Predicting willingness to consume healthy brand foods using the theory of planned behavior: the role of nutritional literacy.

Introduction: The willingness to consume healthy foods has highlighted the growing importance of health, even more so when it comes to food choice, and predicting the willingness to consume foods of a healthy brand represents an action that leads to the practice of conscious eating habits, but what is behind this willingness? To answer this question and based on previous studies such as the theory of planned behavior and nutritional literacy, this study aimed to build a predictive model through an empirical study to examine the influence of nutritional literacy (NL) on attitude (ATT), subjective norm (SN) and perceived behavioral control (PBC), as well as to determine the influence of the three variables of the theory of planned behavior (TPB) on the willingness to consume healthy brand foods (WCHBF) in the Peruvian market. Methods: The research focused on the population that stated that they were consumers of the Unión brand (a brand whose value proposition is the sale of healthy foods), obtaining 482 consumers. The study was conducted under a quantitative, non-experimental, cross-sectional design approach. Results: The results support the existence of a positive and significant effect of NL on ATT, SN, and PBC, finding the exact behavior of SN and PBC in WCHBF; however, in the proposed model, it is observed that ATT has no impact on WCHBF. Conclusion: Applying strategies that lead to a change in consumer behavior towards healthy brands is a matter of time and will. In this context, the findings indicate that nutritional literacy plays an essential role in the willingness to consume healthy foods, which sheds more light on the design of educational interventions and awareness campaigns that independently inform about nutritional benefits and empower consumers, allowing them to make informed and healthy choices.

Psychosocial Dimensions of Recycling in Small Island: Psycho-Environmental Diagnostic and Evidence-Based Intervention in Martinique.

Recycling is socially responsible behavior. Moreover, it is also a complex behavior. It benefits society in the long term but involves a personal cost and does not benefit the individual directly. In the specific context of small island, we conducted a two-step research action to promote recycling among households located in the north of Martinique, a west indies French island. Based on the psychosocial engineering model, the first step was to identify the determinants of recycling in this specific island context. In a psycho-environmental diagnostic, we included variables already identified to predict waste sorting, such as the TPB variables, as well as other context-specific variables, such as group identification, environmental identity, place identity, sense of community, perceived efficacy of one's action, as predictors of the intention to recycle. Based on psychological distance and its temporal dimension, we also distinguished between the intention to recycle today (proximal intention) and the intention to recycle in 1 month (distal intention). The results show that the predictors of recycling differ according to the temporal distance. The proximal intention was predicted by personal variables whereas distal intention was predicted by social variables. The second step was to design and to implement an evidence-based intervention to increase the quality of recycling. At Time 1, the garbage cans of 193 households were collected and characterized. At Time 2, the households were visited at home by an officer, who used one of the four communication scripts built on the basis of the results of the psycho-environmental diagnostic. At Time 3, the garbage cans were collected and characterized again. We observe an improvement in sorting in the condition where the TBP dimensions are activated: attitude, social norm, and controllability. Our results highlight the importance of taking into account the temporality of change, especially when the behavior to be changed is complex. They also show an interest in relying on a psycho-environmental diagnosis, taking into account the context of insertion of the target behavior.

Environmental knowledge, perceived behavioral control, and employee green behavior in female employees of small and medium enterprises in Ensenada, Baja California.

Concern for the environment and the diminishing availability of resources is undoubtedly a relevant issue, both personally and organizationally. That is why knowing the factors that affect the occurrence of green behavior is relevant, particularly in SMEs, due to their importance in the economy of all countries, and specifically by the women who work in them, since their participation is gaining more and more preponderance in the Mexican labor force. It is because of the above that the objective of the research was to analyze the effect of environmental knowledge and perceived behavioral control on the employee green behavior of female employees of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Ensenada, Baja California. The study is characterized by having a quantitative approach, a non-experimental, exploratory design and a transverse temporal dimension. 240 questionnaires were applied to female employees of SMEs in Ensenada, Baja California. The data collected was analyzed using structural equation modeling based on the partial least squares technique. The results empirically reflect the following: environmental knowledge has a positive and statistically significant effect on perceived behavioral control and employee green behavior. Also, it was found that the perceived behavioral control variable had a positive and statistically significant effect on the employee green behavior of female employees of SMEs in Ensenada, Baja California. Lastly, it was found that environmental knowledge predicts perceived behavioral control which in turn predicts employee green behavior. In this sense, such findings allow us to consider environmental knowledge and perceived behavioral control as predictive variables of employee green behavior.

