bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Autistic Social Dysfunction: Some Limitations of the Theory of Mind Hypothesis
Authors: Klin Ami , Volkmar Fred R. , Sparrow Sara S.
Published: December 2006

Abstract—This study examined the extent to which the social disabilities found in autism can be accounted for by the “Theory of Mind” hypothesis. Items related to social development from the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales were administered to 29 CA‐, MA‐and IQ‐matched pairs of young autistic and non‐autistic, developmentally disabled children. These items were evaluated in relation to expected ages of acquisition based on the Vineland standardization database. Our results indicate that the social dysfunction in autism affects very basic and early emerging social behaviors which are typically present prior to the time at which even the earliest precursors of a theory of mind apparently emerge.
“Theory of Mind” in Asperger's Syndrome Dermot M. Bowler
Authors: Bowler Dermot M.
Published: December 2006

Abstract— Two studies are reported in which the ability of people with Asperger's syndrome to understand problems of the type “Peter thinks that Jane thinks that …” was tested. The results showed that in contrast to younger or more handicapped autistic individuals, Asperger subjects were able to solve problems of the type just outlined, i.e. that they possessed a second‐order theory of mind. When asked to explain their solutions however, they typically did not use mental state terms but did not differ in this respect either from non‐handicapped or socially impaired, chronic schizophrenic controls. The implications of the results for current cognitive theories of autistic impairment are discussed.
The Relationship Between Digit Sucking and Behaviour Problems: a Longitudinal Study over 10 Years
Authors: Mahalski Pauline A. , Stanton Warren R.
Published: December 2006

Abstract— Data from the Dunedin (New Zealand) Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study were used to examine continuity and discontinuity in digit sucking between 5 and 11 years. The data were also used to examine the relationship between digit sucking and behaviour problems at 5, 7, 9, 11 and 15 years. Cross‐sectional analyses showed a relationship between digit sucking and behaviour problems at all ages, except 5 years. Longitudinal analysis by multiple regression showed that digit sucking at 5 and 7 years predicted behaviour problems at 7, 9 and 11 years. This effect was most apparent at 7 years. Children who sucked their digits at 11 years were more likely to have overjets of 6mm or more between their upper and lower dental arches. The behavioural and dental evidence suggest that it would be better for children to stop sucking their digits before they started school and acquired their permanent dentition.
Rates of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in First Degree Relatives of Patients with Trichotillomania: a Research Ndte
Authors: Lenane Marge C. , Swedo Susan E. , Rapoport Judith L. , Leonard Henrietta , Sceery Walter , Guroff Juliet J.
Published: December 2006

Abstract— To explore a possible relationship between trichotillomania, (TTM) (compulsive hair pulling) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), 65 out of 69 (94%) first degree relatives of 16 female probands with severe chronic TTM were compared with two control groups for OCD and for TTM. Three (19%) of the 16 TTM probands had at least one first degree relative with a lifetime history of OCD, and there was an age corrected rate of 6.4% of first degree relatives with OCD. No relative in control group (A) met criteria for OCD. There was a trend (Fishers exact p= .07, two tailed) for a higher rate (age corrected) of OCD in TTM families; these pilot data are consistent with the concept of a spectrum of obsessive compulsive disorders which includes TTM and other pathological grooming behaviours.
Maternal Predictors of Behavioral Disturbance in Preschool Children: a Research Note
Authors: Cohen Shelly , Bromet Evelyn
Published: December 2006

Abstract— The effects of maternal mental health and familial stress on child behavior were evaluated in a community sample of 691 preschoolers. Presence of behavior problems was determined using the Behavior Screening Questionnaire (BSQ) at age 3, and using the Conners Parent Rating Scale at age 4. In multivariate analyses, the development of disturbance was predicted by higher BSQ score, maternal role competition and maternal hostility assessed at both interviews; persistence was predicted by initial BSQ score and initial maternal hostility only. These results underscore the complexity of the relationships among maternal, familial and childhood variables
Diagnostic Specificity of a Brief Measure of Expressed Emotion: a Community Study of Children
Authors: Stubbe Dorothy E. , Zahner Gwendolyn E. P. , Goldstein Michael J. , Leckman James F.
Published: December 2006

Abstract The association between expressed emotion (EE) and psychiatric disorders was investigated in a community survey of 108 preadolescent children. Results indicated that the two components of EE, critical comments and emotional overinvolvement, identified non‐overlapping subsets of families and displayed diagnostic specificity. Significantly higher rates of disruptive behavior diagnoses were observed in children of parents who expressed high levels of criticism, while children of parents who expressed high levels of emotional overinvolvement were significantly more likely to have an anxiety disorder when compared in the remaining sample. Findings support the utility of this brief measure of EE in epidemiologic samples.
Distinct Periods of Mother‐Infant Conflict in Normal Development: Sources of Progress and Germs of Pathology
Authors: van de Rijt‐Plooij Hedwig H. C. , Plooij Frans X.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Questionnaire and interview data we re collected on 15 mothers with babies between 0 and 20 months old. A prospective, longitudinal design was used. Mother‐infant conflicts were clustered in distinct, difficult periods and were preceded by regressive behaviour of the infant. It is argued that conflict creates opportunities for learning and progress. On the other hand, it is discussed how mother‐infant conflict can escalate into abuse, neglect and psychopathology.
Handedness Distribution and Figure Drawing Ability in a Deaf School Population, with Severe Learning Difficulties: a Research Note
Authors: Arnold Paul , Askew Samantha
Published: December 2006

