scholarly journals The bilingual advantage in children: a meta-analytic review

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Cassandra J Lowe
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Bilingual Children ◽  
Executive Attention ◽  
Bilingual Advantage ◽  
Language Status ◽  
Analytic Review ◽  
Considerable Debate

There is considerable debate about whether bilingual children are advantaged in executive functioning relative to monolingual children. The current meta-analysis addressed this debate by comprehensively reviewing the available evidence. Here, we synthesized data from published studies and unpublished datasets, which equated to 1209 effect sizes from 10,672 bilingual and 12,289 monolingual participants aged 3- to 17-years. Consistent with the bilingual advantage hypothesis, bilingual language status had a small effect on children’s executive functions (g =.08, 95% CI [.01, .14]). However, this effect was indistinguishable from zero after adjusting for bias (g=-.04, 95 % CI [-.12, .05]). Further, no significant effects were apparent within the executive attention, where the effects of language status are thought to be most pronounced (g =.08, 95% CI [.01, .14]). Results, therefore, suggest that the bilingual advantage in children’s executive control is small, variable, and potentially not attributable to the effect of language status.

scholarly journals Effective Components of School-Based Prevention Programs for Child Abuse: A Meta-Analytic Review

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeanne Gubbels ◽  
Claudia E. van der Put ◽  
Geert-Jan J. M. Stams ◽  
Mark Assink
Keyword(s):  
Child Abuse ◽  
Program Effectiveness ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Prevention Programs ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Positive Effects ◽  
School Based ◽  
Analytic Review ◽  
Program Components ◽  
Self Protection

AbstractSchool-based programs seem promising for child abuse prevention. However, research mainly focused on sexual child abuse and knowledge is lacking on how individual program components contribute to the effectiveness of school-based prevention programs for any form of child abuse. This study aimed to examine the overall effect of these school-based programs on (a) children’s child abuse-related knowledge and (b) self-protection skills by conducting two three-level meta-analyses. Furthermore, moderator analyses were performed to identify how program components and delivery techniques were associated with effectiveness. A literature search yielded 34 studies (158 effect sizes; N = 11,798) examining knowledge of child abuse and 22 studies (99 effect sizes; N = 7804) examining self-protection skills. A significant overall effect was found of school-based programs on both knowledge (d = 0.572, 95% CI [0.408, 0.737], p < 0.001) and self-protection skills (d = 0.528, 95% CI [0.262, 0.794], p < 0.001). The results of the first meta-analysis on children’s child abuse knowledge suggest that program effects were larger in programs addressing social–emotional skills of children (d = 0.909 for programs with this component versus d = 0.489 for programs without this component) and self-blame (d = 0.776 versus d = 0.412), and when puppets (d = 1.096 versus d = 0.500) and games or quizzes (d = 0.966 versus d = 0.494) were used. The second meta-analysis on children’s self-protections skills revealed that no individual components or techniques were associated with increased effectiveness. Several other study and program characteristics did moderate the overall effects and are discussed. In general, school-based prevention programs show positive effects on both knowledge and self-protection skills, and the results imply that program effectiveness can be improved by implementing specific components and techniques.

Bilingualism: The good, the bad, and the indifferent

2009 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 3-11 ◽  
Author(s):  
ELLEN BIALYSTOK
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Cognitive Performance ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Memory Performance ◽  
Complex Pattern ◽  
Bilingual Children ◽  
Lexical Retrieval ◽  
Linguistic Performance ◽  
Verbal Recall

The present paper summarizes research showing that bilingualism affects linguistic and cognitive performance across the lifespan. The effect on linguistic performance is generally seen as a deficit in which bilingual children control a smaller vocabulary than their monolingual peers and bilingual adults perform more poorly on rapid lexical retrieval tasks. The effect on cognitive performance is to enhance executive functioning and to protect against the decline of executive control in aging. These effects interact to produce a complex pattern regarding the effect of bilingualism on memory performance. Memory tasks based primarily on verbal recall are performed more poorly by bilinguals but memory tasks based primarily on executive control are performed better by bilinguals. Speculations regarding the mechanism responsible for these effects are described.

