Research

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9 pages, 260 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Conceptualizing Callous-Unemotional Traits in Chinese Preschoolers: Factor Structure and Measurement Invariance

by Gengli Zhang and Yantong Zhu

Children 2023, 10(6), 925; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10060925 - 24 May 2023

Viewed by 896

With the increasing use of the Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits (ICU) to examine callous-unemotional traits, few studies have explicitly tested the most appropriate ICU factor structures and measurement invariance in Chinese children at preschool age. This study was conducted with a large [...] Read more.

With the increasing use of the Inventory of Callous Unemotional Traits (ICU) to examine callous-unemotional traits, few studies have explicitly tested the most appropriate ICU factor structures and measurement invariance in Chinese children at preschool age. This study was conducted with a large community sample of 2055 Chinese preschoolers (53.6% male, M age = 62.23 months, SD = 9.91) to test the most appropriate model of ICU and the measurement invariance across parent gender, child gender, as well as age. The confirmatory factor model suggested that the two-factor model with 11 items (ICU-11) is the best-fitting model for a Chinese preschool sample, which includes a callousness and an unemotional factor. The results from measurement invariance revealed that the factor structures were invariant across child gender, as well as child age and parental gender. The finding suggested that the ICU-11 may be a useful tool for evaluating CU traits in Chinese preschoolers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health)

11 pages, 628 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Bullying in Middle School: Evidence for a Multidimensional Structure and Measurement Invariance across Gender

by Georgios Sideridis and Mohammed H. Alghamdi

Children 2023, 10(5), 873; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10050873 - 12 May 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1063

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the factorial structure of the bullying scale on the Trends in International Mathematics and Science (TIMSS 2019) for eighth graders and evaluate the instrument’s invariance across gender so that tests of level between males [...] Read more.

The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the factorial structure of the bullying scale on the Trends in International Mathematics and Science (TIMSS 2019) for eighth graders and evaluate the instrument’s invariance across gender so that tests of level between males and females can be conducted. Data came from the 2019 cohort of TIMSS in Saudi Arabia. The 14-item scale was evaluated using three competing models: (a) a unidimensional structure, (b) the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement (IEA) online, non-online two-factor model, and (c) the Wang et al. (2012) 4-domain bullying taxonomy. Participants were 5567 eighth graders who participated in the 2019 TIMSS study. There were 2856 females and 2711 males. The mean age was 13.9 years. Data were analyzed using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and Mplus 8.9. Results indicated that a 4-domain structure including verbal, physical, relational, and online bullying represented the most optimal factor structure of the 14-item bullying measure. Tests of exact measurement invariance for gender originally failed but were then satisfied using the newly recommended “alignment” methodology. Latent mean differences were salient and significant suggesting that levels of bullying across all domains were elevated in males compared to females, contrasting earlier views that different types of bullying are linked to males versus females. Results are discussed in relation to educational policy interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health)

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12 pages, 1410 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Trends and Prevalence of Hospital Admissions Related to Deliberate Self-Poisoning and Used Substances in Romanian Adolescents between 2016 and 2022

by Elena Predescu, Iulia Calugar, Cristian Bibu-Monus and Roxana Sipos

Children 2023, 10(5), 790; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10050790 - 27 Apr 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1301

Abstract

Rates of self-poisoning are increasing substantially all around the world, with self-poisoning being the most common form of self-harm leading to hospitalization in children and adolescents. This study aims to investigate the trends in the number of deliberate self-poisoning admissions in Romanian adolescents [...] Read more.

Rates of self-poisoning are increasing substantially all around the world, with self-poisoning being the most common form of self-harm leading to hospitalization in children and adolescents. This study aims to investigate the trends in the number of deliberate self-poisoning admissions in Romanian adolescents during the period of 2016–2022, as well as the most frequently used substances and the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on hospital admissions due to self-poisoning and substance use in relation to these episodes. The sample included 178 patients admitted to the Clinic of Pediatric Psychiatry in Cluj-Napoca from 2016 to 2022 due to an episode of self-poisoning. Data were collected on patients’ sociodemographic characteristics, psychosocial characteristics, and medical histories. We report a slight overall increase in the self-poisoning admission rate during the studied period. There was a decrease during the initial period of the pandemic, with significantly increasing rates in the second year of the pandemic. The mean prevalence rate of hospital admissions due to self-poisoning episodes during the study period was 3.14% (95% CI 2.72, 3.63). Adolescent girls were identified as the most vulnerable group, with the female-to-male ratio increasing dramatically. In terms of substance use, benzodiazepines; over-the-counter analgesics, including paracetamol; and antidepressants were the most frequently used substances. We emphasize the importance of careful consideration in prescribing psychotropic drugs, as well as the need for regulation of over-the-counter drug dispensation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health)

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11 pages, 266 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Self-Harm Behaviors, Suicide Attempts, and Suicidal Ideation in a Clinical Sample of Children and Adolescents with Psychiatric Disorders

by Elena Predescu and Roxana Sipos

Children 2023, 10(4), 725; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10040725 - 14 Apr 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2189

Abstract

Suicidal ideation and self-harm behaviors have been found to be important risk factors for suicide. The aim of this study was to explore the rates of psychiatric disorders among different groups of patients with suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and non-suicidal self-harm behaviors and [...] Read more.

