Thesis (M.S.)--Rowan University, 2006. / Typescript. Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis--Wisconsin. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 43-49).

Thesis, PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2006. / Includes bibliographical references.

Thesis, PlanB (M.S.)--University of Wisconsin--Stout, 2005. / Includes bibliographical references.

This study examined the prevalence, spatial distribution, and correlates of problem behaviour amongst the Grades K-4 cohort in the most highly urbanised portion of the Capital Regional District, British Columbia. Data for the study were collected during the period October through December, 1997. The first stage of data collection involved the distribution of a survey package, consisting of a socio-demographic and medical history questionnaire and the Walker Problem Behaviour Identification Checklist, to the parents of 3121 children in the 15 participating schools. A total of 571 useful responses were obtained, yielding a useful response rate of 18.3%. In the second stage of data collection, hair samples were obtained from 258 children. Hair elemental analysis of the samples allowed for the determination of individual children’s exposures to several toxic metals as well as systemic and/or dietary levels of various nutritive elements. Results of the behavioural assessment revealed that 23.8% of the participating children received a score in the ‘problem behaviour’ range for the Total Walker scale, a measure of overall behavioural functioning. Rates of problem behaviour for the subscales varied considerably: Acting-Out (33.5%); Withdrawal (5.3%); Distractibility (12.4%); Disturbed Peer Relations (31.2%); Immaturity (26.4%). Substantial variations in rates of problem behaviour were revealed at the census tract level, with each scale exhibiting a concentration of problem behaviour in the central portion of the study area. The most pronounced clustering of problem behaviour was apparent for the Total and Withdrawal scales, while the Disturbed Peer Relations scale results exhibited the most dispersed pattern. Ecological correlation analyses revealed that measures of socio-economic disadvantage, high mobility, and family dysfunction were positively correlated with census tract rates of problem behaviour, while measures of social and economic advantage appeared to have a ‘protective’ effect. The degree to which the urban ecology of the study area was related to prevalence rates was dependent upon the nature of the behaviour being considered, with behaviours related to withdrawal and immaturity showing the least association with social factors. Contextual analyses suggested that, in some cases, the quality of the urban environment had an independent association with problem behaviour, beyond the effects of individual social status. Amongst the medical history-related factors considered, having a food allergy was a characteristic significantly more prevalent amongst children with problem behaviour on the Total and Distractibility scales, while children born following a ‘prolonged labour’ were more likely to receive a score above the problem behaviour threshold for the Immaturity scale. Social status and family characteristics appear to be of particular significance as potential ‘risk’ and ‘protective’ factors. Children with problem behaviours were more frequently exposed to variables describing economic disadvantage, stressful life circumstances, and disruptive events; and were more likely to live in a single parent, rented, and/or subsidised home than other children. The factors considered were of least importance for behaviour characterised by ‘acting-out’ and ‘immaturity.’ While seemingly of less significance than the other factors considered, nutritive mineral imbalances and toxic metal exposures may have an important influence on children’s behaviour. Calcium status appears to be of some consequence, with significant positive associations observed between 'low’ exposure to this mineral and problem behaviour of several types. Behaviour characterised by distractibility ’ may be the most affected by mineral status, with significant associations observed between problem behaviour of this type and 'low ’ calcium, 'high’ manganese, and 'high' cadmium. The results obtained suggest that at least one factor from each level of analysis was of significance as a potential 'risk’ or protective’ factor for each behavioural problem considered. As a result, a more holistic, multidisciplinary approach to the study of childhood behavioural problems seems justified. / Graduate

Dr. Wim Roestenburg

D.Litt. et Phil. / Please refer to full text to view abstract

M.A. (Counselling Psychology) / Gray proposed two psycho-neurobiological systems, namely the behavioural approach system (BAS) and the behavioural inhibition system (BIS) which are respectively related to positive affectivity and negative affectivity. The literature does not currently indicate any specific positive emotional traits related to the BAS scale with certainty, although happiness, elation and hope have been suggested as possibilities. Curiosity, empathy and hope were chosen as positive emotional traits to study in relation to the BAS, as these positive emotional traits can each be related to the three factors of the BAS, namely drive, fun seeking and reward responsiveness. Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory explains that each emotion evokes a thought-action tendency and when positive emotions are experienced, the types of possible behavioural responses are broadened. It is expected that this broadened response repertoire should be detected in the behavioural approach system, which is responsible for organising behaviour in response to stimuli that signal rewards or no punishment. Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory is thus a useful framework to utilise in the conceptualisation of the study. The purpose of the study was to determine the extent to which curiosity, empathy and hope act as predictors for the variance in the BAS. The sample consisted of 130 first year mathematics students at the University of Johannesburg. Psychometric instruments utilised for the study included Carver and White’s BIS/BAS scales, the Curiosity and Exploration Inventory (CEI), the short form of the Empathy Quotient (EQ-short) and the Adult Dispositional Hope Scale. A standard multiple regression was conducted to investigate the nature of the relationships between the BAS and curiosity, empathy and hope. The results indicate the total variance in the BAS levels explained by curiosity, empathy and hope simultaneously was 16.8 percent. Hope made the largest unique contribution by accounting for 6.8 percent of the variance in the total BAS scores while curiosity also made a statistically significant contribution by accounting for 3.2 percent of the variance in the total BAS scores. Empathy did not make a statistically significant unique contribution to the variance in the total BAS scores. Future studies of this nature should consider a larger sample size. The prefrontal cortex was identified as a neural counterpart that might be related to Fredrickson’s broaden-and-build theory of positive emotions, but future research could explore this further.

M.Com. (Industrial Psychology) / Behaviorally anchored performance appraisal research concentrates mainly on the development of a scientifically verifiable instrument. The recommendations made in these studies to enhance the effective and practical use of the systems are, however, normally neglected in further studies. Performance appraisal entails more than just the development of a superior psychometric system. Therefore more attention should be paid to the success of the total performance appraisal approach rather than the individual instrument.

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