three years prior to the study were considered and we identified that the main age of admission was 15.4 years (SD = 1.4) and the youngsters usually came from CRAE, care center or family home. The average time of stay was 14.4 months (SD = 10.10) and more than half of the young people escaped during their stay, had substance abuse and it was known that they had committed a crime. When in the center, 47.8% made a progressive improvement; 44.9% did not show any significant improvement; and 7.3% initiated the process with an improvement but ended up breaking its process. The main age of departure was 16.6 years (SD = 1.10) and those whose departure destination was known normally returned to their family home or to the CRAE, or went to other residential resources of transition to autonomy, or ended up in an educational center depending of the Department of Justice. The main reasons for leaving of these young people were the loss of placement due to a long-term scape, the end of their process, the majority of age and the transfer to another center that suited its characteristics best. In the third phase, those cases that resided in the CREI for one year or more were studied in depth.denThe analysis showed that young people who had evolved positively were those that had mostly adapted to the functioning of the center very quickly, created a positive bond with professionals, had a good relationship with people from the inside and the outside of the CREI, they assisted to external activities, they lived more time in the centers and they left the centers because they had finished their process, and the most frequent destiny was returning to the family home or CRAE. Only a few cases had substance abuse, committed crimes or escaped from the center. On the other hand, young people who did not improve significantly were those who mostly had substance abuse, had committed a crime, escaped from the center, had no available person outside the center and, when they had it, their relationship was disorganized or neglected. When leaving the center, these young people entered an educational center of the Department of Justice or returned to the family home. Our findings can provide relevant information that facilitates professionals linked to these centers to think about their practice and to evolve towards the design and implementation of interventions and strategies that increase their positive impact.

In their native habitat of Central and South America, capuchin monkeys (Cebus) spend 45% to 55% of their day foraging and a further 20% travelling. Once these monkeys are introduced into captive environments their diets are selective, seasonal and presented to them by their keepers. The captive environment often leads to various behavioural abnormalities and compensatory behaviours or stereotypies. To address this issue, environmental enrichment can be employed to reduce, cure or prevent such an occurrence. Enrichment can reduce stress, while increasing animal well-being and health in captivity. Despite previous work a better understanding of enrichment, for most neo-tropical primate species, is necessary, in order to improve their captive lifestyles. Feeding of captive primates is more complex than providing a balanced nutritional diet as it must also meet their ethological needs. The manipulation of the presentation of the diet has been shown to significantly decrease the incidence of resting, while significantly increasing the incidence of playing, grooming, foraging and manual manipulation of dietary items. Eleven capuchin monkeys were presented with four different feeding treatments (i.e. cut food presented in bowls, cut food presented around the enclosure, uncut food presented around the enclosure and novel feeding devices presented around the enclosure) from December 2007 until May 2008. At the start of every month one of three feeding treatments was introduced with the cut food in bowls feeding treatment interleaved between the treatments. The different feeding treatments required the monkeys to search for their food, break-up their food into manageable sizes, and obtain food in touch-, tool- and manipulative-dependent methods in order to allow the monkeys an opportunity to display increased activity more in line with their wild conspecifics. The capuchins displayed a period of intense foraging directly following feeding. This period significantly increased (from 44 to 121 min.), along with foraging events and the proportion of time spent foraging, which was more in line with their wild conspecifics. In addition, the frequency of occurrence and the proportion of time spent on locomotion and resting was shown to decrease. Also, abnormal behaviours ceased to occur during the study. Environmental enrichment is a useful tool for providing stimulation, redistributing activity levels more in line with wild conspecifics and to combat abnormal and compensatory behaviours.

