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Berger É, Larose MP, Capuano F, Letarte MJ, Geoffroy MC, Lupien S, Brendgen M, Boivin M, Vitaro F, Tremblay R, Masse B, Côté S, Ouellet-Morin I. Hair steroid before and after COVID-19 in preschoolers: the moderation of family characteristics. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2024; 166:107072. [PMID: 38733756 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2024.107072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/05/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Frequent or prolonged exposure to stressors may jeopardize young children's health. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, coupled with disruptions in daily routines and social isolation resulting from public health preventive measures, have raised concerns about its potential impact on children' experienced stress, particularly for young children and vulnerable families. However, whether the pandemic was accompanied by changes in physiological stress remains unknown as perceived stress is not a good proxy of physiological stress. This study examined if preschoolers showed increasing hair steroid concentrations following the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and whether family characteristics may have exacerbated or buffered these changes. METHODS 136 preschoolers (2-4 years) provided hair for steroid measurement (cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), cortisone, cortisol-to-DHEA ratio, cortisol-to-cortisone ratio) in October-November 2019 (T0) and in July-August 2020 (T1). A 2-centimeter hair segment was analyzed, reflecting steroid production over the two months leading up to collection. Family income, conflict resolution and lack of cohesion, as well as parents' COVID-19 stress were reported by parents. Linear mixed models for repeated measures and Bayes factors were used. RESULTS No significant changes were noted from before to after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic for most hair steroids. However, a moderating role of family conflict resolution was noted. Children living with parents with a better ability to resolve conflicts had lower levels of DHEA compared to those who had more difficulty managing conflicts. Additionally, lower levels of family cohesion and income were linked to some steroids, especially DHEA, suggesting that these factors may relate to children's physiological stress. Finally, boys had higher DHEA levels than girls. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that stress biomarkers were comparable from before to during the COVID-19 pandemic. This observation holds true despite the pandemic being perceived by many as a novel, unpredictable, and potentially threatening event. Findings further suggest that family characteristics are associated with hair steroid, especially DHEA, which deserves further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Éloise Berger
- School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada
| | - Marie-Pier Larose
- INVEST Flagship Research Center/Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - France Capuano
- Department of Education and Specialized Training, University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | | | - Marie-Claude Geoffroy
- Department of Psychiatry McGill University, Montreal, Canada; McGill Group for Suicide Studies, Douglas Mental Health University Institute, Department of Psychiatry, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sonia Lupien
- Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada; Centre for Studies on Human Stress, Department Psychiatry, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Mara Brendgen
- Department of Psychology, University of Quebec at Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Ste Justine Hospital Research Centre, Montreal, Canada
| | - Michel Boivin
- School of Psychology, Laval University, Quebec City, Canada
| | - Frank Vitaro
- School of Psychoeducation, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Research Group on Child Maladjustment, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Richard Tremblay
- Department of Pediatrics and Psychology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Benoît Masse
- School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Sylvana Côté
- Research Group on Child Maladjustment, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Canada; School of Public Health, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada
| | - Isabelle Ouellet-Morin
- School of Criminology, University of Montreal, Montreal, Canada; Research Center of the Montreal Mental Health University Institute, Montreal, Canada.
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Sloover M, Stoltz SEM, van Ee E. Parent-Child Communication About Potentially Traumatic Events: A Systematic Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:2115-2127. [PMID: 37946404 PMCID: PMC11155229 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231207906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
Social support plays an important role in children's well-being after experiencing a potentially traumatic event (PTE). One such source of support is the parent-child relationship, specifically by discussing the event. However, current literature provides no consensus on whether parents and children communicate about PTEs, in what way they might communicate and how this affects the child. Hence the goal of the current study is threefold, to explore: (a) whether parents and children communicate about PTEs, (b) what this communication looks like, and (c) how this affects children's well-being. These questions are answered by means of a systematic literature review. Articles were eligible for inclusion if it was an empirical study on communication between parents and children about a PTE that the child (under 18 years) had experienced. Initial searches in electronic databases provided 31,233 articles, of which 26 were deemed eligible for inclusion. Results show that most parents and children have discussed PTEs, but that this may depend on cultural background. What the parent-child communication looks like depends on various factors such as, age of the child, tone, and child's initiation of discussion. Parental post-traumatic stress symptoms seem to negatively impact communication. The results of the impact of communication are less clear-cut, but it seems to have a predominantly positive effect on the child's well-being, depending on parental sensitivity. Clinicians should be watchful for parental symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder and can focus on promoting parental sensitivity and responsiveness when discussing PTEs with their child or on creating a joint narrative within families.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Elisa van Ee
- Radboud University Nijmegen, The Netherlands
- Psychotraumacentrum Zuid Nederland, Reinier van Arkel, s-Hertogenbosch, The Netherlands
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Corso CB, Hoppe R, Kliewer W, Wike T, Winter MA. Emotion Regulation in Families: Exploring the Link between Parent-Child Alexithymia and Child Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2024:10.1007/s10578-024-01728-9. [PMID: 38874751 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-024-01728-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic comprises a mass trauma for children and families, and children may face particular vulnerability to post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) through processes of parent and child emotional dysregulation, such as alexithymia. With 88 U.S. children (Mage = 9.94 years; 54.5% female; 59.1% White) and their parents/caregivers (68.2% female; 59.1% White), a path model was tested in which child alexithymia symptoms partially mediated the association between parent alexithymia symptoms and child COVID-19-related posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS). We also tested an alternative model in which child alexithymia symptoms moderated the association between parent alexithymia symptoms and child PTSS. The hypothesized mediation model was supported (β = 0.15, SE = 0.05, 95% CI: [0.07, 0.25], p < 0.001), whereas the hypothesized moderator model was not (β = 0.06, p = 0.44). Findings highlight the importance of parents' emotional understanding and regulation for child mental health during mass traumas such as pandemics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey B Corso
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 808 West Franklin St, Box 842018, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA
| | - Rebecca Hoppe
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 808 West Franklin St, Box 842018, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA
| | - Wendy Kliewer
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 808 West Franklin St, Box 842018, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA
| | - Traci Wike
- School of Social Work, Virginia Commonwealth University, Box 842027, Richmond, VA, 23284-2027, USA
| | - Marcia A Winter
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, 808 West Franklin St, Box 842018, Richmond, VA, 23284-2018, USA.
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Liu Q, Zhu S, Zhou X, Liu F, Becker B, Kendrick KM, Zhao W. Mothers and fathers show different neural synchrony with their children during shared experiences. Neuroimage 2024; 288:120529. [PMID: 38301879 DOI: 10.1016/j.neuroimage.2024.120529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Parent-child shared experiences has an important influence on social development in children although contributions of mothers and fathers may differ. Neural synchronicity occurs between mothers and fathers and their children during social interactions but it is unclear whether they differ in this respect. We used data from simultaneous fNIRS hyperscanning in mothers (n = 33) and fathers (n = 29) and their children (3-4 years) to determine different patterns and strengths of neural synchronization in the frontal cortex during co-viewing of videos or free-play. Mothers showed greater synchrony with child than fathers during passive viewing of videos and the synchronization was positively associated with video complexity and negatively associated with parental stress. During play interactions, mothers showed more controlling behaviors over their child and greater evidence for joint gaze and joint imitation play with child whereas fathers spent more time gazing at other things. In addition, different aspects of child communication promoted neural synchrony between mothers and fathers and child during active play interactions. Overall, our findings indicate greater neural and behavioral synchrony between mothers than fathers and young children during passive or active shared experiences, although for both it was weakened by parental distress and child difficulty.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qi Liu
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China
| | - Siyu Zhu
- School of Sport Training, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, 610041, PR China
| | - Xinqi Zhou
- Institute of Brain and Psychological Sciences, Sichuan Normal University, Chengdu, 610066, PR China
| | - Fang Liu
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China
| | - Benjamin Becker
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China; The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China; The State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, 999077, PR China
| | - Keith M Kendrick
- The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China.
| | - Weihua Zhao
- The Center of Psychosomatic Medicine, Sichuan Provincial Center for Mental Health, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China; The Clinical Hospital of Chengdu Brain Science Institute, MOE Key Laboratory for NeuroInformation, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, PR China; Institute of Electronic and Information Engineering of UESTC in Guangdong, Dongguan, 523808, PR China.
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Rodman AM, Rosen ML, Kasparek SW, Mayes M, Lengua L, Meltzoff AN, McLaughlin KA. Social experiences and youth psychopathology during the COVID-19 pandemic: A longitudinal study. Dev Psychopathol 2024; 36:366-378. [PMID: 36503551 PMCID: PMC10258229 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579422001250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic and associated stay-at-home orders resulted in a stark reduction in daily social interactions for children and adolescents. Given that peer relationships are especially important during this developmental stage, it is crucial to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on social behavior and risk for psychopathology in children and adolescents. In a longitudinal sample (N=224) of children (7-10y) and adolescents (13-15y) assessed at three strategic time points (before the pandemic, during the initial stay-at-home order period, and six months later after the initial stay-at-home order period was lifted), we examine whether certain social factors protect against increases in stress-related psychopathology during the pandemic, controlling for pre-pandemic symptoms. Youth who reported less in-person and digital socialization, greater social isolation, and less social support had worsened psychopathology during the pandemic. Greater social isolation and decreased digital socialization during the pandemic were associated with greater risk for psychopathology after experiencing pandemic-related stressors. In addition, children, but not adolescents, who maintained some in-person socialization were less likely to develop internalizing symptoms following exposure to pandemic-related stressors. We identify social factors that promote well-being and resilience in youth during this societal event.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Makeda Mayes
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington-Seattle
| | - Liliana Lengua
- Department of Psychology, University of Washington-Seattle
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Ng NKY, Dudeney J, Jaaniste T. Parent-Child Communication Incongruence in Pediatric Healthcare. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 11:39. [PMID: 38255353 PMCID: PMC10814587 DOI: 10.3390/children11010039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Parents play a key role in providing children with health-related information and emotional support. This communication occurs both in their homes and in pediatric healthcare environments, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, and primary care offices. Often, this occurs within situations entailing heightened stress for both the parent and the child. There is considerable research within the communication literature regarding the nature of both verbal and nonverbal communication, along with the way in which these communication modalities are either similar (i.e., congruent) or dissimilar (i.e., incongruent) to one another. However, less is known about communication congruency/incongruency, specifically in parent-child relationships, or within healthcare environments. In this narrative review, we explore the concept of verbal and nonverbal communication incongruence, specifically within the context of parent-child communication in a pediatric healthcare setting. We present an overview of verbal and nonverbal communication and propose the Communication Incongruence Model to encapsulate how verbal and nonverbal communication streams are used and synthesized by parents and children. We discuss the nature and possible reasons for parental communication incongruence within pediatric settings, along with the consequences of incongruent communication. Finally, we suggest a number of hypotheses derived from the model that can be tested empirically and used to guide future research directions and influence potential clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Kwun Yiu Ng
- Departments of Pain & Palliative Care, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia; (N.K.Y.N.); (J.D.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia
| | - Joanne Dudeney
- Departments of Pain & Palliative Care, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia; (N.K.Y.N.); (J.D.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia
- School of Psychological Sciences, Macquarie University, Macquarie Park, NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Tiina Jaaniste
- Departments of Pain & Palliative Care, Sydney Children’s Hospital, Randwick, NSW 2031, Australia; (N.K.Y.N.); (J.D.)
