Child Psychology Commons^™

A Network Analysis Of Social Determinants Of Health And Youth Suicidal Ideation And Suicide Attempts At The Neighborhood-Level In Houston, Tx, Tyler Hendley

LSU Master's Theses

Youth suicide is a complex, multi-faceted human phenomenon that has no singular cause but instead is theorized to be a result of an interplay of psychological, biological, and social risk and protective factors. To best identify youth suicide risk and possible avenues for intervention, a social-ecological model approach may prove beneficial. As community-level risk factors (i.e., social determinants of health (SDOH)) have shown to impact health outcomes, it is important to understand the association between community-level risk and youth suicide-related behaviors. Utilizing a network analytic approach, this study developed an estimated partial correlation network to understand the relationship between youth …

Application Of Peer-Mediated Instruction And Intervention (Pmii) To Enhance Social Interaction Skills In Early Elementary-Level Saudi Students With Autism Spectrum Disorder (Asd) In An Inclusion Setting, Inam Alghamdi

Electronic Theses and Dissertations

In Saudi Arabia, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is on the rise, and the government is committed to improving nationwide special education services through legislative measures aimed at enhancing the flexibility of inclusion for students with ASD within school settings. However, students with ASD often encounter social challenges, especially in their interactions with peers. This increasing trend underscores the importance of implementing effective strategies to foster the social skills of these students. Evidence-based practice (EBP) is one approach that can assist in delivering services to students with ASD, proving essential for their social development. Nonetheless, limited research has been conducted on …

A Latent Profile Analysis Of High-Risk Children's Problematic Sexual Behavior, Claudia Campbell

Dissertations

As research and intervention regarding children’s problematic sexual behavior (PSB) have broadly defined PSB, including all forms of developmentally atypical sexual behavior and all potential etiological factors, limited work to date has identified subtypes or unique patterns of PSB. The aim of the current study was to examine the presence of unique patterns of PSB and etiological factors among high-risk children utilizing latent profile analysis (LPA) based on children’s self-focused PSB, interpersonal PSB (IPSB), maltreatment factors, co-occurring symptoms, adaptive functioning, and family functioning. The present study included 689 8-year-old children (50.1% male, 50.2% Black) with potential PSB and their caregivers …

Influence Of Internalizing And Externalizing Traits On Cognitive Performance In Typically Developing Children, Carlie Sivils

Psychology ETDs

This study investigates the relationship between emotional traits—internalizing (INT) and externalizing (EXT) subclinical characteristics—and cognitive performance in typically developing children (TDC). INT and EXT measures from the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and cognitive task performance in various cognitive domains, including in verbal comprehension, perceptual reasoning, memory, and cognitive inhibitory control, using standardized neuropsychological test battery (NIH Toolbox, WASI) were examined. Regression analyses, ordinary least squares and robust regression models, were used to explore associations between INT and EXT traits and cognitive task performance, controlling demographic factors such as gender, socioeconomic status (SES), and ethnicity. Results indicate INT and EXT …

Physical Activity And Selected Elements Of Adolescents’ Digital Hygiene In Poland During The Covid-19 Pandemic, Magdalena Woynarowska, Anna Dzielska, Szymon Stanisław Wójcik, Mariusz Panczyk, Magdalena Bigaj

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: The association between physical activity levels and digital habits has garnered interest, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aimed to elucidate this association among secondary school students in Warsaw, Poland. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional investigation used a questionnaire to assess physical activity, intensity of device use, and two sub-scales of digital hygiene. The sample consisted of 629 students aged 15–19. Results: 31% of students reported high levels of physical activity, 27.7% indicated proficient control over screen time, and 33.1% demonstrated effective notification management. Statistical analysis revealed that moderate to high levels of physical activity …

Sharing Our Screens, Katie Day Good

University Faculty Publications and Creative Works

No abstract provided.

