Your search found 1683 results.

Descriptors:
Psychopathology; Risk; Public Health; Diagnostic Tests; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Genetics; Pervasive Developmental Disorders; Body Weight; Siblings; Prenatal Influences; Environmental Influences; Correlation; Attribution Theory; Molecular Structure; Autism; Hazardous Materials; Disadvantaged Environment; Intervention; Drug Therapy

Abstract:
Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and its possible causes still attract controversy. Genes, pre and perinatal risks, psychosocial factors and environmental toxins have all been considered as potential risk factors. Method: This review (focussing on literature published since 1997, selected from a search of PubMed) critically considers putative risk factors with a focus on genetics and selected environmental risks, examines their relationships with ADHD and discusses the likelihood that these risks are causal as well as some of the main implications. Results: No single risk factor explains ADHD. Both inherited and noninherited factors contribute and their effects are interdependent. ADHD is familial and heritable. Research into the inherited and molecular genetic contributions to ADHD suggest an important overlap with other neurodevelopmental problems, notably, autism spectrum disorders. Having a biological relative with ADHD, large, rare copy number variants, some small effect size candidate gene variants, extreme early adversity, pre and postnatal exposure to lead and low birth weight/prematurity have been most consistently found as risk factors, but none are yet known to be definitely causal. There is a large literature documenting associations between ADHD and a wide variety of putative environmental risks that can, at present, only be regarded as correlates. Findings from research designs that go beyond simply testing for association are beginning to contest the robustness of some environmental exposures previously thought to be ADHD risk factors. Conclusions: The genetic risks implicated in ADHD generally tend to have small effect sizes or be rare and often increase risk of many other types of psychopathology. Thus, they cannot be used for prediction, genetic testing or diagnostic purposes beyond what is predicted by a family history. There is a need to consider the possibility of parents and siblings being similarly affected and how this might impact on engagement with families, influence interventions and require integration with adult services. Genetic contributions to disorder do not necessarily mean that medications are the treatment of choice. We also consider how findings might influence the conceptualisation of ADHD, public health policy implications and why it is unhelpful and incorrect to dichotomise genetic/biological and environmental explanations. It is essential that practitioners can interpret genetic and aetiological research findings and impart informed explanations to families. (Contains 2 tables and 1 figure.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Eating Disorders; Student Attitudes; Measures (Individuals); Elementary Schools; Daughters; Mothers; Fathers; Body Weight; Prediction; Parent Child Relationship; Correlation; Sons; Parent Influence; Elementary School Students

Abstract:
Eating problems are highly prevalent and seem to show continuity in children. Nevertheless, the effect of different maternal and paternal feeding practices on changes in these problems is not fully understood yet. This study examines short-term continuity in primary school children's overeating, loss of control (over eating), restraint and concerns (about eating, body shape and weight) and the predictive value of parental feeding strategies on change in these eating problems. Children (8-12 years, n = 613, 46.5% girls) completed the Child Eating Disorder Examination Questionnaire (ChEDE-Q) twice with the second measurement (T2) taking place 6 months after the first (T1). Parents (n = 714, 57.7% mothers) completed the Child Feeding Questionnaire (CFQ) at T1 to assess the level of controlling feeding strategies. More overeating, restraint and concerns at T1 predicted higher levels of the same eating problems 6 months later, whereas more of loss of control at T1 predicted lower levels of loss of control 6 months later. Additionally, the interaction between maternal pressure and the gender of the child was predictive for increases in overeating, whereas the interaction between paternal monitoring and gender of the child was a marginally significant predictor for decreases in overeating. These findings point to the possible negative and positive effects of parental feeding practices as well as to the possible larger influence of mothers on their daughters' and of fathers on their sons' eating behaviors. The importance of studying mothers and fathers, as well as daughters and sons, and of including different feeding strategies and eating problems is discussed. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Females; Eating Disorders; Food; Self Esteem; College Students; Body Weight; Measurement; Eating Habits; Correlation; Sexuality; Behavior Patterns

Abstract:
This study investigated weighing and body-monitoring behaviors, as well as psychological and behavioral reactions to weighing, among female college students. Weighing and body monitoring were engaged in by the majority of participants. Participants changed food intake and exercise based on weight. About 63% reported that the scale number impacts their mood, and 50% and 48% indicated that it impacts their sexual comfort and self-esteem, respectively. Most did not perceive self-weighing to be harmful. College counselors should be aware that weighing and body monitoring are normative, with negative psychological outcomes associated with weighing for a substantive percentage of college women. (Contains 7 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Grade Point Average; Genetics; Social Environment; Depression (Psychology); Interaction; Body Weight; Twins; Children; Environmental Influences; Correlation; Birth; Nutrition; Delinquency; Prenatal Influences

