Abstract Purpose: This study explored three-year trajectories of social anxiety symptoms among youth with chronic health conditions and investigated factors influencing those trajectories. Methods: Participants (N = 439) were recruited from eight pediatric rehabilitation centers. The Social Anxiety Scale for Children-Revised measured social anxiety across four time points. Latent Class Growth Analysis was used to study trajectories and logistic regression to identify related factors. Results: A three-class solution was supported: a “high anxiety and stable” group (17.1%), a “moderate anxiety and stable” group (44.4%), and a “low anxiety and stable” group (38.5%). Youth in the “moderate and stable” group were less likely to be male compared to the “low and stable” group. Youth in the “high and stable” group were more likely to have greater cognitive symptoms and less likely to have higher levels of social participation compared to the “low and stable” group. Youth in both the “high and stable” and “moderate and stable” groups were less likely to have high support from classmates or close friends compared to the “low and stable” group. Moreover, both the “high and stable” and “moderate and stable” groups were less likely to have positive family functioning. Conclusion: Youth with chronic conditions belonging to “high and stable” and “moderate and stable” social anxiety trajectories can be distinguished from those in a “low and stable” trajectory using personal, functional, and environmental level variables. Implications for Rehabilitation Youth with chronic health conditions are at risk of developing and maintaining moderate to high levels of social anxiety symptoms as they move through adolescence. Compared to youth with “low and stable” social anxiety, those with “moderate and stable” social anxiety are less likely to be male, have high peer support or high family functioning. Compared to youth with “low and stable” social anxiety, those with “high and stable” social anxiety are more likely to have greater cognitive symptoms, and less likely to have high social participation, high peer support, or high family functioning. Rehabilitation and other professionals should not only consider factors that are functional in nature; they should also consider personal and environmental level factors when supporting youth with chronic health conditions who experience social anxiety symptoms.

Background Youth with chronic physical health problems often experience social and emotional problems. We investigate the relationship between participation in the Big Brothers Big Sisters of Canada community-based mentoring program s (BBBS) and youth social and mood outcomes by youth health status. Methods Youth newly enrolled in BBBS were classified by health status (one or more chronic physical health problems without activity limitation, n = 191; one or more chronic physical health problems with activity limitation, n = 94; no chronic health problem or activity limitation, n = 536) and mentoring status (yes/no) at 18 month follow-up. Youth outcomes measured at follow-up were social anxiety, depressed mood, and peer self-esteem. Results Youth with chronic health problems and activity limitation were more likely to live with two biological parents, use mental health or social services, and have parents who reported difficulties with depressed mood, social anxiety, family functioning and neighbourhood problems. At 18 month follow-up, mentored youth in this health status group experienced fewer symptoms of social anxiety and higher peer self-esteem compared to non-mentored youth. Mentored youth with chronic health problems without activity limitation and mentored youth with no health problems or limitations did not show significant improvements in social anxiety and peer self-esteem. Regardless of their health status, mentored youth reported fewer symptoms of depressed mood than non-mentored youth. Conclusions Youth with chronic health problems, particularly those with activity limitation as well, demonstrate a capacity to experience social and mood benefits associated with mentoring.

Background and Purpose: The PTSD Checklist-Civilian Version (PCL-C) is a widely used screening instrument measuring posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, to our knowledge, the factor structure of the PCL-C has not been examined in an Aboriginal population. Considerable research indicates that PTSD symptoms are characterized by 4 factors, with both the "King model" and the "Simms model" supported by the literature. Methods: Using confirmatory factor analysis on the PCL-C, we examined whether these models and the overall scale were supported in an Aboriginal community sample (N = 273). Results: The data supported both models. However, the 4 factors were highly correlated, providing some support for a 1-factor model as well. Conclusions: Our data support use of the PCL-C in Aboriginal health research.

We compared the mentoring experiences and mental health and behavioral outcomes associated with program-supported mentoring for 125 Aboriginal (AB) and 734 non-Aboriginal (non-AB) youth ages 6–17 participating in a national survey of Big Brothers Big Sisters community mentoring relationships. Parents or guardians reported on youth mental health and other outcomes at baseline (before youth were paired to a mentor) and at 18 months follow-up. We found that AB youth were significantly less likely than non-AB youth to be in a long-term continuous mentoring relationship. However, AB youth were more likely than non-AB youth to be in a long-term relationship ending in dissolution. AB youth were also more likely than non-AB youth to have been mentored by a female adult. AB youth were significantly more likely than non-AB youth to report a high quality mentoring relationship, regular weekly contact with their mentor, and monthly mentoring activities. Structural equation model results revealed that, relative to non-mentored AB youth, AB youth with mentors experienced significantly fewer emotional problems and symptoms of social anxiety. These relationships were not found for non-AB youth. Our findings suggest that mentoring programs may be an effective intervention for improving the health and well-being of AB youth.