Suicidal ideation and self-harm behaviors have been found to be important risk factors for suicide. The aim of this study was to explore the rates of psychiatric disorders among different groups of patients with suicidal ideation, suicide attempts, and non-suicidal self-harm behaviors and to identify the associated socio-demographic and clinical variables. We conducted a cross-sectional study with emergency-admitted patients presenting with non-suicidal self-harm behaviors, suicide attempts, or suicidal ideation to the emergency room of the Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Clinic in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Data were collected from the patients’ charts using a questionnaire that contained socio-demographic and clinical variables. A total of 95 patients aged between 6 and 18 years were included in the study. Ingesting medication and cutting were the most frequently used methods to attempt suicide. Depression and mixed affective and conduct disorders were the diagnoses most commonly associated with suicidal behavior. Girls with depressive symptoms were more probable to have suicide attempts than boys, and girls with depressive symptoms and behavioral problems registered more self-harm behaviors. Further research should systematically examine the relationship between self-harm behaviors and suicide attempts and the profile of patients at risk of future suicide attempts. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health)

23 pages, 740 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Multilevel Analysis of Factors Influencing School Bullying in 15-Year-Old Students

by Yu-Jiao Wang and I-Hua Chen

Children 2023, 10(4), 653; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10040653 - 30 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2824

Abstract

Background: School bullying causes serious impacts on adolescents’ physical and mental health. Few studies have explored the various factors influencing bullying by combining different levels of data. Methods: Based on the database of four Chinese provinces and cities of the Program for International [...] Read more.

Background: School bullying causes serious impacts on adolescents’ physical and mental health. Few studies have explored the various factors influencing bullying by combining different levels of data. Methods: Based on the database of four Chinese provinces and cities of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2018, this study used a multilevel analysis model that combined school-level variables and student-level variables to explore the influencing factors of students being bullied. Results: Students’ gender, grade repetition, truancy and arriving late for class, economic, social, and cultural status (ESCS), teacher support, and parent support had significant explanatory power on school bullying on the student-level; on the school-level, school discipline atmosphere and competitive atmosphere among students had significant impacts on school bullying. Conclusions: Boys, students who have repeated grades, truancy and arriving late for class, and students with lower ESCS suffer from more severe school bullying. When developing school bullying interventions, teachers and parents should pay more attention to those students and provide more emotional support and encouragement to them. Meanwhile, students in schools with a lower discipline atmosphere and a higher level of competitive atmosphere experience greater levels of bullying, and schools should create more positive and friendly environments to prevent bullying events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health)

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13 pages, 790 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Profiling Experiences of Bullying in the Elementary School: The Role of Gender

by Georgios Sideridis and Mohammed H. Alghamdi

Children 2023, 10(4), 610; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10040610 - 23 Mar 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1571

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to profile bullying behaviors in elementary schools in Saudi Arabia. A secondary purpose was to examine differences in bullying behaviors across gender. Participants were 3867 fourth graders who completed surveys during the TIMSS 2019 survey. An [...] Read more.

The purpose of the present study was to profile bullying behaviors in elementary schools in Saudi Arabia. A secondary purpose was to examine differences in bullying behaviors across gender. Participants were 3867 fourth graders who completed surveys during the TIMSS 2019 survey. An 11-item bullying experience scale was utilized with good internal consistency reliability. Data were analyzed using latent class analysis with Mplus 8.9 to identify profiles of bullying experiences. The results indicated the presence of five profiles with levels of low, medium, and high bullying experiences, as well as two profiles with no cyberbullying experiences and medium high and medium low physical and verbal instances of bullying. Gender effects were highly pronounced, with most maladaptive bullying profiles being predominantly male. It is concluded that physical bullying is mainly occupied by males and the levels of cyberbullying are generally low in the elementary school grades. Implications for educational policy can clearly direct the development of support groups and expert counseling for both bullies and victims, staff training for identification and course of action, and the development of standardized school policies when such incidences occur. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health)

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11 pages, 2273 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sibling Relationship Dynamics in Families with a Child Diagnosed with a Chronic Mental Disorder versus a Somatic Condition

by Florina Rad, Emanuela Lucia Andrei, Alecsandra Irimie-Ana, Ilinca Olteanu, Magdalena Budișteanu, Ilinca Mihailescu, Elma-Maria Mînecan, Mihnea Costin Manea, Anca Coliță and Alexandra Buică

Children 2023, 10(3), 587; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10030587 - 19 Mar 2023

Viewed by 1444

Abstract

Background: Recent research still focuses on the psychological impact on siblings and the problematic relationships in families with children with chronic illnesses. Our study evaluates the dynamics in sibling relationships in families with a child diagnosed with a chronic disease. Methods: We comparatively [...] Read more.