Abstract The handedness distribution of 71 deaf pupils with severe‐ learning difficulties, was found to be similar to that reported by Soper et al (1987, American Journal of Mental Deficiency, 92, 94–102) in a mentally handicapped sample, who also found a high incidence of ambiguously handed individuals. Soper's theory, however, that. the “acquired” left‐handed and the ambiguously‐handed arc more handicapped and so, we might infer, draw more primitive human figures, was not supported. The left, ambiguously‐handed and right‐handed had the same scores cm human figure drawing. Neither was there a difference in handedness or figure drawing between the “acquired”, the “genetic” and the “unknown” cause groups; nor between males and females.
Mental Development in Late Infancy after Prenatal Exposure to Benzodiazepines—a Prospective Study
Authors: Viggedal Gerd , Hagberg Bibbi S. , Laegreid Liv , Aronsson Marita
Published: December 2006

Abstract Seventeen infants born to mothers who used benzodiazepines (BZD) throughout pregnancy were followed prospectively and compared with 29 infants born to mothers who had not used psychoactive substances. On the Griffiths Developmental Scale, the BZD‐exposed infants demonstrated consistently lower mean GQs and DQs for all subscales at 5, 10 and 18 months of age. The differences in GQ reached statistical significance at 10 and 18 months, The DQs differed significantly for all subscales at 10 months and for the personal‐social behaviour and hearing and speech subscales at 18 months of age. We suggest that personal exposure to BZD may cause a general delay in mental development up to 18 months of age.
Psychiatric Disorders in Japanese Secondary School Children
Authors: Morita Hiroshi , Suzuki Motoji , Suzuki Shousuke , Kamoshita Shigehiko
Published: December 2006

Abstract Approximately 2000 ordinary secondary School children were investigated using screening methods such as the: Rutter teacher's and parent's questionnaires and a diagnostic interview. The prevalence estimate was 16% for the 12–13‐year‐olds and 14% for the 14–15‐year‐old children. Disorder); were identified in boys more often than in girls (boys: girls = 2.4:1, as the ratio of prevalence estimates). Emotional disorders were, equally common in boys and Rids. However, conduct disorders were found more frequently it) boys (boys: girls = 7:1). Out of the children who were judged is having psychiatric: disorders only one had received any professional help except from that given by teachers, regardless of severity.
Behaviour and Emotional Problems in Three‐Year‐Old Children of Asian Parentage
Authors: Newth S. J. , Corbett J.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Three‐year‐old Asian children in inner Birmingham were found to have a similar prevalence of behaviour and emotional disturbance to white English children. The Asian children had fewer sleep problems than the white and their mothers had less difficulty in 11 enrolling them. There was a difference in parental attitude to difficult behaviour between the two groups and also several differences in associated social variables. In both groups there was a high level of psychological distress in the mothers of the children with behaviour problems and to a lesser extent the fathers. Implications for service provision are discussed.
Pride and Mastery in Children with Autism
Authors: Kasari Connie , Sigman Marian D. , Baumgartner Pat , Stipek Deborah J.
Published: December 2006

Abstract The goal of This sunk was to compare expressions of pride and mastery in samples of preschool autistic, mentally retarded and normal children. A paradigm was used in which children completed developmentally appropriate puzzles, both with and without praise. Results indicated that compared to the other children, as many autistic children smiled upon completion of the tusk, but many fewer looked up to share their pleasure with the parent or experimenter or drew attention to the task. Moreover, significantly more autistic children showed avoidant responses, particularly in response, to praise. These findings are discussed in terms of theoretical issues regarding the development of pride and mastery in children with significant social deficiencies.
Hostel‐based Respite Care for Adolescents with Developmental Retardation: the Need for “Normalized” Respite Resources
Authors: Dossetor D. R. , Nicol A. R. , Stretch D. D.
Published: December 2006

AbstractHostel respite care for adolescents with developmental retardation is the most readily available Organized support for their families. This comparison of users and non‐users shows that hostel‐care‐usage relates to some measures of family functioning rather than to qualities of the adolescent. These family measures reflect less good organization and support rather than current stress. Consumer opinion indicates that hostel care is not meeting the carers' perceived needs for relief. A greater range of “normalized” and family‐orientated respite care resources might be more effective for relieving stress and providing support to improve family‐based community cart.
The Behaviour of 3‐year‐old Children: Prevalence and Parental Perception of Problem Behaviour: a Research Note
Authors: Stallard Paul
Published: December 2006