Previous research suggests that early mentoring relationship (MR) closures may have harmful consequences for the health and well-being of youth participating in community-based mentoring programs. However, knowledge of the factors that lead some MRs to close early has been slow to emerge. This study examined patterns and correlates of early versus on-time MR closures among 569 youth participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters community mentoring programs. Thirty-four percent of youth experienced an early MR closure prior to the end of the program's 12 month period of commitment. The probability of closure was highest at 12 months into the MR. Early closures were positively associated with youth gender (girls), behavioral difficulties, and match determination difficulties. Early and on-time closures were associated with youth extrinsic motives for joining the program. Early MR closures were negatively associated with youth perceptions of parent emotional support, parent social support, high quality MR, weekly contact in MR, and parent support of the MR. Implications for programming are discussed.

This study examined the relationship between youth mentoring status and behavioral, developmental, and emotional outcomes for 859 youths aged 6–17 participating in a national survey of Big Brothers Big Sisters community mentoring relationships (MRs). Youth self-reported behaviors and mental health occurred at the baseline assessment (before being paired to a mentor) and at 18 months follow-up. Youth mentoring status was categorized as follows: (1) continuous MR less than 12 months ( n = 131); (2) continuous MR 12 or more months ( n = 253); (3) dissolved MR less than 12 months ( n = 110); (4) dissolved MR 12 or more months ( n = 70); 5) MR with a second mentor (re-matched; n = 83); and (6); never mentored ( n = 212). Structural equation model results at 18 months revealed that mentored youths, especially those in MR lasting 12 or more months (continuous or dissolved), reported significantly fewer behavioral problems and fewer symptoms of depression and social anxiety than did non-mentored youths. They also reported stronger coping skills and emotional support from parents. Mentored girls and boys in long-term relationships experienced positive outcomes. Re-matched girls displayed better outcomes than did never-mentored girls while there was some evidence of harmful outcomes for re-matched boys. Threats to internal validity are examined including the possibility of pre-existing baseline differences between mentored and non-mentored youths. Implications for mentoring programs are discussed.

Previous research suggests that early mentoring relationship (MR) closures may have harmful consequences for the health and well-being of youth participating in community-based mentoring programs. However, knowledge of the factors that lead some MRs to close early has been slow to emerge. This study examined patterns and correlates of early versus on-time MR closures among 569 youth participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters community mentoring programs. Thirty-four percent of youth experienced an early MR closure prior to the end of the program's 12 month period of commitment. The probability of closure was highest at 12 months into the MR. Early closures were positively associated with youth gender (girls), behavioral difficulties, and match determination difficulties. Early and on-time closures were associated with youth extrinsic motives for joining the program. Early MR closures were negatively associated with youth perceptions of parent emotional support, parent social support, high quality MR, weekly contact in MR, and parent support of the MR. Implications for programming are discussed.

Objectives of this longitudinal study were to examine 3-year trajectories of global perceived quality of life (QOL) for youth with chronic health conditions, as obtained from youth and parent reports, and to identify personal and environmental factors associated with the trajectory groups for each perspective.

Abstract Purpose: This study investigated the association between mothers’ mental health and education and the emotional and behavioural functioning of adolescents with chronic health conditions over time. Methods: Data were drawn from an ongoing study. Study participants (N = 363) were recruited through eight children’s rehabilitation centres. Logistic regression models were estimated. Results: There were significantly reduced odds that girls would display clinical signs of hyperactivity/inattention one year later compared to boys when a maternal mental health condition was present (OR = 0.10; p < 0.01). Where low maternal education was present, girls were more likely to display peer relationship problems one year later (OR = 3.72; p < 0.01). For both genders, having a mother with less than a high school education was also associated with conduct problems one year later (OR = 2.89; p < 0.01). Conclusions: Findings support a link between maternal factors and emotional and behavioural functioning in adolescents with chronic conditions. A holistic and family-centred approach to assessment and service delivery is indicated. Implications for Rehabilitation When conducting clinical assessments, service providers should consider associations between maternal education and mental health and the emotional and behavioural functioning of adolescents with chronic health conditions. A holistic and family-centred approach to assessment and service delivery is indicated to ensure adolescents with chronic conditions and their families receive support for interrelated needs.

Previous research has shown that activities between volunteer mentors and youth mentees are associated with relationship quality. Using data from a longitudinal investigation of Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) community mentoring relationships across Canada, the current study investigated whether different types of activities (relational and skill, recreational, and tutoring) moderate the association between mentees’ perceptions of received support and subsequent relationship quality. The results showed that, irrespective of activity type, activity frequency was positively associated with perceptions of received support and relationship quality. More importantly, higher frequency of recreational activities strengthened the positive association between perceptions of received support and relationship quality, whereas higher frequency of tutoring activities weakened this association. The implications for the provision of relational and skill, recreational, and tutoring activities are discussed in relation to BBBS programs.