- School of Clinical Medicine, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW 2033, Australia
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Gee DG, Cohodes EM. Leveraging the developmental neuroscience of caregiving to promote resilience among youth exposed to adversity. Dev Psychopathol 2023; 35:2168-2185. [PMID: 37929292 PMCID: PMC10872788 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579423001128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2023]
Abstract
Early adversity is a major risk factor for the emergence of psychopathology across development. Identifying mechanisms that support resilience, or favorable mental health outcomes despite exposure to adversity, is critical for informing clinical intervention and guiding policy to promote youth mental health. Here we propose that caregivers play a central role in fostering resilience among children exposed to adversity via caregiving influences on children's corticolimbic circuitry and emotional functioning. We first delineate the numerous ways that caregivers support youth emotional learning and regulation and describe how early attachment lays the foundation for optimal caregiver support of youth emotional functioning in a developmental stage-specific manner. Second, we outline neural mechanisms by which caregivers foster resilience-namely, by modulating offspring corticolimbic circuitry to support emotion regulation and buffer stress reactivity. Next, we highlight the importance of developmental timing and sensitive periods in understanding caregiving-related mechanisms of resilience. Finally, we discuss clinical implications of this line of research and how findings can be translated to guide policy that promotes the well-being of youth and families.
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8
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Calvano C, Engelke L, Holl-Etten AK, Renneberg B, Winter SM. Almost 2 years into the COVID-19 pandemic: an update on parental stress, parent mental health, and the occurrence of child maltreatment. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2023; 32:2593-2609. [PMID: 36739338 PMCID: PMC9899111 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02147-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Increased parental stress, poorer mental health, and an increase in the occurrence of child maltreatment (CM) have been reported in earlier phases of the COVID-19 pandemic. However, data from later phases of the pandemic are not yet available. We conducted a cross-sectional, representative survey among 1087 parents (48.8% female; mean age 41.72 years, SD = 9.15) in Germany in December 2021. Data were compared to a previous representative sample, assessed in August 2020 (N = 1024), and to normative scores of the outcome measures. Predictors for the occurrence of CM were analyzed by logistic regression. Pandemic-related stress and general stress were higher and physical and mental health were poorer in the December 2021 sample than in the August 2020 sample. Occurrence rates of CM varied between 5 and 56%. Verbal emotional abuse (n = 607, 56%), witnessing domestic violence (n = 446, 41%), and emotional neglect (n = 435, 40%) were most frequently reported. For these subtypes, parental risk for alcohol abuse (OR 2.1-2.7) and parental recent experience of violence (OR 2.1-5.1) were the strongest predictors. Across all subtypes of CM, parents reporting child maltreatment showed poorer scores on all stress outcomes, with medium-large-effect sizes. Results confirm a high burden within the families, almost 2 years into the pandemic. Occurrence rates of a broad spectrum of CM subtypes raise further concerns for the well-being of children. Family-oriented intervention efforts are needed to stabilize families and provide targeted support. Longitudinal studies are needed for a description of families at risk for poorer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Calvano
- Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and Psychotherapy, Freie Universität Berlin, Habelschwerdter Allee 45, 14195, Berlin, Germany.
- Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Christian-Albrechts-Universität zu Kiel, Olshausenstr. 62, 24118, Kiel, Germany.
| | - Lara Engelke
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Freie Universität Berlin, Habelschwerdter Allee 45, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Anna Katharina Holl-Etten
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
| | - Babette Renneberg
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy, Freie Universität Berlin, Habelschwerdter Allee 45, 14195, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sibylle M Winter
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Psychosomatics and Psychotherapy, Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, Augustenburger Platz 1, 13353, Berlin, Germany
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Prino LE, Arace A, Zonca P, Agostini P, Scarzello D. Preschool Emotional Problems in the Post-Pandemic Era between Parental Risk and Protective Factors. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2862. [PMID: 37958006 PMCID: PMC10647701 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11212862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The psychosocial adaptation of children born or experiencing their early years during the COVID-19 pandemic remains uncertain. In order to implement prevention strategies, it is, therefore, a priority to deeply analyze children's mental health in this post-pandemic phase and to identify family risk and protective factors. Indeed, recent studies reveal that children's emotional distress increased with the COVID-19 pandemic, especially in situations of high parental stress. The study investigates associations between some parental characteristics (coping strategies, parental burnout, resilience, perception of social support, and promotion of children's social-emotional competence) and children's emotional symptoms, considering gender differences. A total of 358 parents of children aged 2 to 6 years participated in this study. Regression analyses show that parental burnout is a predictor of emotional symptoms; moreover, for females, higher levels of emotional symptoms are associated with parental maladaptive coping strategies, whereas for males, the parent's ability to promote children's emotional competence is a protective factor. Results emphasize the importance of supporting parental well-being as a critical factor in shielding children from the repercussions of adverse situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Elvira Prino
- Department of Philosophy and Education Sciences, University of Turin, 10124 Turin, Italy; (A.A.); (P.Z.); (P.A.); (D.S.)
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Raffagnato A, Miscioscia M, Bruni G, Del Col L, Traverso A, Ferrarese M, Ancora C, Zanato S, Gatta M. The impact of the two-year COVID-19 pandemic on hospital admission and readmissions of children and adolescents because of mental health problems. Front Public Health 2023; 11:1152876. [PMID: 38026409 PMCID: PMC10643213 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.1152876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose This study aimed to investigate the specific risk factors and psycho-social and clinical features of hospitalized neuropsychiatric patients during the COVID pandemic and to analyze the hospital readmission phenomenon, which, according to recent studies, increased in frequency during the first pandemic period. Patients and methods This observational retrospective cohort study examined 375 patients aged between 0 and 17 years who were hospitalized between 1 February 2018 and 31 March 2022 due to neuropsychiatric issues. The majority of the patients were girls: there were 265 girls compared to 110 boys (M = 13.9 years; SD 2.30 years). The total sample was divided into two groups: the pre-COVID-19 group (160 inpatients hospitalized between February 2018 and February 2020) and the COVID-19 group (215 inpatients hospitalized between March 2020 and March 2022). To explore the readmission phenomenon (second aim), we selected from the two groups of patients with at least one hospital readmission within 365 days after the first discharge. Multiple variables (sociodemographic, clinical, psychological, and related to hospitalization) were collected for each patient by reviewing their medical records. Results The risk factors for mental health disorders were similar between the two groups, except for the significantly increased use of electronic devices in the COVID-19 group, increasing from 8.8% in the pre-COVID-19 group to 29.2% in the COVID-19 group. Patients suffering from eating disorders increased from 11.3% in the pre-COVID-19 group to 23.8% in the COVID-19 group. Hospital readmissions nearly increased from 16.7% in the 2-year pre-COVID-19 period to 26.2% in the 2-year COVID-19 period. A total of 75% of patients hospitalized three or more times in the last 2 years and 85.7% of the so-called "revolving door" patients (with relapse within 3 months after discharge) were identified in the COVID-19 group. However, the comparison between the two groups of patients readmitted before and during the COVID-19 pandemic did not show any differences in terms of sociodemographic and clinical characteristics. Conclusion In conclusion, there was a significant increase in hospital readmissions, but these results suggest the need for better coordination between hospital and territorial services in managing the complexity of mental health problems related to situations arising from the COVID-19 pandemic and the necessity to implement prevention strategies and services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Raffagnato
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Marina Miscioscia
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialisation, University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Gaia Bruni
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Lara Del Col
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Annalisa Traverso
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Martina Ferrarese
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Caterina Ancora
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Silvia Zanato
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | - Michela Gatta
- Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatric Unit, Department of Women's and Children's Health, University Hospital of Padua, Padova, Italy
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Su J, Conroy I, Trevino A, Zheng Y, Kuo SIC. COVID-19 Related Stressors, Parent-Child Relationship, and Alcohol Use and Mental Health Profiles Among White and Hispanic/Latinx First-Year College Students. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2023; 54:1287-1296. [PMID: 35239056 PMCID: PMC8891429 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-022-01337-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Transitioning to college during the novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic may increase risk for alcohol use and mental health problems. We examined how COVID-19 related stressors and parent-child relationships are independently and interactively associated with alcohol use and mental health profiles in a sample of first-year college students (N = 425, 34.8% Hispanic/Latinx; 74.9% female) who completed an online survey in October 2020. Latent profile analysis identified four profiles: well-adjusted (53.2%), mental health problems only (21.6%), alcohol use only (17.4%), and comorbid (7.8%). COVID-19 related stressful events increased risk of being in the alcohol use only and comorbid profiles, whereas COVID-19 related worries increased risk of being in the mental health problems only profile. Parent-child relationship quality lowered risk of being in the mental health problems only and the comorbid profiles. In addition, parent-child relationship quality moderated the role of COVID-19 related worries such that COVID-19 related worries were associated with lower odds of being in the comorbid profile when parent-child relationship quality was high but not when parent-child relationship quality was low. Strengthening parent-child relationship quality appears important for promoting college students' well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinni Su
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 871104, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA.
| | - Isobel Conroy
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 871104, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Angel Trevino
- Department of Psychology, Arizona State University, P.O. Box 871104, Tempe, AZ, 85287, USA
| | - Yao Zheng
- Department of Psychology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - Sally I-Chun Kuo
- Department of Psychiatry, Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA
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Heaton KG, Camacho NL, Gaffrey MS. Associations between pre-pandemic authoritative parenting, pandemic stressors, and children's depression and anxiety at the initial stage of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15592. [PMID: 37730878 PMCID: PMC10511718 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42268-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Large-scale changes due to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic negatively affected children's mental health. Prior research suggests that children's mental health problems during the pandemic may have been concurrently attenuated by an authoritative parenting style and exacerbated by family stress. However, there is a gap in the literature investigating these mechanisms and whether pre-pandemic authoritative parenting had a lasting positive influence on children's mental health while they were exposed to pandemic-related family stressors. The current study begins to fill this gap by investigating these unique relationships in a sample of 106 4-8 year old children (51% female). Before the pandemic, caregivers completed questionnaires on their parenting style and their children's depression and anxiety symptoms. Shortly after the onset of COVID-19's stay-at-home mandate, parents answered questionnaires about their children's depression and anxiety symptoms and pandemic-related family stressors. Child depression and anxiety symptom severity increased. Higher levels of pandemic-related family stress were associated with increases only in child anxiety scores. Further, greater endorsement of a pre-pandemic authoritative parenting style was associated with smaller changes only in child depression scores. Study findings elucidate unique and complex associations between young children's anxiety and depression symptoms severity and pre-pandemic parenting and pandemic-related family stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karina G Heaton
- Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology, Rutgers University, Piscataway, NJ, USA.
| | - Nicolas L Camacho
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
| | - Michael S Gaffrey
- Department of Psychology and Neuroscience, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA.
- Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
- Division of Pediatric Psychology and Developmental Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
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13
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Buchanan G, Sullivan E, Berkel C, Breitenstein S, Feinberg E, Valado T, Willis D. Implementing Parenting Programs in Primary Care: A Framework and a Call for Action. Acad Pediatr 2023; 23:1315-1325. [PMID: 37088132 DOI: 10.1016/j.acap.2023.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Healthy parent-child relationships are clearly critical to healthy child development. Parenting programs develop caregivers' skills to support the health and well-being of children. Rigorous evidence has demonstrated the efficacy of these programs. Rising rates of child and youth depression, anxiety, grief, and suicide, both prior to and compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, provide further reasons to implement parenting programs that support all parents in their essential roles. Parents can act as a buffer to stressors and support for children's well-being when they have the knowledge and skills to do so. Pediatric primary care practices are a natural setting for parenting programs, but challenges, including stigma, technology, workflow issues, and funding, have prevented their broad dissemination, implementation, and sustainability. In this article, we develop a framework for implementing parenting programs in primary care and present key considerations for selecting programs that fit the needs of parents, providers, patients, and the practice. We offer lessons from our experiences in overcoming these challenges, using the updated Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to structure our discussion. We also provide an initial stepwise process which readers may use to plan their own parenting program implementation. Pediatric clinicians and practices can use this article and associated resources to plan, implement, and evaluate parenting programs in their practices as a strategy to help address the growing youth mental health crisis. Improving parenting behaviors can reduce the need for current or future mental health interventions by supporting optimal child development, emotional regulation, and parent-child relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gretchen Buchanan
- Center for Mental Health Services Research and Brown School of Social Work (G Buchanan), Washington University in St. Louis, MO.
| | | | - Cady Berkel
- College of Health Solutions (C Berkel), Arizona State University, Tempe
| | - Susie Breitenstein
- College of Nursing (S Breitenstein), The Ohio State University, Columbus
| | - Emily Feinberg
- Department of Pediatrics (E Feinberg), Chobanian and Avedisian School of Medicine and Department of Community Health Sciences, Boston University School of Public Health, Boston University School of Medicine, MA
| | - Trenna Valado
- ZERO TO THREE National Center for Infants, Toddlers, and Families (T Valado), Washington, D.C
| | - David Willis
- Center for the Study of Social Policy (D Willis), Washington, D.C
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14
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Boullion A, Linde-Krieger LB, Doan SN, Yates TM. Parental warmth, adolescent emotion regulation, and adolescents' mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1216502. [PMID: 37727752 PMCID: PMC10505753 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1216502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The United States (U.S.) Surgeon General Advisory has characterized the COVID-19 pandemic as a youth mental health crisis. Thus, elucidating factors affecting adolescents' mental health during the pandemic is important for supporting youth through current and future challenges. Parenting influences adolescents' ability to cope with stressors, and emotion regulation strategy use may underlie these effects. Methods This longitudinal study of 206 adolescents (49% female; 46.6% Latine) from the U.S. evaluated pathways from perceived parental warmth and affection at age 12 to changes in adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problems from before the pandemic (age 14) to the initial phase of the U.S COVID-19 pandemic in Spring 2020 (age 15) through adolescents' pre-pandemic cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression emotion regulation strategy use at age 14. Results Parental warmth and affection predicted decreased internalizing, but not externalizing, problems during the initial phase of the pandemic, and this effect was explained by adolescents' reduced reliance on expressive suppression as an emotion regulation strategy. Conclusion These findings illuminate parenting and emotion regulation strategy selection as modifiable processes to support adolescents' mental health in this crisis and beyond.
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Affiliation(s)
- AnnaMaria Boullion
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States
| | - Linnea B. Linde-Krieger
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States
- Department of Family and Community Medicine, University of Arizona, AZ, United States
| | - Stacey N. Doan
- Claremont McKenna College, Claremont, CA, United States
- City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA, United States
| | - Tuppett M. Yates
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, CA, United States
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15
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Lim N, O'Reilly M, Russell-George A, Londoño FV. A Meta-Analysis of Parenting Interventions for Immigrants. PREVENTION SCIENCE : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE SOCIETY FOR PREVENTION RESEARCH 2023; 24:1152-1173. [PMID: 36633767 DOI: 10.1007/s11121-022-01488-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
In light of increasing migration rates and the unique experiences of immigrants, this meta-analysis examined the effects of parenting interventions for immigrants. Specifically, we described the characteristics of parenting interventions for immigrants, examined cultural and/or linguistic adaptations made to the interventions, analyzed intervention effects, and examined potential moderating variables. Four electronic databases were searched in February 2021 for peer-reviewed articles published in English. Studies that involved immigrant parents, used an experimental design, and investigated an intervention targeting skills that parents could use directly with their children were included. Sixteen group design and two single-case design studies met inclusion criteria. The risk of publication bias was examined using funnel plots and found to be low. Overall, most parenting interventions for immigrants focused on young children and were delivered in groups. Interventions produced small to moderate effects on parent and child outcomes, which is comparable to those for the general population. All studies made cultural adaptations, with the most common being language. Moderator analyses indicate that the effects of interventions with surface structure adaptations were similar to those with deep structure adaptations. Limitations included the low methodological rigor of included studies and the exclusion of grey literature. More works of research on the relative effects of specific adaptations, such as ethnicity matching, are needed to better serve this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataly Lim
- The University of Texas at Austin, Speedway, Austin, TX, USA.
| | - Mark O'Reilly
- The University of Texas at Austin, Speedway, Austin, TX, USA
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16
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Jost GM, Hang S, Shaikh U, Hostinar CE. Understanding adolescent stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 52:101646. [PMID: 37473661 PMCID: PMC10282927 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/22/2023]
Abstract
Longitudinal studies across the globe documented significant increases in psychological stress and mental health problems among adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. Health concerns, school disruptions, and social disconnection were major sources of stress. High levels of perceived stress predicted worse mental health outcomes, with girls, older adolescents, and socio-economically marginalized youth experiencing more pronounced mental health deteriorations. However, social support from family and peers was a protective factor against increased stress and accompanying mental health problems. We urge policymakers and other key decision-makers to improve the availability and financing of mental health services and support programs for adolescents to address the wave of mental health challenges following the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Geneva M Jost
- University of California-Davis, Psychology Department, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Sally Hang
- University of California-Davis, Psychology Department, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Ulfat Shaikh
- University of California-Davis, Department of Pediatrics, Davis, CA, USA
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17
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Machlin L, McLaughlin KA. Pre-pandemic brain structure and function and adolescent psychopathology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 52:101647. [PMID: 37429074 PMCID: PMC10414753 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented unprecedented challenges for youths and families, dramatically increasing exposure to stressors and stress-related psychopathology. Increasing work has leveraged pre-pandemic neuroimaging data to predict adolescent psychopathology and stress responses during the pandemic, with a particular focus on internalizing symptoms. We review this recent literature on pre-pandemic brain structure and function and adolescent internalizing psychopathology during the pandemic. At present, existing studies have not consistently identified specific alterations in brain structure and function that predict anxiety or depressive symptoms during the pandemic. In contrast, exposure to stress and adversity before and during the pandemic as well as access to peer and family support have emerged as consistent and reliable predictors of youth mental health during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Machlin
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, United States.
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18
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Eboigbe LI, Simon CB, Wang YS, Tyrell FA. The compounded effect of the dual pandemic on ethnic-racial minority adolescents' mental health and psychosocial well-being. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 52:101626. [PMID: 37384949 PMCID: PMC10293782 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, U.S. youth faced various stressors that affected their schooling experiences, social relationships, family dynamics, and communities. These stressors negatively impacted youths' mental health. Compared to White youths, ethnic-racial minority youths were disproportionately affected by COVID-19-related health disparities and experienced elevated worry and stress. In particular, Black and Asian American youths faced the compounded effects of a dual pandemic due to their navigation of both COVID-19-related stressors and increased exposure to racial discrimination and racial injustice, which worsened their mental health outcomes. However, protective processes such as social support, ethnic-racial identity, and ethnic-racial socialization emerged as mechanisms that attenuated the effects of COVID-related stressors on ethnic-racial youths' mental health and promoted their positive adaptation and psychosocial well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loretta I Eboigbe
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States
| | - Carlisa B Simon
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States
| | - Yuqi S Wang
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States
| | - Fanita A Tyrell
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, United States.