Dysfunctional meta-cognitive beliefs across psychopathology: A meta-analytic review

2016 ◽  
Vol 33 (S1) ◽  
pp. s225-s225 ◽  
Author(s):  
X. Sun ◽  
S.H.W. So ◽  
C. Zhu ◽  
P.W.L. Leung
Keyword(s):  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Obsessive Compulsive ◽  
Compulsive Disorder ◽  
Analytic Review ◽  
Cognitive Beliefs ◽  
Patient Groups ◽  
Competing Interest ◽  
And Coping

IntroductionIt is assumed that dysfunctional meta-cognitive beliefs about one's thoughts increase problematic appraisals and coping behaviors, which further contribute to the development of mental disorders (Wells and Matthews, 1994; Wells, 2000). Although this research interest originated around generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), recent studies have begun to examine similar meta-cognitive processes in other disorders. The majority of studies using Meta-cognitions Questionnaire (MCQ; Cartwright-Hatton & Wells, 1997) and its variants to assess meta-cognitive beliefs.ObjectivesWe conducted a meta-analysis to integrate empirical findings on group differences in meta-cognitive beliefs between healthy individuals and patients with various psychiatric disorders.MethodsWe followed the PRISMA guideline (Liberati et al., 2009). A systematic literature search was conducted. We included studies that involved a diagnosed psychiatric group and healthy controls (aged 18 or above), reported group comparisons of metacognition, and were published during the period of 1990–27 August 2015. Effect sizes were computed.ResultsA final set of 43 studies was included. Large combined effect sizes were found on each subdomain of the MCQ, indicating increased levels of dysfunctional meta-cognitive beliefs in patients. Subgroup analyses were carried out based on psychiatric diagnosis (i.e. psychosis, n = 10; GAD, n = 7; obsessive-compulsive disorder, OCD, n = 15; anorexia nervosa, n = 5). All patient groups were more dysfunctional on each subtype of meta-cognitive beliefs than controls. Effect size of U/D was particularly large for GAD, and that of CSC was particularly large for OCD.ConclusionsDysfunctional meta-cognitive beliefs are evident across several psychiatric disorders, with specific types of beliefs being more marked in certain diagnoses.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

The Effects of Exercise on Mood in Older Adults: A Meta-Analytic Review

2000 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 407-430 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shawn M. Arent ◽  
Daniel M. Landers ◽  
Jennifer L. Etnier
Keyword(s):  
Older Adults ◽  
Exercise Prescription ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Exercise Group ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Control Groups ◽  
Moderating Variables ◽  
Analytic Review ◽  
Experimental Versus

This meta-analysis examined the exercise-mood relationship in older adults. 158 effect sizes (ESs) from 32 studies were grouped intoexperimental-versus-control, gains, and correlational ESs. Each study was coded for moderator variables related to descriptive, design, participant, exercise, and mood-assessment characteristics. Experimental-versus-control ESs for negative (NA) and positive affect (PA) were 0.35 (p < .05) and 0.33 (p > .05), respectively, with an overall ES of 0.34, p < .05. The gains ESs for NA and PA in an exercise group were 0.39 (p < .05) and 0.35 (p < .05), respectively, with an overall ES of 0.38, p < .05. All effects were significantly greater than those for the control groups. Correlational ESs of 0.47 and 0.42 were found for NA and PA. respectively. It was concluded that chronic exercise is associated with improved mood in the elderly. Moderating variables and implications for exercise prescription to improve mood in the elderly are discussed.

scholarly journals Laboratory aggression and personality traits: A meta-analytic review

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Courtland Hyatt ◽  
Amos Zeichner ◽  
Josh Miller
Keyword(s):  
Big Five ◽  
Precise Measurement ◽  
Factor Model ◽  
Five Factor Model ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Future Research ◽  
Random Effects Models ◽  
Methodological Rigor ◽  
Analytic Review