To examine the relationships among the match between parent and child temperament, parenting behaviors, parenting stress, and young children's behavior problems, the current study investigated the responses of mothers who are raising children between the ages of 3- and 5-years. Mothers completed the Dimensions of Temperament Scale-Revised for Children (Windle & Learner, 1986), the Dimensions of Temperament Scale-Revised for Adults (Windle & Learner, 1986), the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire-Preschool Revision (Clerkin, Marks, Policaro, & Halperin, 2007), the Maternal Emotional Styles Questionnaire (Lagace-Seguin & Coplan, 2005), the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form (Abidin, 1995), and the Child Behavior Checklist (Achenbach & Rescorla, 2000, 2001). Using cluster analyses, results of this study revealed two temperament clusters (i.e., Difficult Temperament and Easy Temperament) between mothers and their young children. Results revealed that mothers in the difficult temperament cluster report using less positive parenting, less emotion-coaching parenting, and more negative/inconsistent parenting. They also report a higher level of parenting stress. Additionally, results indicated that, when all variables were examined together, only mothers' ratings of parenting stress contribute significantly to their young children's internalizing behavior problems and only mothers' ratings of parenting stress and punitive parenting behavior contribute to their young children's externalizing behavior problems. Further, results also revealed that parenting stress fully mediates the relationship between the mother-child temperament match and young children's behavior problems. Such findings suggested that interventions would benefit from targeting parents' own temperamental characteristics and how these characteristics fit with the characteristics of their young children as well as from addressing the role that this match plays in predicting parenting stress and young children's emotional and behavioral problems.
ID: 031001376; System requirements: World Wide Web browser and PDF reader.; Mode of access: World Wide Web.; Adviser: Kimberly Renk.; Title from PDF title page (viewed May 21, 2013).; Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Central Florida, 2012.; Includes bibliographical references (p. 94-110).
Ph.D.
Doctorate
Psychology
Sciences
Psychology; Clinical Psychology

This thesis explored prosocial behaviour from a developmental and life-course perspective. In doing so, I fill two gaps in understanding in the role of prosocial behaviour in the deceleration of conduct problem behaviour. First, I explore how a developmental and life-course understanding of prosocial behaviour may shed light on whether prosocial behaviour is a facilitator or measurable outcome of the deceleration of conduct problem behaviour. Second, I explore how the social support perceptions of adolescents are related to their prosocial and conduct problem behaviour. Addressing a gap in knowledge on whether prosocial and conduct problem behaviour are driven by the same underlying factors. Ultimately, this thesis answers the overarching question––why should developmental and life course criminologists explore prosocial behaviour? I explored this question through three studies that provide insight into the interplay of prosocial and conduct problem behaviour. The data for each of the three studies in my thesis were from the scales and sub-scales that form a part of the Growing Up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children (LSAC) questionnaires (N= 4969; Female: 2447; Males: 2536). The participants were aged four to fifteen. In study one, I explored the implications of different analytic approaches to empirically examining prosocial behaviour within a developmental and life-course criminology perspective. To meet the aim of this research a group based-trajectory model and a growth curve model of prosocial behaviour were estimated and compared. I examined the development of prosocial behaviour, by applying the two conventional approaches to empirically studying the development of antisocial behaviour. The findings of this research provide insight into where investigations of prosocial behaviour may conceptually fit within the developmental and lifecourse perspective. Also allowing for a deeper assessment of how different analytic approaches impact on the developmental and life-course understanding of prosocial behaviour development. The results of study one indicated, that for this sample of children and adolescents, the developmental trajectory of prosocial behaviour (from age 4 – 15 years), may best be described as a single trajectory with variations around this trajectory. Conceptually, this positions prosocial behaviour development outside the realm of categorical explanations of behavioural development. The results did indicate that the development of prosocial behaviour is relatively stable with many children and adolescents maintaining their rank-ordering. Moreover, there was also evidence for more than three distinguishable trajectories of prosocial behaviour. Most of these trajectories, however, did not vary in shape and there was an absence of a distinct group of children and adolescents who were very low in prosocial behaviour. Thus, these findings suggest that the development of prosocial behaviour is a complex process that may not be captured taxonomically. In this sense the findings support the notion that there is a link between age-graded factors, such as socio-cognitive maturity, and prosocial behaviour, but that these associated factors drive variation around a single, normative developmental pattern of prosocial behaviour. In