Search Results (424)

This paper proposes a structured design framework and system architecture for a non-intrusive spatial system aimed at supporting child behavior in everyday domestic environments. Rooted in ethical considerations, our approach defines four core behavior-guided design strategies: routine recovery, emotion-responsive adjustment, behavioral transition induction, and external linkage. Each strategy is meticulously translated into a detailed system logic that outlines input conditions, trigger thresholds, and feedback outputs, designed for implementability with ambient sensing technologies. Through a comparative conceptual analysis of three sensing configurations—low-resolution LiDARs, mmWave radars, and environmental sensors—we evaluate their suitability based on technical feasibility, spatial integration, operationalized privacy metrics, and ethical alignment. Supported by preliminary technical observations from lab-based sensor tests, low-resolution LiDAR emerges as the most balanced option for its ability to offer sufficient behavioral insight while enabling edge-based local processing, robustly protecting privacy, and maintaining compatibility with compact residential settings. Based on this, we present a working three-layered system architecture emphasizing edge processing and minimal-intrusion feedback mechanisms. While this paper primarily focuses on the framework and design aspects, we also outline a concrete pilot implementation plan tailored for small-scale home environments, detailing future empirical validation steps for system effectiveness and user acceptance. This structured design logic and pilot framework lays a crucial foundation for future applications in diverse residential and care contexts, facilitating longitudinal observation of behavioral patterns and iterative refinement through lived feedback. Ultimately, this work contributes to the broader discourse on how technology can ethically and developmentally support children’s autonomy and well-being, moving beyond surveillance to enable subtle, ambient, and socially responsible spatial interactions attuned to children’s everyday lives. Full article

Background: Parenting styles are associated with various health outcomes among children, such as fruit and vegetable consumption, physical activity, and emotional well-being. Previous literature suggests that responsive parenting styles are associated with improved mental health outcomes. This study examines the association between an adult’s responsive parenting style and the psychosocial outcomes of emotion regulation and loneliness among children. Methods: Using data from the U.S. National Cancer Institute’s Family Life, Activity, Sun, Health, and Eating (FLASHE) cross-sectional survey, this secondary data analysis study seeks to understand how perceived parental responsiveness is associated with adolescents’ emotional health outcomes from the perspective of the adolescent. The sample consisted of 12- to 17-year-olds (n = ~1560), mostly female (50.2%) and non-Hispanic White (63.7%), with a mean age of 14.48 years (SD = 1.61). Results: Through multivariable regression, we found that perceived parental responsiveness negatively predicted adolescent emotion suppression (β = −0.29, p < 0.001), even after controlling for sex, age, race/ethnicity, parental marital status, parental education level, parent’s time spent at work, and the number of kids in the household (β = −0.29, p < 0.001). We also found that perceived parental responsiveness was the strongest predictor for adolescent loneliness (β = −0.27, p < 0.001), even when controlling for sex, age, race/ethnicity, parental marital status, parental education level, parent’s time spent at work, and the number of kids in the household (β = −0.28, p < 0.001). Conclusions: These results suggest that implementing interventions targeting parental responsiveness may be beneficial to improving adolescents’ emotional well-being. Full article

This study examined how a socioeconomically and linguistically diverse sample of Latine mothers (n = 20) and fathers (n = 20) of children under age five perceive the role of mobile screen technologies in their parenting experiences, using semi-structured interviews. The results show seven key themes that capture how parents believed these devices had both supported and hindered their parenting. These themes were organized into three overarching functions that reflect how mobile screen technologies were viewed and used by Latine mothers and fathers from socioeconomically and linguistically diverse backgrounds: (1) enabling access to parenting resources (i.e., access to information and social support), (2) shaping parent–child interactions (i.e., facilitating teaching, promoting bonding, and disrupting interactions), and (3) influencing emotional regulation and wellbeing (i.e., aiding or complicating behavior management and contributing to parental stress and relief). While these functions were largely consistent across participants, notable differences emerged by gender, language, and income—most prominently in relation to the parents’ levels of formal schooling. Full article