Abstract A rating of parental concern was added to the Behaviour Checklist (BCL), which was then used as part of a Health Visitor administered routine developmental assessment of 11 70, 3‐year‐aId children. The overall prevalence of behaviour problems using a cut‐off score of 10 was 10%, with 66% of parents having one or more concerns about their child. There were no sex differences. Parents of only children had more concerns on 6 of the 19 items even though their children behaved no differently from those with siblings. The usefulness of the BCL as n routine screening measure and the need la identify and address parental concerns at an early stage is discussed.
The Natural History of Change to Intellectual Performance: Who Changes? How Much? Is it Meaningful?
Authors: Moffitt Terrie E. , Caspi Avshalom , Harkness Allan R. , Silva Phil A.
Published: December 2006

Abstract A prerequisite step for studying the magnitude and meaning of IQ change is to distinguish between true IQ change that is a researchable phenomenon and IQ “change” that can be accounted for by measurement error. We studied she reliability, magnitude and meaning of IQ change using scores on she WISC‐R obtained from a representative sample of 794 children at ages 7, 9,11 and 13. The findings suggest that, in the majority of children, IQ change is either negligible in amount, unreliably measured or both. In a nontrivial minority of children, naturalistic IQ change is marked and real, but this change is variable in its timing, idiosyncratic in its source and transient in its course. We discuss the implications of these findings for interventions that aspire to improve IQ scores.
Parent and Child Views of Parent‐Child Relationship Qualities and Resilient Outcomes Among Urban Children
Authors: Gribble Patricia A. , Cowen Emory L. , Wyman Peter A. , Work William C. , Wannon Michael , Raoof Anisa
Published: December 2006

Abstract Separate in‐depth interviews were conducted with two groups of highly stressed 4th–6th grade urban children classified; is stress‐affected (SA) and stress‐resilient (SR), and their parents. Judges identified interview items reflecting three components of a good parent‐child relationship, i.e. positive parental attitudes, involvement and guidance SB parents and children scored higher than their SA counterparts on all three relational dimensions. Additionally, SR parent‐child dyads had more congruent views of their relationship than SA dyads. These findings suggest that positive parent‐child relationship qualities play an important protective role that favors resilient outcomes, at ages 10–12, among children who have experienced major life stress.
Predicting Substance Use in Early Adolescence Based on Parent and Teacher Assessments of Childhood Psychiatric Disorder: Results from the Ontario Child Health Study Follow‐up
Authors: Boyle Michael H. , Offord David R. , Racine Yvonne A. , Fleming Jan E. , Szatmari Peter , Links Paul S.
Published: December 2006

Abstract This article examines relationships between psychiatric disorder, poor school performance, family dysfunction and law family income in a cohort of 8–12‐year‐olds and use of tobacco, marijuana and hard drugs 4 years later. Conduct disorder assessed by teachers predicted use of alcohol and hard drugs, while low family income and poor school performance predicted use of tobacco. Neither attention‐deficit disorder nor emotional disorder was related lo adolescent substance use. Although behavioural deviance in childhood is associated with adolescent substance use, it has limited potential for identifying groups at risk in the general population for purposes of preventing substance use in later years.
Adopted and Biological Children in the Clinic: Family, Parental and Child Characteristics
Authors: Cohen Nancy J. , Coyne James , Duvall James
Published: December 2006

Abstract Adapted children are overrepresented in referrals to mental health Research has described child symptomatology but has rarely described family characteristic how adoptive and biological families presenting a child for treatment differ. This study look a systemic approach carrying out a multilevel assessment of families of adopted and biological children presented for treatment with adopted and biological nonclinical comparison groups. The results from this study of 88 parents of 7–17‐year‐old children suggest that adoptive families have greater social and psychological resources that trail be relied on in treatment. However, adopted children are perceived to have more problems and their families arc more likely to consider removal of die child as a solution to problems. Therapists' failure to appreciate these unique strengths and vulnerabilities of adoptive families can lead to treatment failure.
Executive Function and Social Communication Deficits in Young Autistic Children
Authors: McEvoy Robin E. , Rogers Sally J. , Pennington Bruce F.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Preschool‐aged, autistic children were compared with both developmentally delayed children of similar non‐verbal mental age and normally developing children of similar verbal skill on measures of executive function and social communication skills. Autistic children exhibited significantly more perseverative responses on a test of executive Function when compared to both comparison groups. Autistic children also exhibited significantly fewer joint attention and social interaction behaviors Moreover, a significant relationship was found between executive function skill and the two social communciation skills, which was independent of group membership or verbal ability. Competing hypotheses to account for the relationship between executive function deficits and social communication deficits in, autism are discussed.
Prevalence of the Fragile X Anomaly amongst Autistic Twins and Singletons
Authors: Bailey A. , Bolton P. , Butler L. , Le Couteur A. , Murphy M. , Scott S. , Webb T. , Rutter M.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Early screening studies of autistic individuals suggested that up to one‐quarter of cases were associated with the Fragile X anomaly. Recent studies find that the usual behavioural phenotype of the Fragile X anomaly is distinct from autism as usually defined, and that a variety of methodological factors contribute to the variability of the prevalence estimates. We report the prevalence of the Fragile X anomaly, using strict cytogenetic criteria, in a large sample of autistic individuals whose diagnosis was confirmed using a standardised diagnostic instrument. The anomaly was detected in 1.6% of tested autistic individuals from a combined sample of: autistic twins; clinic attenders; and, individuals from families multiplex for autism or related cognitive phenotypes. The anomaly was not detected in greater than 2.5% of any of the constituent samples and accounted for only a small proportion of the genetic influences amongst concordant twins and multiplex families. The anomaly was detected in 5% of the 40 tested autistic females, confirming reports that the prevalence of the anomaly is similar amongst autistic individuals of both sexes.
A Pilot Study of School‐Age Children of Men with Moderate to Severe Alcohol Dependence: Maternal Distress and Child Outcomes
Authors: Tubman Jonathan G.
Published: December 2006

