Conflicting findings exist regarding (1) whether anxiety sensitivity (AS) is a construct distinct... more Conflicting findings exist regarding (1) whether anxiety sensitivity (AS) is a construct distinct from anxiety in children and (2) the specific nature of the role of AS in child anxiety. This study uses meta-analytic techniques to (1) determine whether youth (ages 6–18 years) have been reported to experience AS, (2) examine whether AS differentiates anxiety disordered youth from youth without diagnoses, and (3) ascertain whether AS distinguishes youth with panic disorder from those with other anxiety disorders. The weighted mean effect size analyses included 15 studies and 6,579 participants. Results suggested positive correlational relationships between AS and anxiety for children (r = 0.26) and adolescents (r = 0.36) and higher levels of AS for anxiety disordered youth than non-clinical youth (d = 0.64). Findings tentatively suggested higher levels of AS for youth with panic disorder than youth diagnosed with other anxiety disorders. Implications and future directions in the research of child AS are discussed.
Previous research has consistently supported a link between child and parental anxiety. Less well... more Previous research has consistently supported a link between child and parental anxiety. Less well understood, however, are mediators of this association. Recent work has suggested the importance of parental cognitions in understanding the relationship between parental and child anxiety. The present investigation, employing a cross-sectional design, evaluates the potential mediational role of a specific parental cognitive variable, namely parental beliefs about the child’s anxiety, in the relationship between parental and child anxiety. Among a sample of clinic-referred youth (n = 103) with a variety of clinical presentations, parental beliefs about the harmfulness of the child’s anxiety significantly mediated the relationship between parent and child anxiety. This finding provides preliminary support for the role of parental beliefs about child anxiety in mediating the link between parent and child anxiety.
This review critically evaluates self-control skills interventions in the treatment of childhood ... more This review critically evaluates self-control skills interventions in the treatment of childhood anxiety and depression, outlining conditions under which these interventions are successful and the specific role of parents. Findings indicated that self-control skills interventions are successful with both children and adolescents, in the context of other cognitive behavioral techniques and as the primary treatment component, and with and without parental involvement. However, despite consistent evidence of success in both pre-post and waitlist control designs, self-control skills treatments have not demonstrated superior efficacy when compared to other active treatments. Continued application and evaluation of these interventions amongst children and adolescents are recommended.Cette revue évalue de manière critique les savoir-faire des interventions d'autocontrôle dans le traitement de l'anxiété et de la dépression enfantine, en soulignant les conditions dans lesquelles ces interventions sont couronnées de succès ainsi que le rôle spécifique des parents. Les constatations ont montré que les savoir-faire des interventions d'autocontrôle marchent avec les enfants et les adolescents, dans le contexte d'autres techniques cognitives comportementales et comme composante primaire du traitement, que ce soit avec ou sans engagement parental. Cependant, malgré l’évidence robuste du succès à la fois dans des études pré-post et des études contrôlées avec liste d'attente, les savoir-faire des interventions d'autocontrôle n'ont pas démontré une efficacité supérieure lorsque qu'ils ont été comparés avec d'autres traitements actifs. Poursuivre l'application et l’évaluation de ces interventions pour les enfants et les adolescents sont recommandées.Dieses Review setzt sich kritisch mit der Evaluation von Selbstkontroll-Interventionen bei der Behandlung von Angststörungen und Depression im Kindesalter auseinander. Ein besonderer Schwerpunkt wird einerseits auf die Bedingungen gelegt unter denen solche Interventionen erfolgreich sind und andererseits auf die spezifische Rolle der Eltern. Die Befundlage impliziert die Wirksamkeit von Selbstkontroll-Interventionen bei Kindern und Erwachsenen, im Kontext anderer kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutischer Techniken, als Basiselement der Behandlung, mit und ohne Einbezug der Eltern. Obwohl die Wirksamkeit von Selbstkontrolltrainings in Prä-Post- und Wartelistendesigns bestätigt werden konnte, fehlt es an Befunden zur Überlegenheit gegenüber anderen aktiven Behandlungsmaßnahmen. Die weitere Anwendung und Evaluation dieser Interventionen bei Kindern und Erwachsenen wird empfohlen.Questa rassegna valuta criticamente gli interventi sulle abilità di self-control nei trattamenti per