Among operationalizations of aggression, laboratory paradigms are unique in that they permit precise measurement of aggression while controlling for many possible confounds (e.g., levels of provocation). In the current undertaking, we conducted a meta-analysis of the relations between laboratory aggression and trait-based personality constructs thought to be among the most robust and consistent predictors of lab aggression, including traits from the predominant model of general personality (Big Five/Five Factor Model [FFM]), as well as personality disorder constructs including psychopathy, narcissism, and sadism. Our search yielded 54 usable studies containing 123 effect sizes. Random-effects models suggest that psychopathy, narcissism, sadism, and low FFM Agreeableness are significant predictors of laboratory aggression with small to moderate effect sizes. Impulsivity and FFM Openness also showed significant relations, though they were smaller in magnitude. Thus, traits related to aggression outside of the laboratory also appear to be related to aggression in the laboratory. Suggestions are made for future research in this area, including an emphasis on causal mechanisms and methodological rigor.

Arthritis self-efficacy beliefs and functioning among osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis patients: a meta-analytic review

Rheumatology ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 59 (5) ◽  
pp. 948-958 ◽  
Author(s):  
Todd Jackson ◽  
Ting Xu ◽  
Xiaojun Jia
Keyword(s):  
Emotional Distress ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Self Report ◽  
Pain Severity ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Analytic Review ◽  
Control Pain ◽  
And Control ◽  
Substantial Heterogeneity

Abstract Objectives The Arthritis Self-Efficacy Scale (ASES) is a widely used self-report measure of beliefs reflecting confidence in one’s capacity to function despite pain and control pain or other symptoms of arthritis. Despite evidence linking higher ASES scores to lower levels of impairment, pain and emotional distress, numerous modest, non-significant associations have also been observed. In this meta-analysis, we evaluated overall associations between ASES scores and adjustment in RA and OA samples as well as potential moderators that may explain the heterogeneity in these associations. Method Data from 48 samples that met all 10 inclusion criteria (N = 9222 patients) were subject to analyses. Results ASES scores had significant medium average effect sizes with functional impairment, pain severity and emotional distress but substantial heterogeneity was evident for each association. ASES–impairment associations were moderated by the diagnosis, ASES version and ASES subscale content: significantly larger effect sizes were found for studies that included RA patients, used the original 20-item ASES and assessed subscale content reflecting the pursuit of daily activities despite pain (i.e. functional self-efficacy) than for studies based exclusively on OA patients, the eight-item ASES and ASES pain control and other symptom subscales. Relations of ASES scores with pain severity and emotional distress were moderated by ASES version and subscale content, respectively. Conclusion The ASES has significant overall associations with key areas of functioning. Moderator analyses of the measure provide empirically grounded suggestions for optimal use of the ASES within OA and RA patient samples.

NEGATIVE FEEDBACK SEEKING AND EXCESSIVE REASSURANCE SEEKING BEHAVIOR AND DEPRESSION: A META-ANALYTIC REVIEW

2020 ◽  
Vol 39 (9) ◽  
pp. 788-823
Author(s):  
Scott Wakeling ◽  
Arthur A. Stukas ◽  
Bradley J. Wright ◽  
Lynette Evans
Keyword(s):  
Romantic Relationships ◽  
Interpersonal Relationships ◽  
Negative Feedback ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Feedback Seeking ◽  
Reassurance Seeking ◽  
Analytic Review ◽  
Excessive Reassurance Seeking ◽  
Moderate Effect

Introduction: Negative feedback seeking and excessive reassurance seeking behaviors in interpersonal relationships have been shown to frequently occur in conjunction with levels of depression. Method: We used meta-analysis to examine 102 studies (134 effects), relating depression with negative feedback seeking (k = 31) and/or excessive reassurance seeking (k = 103). Results: Depression had positive, moderate effect sizes with both negative feedback seeking (r = .26, 95% CI [.21, .32], p < .001, k = 31) and excessive reassurance seeking (r = .33, 95% CI [.31, .36] p < .001, k = 103). Subgroup analysis revealed the effect size for negative feedback seeking was smaller in romantic relationships compared to other relationship types. Effect sizes for excessive reassurance seeking did not differ for romantic and other relationships but were smaller in romantic relationships of a longer duration. Participant gender and symptom severity did not moderate effect sizes. Studies with child and adolescent samples had larger effects for negative feedback seeking and smaller effects for excessive reassurance seeking, relative to adult samples. Discussion: Longer closer relationships may protect against maladaptive interpersonal behaviors in individuals with depression.