Background/Objectives: Traditional models like ordinary least squares (OLS) struggle to capture non-linear relationships in children’s subjective well-being (SWB), which is associated with physical activity. This study evaluated machine learning (ML) for predicting SWB, focusing on sports participation, and explored theoretical prediction limits using a global dataset. It addresses a gap in understanding complex patterns across diverse cultural contexts. Methods: We analyzed 128,184 records from the ISCWeB survey (ages 6–14, 35 countries), with self-reported data on sports frequency, emotional states, and family support. To ensure cross-country generalizability, we used GroupKFold CV (grouped by country) and leave-one-country-out (LOCO) validation, yielding mean R² = 0.45 ± 0.05, confirming robustness beyond cultural patterns, SHAP for interpretability, and bootstrapping for error estimation. No pre-registration was required for this secondary analysis. Results: XGBoost and LightGBM outperformed OLS, achieving R² up to 0.504 in restricted datasets (sensitivity excluding affective leakage: R² = 0.35), with sports-related variables (e.g., exercise frequency) associated positively with SWB predictions (SHAP values: +0.15–0.25; incremental ΔR² = 0.06 over demographics/family/school base). Using test–retest reliability from literature (r = 0.74), the estimated irreducible RMSE reached 0.941; XGBoost achieved RMSE = 1.323, approaching the predictability bound with 68.1% of explainable variance captured (after noise adjustment). Partial dependence plots showed linear associations with exercise without satiation and slight age decline. Conclusions: ML improves SWB prediction in children, highlighting associations with sports participation, and approaches predictable variance bounds. These findings suggest potential for data-driven tools to identify patterns, such as through physical literacy pathways, informing physical activity interventions. However, longitudinal studies are needed to explore causality and address cultural biases in self-reports. Full article

Background: Italy was among the earliest countries globally to be heavily impacted by the outbreak of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2). During this period, schools were closed to students, and distance learning was adopted. The school closure has changed children’s and adolescent’s everyday lives, affecting their emotional resilience and mental health overall. Objectives: The aim of this study was to provide evidence regarding the influence of the pandemic period and lockdown measures on the well-being of adolescents living in Italy. The effects of COVID-19 were evaluated. Methods: The Health Behaviour in School Aged-Children (HBSC) 2021/2022 Italian data were used to describe changes in different dimensions of adolescents’ lives (e.g., family and peer relationships, mental health, school performance, physical activity, eating behaviour, and life in general). Results: Data from a sample of 89,321 adolescents participating in the 2021/22 HBSC wave were analysed. The areas where adolescents reported the greatest positive perceived change due to the pandemic period were family relationships (54.0%) and relationships with friends (44.7%). In contrast, negative changes were noted on mental health (41.1%), physical activity practice (42.9%), and life expectancy in general (37.2%). The effects of the coronavirus measures on family finances (48.9%), eating behaviour (43.6%), and overall health (43.7%) were most frequently assessed as neutral, i.e., neither positive nor negative. Conclusions: These results, in particular the adverse COVID-19 effects, reinforce the idea that during a pandemic, in addition to containing the infectious agent, specific attention must be paid to adolescents’ well-being, preserving their mental health and overall health. Full article

Background: Celiac disease (CD) is a chronic, immune-mediated condition requiring lifelong adherence to a gluten-free diet. In children, CD can negatively impact not only physical health but also psychological well-being and quality of life. The burden of dietary restrictions, social limitations, and emotional stress may lead to increased anxiety and depressive symptoms. This study aims to compare the quality of life, anxiety, and depression levels in children with celiac disease to those of healthy peers without chronic illness. Methods: The research involved a total of 129 individuals aged 8–18 years (64 with celiac disease and 65 healthy volunteers) and their parents. To assess children with celiac disease and healthy children, we used a sociodemographic form that we created, along with the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), Trait Anxiety Inventory (TAI), Children’s Depression Inventory (CDI), Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL), and Parent Quality of Life Inventory tests. Results: Celiac patients’ diet adherence, parental education level, and family income were found to be significantly associated with quality of life, as well as levels of depression and anxiety. (p < 0.037, p < 0.04, p < 0.004, respectively). Celiac patients had significantly lower BMI SDS (mean −0.55 ± 1.13, p < 0.001) and height SDS scores (mean −0.49 ± 1.28, p < 0.017). Key factors negatively affecting the quality of life in individuals with celiac disease were difficulty adhering to the diet and low family income levels. Conclusions: Elevated anxiety with reduced quality of life highlights the importance of integrating psychosocial support into the routine care of children with celiac disease. A holistic treatment approach that considers the psychosocial well-being of children can significantly improve their quality of life. Full article

