Editorial

5 pages, 160 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Children’s Social Behaviors: Developmental Mechanisms and Implications

by Xuechen Ding and Wan Ding

Behav. Sci. 2024, 14(3), 230; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs14030230 - 12 Mar 2024

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During the socialization process in family and school contexts, children display a wide variety of social behaviors with parents and peers. Yet the developmental trajectory, the predictors and outcomes, and the neural basis of those social behaviors are largely under-investigated. To address these [...] Read more.

During the socialization process in family and school contexts, children display a wide variety of social behaviors with parents and peers. Yet the developmental trajectory, the predictors and outcomes, and the neural basis of those social behaviors are largely under-investigated. To address these problems, we invited experts in the field to submit their latest findings to tell this story. The current Special Issue is a collection of papers highlighting the complexity for various social behaviors, with a focus on the complex mechanisms that link social behaviors to child socio-emotional adjustment and mediating/moderating factors among the associations. Thirteen papers illustrate empirical work in the field, two papers present new methodological concerns, and one paper that provides a comprehensive review of the literature. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Developmental Trajectory of Children's Social Behaviors and Their Cognitive Neural Mechanisms)

Research

Jump to: Editorial, Review

16 pages, 582 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Motivations for Social Withdrawal, Mental Health, and Well-Being in Emerging Adulthood: A Person-Oriented Approach

by Stefania Sette, Giulia Pecora, Fiorenzo Laghi and Robert J. Coplan

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(12), 977; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13120977 - 27 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1499

Abstract

Emerging adults seek solitude because of different underlying motivational and emotional processes. The current short-term longitudinal study aimed to: (1) identify subgroups of socially withdrawn emerging adults characterized by different motivations for solitude (shyness, unsociability, social avoidance) and affect (positive, negative); and (2) [...] Read more.

Emerging adults seek solitude because of different underlying motivational and emotional processes. The current short-term longitudinal study aimed to: (1) identify subgroups of socially withdrawn emerging adults characterized by different motivations for solitude (shyness, unsociability, social avoidance) and affect (positive, negative); and (2) compare these subgroups in terms of indices of internalizing difficulties and life-satisfaction. Participants were N = 348 university students (M_age = 21.85 years, SD = 3.84) from Italy, who completed online questionnaires at two-time points separated by three months. Results from a latent profile analysis (LPA) suggested three distinct subgroups characterized by different social withdrawal motivations (i.e., shy, unsociable, and socially avoidant), as well as a non-withdrawn subgroup (characterized by low social withdrawal motivations, low negative affect, and high positive affect). Among the results, the socially avoidant subgroup reported the highest levels of social anxiety, whereas the avoidant and shy subgroups reported the highest loneliness and lowest life satisfaction. The unsociable subgroup appeared to be the most well-adjusted subgroup of socially withdrawn emerging adults and reported similar levels of life satisfaction as the non-withdrawn subgroup. Our findings confirmed the heterogeneity of emerging adults’ experiences of solitude, with different motivations for social withdrawal appearing to confer a differential risk for maladjustment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Developmental Trajectory of Children's Social Behaviors and Their Cognitive Neural Mechanisms)

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12 pages, 535 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How Trait Gratitude Influences Adolescent Subjective Well-Being? Parallel–Serial Mediating Effects of Meaning in Life and Self-Control

by Yulin Li, Sige Liu, Dan Li and Huazhan Yin

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(11), 902; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13110902 - 01 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1463

Abstract

The relationship between trait gratitude and subjective well-being is well documented in the literature. Recently, growing attention has been given to examining which factors are determinants in the relationship. However, there are no studies to present a comprehensive model of how meaning in [...] Read more.