Purpose: To explore International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF)-based functional components and contextual factors associated with perceived quality of life (QOL) for youth with chronic conditions from the perspective of youth and parents. Method: Baseline data were obtained from a longitudinal study examining predictors of changes in perceived QOL for youth with chronic conditions. 439 youth aged 11-17 (and one of their parents) completed a questionnaire. Standardized tools were used to measure youth functioning, contextual factors and perceived QOL. Multivariate linear regression analyses, controlling for socio-demographic and health information, were conducted to explore correlations among youth functioning/contextual factors and youth and parent perceptions of youth QOL. Results: Significant (p <= 0.05) negative correlates with both youth and parent perceptions of youth QOL included pain/other physical symptoms and emotional symptoms. Significant factors positively correlated with youth and parent perceptions of youth QOL included school productivity and spirituality. Other significant positive correlates of youth perspectives were family social support and school belongingness/safety. Family functioning was positively correlated, and youth social anxiety and environmental barriers were negatively correlated, with parent perceptions of youth QOL. Conclusions: This study provides preliminary evidence of factors upon which services aimed at improving perceived QOL of youth with chronic conditions could be based.

The measurement properties of two new scales designed to measure global and engagement mentoring relationship quality (Global Mentoring Relationship Quality Scale and Quality of Mentoring Relationship Engagement Scale) were examined among 272 mentors, 491 children, and 554 parents participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters community mentoring programs across Canada. Results demonstrated their unidimensionality, moderate convergent validity, good external validity, and weak-to-moderate reporter concordance. Longitudinal analyses demonstrated good predictive validity of mentor and parent mentoring relationship quality scales with respect to predicting mentoring relationship status.

The measurement properties of a newly developed instrument, Mentor Self-Efficacy Scale, were examined among 249 Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) mentor, child, and parent triads. The unidimensional scale demonstrated acceptable reliability (α = 0.81) and convergent validity, with mentor self-efficacy (MSE) correlating with mentor reported global (r = 0.28, p<0.001) and engagement (r = 0.44, p<0.001) mentoring relationship quality (MRQ). The scale also yielded acceptable predictive validity, with MSE predicting mentor reported engagement MRQ (β = 0.28, p = 0.001). Results will contribute to future research using the scale to augment BBBS policies.

Little is known about predictors of change over time in the intensity of the leisure and recreational activity participation of children with physical disabilities. This study reports data from 402 children and youth with physical disabilities (216 boys and 186 girls), ages 6 to 15, collected on 3 occasions over a 3-year period. Latent growth curve modeling was used to determine the significant child, family, and community predictors of change in the intensity of their participation in 5 types of activities (recreational, active physical, social, skill-based, and self-improvement). Differences in predictors were examined for boys versus girls, and older versus younger children. Significant predictors of change were found only for recreational and active physical activities. The findings indicate that factors associated with change in participation intensity are dependent on the type of activity and vary as a function of children's gender and age. Implications for research and service delivery are discussed, including the importance of a contextualized, holistic, and developmental approach to intervention.

Objective: To provide a national health and disability profile of Canadian school-aged children based on the World Health Organization's distinct definitions of health condition (ie, diseases and disorders) and disability (ie, activity limitations) that would facilitate international comparisons of data, serve to clarify the field of child health, and illustrate the distinct influence of disability on overall health status. Design: Population-based study. Setting: Survey. Participants: Data were used from the Canadian National Longitudinal Survey of Children and Youth, a 1994 to 1995 population-based sample of 22,831 children aged 0 to 11 years. Interventions: Not applicable. Main Outcome Measures: Chronic conditions list and global disability item. Results: 30.3% of Canadian children aged 6 to 11 had 1 or more chronic physical health conditions or impairments. 3.6% had activity-limiting conditions or impairments. Prevalence of activity-limiting conditions or impairments was highest among children from single parent families and from families receiving welfare income. Children with conditions or impairments, particularly those with activity limitations, were significantly more likely than children without health problems to have experienced mental health conditions and learning disabilities, missed school days, received special education, visited health professionals, been hospitalized, and used prescription medication. Conclusions: Important differences were found among children in a number of areas as a function of overall health status. Findings emphasize the importance of measuring activity limitations distinctly from chronic conditions and impairments in order to obtain a more accurate picture of the impact of health on children's lives. The World Health Organization's distinct definitions of health condition and disability facilitate a dimensional approach for describing child health that can serve to clarify this field of study and improve comparability of data across countries.

Primary objective: To examine the utility of a coordinated, family/community-focused programme ( PABICOP) vs. a standard approach for improving outcomes for children with ABI and their families.Research design: Pre- test - post- test design, with comparison group and follow- up. Methods and procedures: Ninety- six children ( 64 children receiving PABICOP services and 32 children receiving standard care) participated in the study. Measures were completed at baseline and 3 and 12 months later.Main outcomes and results: Parents/ caregivers with more than 10 contacts with PABICOP scored significantly higher on an ABI knowledge quiz than either parents/ caregivers with 10 contacts or less or the comparison group at post- test and followup. Parents/ caregivers with 10 contacts or less with PABICOP reported significantly greater improvements in children's school and total competence on the CBCL than either parents/ caregivers with more than 10 contacts or the comparison group at post- test and follow- up.Conclusions: PABICOP may be more useful for enhancing knowledge of ABI for parents/ caregivers and for integrating children into the community over a 1- year period than a standard approach. The amount of service received appears to influence outcomes.