l'ansia e la depressione durante l'infanzia, sottolineando le condizioni sotto le quali questi interventi ottengono buoni risultati ed identificando anche il ruolo specifico dei genitori. I risultati indicano come gli interventi sulle abilità di self-control siano efficaci sia per bambini che adolescenti nel contesto delle tecniche cognitico-comportamentali sia come componente primaria per il trattamento e con o senza coinvolgimento dei genitori. Tuttavia sebbene consistenti aspetti di efficacia sia nei disegni sperimentali pre-post trattamento che con campione di controllo senza trattamento, i trattamenti sulle abilità di self-control non hanno mostrato risultati di efficacia superiore se confrontati con altri trattamenti attivi. L'applicazione e la valutazione di tali trattamenti sia in bambini che adolescenti viene pertanto raccomandata.Esta revisão avalia criticamente a intervenção de competências de auto-controlo no tratamento de ansiedade e depressão infantil, salientando condições nas quais estas intervenções são bem-sucedidas e contam com o papel especifico dos pais. Os resultados indicaram que intervenções nas competências de auto-controlo são bem sucedidas com crianças e adolescentes, em contexto com outras técnicas cognitivo-comportamentais, como componente primário do tratamento, e com ou sem envolvimento parental. No entanto, apesar da evidência ser consistente no sucesso de pré-post e procedimentos de controlo, o tratamento das competências de auto-controlo ainda não demonstraram eficácia superior quando comparadas com outros tratamentos ativos. A aplicação continuada e avaliação deste tipo de intervençãoo entre crianças e adolescentes é recomendada.
This study assessed the predictive relationship between catastrophizing and depressive symptoms, ... more This study assessed the predictive relationship between catastrophizing and depressive symptoms, when controlling for anxiety, amongst 231 third-, fifth-, and seventh-grade children. Hopelessness theory of depression posits that the diathesis of consistently generating catastrophic inferences to the consequences of a negative event can lead to hopelessness depression. Catastrophizing is often observed in anxiety, yet no prior study has controlled for anxiety when studying this cognitive risk factor for depression in the context of hopelessness theory. Results replicated previous findings amongst youth aged 7–13, such that a significant relationship was observed between depressive symptoms and catastrophizing; this relationship remained significant in the full sample after controlling for anxiety. However, the relationship between catastrophizing and depression differed by grade such that, after controlling for anxiety, catastrophizing was predictive of depressive symptoms amongst third-grade but not fifth- or seventh-grade children. The inclusion of the anxiety construct in hopelessness theory may enhance current conceptualizations of the changing nature of depression across development.
Journal of The American Dietetic Association, 2009
Social Marketing Theory is a comprehensive approach of program development encompassing the needs... more Social Marketing Theory is a comprehensive approach of program development encompassing the needs and preferences of the intended audience. It was hypothesized a Social Marketing Theory−based, registered dietitian–led, in-home, cardiovascular disease−targeted diet-education program would improve the dietary status of community-residing older women. Using a randomized control group design, this 90-day program in two North Carolina counties included 58 women (30 control; 28 intervention) ages 54 to 83 years. Data were collected using the Mini Nutritional Assessment, three 3-day food records, and program evaluations. The intervention group received two individual registered dietitian–led in-home education sessions and the control group received education material mailings (Visits 2 and 3). Pretested education materials were used. Visits/mailings were scheduled 28 to 30 days apart. Variables measured included cardiovascular disease−related dietary practices and dietary status (Mini Nutritional Assessment). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired sample t tests, multivariant analyses, and independent t tests. Intervention and control Mini Nutritional Assessment scores improved (P=0.0001). Intervention subjects consumed more fiber than control (P=0.013) and reduced sodium intake (P=0.02). Controls reduced energy (P=0.01) and cholesterol intakes (P=0.029), likely because of the decreased food intake. The majority (n=51, 87.9%) rated the program as good to excellent and almost all (n=55, 94.8%) would recommend the program to a friend. The most popular features of the program were the individualized sessions (n=20, 34.5%) and diet analyses (n=11, 19%). These results suggest that cardiovascular disease diet-education materials utilizing Social Marketing Theory principles can lead to improved dietary status among community-residing older women.