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19
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Mann M, Harary D, Louis S, Wang T, Bonuck K, Isasi CR, Charron MJ, Fuloria M. Association of parent-child interactions with parental psychological distress and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1150216. [PMID: 37425276 PMCID: PMC10326543 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1150216] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The effects of psychological distress/resilience on parent-child engagement (e.g., family dinners, reading) during the COVID-19 pandemic have not been well studied. Among very young children from underrepresented backgrounds enrolled in the ongoing longitudinal Bronx Mother Baby Health Study of healthy term infants, we (1) examined associations between exposures to COVID-19-related events, demographic factors and parental psychological distress and resilience; and (2) correlated these factors with parent-child engagement activities. Methods Between June 2020-August 2021, parents of 105 Bronx Mother Baby Health Study participants aged birth-25 months completed questionnaires related to exposures to COVID-19-related events, frequency of positive parent-child engagement activities, food and housing insecurity, and parental psychological distress and resilience. Families were also asked open ended questions about the pandemic's impact. Results 29.8% and 47.6% of parents reported food and housing insecurity, respectively. Greater exposures to COVID-19-related events were associated with increased parental psychological distress. Positive parent-child interactions were associated with demographic factors and higher levels of maternal education, but not with exposures to COVID-19-related events. Discussion This study adds to a growing body of literature on the negative impacts of COVID-19 exposures and psychosocial stressors on families during the pandemic, supporting the need for enhanced mental health resources and social supports for families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mana Mann
- Department of Pediatrics, Flushing Hospital Medical Center, Queens, NY, United States
| | - David Harary
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Shirley Louis
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital of Michigan, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Karen Bonuck
- Department of Family and Social Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Carmen R. Isasi
- Department of Epidemiology and Population Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Adolescent Medicine, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Maureen J. Charron
- Department of Obstetrics & Gynecology and Women’s Health, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Biochemistry, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
- Department of Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
| | - Mamta Fuloria
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
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20
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Stracke M, Heinzl M, Müller AD, Gilbert K, Thorup AAE, Paul JL, Christiansen H. Mental Health Is a Family Affair-Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis on the Associations between Mental Health Problems in Parents and Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:ijerph20054485. [PMID: 36901492 PMCID: PMC10001622 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
As a multidimensional and universal stressor, the COVID-19 pandemic negatively affected the mental health of children, adolescents, and adults worldwide. In particular, families faced numerous restrictions and challenges. From the literature, it is well known that parental mental health problems and child mental health outcomes are associated. Hence, this review aims to summarize the current research on the associations of parental mental health symptoms and child mental health outcomes during the COVID-19 pandemic. We conducted a systematic literature search in Web of Science (all databases) and identified 431 records, of which 83 articles with data of over 80,000 families were included in 38 meta-analyses. A total of 25 meta-analyses resulted in significant small to medium associations between parental mental health symptoms and child mental health outcomes (r = 0.19 to 0.46, p < 0.05). The largest effects were observed for the associations of parenting stress and child mental health outcomes. A dysfunctional parent-child interaction has been identified as a key mechanism for the transmission of mental disorders. Thus, specific parenting interventions are needed to foster healthy parent-child interactions, to promote the mental health of families, and to reduce the negative impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Stracke
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Philipps University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
- Correspondence:
| | - Miriam Heinzl
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Philipps University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Anne Dorothee Müller
- Research Unit, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristin Gilbert
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Philipps University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
| | - Anne Amalie Elgaard Thorup
- Research Unit, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute for Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jean Lillian Paul
- Mental Health Research Program, The Village, Ludwig Boltzmann Gesellschaft, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
- Division of Psychiatry I, Department of Psychiatry, Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, Medical University Innsbruck, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Hanna Christiansen
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Philipps University Marburg, 35032 Marburg, Germany
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21
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Penna AL, de Aquino CM, Pinheiro MSN, do Nascimento RLF, Farias-Antúnez S, Araújo DABS, Mita C, Machado MMT, Castro MC. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mental health, early childhood development, and parental practices: a global scoping review. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:388. [PMID: 36823592 PMCID: PMC9950022 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15003-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In March 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), generating stark economic and social repercussions that directly or indirectly affected families' wellbeing and health status. AIMS This review aims at mapping the existing evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mental health, early childhood development, and parental practices, worldwide, to identify evidence gaps and better inform future delivery of care and health policy measures. METHODS Following the protocol defined by PRISMA-ScR, this scoping review has searched for relevant studies published between January 2020 and June 2021, selecting evidence sources based on pre-established criteria. From a total of 2,308 articles, data were extracted from 537 publications from 35 countries on all three health domains. RESULTS The combined stressors brought forth by the pandemic have exerted a heavy burden on the mental health of mothers and the development of young children, partly mediated by its impact on parental practices. CONCLUSIONS Despite remaining gaps, we have identified sufficient evidence pointing to an urgent need for more concerted global research efforts and rapid policy responses to timely address severe and pervasive negative impacts to the mental health of mothers and children at a key developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luiza Penna
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA.
| | - Camila Machado de Aquino
- grid.8395.70000 0001 2160 0329Department of Community Health, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | | | - Simone Farias-Antúnez
- grid.411237.20000 0001 2188 7235Department of Health Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Brazil
| | | | - Carol Mita
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XCountway Library, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | | | - Marcia C. Castro
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
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22
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Geprägs A, Bürgin D, Fegert JM, Brähler E, Clemens V. Parental stress and physical violence against children during the second year of the COVID-19 pandemic: results of a population-based survey in Germany. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:25. [PMID: 36804027 PMCID: PMC9940081 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00571-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents and caregivers belonged to those with the highest burdens during the COVID-pandemic. Considering the close link between parental stress and child maltreatment, identifying families with high parental stress is of utmost importance to prevent violence against children. Within this study, we thus aimed to investigate the interplay of parental stress, changes in parental stress, and physical violence against children during the second year of the COVID-pandemic on an exploratory level. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional, observational study in Germany from July to October 2021. By using different sampling steps, a representative probability sample of the German population was generated. A subsample of these participants with children under the age of 18 was included for analysis within this study (N = 453, 60.3% females, Mage = 40.08; SD = 8.53). RESULTS Higher parental stress levels were associated with more physical violence against children, higher levels of own experiences of child maltreatment, and mental health symptoms. An increase in parental stress during the pandemic was associated with female sex, the use of physical violence against children, and parental experience of child maltreatment. Parents who have ever used physical violence against their children have been characterized by higher parental stress levels, a stronger increase in parental stress during the pandemic, own experience of child maltreatment, mental health symptoms and sociodemographic characteristics. Higher parental stress levels, a stronger increase of parental stress during the pandemic, having pre-existing psychiatric disorders, and parental experience of child maltreatment predicted an increased use of physical violence against children during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Our results underscore the importance of parental stress for the risk of physical violence against children, more so in times of overall increased stress due to the pandemic and underline the need for low threshold support for families at risk in times of crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alina Geprägs
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - David Bürgin
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany ,grid.6612.30000 0004 1937 0642Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Research Department (UPKKJ), Psychiatric University Hospitals, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Jörg M. Fegert
- grid.6582.90000 0004 1936 9748Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Elmar Brähler
- grid.410607.4Department for Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, University Medical Center of Johannes Gutenberg University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany ,grid.9647.c0000 0004 7669 9786Integrated Research and Treatment Center Adiposity Diseases, Behavioral Medicine Unit, Department of Psychosomatic Medicine and Psychotherapy, Leipzig University Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Vera Clemens
- Hospital of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychotherapy, University of Ulm, Ulm, Germany.
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23
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Bevan JL, Murphy MK, Lannutti PJ, Slatcher RB, Balzarini RN. A descriptive literature review of early research on COVID-19 and close relationships. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2023; 40:201-253. [PMID: 38603371 PMCID: PMC9297072 DOI: 10.1177/02654075221115387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/30/2023]
Abstract
This in-depth critical review investigates the impact of COVID-19 on personal relationships from the start of the pandemic in early 2020 to September 2021. Research examining six themes are identified and described in detail: the impact of COVID-19 on (1) family and intimate relationships; (2) LGBTQ+ relationships; (3) how COVID-19 is linked to technologically mediated communication and personal relationships; (4) potential shifts in sexual behaviors and desire; (5) potential shifts in relational conflict and intimate partner violence; and (6) constructive aspects of personal relationships, which is a broad theme that includes outcomes such as resilience, relational quality, coping, and social support. Findings for overarching patterns are offered to highlight implications for current research and identify future directions to consider when continuing to study personal relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic and similar future crises.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Rhonda N Balzarini
- Texas State University, San Marcos, TX, USA
- Kinsey Institute at Indiana
University, Bloomington, IN, USA
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24
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Morgül E. Caregiver Worry of Infection and Family Co-existence Difficulty and Association With Change in Children's Internalizing and Externalizing Symptoms During the Initial COVID-19 Lockdown in the UK and Turkey. Psychol Rep 2023:332941221149183. [PMID: 36705275 PMCID: PMC9895281 DOI: 10.1177/00332941221149183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The study examined whether caregiver worry of COVID-19 infection and co-existence difficulty differentially predicted child mental health and wellbeing during the lockdown in two culturally different countries that were severely affected by the pandemic: the UK and Turkey. Co-existence difficulty is the hardship experienced by family members living all together in the same house at the same time during the lockdown period. Participants were 1849 caregivers of children between 5- and 12-years old living in the UK (n = 995) and Turkey (n = 854), who completed an electronic survey distributed via social networks during the initial phase of the COVID-19 lockdown (July and August 2020). Caregivers completed a set of questionnaires on child and family wellbeing and on whether the child's internalizing and externalizing symptoms changed during the lockdown as compared to before. Worry of COVID-19 infection was higher amongst caregivers in the Turkish sample and was associated with higher levels of child internalizing symptoms during the lockdown in the Turkish sample, however there were no statistically significant differences in the size of the impact of worry of infection on the children's internalizing symptoms between the two countries. Co-existence difficulty independently predicted increase in children's internalizing and externalizing symptoms during the lockdown in both samples. Families in the UK experienced a higher level of difficulty with co-existence compared to the families living in Turkey but the magnitude of the impact of co-existence difficulty on children's outcomes between the two samples was not significantly different.The findings suggest that public health strategies should aim to reduce social anxiety and invest in the development of programs aimed at supporting families to overcome the challenges of co-existence during times of public health crisis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evren Morgül
- Department of Psychology, University of
Roehampton, London, UK
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Sattler DN, Bishkhorloo B, Lawley KA, Hackler R, Byambajav C, Munkhbat M, Smith-Galeno B. Stigma, Post-traumatic Stress, and COVID-19 Vaccination Intent in Mongolia, India, and the United States. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:2084. [PMID: 36767449 PMCID: PMC9915119 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20032084] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Background: Stigma and discrimination during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic have increased precipitously worldwide. This multinational study examines how stigma, blaming groups for virus spread, concern regarding contracting the virus, resource loss, life satisfaction, and protective behaviors that help control the spread of COVID-19 are associated with post-traumatic stress and vaccine intent in Mongolia, India, and the United States. Method: 1429 people in Mongolia, India, and the United States completed measures assessing stigma during the COVID-19 pandemic, post-traumatic stress, blame, protective behaviors, and vaccine intent. Results: Mean post-traumatic stress scores in all three countries exceeded the cut-off that is commonly used to determine probable post-traumatic stress. Post-traumatic stress was associated with COVID-19 stigma experience, personal behavior change due to COVID-19 stigma, blaming groups for the spread of COVID-19, fear of COVID-19, and resource loss. In India and the United States, personal behavior change due to COVID-19 stigma, anger at individuals spreading COVID-19, and perceived susceptibility to illness were positively associated with vaccine intent. Conclusions: Stigma is a collateral stressor during the pandemic. The findings underscore the importance of prompt action to address stigma as a deleterious consequence of the pandemic. The findings illuminate potential barriers to receiving the vaccine and provide direction for future research to address barriers.