Abstract This pilot study examined maternal characteristics and children's internalizing and externalizing problems among 53 families (26 alcohol‐dependent men, 27 controls) recruited from the general community in a north‐east metropolitan area. Comparisons by family type revealed significant differences in maternal depression, social support, life events and children's anxiety, depression and problem behaviors. Factor analysis and hierarchical multiple regression revealed that a maternal distress factor accounted for significant amounts of variance in child outcome variables in addition to that accounted for by fathers'alcohol dependence symptoms. Future studies of school‐age children of alcohol‐dependent men should routinely sample indices of maternal distress to improve assessments of children's developmental contexts.
Effects of a Negative Life Event and Negative Perceived Problem‐Solving Alternatives on Depression in Adolescents: a Prospective Study
Authors: Adams Jerry , Adams Michael
Published: December 2006

Abstract The associations among negative life events (NLEs), perceived problem‐solving alternatives (PPSA), and depression in adolescents were studied prospectively One hundred and fifty high school students completed PPSA and depression scales when the term began, and the depression scale again after receiving term grades. Grade Change groups were defined by whether grades Increased or Dropped. The Dropped group who also selected Negative PPSAs increased in depression No other group differences were found Thus, experiencing a NLE is likely to lead to an increase in depressive symptomatology only for adolescents with primarily negative PPSAs, perhaps in interaction with prior depression, at least for the specific NLE studied here
The Structure, Stability and Correlations of the Trait Components of Conduct Disorder, Attention Deficit and Anxiety/Withdrawal Reports
Authors: Fergusson D. M. , Horwood L. J.
Published: December 2006

Abstract A general model for describing the structure of multiple trait measures reported by multiple sources and observed at multiple times is developed. This model is applied to data on conduct disorder/oppositional behaviour, attention deficit and anxiety/withdrawal reported by three sources (child, mother, teacher) at three ages (8, 10 and 12 years) for a birth cohort of 1265 New Zealand children. This model was shown to fit the observed data adequately. The major conclusions of the analysis were: (a) reports of child behaviour derived from a specific source at a given time were of limited validity as measures of the child's behavioural tendencies; (b) reports of child behaviour derived from the same source were subject to correlated errors of measurement; (c) there was evidence of strong correlations (r=.80–.85) between conduct disorder/oppositional behaviour and attention deficit and weaker correlations (r=.30) between externalising traits and anxiety/withdrawal; and (d) when due allowance was made for errors of measurement in the report data, conduct disorder/oppositional behaviour, attention deficit and anxiety/withdrawal emerged as having very high stability across measurement periods. The implications of the results for a range of issues relating to the validity of report data, the interpretation of inter‐informant correlations, the correlation/comorbidity of child behaviour problems and the stability of behaviour are discussed.
Classroom Academic Performance: Improvement with both Methylphenidate and Dextroamphetamine in ADHD Boys
Authors: Elia Josephine , Welsh Patricia A. , Gullotta Charles S. , Rapoport Judith L.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Daily academic classroom performance was recorded in a day hospital school using a commonly employed reading and math series as part of an 11‐week double‐blind, placebo controlled, crossover comparison of dextroamphetamine (d‐AMPH) and methylphenidate (MPH) in 33 hyperactive boys. Students attempted more math and reading tasks while on either active drug. The percent correct and the number of attempted problems of the reading series improved with both drugs while the percent correct for the math series occurred with d‐AMPH only. No dose‐response relationship was found for either stimulant Moderate, transient adverse effects were common for both drugs
The Measurement of Gender Role Behaviour in Pre‐School Children: a Research Note
Authors: Golombok Susan , Rust John
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe development and construction of a new psychometric scale, the Pre‐School Activities Inventory (PSAI) for the assessment of gender role behaviour in young children, is reported. The test specification, piloting and item analysis are described. Data are also given on reliability and on the various validation procedures used, as well as on age standardization and norming
Mother‐Child Agreement on the Child Assessment Schedule with Nonreferred Children: a Research Note
Authors: Thompson Robert J. , Merritt Kathy A. , Keith Barbara R. , Murphy Laura Bennett , Johndrow David A.
Published: December 2006

