1
|
Gournay LR, Ferretti ML, Nguyen AM, Bilsky S, Shields GS, Mann E, Williams P, Woychesin S, Bonn-Miller M, Leen-Feldner EW. The effects of acute versus repeated cannabidiol administration on trauma-relevant emotional reactivity: A double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial. J Trauma Stress 2024. [PMID: 38959155 DOI: 10.1002/jts.23072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/05/2024]
Abstract
Despite the widespread use and perceived efficacy of cannabidiol (CBD) as an anxiolytic, few controlled studies have evaluated the effects of CBD on anxiety-relevant indications, and only one has done so in the context of trauma-related symptoms. The current study was designed to address this gap in the literature. Participants were 42 trauma-exposed individuals (Mage = 23.12 years, SDage = 6.61) who endorsed elevated stress. They were randomly assigned to take 300 mg of oral CBD or placebo daily for 1 week. Acute (i.e., following an initial 300 mg dose) and repeated (i.e., following 1 week of daily 300 mg dosing) effects of CBD were evaluated in relation to indicators of anxious arousal (i.e., anxiety, distress, heart rate) in response to idiographic trauma script presentation. The results of the current study suggest that relative to placebo, 300 mg CBD did not significantly reduce anxiety, B = 13.37, t(37) = 1.71, p = .096, d = 0.09, Bayes factor (BF10) = 0.54; distress, B = 15.20, t(37) = 1.31, p = .197, d = 0.07, BF10 = 0.51; or heart rate, B = -1.09, t(36) = -0.32, p = .755, d = 0.02, BF10 = 0.29, evoked by idiographic trauma script presentation in the context of acute or repeated administration. These data suggest that CBD may not effectively reduce trauma-relevant emotional arousal; however, more work is needed to confidently assert such claims due to the small sample size. The current study extends the groundwork for additional studies in this important area.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- L Riley Gournay
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Morgan L Ferretti
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Anna-Marie Nguyen
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
- Behavioral Health Services, Denver Health Medical Center, Denver, Colorado, USA
| | - Sarah Bilsky
- Department of Psychology, University of Mississippi, Oxford, Mississippi, USA
| | - Grant S Shields
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Eric Mann
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
- Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA
| | - Parker Williams
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | - Sydney Woychesin
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| | | | - Ellen W Leen-Feldner
- Department of Psychological Science, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Bruce MJ, Pagán AF, Acierno R. State of the Science: Evidence-based treatments for posttraumatic stress disorder delivered via telehealth. J Trauma Stress 2024. [PMID: 38946118 DOI: 10.1002/jts.23074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/21/2024] [Indexed: 07/02/2024]
Abstract
Psychotherapy delivered via telehealth technology is not an artifact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Indeed, widespread, telehealth-delivered, evidence-based psychotherapy preceded the pandemic, as did randomized controlled noninferiority trials supporting this modality. It is, thus, not difficult to predict that telehealth will be an integral part of daily clinical life moving forward. With respect to posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) specifically, there is a substantial number of studies on the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of evidence-based treatments provided via videoconferencing. In this review, we delineate the literature establishing strong support for remote delivery of prolonged exposure (PE) and cognitive processing therapy (CPT); there is also promising support for written exposure therapy (WET) and trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). We also mention adjunctive and integrative modifications to better serve patients with PTSD. One such intervention, behavioral activation and therapeutic exposure (BATE), has several studies supporting telehealth delivery, whereas concurrent treatment of PTSD and substance use disorders using the PE protocol (COPE) and cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) would benefit from further research. Integrating instrumental peer support into telehealth-delivered PE shows promise in retaining patients in treatment. Finally, we provide ideas to maximize telehealth delivery effectiveness, explore future research directions, and discuss ways to advocate for the expansion of telehealth services from an equity perspective.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Madeline J Bruce
- Faillace Department of Psychiatry, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Antonio F Pagán
- Faillace Department of Psychiatry, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Ron Acierno
- Faillace Department of Psychiatry, McGovern Medical School, Houston, Texas, USA
- Ralph H. Johnson Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Charleston, South Carolina, USA
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
O'Briant D, Clements PT. Telemental Health Assessment and Implications for Intimate Partner Violence in Rural Settings. J Psychosoc Nurs Ment Health Serv 2024:1-6. [PMID: 38768384 DOI: 10.3928/02793695-20240509-01] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/22/2024]
|
4
|