Nutrition education programs for elder caregivers (CG) and their elder care recipients (CR) are i... more Nutrition education programs for elder caregivers (CG) and their elder care recipients (CR) are important in preventing malnutrition. Using Social Marketing Theory, this study assessed the needs and preferences for nutrition education in elder CGs and their CRs in Guilford County, NC. Thirty-two pairs of community-residing elder CGs/CRs and three focus groups (FGs) participated. Health and diet questionnaires were administered to all CGs/CRs during in-home interviews. CGs/CRs and FGs evaluated nutrition education materials. Questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS v9. Ethnograph v5.0 was used to code the interviews regarding the education materials. The CGs were middle age (58.9 years), overweight (BMI = 28.8) Caucasian women. The CRs were old (79.4 years), overweight (BMI = 26.0) Caucasian women. Identified malnutrition risk factors of CGs and CRs included inadequate fluid and dietary intake, polypharmacy, and chronic disease. Identified nutrition needs and education preferences of CGs/CRs were similar. Perceived nutrition education preferences of the FGs did not reflect the interests of the CGs/CRs. This information is being used to revise the education materials and develop an in-home nutrition education program for CGs and CRs in Guilford County, NC.
Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 2012
Self-regulatory skills models are important explanatory constructs for many societal applications... more Self-regulatory skills models are important explanatory constructs for many societal applications. However, little research exists on the relative influence of different self-regulatory skills models for specific applications, with all relevant constructs considered simultaneously. This study evaluated the contributions of the selfregulatory models of learned resourcefulness and selfmanagement to the outcome variable of affective symptomatology. Specifically, structural equation modeling was used to test whether learned resourcefulness accounts for additional variance in affective symptomatology when taking self-management into consideration. Results indicated that both learned resourcefulness and self-management accounted for a large proportion of variance in affective symptomatology, and the model in which the path between learned resourcefulness and affective symptomatology was constrained to zero provided the best fit of the data, tentatively suggesting that learned resourcefulness did not seem to add much value in terms of predicting affective symptomatology when in the presence of self-management. Implications for self-regulatory skills theory and models are discussed.
Conflicting findings exist regarding (1) whether anxiety sensitivity (AS) is a construct distinct... more Conflicting findings exist regarding (1) whether anxiety sensitivity (AS) is a construct distinct from anxiety in children and (2) the specific nature of the role of AS in child anxiety. This study uses meta-analytic techniques to (1) determine whether youth (ages 6-18 years) have been reported to experience AS, (2) examine whether AS differentiates anxiety disordered youth from youth without diagnoses, and (3) ascertain whether AS distinguishes youth with panic disorder from those with other anxiety disorders. The weighted mean effect size analyses included 15 studies and 6,579 participants. Results suggested positive correlational relationships between AS and anxiety for children (r=0.26) and adolescents (r=0.36) and higher levels of AS for anxiety disordered youth than non-clinical youth (d=0.64). Findings tentatively suggested higher levels of AS for youth with panic disorder than youth diagnosed with other anxiety disorders. Implications and future directions in the research of child AS are discussed.
Extensive research has linked youth depression symptoms to low levels of perceived control, using... more Extensive research has linked youth depression symptoms to low levels of perceived control, using measures that reflect primary control (i.e., influencing objective conditions to make them fit one's wishes). We hypothesized that depressive symptoms are also linked to low levels of secondary control (i.e., influencing the psychological impact of objective conditions by adjusting oneself to fit them). To test the hypothesis, we developed the Secondary Control Scale for Children (SCSC), examined its psychometrics, and used it to assess the secondary controldepression symptomatology association. In a large adolescent sample, the SCSC showed factorial integrity, internal consistency, test-retest stability, convergent and discriminant validity, and accounted for more than 40% of the variance in depression symptoms. Consistent with evidence on risk and gender, depression symptoms were more strongly associated with secondary control in girls and primary control in boys. Assessing secondary control may help us understand youth depression vulnerability in girls and boys.
Childhood parentification has been associated with both positive and negative psychosocial outcom... more Childhood parentification has been associated with both positive and negative psychosocial outcomes. While divergent effects of parentification have been documented, few studies have attempted to identify variables that may impact the relationship between parentification and later adjustment. In the present study, internal locus of control, a variable associated with positive adjustment, was hypothesized as a potential moderating variable in the relationship between parentification and outcome. Using an undergraduate sample, internal locus of control was found to significantly moderate the relationship between childhood parentification and current ratings of depression and happiness. Theoretical rationales for the findings are discussed.