The relationship between trait gratitude and subjective well-being is well documented in the literature. Recently, growing attention has been given to examining which factors are determinants in the relationship. However, there are no studies to present a comprehensive model of how meaning in life and self-control jointly play a role in this relationship. This study investigated parallel and serial mediation of the presence of meaning, the search for meaning, and self-control in the relationship between trait gratitude and subjective well-being. A total of 764 adolescents (M_age = 14.10, SD = 1.43, 48.43% males) from three middle schools in China completed a six-item measures of gratitude questionnaire form, a meaning in life questionnaire, a middle school students’ self-control ability questionnaire, and a satisfaction with life scale. The study revealed that trait gratitude affected the presence of meaning and subsequently affected subjective well-being. In addition, trait gratitude affected self-control through the presence of meaning and the search for meaning, and it subsequently affected subjective well-being. Therefore, the presence of meaning, the search for meaning, and self-control played an important role in the positive effects of trait gratitude on adolescent subjective well-being. The findings were in line with the intrinsic and extrinsic goal theory of gratitude and provided new insight to inform the improvement of adolescent subjective well-being in the future. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Developmental Trajectory of Children's Social Behaviors and Their Cognitive Neural Mechanisms)

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22 pages, 1258 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relations between Video Game Engagement and Social Development in Children: The Mediating Role of Executive Function and Age-Related Moderation

by Ke Xu, Shuliang Geng, Donghui Dou and Xiaocen Liu

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 833; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13100833 - 11 Oct 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 3275

Abstract

The global proliferation of video games, particularly among children, has led to growing concerns about the potential impact on children’s social development. Executive function is a cognitive ability that plays a crucial role in children’s social development, but a child’s age constrains its [...] Read more.

The global proliferation of video games, particularly among children, has led to growing concerns about the potential impact on children’s social development. Executive function is a cognitive ability that plays a crucial role in children’s social development, but a child’s age constrains its development. To examine the association between video game engagement and children’s social development while considering the mediating role of executive function and the moderating role of age, a questionnaire was distributed to a sample of 431 parents. The results revealed a negative relation between video game engagement and social development in children, with executive function found to mediate this relation fully. Additionally, the negative association between video game engagement and executive function became more pronounced as children grew older. In light of these findings, it is advisable to adopt proactive strategies to limit excessive video game use, consider the developmental characteristics of children at different ages, and prioritize the promotion of executive function to facilitate social development among children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Developmental Trajectory of Children's Social Behaviors and Their Cognitive Neural Mechanisms)

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11 pages, 753 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Developing a Short-Form Buss–Warren Aggression Questionnaire Based on Machine Learning

by Xiuyu Jiang, Yitian Yang and Junyi Li

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(10), 799; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13100799 - 26 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1314

Abstract

For adolescents, high levels of aggression are often associated with suicide, physical injury, worsened academic performance, and crime. Therefore, there is a need for the early identification of and intervention for highly aggressive adolescents. The Buss–Warren Aggression Questionnaire (BWAQ) is one of the [...] Read more.

For adolescents, high levels of aggression are often associated with suicide, physical injury, worsened academic performance, and crime. Therefore, there is a need for the early identification of and intervention for highly aggressive adolescents. The Buss–Warren Aggression Questionnaire (BWAQ) is one of the most widely used offensive measurement tools. It consists of 34 items, and the longer the scale, the more likely participants are to make an insufficient effort response (IER), which reduces the credibility of the results and increases the cost of implementation. This study aimed to develop a shorter BWAQ using machine learning (ML) techniques to reduce the frequency of IER and simultaneously decrease implementation costs. First, an initial version of the short-form questionnaire was created using stepwise regression and an ANOVA F-test. Then, a machine learning algorithm was used to create the optimal short-form questionnaire (BWAQ-ML). Finally, the reliability and validity of the optimal short-form questionnaire were tested using independent samples. The BWAQ-ML contains only four items, thirty items less than the BWAQ, and its AUC, accuracy, recall, precision, and F1 score are 0.85, 0.85, 0.89, 0.83, and 0.86, respectively. BWAQ-ML has a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.84, a correlation with RPQ of 0.514, and a correlation with PTM of −0.042, suggesting good measurement performance. The BWAQ-ML can effectively measure individual aggression, and its smaller number of items improves the measurement efficiency for large samples and reduces the frequency of IER occurrence. It can be used as a convenient tool for early adolescent aggression identification and intervention. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Developmental Trajectory of Children's Social Behaviors and Their Cognitive Neural Mechanisms)