Fisher OJ, McGrath K, Grogan C, Cockshaw W, Leggatt-Cook C. Care navigation addresses issues of tele-mental health acceptability and uptake in rural and remote Australian communities. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298655. [PMID: 38574110 PMCID: PMC10994303 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION People living in rural and remote areas face substantial barriers to accessing timely and appropriate mental health services. In the Bowen Basin region of Queensland, Australia, barriers include: limited local providers, long waiting lists, unreliable telecommunication, and reluctance to trial telehealth. Isaac Navicare is a new, community co-designed care navigation service which addresses these barriers by coupling care navigation with supported telehealth, and referrals to mental health providers and other supports. We aimed to understand the reach and effectiveness of Isaac Navicare in improving access to mental health services and address an evidence gap on strategies for improving telehealth acceptability. METHODS This mixed-methods implementation science evaluation used the RE-AIM Framework. It involved a client database review, survey and semi-structured interviews with service users during the 12-month pilot from November 2021. RESULTS 197 clients (128 adults, 69 minors) were referred to Navicare during the pilot. Half of adult clients were unemployed, meaning referral options were limited to low-cost or bulk-billed services. Participants described Navicare as supportive and effective in helping to access timely and appropriate mental health supports. Most clients who expressed a treatment modality preference selected face-to-face (n = 111, 85.4%), however most referrals were for telehealth (n = 103, 66.0%) due to a lack of suitable alternatives. The rapport and trust developed with the care navigator was critical for increasing willingness to trial telehealth. Barriers to telehealth included privacy issues, technical difficulties, unreliable internet/phone, and perceived difficulties developing therapeutic rapport. The supported telehealth site was under-utilised. The majority (88.3%, n = 182) of referrals to Navicare were from local health or community service providers or schools. DISCUSSION Coupling supportive, individualised care navigation with tele-mental health provider options resulted in increased uptake and acceptance of telehealth. Many barriers could be addressed through better preparation of clients and improving promotion and uptake of the supported telehealth site. CONCLUSION Attitudes towards telehealth have changed during the COVID-19 pandemic, however although the need exists, barriers remain to uptake. Telehealth alone is not enough. Coupling telehealth with other supports such as care navigation improves acceptance and uptake.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivia J. Fisher
- Health Services Research, Wesley Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Kelly McGrath
- Health Services Research, Wesley Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Isaac Navicare Hub, Wesley Research Institute, Moranbah, Queensland, Australia
| | - Caroline Grogan
- Health Services Research, Wesley Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Wendell Cockshaw
- Health Services Research, Wesley Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Faculty of Health, Charles Darwin University, Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia
| | - Chez Leggatt-Cook
- Family and Disability Services, UnitingCare Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Para S, Shahrokhi H, Maserat E, Mohammadzadeh Z. Design and evaluation of child abuse web-based application for parent education & strengthen. BMC Public Health 2024; 24:710. [PMID: 38443811 PMCID: PMC10916122 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-18248-9] [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] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Child abuse is one of the major health and social problems in the world and has severe short-term and long-term consequences on children's psychological, social and physical functioning. One of the effective strategies to control and prevent child abuse is training parent through web-based applications. The aim of this study is to design and evaluation of child abuse web-based application for parent education and strengthen. METHODS This study is an applied-developmental study that performed in Razi Educational and Therapeutic Center in Tabriz. The study consisted of three main phases. The requirements assessment and design phases were completed between November 2022 and February 2023. The research community was parents referring to Razi Center and convenience sampling was used to select the samples. In firststage, a questionnaire was designed by searching in library sources and consulting with specialists for needs assessment and application design. The questionnaire was completed by psychiatric specialists, health information management and health information technology.Finally, the usability of designed application was evaluated with the participation of 30 parents and specialists. RESULTS Based on the identified information elements and capabilities, a child abuse web-based application was designed. Application capabilities were such as concepts of child abuse, prevention and treatment strategies, parenting skills, childrens behavioral disorders, child abuse laws and interaction with clinical specialists. Finally, the result of the web-based application usability evaluation was evaluated at a good level equal to an average of 7.6 out of a total of 9 points. CONCLUSIONS The possibility of expressing experiences, exchanging message, attractiveness, ease of use, and accessibility of parents, they were designed as application features. The usability of the web-based application was satisfactory to users in various of overall functionality, display, terminology, learning ability and overall application capability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sharif Para
- Department of Health Information Technology, Student Research Committee, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Hassan Shahrokhi
