12 research outputs found
Adolescent Predictors of Emerging Adulthood Milestones in Youth with Spina Bifida*
ObjectiveâTo examine the predictive utility of demographic (illness status and SES), individual (neurocognitive functioning and intrinsic motivation), and family-based (parental intrusiveness) factors during adolescence on the achievement of emerging adulthood milestones in youth with and without spina bifida (SB).âMethodsâQuestionnaire and observational data were collected from 14/15-year-old adolescents with SB, typically developing peers, mothers, and teachers. Emerging adulthood milestones (i.e., leaving home, attending college, employment, romantic relationship experience, and number of friendships) were assessed at ages 18/19 years in the full sample and subset of youth who graduated from high school.âResultsâTypically, developing youth were more likely to achieve milestones compared to youth with SB in the full sample but not when only high school graduates were compared. Executive function, SES, intrinsic motivation, and parental intrusiveness emerged as significant predictors for particular milestones.âConclusionsâInterventions targeting executive function, intrinsic motivation, and parenting behavior may facilitate achievement of emerging adulthood milestones
Direct Observation of MotherâChild Communication in Pediatric Cancer: Assessment of Verbal and Non-verbal Behavior and Emotion
ObjectiveâTo examine the acceptability and feasibility of coding observed verbal and nonverbal behavioral and emotional components of motherâchild communication among families of children with cancer.âMethodsâMotherâchild dyads (Nâ=â33, children ages 5â17 years) were asked to engage in a videotaped 15-min conversation about the childâs cancer. Coding was done using the Iowa Family Interaction Rating Scale (IFIRS).âResultsâAcceptability and feasibility of direct observation in this population were partially supported: 58% consented and 81% of those (47% of all eligible dyads) completed the task; trained raters achieved 78% agreement in ratings across codes. The construct validity of the IFIRS was demonstrated by expected associations within and between positive and negative behavioral/emotional code ratings and between mothersâ and childrenâs corresponding code ratings.âConclusionsâDirect observation of motherâchild communication about childhood cancer has the potential to be an acceptable and feasible method of assessing verbal and nonverbal behavior and emotion in this population
Evidence-based Assessment of Adherence to Medical Treatments in Pediatric Psychology
Objectives Adherence to medical regimens for children and adolescents with chronic conditions is generally below 50% and is considered the single, greatest cause of treatment failure. As the prevalence of chronic illnesses in pediatric populations increases and awareness of the negative consequences of poor adherence become clearer, the need for reliable and valid measures of adherence has grown. Methods This review evaluated empirical evidence for 18 measures utilizing three assessment methods: (a) self-report or structured interviews, (b) daily diary methods, and (c) electronic monitors. Results Ten measures met the âwell-establishedâ evidence-based (EBA) criteria. Conclusions Several recommendations for improving adherence assessment were made. In particular, consideration should be given to the use of innovative technologies that provide a window into the âreal timeâ behaviors of patients and families. Providing written treatment plans, identifying barriers to good adherence, and examining racial and ethnic differences in attitudes, beliefs and behaviors affecting adherence were strongly recommended