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10 pages, 460 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Children’s Shyness, Frontal Brain Activity, and Anxiety in the Perioperative Context

by Cheryl H. T. Chow, Kristie L. Poole, Richard Y. Xu, Jhanahan Sriranjan, Ryan J. Van Lieshout, Norman Buckley, Graeme Moffat and Louis A. Schmidt

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 766; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13090766 - 14 Sep 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1086

Abstract

Although preoperative anxiety affects up to 75% of children undergoing surgery each year and is associated with many adverse outcomes, we know relatively little about individual differences in how children respond to impending surgery. We examined whether patterns of anterior brain electrical activity [...] Read more.

Although preoperative anxiety affects up to 75% of children undergoing surgery each year and is associated with many adverse outcomes, we know relatively little about individual differences in how children respond to impending surgery. We examined whether patterns of anterior brain electrical activity (i.e., a neural correlate of anxious arousal) moderated the relation between children’s shyness and preoperative anxiety on the day of surgery in 70 children (36 girls, M_age = 10.4 years, SD_age = 1.7, years, range 8 to 13 years) undergoing elective surgery. Shyness was assessed using self-report approximately 1 week prior to surgery during a preoperative visit (Time 1), preoperative anxiety was assessed using self-report, and regional EEG (left and right frontal and temporal sites) was assessed using a dry sensory EEG headband on the day of surgery (Time 2). We found that overall frontal EEG alpha power moderated the relation between shyness and self-reported preoperative anxiety. Shyness was related to higher levels of self-reported anxiety on the day of surgery for children with lower average overall frontal alpha EEG power (i.e., higher cortical activity) but not for children with higher average overall frontal alpha EEG power (i.e., lower cortical activity). These results suggest that the pattern of frontal brain activity might amplify some shy children’s affective responses to impending surgery. Findings also extend prior results linking children’s shyness, frontal brain activity, and anxiety observed in the laboratory to a real-world, ecologically salient environment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Developmental Trajectory of Children's Social Behaviors and Their Cognitive Neural Mechanisms)

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15 pages, 999 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Shyness and Socio-Emotional Adjustment among Young Chinese Children: The Moderating Role of Screen Time

by Jingjing Zhu, Alicia McVarnock, Laura Polakova, Shuhui Xiang, Yan Li and Robert J. Coplan

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 763; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13090763 - 14 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1555

Abstract

The primary aim of the present study was to examine the potential moderating role of screen time in the links between shyness and indices of socio-emotional adjustment in young Chinese children. Participants were N = 211 children (112 boys, 99 girls) ages 43–66 [...] Read more.

The primary aim of the present study was to examine the potential moderating role of screen time in the links between shyness and indices of socio-emotional adjustment in young Chinese children. Participants were N = 211 children (112 boys, 99 girls) ages 43–66 months (M = 58.84 months, SD = 5.32) recruited from two public kindergartens in Shanghai, People’s Republic of China. Mothers completed assessments of children’s shyness and screen time, and both mothers and teachers completed measures of indices of children’s socio-emotional functioning (prosocial, internalizing problems, learning problems). Among the results, shyness was positively associated with internalizing problems and negatively associated with prosocial behavior, whereas screen time was positively associated with internalizing problems. However, several significant shyness × screen time interaction effects were observed. The pattern of these results consistently revealed that at higher levels of screen time, links between shyness and indices of socio-emotional difficulties were exacerbated. Results are discussed in terms of the implications of shyness and screen time in early childhood. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Developmental Trajectory of Children's Social Behaviors and Their Cognitive Neural Mechanisms)

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15 pages, 369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Anxious-Withdrawal and Sleep Problems during Adolescence: The Moderating Role of Peer Difficulties

by Julie C. Bowker, Jessica N. Gurbacki, Chloe L. Richard and Kenneth H. Rubin

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 740; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13090740 - 05 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1332

Abstract

Anxious-withdrawal is a well-established individual risk factor for psychosocial difficulties during adolescence. It is unknown, however, whether it also places youth at increased risk for physical health problems, such as sleep difficulties. This study examines the concurrent and prospective associations between anxious-withdrawal and [...] Read more.