This study assessed the predictive relationship between catastrophizing and depressive symptoms, ... more This study assessed the predictive relationship between catastrophizing and depressive symptoms, when controlling for anxiety, amongst 231 third-, fifth-, and seventh-grade children. Hopelessness theory of depression posits that the diathesis of consistently generating catastrophic inferences to the consequences of a negative event can lead to hopelessness depression. Catastrophizing is often observed in anxiety, yet no prior study has controlled for anxiety when studying this cognitive risk factor for depression in the context of hopelessness theory. Results replicated previous findings amongst youth aged 7-13, such that a significant relationship was observed between depressive symptoms and catastrophizing; this relationship remained significant in the full sample after controlling for anxiety. However, the relationship between catastrophizing and depression differed by grade such that, after controlling for anxiety, catastrophizing was predictive of depressive symptoms amongst third-grade but not fifth-or seventhgrade children. The inclusion of the anxiety construct in hopelessness theory may enhance current conceptualizations of the changing nature of depression across development.
This study aimed to improve dietary compliance, attitudes, morale, and self-efficacy for 58 commu... more This study aimed to improve dietary compliance, attitudes, morale, and self-efficacy for 58 community-residing women ages 54-83 years regarding heart healthy dietary practices using a randomized control group design in two North Carolina counties. Questionnaires administered prior to Visits 1 (Baseline) and 4 (Day 90) and three 3-day food records were completed within 1 week of Visit 1 and 28-30 days thereafter. Treatment included two individual counseling sessions using pre-tested materials: Controls received corresponding mailings. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, analysis of covariance, correlations, and paired sample t-tests. Collective (total group) and control morale improved (p ≤ 0.01). The efficacy construct "ability to choose healthy foods" improved collectively (p < 0.0001). Compliance correlated (p ≤ 0.05) with the ability to follow special dietary regimens collectively and by group. Treatment Compliance correlated (p ≤ 0.03) with the ability to choose healthy foods and morale. No significant between group differences were noted. Tailored nutrition programs empowered older women regarding their nutritional health improve morale and self-efficacy. In-home or mailed education materials with follow-up may be equally effective with similar older women in other locations.
Conflicting findings exist regarding (1) whether anxiety sensitivity (AS) is a construct distinct... more Conflicting findings exist regarding (1) whether anxiety sensitivity (AS) is a construct distinct from anxiety in children and (2) the specific nature of the role of AS in child anxiety. This study uses meta-analytic techniques to (1) determine whether youth (ages 6–18 years) have been reported to experience AS, (2) examine whether AS differentiates anxiety disordered youth from youth without diagnoses, and (3) ascertain whether AS distinguishes youth with panic disorder from those with other anxiety disorders. The weighted mean effect size analyses included 15 studies and 6,579 participants. Results suggested positive correlational relationships between AS and anxiety for children (r = 0.26) and adolescents (r = 0.36) and higher levels of AS for anxiety disordered youth than non-clinical youth (d = 0.64). Findings tentatively suggested higher levels of AS for youth with panic disorder than youth diagnosed with other anxiety disorders. Implications and future directions in the research of child AS are discussed.
Previous research has consistently supported a link between child and parental anxiety. Less well... more Previous research has consistently supported a link between child and parental anxiety. Less well understood, however, are mediators of this association. Recent work has suggested the importance of parental cognitions in understanding the relationship between parental and child anxiety. The present investigation, employing a cross-sectional design, evaluates the potential mediational role of a specific parental cognitive variable, namely parental beliefs about the child’s anxiety, in the relationship between parental and child anxiety. Among a sample of clinic-referred youth (n = 103) with a variety of clinical presentations, parental beliefs about the harmfulness of the child’s anxiety significantly mediated the relationship between parent and child anxiety. This finding provides preliminary support for the role of parental beliefs about child anxiety in mediating the link between parent and child anxiety.