Cross-cultural effects of parent warmth and control on aggression and rule-breaking from ages 8 to 13.

We investigated whether bidirectional associations between parental warmth and behavioral control and child aggression and rule-breaking behavior emerged in 12 cultural groups. Study participants included 1,298 children (M = 8.29 years, standard deviation [SD] = 0.66, 51% girls) from Shanghai, China (n = 121); Medellín, Colombia (n = 108); Naples (n = 100) and Rome (n = 103), Italy; Zarqa, Jordan (n = 114); Kisumu, Kenya (n = 100); Manila, Philippines (n = 120); Trollhättan/Vänersborg, Sweden (n = 101); Chiang Mai, Thailand (n = 120); and Durham, NC, United States (n = 111 White, n = 103 Black, n = 97 Latino) followed over 5 years (i.e., ages 8-13). Warmth and control were measured using the Parental Acceptance-Rejection/Control Questionnaire, child aggression and rule-breaking were measured using the Achenbach System of Empirically-Based Assessment. Multiple-group structural equation modeling was conducted. Associations between parent warmth and subsequent rule-breaking behavior were found to be more common across ontogeny and demonstrate greater variability across different cultures than associations between warmth and subsequent aggressive behavior. In contrast, the evocative effects of child aggressive behavior on subsequent parent warmth and behavioral control were more common, especially before age 10, than those of rule-breaking behavior. Considering the type of externalizing behavior, developmental time point, and cultural context is essential to understanding how parenting and child behavior reciprocally affect one another.

Brazilian Pediatric Dentistry Behavior Control Model: Report of the Pioneers of the Specialty

Abstract Objective: To analyze the basis on which the behavioral approach model adopted by Brazilian Pediatric Dentistry throughout its history was built. Material and Methods: A semi-structured interview, applied to six pioneering professors in Brazilian Pediatric Dentistry, dealted with the model that followed the line of behavioral control and how this could be explained historically; on the differences between the Brazilian model and that of other schools, as well as a methodological analysis on the publications related to these models. Data were recorded and transcribed and then submitted to Bardin's qualitative content analysis Results: Three categories emerged from the analysis: "Formulation of a Brazilian theoretical model"; "Behavioral approach in Brazil and in other countries"; and "Analysis of publications under different behavioral approach models". The reports point to the construction of a model based on the sharing of professional experiences, the knowledge acquired through the literature and the compilation of techniques from different fields of knowledge/activity through idiosyncrasies, one's own abilities, such as the ease to deal with children, and personal experiences - leading to a non-scientific result. Methodological limitations in studies in this field have been reported. Qualitative research on the subject is scarce and allows further knowledge of the pediatric dental practice at its interface with Psychology for a successful treatment of pediatric patients Conclusion: The reports point to the possibilities and limitations of the formulation process of the behavioral approach model adopted by Brazilian pediatric dentistry throughout its history. The analyzed categories allowed a broad and deep overview of the historic and academic process of this important construction.