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Affiliation(s)
- David N. Sattler
- Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9172, USA
| | - Boldsuren Bishkhorloo
- Department of Education and Psychology, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 14200, Mongolia
| | - Kendall A. Lawley
- Global Center for Integrated Health of Women, Adolescents, and Children, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
| | - Ruth Hackler
- Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9172, USA
| | - Chuluunbileg Byambajav
- Department of Education and Psychology, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 14200, Mongolia
| | - Michidmaa Munkhbat
- Department of Education and Psychology, National University of Mongolia, Ulaanbaatar 14200, Mongolia
| | - Brooklyn Smith-Galeno
- Department of Psychology, Western Washington University, Bellingham, WA 98225-9172, USA
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Gee DG. Neurodevelopmental mechanisms linking early experiences and mental health: Translating science to promote well-being among youth. AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2022; 77:1033-1045. [PMID: 36595400 PMCID: PMC9875304 DOI: 10.1037/amp0001107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Early experiences can have profound and lasting effects on mental health. Delineating neurodevelopmental pathways related to risk and resilience following adversity exposure is critical for promoting well-being and targeting interventions. A rapidly growing cross-species literature has facilitated advances in identifying neural and behavioral mechanisms linking early experiences with mental health, highlighting a central role of corticolimbic circuitry involved in learning and emotion regulation. Building upon knowledge of corticolimbic development related to stress and buffering factors, we describe the importance of the developmental timing and experiential elements of adversity in mental health outcomes. Finally, we discuss opportunities to translate knowledge of the developing brain and early experiences to optimize interventions for youth with psychopathology and to inform policy that promotes healthy development at the societal level. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
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Hagan MJ, Roubinov DR, Cordeiro A, Lisha N, Bush NR. Young children's traumatic stress reactions to the COVID-19 pandemic: The long reach of mothers' adverse childhood experiences. J Affect Disord 2022; 318:130-138. [PMID: 36030995 PMCID: PMC9420002 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.08.061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has negatively impacted parental and child mental health; however, it is critical to examine this impact in the context of parental histories of adversity. We hypothesized that maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and pandemic-related negative life events would predict child traumatic stress symptoms (TSS) and tested potential mediating pathways through maternal pandemic-related TSS and/or poorer maternal sensitivity during the pandemic. METHODS Data were collected from a longitudinal sample of low-income, racially/ethnically diverse mothers and their children. Between May and November 2020, mothers (n = 111) of young children (M age = 7.42 years, SD = 0.45) completed questionnaires to assess their own and their child's pandemic-related TSS, exposure to pandemic-related negative events, and parent-child relationship quality. Maternal ACEs, maternal depression, parent-child relationship quality, and child internalizing symptoms had been assessed approximately 1-3 years prior. RESULTS Structural equation analyses revealed that pandemic negative life events were indirectly associated with child TSS via greater maternal TSS. For mothers, recent pandemic-related negative events were associated with their own TSS, whereas maternal ACEs were not. Maternal ACEs directly predicted greater child TSS, with no evidence of mediation by either maternal TSS or maternal sensitivity. LIMITATIONS All measures were parent report, and pandemic-related measures were collected at the same time point. CONCLUSIONS Findings underscore the long reach of mothers' own adverse childhood experiences, highlighting the negative consequences of these prior traumatic exposures alongside current pandemic-related maternal trauma symptoms for children's adjustment during the pandemic.
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Cohodes EM, McCauley S, Preece DA, Gross JJ, Gee DG. Parental Assistance with Emotion Regulation Moderates Link Between COVID-19 Stress and Child Mental Health. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2022:1-18. [PMID: 36399629 PMCID: PMC10192455 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2022.2140431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The COVID-19 pandemic has severely impacted children's mental health. All children have not been affected equally, however, and whether parental emotion socialization might buffer or exacerbate the impact of COVID-19 on children's mental health remains an important question. METHOD During the first peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in the U.S. N = 200 parents of children ages 0-17 (52.5% female) completed questionnaires related to parental assistance with children's emotion regulation, symptomatology, and exposure to COVID-19-related stress. Parents were 74% Non-Hispanic/Latino/a White, 13% Asian, 4.5% Hispanic/Latino/a, 4% Black/African American, 2.5% Native American, and 1.5% bi/multiracial; 0.5% of participants preferred not to state their race/ethnicity. In a series of linear regression analyses, we examined whether parental assistance with children's execution of emotion regulation strategies - across a variety of prototypically-adaptive and -maladaptive strategies - moderates the association between children's exposure to COVID-19-related stress and symptomatology. RESULTS Results suggest that parental assistance with the execution of prototypically-adaptive strategies (i.e., acceptance, problem solving, behavioral disengagement) and prototypically-maladaptive strategies (i.e., suppression, rumination) may buffer or exacerbate, respectively, the impact of COVID-19-related stress on youth mental health. CONCLUSIONS Though interpretation of findings is constrained by limitations inherent in collecting data during a pandemic, results highlight the importance of supporting parents - who play a critical role of supporting children - during public health emergencies that affect family life. Interventions designed to improve child wellbeing during the ongoing pandemic may benefit from training parents to assist their children with specific emotion regulation strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M. Cohodes
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, 2 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - Sarah McCauley
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, 2 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520
| | - David A. Preece
- School of Psychology and Speech Pathology, Curtin University, Kent Street, Bentley, Perth, WA 6102, Australia
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Crawley, Perth WA 6009, Australia
| | - James J. Gross
- Department of Psychology, Stanford University, Jordan Hall, 450 Jane Stanford Way, Building 420, Stanford, CA 94305
| | - Dylan G. Gee
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, 2 Hillhouse Avenue, New Haven, CT 06520
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Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children with and without affective dysregulation and their families. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 32:951-961. [PMID: 36385660 PMCID: PMC9668221 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02106-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Analyzing COVID-19-related stress in children with affective dysregulation (AD) seems especially interesting, as these children typically show heightened reactivity to potential stressors and an increased use of maladaptive emotion regulation strategies. Children in out-of-home care often show similar characteristics to those with AD. Since COVID-19 has led to interruptions in psychotherapy for children with mental health problems and to potentially reduced resources to implement treatment strategies in daily life in families or in out-of-home care, these children might show a particularly strong increase in stress levels. In this study, 512 families of children without AD and 269 families of children with AD reported on COVID-19-related stress. The sample comprised screened community, clinical, and out-of-home care samples. Sociodemographic factors, characteristics of child and caregiver before the pandemic, and perceived change in external conditions due to the pandemic were examined as potential risk or protective factors. Interestingly, only small differences emerged between families of children with and without AD or between subsamples: families of children with AD and families in out-of-home care were affected slightly more, but in few domains. Improvements and deteriorations in treatment-related effects balanced each other out. Overall, the most stable and strongest risk factor for COVID-19-related stress was perceived negative change in external conditions-particularly family conditions and leisure options. Additionally, caregiver characteristics emerged as risk factors across most models. Actions to support families during the pandemic should, therefore, facilitate external conditions and focus on caregiver characteristic to reduce familial COVID-19-related stress. Trial registration: German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS), ADOPT Online: DRKS00014963 registered 27 June 2018, ADOPT Treatment: DRKS00013317 registered 27 September 2018, ADOPT Institution: DRKS00014581 registered 04 July 2018.
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Mindful Parenting Mediated Between Mothers’ Perceived Stress During COVID-19 and Child Adjustment. Mindfulness (N Y) 2022; 13:3109-3122. [PMCID: PMC9638492 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-022-02018-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Objectives Maternal stress is associated with a myriad of maladjusted outcomes among children. To identify the role of mindful parenting between mothers’ stress and child adjustment during the COVID-19 pandemic, this study tested competing hypotheses with mothers’ mindful parenting as a mediator versus a moderator. Methods A total of 172 Chinese mothers of preschool-aged children participated in this study. Participants completed a self-report measure of stress during COVID-19 and mindful parenting, as well as a mother-report measure of children’s prosocial behavior, internalizing problems, and externalizing problems. Structural equation models were conducted to examine the mediation versus moderation effects of mindful parenting between mothers’ stress during COVID-19 and child adjustment, after controlling for family income, children’s age, sex, and adjustment at baseline. Results Findings indicated that mindful parenting mediated the link between mothers’ stress during COVID-19 and child adjustment, including internalizing problems, externalizing problems, and prosocial behavior. A test of competing hypothesis showed that mindful parenting did not moderate between mothers’ stress during COVID-19 and child adjustment. Conclusions This study revealed the mediating effects of mindful parenting between mothers’ perceived stress during COVID-19 and child adjustment. The findings inform researchers and practitioners about mindful parenting as a potential mechanism between maternal stress and child adjustment during the pandemic.
