Prediction Along a Developmental Perspective in Psychiatry: How Far Might We Go?

Most mental disorders originate in childhood, and once symptoms present, a variety of psychosocial and cognitive maladjustments may arise. Although early childhood problems are generally associated with later mental health impairments and psychopathology, pluripotent transdiagnostic trajectories may manifest. Possible predictors range from behavioral and neurobiological mechanisms, genetic predispositions, environmental and social factors, and psychopathological comorbidity. They may manifest in altered neurodevelopmental trajectories and need to be validated capitalizing on large-scale multi-modal epidemiological longitudinal cohorts. Moreover, clinical and etiological variability between patients with the same disorders represents a major obstacle to develop effective treatments. Hence, in order to achieve stratification of patient samples opening the avenue of adapting and optimizing treatment for the individual, there is a need to integrate data from multi-dimensionally phenotyped clinical cohorts and cross-validate them with epidemiological cohort data. In the present review, we discuss these aspects in the context of externalizing and internalizing disorders summarizing the current state of knowledge, obstacles, and pitfalls. Although a large number of studies have already increased our understanding on neuropsychobiological mechanisms of mental disorders, it became also clear that this knowledge might only be the tip of the Eisberg and that a large proportion still remains unknown. We discuss prediction strategies and how the integration of different factors and methods may provide useful contributions to research and at the same time may inform prevention and intervention.

Childhood externalizing, internalizing and comorbid problems: distinguishing young adults who think about suicide from those who attempt suicide

Background While childhood externalizing, internalizing and comorbid problems have been associated with suicidal risk, little is known about their specific associations with suicidal ideation and attempts. We examined associations between childhood externalizing, internalizing and comorbid problems and suicidal ideation (without attempts) and attempts by early adulthood, in males and females. Method Participants were from the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Kindergarten Children, a population-based study of kindergarteners in Quebec from 1986 to 1988 and followed-up until 2005. We captured the co-development of teacher-rated externalizing and internalizing problems at age 6–12 using multitrajectories. Using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule administered at age 15 and 22, we identified individuals (1) who never experienced suicidal ideation/attempts, (2) experienced suicidal ideation but never attempted suicide and (3) attempted suicide. Results The identified profiles were no/low problems (45%), externalizing (29%), internalizing (11%) and comorbid problems (13%). After adjusting for socioeconomic and familial characteristics, children with externalizing (OR 2.00, CI 1.39–2.88), internalizing (OR 2.34, CI 1.51–3.64) and comorbid (OR 3.29, CI 2.05–5.29) problems were at higher risk of attempting suicide (v. non-suicidal) by age 22 than those with low/no problems. Females with comorbid problems were at higher risk of attempting suicide than females with one problem. Childhood problems were not associated with suicidal ideation. Externalizing (OR 2.01, CI 1.29–3.12) and comorbid problems (OR 2.28, CI 1.29–4.03) distinguished individuals who attempted suicide from those who thought about suicide without attempting. Conclusion Childhood externalizing problems alone or combined with internalizing problems were associated with suicide attempts, but not ideation (without attempts), suggesting that these problems confer a specific risk for suicide attempts.

Problematika Pelafalan Huruf Hijaiyah pada Anak Usia Dini di Rhoudhotu Tarbiyatil Qur’an (RTQ) Al-Ghozali Tlogomas Malang