Anxious-withdrawal is a well-established individual risk factor for psychosocial difficulties during adolescence. It is unknown, however, whether it also places youth at increased risk for physical health problems, such as sleep difficulties. This study examines the concurrent and prospective associations between anxious-withdrawal and six types of sleep difficulties (i.e., sleeping too much, sleeping too little, talking/walking in sleep, being overtired, nightmares, and general trouble sleeping). We further evaluate whether these associations differ for adolescents who are high versus low in exclusion and victimization. The participants were 395 adolescents (M_age = 13.61 years; 35% ethnic minority) who completed peer nominations of anxious-withdrawal, exclusion, and victimization at Time 1 (T1). Their mothers completed reports of sleep difficulties at T1 and at Time 2 (T2). Path analyses revealed unique associations between anxious-withdrawal and several types of sleep difficulties (e.g., sleeping too much) at T1. Analyses also revealed a significant interaction effect between T1 anxious-withdrawal and exclusion/victimization such that anxious-withdrawal was prospectively associated with trouble sleeping only for those young adolescents who are highly excluded/victimized. Our findings are the first to link anxious-withdrawal to a physical health outcome in adolescence and point to the need for future research to not only examine anxious-withdrawal and physical health but also to include assessments of peer difficulties. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Developmental Trajectory of Children's Social Behaviors and Their Cognitive Neural Mechanisms)

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15 pages, 1433 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Harsh Childhood Discipline and Developmental Changes in Adolescent Aggressive Behavior: The Mediating Role of Self-Compassion

by Qing-Feng Yang, Rui-Bo Xie, Rui Zhang and Wan Ding

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(9), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13090725 - 30 Aug 2023

Viewed by 1319

Abstract

Harsh discipline during childhood (psychological aggression and corporal punishment) has been found to be an early risk factor for adolescent aggressive behavior. However, previous studies have mainly examined the relationship between harsh discipline as a whole and the level of adolescent aggressive behavior. [...] Read more.

Harsh discipline during childhood (psychological aggression and corporal punishment) has been found to be an early risk factor for adolescent aggressive behavior. However, previous studies have mainly examined the relationship between harsh discipline as a whole and the level of adolescent aggressive behavior. This study investigates the effects of childhood psychological aggression and corporal punishment on the initial levels and rate of change in adolescent aggressive behavior, as well as the mediating role of self-compassion in this relationship. Using cluster sampling, a three-wave follow-up assessment was conducted on 1214 high-school students (60.7% boys; mean age at Wave 1 = 15.46 ± 0.71). The results showed that childhood psychological aggression and corporal punishment had a positive predictive effect on the development level of adolescent aggressive behavior. However, only childhood psychological aggression significantly directly attenuated the decline rate of adolescent aggressive behavior. In addition, both childhood psychological aggression and corporal punishment indirectly affected the initial levels and growth rate of adolescent aggressive behavior through self-compassion. These findings could provide potential targets for prevention and intervention programs aimed at improving aggressive behavior in Chinese adolescents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Developmental Trajectory of Children's Social Behaviors and Their Cognitive Neural Mechanisms)

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15 pages, 967 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Electronic Media Use and Internalizing Problems: The Mediating Effect of Parent–Child Conflict and Moderating Effect of Children’s Age

by Shuliang Geng, Ke Xu and Xiaocen Liu

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 694; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13080694 - 21 Aug 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1680

Abstract

In today’s digital world, children are exposed extensively to electronic media, making it an integral part of their daily lives. However, excessive use of electronic media during childhood has been associated with various internalizing problems. Moreover, parent–child conflict and children’s age may be [...] Read more.