Abstract:
Numerous studies report gene-environment interactions, suggesting that specific alleles have different effects on social outcomes depending on environment. In all these studies, however, environmental conditions are potentially endogenous to unmeasured genetic characteristics. That is, it could be that the observed interaction effects actually reflect underlying genetic tendencies that lead individuals into certain environments. What is critical to move this literature forward is random environmental variation that we know is not correlated with innate characteristics of subjects. We exploit a natural experiment that randomizes a particular stressor--birth weight discordance within twin pairs--to address this challenge and ask: Do random differences in early environment (prenatal nutrition) moderate genetic effects on depression, delinquency, or GPA? Using Add Health data, the only consistently significant allele-birth weight interaction we reveal works in the opposite direction of Caspi et al.'s classic finding regarding the interaction of maltreatment with genetic variation in the serotonin transporter promoter. Less robust interactions found for "DRD2" and "MAOA" are consistent with this pattern that reverses prior findings. These results do not necessarily overturn existing research but support our methodological point that gene-environment research must address endogeneity. (Contains 6 tables, 1 figure and 9 notes.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Obesity; Child Health; Physical Activity Level; Children; Child Behavior; Eating Habits; Interviews; Sleep; Body Weight; Parent Attitudes; Exercise; Food; Family Relationship

Abstract:
Childhood obesity is a major public health challenge today, with complex roots interwoven into nearly every facet of American life. This poll addresses one narrow slice of this web: the challenges that families face during the "crunch time" of the work and school week, between 3 pm and the time children go to bed. Compared to the school day, this may be a time when parents and other adults in the household have more influence over what their children eat and do, but it is also a busy time when many are racing home from work, arranging for their children's extracurricular activities, trying to monitor homework, and getting ready for the next day. To get a detailed view of this critical window of time, this poll assesses a nationally representative sample of children, through the eyes of their parents or other responsible adults in their household who know what they ate, drank and did the day before the poll. This paper contains details of the poll responses presented in table forms and arranged in the following order: (1) Introduction; (2) 3 pm-Dinner; (3) Dinner; (4) After Dinner and Before Child Went to Bed; (5) Assessing the Day; (6) Sleep; (7) Family Events; (8) General Problems; and (9) Demographics. [For "A Poll about Children and Weight: Crunch Time during the American Work and School Week--3 P.M. to Bed. Summary," see ED540416.] Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Public Health; Caregivers; Obesity; Health Promotion; Body Weight; Child Health; Eating Habits; Sleep; Family Relationship; Family Environment; Exercise; Health Behavior

Abstract:
Childhood obesity is a major public health challenge today, with complex roots interwoven into nearly every facet of American life. This poll addresses one narrow slice of this web: the challenges that families face during the "crunch time" of the work and school week, between 3 p.m. and the time children go to bed. Compared to the school day, this may be a time when parents and other adults in the household have more influence over what their children eat and do, but it is also a busy time when many are racing home from work, arranging for their children's extracurricular activities, trying to monitor homework, and getting ready for the next day. To get a detailed view of this critical window of time, this poll assesses a nationally representative sample of children, through the eyes of their parents or other responsible adults in their household who know what they ate, drank and did the day before the poll. In this report, the authors refer to this group of respondents as "parents" because parents are 87% of them, but the total group also includes grandparents and foster parents as well as aunts, uncles, and siblings. This poll aims to examine (1) the daily challenges in helping children achieve or maintain a healthy weight; (2) perceptions of children's activities and food or drink consumption; (3) practices around the "family dinner"; (4) family practices around restful sleep; and (5) family special events as compared to daily practice. (Contains 10 footnotes.) [For the full report, "A Poll about Children and Weight: Crunch Time during the American Work and School Week--3 P.M. to Bed," see ED540417.] Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Pregnancy; Social Behavior; Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder; Adolescents; Child Behavior; Autism; Body Weight; Check Lists; Mothers; Referral; Questionnaires; Pervasive Developmental Disorders; At Risk Persons; Pediatrics; Infants; Toddlers; Young Children; Longitudinal Studies; Prevention; Gender Differences; Males; Educational Attainment; Parent Background; Parent Attitudes; Psychomotor Skills; Prediction; Behavior Problems; Social Development; Smoking; Identification; Eating Habits