This research is motivated by the difficulties that are often experienced by early childhood in the learning process related to the pronunciation of hijaiyah letters, where childrens are less able to pronounce hijaiyah letters correctly. This research has a problem formulation related to the problems of hijaiyah pronunciation and the factors that cause problems with the pronunciation of hijaiyah letters in early childhood in Rhoudhotu Tarbiyatil Qur'an (RTQ) Al-Ghozali Tlogomas Malang. The purpose of this study was to describe the forms of hijaiyah pronunciation problems and the factors that influence the pronunciation of hijaiyah letters in early childhood. This research is a descriptive qualitative research. The data used are qualitative data on the pronunciation of hijaiyah letters in early childhood. The data source of this research is early childhood in RTQ Al-Ghozali Tlogomas Malang. The data collection techniques use the method of observation, interviews, literature study and documentation. The theoretical basis used is learning to read and write Al-Qur'an in early childhood, problems with the pronunciation of hijaiyah letters and the factors that affect the pronunciation of hijaiyah letters in early childhood. Based on the results of the research conducted, it was concluded that the problematic pronunciation of hijaiyah letters in early childhood that occurs is the change in phonemes from thick to thin; phoneme changes due to adjacent articulations; and less able to distinguish letters with similar characteristics. The factors that cause problems with the pronunciation of hijaiyah letters in early childhood are environmental and family factors, lack of interest in learning in early childhood, and individual child factors. The solution to the problem of pronouncing hijaiyah letters in early childhood needs special attention to children in practicing hijaiyah letters, especially the letters ع, خ, ح, ش, ز, ذ, ض, ثand ق. Keywords: pronunciation problems, hijaiyah letters, early childhood Abstrak: Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi oleh kesulitan yang sering dialami anak usia dini dalam proses pembelajaran terkait pelafalan huruf hijaiyah, dimana anak kurang dapat melafalkan huruf-huruf hijaiyah dengan benar dan tepat. Penelitian ini memiliki rumusan masalah terkait problematika pelafalan huruf hijaiyah dan faktor yang menyebabkan problematika pelafalan huruf hijaiyah pada anak usia dini di di Rhoudhotu Tarbiyatil Qur’an (RTQ) Al-Ghozali Tlogomas Malang. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan bentuk-bentuk problematika pelafalan huruf hijaiyah dan faktor yang mempengaruhi pelafalan huruf hijaiyah pada anak usia dini. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif bersifat deskriptif. Adapun data yang digunakan adalah data kualitatif pelafalan huruf hijaiyah pada anak usia dini. Sumber data penelitian ini adalah anak usia dini di RTQ Al-Ghozali Tlogomas Malang. Adapun teknik pengumpulan datanya menggunakan metode observasi, wawancara, studi pustaka dan dokumentasi. Landasan teori yang digunakan adalah pembelajaran baca tulis Al-Qur’an pada anak usia dini, problematika pelafalan huruf hijaiyah dan faktor yang mempengaruhi pelafalan huruf hijaiyah pada anak usia dini. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian yang dilakukan diperoleh kesimpulan bahwa problematika pelafalan huruf hijaiyah pada anak usia dini yang terjadi adalah perubahan fonem dari tebal menjadi tipis; perubahan fonem karena artikulasi berdekatan; dan kurang dapat membedakan huruf yang karakteristiknya mirip. Adapun faktor penyebab problematika pelafalan huruf hijaiyah pada anak usia dini adalah faktor lingkungan keluarga, kurangnya minat belajar pada anak usia dini, dan faktor individu anak. Adapun solusi dari problematika pelafalan huruf hijaiyah pada anak usia dini adalah perlu adanya perhatian khusus pada anak dalam berlatih melafalkan huruf hijaiyah, yaitu huruf ع, خ, ح, ش, ز, ذ, ض, ثdan ق Kata kunci: problematika pelafalan, huruf hijaiyah, anak usia dini

Children’s Narratives of Family Life in Ghana: A Cultural Lens via Story Stems

A Western worldview pervades the social and psychological study of children. The current study employed a story-stem method to qualitatively explore the daily and family life experiences of young Ghanaian primary school children in urban Ghana through their story narratives. The recorded narratives of 69 5- to 8-year-old children were elicited through presenting stems of common child-caregiver scenarios and thematically analysed. Five overarching themes were identified: daily routines and concerns, child-caregiver interactions, spirituality, death-related fears and depictions, and responses to injury. The narrative themes reveal the likely mental and physical occupations of these children, as characterized by household chores, financial concerns and school concerns, as well as underlying cultural values through their portrayals of parenting values, parental discipline and spiritual beliefs. Story stems depicting common childhood problems (e.g. knee injury) sometimes evoked death and hospitalization subthemes following an escalation of health problems. Possible interpretations for these findings are discussed, taking into account cultural, developmental and emotional factors. Story stems are a promising and developmentally appropriate tool for qualitative analysts to investigate the experiences and worldview of young children in non-Western cultures.

SCOPE OF PANCHAKARMA IN NEURO-DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS

Pediatric neurology has emerged as an important and flourishing super specialty of pediatrics. Burden of neurological disorders in childhood age group is enormous. About a quarter of chronic childhood problems are neurological in origin. Indian subcontinent faces a great burden of neuro-developmental disorders due to dual challenge of genetic and acquired disease burden posed by nutritional, infectious, toxic, and trau-matic insults. With a pediatric population that constitutes nearly 40% of 1200 million people in India, prev-alence of neurological disorder in community is estimated as 27.5 per 1000 population in age group 6 months- 2 years. Pursuit for healthy offspring has been mentioned as one of the feats of human life. Not only being childless has been a criticism since ancient times but having a child with congenital or develop-mental deformities is also a curse. Ayurveda focuses on preventive measures for healthy progeny. Pan-chakarma helps in improving the quality of progeny. It not only improves the quality of life of child suf-fering from neurodevelopment disorders, but also relieves the physical, mental, and social stress of the cus-todian. This paper aims at highlighting the vast scope of therapeutic efficacies of Panchakarma in pediat-ric neurology.