¿Qué Dijo El Médico?: Creating A Procedural Preparation Booklet For Spanish-Speaking Patients And Families In The Pediatric Hospital Setting, Caitlyn Bockbrader

Honors Projects

The purpose of my Honors Project is to demonstrate the need for and creation of a resource that supports Spanish-speaking children’s ability to cope through commonly stressful medical procedures. In developing this project, I conducted a literature review on the efficacy of preparation booklets in lessening pre-procedural anxiety, cultural considerations for the Hispanic community, and current barriers to equitable language access in healthcare settings. My final product was designed to answer the following question: How can the psychosocial outcomes of Spanish-speaking children in U.S. hospitals be improved through the use of Child Life procedural preparation materials? In answering this question, …

Parasocial Relationships In Children And Teens, Bradley J. Bond, Karen E. Dill-Shackleford, Jayson L. Dibble, Tracy R. Gleason, Nancy Jennings, Sara Rosaen, Rebecca Tukachinsky Forster

Communication Faculty Books and Book Chapters

"Young people have easy access to an array of fictional characters and celebrities, many of whom exist across platforms (e.g., protagonists from the graphic novel Heartstopper now appear in live-action on Netflix) and are manifested in toys and other merchandise. Children and adolescents often create powerful, socioemotional connections with fictional characters and celebrities called parasocial relationships (PSRs). Preschoolers clutching Elmo dolls, tweens fantasizing about interactions with TikTok influencers, and queer teens finding affirmation in a gay couple on Schitt’s Creek all hint at possible PSRs. These one-sided, imagined social ties might raise concerns for parents and other stakeholders; however, PSRs …

Perceptions Of Safety At School: Associations With Bullying Participant Roles And Gender, Nicholas G. Tanasa, Michelle Demaray

Honors Capstones

Bullying is a serious issue in schools worldwide that plays a vital role in students’ mental health and perception of safety at school (Man et al., 2022). The current study explored how a student’s involvement in various bullying participant roles (Bully, Assistant, Victim, Defender, and Outsider) is associated with a student’s perception of safety at school. This study additionally explored if these associations varied by gender. It was hypothesized that bullying and assisting scores would be positively associated with feeling safe at school; victimization scores would be negatively associated with feeling safe at school; no predictions were made for defending …

Peer Teasing And Muscle Dysmorphia, Jasmine Arnold

Masters Theses & Specialist Projects

The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of bodily-related teasing during childhood and adolescence on Muscle Dysmorphia (MD) symptomology during adulthood. Another goal of this study was to investigate the connection between bodily peer teasing to lowself- esteem and negative affect, two factors that have been argued to be contributing factors of MD. 79 individuals who identified as male and were 18 years old or order were recruited to participate in the study. However, only 70 people completed the questionnaires to completion. Participants completed the Muscle Dysmorphia Questionnaire, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale (RSES), and Patient Health Questionnaire Anxiety …

Increasing Pride Skills For Child Engagement Using Ipcit With Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder, Jordan Etherington

Master's Theses

Many children with autism spectrum disorder display elevated levels of problem behaviors, such as aggression and defiance, in addition to symptoms characteristic of autism, such as deficits in social communication and interaction. Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is a behavioral parent training program designed to improve problem behavior in young children by teaching parents to use skills that reinforce appropriate behaviors. In addition, the interactive nature of PCIT may help children with autism increase the rates at which they engage and interact with their caregivers. There are many barriers to treatment completion in PCIT, including high attrition rates due to …

Facilitate The Awesome:Creating Capacity For Teen Programs In Youth Development, Michael L. Wallace, Ashley M. Hall, Gary Frank Varrella, Pamela Watson, Kelly Anne Stewart, Brian Brandt

Journal of Youth Development

A critical need exists for adults who are properly prepared to meaningfully engage with adolescents. While utilizing teens in leadership and teaching roles has been gaining popularity and application, a developmental and skills-based approach for improving “trusted adult” capacity to engage with adolescents has not been comprehensively addressed in other programs or curricula. The “Facilitate the Awesome” short course focuses on advancing adult knowledge and skills related to supporting the physical, emotional, and social needs of adolescents. In an evaluation of 113 participants statistical significance was established for all the learning variables tested, using a sign test and estimated effect …

Appreciative Inquiry: Guiding Principles For Majority And Minority World Teams Conducting Research In Majority World Countries, Kendall Cotton Bronk, Lindsey C. Blom, Seren Fryatt, Flomo Mau Maiwo, Yabadel Appleton

Journal of Youth Development

The vast majority of youth development research takes place in minority world cultural contexts. To understand and nurture the optimal development of young people living in majority world countries, cross-cultural research teams are uniquely suited to conduct careful and culturally sensitive research in these settings. However, this is difficult. Navigating research in a new language, a different cultural context, and a far-away geographic location is challenging, and the risks of getting it wrong are high. We argue that the guiding principles of Appreciative Inquiry can help teams navigate many of the challenges inherent in conducting youth development research in majority …