Background: Recent research still focuses on the psychological impact on siblings and the problematic relationships in families with children with chronic illnesses. Our study evaluates the dynamics in sibling relationships in families with a child diagnosed with a chronic disease. Methods: We comparatively evaluated the degree of empathy, involvement, friendship, and rivalry in sibling relationships in two groups of families who have a child with a chronic pediatric disorder versus a chronic mental disorder. Results: The levels of involvement/friendship, empathy/care/concern, and education/learning were significantly higher in the pediatric group. Where there were siblings under the age of 10, rivalry scores tended to be higher in both groups. Conclusions: Coping strategies, emphatic interactions, and implications in common activities are difficult to identify in the relationship between siblings when one of them has a chronic mental disorder. All of these negative aspects entail poor quality sibling relationships and draw alarm signals regarding the need for monitoring and intervention familial programs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health)

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15 pages, 2540 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Development and Usability of a Mobile App for Parents of Children with ADHD

by Costina-Ruxandra Păsărelu, Reka Kertesz and Anca Dobrean

Children 2023, 10(1), 164; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10010164 - 14 Jan 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2464

Abstract

Background: Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent mental health problems in children. Behavioral parent training (BPT) is the first-line treatment recommended by clinical guidelines; however, parental dropout is high. Mobile apps could be used as an adjunct to BPT [...] Read more.

Background: Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is one of the most prevalent mental health problems in children. Behavioral parent training (BPT) is the first-line treatment recommended by clinical guidelines; however, parental dropout is high. Mobile apps could be used as an adjunct to BPT in order to increase treatment adherence, homework compliance, and parental engagement. In this paper, we describe the development process of a mobile app for parents of children with ADHD. Methods: We conducted a study to investigate parents’ perceived usability of the ADHD Coping Card. Results: The mobile app developed has a high usability. Future improvements in the app were suggested by parents. Conclusions: Given the increasing importance of digital mental health interventions in psychotherapy, it is important that future research is conducted with a higher number of participants to investigate the key factors implicated in choosing such an intervention in the future, both by parents and by mental health specialists. A mobile app can be used as an add-on in psychotherapy with parents of children with ADHD. Digital health interventions could help surpass gaps in treatment access for child mental health problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health)

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Review

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20 pages, 606 KiB

Open AccessReview

Mental Health and Psychosocial Problems among Children and Adolescents in Jordan: A Scoping Review

by Rana AlHamawi, Yousef Khader, Sara Abu Khudair, Eizaburo Tanaka and Mohannad Al Nsour

Children 2023, 10(7), 1165; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071165 - 04 Jul 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1948

Abstract

Introduction: In Jordan, mental health morbidity among children and adolescents is on the rise. Several studies in Jordan have assessed mental health issues and their associated factors among adolescents; however, there remains a lack of a collation of data regarding such issues. [...] Read more.

Introduction: In Jordan, mental health morbidity among children and adolescents is on the rise. Several studies in Jordan have assessed mental health issues and their associated factors among adolescents; however, there remains a lack of a collation of data regarding such issues. Objectives: To review the prevalence rates of mental health problems among children and adolescents in Jordan to understand the evidence base concerning psychiatric morbidity. Methods: The PubMed database, Cochrane Library, Virtual Health Library (VHL) Lilac, and APA PsycArticles were searched for literature published between January 2010 and May 2023. Studies were included if they were conducted on children and adolescents (≤19 years), were observational studies that reported prevalence data regarding psychosocial problems, and were studies conducted in Jordan. Results: The search yielded 211 records, of which 33 studies were assessed for eligibility and 28 met the inclusion criteria. The sample age ranged from 6–19 years. The prevalence rates ranged from 7.1% to 73.8% for depression, 16.3% to 46.8% for anxiety, 13.0–40.6% for ADHD, 11.7–55.2% for overall emotional and behavioral difficulties, 16.2–65.1% for PTSD, and 12–40.4% for eating disorders. Conclusions: The findings highlight the magnitude of mental health problems among children and adolescents and the heterogeneity of the results. Further studies are needed to investigate the prevalence of eating disorders among refugees, as well as sleeping disorders and substance use disorders among all adolescents. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health)

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