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Somers JA, Chu K, Schwartz C, Towner E, Callaghan B. Sometimes "we" can help: parents' pronoun use buffers fear and anxiety transmission. ANXIETY, STRESS, AND COPING 2022; 36:488-501. [PMID: 36153744 PMCID: PMC10038937 DOI: 10.1080/10615806.2022.2127694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Parents' natural language when describing health-related threats reflects parents' cognitions that may shape their transmission of anxiety and fear. Parents' greater communal focus (i.e., higher we-talk) and less self-focus (i.e., lower I-talk) may buffer against intergenerational fear/anxiety transmission. The current study investigated whether the relation between parents' and children's anxiety and pandemic-related fear differed by parent we- and I-talk. DESIGN AND METHODS Parents of 114 children (2-19 years; M = 9.75, SD = 3.73) completed online measures assessing children's and parents' anxiety and COVID-19-related fears, and engaged in a written reflection on their early pandemic experiences. The proportion of parents' we-talk and I-talk during the reflection was obtained using Linguistic Inquiry Word Count software. RESULTS Results of multilevel structural equation models were partially consistent with expectations: The protective effect of we-talk was only observed for parents with lower fear/anxiety. For parents with higher fear/anxiety, higher I-talk was associated with lower child fear/anxiety. At higher levels of parent we-talk and at lower levels of I-talk, there was an unexpectedly positive association between parents' and children's fear/anxiety. CONCLUSIONS The concordance between parents' and their children's fear/anxiety differs depending on parents' natural language when reflecting on the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Somers
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Kristen Chu
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Chloe Schwartz
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Emily Towner
- Department of Psychology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Bridget Callaghan
- Department of Psychology, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Marshall AT, Hackman DA, Kan E, Abad S, Baker FC, Baskin-Sommers A, Dowling GJ, Gonzalez MR, Guillaume M, Kiss O, McCabe CJ, McCandliss BD, Pelham WE, Tapert SF, Van Rinsveld A, Sowell ER. Location matters: Regional variation in association of community burden of COVID-19 with caregiver and youth worry. Health Place 2022; 77:102885. [PMID: 35963164 PMCID: PMC9359938 DOI: 10.1016/j.healthplace.2022.102885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Our study characterized associations between three indicators of COVID-19's community-level impact in 20 geographically diverse metropolitan regions and how worried youth and their caregivers in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development℠ Study have been about COVID-19. County-level COVID-19 case/death rates and monthly unemployment rates were geocoded to participants' addresses. Caregivers' (vs. youths') COVID-19-related worry was more strongly associated with COVID-19's community impact, independent of sociodemographics and pre-pandemic anxiety levels, with these associations varying by location. Public-health agencies and healthcare providers should avoid adopting uniform "one-size-fits-all" approaches to addressing COVID-19-related emotional distress and must consider specific communities' needs, challenges, and strengths.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew T Marshall
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
| | - Daniel A Hackman
- USC Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Eric Kan
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Shermaine Abad
- Department of Radiology, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Fiona C Baker
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | | | - Gayathri J Dowling
- Division of Extramural Research, National Institute on Drug Abuse, Rockville, MD, USA
| | | | - Mathieu Guillaume
- Graduate School of Education, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Orsolya Kiss
- Center for Health Sciences, SRI International, Menlo Park, CA, USA
| | - Connor J McCabe
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - William E Pelham
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Susan F Tapert
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
| | | | - Elizabeth R Sowell
- Children's Hospital Los Angeles, and the Department of Pediatrics, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Penner F, Elzaki Y, Contreras HT, Santos RP, Sarver DE. Behavioral, Affective, and Cognitive Parenting Mechanisms of Child Internalizing and Externalizing Problems during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2022; 50:1121-1138. [PMID: 35526192 PMCID: PMC9080345 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-022-00920-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety among parents and internalizing and externalizing problems among youth. To better understand the mechanisms and moderators of child mental health during the pandemic, the current study tested two moderated mediation models in which parent depression and anxiety indirectly impacted child internalizing and externalizing problems through negative effects on multiple parenting variables, with these associations moderated by families' exposure to COVID-19-stressors. A national sample representative of U.S. parents (N = 796, 48.2% female, Mage = 38.87 years, 60.3% Non-Hispanic white, 18.1% Hispanic/Latinx, 13.2% Non-Hispanic Black/African-American, 5.7% Asian, 2.8% Other Race) completed a cross-sectional online survey in February-April 2021. Children ranged from 5-16 years old (Mage = 10.35 years, 59.8% Non-Hispanic white, 17.2% Hispanic/Latinx, 13.7% Non-Hispanic Black/African-American, 4.5% Asian, 4.8% Other Race). Parent depression/anxiety was directly and indirectly associated with child internalizing and externalizing problems. For both internalizing and externalizing problems, indirect associations occurred by means of increased parent hostility and inconsistent discipline and decreased routines and parent supportiveness. There were also specific indirect effects through decreased monitoring (internalizing problems) and parenting self-efficacy (externalizing problems). Multiple indirect effects were moderated by number of COVID-19-stressors experienced. Notably, COVID-19-stressors did not have direct effects on child mental health when other variables were considered. Findings highlight the buffering effects of parents for child mental health, the need to address parent depression/anxiety in child interventions, the utility of existing evidence-based parent interventions during the pandemic, and the need to assess families' level of exposure to COVID-19-stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Penner
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA.
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, 230 S Frontage Rd., New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| | - Yasmin Elzaki
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - Haglaeeh T Contreras
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - Roberto P Santos
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
- Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
| | - Dustin E Sarver
- Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
- Center for the Advancement of Youth, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, USA
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Toscano C, Lopes P, Ramos C, Baptista J. Emotional and Behavioral Health among Portuguese Toddlers during the COVID-19 Crisis: The Impact of Social Isolation and Caregiving Distress. CHILD INDICATORS RESEARCH 2022; 16:69-85. [PMID: 36035772 PMCID: PMC9399985 DOI: 10.1007/s12187-022-09964-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/07/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to significant changes in the lives of families with young children. The present study aimed to explore whether child social isolation due to the COVID-19 crisis was associated with toddlers' emotional and behavioral health (EBH) and whether this association was moderated by caregiving distress, during the second mandatory lockdown in Portugal. Participants included 315 toddlers and their primary caregivers. Caregivers were invited to complete a set of questionnaires in order to report about toddlers' social isolation from other significant family members, other children, and activities outside the house, and to provide ratings of caregiving distress and toddlers' EBH. Family socioeconomic factors, including stressors resulted from the pandemic, were also measured. Significant interaction effects, independent of child sex and sociodemographic factors, between COVID-19-related social isolation and caregiving distress emerged in the prediction of toddlers' EBH: COVID-19-related social isolation was found to be a significant predictor of both emotional/behavioral competencies and problems, but only among toddlers exposed to higher levels of caregiving distress. This study evidences the negative impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the functioning of Portuguese families and toddlers' EBH. It emphasizes the importance for policies to consider the implications of the COVID-19 crisis for young children, and to provide psychosocial support to families in order to reduce caregiving distress and, thus, prevent children's mental health problems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Toscano
- Psychology Research Center (CIPsi), School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
| | - Patrícia Lopes
- Centro de Investigação e de Intervenção Social (CIS-IUL), Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (Iscte-IUL), Avenida das Forças Armadas, 1649-026 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Cláudia Ramos
- Centro de Investigação e de Intervenção Social (CIS-IUL), Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (Iscte-IUL), Avenida das Forças Armadas, 1649-026 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joana Baptista
- Centro de Investigação e de Intervenção Social (CIS-IUL), Instituto Universitário de Lisboa (Iscte-IUL), Avenida das Forças Armadas, 1649-026 Lisbon, Portugal
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Behrens B, Edler K, Cote K, Valentino K. Child internalizing symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic among maltreating and non-maltreating families: Examining the effects of family resources and the Reminiscing and Emotion Training intervention. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 130:105375. [PMID: 34749997 PMCID: PMC8549072 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105375] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 10/11/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on child functioning have been especially pronounced among low-income families. Protective factors, including sensitive reminiscing and sufficient family resources, may reduce the negative effects of the pandemic on child adjustment. OBJECTIVE The current study investigated how family resources during the pandemic, race, maltreatment, and pre-pandemic involvement in an emotion socialization intervention (Myears ago = 4.37, SD = 1.36) were associated with child internalizing symptoms during the pandemic. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING The study utilized longitudinal data following 137 maltreating and low-income nonmaltreating mother-child dyads (Mage = 9.08, SD = 1.88; 54.7% Male). METHODS Mother-child dyads engaged in a randomized controlled trial of the Reminiscing and Emotion Training (RET; Valentino et al., 2019) intervention prior to the pandemic. Dyads discussed shared, past emotional experiences, and during the pandemic, mothers reported on their family resources and their child's internalizing symptoms. A path analysis examined the effects of family resources, race, maltreatment, and the RET intervention on child internalizing symptoms. RESULTS Family resources during the pandemic were significantly and inversely associated with child internalizing symptoms, b = -0.07, SE = 0.02, p < .01. There was a significant indirect effect of RET on child internalizing symptoms through sensitive reminiscing and a prior assessment of child maladjustment (95% CI [-0.294, -0.001]). CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest adequate family resources and sensitive maternal emotion socialization may be protective against child internalizing symptoms during the pandemic.
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Oliveira TDO, Costa DS, Alvim-Soares A, de Paula JJ, Kestelman I, Silva AG, Malloy-Diniz LF, Miranda DM. Children's behavioral problems, screen time, and sleep problems' association with negative and positive parenting strategies during the COVID-19 outbreak in Brazil. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 130:105345. [PMID: 34625278 PMCID: PMC9221927 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Families' health, safety, and economic stability were jeopardized during the pandemic. Parental stress is a risk factor for hostile and less supportive parenting. Parenting styles are a set of attitudes, feelings and behaviors related to parenting that modulate the child's psychosocial functioning and might impact on the adaptability to a stressful time. OBJECTIVE To investigate the group differences among children raised by negative and positive parenting families during COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We have done an online survey with 329 parents. Parents answer about parenting strategies and styles, children's behavior, Covid related questions, socio-economic information, sleep and gaming disorders. RESULTS Parents' frequent use of negative strategies were a risk factor to have a negative outcome related to mental health, games, sleep, and children behavior. DISCUSSION Parenting strategies are some targets pointed in this study for intervention. Parents' styles and strategies training to better manage children might be even more important to avoid negative consequences for children in stressful times.
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Affiliation(s)
- T D O Oliveira
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - D S Costa
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - A Alvim-Soares
- Departamento de Saúde Mental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - J J de Paula
- Departamento de Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Laboratório de Medicina Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - I Kestelman
- Associação Brasileira do Déficit de Atenção, ABDA, Brazil
| | - A G Silva
- Associação Brasileira de Psiquiatria, Brazil; FMUP - Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade do Porto, Brazil
| | - L F Malloy-Diniz
- Departamento de Saúde Mental, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - D M Miranda
- Departamento de Pediatria, Faculdade de Medicina, Laboratório de Medicina Molecular, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil.