study two, I expanded on the findings in study one by exploring how changes in prosocial behaviour and conduct problems are causally related over time. These investigations contribute to developmental and life-course criminology theory, an understanding of the role of prosocial behaviour in the deceleration of conduct problem behaviour. Many studies have explored the relationship between prosocial behaviour and conduct problems, however, very few studies, consider the longitudinal and causal direction of this relationship. Without a thorough understanding of the longitudinal and causal relationship between prosocial behaviour and conduct problems, it cannot be assumed that interventions that aim to foster prosocial behaviour will also decrease conduct problems. The aims of study two were met by exploring a generalised cross-lagged panel model. This approach controls for fixed and occasion effects to allow for examination of short-term and long-term bi-directional patterns of change. The results indicated that whilst prosocial and conduct problems have a moderate amount of shared variance, there were differences in the bidirectional relationships of these behaviours. Specifically, there were only cumulative, longterm effects of prosocial behaviour change on conduct problems. These findings revealed no short-term predictive effect of conduct problems in one time period on prosocial behaviour in the next time period. There was, however, a short-term predictive relationship of prosocial behaviour in one time period on conduct problems in the next period. Specifically, higher prosocial behaviour in one time period predicted lower conduct problem behaviour in the next period. Despite the lack of a short-term predictive effect of conduct problems on prosocial behaviour, cumulative changes in conduct problems, were strong enough to influence reductions in prosocial behaviour over time. This pattern also held for the long-term impact of prosocial behaviour on conduct problems. These findings suggest that although conduct problems may have a cumulative negative impact on prosocial behaviour, the strength of the short and longterm influence of prosocial behaviour on conduct problem behaviour may be enough to overcome this long-term impact. The first two studies in my thesis revealed important insights into the general development of prosocial behaviour and how prosocial behaviour may influence and be influenced by conduct problems. In study three, I explored how the social support perceptions of early adolescents relate to both prosocial and conduct problem behavioural outcomes. These investigations are important as previous research provides some evidence to suggest that social support may be leveraged for strength-based interventions that both increase prosocial behaviour and decrease conduct problem behaviour. Other findings also indicate, however, that relative to adolescents who engage in prosocial behaviour, social support interventions may not be successful for adolescents who also engage in conduct problem behaviour, as they are less likely to perceive social support in their important contexts. To meet the aims of study three, I explored a multivariate multiple regression to account for any covariation between prosocial behaviour and conduct problems and provide a comparison of how the social support perceptions of early adolescents may differently predict their prosocial and conduct problem behaviour. The findings of these explorations, indicated that adolescents’ perceptions of social support from their mothers predicted conduct problems and prosocial behaviour, as did perceived support within the school environment. There was no significant association between adolescents’ perceptions of peer social support and either their prosocial or conduct problem behaviour. Adolescents’ perceptions of peer social support, however, did moderate the relationship between adolescents’ perceptions of social support from caring adults in their school and their prosocial behaviour. Adolescents who perceived high levels of support from caring adults in their school environment also reported low levels of peer support, but this corresponded to high levels of prosocial behaviour. Overall, I contribute to a developmental and life-course criminology understanding of the interplay of prosocial behaviour and conduct problems. I found that there was variability in the development of prosocial behaviour over time. This variability may be captured by a theoretical framework, such as Loeber’s developmental pathways theory, that explores the sequencing of the behaviour of children and adolescents. My finding that prosocial behaviour may facilitate the deceleration of conduct problem behaviour also provides empirical evidence for Loeber’s development pathways theory. Further, my results have practical implications, expanding on the existing evidence that guides strength-based developmental crime prevention approaches. The strengthening of social support provided to adolescents by their mothers and caring adults in the school environment may foster the deceleration of conduct problem behaviour. Future research should focus on extending the understanding of how prosocial behaviour may relate to specific types of conduct problem behaviour and other factors that may both increase prosocial behaviour and decrease conduct problem behaviour (e.g., personality). Developmental and life-course criminologists already have a comprehensive framework for understanding the development of conduct problem behaviour. My thesis contributes an understanding prosocial behaviour from this perspective. Thus, not only should developmental and life-course criminologists explore prosocial behaviour, they are well placed to do so.