This review critically evaluates self-control skills interventions in the treatment of childhood ... more This review critically evaluates self-control skills interventions in the treatment of childhood anxiety and depression, outlining conditions under which these interventions are successful and the specific role of parents. Findings indicated that self-control skills interventions are successful with both children and adolescents, in the context of other cognitive behavioral techniques and as the primary treatment component, and with and without parental involvement. However, despite consistent evidence of success in both pre-post and waitlist control designs, self-control skills treatments have not demonstrated superior efficacy when compared to other active treatments. Continued application and evaluation of these interventions amongst children and adolescents are recommended.Cette revue évalue de manière critique les savoir-faire des interventions d'autocontrôle dans le traitement de l'anxiété et de la dépression enfantine, en soulignant les conditions dans lesquelles ces interventions sont couronnées de succès ainsi que le rôle spécifique des parents. Les constatations ont montré que les savoir-faire des interventions d'autocontrôle marchent avec les enfants et les adolescents, dans le contexte d'autres techniques cognitives comportementales et comme composante primaire du traitement, que ce soit avec ou sans engagement parental. Cependant, malgré l’évidence robuste du succès à la fois dans des études pré-post et des études contrôlées avec liste d'attente, les savoir-faire des interventions d'autocontrôle n'ont pas démontré une efficacité supérieure lorsque qu'ils ont été comparés avec d'autres traitements actifs. Poursuivre l'application et l’évaluation de ces interventions pour les enfants et les adolescents sont recommandées.Dieses Review setzt sich kritisch mit der Evaluation von Selbstkontroll-Interventionen bei der Behandlung von Angststörungen und Depression im Kindesalter auseinander. Ein besonderer Schwerpunkt wird einerseits auf die Bedingungen gelegt unter denen solche Interventionen erfolgreich sind und andererseits auf die spezifische Rolle der Eltern. Die Befundlage impliziert die Wirksamkeit von Selbstkontroll-Interventionen bei Kindern und Erwachsenen, im Kontext anderer kognitiv-verhaltenstherapeutischer Techniken, als Basiselement der Behandlung, mit und ohne Einbezug der Eltern. Obwohl die Wirksamkeit von Selbstkontrolltrainings in Prä-Post- und Wartelistendesigns bestätigt werden konnte, fehlt es an Befunden zur Überlegenheit gegenüber anderen aktiven Behandlungsmaßnahmen. Die weitere Anwendung und Evaluation dieser Interventionen bei Kindern und Erwachsenen wird empfohlen.Questa rassegna valuta criticamente gli interventi sulle abilità di self-control nei trattamenti per l'ansia e la depressione durante l'infanzia, sottolineando le condizioni sotto le quali questi interventi ottengono buoni risultati ed identificando anche il ruolo specifico dei genitori. I risultati indicano come gli interventi sulle abilità di self-control siano efficaci sia per bambini che adolescenti nel contesto delle tecniche cognitico-comportamentali sia come componente primaria per il trattamento e con o senza coinvolgimento dei genitori. Tuttavia sebbene consistenti aspetti di efficacia sia nei disegni sperimentali pre-post trattamento che con campione di controllo senza trattamento, i trattamenti sulle abilità di self-control non hanno mostrato risultati di efficacia superiore se confrontati con altri trattamenti attivi. L'applicazione e la valutazione di tali trattamenti sia in bambini che adolescenti viene pertanto raccomandata.Esta revisão avalia criticamente a intervenção de competências de auto-controlo no tratamento de ansiedade e depressão infantil, salientando condições nas quais estas intervenções são bem-sucedidas e contam com o papel especifico dos pais. Os resultados indicaram que intervenções nas competências de auto-controlo são bem sucedidas com crianças e adolescentes, em contexto com outras técnicas cognitivo-comportamentais, como componente primário do tratamento, e com ou sem envolvimento parental. No entanto, apesar da evidência ser consistente no sucesso de pré-post e procedimentos de controlo, o tratamento das competências de auto-controlo ainda não demonstraram eficácia superior quando comparadas com outros tratamentos ativos. A aplicação continuada e avaliação deste tipo de intervençãoo entre crianças e adolescentes é recomendada.
This study assessed the predictive relationship between catastrophizing and depressive symptoms, ... more This study assessed the predictive relationship between catastrophizing and depressive symptoms, when controlling for anxiety, amongst 231 third-, fifth-, and seventh-grade children. Hopelessness theory of depression posits that the diathesis of consistently generating catastrophic inferences to the consequences of a negative event can lead to hopelessness depression. Catastrophizing is often observed in anxiety, yet no prior study has controlled for anxiety when studying this cognitive risk factor for depression in the context of hopelessness theory. Results replicated previous findings amongst youth aged 7–13, such that a significant relationship was observed between depressive symptoms and catastrophizing; this relationship remained significant in the full sample after controlling for anxiety. However, the relationship between catastrophizing and depression differed by grade such that, after controlling for anxiety, catastrophizing was predictive of depressive symptoms amongst third-grade but not fifth- or seventh-grade children. The inclusion of the anxiety construct in hopelessness theory may enhance current conceptualizations of the changing nature of depression across development.