Abstract This study replicated with nonreferred children the finding with psychiatrically referred children that mother‐child concordance was a function of symptom type. Low mother‐child concordance for internalizing problems and moderate concordance for externalizing problems characteristic of psychiatric samples was found to generalize to nonreferred children. Furthermore, mother‐child concordance was also found to be a function of child gender and age. The implications of these findings for screening or assessment of nonreferred children were examined.
An Epidemiological Study of Disorders in Late Childhood and Adolescence—I. Age‐ and Gender‐Specific Prevalence
Authors: Cohen Patricia , Cohen Jacob , Kasen Stephanie , Velez Carmen Noemi , Hartmark Claudia , Johnson James , Rojas Mary , Brook Judith , Streuning E. L.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Developmental aspects of psychiatric disorders may be inferred from patterns of age differences in prevalence. Age‐specific prevalences are provided for nine disorders in a general population sample of ages 10–20. Age and gender patterns for several disorders suggest developmental stage‐associated risks. These include oppositional disorder in both genders and conduct disorder and major depression in girls. Major depression shows a pattern suggestive of a role for the onset of puberty. The prevalence of one or more disorders did not differ by age or gender. However, the pattern of specific diagnoses varied greatly by both age and gender.
Early Hospitalization and Disturbances of Infant Behavior and the Mother–Infant Relationship
Authors: Koomen H. M. Y. , Hoeksma J. B.
Published: December 2006

Abstract The impact of brief early hospitalization was investigated in a controlled natural experiment of 14 children with cleft lip and palate (CLP) who were hospitalized for palatal repair at 9.5 months of age, and another 13 CLP children who were hospitalized at 12.5 months of age; 14 children without clefts who were not hospitalized served as controls. After hospitalization children were more likely to avoid their mothers both following a brief stressful separation at home and in the Strange Situation. It was suggested that CLP children may have learned to cope with stress by shifting the attention away from the mother.
Who Participates in Child Sexual Abuse Research?
Authors: Lynch Deborah L. , Stern Anne E. , Kim Oates R. , O'Toole Brian I.
Published: December 2006

Abstract This paper stems from a prospective case control study of the effects of child sexual abuse and explores issues of sampling bias resulting from non‐participation in research. Despite similarities in family demographics and in the level of abuse experienced, differences between the study participants and non‐participants emerged. The more dysfunctional families were less likely to participate, the research was not a passive experience for the families and finally, non‐partipants were offered less therapy following clinical assessment The implications of these differences for the main prospective study will be explored
Latent Inhibition Deficits in Hyperactive Children
Authors: Lubow R. E. , Josman Z. E.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Latent inhibition (LI), the retardation of associative learning as a function of prior stimulus exposure, is believed to reflect normal attentional processes Previous research has demonstrated an attenuated LI effect in acute schizophrenics as well as normal subjects who rate high on schizotypal scales The present study examined LI in two age groups (66.1 and 77 4 months) of hyperactive and normal children The younger normal children exhibited LI while the older ones did not. Neither of the hyperactive groups displayed LI The loss of LI in the hyperactive subjects was explained by proposing that these children are deficient in processing non‐salient, irrelevant stimuli
Seclusion on an Adolescent Unit
Authors: Angold Adrian , Pickles Andrew
Published: December 2006

AbstractWe studied the seclusion records of an adolescent unit for a six‐year period. Problems in the analysis of typical seclusion data are examined and statistical methods that overcame them are explained. Only a few relationships were found between the seclusion regime and available measures of patient and ward characteristics, though there was great variability in the frequency with which individuals were secluded and the duration of various episodes of seclusion. The average duration of seclusion (31 minutes) was much less than had been reported by other investigators. Furthermore, the durations became shorter over the period of study. The implications of these findings for further research and practice are discussed.
Developmental Normative Data on The Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A.™)
Authors: Greenberg Lawrence M. , Waldmant Irwin D.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Developmental normative data for 775 children aged 6–16 are presented for the Test of Variables of Attention (T.O.V.A.™), a 23‐minute fixed‐interval visual Continuous Performance Test with minimal language demands and no left‐right discrimination. The target is presented on 22.5% and 77.5% of the trials during the first and second halves, respectively, T.O.V.A.™ indices include omission and commission errors, response time means and standard deviations, and anticipatory responses. Attention and impulse control developed in a non‐linear manner, changing rapidly in early childhood and leveling off during later childhood and adolescence.
The Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale in a Sample of Normal French Children: a Research Note
Authors: Fombonne Eric , Achard Sophie
Published: December 2006