- Research Center of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Elham Maserat
- Department of Medical Informatics, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zeinab Mohammadzadeh
- Department of Health Information Technology, School of Management and Medical Informatics, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Daneshgah St, 5165665811, Tabriz, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Mazurka R, Vallis EH, Chen L, Freeman K, Langley R, Ross B, Arora S, Kahn M, Howard C, Liu D, Cumby J, Brennan ML, Hickcox SE, Bagnell AL, Propper L, Pavlova B, Uher R. Preferences for virtual versus in-person mental and physical healthcare in Canada: a descriptive study from a cohort of youth and their parents enriched for severe mental illness. BMJ Paediatr Open 2024; 8:e002197. [PMID: 38191204 PMCID: PMC10806455 DOI: 10.1136/bmjpo-2023-002197] [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: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Virtual care may improve access to healthcare and may be well suited to digitally connected youth, but experts caution that privacy and technology barriers could perpetuate access inequities. Success of virtual care will depend on its alignment with patient preferences. However, information on preferences for virtual and in-person healthcare is missing, especially for youth. We sought to quantify preferences for and barriers to virtual versus in-person mental and physical healthcare in youth and their parents, including in vulnerable segments of the population such as families with a parent with severe mental illness (SMI). METHODS Participants were 219 youth and 326 parents from the Families Overcoming Risks and Building Opportunities for Wellbeing cohort from Canada, of which 61% of youth had at least one parent with SMI. Participants were interviewed about healthcare preferences and access to privacy/technology between October 2021 and December 2022. RESULTS Overall, youth reported a preference for in-person mental (66.6%) and physical healthcare (74.7%) versus virtual care or no preference, and to a somewhat lesser degree, so did their parents (48.0% and 53.9%). Half of participants reported privacy/technology barriers to virtual care, with privacy being the most common barrier. Preferences and barriers varied as a function of parent SMI status, socioeconomic status and rural residence. CONCLUSIONS The majority of youth and parents in this study prefer in-person healthcare, and the preference is stronger in youth and in vulnerable segments of the population. Lack of privacy may be a greater barrier to virtual care than access to technology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raegan Mazurka
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Emily Howes Vallis
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Lucy Chen
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Ross Langley
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Briana Ross
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Swasti Arora
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Mica Kahn
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Cynthia Howard
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Dara Liu
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Jill Cumby
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Samuel E Hickcox
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Office of Addictions and Mental Health, Government of Nova Scotia, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Alexa L Bagnell
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Lukas Propper
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- IWK Health Centre, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Barbara Pavlova
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | - Rudolf Uher
- Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
- Nova Scotia Health Authority, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Garner JB, Self-Brown S, Emery V, Wootten K, Tiwari A. COVID-19 and Caregiver Risk Factors for Child Maltreatment: The Pandemic in Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:613-629. [PMID: 36935570 PMCID: PMC10030880 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231158609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has fostered an environment for increased risk of child maltreatment (CM) as families experience increased psychosocial and financial burdens and spend unprecedented amounts of time together in the home. This narrative review aimed to summarize empirical findings on existing or new pandemic-related risk factors among caregivers. A combination of search terms related to CM and COVID-19 were used to identify articles published within five databases between February 2020 and July 2022. Literature searches produced 113 articles, of which 26 published across 12 countries met inclusion criteria. Four previously well-established risk factors for CM perpetration continued to persist during the pandemic, including stress, parental mental health, financial concerns, and parental substance use. Of note, inconsistent definitions and measures were used to capture these risk factors. Several additional emerging and understudied risk factors were also identified among limited articles, such as food insecurity and parental education. Findings emphasize the ongoing need for evidence-based interventions to address CM risk during the pandemic, including parent training programs. However, consolidated measures and consistent conceptualization of risk factors are needed to advance the study of CM. Going forward, practitioners and researchers should (a) strengthen the identification process for families at greatest risk for CM, and particularly those vulnerable to pandemic-related stressors; and (b) augment delivery of CM prevention strategies and evidence-based programs to fit the pandemic context.