Journal of The American Dietetic Association, 2009
Social Marketing Theory is a comprehensive approach of program development encompassing the needs... more Social Marketing Theory is a comprehensive approach of program development encompassing the needs and preferences of the intended audience. It was hypothesized a Social Marketing Theory−based, registered dietitian–led, in-home, cardiovascular disease−targeted diet-education program would improve the dietary status of community-residing older women. Using a randomized control group design, this 90-day program in two North Carolina counties included 58 women (30 control; 28 intervention) ages 54 to 83 years. Data were collected using the Mini Nutritional Assessment, three 3-day food records, and program evaluations. The intervention group received two individual registered dietitian–led in-home education sessions and the control group received education material mailings (Visits 2 and 3). Pretested education materials were used. Visits/mailings were scheduled 28 to 30 days apart. Variables measured included cardiovascular disease−related dietary practices and dietary status (Mini Nutritional Assessment). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, paired sample t tests, multivariant analyses, and independent t tests. Intervention and control Mini Nutritional Assessment scores improved (P=0.0001). Intervention subjects consumed more fiber than control (P=0.013) and reduced sodium intake (P=0.02). Controls reduced energy (P=0.01) and cholesterol intakes (P=0.029), likely because of the decreased food intake. The majority (n=51, 87.9%) rated the program as good to excellent and almost all (n=55, 94.8%) would recommend the program to a friend. The most popular features of the program were the individualized sessions (n=20, 34.5%) and diet analyses (n=11, 19%). These results suggest that cardiovascular disease diet-education materials utilizing Social Marketing Theory principles can lead to improved dietary status among community-residing older women.
Nutrition education programs for elder caregivers (CG) and their elder care recipients (CR) are i... more Nutrition education programs for elder caregivers (CG) and their elder care recipients (CR) are important in preventing malnutrition. Using Social Marketing Theory, this study assessed the needs and preferences for nutrition education in elder CGs and their CRs in Guilford County, NC. Thirty-two pairs of community-residing elder CGs/CRs and three focus groups (FGs) participated. Health and diet questionnaires were administered to all CGs/CRs during in-home interviews. CGs/CRs and FGs evaluated nutrition education materials. Questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS v9. Ethnograph v5.0 was used to code the interviews regarding the education materials. The CGs were middle age (58.9 years), overweight (BMI = 28.8) Caucasian women. The CRs were old (79.4 years), overweight (BMI = 26.0) Caucasian women. Identified malnutrition risk factors of CGs and CRs included inadequate fluid and dietary intake, polypharmacy, and chronic disease. Identified nutrition needs and education preferences of CGs/CRs were similar. Perceived nutrition education preferences of the FGs did not reflect the interests of the CGs/CRs. This information is being used to revise the education materials and develop an in-home nutrition education program for CGs and CRs in Guilford County, NC.
Journal of Psychopathology and Behavioral Assessment, 2012
Self-regulatory skills models are important explanatory constructs for many societal applications... more Self-regulatory skills models are important explanatory constructs for many societal applications. However, little research exists on the relative influence of different self-regulatory skills models for specific applications, with all relevant constructs considered simultaneously. This study evaluated the contributions of the selfregulatory models of learned resourcefulness and selfmanagement to the outcome variable of affective symptomatology. Specifically, structural equation modeling was used to test whether learned resourcefulness accounts for additional variance in affective symptomatology when taking self-management into consideration. Results indicated that both learned resourcefulness and self-management accounted for a large proportion of variance in affective symptomatology, and the model in which the path between learned resourcefulness and affective symptomatology was constrained to zero provided the best fit of the data, tentatively suggesting that learned resourcefulness did not seem to add much value in terms of predicting affective symptomatology when in the presence of self-management. Implications for self-regulatory skills theory and models are discussed.