From “At-Risk” To “Aspiring” Youth:Locating Positive Youth Development In Kenya, Kennedy Karani Onyiko, Justine Amadi Orucho, Lawrence Asige, Dennis Omuse Obushe, Aden Ang'aba Esokomi, Faith Inyele Olita, Simon Kitiyo

Journal of Youth Development

The youth population bulge in Kenya comes with so many challenges such as poverty, gender inequalities, political inequities, the absence of adequate health and medical resources, low educational attainment, homelessness, increased involvement in violence, drugs, and alcohol, poor physical and mental health, a lack of key life skills, premature sexual involvement. Using inductive or “bottom up” thematic analysis, we explored experiences of the youth aged 18-34 (n=36), youth workers (n=26) and administrators of youth programs (n=22) on existing youth development programs and their alignment to the positive youth development principles. Six key findings from the study sufficed as follows: (1) …

The Association Between Sports Camp Participation And Perceivedcompetence And Independence Among Visually Impaired Youth, Mary A. Keene, Justin Haegele, Xihe Zhu

Journal of Youth Development

Research on sport camps for visually impaired youth is limited. The purposes of this study were to examine if visually impaired campers’ self-perception of their perceived competence and independence changed as a result of attending a one-week sports camp. Forty visually impaired campers ranging from 10-15 years of age, who attended a one-week sports camp, completed a survey study from two outcome measures of the American Camp Association Youth Outcomes Battery. A bivariate correlation analysis and descriptive analyses were conducted. The campers reported relatively high levels of perceived competence (5.48 ± .57) and moderate levels of perceived independence (4.94 ± …

Examining The Activity-Related Correlates Of Latine Parent Support Of Adolescents In Organized Afterschool Activities, Fuko Kiyama, Sandra Simpkins

Journal of Youth Development

Objective: This study examined the relations between Latine parent perceptions of their seventh grade adolescents’ organized afterschool activity and their support of adolescents’ participation in these organized afterschool activities; and, whether these relations varied based on the organized afterschool activity’s ethnic cultural features.

Background: Although parent support bolsters adolescents’ success in multiple contexts, including organized afterschool activities, we know little about what promotes parent support. Method: Using data on Latine parent perceptions (N = 143) of their support (17 items), of organized afterschool activities (8 items) and ethnic cultural features (7 items), linear regression models were used to evaluate the …

Resilience And Grit: What They Are And Why They Matter For Youth Development Professional, Christine Wood, Claire Sponseller, Saundra Wever Frerichs, Mark W. Demorra

Journal of Youth Development

The challenges faced by youth can hinder them from reaching their full potential or help them grow and develop as they overcome their challenges. Grit and resilience provide young people with the skills, confidence, and perseverance to overcome challenges, pursue their goals and thrive. In this article, the authors examine the complex constructs that make up resilience and grit, draw connections to positive youth development practices, and propose a model of how these constructs can be enacted by youth development professionals in their work. The article offers specific educational practices that can support young people in developing the skills and …

Do Horse Breed Association Youth Programs Promote Life Skills And Goaldevelopment For Youth With Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder?, Julius Culwell, Makenna Foster, Molly Christine Nicodemus, Molly Friend, Holly Evans, Dean Jousan, Katherine Agbigail Holtcamp, Clay Cavinder, Toree Williams

Journal of Youth Development

Almost 10% of American youth are diagnosed with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). While not a learning disability, this diagnosis results in youth being labeled academically “at-risk.” While equine assisted services (EAS) promote an emotionally safe learning environment for at-risk youth, program availability is limited. Horse breed associations, however, offer programs nationwide for all youth, although these programs do not have a therapeutic intention. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to utilize a survey to determine program participation and associated development of life skills and goals for ADHD youth. A survey was developed with the following: 15 fixed-response multiple-choice …

Mental Health Services In A Camp Setting: Choices, Challenges, Change, Johnathan Meier, Erinn J. Victory, Rebecca I. Laquaglia, Matthew J. Kasopsky, Jeongwi An, Gabriella R. Johnson, Andrew D. Mendonsa, Stephanie Mcwilliams