Thesis (PhD Doctorate)
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
School of Crim & Crim Justice
Arts, Education and Law
Full Text

Peer relationships within the school environment are one of the most important determinants of social and mental wellbeing for adolescents and as such, schools have become increasingly aware of the prevalence, seriousness and negative impacts of bullying behaviour. The transition from primary to secondary school provides both challenges and opportunities as many adolescents undergo transition while experiencing environmental, physiological, cognitive and social changes as part of the adolescent development process. This is also a period during a student’s school life when their risk of being bullied is higher than at other times. The aim of this study was to use longitudinal data to examine bullying experiences and their temporal association with other problem behaviours, social and mental health during the transition period from primary to secondary school. The findings from this research will facilitate the development of empirically grounded recommendations for effective school policy and practice to help reduce the bullying experiences and enhance the social and mental health of adolescents who are transitioning from primary school to high school. Longitudinal data collected during the Supportive Schools Project (SSP) were used to address the aim of the study. The SSP project recruited 21 Catholic education secondary schools in Perth, Western Australia, and tracked 3,459 students from the last year of primary school (Year 7) to the end of the second year of secondary school (Year 9). The SSP aimed to enhance the capacity of secondary schools to implement a whole-of-school bullying reduction intervention. Students completed a self-administered questionnaire on four occasions that allowed for a longitudinal assessment of their knowledge, attitudes, and bullying experiences during the transition from primary to secondary school. This research comprised four stages. The predictive relationship of bullying perpetration and victimisation and the future level of involvement in other problem behaviours were explored in Stage 1 of this research. Stages 2 and 3 investigated the direction and strength of the relationships between social and mental health factors (e.g., loneliness at school, connectedness to school, peer support, safety at school, depression and anxiety) and bullying victimisation during early adolescence, and determined the most critical time to focus school-based social health and bullying intervention programs. Stage 4 investigated the social health predictors and mental health outcomes of chronic victimisation over the primary to secondary school transition period. Six research questions were tested as part of this research and are reported in a series of five peer-reviewed publications. The first research question, (Does the level of bullying involvement predict level of engagement in problem behaviours?) was addressed in Stage 1. Results from Stage 1 found high correlations between cyberbullying and traditional forms of bullying, and found levels of traditional victimisation and perpetration at the beginning of secondary school (Year 8) predicted levels of engagement in problem behaviours at the end of Year 9. Cyberbullying was not found to represent an independent risk factor over and above levels of traditional victimisation and perpetration for higher levels of engagement in problem behaviours. Stage 1 results highlighted the importance of reducing the frequency of bullying prior to and during transition to lessen the likelihood of future involvement in bullying and other problem behaviours. Knowledge of the temporal relationships between social and mental health and bullying experiences over the transition period may allow for early intervention to address bullying, which in turn, may lessen the likelihood of involvement in other problem behaviours. These results from Stage 1 led to Stages 2 and 3. Stage 2 addressed the relationship between social health and bullying experiences, answering Research Questions 2 and 3 (What is the temporal association between peer support, pro-victim attitudes, school connectedness and negative outcome expectancies of bullying behaviour and perpetration-victimisation over the transition period from primary to secondary school?; What is the temporal association between social variables such as connectedness to school, peer support, loneliness at school, safety at school and victimisation during and following the transition period from primary to secondary school?). Stage 3 involved examining the temporal relationship between mental health and victimisation addressing Research Question 4 (What is the temporal association between mental health and bullying victimisation over the transition period?). The significant reciprocal associations found in the cross-lag models between bullying and social and mental health indicate social and mental health factors may be both determinants and consequences of bullying behaviours (Stages 2 and 3). Based on the magnitude of the coefficients, the strongest associations in the direction from victimisation to the social health variables occurred from the beginning to the end of Year 8, suggesting these relationships may already be well established for some students by the time they complete primary school. Reducing students’ victimisation in Year 8 may, therefore, protect students from poorer social and mental health outcomes during the first and subsequent years of secondary school. Understanding the social health predictors and mental health outcomes of those chronically victimised over the transition period led to Stage 4 of this research. Stage 4 answered Research Questions 5 and 6 (How do social variables such as connectedness to school, peer support, loneliness at school, and safety at school predict class membership in bullying victimisation trajectories over the transition period?; Can class membership in bullying victimisation trajectories predict mental health outcomes such as depression and anxiety?). Using developmental trajectories of victimisation during and following the transition from primary to secondary school, adolescents were assigned to non-victim, low, increasing