In today’s digital world, children are exposed extensively to electronic media, making it an integral part of their daily lives. However, excessive use of electronic media during childhood has been associated with various internalizing problems. Moreover, parent–child conflict and children’s age may be closely associated with children’s problem behaviors. The current study employed a cross-sectional design and conducted a questionnaire survey of 711 parents to examine the association between children’s electronic media use and their internalizing problems. Furthermore, this study probed the mediating role of parent–child conflict within this association and the moderating effect of children’s age. The results of structural equation modeling showed a positive correlation between children’s use of electronic media and their internalizing difficulties. Parent–child conflict served as a mediating factor in this association. Results also showed that the association between parent–child conflict and internalizing problems becomes more pronounced as children grow older. These findings imply that parents should encourage their children to develop healthy habits in using electronic media while fostering positive relationships. Parents should also be mindful of the psychological changes as children age and provide guidance to help them become proficient digital citizens. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Developmental Trajectory of Children's Social Behaviors and Their Cognitive Neural Mechanisms)

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10 pages, 504 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Other-Benefiting Lying Behavior in Preschool Children and Its Relation to Theory of Mind and Empathy

by Xiaoyan Zhang, Shenqinyi Wang, Ying Wang, Qiuming Zhao, Siyuan Shang and Liyang Sai

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 634; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13080634 - 30 Jul 2023

Viewed by 1264

Abstract

The present study examined children’s lies to help others obtain benefits (other-benefiting lying) and its relation to theory of mind (ToM) and empathy among 3–5-year-old preschool children. One hundred nine children were recruited from preschools in China. A modified hide-and-seek paradigm was used [...] Read more.

The present study examined children’s lies to help others obtain benefits (other-benefiting lying) and its relation to theory of mind (ToM) and empathy among 3–5-year-old preschool children. One hundred nine children were recruited from preschools in China. A modified hide-and-seek paradigm was used to measure children’s other-benefiting lying behavior, a ToM scale was used to measure children’s ToM abilities, and an empathy scale was used to measure children’s empathy abilities. Results showed that children tended to tell more lies to help other to get benefits as age increased, and further analyses showed that this other-benefiting lying was related to children’s ToM component of false belief understanding and their cognitive empathy performance. These findings provide evidence that cognitive factors play important roles in children’s lying to help others. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Developmental Trajectory of Children's Social Behaviors and Their Cognitive Neural Mechanisms)

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16 pages, 856 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Parental Stress and Chinese American Preschoolers’ Adjustment: The Mediating Role of Parenting

by Suqing Wang, Charissa S. L. Cheah, Xiaoli Zong and Huiguang Ren

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(7), 562; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13070562 - 06 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1348

Abstract

Family contexts, such as parental stress and parenting practices, play critical roles in preschoolers’ adjustment. However, these processes have been understudied in Chinese American families. The present study examined the associations between Chinese American mothers’ experiences of two types of stress (i.e., general/contextual [...] Read more.

Family contexts, such as parental stress and parenting practices, play critical roles in preschoolers’ adjustment. However, these processes have been understudied in Chinese American families. The present study examined the associations between Chinese American mothers’ experiences of two types of stress (i.e., general/contextual stress and parenting stress) and their preschoolers’ socio-emotional and behavioral adjustment problems; in addition, the mediating roles of maternal psychologically controlling parenting and maternal warmth in these associations were assessed. Participants included 207 first-generation Chinese American mothers (M_age = 37.78 years, SD_age = 4.36) and their 3- to 6-year-old children (M_age = 4.50 years, SD_age = 0.90; 52% boys). Mothers reported on their levels of stress, psychologically controlling parenting, and warmth practices; teachers reported on child adjustment in the school setting. The results revealed that higher levels of general/contextual stress and parenting stress were each uniquely associated with more maternal psychologically controlling parenting practices, which in turn was associated with fewer socio-emotional and behavioral adjustment problems in children. Our findings can inform parenting intervention programs designed to improve Chinese American preschoolers’ adjustment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Developmental Trajectory of Children's Social Behaviors and Their Cognitive Neural Mechanisms)

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12 pages, 1032 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relations between Prosociality and Psychological Maladjustment in Chinese Elementary and Secondary School Students: Mediating Roles of Peer Preference and Self-Perceived Social Competence

by Mingxin Li, Guomin Jin, Tongyan Ren, Aersheng Haidabieke, Lingjun Chen and Xuechen Ding

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(7), 547; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13070547 - 30 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1097

Abstract

Despite empirical findings that prosociality can prevent elementary and secondary school students from developing psychological maladjustment, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. The goal of the present study was to examine the mediating effects of peer preference and self-perceived social competence on [...] Read more.