Background/Objectives: Depression and anxiety in children pose a significant public health concern, with long-term implications for well-being. Over 10% of children and adolescents are affected by emotional disorders such as depression and anxiety. African American youth face disproportionate exposure to mental health risk factors, including poverty, adverse childhood events, community violence, and racial discrimination, which elevate their vulnerability to these disorders. A particularly at-risk subgroup includes African American children in kinship care arrangements (e.g., grandparents raising grandchildren), who may face additional factors such as family disruption and separation from birth parents. Methods: This mixed-methods sequential study examined how caregiver stress and birth mother–child relationship quality relate to depression and anxiety symptoms in African American children in kinship care. Phase I included survey data from 58 caregivers of children aged 5 to 12; Phase II involved interviews with 16 of these caregivers. Results: Results indicated that lower caregiver stress was associated with reduced child depression and anxiety symptoms. Furthermore, findings suggest that a high quality of the birth mother–child relationship serves as a promotive factor, particularly for depressive symptoms. Qualitative findings highlighted two themes: (1) the weight of kinship care, marked by factors such as ongoing grief and financial strain; and (2) birth parent relationships, defined by a mix of connection, conflict, and loss that affects children’s mental health. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for greater understanding of the strengths and resources within kinship families that support positive mental health outcomes and highlight the importance of targeted interventions to reduce caregiver stress and foster supportive parent–child relationships. Full article

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) presents unique challenges in social interaction, communication and emotional regulation. Recent research has explored the potential influence of anime consumption among children with ASD, and the current findings suggest both beneficial and adverse effects. This review examines the role of anime in fostering social learning, emotional resilience, and cognitive engagement while also addressing concerns regarding its cultivation of social withdrawal, unrealistic expectations, and over-reliance on fictional narratives. By analyzing existing literature, this paper provides insights into the nuanced relationship between anime and ASD, highlighting the possibility that patterns of engagement may be associated with both positive and negative outcomes. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for parents, educators, and clinicians seeking to support the well-being and development of children with ASD. Full article

Theory and empirical examination have shown ways in which households’ asset building for children may affect child well-being, including behavioral and emotional health. Previous research found that Child Development Accounts (CDAs), a universal and lifelong asset-building policy designed to encourage society and families to accumulate assets for children, have positive effects on social-emotional development at around 4 years of age. Using data from a unique longitudinal experiment of the CDA policy in the United States, this study examined the impacts of CDAs on adolescent behavior problems. Adolescent behavior problems were indicated by eight items from a 28-item Behavior Problems Index, focusing on children’s anxiety and disobedience. In the pre-COVID sample (n = 676), results from the regression analysis show that the sum score of child behavior problems is about 0.12 standard deviations higher than that of counterparts in the control group, indicating less frequent behavior problems among children in the treatment group. Regression analyses on two latent measures of anxiety and disobedience showed that CDAs primarily affected children’s anxiety. However, there were no statistically significant differences in the full sample (N = 1712); this could be related to the data-collection disruptions caused by the COVID pandemic. This study provides the first longitudinal follow-up evidence on the effects of CDAs on adolescent behavior problems. The findings show that universal asset building for adolescents reduces behavior problems. Policy implications are discussed. Full article

Children’s physical and mental wellbeing is declining, partly due to reduced independent mobility and lack of engaging public environments. This study explores a co-design approach in which children actively participated in a series of design workshops focused on improving school routes through sensory engagement and imagination. Using sensory walks, students mapped positive and negative experiences in their everyday surroundings. Through hands-on creative exercises and the integration of AI and VR tools, they developed design proposals envisioning safer, more enjoyable, and inclusive mobility environments. The findings reveal that while children are highly capable of generating creative and context-sensitive ideas, they are less accustomed to reflecting on sensory input beyond vision. The results underscore the importance of designing urban spaces that prioritize safety, playfulness, and multisensory richness, with particular emphasis on nature and emotional connection. Full article

Background/Objectives: Art therapy is a psychotherapeutic technique that involves the creation of tangible visual arts and represents a coping strategy to support children with cancer. Evaluating the effects of such activities on children with cancer is essential for providing evidence of the value that creativity holds within healthcare systems. A dedicated tool for assessing the creative process is the Arts Observational Scale (ArtsObS), focusing on mood and emotional states as key indicators of psychosocial well-being. This study aims to validate a translated version of the ArtsObS in the Italian language. Methods: The translation process followed recommendations for translation and cultural adaptation. The distribution properties of the scores, internal consistency, sensitivity to change, reliability, and convergent validity were assessed through observations conducted by two different evaluators. Results: The ArtsObS in its Italian adaptation is proven to be an adequate tool for capturing changes following an intervention, with good internal consistency and low sensitivity to differences between operators. The analysis supports the reliability of the ArtsObS across different observers. Conclusions: The Italian ArtsObS is a valid and reliable instrument for evaluating the impact of art therapy on pediatric patients’ mood and emotional states. It provides a standardized tool for clinical and research settings to assess creative interventions in pediatric oncology. Full article