and stable victimisation groups. Adolescents with poorer social health were more likely to be in the increasing and stable victimised groups than in the not bullied group. Students in the low increasing victimised group had poorer mental health outcomes than those in the stable and not bullied groups. Unexpectedly, the impact of victimization onset at the start of secondary school had a greater impact on mental health than prolonged victimisation beginning at an alternative developmental stage. The results of Stage 4 reiterate the importance of intervening to reduce bullying prior to and during the transition period. There are limitations which may affect the validity and generalisability of these research findings. Threats to the internal validity of this study include data collection methods, selfreport data, measurement limitations, and attrition. The causal links and trajectory groups were studied over a relatively short, but critical, social time period consisting of immense social growth and development of social skills and relationships. For some students, the associations studied may have been well established prior to their involvement in the study. These findings collectively suggest that by secondary school bullying behaviours and outcomes for students are fairly well established. Prior to transition and the beginning of secondary school appears to be a critical time to provide targeted social health and bullying intervention programs. The results of this study have important implications for the timing of school-based interventions aimed at reducing victimisation and the harms caused by long-term exposure.

Previous research has found that adolescents with problem sexual behavior (PSB) are a heterogeneous population, exhibiting a wide range of behaviors from noncontact offenses to penetrative acts. Perpetrators differ in levels of aggression and violence, and in both the gender and age of their victims. However, it has been found that there are certain biopsychosocial factors contributing to the likelihood that an adolescent will engage in PSB. The purpose of this literature review is to compile a comprehensive overview of these common characteristics of adolescents with PSB. Knowing the risk factors for PSB may help guide those in the mental health field to better understand adolescents who sexually offend, and choose appropriate treatment options for these offenders.

In the universe of problems humans face every day there is subset characterized by a salient dynamic component. The FireChief task (Omodei & Wearing 1995) is a fire-fighting computer simulation that can be characterized as the acquisition of interactive skills involving fast-paced actions cued by external information. This research describes the process followed to create a cognitive model of this complex dynamic task where full experimental control is not available. The cognitive model provides a detailed description of how cognition and perception interplay to produce the interactive skill of fighting the fire. Several artefacts were produced by this effort including a dynamic task fully compatible with ACT-R, a tool for analysing the data, and a cognitive model whose features enable the replication of several aspects of the empirical data. A key finding is that good performance is linked to an effective combination of strategic control with attention to changing task demands, reflecting time and care taken in informing and effecting action. The contributions of this work towards our understanding of complex problem solving are the methodological approach to the creation of the model, the design patterns embedded in the model (which are a reflection of the cognitive demands imposed by the nature of the task) and mainly an explanation of how skill, described in terms of strategy use, is acquired in complex scenarios. This study also provides a deeper understanding of the interactions observed in the Cañas et al. (2005) dataset, including a computational realisation of how cognitive inflexibility occurs.

The aim of study one was to investigate the effectiveness of interpersonal problem solving (IPS-AM) skills training to parent-child dyads compared to parent group intervention. Four boys, aged 7 to 9 years, who met diagnostic criteria for Oppositional Defiant Disorder, participated in the study with their mothers. A multiple baseline across participants, single case experimental design was implemented. Both interventions resulted in improvements in the children’s prosocial reasoning and reduced antisocial reasoning but with some floor effects. Independent naturalistic observation in the home recorded no changes in the noncompliance to parental instruction and verbal aggression of the children. In addition, no change was found for negative parental verbalisation toward the child and very low levels of positive verbalisation and praise between parents and children were observed. In addition, poor parental compliance to program requirements was also found. Study two’s aim was to focus the parent-child interaction onto a specific area of conflict and examine the effectiveness of parent-child training using behaviour task analysis. There was a reduction in the task demand and the number of intervention sessions provided. A multiple baseline across participants, single case experimental design was implemented with three, 7 to 8year-old boys and their mothers. Independent observers recorded no change in child and parent behaviour from baseline during intervention. However, at follow-up improvements in non-compliance and verbal aggression in the children and verbal aggression in parents were found. Improvements in children’s prosocial reasoning, antisocial reasoning and parent report of the internalizing and externalizing behaviour scores as measured by the Child Behavior Checklist were found at post-intervention. At follow-up parent report was more consistent with in-home observation. It was concluded that reducing the number of intervention sessions and the task demand improved attendance and program compliance. The paradoxical finding was of worsening behaviour in some children and parents during intervention yet improvement on follow-up. Implications for future research and clinical practice were explored.

