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Measurement of Fronto-limbic Activity Using an Emotional Oddball Task in Children with Familial High Risk for Schizophrenia
Published on: December 2, 2015
Behavior problems and placement change in a national child welfare sample: a prospective study
Gregory A Aarons1, Sigrid James, Amy R Monn
1Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA. gaarons@ucsd.edu
Summary
Youth behavior problems significantly predict placement changes in the child welfare system. However, placement changes can also impact behavior problems, especially for females, highlighting the need for early screening.
Area of Science:
- Child Welfare Research
- Developmental Psychology
- Behavioral Science
Background:
- Ongoing debate exists regarding the causal relationship between youth behavior problems and placement changes in child welfare.
- Previous studies offer evidence supporting both directions of influence.
Purpose of the Study:
- To prospectively examine the reciprocal relationships between behavior problems and placement changes.
- To analyze these dynamics in a nationally representative sample of youths within the child welfare system.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a prospective cross-lag design and path analysis.
- Sample included 500 youths in out-of-home placements from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being.
- Tested overall models and specific effects of age and gender.
Main Results:
- Behavior problems at baseline predicted placement changes by 18 months.
- Older age and externalizing behaviors increased the risk of placement change.
- For females, placement changes predicted subsequent internalizing and externalizing behavior problems.
Conclusions:
- Initial and ongoing screening for internalizing and externalizing behavior problems is recommended.
- Screening should be standard practice for youths entering or transitioning within the child welfare system.
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