Journal of Youth Development

The prevalence of mental health issues among youth, with nearly half meeting diagnostic criteria for a mental health disorder and suicide being a leading cause of death, underscores the urgency for effective intervention (National Institute of Mental Health, 2023). Summer camps, hosting millions of children annually, are urged by the American Camp Association to establish mental health support, ranging from trained counselors to licensed therapists (ACA, 2009; 2022). At the 2023 National Scout Jamboree, mental health services were offered for the first time. During the Jamboree, 82 participants received individual or group mental health services in the Mental Health Clinic. …

The Impact Of Telepractice On Voice Production In Normal Hearing Children, Rachael Walsh, Yesenia Rodriguez Cruz, Maria Kondaurova

The Cardinal Edge

Telepractice is a growing service model that delivers aural rehabilitation services to deaf and hard of hearing children at a distance via telecommunications technology. Research suggests that when there is a physical barrier in communication there is an increase in vocal effort in children with and without hearing loss. The aim of the current study is to examine the effect of telepractice on voice production in normal-hearing (NH) children to enhance intervention effectiveness. Ten normal-hearing children (mean age = 10.4 years, age range 8-12 years) came to participate in four sessions, 2 in-person and 2 tele, order counterbalanced. Each session …

Digital Health Intervention For Children With Adhd To Improve Mental Health Intervention, Patient Experiences, And Outcomes: A Study Protocol, Nancy Herrera, Franceli L. Cibrian, Lucas M. Silva, Jesus Armando Beltran, Sabrina E. B. Schuck, Gillian R. Hayes, Kimberley D. Lakes

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

Background

Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) is the most prevalent childhood psychiatric condition with profound public health, personal, and family consequences. ADHD requires comprehensive treatment; however, lack of communication and integration across multiple points of care is a substantial barrier to progress. Given the chronic and pervasive challenges associated with ADHD, innovative approaches are crucial. We developed the digital health intervention (DHI)—CoolTaCo [Cool Technology Assisting Co-regulation] to address these critical barriers. CoolTaCo uses Patient-Centered Digital Healthcare Technologies (PC-DHT) to promote co-regulation (child/parent), capture patient data, support efficient healthcare delivery, enhance patient engagement, and facilitate shared decision-making, thereby improving access to …

Unraveling The Impact Of Cognitive Test Anxiety On Academic Performance Among Adolescents: The Case Of Minority And Majority Communities, Zulfiqar Ullah Siddiqui, Wael M. F. Abuhassan

An-Najah University Journal for Research - B (Humanities)

Background: Within the Indian society and its many communities, adolescents exhibit a wide range of individual differences, including cognitive abilities, learning styles, and personality traits. These differences can influence how students perceive and cope with test anxiety and related stress. Objective: The primary goal of this research study was to investigate the influence of cognitive test anxiety on academic performance in adolescents from both minority (Muslims) and majority (Hindus) communities in India. Method: Based on descriptive-inferential research design, a sample of 450 students was selected, with 223 students representing the majority community and the remaining 227 students representing the minority …

Young Children’S Mental Well-Being In Low-Income South African Settings: A Qualitative Study, Catherine E. Draper, Caylee J. Cook, Elizabeth A. Ankrah, Jesus A. Beltran, Franceli L. Cibrian, Jazette Johnson, Kimberley D. Lakes, Hanna Mofid, Lucretia Williams, Gillian R. Hayes

Engineering Faculty Articles and Research

This qualitative study aimed to capture community perspectives of the risks and protective factors for social emotional development and mental health of young children in low-income South Africa settings, and was conducted as one component of a larger study with the ultimate aim of co-designing the Mazi Umntanakho (‘know your child’) digital tool. Twenty focus group discussions (n = 154, 97% female) were held with staff of community-based organisations (CBOs) and community health worker (CHW) programmes in urban and rural sites from four geographical regions. Data were analysed thematically, and grouped according to components of nurturing care (responsive caregiving, safety …

The 21st Century Coach: A Diversity, Equity, And Inclusion Resource For Youth Lacrosse Coaches, Maria D'Ugo, Jillian Lowey, Sean Mapoles, Brian Gearity

Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Faculty Scholarship

This document provides educational information, resources, and support to coaches and administrators with the goal of empowering and encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusion in daily sporting practices. This document may aid in efforts to increase inclusion and participation in youth sport, specifically lacrosse. Furthermore, it may help to increase coaches’ and administrators’ cultural awareness and competencies.