A pilot study of noncontingent reinforcement (NCR) was conducted using NCR statements to (a) decrease target behaviors, (b) increase unprompted praise statements from the teacher and decrease reprimands, and (c) increase proximity to the participants by the teacher implementing NCR. Data were collected using a single-subject research design on two participants and one teacher. The target behaviors were physical and verbal aggression and inappropriate gestures. Teacher behaviors targeted with this study were praise statements, reprimands, and proximity to students. The participants included were one 16-year-old student with an emotional behavior disability, one 18-year-old student identified with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and an undergraduate student who was the teacher in this setting. The results were inconclusive regarding the students’ behavior due to confounding variables. However, regarding teacher behavior, the results demonstrated an increase in proximity and praise statements and a decrease in reprimands. This single-subject study provided empirical support that the NCR intervention positively altered teacher behavior.

This study examined the efficacy of a multimodal intervention with conduct disordered boys in the middle primary years. The intervention consisted of a behavioural classroom program; a small group, social skills program; and a behavioural parenting program Resource implications of this model were also evaluated. A review of the current literature on conduct disorders showed that these children account for less than 5% of the population, but they have a strong impact on families, teachers, peers, schools and the wider community. About 50% of children with severe, early behavioural problems will continue with these problems, not only throughout their adult lives, but into the next generation. Early intervention appears to offer our best hope of altering this trajectory. Interventions with this population have been largely unsuccessful. At the present time the most promising intervention is behavioural parent training programs. Combining these with child focused social skills programs, and behavioural programs in the school setting, increases their efficacy. This study used a single subject experimental design to examine the effects of this program on four boys with behavioural difficulties. Continuous measures were taken with parent, and teacher daily record charts, and classroom observations. Pre, post and followup measures were taken with the Child Behaviour Checklist. The results of the study were mixed. Some subjects, according to some respondents, improved in home and school behaviours. All three subjects, for whom there was followup data, had improved. The classroom, and parenting programs appeared to be associated with positive changes in child behaviour, the small group was associated with more disruptive behaviour at school.

Dissertação apresentada à Universidade Fernando Pessoa como parte dos requisitos para obtenção do grau de Mestre em Ciências da Educação: Educação Especial, área de especialização em Domínio Cognitivo e Motor
Com o objetivo de identificar os principais tipos de problemas de comportamento existentes nas salas de aula e de compreender se todos os alunos com insucesso escolar apresentam problemas comportamentais, o presente estudo procura aprofundar a perceção de algumas das crianças e de alguns dos professores que integram a Escola Básica Integrada de Rabo de Peixe, ilha de S. Miguel, Região Autónoma dos Açores acerca dessa problemática. Trata-se de um estudo correlacional de caráter misto. A orientação metodológica adotada relaciona-se com uma abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. Foi realizado um estudo, que envolveu quatro turmas do 1º ciclo do ensino básico, duas com um baixo rendimento escolar e duas com um bom rendimento escolar, e os respetivos professores, um total de 72 alunos e de 4 professores, tendo sido aplicadas a Escala de Disrupção Escolar Professada (EDEP) e a Escala de Disrupção Escolar Inferida (EDEI), elaboradas por Veiga (2001). As conclusões indicam que existe uma maior frequência nos problemas de comportamento do fator distração-transgressão. Os comportamentos mais evidenciados nas duas escalas constituem a falta de pontualidade e a falta de obediência aos professores e também a distração nas aulas e o falar sem autorização. Os problemas comportamentais e o mau rendimento escolar dos alunos estão correlacionados, assim como o seu baixo rendimento escolar e os seus comportamentos disruptivos. Sugerem, de igual modo, que o meio familiar é apontado pelos professores como a principal causa dos problemas de comportamento. Sugerem, de igual modo, que o meio familiar é apontado pelos professores como a principal causa dos problemas de comportamento.