Despite empirical findings that prosociality can prevent elementary and secondary school students from developing psychological maladjustment, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. The goal of the present study was to examine the mediating effects of peer preference and self-perceived social competence on the associations between prosociality and psychological maladjustment (i.e., depressive symptoms and loneliness). Participants were 951 students (Mage = 11 years, 442 girls) in Grades 3~7 from Shanghai, China. They completed peer nominations of prosociality and peer preference and self-report measures of self-perceived social competence, depressive symptoms, and loneliness. Multiple mediation analyses revealed that: (a) both peer preference and self-perceived social competence mediated the relations between prosociality and psychological maladjustment, and (b) a serial indirect pathway (i.e., prosociality → peer preference → self-perceived social competence → psychological maladjustment) emerged when controlling for age group and gender. These findings point to potential targets in the prevention and intervention of Chinese students’ internalization of problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Developmental Trajectory of Children's Social Behaviors and Their Cognitive Neural Mechanisms)

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16 pages, 990 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Longitudinal Relation between Family Socio-Economic Status and Problem Behaviors in Chinese Children: The Roles of Sense of Coherence and Maternal Warmth

by Bibo Mo, Rui Fu, Xiaoshi Liu, Gangmin Xu, Junsheng Liu and Dan Li

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 291; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13040291 - 29 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1478

Abstract

Literature has well-documented the relation of family socio-economic status (SES) to children’s problem behaviors, yet the complex mechanisms underlying the relation are not well understood. Therefore, the primary goal of this one-year longitudinal study was to explore the mediating role of children’s sense [...] Read more.

Literature has well-documented the relation of family socio-economic status (SES) to children’s problem behaviors, yet the complex mechanisms underlying the relation are not well understood. Therefore, the primary goal of this one-year longitudinal study was to explore the mediating role of children’s sense of coherence and the moderating role of perceived maternal warmth in the association between family SES and externalizing and internalizing problems in Chinese children. The sample consisted of 913 children (493 boys; M_age = 11.50 years, SD = 1.04) in fourth to sixth grades in an urban area in mainland China. Data were obtained from multiple sources, including child self-reports, parental reports, and teacher ratings. The results indicated that children’s sense of coherence mediated the association between family SES and internalizing problem behaviors, but not externalizing problem behaviors. This mediating role was also moderated by maternal warmth and specifically, family SES was negatively associated with internalizing problem behaviors via the sense of coherence for children who perceived high maternal warmth. Generally, these results highlighted the possible roles of a sense of coherence and maternal warmth in the longitudinal implications of family SES for Chinese children’s internalizing problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Developmental Trajectory of Children's Social Behaviors and Their Cognitive Neural Mechanisms)

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15 pages, 1711 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Early Emotional Experiences and Prosocial Behavior among Chinese Adolescents: The Roles of Psychological Suzhi and Subjective Socioeconomic Status

by Xiaoyi Liu, Gege Cao, Li Zhang, Yang Chen, Sige Liu, Yan Shi, Yunpeng Liu, Yulin Li and Huazhan Yin

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(4), 283; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13040283 - 24 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1616

Abstract

Prosocial behavior plays a vital role in adolescents’ well-being and social functioning, with the recall of early emotional experiences being a major influence. Positive experiences such as early memories of warmth and safeness (EMWS) contribute to prosocial interpersonal characteristics, whereas adverse experiences such [...] Read more.