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Fernandez-Canani MA, Burga-Cachay SC, Valladares-Garrido MJ. Association between Family Dysfunction and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder in School Students during the Second COVID-19 Epidemic Wave in Peru. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159343. [PMID: 35954701 PMCID: PMC9367873 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Although the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on children and adolescents’ mental health has been studied, there is still scarce evidence of the influence of nuclear family on the development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This study aimed to determine the association between family dysfunction and PTSD in Peruvian high-school students during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was conducted using a virtual survey administered to 562 high-school students in three schools in Chiclayo, Peru. The dependent variable was PTSD, which was measured with the Child PTSD Symptom Scale. Family dysfunction was the main independent variable, measured with the Family APGAR Questionnaire. Prevalence ratios (PR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) were estimated with generalized linear models. Most of the students were female (88.3%) and the average age was 14.4 years. We found that 21.4% showed severe family dysfunction and 60.3% had PTSD. Students with mild and moderate family dysfunction had 37% (PR: 1.37; 95% CI: 1.14–1.65) and 26% (PR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.04–1.54) higher PTSD prevalence, respectively. In conclusion, family dysfunction may influence the development of PTSD in adolescents. This study suggests the importance to develop a healthy family environment to help adolescents face critical situations experienced during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A. Fernandez-Canani
- School of Medicine, Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Chiclayo 14012, Peru; (M.A.F.-C.); (S.C.B.-C.)
| | - Stefany C. Burga-Cachay
- School of Medicine, Universidad de San Martín de Porres, Chiclayo 14012, Peru; (M.A.F.-C.); (S.C.B.-C.)
| | - Mario J. Valladares-Garrido
- South American Center for Education and Research in Public Health, Universidad Norbert Wiener, Lima 15046, Peru
- Hospital Regional Lambayeque, Chiclayo 14012, Peru
- Correspondence:
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McLaughlin KA, Rosen ML, Kasparek SW, Rodman AM. Stress-related psychopathology during the COVID-19 pandemic. Behav Res Ther 2022; 154:104121. [PMID: 35642991 PMCID: PMC9110305 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has introduced widespread societal changes that have required ongoing adaptation. Unsurprisingly, stress-related psychopathology has increased during the pandemic, in both children and adults. We review these patterns through the lens of several leading conceptual models of the link between stress and psychopathology. Some of these models focus on characteristics of environmental stressors-including cumulative risk, specific stressor types, and stress sensitization approaches. Understanding the specific aspects of environmental stressors that are most likely to lead to psychopathology can shed light on who may be in most need of clinical intervention. Other models center on factors that can buffer against the onset of psychopathology following stress and the mechanisms through which stressors contribute to emergent psychopathology. These models highlight specific psychosocial processes that may be most usefully targeted by interventions to reduce stress-related psychopathology. We review evidence for each of these stress models in the context of other widescale community-level disruptions, like natural disasters and terrorist attacks, alongside emerging evidence for these stress pathways from the COVID-19 pandemic. We discuss clinical implications for developing interventions to reduce stress-related psychopathology during the pandemic, with a focus on brief, digital interventions that may be more accessible than traditional clinical services.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maya L Rosen
- Department of Psychology, Harvard University, USA
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Cabrera N, He M, Chen Y, Reich SM. Risks and Protective Factors of Hispanic Families and Their Young Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9060792. [PMID: 35740729 PMCID: PMC9221755 DOI: 10.3390/children9060792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the risk-related factors during the pandemic and protective factors that might reduce its effects on family functioning in a sample of 161 low-income Hispanic parents in the United States, recruited from an ongoing longitudinal intervention study. They were surveyed about family functioning six months into the pandemic. We focused on the associations between social (e.g., exposure to the virus) and economic (e.g., job loss) pandemic-related risks on parental stress, parenting, and children’s socioemotional problems and skills, as well as the degree to which coparenting support, parents’ positivity, economic support, and access to services and information mitigated (protected) the negative effects of these stressors on family functioning. We found that increases in economic risk were associated with more child competence skills, whereas increases in social risk were associated with less parental engagement. Positivity and economic support moderated the effects of economic risk on parental stress and engagement. These findings show that to intervene effectively with low-income Hispanic families, we need to strengthen and support the resources for coping with adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Cabrera
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Minxuan He
- Department of Psychology, Mount St. Mary’s University, Emmitsburg, MD 21727, USA;
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
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Fitriawan AS, Achmad BF, Kurniawan D, Kafil RF, Natalia L, Setyaningsih WAW. Association between Online Learning Predictors and Psychological Distress among Nursing Students during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.9215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: The global coronavirus disease-2019 pandemic has forced nursing schools in Indonesia to implement online learning. The association between online learning variables and psychological distress among nursing students is not fully understood.
AIM: This study aimed to assess psychological distress among nursing students and the association between online learning variables and psychological distress.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted from November 2020 to February 2021. Six hundred and thirty-five nursing students from four universities in Indonesia participated in this study and were recruited through a consecutive sampling method. The measurement of psychological distress used the 10-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. Ordinal logistic regression was used to analyze the association between online learning predictors and psychological distress.
RESULTS: Most of the respondents had severe psychological distress (n = 194; 30.6%). Older age was found to act as a protective factor against psychological distress (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = –0.159, p = 0.035; 95% confidence interval [CI]: (–0.307)–(–0.011)). Contrarily, not living at their own home during lockdown (aOR = 1.019, p = 0.001; 95% CI: 0.657–1.382), always feeling that online learning is expensive (aOR = 1.387, p = 0.001; 95% CI: 0.645–2.130), always experienced poor Internet connection during online learning (aOR = 3.380, p = 0.001; 95% CI: 1.935–4.826), and having no motivation toward online learning (aOR = 3.154, p = 0.001; 95% CI: 2.372–3.936) acted as risk factors for having psychological distress.
CONCLUSION: Cost and Internet access barriers as well as low motivation during the abrupt shift to implementation of online learning in the current pandemic situation acted as risk factors for psychological distress among nursing students.
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Roche KM, Huebner DM, Lambert SF, Little TD. COVID-19 Stressors and Latinx Adolescents' Mental Health Symptomology and School Performance: A Prospective Study. J Youth Adolesc 2022; 51:1031-1047. [PMID: 35381907 PMCID: PMC8983080 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-022-01603-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
This study addressed the need for research examining impacts of the Coronavirus-19 (COVID) pandemic on Latinx adolescents’ adjustment. Survey data for a probability sample of 547 Latinx adolescents (Mage = 13.71, SD = 0.86; 55.2% female) were collected from 2018 to 2021, including two times both prior to, and during, COVID. Independent variables assessed COVID-related household hospitalization, job/income loss, and adolescents’ increased childcare responsibility. Structural Equation Model results indicated that COVID-related increases in adolescent childcare responsibility were associated with increased internalizing and externalizing symptoms and declines in school performance. COVID hospitalization and job/income loss were associated indirectly, through childcare responsibilities, to worse adolescent outcomes. Family adversities may harm adolescents’ adjustment by burdening adolescents with responsibilities such caring for children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathleen M Roche
- Department of Prevention & Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave, Suite 300, Washington, DC, 20052, USA.
| | - David M Huebner
- Department of Prevention & Community Health, Milken Institute School of Public Health, The George Washington University, 950 New Hampshire Ave, Suite 300, Washington, DC, 20052, USA
| | - Sharon F Lambert
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The George Washington University, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Todd D Little
- Department of Educational Psychology, Leadership and Counseling, Texas Tech University, Lubbock, TX, USA
- Optentia Research Focus Area, North-West University, Vanderbijlpark, South Africa
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Barnhart S, Bode M, Gearhart MC, Maguire-Jack K. Supportive Neighborhoods, Family Resilience and Flourishing in Childhood and Adolescence. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9040495. [PMID: 35455539 PMCID: PMC9030551 DOI: 10.3390/children9040495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/21/2022] [Accepted: 03/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Flourishing is linked with health and well-being in childhood and adulthood. This study applied a promotive factors model to examine how neighborhood assets might benefit child and adolescent flourishing by promoting family resilience. Using data from the combined 2018 and 2019 National Survey of Children’s Health, structural equation models tested direct and indirect relationships between neighborhood physical environment, neighborhood social cohesion, family resilience, and flourishing among 18,396 children and 24,817 adolescents. After controlling for multiple covariates that may influence flourishing, the models supported that higher levels of neighborhood social cohesion were directly associated with higher levels of flourishing adolescents, and indirectly by positive associations with family resilience for both children and adolescents. No indirect effects between neighborhood physical environments and flourishing were supported by the data for either children or adolescents. However, neighborhood physical environments were positively associated with adolescent flourishing. Understanding social environmental factors that strengthen and enhance child and adolescent flourishing are critical toward designing prevention, intervention, and policy efforts that can build on the existing strengths of families and their communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sheila Barnhart
- College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Molly Bode
- College of Social Work, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA;
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Uy JP, Schwartz C, Chu KA, Towner E, Lemus A, Brito NH, Callaghan BL. Parenting under pressure: Parental transmission and buffering of child fear during the COVID‐19 pandemic. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22253. [DOI: 10.1002/dev.22253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Revised: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica P. Uy
- Department of Psychology University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles California USA
| | - Chloe Schwartz
- Department of Psychology University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles California USA
| | - Kristen A. Chu
- Department of Psychology University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles California USA
| | - Emily Towner
- Department of Psychology University of Cambridge Cambridge UK
| | - Alejandra Lemus
- Department of Applied Psychology New York University New York New York USA
| | - Natalie H. Brito
- Department of Applied Psychology New York University New York New York USA
| | - Bridget L. Callaghan
- Department of Psychology University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles California USA
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Breaux R, McQuade JD, Musser ED. Introduction to the Special Issue: Transdiagnostic Implications of Parental Socialization of Child and Adolescent Emotions. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2022; 50:1-11. [PMID: 34468902 PMCID: PMC8732313 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-021-00864-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 08/19/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Developmental research suggests that parent emotion socialization plays a critical role in children's development of emotion-related skills and their risk for psychopathology. Adaptive emotion socialization practices can shape children's capacities to understand and regulate their own emotions, and when maladaptive, these practices can confer risk for both internalizing and externalizing problems, suggesting transdiagnsotic significance. Yet, emerging work suggests that the effects of parent emotion socialization are not universal and may differ based on children's unique vulnerabilities, highlighting the need to examine both parent and child factors within transactional models. Given the developmental shifts in emotion regulation capacities and autonomy across development, there is a great need for longitudinal emotion socialization research, as well as work that accounts for alternative interpretations, in this domain. Additionally, to-date much of the work in this regard has utilized parental report in isolation, making the need for cutting-edge, multi-method approaches highly salient. Further, translating scientific research into parent emotion socialization interventions is still in its infancy, with the majority of available treatments focusing on young children. As such, contributors to this special issue help address these gaps in the literature and examine the implications of a range of parent emotion socialization behaviors in the context of both adaptive and maladaptive child and adolescent emotional development. In this introduction, we highlight major themes of the special issue; further discussion and future directions are offered in the commentary accompanying this special issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosanna Breaux
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Tech, 460 Turner Street NW, Suite 207, Blacksburg, VA, 24061, USA.