Conflicting findings exist regarding (1) whether anxiety sensitivity (AS) is a construct distinct... more Conflicting findings exist regarding (1) whether anxiety sensitivity (AS) is a construct distinct from anxiety in children and (2) the specific nature of the role of AS in child anxiety. This study uses meta-analytic techniques to (1) determine whether youth (ages 6-18 years) have been reported to experience AS, (2) examine whether AS differentiates anxiety disordered youth from youth without diagnoses, and (3) ascertain whether AS distinguishes youth with panic disorder from those with other anxiety disorders. The weighted mean effect size analyses included 15 studies and 6,579 participants. Results suggested positive correlational relationships between AS and anxiety for children (r=0.26) and adolescents (r=0.36) and higher levels of AS for anxiety disordered youth than non-clinical youth (d=0.64). Findings tentatively suggested higher levels of AS for youth with panic disorder than youth diagnosed with other anxiety disorders. Implications and future directions in the research of child AS are discussed.
Extensive research has linked youth depression symptoms to low levels of perceived control, using... more Extensive research has linked youth depression symptoms to low levels of perceived control, using measures that reflect primary control (i.e., influencing objective conditions to make them fit one's wishes). We hypothesized that depressive symptoms are also linked to low levels of secondary control (i.e., influencing the psychological impact of objective conditions by adjusting oneself to fit them). To test the hypothesis, we developed the Secondary Control Scale for Children (SCSC), examined its psychometrics, and used it to assess the secondary controldepression symptomatology association. In a large adolescent sample, the SCSC showed factorial integrity, internal consistency, test-retest stability, convergent and discriminant validity, and accounted for more than 40% of the variance in depression symptoms. Consistent with evidence on risk and gender, depression symptoms were more strongly associated with secondary control in girls and primary control in boys. Assessing secondary control may help us understand youth depression vulnerability in girls and boys.
Childhood parentification has been associated with both positive and negative psychosocial outcom... more Childhood parentification has been associated with both positive and negative psychosocial outcomes. While divergent effects of parentification have been documented, few studies have attempted to identify variables that may impact the relationship between parentification and later adjustment. In the present study, internal locus of control, a variable associated with positive adjustment, was hypothesized as a potential moderating variable in the relationship between parentification and outcome. Using an undergraduate sample, internal locus of control was found to significantly moderate the relationship between childhood parentification and current ratings of depression and happiness. Theoretical rationales for the findings are discussed.
This study assessed the predictive relationship between catastrophizing and depressive symptoms, ... more This study assessed the predictive relationship between catastrophizing and depressive symptoms, when controlling for anxiety, amongst 231 third-, fifth-, and seventh-grade children. Hopelessness theory of depression posits that the diathesis of consistently generating catastrophic inferences to the consequences of a negative event can lead to hopelessness depression. Catastrophizing is often observed in anxiety, yet no prior study has controlled for anxiety when studying this cognitive risk factor for depression in the context of hopelessness theory. Results replicated previous findings amongst youth aged 7-13, such that a significant relationship was observed between depressive symptoms and catastrophizing; this relationship remained significant in the full sample after controlling for anxiety. However, the relationship between catastrophizing and depression differed by grade such that, after controlling for anxiety, catastrophizing was predictive of depressive symptoms amongst third-grade but not fifth-or seventhgrade children. The inclusion of the anxiety construct in hopelessness theory may enhance current conceptualizations of the changing nature of depression across development.
This study aimed to improve dietary compliance, attitudes, morale, and self-efficacy for 58 commu... more This study aimed to improve dietary compliance, attitudes, morale, and self-efficacy for 58 community-residing women ages 54-83 years regarding heart healthy dietary practices using a randomized control group design in two North Carolina counties. Questionnaires administered prior to Visits 1 (Baseline) and 4 (Day 90) and three 3-day food records were completed within 1 week of Visit 1 and 28-30 days thereafter. Treatment included two individual counseling sessions using pre-tested materials: Controls received corresponding mailings. Data analyses included descriptive statistics, analysis of covariance, correlations, and paired sample t-tests. Collective (total group) and control morale improved (p ≤ 0.01). The efficacy construct "ability to choose healthy foods" improved collectively (p < 0.0001). Compliance correlated (p ≤ 0.05) with the ability to follow special dietary regimens collectively and by group. Treatment Compliance correlated (p ≤ 0.03) with the ability to choose healthy foods and morale. No significant between group differences were noted. Tailored nutrition programs empowered older women regarding their nutritional health improve morale and self-efficacy. In-home or mailed education materials with follow-up may be equally effective with similar older women in other locations.
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Papers by Sarah Francis