Collapse
|
8
|
Kautz SV, Bosk EA, Mendez A, Pomales H. Strategies and Adaptations to an Integrated Substance Use and Infant Mental Health Treatment Program During COVID-19. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2024; 51:17-34. [PMID: 37773312 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-023-01300-y] [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: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased parenting stress and substance use. At the same time that mental health and social service needs increased, access to services, including among those receiving treatment, decreased due to stay-at-home orders. Few programs were equipped or prepared to translate their interventions to a virtual format at the start of the pandemic. There is a critical need to identify effective adaptations to substance use and family-focused treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective program adaptations have continued relevance for the expansion of access to family-focused addiction services beyond the pandemic itself, particularly for rural or other hard to reach populations. Seventy-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with the five agencies participating in the implementation of the In-Home Recovery Program (IHRP), an in-home, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program. Using a rapid analysis approach two coders analyzed interviews for recurring concepts and themes. Facilitators for adapting services included: (1) the introduction of virtual toxicology screens, (2) helping parents access technology, (3) assisting parents with non-identified children to decrease their stress, and (4) anticipating reoccurrences of substances during the pandemic. Barriers to adapting services included: (1) engaging young children in virtual treatment, (2) privacy, and (3) engaging in telehealth with parents experiencing domestic violence or reoccurrence of substances. Findings reveal virtual substance use treatment is possible. Facilitators to adaptation such as providing access to technology and virtual toxicology screens demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of utilizing telehealth interventions for substance use. Barriers to adaptations were primarily related to the infant mental health component. Telehealth is likely not appropriate for children below the age of five. Individual sessions focusing on caregiving, rather than dyadic treatment may be more suitable to virtual formats.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah V Kautz
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 390 George Street, Room 713, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Emily A Bosk
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 390 George Street, Room 713, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Alicia Mendez
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 390 George Street, Room 713, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Hannah Pomales
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 390 George Street, Room 713, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bright AM, Doody O. Mental health service users' experiences of telehealth interventions facilitated during the COVID-19 pandemic and their relevance to nursing: An integrative review. J Psychiatr Ment Health Nurs 2023; 30:1114-1129. [PMID: 37278201 DOI: 10.1111/jpm.12943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE?: Service users report telehealth interventions to be useful in terms of access and convenience however, a preference for face-to-face interventions remains. Nurses are using telehealth interventions in clinical practice however, further research is necessary in this area as the evidence of their involvement is limited. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE?: This paper highlights the use of telehealth interventions should augment rather than replace face-to-face care provision. ABSTRACT INTRODUCTION: The Covid-19 pandemic saw the swift implementation of physical and social distancing that impacted the way in which mental health services were facilitated. Consequently, telehealth/e-health interventions are increasing in use. AIM This integrative review aims to explore existing literature regarding mental health service users' experiences of telehealth interventions facilitated through the COVID-19 pandemic, to determine the visibility of nursing involvement in the facilitation of telehealth interventions and to use these experiences to inform nursing practice. METHOD A methodical search of eight (n = 8) academic databases was undertaken using CINAHL, SCOPUS, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Cochrane, MEDLINE and Academic Search Complete between January 2020 and January 2022. RESULTS A total of 5133 papers were screened by title and abstract of which (n = 77) progressed for full-text screening. Five (n = 5) papers met the inclusion criteria for this review and results were mapped onto the four meta-paradigms of nursing: person; where the findings discuss the acceptability of telehealth interventions; environment; where the findings highlight barriers and facilitators to the use of telehealth interventions; health; where the findings discuss staff time and logistical issues relating to telehealth interventions and nursing; where the findings centre around the therapeutic relationship. DISCUSSION This review highlights there is a paucity of direct evidence relating to nursing involvement in the facilitation of telehealth interventions. However, there are benefits to the use of telehealth interventions that include increased access to services, less perceived stigma and increased engagement which are relevant to nursing practice. A lack of individual contact and concerns relating to infrastructure indicates a fondness for face-to-face interventions remains high. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE There is a need for further research on the role of the nurse in the facilitation of telehealth interventions, specific interventions used and outcomes of such interventions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Marie Bright