Offspring outcomes when a parent experiences one or more major psychiatric disorder(s): a clinical review

We sought evidence on quantifiable offspring outcomes, including problems, needs and strengths, associated with their experience of major parental psychiatric disorder(s), focusing on schizophrenia, affective illnesses and personality disorder(s). We were motivated by the absence of any systematic exploration of the needs of offspring of parents in secure hospitals. Seven electronic databases were searched to identify systematic reviews of studies quantifying offspring outcomes when a parent, or parent surrogate, has major psychiatric disorder(s). Our search (updated in February 2018) identified seven high-quality reviews, which incorporated 291 unique papers, published in 1974–2017. The weight of evidence is of increased risk of poor offspring outcomes, including psychiatric disorder and/or behavioural, emotional, cognitive or social difficulties. No review explored child strengths. Potential moderators and mediators examined included aspects of parental disorder (eg, severity), parent and child gender and age, parenting behaviours, and family functioning. This clinical review is the first review of systematic reviews to focus on quantifiable offspring problems, needs or strengths when a parent has major psychiatric disorder(s). It narratively synthesises findings, emphasising the increased risk of offspring problems, while highlighting limits to what is known, especially the extent to which any increased risk of childhood problems endures and the extent to which aspects of parental disorder moderate offspring outcomes. The absence of the reviews’ consideration of child strengths and protective factors limits opportunity to enhance offspring resilience.

From research: hidden aggressive behaviours of children at pre-school age

The hidden aggression of children at early and preschool age is linked to early childhood problems. Peer-group rejection is associated with a broad range of social and psychological problems related to child development such as difficulties in development of mutual social ties. The study analyses the utterances and responses of pre-school children connected with hidden aggressive behaviour they met in an inclusive kindergarten classes. The results of the research show that beginning of aggressive behaviour is observed in the early childhood groups (latent form of aggression), and later it metamorphoses into direct verbal or physical aggression.

Projektowanie przestrzeni dla dzieci w kontekście wychowania w naturze

This article deals with the issue of using natural materials and obtaining inspiration from nature in landscape architecture in the context of upbringing and needs of early childhood. Problems associated with the current trends in the design of playgrounds and proposals for changes in this area are discussed. The observations and conclusions are based on the experience gained during a stay in one of the German Forest Kindergartens Waldkinder Regensburg (Bavaria, Germany). Using an example of an alternative model of education based on children’s participation, the needs and preferences of the youngest are discussed, which can be used as guidelines for landscape architects in the design process.

The quality of childhood: problems and approaches to resolving them

Childhood problems need to be studied to timely identify and resolve them at an early stage, with the interaction of both the state and society. The author gives a general description of the main approaches to assessing the quality of childhood. The author considers the world experience of comparative analysis of child well-being, which is reflected in the concept of social exclusion suggested by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF); it is based on parameters similar to the Child Well-being Index developed in 2004 by the United States Child Development Fund. We also examine the approach proposed by the World Health Organization to the specifics of the population’s quality of life. The essence of this approach relates to the individual’s perception of position in life in the context of the cultural environment and the value system in which this individual lives, considering his/her goals, expectations, standards, and views. The article mentions both the strengths and weaknesses of these approaches in the context of protecting the interests and rights of minors. It is noted that due to the lack of common criteria for understanding the well-being and quality of life of children, there is a variability in the proposed definitions, within which researchers mainly focus on two approaches: the first uses the category of «well-being», the second - the category of «quality». In public discourse, the category of «well-being» is mainly applied to families of certain type or to deviant behavior of adolescents. At the same time, terminological blurring and evaluative character are observed, which translate the discussion into a moral and ethical plane. The author sees the reason for this shift in the absence of legal definition for the «well-being of childhood.» The quality of life, and childhood in particular, can be determined through integrated approach that combines an objective assessment based on official data and a subjective one that reflects the opinion of the people themselves. Taking into account the existing practical experience in the protection of the rights and freedoms of minors, the author proposes her own multidimensional model of “Quality of childhood”. It is a system for structural assessment of state policy in the sphere of childhood to create conditions for the realization of rights and legitimate interests of minors in the Russian Federation, which also considers objective and subjective indicators in this sphere.

Does puberty affect the development of behavior problems as a mediator, moderator, or unique predictor?

Pubertal timing matters for psychological development. Early maturation in girls is linked to risk for depression and externalizing problems in adolescence and possibly adulthood, and early and late maturation in boys are linked to depression. It is unclear whether pubertal timing uniquely predicts problems; it might instead mediate the continuity of behavior problems from childhood to adolescence or create psychological risk specifically in youth with existing problems, thus moderating the link. We investigated these issues in 534 girls and 550 boys, measuring pubertal timing by a logistic model fit to annual self-report measures of development and, in girls, age at menarche. Prepuberty internalizing and externalizing behavior problems were reported by parents. Adolescent behavior problems were reported by parents and youth. As expected, behavior problems were moderately stable. Pubertal timing was not predicted by childhood problems, so it did not mediate the continuity of behavior problems from childhood to adolescence. Pubertal timing did not moderate links between early and later problems for girls. For boys, early maturation accentuated the link between childhood problems and adolescent substance use. Overall, the replicated links between puberty and behavior problems appear to reflect the unique effects of puberty and child behavior problems on the development of adolescent behavior problems.