The Psychological Impacts Of Algorithmic And Ai-Driven Social Media On Teenagers: A Call To Action, Sunil Arora, Sahil Arora, John Hastings

Research & Publications

This study investigates the meta-issues surrounding social media, which, while theoretically designed to enhance social interactions and improve our social lives by facilitating the sharing of personal experiences and life events, often results in adverse psychological impacts. Our investigation reveals a paradoxical outcome: rather than fostering closer relationships and improving social lives, the algorithms and structures that underlie social media platforms inadvertently contribute to a profound psychological impact on individuals, influencing them in unforeseen ways. This phenomenon is particularly pronounced among teenagers, who are disproportionately affected by curated online personas, peer pressure to present a perfect digital image, and the …

Empowering Students Is “Perfectly Normal:" The Case For 𝘐𝘵'𝘴 𝘗𝘦𝘳𝘧𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘭𝘺 𝘕𝘰𝘳𝘮𝘢𝘭 In Middle Schools, Caroline H. Peabody

OUR Journal: ODU Undergraduate Research Journal

In September of 2023, a middle school teacher wrote an open letter to the Lexington County, Virginia school board expressing outrage over the “graphic sexual content” included in the county middle school’s library. Swiftly following the letter, the school board removed two books from the county’s Lylburn Middle School library without due process and avowed to reconsider the guidelines for including books in the library. One of the two books in question was It’s Perfectly Normal, a non-fiction illustrated book intended to educate readers ten and up on sex, intercourse, and puberty. It’s Perfectly Normal and should be available …

How The Lockdown Of Covid-19 Influenced The Neurocognitive And Psychosocial Development Of Preschoolers, Kay Picson

Nursing | Student Research Posters

The COVID-19 pandemic instilled a new normal across the world. Businesses turned to take out services and faced financial struggle. Hospitals enacted a visitor policy, limiting contact with patients, their families, and their friends. Schools closed their classrooms and moved to online learning from home, isolating children from their teachers, peers, and an optimal learning environment.

The literature review consists of six articles pertaining to the influence of the COVID-19 lockdown on preschoolers neurocognitive and psychosocial development. Specifically, the influence of the lockdown on preschooler mental health, executive function, and social skills. According to the research, the results were differential, …

Childhood Adversity's Impact On Criminal Behavior, Isobel Marie Avento

Theses and Dissertations

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), such as abuse, neglect, and family criminal history, have been identified as potential risk factors for negative physical, psychological, and behavioral health outcomes. Emerging literature suggests that ACEs are also among the primary factors leading to delinquency and adult criminal behavior. However, there is limited applied research that provides practitioners with appropriate insight to intervene when ACEs are identified among juvenile delinquents to reduce recidivism risk. This study adds to the existing literature by examining how cumulative ACEs shape criminal behavior of individuals from the onset until its desistance over the span of twenty years. Using …

Voices From The Classroom: A Qualitative Study Of Teachers' Perspectives On Student Depression, Naomi Brinton, Jacqlyn Zarabba, Linda Mcwhorter, Linda Knauss

Journal of Human Services: Training, Research, and Practice

Rising levels of depression among adolescents is an important issue to teachers and school administrators, as teenagers spend the majority of their time in the school environment. By analyzing individual interviews with 15 public high school teachers using a modified grounded theory approach, this qualitative study examines the role high school teachers might play in identifying and referring students who exhibit signs and symptoms of depression. Results provide guidance for high school teachers in connecting students with appropriate services and identifying common barriers and facilitating factors in this process. Specific recommendations are outlined to help aid schools in the identification …

Do Parents Know Best: The Impact Of Parental Sleep Knowledge And Related Factors On Sleep In Children With Neurodevelopmental Disorders, Rachel Nicole Chavez

Theses and Dissertations

Sleep problems are a common concern reported by parents of children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). The prevalence of sleep disorders in those with NDD have been reported as high as 86% compared to 25% of typically developing children (Horwood et al., 2019, Robin-Shelton, 2016). These sleep problems can have detrimental effects on cognition, development, behavior, emotion regulation, and physical health. Existing research demonstrates a significant relationship between a child’s sleep disturbances and their parents’ sleep quality and level of parenting stress. This study aimed to identify the gaps in parental sleep knowledge and examined how parent sleep quality and parental …