Language, Bilingualism, and Executive Functioning in Early Development

2010 ◽  
Vol 107 (3) ◽  
pp. 888-890 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. Bruce Morton
Keyword(s):  
Executive Functioning ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Dimensional Change ◽  
Language Ability ◽  
Standard Account ◽  
Card Sort ◽  
Bilingual Advantage ◽  
Growing Body ◽  
Dimensional Change Card Sort ◽  
New Evidence

Okanda, et al. (2010) reported new evidence concerning associations between language ability, bilingualism, and executive functioning early in development. The paper adds to a growing body of literature suggesting that bilingualism is associated with advantages in executive functioning generally, and the Dimensional Change Card Sort task in particular. However, as with all findings that hinge on between-group comparisons, there is a need to exercise caution before drawing firm conclusions about the effects of bilingualism on the development of executive control. Several lines of recent evidence are outlined that challenge key assumptions underlying the standard account of the bilingual advantage. Okanda, et al.'s findings are discussed in light of this evidence.

An assessment of the effects of SES on the development of executive attention in Singapore: Early English–Malay bilinguals

2014 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
CARISSA K. KANG ◽  
FELIX THOEMMES ◽  
BARBARA LUST
Keyword(s):  
Low Socioeconomic Status ◽  
Executive Control ◽  
Parental Education ◽  
Bilingual Children ◽  
Executive Attention ◽  
Regression Analyses ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Low Socioeconomic ◽  
Cultural Variations ◽  
Early English

Thirty-four English–Malay bilinguals of between four and six years of age (both balanced and dominant) characterized as low socioeconomic status (SES) on income and parental education were tested on the child-Attentional Network Task (child-ANT; Rueda, Fan, McCandliss, Halparin, Gruber, Lercari &amp; Posner, 2004) measuring executive attention. Although SES measures fell below the Singapore median, Malay children's performance on the child-ANT remained high when compared to other age-matched monolingual and bilingual children previously tested with the child-ANT (Yang, Yang &amp; Lust, 2011), and English–Chinese Singaporean bilinguals (Kang, 2009). None of the three SES measures – father's and mother's education, and income, significantly correlated with child-ANT components. Regression analyses confirmed that none of the SES measures significantly predicted performance on the child-ANT. Caregiver reports suggested that both balanced and dominant bilinguals displayed high executive control. We consider the possibility that cultural variations – simultaneous and pervasiveness of bilingualism in Singapore, or pervasive code-switching – may ameliorate potential negative effects of SES on executive control development.

A Meta-Analytic Review of Gender-Role Dimensions and Relationship Satisfaction

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vivian P. Ta
Keyword(s):  
Relationship Satisfaction ◽  
Gender Role ◽  
Meta Analysis ◽  
Effect Sizes ◽  
Analytic Review

Multilevel meta-analytic techniques were used to examine the overall relationship between self-reported gender-role dimensions (psychological femininity and psychological masculinity) and self-reported relationship satisfaction. Twenty-six studies (43 effect sizes) were included in the femininity-relationship satisfaction meta-analysis, and 26 studies (43 effect sizes) were included in the masculinity-relationship satisfaction meta-analysis. Femininity revealed a stronger association with relationship satisfaction than masculinity: there was a medium relationship (r= .28) between femininity and relationship satisfaction and a small relationship (r= .13) between masculinity and relationship satisfaction. Sex/gender was not a moderator in either meta-analysis. Publication biases were not detected. Implications and recommendations are discussed.

Sign in / Sign up

Export Citation Format

Share Document