Prosocial behavior plays a vital role in adolescents’ well-being and social functioning, with the recall of early emotional experiences being a major influence. Positive experiences such as early memories of warmth and safeness (EMWS) contribute to prosocial interpersonal characteristics, whereas adverse experiences such as child psychological abuse and neglect (CPAN) lead to social withdrawal or behavioral problems. The direct effects of EMWS and CPAN on prosocial behavior were investigated in this study, along with the mediation effect of psychological suzhi and the moderation effect of subjective socioeconomic status (SSS). A sample of 948 adolescents (M_age = 14.05 years, SD = 1.68 years; 43.6% females) was randomly recruited to complete self-report questionnaires. Correlation results indicated that EMWS promoted prosocial behavior, whereas CPAN was negatively associated with prosocial behavior. Path analyses confirmed the mediating role of psychological suzhi on the effects of EMWS and CPAN on prosocial behavior. SSS was shown to moderate the effects of EMWS on prosocial behavior and CPAN on psychological suzhi. Compared to lower SSS, higher SSS would reinforce the positive impact of EMWS on prosocial behavior and exacerbate the negative impact of CPAN on psychological suzhi. The current study provided new insight into understanding the underlying mechanisms of prosocial behavior from the perspective of early emotional experiences. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Developmental Trajectory of Children's Social Behaviors and Their Cognitive Neural Mechanisms)

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16 pages, 771 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Contributions of Multilevel Family Factors to Emotional and Behavioral Problems among Children with Oppositional Defiant Disorder in China

by Ting He, Jocelyn Meza, Wan Ding, Stephen P. Hinshaw, Qing Zhou, Umair Akram and Xiuyun Lin

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(2), 113; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13020113 - 29 Jan 2023

Viewed by 2170

Abstract

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is one of the most prevalent childhood mental health disorders and is extremely affected by family factors. However, limited studies have addressed the issue from the perspective of family systems. The current study examines the associations between multilevel family [...] Read more.

Oppositional defiant disorder (ODD) is one of the most prevalent childhood mental health disorders and is extremely affected by family factors. However, limited studies have addressed the issue from the perspective of family systems. The current study examines the associations between multilevel family factors (i.e., family cohesion/ adaptability at system level, mother–child and father–child attachment at a dyadic level, and child self-esteem at an individual level) and emotional and behavioral problems among children with ODD in China. The participants were 256 Chinese children with ODD and their parents and class master teachers. A multiple-informant approach and structural equation model were used. The results revealed that system level factors (family cohesion/adaptability) were associated with child emotional and behavior problems indirectly through factors at the dyadic level (mother–child attachment) and the individual level (child self-esteem) in sequence. Mother–child, but not father–child, attachment, mediated the linkage between family cohesion/adaptability and the emotional problems of children with ODD. Moreover, child self-esteem mediated the association between mother–child attachment and child emotional and behavioral problems. The findings of the present study underscored that multilevel family factors are uniquely related to emotional and behavioral problems in children with ODD. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Developmental Trajectory of Children's Social Behaviors and Their Cognitive Neural Mechanisms)

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Review

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12 pages, 284 KiB

Open AccessReview

Face Blindness in Children and Current Interventions

by Weina Ma, Zeyu Xiao, Yannan Wu, Xiaoxian Zhang, Dongwen Zheng, Xue Lei and Chengyang Han

Behav. Sci. 2023, 13(8), 676; https://doi.org/10.3390/bs13080676 - 11 Aug 2023

Viewed by 2098

Abstract

Children with prosopagnosia, also known as face blindness, struggle to recognize the faces of acquaintances, which can have a negative impact on their social interactions and overall functioning. This paper reviews existing research on interventions for children with prosopagnosia, including compensatory and remedial [...] Read more.

Children with prosopagnosia, also known as face blindness, struggle to recognize the faces of acquaintances, which can have a negative impact on their social interactions and overall functioning. This paper reviews existing research on interventions for children with prosopagnosia, including compensatory and remedial strategies, and provides a summary and comparison of their effectiveness. However, despite the availability of these interventions, their effectiveness remains limited and constrained by various factors. The lack of a widely accepted treatment for children with prosopagnosia emphasizes the need for further research to improve intervention strategies. Last, three future research directions were proposed to improve interventions for prosopagnosia, including ecological approaches, the social challenges faced by children, and new potential intervention methods. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue The Developmental Trajectory of Children's Social Behaviors and Their Cognitive Neural Mechanisms)

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