- Department of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Owen Doody
- Department of Nursing & Midwifery, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Guastaferro K, Melchior M, Murphy-Costanzo A, S S, Neimeyer A, Stewart S, Noll J. Adapting prevention programs for virtual delivery: A case study in adapting a parent-focused child sexual abuse prevention module. J Public Health Res 2023; 12:22799036231208329. [PMID: 37901193 PMCID: PMC10605695 DOI: 10.1177/22799036231208329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Evolving and emerging contexts require interventions to respond and adapt. The COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a quick adaptation from in-person to virtual delivery. Not only were there few programs able to transition to virtual delivery, there was a lack of parent-focused CSA-prevention programs. The current study describes the responsive adaptation of a parent-focused child sexual abuse (CSA) prevention module (Smart Parents-Safe and Healthy Kids; SPSHK) for virtual delivery. Design and methods This two-phase study used mixed-methods to inform and pilot test adaptations to the virtual module. In Phase 1, parenting providers with and without experience delivering SPSHK (N = 110) completed anonymous surveys and a subsample (n = 27) subsequently participated in brief interviews elaborate on challenges and needed adaptations for virtual platforms. Results Providers indicated the greatest technological difficulties with parents' access to technology noting the inability to use a screensharing function. Thus, providers recommended no adaptations for the virtual delivery of SPSHK. In Phase 2, the virtual SPSHK module was piloted with nine parents. Results demonstrated virtual SPSHK was acceptable and feasibly implemented. Pre-posttest assessments indicated increases in parents' CSA-related awareness and use of protective behaviors. Conclusion The current study suggests the promise of virtual SPSHK implementation and may act as a blueprint for other parent-focused CSA-prevention programs, but also more general parenting programs, considering virtual delivery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Guastaferro
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, School of Global Public Health, New York University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mia Melchior
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Alexis Murphy-Costanzo
- Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Sunshine S
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Alexis Neimeyer
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Sydni Stewart
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Jennie Noll
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, College of Health and Human Development, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Mojahed A, Mack JT, Specht L, Sandoz V, Garthus-Niegel S. Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic On Violence Against Children: A Narrative Review. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2023; 25:533-543. [PMID: 37721641 PMCID: PMC10627952 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-023-01449-1] [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] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The goal of this paper was to explore the different ways the COVID-19 pandemic has affected violence against children (VAC). RECENT FINDINGS Recent research of peer-reviewed articles using operational or survey data revealed the pandemic's impact in terms of institutional responses, risk and mediating factors, changes in VAC dynamics, and a likely increase in child marriage. Findings include a decrease in institutional responses, activities, and prevention case openings; an increased incidence of interparental intimate partner violence (IPV) witnessing cases, hospital admissions for suspected Abusive Head Trauma (AHT), other pediatric injuries, and sexual violence; a change in family conflict dynamics; and an estimated increase in child marriages. It also revealed mediating factors between the relationship of the pandemic and VAC (such as parental stress and mental health symptoms), as well as risk factors observed by service providers, which include the risk of mental health symptoms of both parents and children. Post-pandemic VAC research can be improved by utilizing operational or survey data in a meaningful way to be able to derive sound intervention approaches to diminish the pandemic's impact on VAC and child marriage. We also propose for researchers to integrate child marriage into the definition of VAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amera Mojahed
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Judith T Mack
- Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy; Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lina Specht
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Vania Sandoz
- Child Abuse and Neglect Team, Department Woman-Mother-Child, Lausanne University Hospital, Lausanne, Vaud, Switzerland
| | - Susan Garthus-Niegel
- Institute and Policlinic of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Institute for Systems Medicine (ISM) and Faculty of Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