Management of painful temporomandibular joint clicking with different intraoral devices and counseling: a controlled study

Objective The benefit of the use of some intraoral devices in arthrogenous temporomandibular disorders (TMD) patients is still unknown. This study assessed the effectiveness of the partial use of intraoral devices and counseling in the management of patients with disc displacement with reduction (DDWR) and arthralgia.Materials and Methods A total of 60 DDWR and arthralgia patients were randomly divided into three groups: group I (n=20) wore anterior repositioning occlusal splints (ARS); group II (n=20) wore the Nociceptive Trigeminal Inhibition Clenching Suppression System devices (NTI-tss); and group III (n=20) only received counseling for behavioral changes and self-care (the control group). The first two groups also received counseling. Follow-ups were performed after 2 weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months. In these sessions, patients were evaluated by means of a visual analogue scale, pressure pain threshold (PPT) of the temporomandibular joint (TMJ), maximum range of motion and TMJ sounds. Possible adverse effects were also recorded, such as discomfort while using the device and occlusal changes. The results were analyzed with ANOVA, Tukey’s and Fisher Exact Test, with a significance level of 5%.Results Groups I and II showed improvement in pain intensity at the first follow-up. This progress was recorded only after 3 months in Group III. Group II showed an increased in joint sounds frequency. The PPT values, mandibular range of motion and the number of occlusal contacts did not change significantly.Conclusion The simultaneous use of intraoral devices (partial time) plus behavioral modifications seems to produce a more rapid pain improvement in patients with painful DDWR. The use of NTI-tss could increase TMJ sounds. Although intraoral devices with additional counseling should be considered for the management of painful DDWR, dentists should be aware of the possible side effects of the intraoral device’s design.

Control parental y problemas emocionales y de conducta en adolescentes / Parental control and emotional and behavioral problems in adolescents

El propósito de esta investigación es determinar si existen diferenciasde acuerdo con el género de los padres en los efectos del control parental psicológico y conductual en los problemas emocionales y de conducta de los hijos hombres y mujeres. Seseleccionó una muestra no probabilística de 587 estudiantesde secundaria pública de Ciudad de México. El 46,8% fueron hombres y el 53,2%, mujeres, con una media de edad de 13,8 años. Se utilizó la Escala de Percepción de Control Paterno y Materno para Adolescentes y la versión ajustada del Youth Self-Report. Los resultados mostraron que, en general, el control psicológico tanto materno como paterno tuvo una mayor influencia que el control conductual en la presencia de problemas emocionales y de conducta.

The purpose of this research project was to determine whether gender made a difference with respect to the effectsof psychological and behavioral parental control on the emotional and behavioral problems in male and female adolescents. A non-random sample of 587 Mexico City public high school students with a mean age of 13.8 was selected, of which 46.8% were male and 53.2% female. The Maternal and Paternal Control Perception Scale for Adolescents and the adjustedversion of the Youth Self-Report were used. The overall results showed that both maternal and paternal psychological control had a greater influence than behavioral control on thepresence of emotional and behavioral problems.

Efeito de fatores endógenos na percepção química de Grapholita molesta(Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) ao feromônio sexual / Effect of endogenous factors on the chemical perception of Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) to sex pheromone

The oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Busck), stands out as one of the most important pest in Rosaceae orchards in Brazil. During feeding, caterpillars bore into shoots, branches and fruits, impairing the commercial production. This work aimed to study the effect of endogenous factors in the chemical perception and in the species chemotactic behavior, seeking to optimize monitoring and the behavioral control of this pest. We evaluated male electroantennographical (EAG) and chemotactical (olfactometry) responses to the synthetic sex pheromone in different ages, virgins or mated and fed or unfed. The EAG responses of males did not differ for all evaluated factors. Nevertheless, the chemotactical behavior of males seems to decrease with age, not varying as a function of mating or feeding conditions. The knowledge about the interference of these factors in G. molesta may help with the interpretation of field results, allowing the development of suitable and reliable control measures based on infochemicals for behavioral control.