Abstract The Vineland Adaptive Behavior scale (survey form) was used in a sample of 151 normal children under age 18. Standardized mean scores of French children were comparable to those of the American normative sample. From the age of 6 onwards, French children scored consistently lower in the Daily Living Skills domain though the magnitude of this difference remained moderate While the overall findings support the cross‐cultural stability of the psychometric properties of this instrument, attention is drawn to potential problems in the use of the Vineland scales, with special reference to autistic samples
Abnormal Shyness in Children
Authors: Asendorpf Jens B.
Published: December 2006

Abstract— Recent nonclinical studies of children who do not often interact with their peers have identified at least three different kinds of solitude: temperamental shyness, social‐evaluative shyness, and unsociability. These kinds of solitude can be clearly distinguished from social nonacceptance. The evidence for the different faces of children's solitude and their situational, age, and cultural specificity is reviewed, and potential implications for clinical child psychology are discussed. Clinical practitioners can profit from a recognition of the multifaceted nature of solitude in childhood.
Self‐esteem, Parental Appraisal and Body Size in Children
Authors: Pierce Jeanne Walsh , Wardle Jane
Published: December 2006

Abstract— This study investigates the influence of body size, parental appraisal of body size, and children's beliefs about parental appraisal, on self‐esteem in children from 9 to U years old. Parents' and children's responses to a matched question about body size suggest that children are accurate predictors of parental evaluation and that their self‐esteem scores arc influenced both by actual parental dissatisfaction and beliefs about parental dissatisfaction. For boys, lower self‐esteem is associated both with thinness and being perceived as too thin. For girls, lower self‐esteem is more associated with fatness.
Chronic Family Adversity and Infant Attachment Security
Authors: Shaw Daniel S. , Vondra Joan I.
Published: December 2006

Abstract— A beginning step in the prevention of psychopathology in children is the identification of conditions and events associated with a disproportionately high incidence of behavior problems. Rutter, Cox, Tupling, Berger and Yule (1975a, British Journal of Psychiatry, 126, 493–509) have reported a dramatic increase in the probability of children's adjustment difficulties as a function of multiple, family stressors. However, this association has never been tested with infants. Among instruments of infant behavior, attachment classification has been found to be a significant predictor of later adjustment problems, particularly among low‐income samples. The present investigation examines the relation between six significant familial stressors and infant attachment security in a sample of 100 low‐income parent‐infant dyads. Family stressors included parental criminality, maternal depressive symptomatology, maternal personality risk, overcrowding in the home, and the quality of the relationship with a significant other. Cumulative family adversity was found to differentiate secure from insecure infants, but only among families with three of four stressors present. There also was moderate support one hypothesis derived from attachment theory, namely that stressors more closely associated with maternal functioning are more common among families with insecurely attached infants. Conceptual links between stressors and attachment are discussed, including pathways by which chronic stressors may interfere with the formation and maintenance of secure mother‐infant attachment relations.
The Validity of the Five‐Minute Speech Sample as an Index of Expressed Emotion in Parents of Eating Disorder Patients
Authors: van Furth Eric F. , van Strien Din C. , van Son Maarten J. M. , van Engeland Herman
Published: December 2006

Abstract— This article examines the concurrent validity of the Five‐Minute Speech Sample (FMSS) as an index of Expressed Emotion in a Dutch sample of 84 parents of adolescents suffering from anorexia or bulimia nervosa. The Camberwell Family Interview (CFI), the criterion measure of EE, and the FMSS were conducted on the same day.

The levels of Expressed Emotion in these families were low when compared with the EE ratings from the schizophrenia studies. The FMSS and CFI‐EE ratings showed a limited degree of overlap. Whether the limited association between the two methods is due to the low levels of criticism in our sample, to cultural differences and/or to differences in the psychopathology under study remains unclear.
Genetic and Environmental Influences on Depressive Symptomatology in Adolescence: Individual Differences and Extreme Scores
Authors: Rende Richard D. , Plomin Robert , Reiss David , Hetherington E. Mavis
Published: December 2006

Abstract— The purpose of the current investigation was to compare the genetic and environmental influences on individual differences in depressive symptomatology (as assessed using the Children's Depression Inventory) to such influences on extreme scores in an unselected sample of adolescents The sample included 707 pairs of siblings (average ages 14.5 and 12 9 years, respectively) participating in a combined twin‐and step‐family study. Moderate genetic influence was found for the full range of individual differences in depression; in contrast, there was non significant genetic influence, and significant shared environmental influence, on extreme scores. The results were interpreted using a risk model in which familial influences specific to the high end of the distribution contribute to depressive symptomatology in adolescence.
Psychological Testing on Schoolchildren Before and After Pollution of Drinking Water in North Cornwall
Authors: McMillan T. M. , Dunnt G. , Colwill S. J.
Published: December 2006

Abstract— The tap water supply in Camel ford, North Cornwall and environs was contaminated by aluminum and other metals in 1988. Richmond tests were routinely given before and after the pollution and here scores are compared between 39 children from schools in the contaminated area and 64 children from Cornish schools outside the polluted area.