- Department of Childhood and Families, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Guastaferro K, Shipe SL, Connell CM, Holloway JL, Pulido ML, Noll JG. Knowledge Gains from the Implementation of a Child Sexual Abuse Prevention Program and the Future of School-Based Prevention Education. JOURNAL OF CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE 2023; 32:845-859. [PMID: 37814960 PMCID: PMC10841592 DOI: 10.1080/10538712.2023.2268618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 09/20/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023]
Abstract
School-based child sexual abuse (CSA) programs effectively increase students' CSA-related knowledge. This study focuses on an implementation trial of Safe Touches, an empirically supported, school-based CSA prevention program, that was disrupted by the COVID-19 pandemic. We sought to demonstrate gains in CSA-related knowledge following Safe Touches but were limited to a pre-post design. A total of 2,210 students across five counties in a Mid-Atlantic state received the Safe Touches workshop between September 2019 and March 2020. McNemar's chi-square test was used to assess changes in the proportion of correct responses pre-workshop (Time 1) and one-week post-workshop (Time 2). Students' CSA-related knowledge increased significantly based on changes in mean CSA knowledge scores and the number of correct item-level responses assessed at Time 1 and Time 2 (p < .000). Leveraging the experience of the facilitators' who delivered these workshops prior to the disruption of implementation, we gathered facilitators' perspectives to explore the viability of offering Safe Touches virtually. In July 2020, 16 facilitators completed an electronic survey designed to understand the viability of a virtual Safe Touches workshop. Three themes emerged from facilitator feedback on virtual programming: student engagement concerns, handling disclosures, and technology access to a virtual program. The findings of this study indicate that the Safe Touches workshop significantly increased CSA-related knowledge and, overall, facilitators supported further exploration and development of a virtual Safe Touches workshop. The transition of empirically supported school-based CSA prevention programs to a virtual delivery modality is necessary to maintain an effective means of primary prevention and opportunity for disclosure.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kate Guastaferro
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
- Department of Social and Behavioral Sciences, New York University
| | - Stacey L. Shipe
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
- Department of Social Work, State University of New York, Binghamton
| | - Christian M. Connell
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
| | | | - Mary L. Pulido
- New York Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children
| | - Jennie G. Noll
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, The Pennsylvania State University
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Smith JA, Bandealy A, Browne DT. A case study of virtually delivered emotion-focused family therapy. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2023. [PMID: 37365937 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12648] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Clinical psychologists and therapists are increasingly taking advantage of internet and mobile-based technologies to deliver mental health services for individuals and groups since the COVID-19 pandemic. However, there is a dearth of research evaluating the appropriateness of virtual platforms for family interventions. Further, no research has examined the effectiveness of weekly emotion-focused family therapy (EFFT). This case study presents a virtually delivered 8-week EFFT intervention, which supported caregivers to manage child symptoms of depression, anxiety, and anger, facilitate emotion processing, and strengthen relationships. Two parents from one family during a marital separation participated and completed brief measures of therapeutic alliance, family functioning, parental self-efficacy, and parental and child psychological distress at 12 time points as well as a posttreatment semistructured interview. A strong therapeutic alliance was formed, and general family functioning, parental self-efficacy, parent psychopathology, and child depression, anger, and anxiety symptoms improved over the course of therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jackson A Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Mental Health Research and Treatment (CMHRT), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Dillon T Browne
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
- Centre for Mental Health Research and Treatment (CMHRT), University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Usluoglu F, Balık EA. Child therapists' views and experiences of video conference psychotherapy with children. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023:1-12. [PMID: 37359580 PMCID: PMC10251325 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04820-w] [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] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Although important research on remote psychotherapies was conducted for many years, the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the spread of remote therapies. However, studies focusing on children and the family population are still quite new. Exploration of therapists' views and experiences of using online psychotherapy interventions is of importance. In addition to these, confusion caused by referring to remote therapies with different names and using them for different purposes and forms makes it difficult to know which evidence is available for tools and forms. Therefore, this study aims to investigate psychotherapists' views and experiences of video conferencing psychotherapy (VCP) for children using a qualitative description method. In line with this purpose, semi-structured individual interviews were conducted with seven female specialists who conducted VCP with children in different cities in Turkey. Data collected from the interviews were analyzed using an inductive content analysis approach. Analysis results indicated two themes and ten sub-themes that described benefits, new opportunities as well as limitations and difficulties of VCP provided to children. Results showed that VCP enhanced accessibility for both therapists and children and their families, enabled comfort and flexibility, and was economic. Besides, such psychotherapy was found to increase fathers' participation in psychotherapy. On the other hand, difficulties are experienced in therapeutic relationships in the VCP process; the child's characteristics affected the applicability of the psychotherapy; maintaining focus became difficult; lack of materials and toys affected psychotherapy applications; children's connecting to psychotherapy from home caused privacy issues; and technological problems affected communication and sustainability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feyruz Usluoglu
- Psychology Department, Toros University, Yenişehir, Mersin, 33150 Turkey
| | - Elif Aybike Balık
- Psychology Department, Toros University, Yenişehir, Mersin, 33150 Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Silva VLMD, Silveira LMBD, Cecchetto FR, Njaine K, Silva AD, Pinto LW. Inter(national) recommendations to face violence against women and girls in COVID-19 pandemic. CIENCIA & SAUDE COLETIVA 2023; 28:1643-1653. [PMID: 37255142 DOI: 10.1590/1413-81232023286.14412022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
This article is an integral part of the research "Violence in the context of COVID-19: global challenges and vulnerabilities", which proposes a critical reflection on situations of gender-based violence increased by social distancing protocols, required by the COVID-19 pandemic. Based on a 2020 literature survey, we have analyzed recommendations made by researchers and institutions from different countries around the world, with the aim of systematizing and disseminating strategies to deal with this scenario. The material is organized into two thematic areas, namely: gender policies and intersectoral actions; and strategies to face violence against women and children in the health and social work field. The recommendations are focused on the development of actions by States/governments, service networks and society in general. Part of the recommendations suggest increasing or adapting existing surveillance actions and part of them contribute with creative proposals, guiding promotional and preventive actions at an individual and collective level. The adoption of teleassistance, media campaigns raising awareness that violence is unjustifiable and the development of reporting strategies through signs and codes have been reiterated in the literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vera Lucia Marques da Silva
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1.480, Manguinhos. 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
| | - Liane Maria Braga da Silveira
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1.480, Manguinhos. 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
| | | | - Kathie Njaine
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1.480, Manguinhos. 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
| | - Adriano da Silva
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1.480, Manguinhos. 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
| | - Liana Wernersbach Pinto
- Escola Nacional de Saúde Pública Sergio Arouca, Fundação Oswaldo Cruz. R. Leopoldo Bulhões 1.480, Manguinhos. 21041-210 Rio de Janeiro RJ Brasil.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Kim YK, Small E, Pounders RD, Fall SL, Wilson WL. Ecological Factors of Telemental Healthcare Utilization Among Adolescents with Increased Substance Use During the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Effect of Gender. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2023:1-21. [PMID: 37360759 PMCID: PMC10151213 DOI: 10.1007/s10566-023-09751-y] [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] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Background Adolescent substance use is often associated with concurrent mental health problems (e.g., depression, suicide attempts, parental emotional and physical abuse, not feeling close to people at school, and lower virtual connectedness) at multiple ecological levels. Objective This study examined whether such risk factors among adolescents were associated with the use of telemental healthcare (TMHC) and whether gender moderated these associations. Methods Data were drawn from the Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey, collected by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from January to June 2021. A hierarchical multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted using a national sample of 1,460 students in Grades 9-12 in the United States who reported having used more alcohol and/or drugs during the pandemic than before it started. Results The results showed that only 15.3% of students sought TMHC. Students reporting increased substance use during the pandemic were more likely to use TMHC if they experienced more severe mental health problems (e.g., suicide attempts) compared to other ecological factors, such as issues with their family, school, or community. Analysis of the moderating effect showed that the closer male students felt to people at school, the more likely they were to seek TMHC, whereas the opposite was true for female students. Conclusions The findings highlighted that feeling close to people at school is an important aspect of understanding the help-seeking behavior of female and male adolescent substance users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Youn Kyoung Kim