Efeitos de um treinamento em autocontrole aplicado em obesos / Effects of a self-control training applied to obese patients / Efectos de un entrenamiento en autocontrol aplicado en obesos

Estudo descritivo, de natureza qualitativa, do tipo delineamento experimental intra-sujeito. Verifica o efeito de um Treinamento em Autocontrole-TA sobre os fatores comportamentais que influenciam o peso corporal e descreve as variáveis que interferem no alcance de metas individuais. O TA foi aplicado em mulheres obesas em tratamento no Programa de Obesidade de um hospital público de Vitória-ES, em 12 sessões grupais semanais. O comportamento de cinco pacientes, das dez que iniciaram o TA, foi analisado, observando-se mudanças favoráveis nas relações sociais, familiares, pessoais e nos estados emocionais. Houve alteração de comportamentos relacionados com perda de peso corporal, com atividade física e comportamento alimentar, que produziram conseqüências discretas na redução do peso.

Descriptive and qualitative study using an intra-subject experimental design. It verifies the effect of Self-control Training-ST on the behavioral factors that influence overweight and describes the variables that interfere in reaching the individual goals. The TA was applied to obese women that were patients at an public hospital in Vitória-ES, Brazil, during 12 week group sessions. From 10 patients that enrolled the TA, the behavior of five of them was analyzed. The results points out to favorable changes in familial, interpersonal, and personal relationships and emotions. Behavioral modifications were related to weight loss such as eating behavior and exercises that produced modest consequences on obesity.

Estudio descriptivo, de naturaleza cualitativa, del tipo delineamiento experimental intrasujeto. Verifica el efecto de un Entrenamiento en Autocontrol-EA sobre los factores comportamentales que influyen en el peso corporal y describe las variables que interfieren en el alcance de metas individuales. El EA fue aplicado en mujeres obesas en tratamiento en el Programa de Obesidad de un hospital público de Victoria-ES, en 12 (doce) sesiones grupales semanales. El comportamiento de 5 (cinco) pacientes, de las 10 (diez) que comenzaron el EA, fue analizado, observándose cambios favorables en las relaciones sociales, familiares, personales y en los estados emocionales. Hubo alteración de comportamientos relacionados con la pérdida de peso corporal, con actividad física y comportamiento alimentar, que produjeron consecuencias discretas en la reducción del peso.

Influência de fatores endógenos na percepção eletrofisiológica e comportamental de grapholita molesta (busck) (lepidoptera: tortricidae) a voláteis de plantas hospedeiras

ABSTRACT The oriental fruit moth, Grapholita molesta (Lep.: Tortricidae), stands out as one of the most important pests in Rosaceae orchards in Brazil. During feeding, caterpillars bore into shoots, branches and fruits, impairing the commercial production. The present work was aimed to study the influence of the host plant volatiles and the interaction of these with synthetic sex pheromone in the chemical perception and in the chemotactic behavior (olfatometry) of this species. The electroantennographic perception of both sexes of G. molesta that had been fed or not fed extracts of shoots and ripe and unripe fruits of apple (Malus domestica, Gala cv.) and peach (Prunus persicae, Chiripá cv.) trees was observed. The endogenous factors evaluated were the age, the mating status and the feeding in response to peach-tree shoots extract (PTSE). The effect of the extract interaction with pheromone was evaluated in males. The electrophysiological perception of the plant volatiles by males and females did not vary with feeding status. For both sexes, PTSE elicited the stronger electrophysiological responses. The chemotactical behavior in the presence of PTSE showed a tendency to be higher in mated females. An additive effect was noticed between the sexual attractant and the PTSE in the males electrophysiological perception. However, the behavioral results did not corroborate with those obtained in the electroantennography. The results obtained aid in the understanding of the interference of endogenous factors in the chemical communication among G. molest and host plants, improving the adaptation and reliability of infochemicals in the behavioral control of the oriental fruit moth.

