Browsing by Author "Marques, Teresa"
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- Effortful control assessed by parental report and laboratory observation and adjustment in early childhoodPublication . Pereira, Ana Maria; Pereira, Ana Isabel; Marques, TeresaAbstract: Effortful control is a key aspect of children’s self-regulation showing a remarkable progress in early childhood. This study explored the relationship between effortful control, externalizing and internalizing problems and prosocial behaviour in young children. The sample was composed by 31 Portuguese children, aged between 3 and 6-years-old, and their parents. Effortful control was assessed by behavioural tasks (Tower of Patience, Bead Sorting) and the very short form of the Child Behavior Questionnaire administered to the parents. Internalizing and externalizing problems, as well as prosocial behaviour, were measured through the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, answered by the parents. The results show that higher levels of effortful control are related to less externalizing problems and higher levels of prosocial behaviour. No significant associations were found between effortful control and internalizing problems. The mechanisms that may explain the different patterns of associations between effortful control and internalizing and externalizing problems in early childhood are discussed.
- Parents’ perspectives about their experience in the ACT-Raising Safe Kids program : a qualitative studyPublication . Ramos, Filipa; Pereira, Ana Isabel; Marques, Teresa; Barros, LuísaAbstract: The present study aimed to explore Portuguese parents’ perspective about their experience and participation in the ACT-Raising Safe Kids Program (RSK), a universal parenting program to prevent child maltreatment. The sample consisted of 9 mothers and 1 father of 3 to 8 years old children who completed the ACT-RSK. Parental perspectives were assessed through a semi-structured face-to-face interview. Content analysis and descriptive statistic procedures were used to analyze the data. Findings indicate that parents chose to participate because they needed help to solve specific problems, wanted to improve parenting abilities and knowledge, and share experiences. As results of participating in the ACT-RSK, parents reported an increased awareness of parenting behaviors, an adjustment of expectations and acquisition of information. They also perceived increased emotional self-regulation, self-efficacy and use of positive parenting practices. These changes led to the enhancement of their child’s self-regulation and awareness of rules, and a reduction in behavior problems. Regarding the implementation of the ACT-RSK, parents valued the contents addressed and belonging to a group. However, they identified personal and program barriers, including competing demands on parent’s time and considering some sessions less useful. Implications of these findings are discussed and future research questions are addressed.