Background: Parents of children with type 1 diabetes play a key role in managing their child’s self-management, which can be stressful and burdensome. High involvement can lead to reactions such as emotional, cognitive, and physical exhaustion in parents. Understanding parents’ psychosocial impact due to their child’s disease is crucial for the family’s overall well-being. The purpose of this study was to describe stress and burden experienced by parents in families with children living with type 1 diabetes. Methods: This study utilized a qualitative approach, analyzing interviews with 16 parents of children aged 10 to 17 years living with T1D through qualitative content analysis. The data collection occurred between January and February 2025. Results: Managing a child’s Type 1 diabetes can be tough on family relationships, affecting how partners interact, intimacy, and sibling relationships. The constant stress and worry might leave parents feeling exhausted, unable to sleep, and struggling to think clearly, on top of the pain of losing a normal everyday life. The delicate balance between allowing a child with type 1 diabetes to be independent and maintaining control over their self-management renders these challenges even more demanding for the parents. Conclusions: Parents’ experiences highlight the need for robust support systems, including dependable school environments, trustworthy technical devices, reliable family and friends, and accessible healthcare guidance. These elements are essential not only for the child’s health and well-being but also for alleviating the emotional and practical burdens parents face. Full article

Background/Objectives: Motor creativity is a vital component of preschoolers’ growth and development. However, its underlying determinants remain largely underexplored. This study investigates the interrelationship among playful behavior, social profile, and motor creativity in preschool children, emphasizing its implications for holistic health and development. Methods: A total of 200 children and their kindergarten teachers from Greece participated in the study. The Children’s Playfulness Scale (CPS) was employed to assess the children’s playfulness, while a sociometric test was used to evaluate their social standing within peer groups. Motor creativity was measured through TCAM, a performance-based test focusing on fluency, imagination, and originality. Results: The findings revealed that the dimensions of playful behavior, particularly motor and social playfulness, significantly and positively influenced motor creativity, a core component of physical and mental health in early childhood. Conversely, certain aspects of social behavior had a negative association with imaginative capacities. Conclusions: The study underscores the critical role of movement-based playful activities in fostering children’s physical, emotional, cognitive, and social health. It highlights the need for educators to design developmentally appropriate motor play activities that cultivate creativity and social integration, promoting a balanced and health-oriented early education framework. The results contribute to educational policy and practice by reinforcing the importance of structured motor play in supporting preschoolers’ well-being and comprehensive development. Full article

Children living with chronic diseases represent a great challenge for the health care system, their families, and communities. These young patients face continuous medical needs that affect not only their health but also their daily routines, emotional well-being, and family dynamics. In response, clinical practice is increasingly integrating psychosocial indicators alongside traditional medical parameters. Consequently, there is a growing consensus that the evaluation of pediatric chronic diseases should address not only clinical dimensions but also the disease’s impact on socialization, emotional health, and daily functioning. This narrative review explores the role of psychosocial variables in the management of pediatric chronic illnesses, including the experiences of parents and siblings, with a focus on effective strategies to improve everyday life. The integration of quality of life and well-being within a multidimensional care model could be instrumental in both symptom management and psychosocial support. Recognizing that children with chronic conditions are at increased risk for long-term adverse outcomes, it is critical to develop interventions that go beyond clinical care, encompassing education, coping reinforcement, and family-centered approaches. Full article

Maternal mental illness significantly impacts caregiving, influencing both mothers and their children. This narrative review examines the challenges faced by mothers with conditions such as depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia, which often disrupt caregiving routines, emotional stability, and social integration. These difficulties can hinder secure attachments and contribute to adverse developmental outcomes in children, including heightened risks of anxiety, depression, behavioral issues, and cognitive impairments. Children of mothers with mental illnesses are 1.8 times more likely to develop emotional or behavioral problems and face a 2.7 times higher risk of suicidal ideation during adolescence. Intergenerational transmission of mental illness is also prevalent, with affected children showing a 2.5 times greater likelihood of developing mental illnesses in adulthood. Effective interventions include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), family-based approaches, and community programs integrating parenting education and mental health resources. These strategies have demonstrated improvements in maternal well-being and child resilience. The review highlights the need for comprehensive policies addressing maternal mental health, early intervention for children, and culturally sensitive support systems to break cycles of intergenerational mental illness. Future research should prioritize evaluating long-term intervention effectiveness and exploring innovative tools like digital mental illnesses solutions to support affected families. Full article