With the purpose of identify the main behavior problems that exist in the classrooms, and clarify if all the pupils with school failure have these same behavior problems; this study will try to analyze the perception of some of the children and some teachers who attend the “Escola Básica Integrada de Rabo de Peixe”, in S. Miguel island, Azores, Portugal, concerning this problematic. So, one has defined three main questions:  Do all the pupils with school failure have behavior problems?  What are the behavior problems that teachers have to face in the classroom?  Is the familiar environment related with the existing behavior problems? The discussion contributes to theorize and to clarify the concepts of behavior problems and failure in a specific school context. The adopted methodology is related with a quantitative and qualitative approach. It was developed a study that involved four groups of Primary School; two of them with low academic performance and two with good scholar performance, with a total of 72 students and 4 teachers, having been applied the Scholar Disruption Scale Professed by Students (EDEP) and the Scholar Disruption Scale Inferred by Teachers (EDEI), elaborated by Veiga. (2001). The conclusions indicate that exist a bigger frequency in the behavior problems associated with the factor distraction-transgression. The most evident behaviors, in both scales, are the lack of punctuality, the lack of obedience towards teachers, the disturbance during lessons and also students chatting without teacher´s permission. Behavior problems and bad school results are correlated, as well as bad school results and disruptive behaviors. Similarly, suggest that familiar environment is referred, by teachers, the main cause of behavior problems.

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The objective of the present study was to utilize differential reinforcement of target behaviors in the repertoire of a person with the diagnosis of schizophrenia observing the general changes in his social repertoire and vocalizations. Procedures of Applied Behavior Analysis were used. The participant was a 47 years, single, semianalphabet male, descendant of a family with few economic resources and had been internalized in several psiquiatric institutions since he was 18. The participant was chosen based on direct observations of his behaviors in the institution. Three classes of problem behaviors were chosen to undergo intervention: low visual contact, low volume of voice and short sentences. The frequency of delusional speech was also quantified. The multiple baseline design was used to control de procedures. The interventions were made in individual sessions of free talks between the researcher and the participant. The researcher presented social reinforcements contingent to the target behaviors, changing it when it stabilized at a high frequency. The intervention proved effective to raise the frequency of the target behaviors. No alteration was observed on the delusional speech.
O objetivo do presente estudo foi utilizar o reforçamento diferencial de comportamentos alvos no repertório de uma pessoa com o diagnóstico de esquizofrenia observando as mudanças gerais em seu repertório social e suas vocalizações. Para essa finalidade foram utilizados os procedimentos da Análise Aplicada do Comportamento. O participante foi uma pessoa do sexo masculino, de 47 anos, viúvo, semi-analfabeto, descendente de família de poucos recursos econômicos e que houvera sido internado em várias instituições especializadas para tratamentos psiquiátricos desde os 18 anos de idade. A escolha do participante foi feita a partir de observações diretas dos seus comportamentos no pátio da instituição em que se encontrava. Foram selecionados três classes de comportamentos-problema para sofrerem intervenção: o baixo contato ocular, baixo volume de voz e falas curtas. Também foi quantificada a frequência de falas delirantes durante as sessões. Para o controle dos procedimentos foi utilizado o Delineamento de Linha de Base Múltipla. As intervenções foram feitas em sessões individuais de conversa livre entre o pesquisador e o participante. O pesquisador apresentava reforçadores sociais contingentes ao comportamento alvo, trocando o mesmo quando este se estabilizava em uma alta frequência. A intervenção se mostrou eficaz para aumentar a frequência dos comportamentos alvo. Nenhuma alteração foi observada quanto às falas delirantes.