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45
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Rizeq J, Korczak DJ, Cost KT, Anagnostou E, Charach A, Monga S, Birken CS, Kelley E, Nicolson R, Burton CL, Crosbie J. Vulnerability pathways to mental health outcomes in children and parents during COVID-19. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 42:1-11. [PMID: 34815638 PMCID: PMC8603653 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02459-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
We examined pathways from pre-existing psychosocial and economic vulnerability to mental health difficulties and stress in families during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data from two time points from a multi-cohort study initiated during the COVID-19 pandemic were used. Parents of children 6-18 years completed questionnaires on pre-COVID-19 socioeconomic and demographic factors in addition to material deprivation and stress due to COVID-19 restrictions, mental health, and family functioning. Youth 10 years and older also completed their own measures of mental health and stress. Using structural equation modelling, pathways from pre-existing vulnerability to material deprivation and stress due to COVID-19 restrictions, mental health, and family functioning, including reciprocal pathways, were estimated. Pre-existing psychosocial and economic vulnerability predicted higher material deprivation due to COVID-19 restrictions which in turn was associated with parent and child stress due to restrictions and mental health difficulties. The reciprocal effects between increased child and parent stress and greater mental health difficulties at Time 1 and 2 were significant. Reciprocal effects between parent and child mental health were also significant. Finally, family functioning at Time 2 was negatively impacted by child and parent mental health and stress due to COVID-19 restrictions at Time 1. Psychosocial and economic vulnerability is a risk factor for material deprivation during COVID-19, increasing the risk of mental health difficulties and stress, and their reciprocal effects over time within families. Implications for prevention policy and parent and child mental health services are discussed. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-021-02459-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jala Rizeq
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), 555 University Ave, Psychiatry Research, 4th Floor, Black Wing, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8 Canada
| | - Daphne J. Korczak
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), 555 University Ave, Psychiatry Research, 4th Floor, Black Wing, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8 Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Katherine Tombeau Cost
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), 555 University Ave, Psychiatry Research, 4th Floor, Black Wing, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8 Canada
| | - Evdokia Anagnostou
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Holland Bloorview Research Institute, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Alice Charach
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), 555 University Ave, Psychiatry Research, 4th Floor, Black Wing, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8 Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Suneeta Monga
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), 555 University Ave, Psychiatry Research, 4th Floor, Black Wing, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8 Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Catherine S. Birken
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Division of Paediatric Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
| | - Elizabeth Kelley
- Department of Psychology, Queens University, Kingston, ON Canada
| | - Rob Nicolson
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON Canada
| | - Spit for Science
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), 555 University Ave, Psychiatry Research, 4th Floor, Black Wing, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8 Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
- Holland Bloorview Research Institute, Toronto, ON Canada
- Division of Paediatric Medicine, Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, ON Canada
- Department of Psychology, Queens University, Kingston, ON Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Western University, London, ON Canada
| | - Christie L. Burton
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), 555 University Ave, Psychiatry Research, 4th Floor, Black Wing, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8 Canada
| | - Jennifer Crosbie
- Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids), 555 University Ave, Psychiatry Research, 4th Floor, Black Wing, Toronto, ON M5G 1X8 Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON Canada
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Robertson EL, Piscitello J, Schmidt E, Mallar C, Davidson B, Natale R. Longitudinal transactional relationships between caregiver and child mental health during the COVID-19 global pandemic. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2021; 15:66. [PMID: 34781970 PMCID: PMC8591972 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-021-00422-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging work examining the psychological impact of COVID-19 on children and families suggests that the relationship between pandemic-related stress, child psychosocial functioning, and caregiver mental health are interrelated. However, much of this research is unidirectional and thus little is known about the bidirectional cascading effects children and caregivers may experience. The current study examined the transactional relationships between caregiver and child mental health over time during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS Linguistically, racially, and ethnically diverse caregivers (N = 286) of young children completed measures of caregiver mental health, caregiver pandemic-related stress, and child mental health (i.e., externalizing, internalizing, prosocial behavior) across three time points in the spring of 2020. RESULTS Using autoregressive cross-lagged analyses, impaired caregiver mental health at Time 1 (April 2020) predicted increased caregiver pandemic-related stress at Time 2 (May 2020). Caregiver pandemic-related stress at Time 1 predicted increased child internalizing symptoms at Time 2 which, in turn, predicted increased caregiver pandemic-related stress at Time 3 (July 2020). Lastly, impaired caregiver mental health at Time 2 (May 2020) predicted increased child externalizing symptoms at Time 3 (July 2020). CONCLUSIONS Assessing transactional relationships between child and caregiver mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic is important to inform models of risk and resilience. Interventions at the level of the caregiver, the child, and/or the family should be considered as a way to interrupt potential negative developmental cascades.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily L Robertson
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, Miami, USA.
| | - Jennifer Piscitello
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University, Miami, USA
| | - Ellyn Schmidt
- Mailman Center for Child Development, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA
| | - Carolina Mallar
- Mailman Center for Child Development, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA
| | - Bridget Davidson
- Mailman Center for Child Development, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA
| | - Ruby Natale
- Mailman Center for Child Development, Department of Pediatrics, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, USA
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Burkhart K, Minnes S, Yamoah O, Doernberg E, Balser S, Ciesielski T, Dimitropoulos A, Nock NL, Freedman DA. The effects of COVID-19-related stress among parents and children in Ohio child care programs: a mixed-methods study. CHILDRENS HEALTH CARE 2021. [DOI: 10.1080/02739615.2021.1997602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Kimberly Burkhart
- Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital Department of Pediatrics, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sonia Minnes
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Schubert Center for Child Studies, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Owusua Yamoah
- Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Ellen Doernberg
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Sarah Balser
- Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Timothy Ciesielski
- Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Anastasia Dimitropoulos
- Schubert Center for Child Studies, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Nora L. Nock
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Darcy A. Freedman
- Mary Ann Swetland Center for Environmental Health, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
- Department of Population and Quantitative Health Sciences, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, OH, USA
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48
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Gee DG. Early Adversity and Development: Parsing Heterogeneity and Identifying Pathways of Risk and Resilience. Am J Psychiatry 2021; 178:998-1013. [PMID: 34734741 DOI: 10.1176/appi.ajp.2021.21090944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Adversity early in life is common and is a major risk factor for the onset of psychopathology. Delineating the neurodevelopmental pathways by which early adversity affects mental health is critical for early risk identification and targeted treatment approaches. A rapidly growing cross-species literature has facilitated advances in identifying the mechanisms linking adversity with psychopathology, specific dimensions of adversity and timing-related factors that differentially relate to outcomes, and protective factors that buffer against the effects of adversity. Yet, vast complexity and heterogeneity in early environments and neurodevelopmental trajectories contribute to the challenges of understanding risk and resilience in the context of early adversity. In this overview, the author highlights progress in four major areas-mechanisms, heterogeneity, developmental timing, and protective factors; synthesizes key challenges; and provides recommendations for future research that can facilitate progress in the field. Translation across species and ongoing refinement of conceptual models have strong potential to inform prevention and intervention strategies that can reduce the immense burden of psychopathology associated with early adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylan G Gee
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Conn
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49
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Cohodes EM, Kribakaran S, Odriozola P, Bakirci S, McCauley S, Hodges HR, Sisk LM, Zacharek SJ, Gee DG. Migration-related trauma and mental health among migrant children emigrating from Mexico and Central America to the United States: Effects on developmental neurobiology and implications for policy. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63:e22158. [PMID: 34292596 PMCID: PMC8410670 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Children make up over half of the world's migrants and refugees and face a multitude of traumatic experiences prior to, during, and following migration. Here, we focus on migrant children emigrating from Mexico and Central America to the United States and review trauma related to migration, as well as its implications for the mental health of migrant and refugee children. We then draw upon the early adversity literature to highlight potential behavioral and neurobiological sequalae of migration-related trauma exposure, focusing on attachment, emotion regulation, and fear learning and extinction as transdiagnostic mechanisms underlying the development of internalizing and externalizing symptomatology following early-life adversity. This review underscores the need for interdisciplinary efforts to both mitigate the effects of trauma faced by migrant and refugee youth emigrating from Mexico and Central America and, of primary importance, to prevent child exposure to trauma in the context of migration. Thus, we conclude by outlining policy recommendations aimed at improving the mental health of migrant and refugee youth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily M Cohodes
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sahana Kribakaran
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Paola Odriozola
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sarah Bakirci
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sarah McCauley
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - H R Hodges
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Lucinda M Sisk
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Sadie J Zacharek
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Dylan G Gee
- Department of Psychology, Yale University, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
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50
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Arnsten AFT, Condon EM, Dettmer AM, Gee DG, Lee KS, Mayes LC, Stover CS, Tseng WL. The prefrontal cortex in a pandemic: Restoring functions with system-, family-, and individual-focused interventions. AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGIST 2021; 76:729-743. [PMID: 33983754 PMCID: PMC8589866 DOI: 10.1037/amp0000823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic is an unanticipated and uncontrollable chronic stressor that is detrimental to the mental and behavioral health of children and families, particularly those from disadvantaged and marginalized backgrounds. Chronic stress impairs a myriad of prefrontal cortical functions, important for coping with the COVID-19 pandemic, and has consequences on dyadic parent-child functioning. Informed by neuroscience and clinical evidence, sensitive parenting is a vital avenue of intervention that buffers against the toxic effects of COVID-19 on parent-child mental health. In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, we first discuss the neurobiological, psychological, and behavioral mechanisms behind exacerbated mental health risks in families. We then highlight the role of sensitive parenting as a buffer against stress-related mental health problems, and conclude with recommendations for systemic-, family-, and individual-interventions to most effectively address stress-related mental health problems and their impact on children and families during the COVID-19 pandemic. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2021 APA, all rights reserved).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy F. T. Arnsten
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine
- Department of Psychiatry, Yale School of Medicine
- Kavli Institute of Neuroscience, Yale School of Medicine
| | | | | | | | - Ka Shu Lee
- Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine
- Division of Psychology and Language Sciences, University College London
- Anna Freud National Centre for Children and Families
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