Abstract:
For clinically referred children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) several early indicators have been described. However, knowledge is lacking on early markers of less severe variants of ASD and ADHD from the general population. The aim of the present study is to identify early indicators of high risk groups for ASD and ADHD problems based on routine data from community pediatric services between infancy and age four. Data are from 1,816 participants who take part in Tracking Adolescents' Individual Lives Survey (TRAILS), a longitudinal study. Information on early developmental factors was extracted from charts of routine Preventive Child Healthcare (PCH) visits. To assess ASD and ADHD problems, respectively, we used the Children's Social Behavior Questionnaire (CSBQ) and the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), filled out by parents three times between the ages of 11 and 17. Note that these are parent ratings and not diagnostic instruments performed by trained clinicians. Male gender, low birth weight, low level of education of the mother, social, behavioral, language, psychomotor and eating problems significantly predicted ASD problems (odds ratios (OR) between 1.34 and 2.41). ADHD problems were also predicted by male gender and low level of education of the mother and by maternal smoking during pregnancy, good gross motor skills in first year, early attention and hyperactivity problems, and absence of parent-reported positive behavior (ORs between 1.36 and 1.74). Routine data on early childhood from PCH services are predictive for ASD and ADHD problems in adolescents in the general population. The PCH services are a useful setting to identify high risk groups, and to monitor them subsequently. (Contains 3 tables.) Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Females; Health Promotion; Physical Activities; Disadvantaged; Rural Areas; Foreign Countries; Attendance; Interviews; Content Analysis; Telecommunications; Child Care; Privacy; Trust (Psychology); Body Weight; Program Development

Abstract:
This study aimed to investigate preferences for, perceived feasibility of and barriers to uptake of hypothetical physical activity promotion strategies among women from socioeconomically disadvantaged neighbourhoods. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 purposively recruited women (18-45 years) living in socioeconomically disadvantaged urban and rural areas of Victoria, Australia. Participants indicated the most and least appealing of nine hypothetical strategies, strategies most likely to use and strategies most likely to increase physical activity. Interviews were digitally recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic and interpretive content analyses were used to identify emergent common and contrasting themes. A community centre-based program with free childcare, the provision of a cleaner while physical activity is undertaken and a neighbourhood-based program were the three most popular strategies. Mobile-telephone-delivered text messages, an online interactive diary and subsidized gym memberships were considered least useful. Irrespective of the strategy, components of importance commonly identified were social support; being accountable to someone; having the option of a structured or flexible attendance design; integration of multiple strategies and financial considerations. Issues around trust and privacy and weight loss also emerged as important. The findings provide important insights for the development of physical activity programs targeting socioeconomically disadvantaged women. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Health Needs; Special Health Problems; Foreign Countries; Control Groups; Body Weight; Correlation; Social Development; Emotional Development; Kindergarten; Longitudinal Studies; Health Services; Drug Therapy; Birth; Parent Background; Educational Attainment; Mothers; Regression (Statistics); Prediction; Teacher Attitudes; Measurement Techniques; Academic Ability

Abstract:
This study examined the relationship between special health care needs and social-emotional and learning competence in the early years, reporting on two waves of data from the Kindergarten Cohort of "Growing up in Australia: The Longitudinal Study of Australian Children" (LSAC). Six hundred and fifty children were identified through the two-question Special Health Care Needs Screener as having special health care needs. Children with special health care needs were more likely to be male, to have been of low birth weight, to be taking prescription medications, to be diagnosed with a specific health condition and to be from families where the mother was less well educated. These children scored significantly lower on teacher-rated social-emotional and learning competencies prior to school compared to a control group of children without special health care needs. Multiple regression analyses indicated that being identified with a special health care need prior to school predicted lower social-emotional and learning competencies in the early years of school. Results are discussed in terms of the implications for policy and practice. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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Descriptors:
Physical Education; Intervention; Adolescents; Bullying; Victims; Body Weight; Obesity; Physical Education Teachers; Friendship; Parents; Athletic Coaches; Teachers; Interpersonal Relationship; Incidence; Social Support Groups; Secondary School Students

Abstract:
Weight-Based Victimization is a frequent experience for adolescents who are overweight or obese, and is associated with numerous psychosocial and physical consequences for those who are targets of victimization. Assessing targets' preferences for different types of support and intervention has been absent in the context of weight-based victimization, but is needed to help inform potential interventions, motivate action, and identify strategies to help adolescents cope with experiences of weight-related teasing or bullying. Adolescents (14-18 years, N = 361, 40% female, 71% Caucasian) enrolled in national weight-loss camps completed an on-line survey. Participants who reported previous experiences of weight-based victimization were surveyed about their preferred interventions from peers, friends, teachers, Physical Education (PE) teachers/coaches, and parents. Participants indicated their preferences for specific strategies pertaining to target support, bullying intervention and prevention (e.g., inclusion in peer activities, confronting the bully, telling an adult, and improving anti-bullying policies). Friends (66%) and peers (58%) were the most highly preferred intervention agents followed by teachers (55%), PE teachers/coaches (44%), and parents (43%). Participants who experienced more weight-based victimization expressed increased desire for intervention. The frequency of victimization, social support from friends and family, and perceived likelihood and helpfulness of intervention significantly influenced participant preferences for certain types of intervention, although preferences were generally consistent across participants' characteristics. The current study is the first to document youth's preferences for interventions in response to weight-based victimization. The findings have important implications for encouraging appropriate intervention and informing bystanders, which may help to reduce the prevalence, recurrence, and consequences for youth who are targets of weight-based teasing or bullying. Note:The following two links are not-applicable for text-based browsers or screen-reading software. Show Hide Full Abstract

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