RESUMO A mariposa-oriental Grapholita molesta (Lep.: Tortricidae) destaca-se como uma das principais pragas das rosáceas no Brasil. Durante a alimentação, as lagartas fazem galerias em brotos e frutos, prejudicando a produção comercial. Este trabalho objetivou estudar a influência de voláteis de plantas de macieira e pessegueiro e a interação destes com o feromônio sexual sintético, na percepção eletrofisiológica e no comportamento quimiotáxico (olfatometria) da espécie. Observou-se a percepção eletroantenográfica de ambos os sexos de G. molesta, alimentados ou não, a extratos de broto, fruto verde e fruto maduro de macieira (Malus domestica, var. Gala) e pessegueiro (Prunus persicae, var. Chiripá). Os fatores endógenos avaliados foram a idade, o status de cópula e a alimentação, em resposta ao extrato de broto de pessegueiro (EBP). O efeito da interação desse extrato com o feromônio foi avaliado em machos. A percepção eletrofisiológica de machos e fêmeas aos diferentes extratos de planta não variou com a condição alimentar. Para ambos os sexos, o EBP gerou as maiores respostas eletrofisiológicas. O comportamento quimiotáxico ao EPB tendeu a ser maior em fêmeas copuladas. Na percepção eletrofisiológica, houve efeito aditivo entre o atraente sexual e o EBP em antenas de machos. No entanto, os resultados comportamentais não corroboraram o observado em eletroantenografia. Os resultados obtidos auxiliam na compreensão da influência dos fatores endógenos na comunicação química entre G. molesta e seus hospedeiros, possibilitando maior adequação e confiabilidade na utilização do controle comportamental com o uso de infoquímicos.

Capacidad predictiva de la Teoría de la Conducta Planificada en la intención y uso de drogas ilícitas entre estudiantes mexicanos