The study was retrospective and it was not possible to determine whether or how much polluted water individuals had consumed No differences were found between groups either before or after the pollution accident nor was there any evidence for any sub‐group of the polluted group which had been affected

The limits of conclusions which can be drawn from data available are discussed.
Children's Adjustment After Parental Separation: Teacher, Peer and Self‐report in a Greek Sample: a Research Note
Authors: Hatzichristou Chryse
Published: December 2006

Abstract— The purpose of this study was to assess the psychosocial and academic competence of children from divorced families in Greece and to compare it with findings in other countries. The sample of the study consisted of fifth and sixth grade elementary school pupils (mean age = 11.3) attending Greek public schools. The “divorced family” group consisted of 26 children, while the control group consisted of all classmates of these students (N = 381) from intact families. Teacher, peer and self‐rating instruments were used. Children from divorced families were found to experience serious difficulties in various aspects of their behavior and competence.
The Emanuel Miller Memorial Lecture 1992 The Theory and Practice of Resilience
Authors: Fonagy Peter , Steele Miriam , Steele Howard , Higgitt Anna , Target Mary
Published: December 2006

Abstract The aim of this paper is to identify a theoretical framework which may provide a meaningful context for developing practical interventions to build upon the concept of resilience, In so doing 1 shall briefly consider the importance of the concept, what is known about it, and then Focus on a specific facet of the problem: Intergenerational transmission of maladaptive relationship patterns and resilience to such a threat.
The Course and Malleability of Aggressive Behavior from Early First Grade into Middle School: Results of a Developmental Epidemiologically‐based Preventive Trial
Authors: Kellam Sheppard G. , Rebok George W. , Ialongo Nicholas , Mayer Lawrence S.
Published: December 2006

Abstract The course and malleability of aggressive behavior from beginning elementary school through transition into middle school was investigated. In a developmental epidemiologically defined population of 1000 urban first graders, a two year classroom‐based randomized preventive trial was aimed at reducing aggressive behavior, an antecedent of delinquency, violent behavior, and heavy drug use in adolescence and adulthood. Earlier we reported impact in first grade on teacher and peer ratings and on classroom observations. We report here on the course and on sixth grade teacher ratings of aggressive behavior. Improvement was observable during transition times, in first grade and in middle school among the males in the preventive intervention who were more aggressive in first grade.
Orthographic Analogies and Phonological Awareness: Their Role and Significance in Early Reading Development
Authors: Muter Valerie , Snowling Margaret , Taylor Sara
Published: December 2006

Abstract Two studies investigated young children's use of analogies in reading. In Study 1, 6‐year‐old children were trained to criterion on a series of clue words. Following training, they read more words that shared spelling patterns with the clue words than control words. However, this effect was reduced when the clue word was not exposed at post‐test. Study 2 showed that there was a significant relationship between rhyming and analogising at age 6, but the predictive relationship between phonological skills at ages 4 and 5 and use of analogy at age 6 was not significant.
Correlates of Psychopathology and Intelligence in Children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Authors: Steinhausen H.‐C. , Willms Judith , Spohr Hans‐Ludwig
Published: December 2006

Abstract After documenting the wide range of psychopathology and impairment of intellectual functioning in earlier contributions, the present report from long‐term observations of an extended cohort of children with Fetal Alcohol Syndrome (FAS) deals with correlates of psychopathology and intelligence in these children. At preschool age, severity of morphological damage, the type of milieu, sex and IQ were significant predictors of psychopathology. In another subgroup of school‐aged children, these associations were less strong: only severity of morphological damage and IQ still correlated to some extent significantly with psychopathology. Intelligence was significantly impaired in those children with severe morphological damage who were raised in institutions.
Critical Notice
Authors: Zeanah Charles H.
Published: December 2006

Relationship Disturbances in Early Childhood: A Developmental Approach. Edited by Arnold J. Sameroff & Robert N. Erode.
Practitioner Review: Early Developmental language Delay: What. If Anything. Should the Clinician Do About It?
Authors: Whitehurst Grover J. , Fischel Janet E.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Early developmental language delay is characterized by slow development of language in preschoolers. The condition is frequent amoung tow‐and three‐year‐olds, causes concern among parents, and generates differences of opinion as to significance among informed professionals. Poorer long‐term outcomes are much more likely if language delay persists until the later preschool year, and if the dealy is not specific to language and/or includes problems in understanding. Specific language delay in the preschool period is better characterized as a risk factor than disorder, most children with specific language delay recover to the normal range by five years of age.
Epidemiology of Suicidal Behavior among Korean Adolescents
Authors: Juon Hee‐Soon , Nam Jung Ja , Ensminger Margaret E.
Published: December 2006