resumen está disponible en el texto completo

Summary The need of cost-effective drug abuse prevention programs has derived in a growing interest to develop scientific based alternatives. On this context, this study forms part of a project for the design and evaluation of a theoretical and empirically sustained intervention for illicit drug abuse prevention among Mexican junior high school students. Starting with the revision and assessment of different theoretical models that could be adapted to the conditions of the institutional context wherein the intervention will be developed, the Azjen and Fishbein's Theory of Planned Behavior was chosen. This theory includes proximal cognitive and attitude factors directly related to the initiation of drug use. In accordance with it, the experimental use of substances is a result of the intention of consuming them, which, in turn, depends on three elements: a) the attitude toward the drug use, b) the normative beliefs on this matter (subjective norm) and c) the perceived behavioral control regarding drug use or, in turn, confronting social pressure. In a first instance, several items were developed adapting the constructs of the Theory of Planned Behavior to the target population's characteristics. On this base, the reliability and validity of a self-applied questionnaire for the measurement of the variables of the model was proved. In this work are reported the findings of the evaluation of Theory of Planned Behavior's potential to predict both behavioral intention of using illicit drugs and consumption of substances among Mexican high school students, in order to set a precedent to apply the model later on in the design and evaluation of a preventive intervention directed to such population. Method: The study was carried on with an ex post facto, correlational design, and with a non-probabilistic sample of 1,019 subjects. Sample. The sample size was estimated considering the possibility of selecting a subsample of drug users and comparison subjects for a post-stratified analysis, assuring a statistical power of 80% and adequate sensibility and stability. Therefore, this work includes the performed analyses with a sample of 75 drug users and 75 non users, paired by gender, age, school grade and occupation. Instrument. The instrument was a self-applied questionnaire specially developed for the study, according to information obtained in previous focal groups interviews with high school students. The questionnaire showed a global realiability of 0.9154 and between 0.62 and 0.94 in each one of its scales, which included: behavioral beliefs (0.9121), attributed value to behavioral beliefs (0.7964), normative beliefs (0.6480), subject's disposition to adjust to normative expectations (0.8564), descriptive norm (0.6254), drug use opportunities (0.8129) and perceived behavioral control coping with such opportunity situations (0.9442). A factorial analysis of principal components yielded 16 factors of at least three items each, with factorial weights higher than 0.4, and closely attached to Theory of Planned Behavior's variables, with an explained variance of 59%. Analysis. Previous to data analysis, normality tests (Kolmogorov- Smirnov) were performed, indicating the necessity to apply nonparametric tests of differences and to transform the data to be adapted to the requirements of later parametric analyses. A correlation analysis was carried out to prove the association between behavioral intention and drug use, as well as between the different components of the Theory of Planned Behavior. Finally, linear and logistic regression analyses were conducted to determine the explicative potential of the model and the predictive weight of each variable on the model with regard to the behavioral intention and the consumption of drugs. Findings: According to the Mann-Whitney test, compared with students who had not used drugs, subjects that used them at least once in their life showed more favorable attitudes toward consumption (median= 6.9 vs. 3.9, z=-5.22, p=0.000), perceived more social tolerance (median=3.8 vs. 3.5, z=-2.27, p=0.023), were more willing to give in to social pressure for using substances (median=2.0 vs. 1.0, z=-5.598, p=0.000), perceived a higher number of users among their significant others, and less negative consequences Salud Mental, Vol. 30, No. 1, enero-febrero 2007 69 of drug use in themselves (median=16.3 vs. 7.1, z=-4.246, p=0.000), and felt less capable of behavioral control when coping with opportunities for consumption, which, in turn, are more frequent in their case (median=5.7 vs 1.8, z=-6.76, p=0.000). The correlation between the intention and the behavior of drug use (r=0.41, p<0.000) was allocated inside the range reported in other populations. Drug use intention correlated with attitude toward drug use at r=0.45 (p=0.000), with subjective norm, including additional components at r=0.48 (p=0.000), and with perceived behavioral control at r=0.59 (p=0.000). Drug use correlated with attitude at r=0.51 (p=0.000), with subjective norm at r=0.28 (p=0.001), and with perceived behavioral control at r=0.37 (p=0.000). Linear regression analysis yielded that the model explained 34% of the variance of drug use intention, which increased to 38% when adding personal and descriptive norm elements to the subjective norm construct. Behavioral control (measured on the basis of the product of exposition to drug use facilitating situations punctuations by perceived behavioral control to cope with these situations punctuations) was identified as the best predictor of drug use intention (B=0.32, p=0.001), followed by attitude toward drug use (B=0.24, p=0.004) and subjective norm, which originally showed a non-significant effect but increased its predictive weight when additional elements were added (B=0.24, p=0.004). According to the logistic regression analysis, behavioral control is also the best predictor of illicit drug use on the model (odds ratio= 1.42, p<0.000). On the contrary, subjective norm (including personal and descriptive norm) and attitude (odds ratio=1.144, p=0.06) were not significant predictors of drug use. Discussion: In general, this findings indicate that the Theory of Planned Behavior showed an acceptable predictive capacity (similar to that found in other populations), and can be taken as a valid theoretical ground to develop a preventive intervention directed to Mexican students of high school education. As is the case with other populations, the variable in the Planned Behavior Theory with more predictive weight was perceived behavioral control, followed by attitude to drug use and, in third place, by subjective norm. Despite it could be supposed that subjective norm would have a higher predictive weight in Mexican teenagers, findings probably reflected idiocentric and individualistic tendencies reported in other studies. Results also point out to the convenience of including it in the program of intervention informative components to produce an awareness effect and an impact in the intention of using drugs. Still, they indicate above all, the need to integrate components directed to the development and reinforcement of behavioral control abilities that have an effect in the use of drugs itself. Specifically, it is considered the convenience of including components for the development of group pressure resistance abilities and assertive communication, appropriate to the contexts in which young people face drug abuse risk situations.

Comportamento felino: organização social e espacial, comunicação Intra-específica e conflitos com a vida doméstica / Feline behaviour: socio and spatial organization, intra-specific cmmunication, and conflicts within dmestic life

Em função da escassa quantidade de informações sobre a organização social e espacial, comunicação intra-específica, bem como a correlação desses comportamentos com as principais reclamações apresentadas pelos proprietários de gatos domésticos(deposição de urina e fezes, vocalização excessiva, arranhaduras e confrontos, especialmente dentro do domicílio), apresento uma revisão da história natural dessa espécie, correlacionada com os contextos encontrados e classificados como problemáticos por Médicos Veterinários e proprietários. O conhecimento dos padrões comportamentais do gato doméstico, de seu desenvolvimento, bem como os efeitos proporcionados pela domesticação poderão nos auxiliar na contextualização dos comportamentos desse animal. A correlação entre o conhecimento da Etologia dessa espécie e essas situações (problemáticas) poderá oferecer importantes subsídios para o Médico Veterinário analisar e apresentar soluções, mas, principalmente, prevenir situações que culminariam em estados patológicos e também evitar o abandono de animais, situação propícia para o desenvolvimento de zoonoses, fato que já atinge proporções preocupantes, principalmente em grandes cidades

Due to the scarce amount of information about social and spatial organization, intra-specific communication, as well as on the correlation between these behaviours the main demands presented by the domestic cats owners (faeces home urine deposition, excessive vocalization, scratches and confrontation, especially within their home) we present a review of the natural history of this species, correlated with the found contexts and classified as problematic by Veterinary Doctors and owners. The knowledge of the behavioural standards of the domestic cat, of its development, as well as of the effects provided by domestication, can help in contextualizing this animal behaviour. The relation between the knowledge of the ethology of this species and these (problematic) situations, will offer important subsidies for the Veterinary Doctor to analyze and to present solutions, but, mainly, to prevent situations that can result in pathological states, and also avoiding the abandonment of animals, situation which can propitiate the development of zoonoses, fact that already worrying proportions, specially in large cities

Comportamento felino: organização social e espacial, comunicação Intra-específica e conflitos com a vida doméstica / Feline behaviour: socio and spatial organization, intra-specific cmmunication, and conflicts within dmestic life

Em função da escassa quantidade de informações sobre a organização social e espacial, comunicação intra-específica, bem como a correlação desses comportamentos com as principais reclamações apresentadas pelos proprietários de gatos domésticos(deposição de urina e fezes, vocalização excessiva, arranhaduras e confrontos, especialmente dentro do domicílio), apresento uma revisão da história natural dessa espécie, correlacionada com os contextos encontrados e classificados como problemáticos por Médicos Veterinários e proprietários. O conhecimento dos padrões comportamentais do gato doméstico, de seu desenvolvimento, bem como os efeitos proporcionados pela domesticação poderão nos auxiliar na contextualização dos comportamentos desse animal. A correlação entre o conhecimento da Etologia dessa espécie e essas situações (problemáticas) poderá oferecer importantes subsídios para o Médico Veterinário analisar e apresentar soluções, mas, principalmente, prevenir situações que culminariam em estados patológicos e também evitar o abandono de animais, situação propícia para o desenvolvimento de zoonoses, fato que já atinge proporções preocupantes, principalmente em grandes cidades(AU)

Due to the scarce amount of information about social and spatial organization, intra-specific communication, as well as on the correlation between these behaviours the main demands presented by the domestic cats owners (faeces home urine deposition, excessive vocalization, scratches and confrontation, especially within their home) we present a review of the natural history of this species, correlated with the found contexts and classified as problematic by Veterinary Doctors and owners. The knowledge of the behavioural standards of the domestic cat, of its development, as well as of the effects provided by domestication, can help in contextualizing this animal behaviour. The relation between the knowledge of the ethology of this species and these (problematic) situations, will offer important subsidies for the Veterinary Doctor to analyze and to present solutions, but, mainly, to prevent situations that can result in pathological states, and also avoiding the abandonment of animals, situation which can propitiate the development of zoonoses, fact that already worrying proportions, specially in large cities(AU)