AbstractThe purpose of this study was 10 estimate the prevalence of suicidal behaviors and their relation to background characteristics, social integration, academic stress, psychological distress, and substance use in a stratified random sample of 9886 high school students in Korea. In a multiple logistic regression, we found that depression was the strongest predictor of suicidal behaviors. The other factors significantly associated with suicidal behaviours were gender, academic stress, hostility and substance use. These results indicate that early identification of risk factors for suicidal behaviors may have potential for reducing possible future suicides.
Susceptibility to Social Influence in Adults with Asperger's Syndrome: a Research Note
Authors: Bowler Dermot M. , Worley Kierron
Published: December 2006

Abstract Asch's line judgement task was used to compare the susceptibility to social influence of adults with Asperger's syndrome with that of two groups of controls one of which was matched on verbal IQ, There was no overall difference between the three groups' mean rate of conformity but in contrast to both groups of controls, the subjects with Asperger's syndrome were significantly more likely to adopt a consistently conforming or non‐conforming strategy. There were also significant differences between the groups in their interaction with the cither participants. The implications of the findings are discussed in the context of current theories of autistic social dysfunction.
Night‐waking at Five Years of Age: Predictors and Prognosis
Authors: Pollock J. I.
Published: December 2006

Abstract A statistical study was made of reported night‐waking in a national cohort of British 5‐year‐olds in order to explore long‐term associations with physical, behavioural and mental development. After adjusting for the most likely confounders, reported night‐waking al five was found to be linked at 10 years of age to certain chronic medical conditions and some symptoms of emotional distress. No convincing relationships existed between night‐waking at five and selected measures of later physical development or intellectual ability.
An Observational Study of Mothers with Eating Disorders and Their Infants
Authors: Stein Alan , Woolley Helen , Cooper Sandra D. , Fairburn Christopher G.
Published: December 2006

Abstract Two groups of primiparous mothers and their infants were observed at home during play and at a mealtime when the infants were 12–14 months old. The index group consisted of mothers who had experienced an eating disorder during the postnatal year while the control group had been free from such psychopathology. The main findings were that, when compared to controls, the index mothers were more intrusive with their infants during both mealtimes and play; and that they expressed more negative emotion towards their infants during mealtimes but not during play‐ There were, however, no differences between the groups in their positive expressed emotion. The index infants' emotional tone was generally more negative and their mealtimes more conflictual compared to controls. Furthermore, the index infants tended to be lighter than controls and infant weight was found to be independently and inversely related to both the amount of conflict during mealtimes and the extent of the mother's concern about her own body shape
Patterns of Fantasy Play Engagement Across the Transition to Becoming a Sibling
Authors: Kramer Laurie , Schaefer‐Hernan Patricia
Published: December 2006

Abstract Patterns of spontaneous dyadic fantasy play among 30.3 to 5‐year‐old first‐born children who were becoming siblings were evaluated at two pre‐ and three post‐birth intervals for its length, thematic content and social quality. Children who interacted more positively with their sibling played longer, engaged in fantasy play that was thematically relevant to becoming a sibling and had more positive interactions with best friends than low‐sibling acceptance children. High‐sibling acceptance children also experienced a suppression in fantasy immediately following their sibling's birth; thus, a temporary disruption in fantasy play may indicate adaptive coping.
When is “Impulsiveness” not Impulsive? The case of Hyperactive Children's Cognitive Style
Authors: Sonuga‐Barke E. J. S. , Houlberg K. , Hall M.
Published: December 2006

Abstract On two computerized versions of the Matching Familiar Figures Test (MFFT; Kagan, Child Development, 36, 609–628, 1965) pervasively hyperactive and matched control children had to identify a target from among five similar foils. One version had a temporal structure similar to the manual MFFT and trial length was determined by response speed. Hyperactive children behaved in an “impulsive” manner; they responded more quickly and made more mistakes than controls. Despite this they completed each trial more quickly than controls by identifying the target. On the second version, the length of each trial was fixed at 45 seconds. Although both groups were equally “reflective”, hyperactive children still made more mistakes. Implications of these results for research in impulse control in general and hyperactivity in particular are discussed.
Making Sense of Chronic Disease The Eleventh Jack Tizard Memorial Lecture *
Authors: Eiser Christine
Published: December 2006

Abstract Three phases in psychosocial research for children with cancer are identified. These phases reflect changing fashions in theoretical perspective and determine the questions asked and the way in which professionals and families “make sense” of the disease experience. First, (1950s and 1960s) information about cancer was not shared with children and families were prepared for the inevitability of death. Second, (1970s and 1980s), the focus shifted from “dying” to “living” with a life‐threatening condition. Information became more open. Currently, there is still greater emphasis on “living” with cancer. Attention has also shifted to the psychological needs of the long‐term survivor.