- School of Social Work, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, USA
| | - Eusebius Small
- School of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, USA
| | | | | | - Wendy L. Wilson
- School of Social Work, Louisiana State University, Baton Rouge, USA
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Colucci L, Smith JA, Browne DT. Parenting and pandemic pressures: Examining nuances in parent, child, and family well-being concerns during COVID-19 in a Canadian sample. FRONTIERS IN EPIDEMIOLOGY 2023; 3:1073811. [PMID: 38455943 PMCID: PMC10910915 DOI: 10.3389/fepid.2023.1073811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
Introduction The COVID-19 pandemic has caused vast disruptions in family life for Canadian parents since early 2020. While numerous environmental stressors have been identified, including job loss and the demands of balancing work-life conflicts and at-home schooling, relatively less is known about the areas of family life parents are most concerned about and how these worries relate to well-being across the family system. Methods Canadian parents (n = 29,831, 90.29% mothers, 57.40% Ontario residents) of children aged 0-14 were surveyed about their concerns related to child, parent, and family well-being in June 2020. Structural equation modelling was used to model the relationship between concerns about children, parenting, and the whole family, in association with several sociodemographic variables including child disability status, parent sex and education, job loss during COVID-19, and caregiver employment. Results Parenting, child, and family concerns were positively correlated. Higher child and family concerns were reported by parents who had not attended university, those who had experienced employment loss or reduced hours, and families with all adults working outside the home. Parents of children with a disability reported higher concerns across all three domains: child, parenting, and family psychosocial well-being. Discussion These results showcase distinct associations between social determinants of health and the types of worries caregivers exhibited across multiple areas of family life during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada. Findings are interpreted in relation to clinical intervention and public policy targets for families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Colucci
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, Ontario, Canada
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
18
|
Wang D, Lin B, Liang H, Deng Y, Zhang L. Mediating role of psychological flexibility in the effect of obsessive-compulsive symptoms on sleep quality among nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023:1-10. [PMID: 37359595 PMCID: PMC10097520 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-023-04546-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Front-line nurses suffered unprecedented mental distress and severe insomnia during the COVID-19 pandemic. Present study aimed to explore the relationship between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and sleep quality and examine the potential mediating role of psychological flexibility between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and sleep quality. A total of 496 nurses from a Chinese large-scale Class 3 A Comprehensive Hospital were included in an online cross-sectional survey and completed the revised obsessive-compulsive inventory (OCI-R), Multidimensional Psychological Flexibility Inventory (MPFI) and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). As predicted, obsessive-compulsive symptoms were negatively associated with psychological flexibility and sleep quality, and psychological flexibility was positively associated with sleep quality. In addition, the relationship between obsessive-compulsive symptoms and sleep quality was partially mediated by psychological flexibility, which can provide some reference for the treatment of the obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and insomnia, and lead to improvements in clinical and psychotherapy planning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Difan Wang
- School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Luoyu Road No.152, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430079 China
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
- Department of field internal medicine, Psychological Counseling and Health Management Center, Graduate School of Medical College of Chinese PLA Hospital, Beijing, 100853 China
| | - Bingyan Lin
- School of Foreign Languages, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin, 150000 China
| | - Heting Liang
- School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Luoyu Road No.152, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430079 China
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
| | - Yu Deng
- School of Foreign Languages, Harbin University of Science and Technology, Harbin, 150000 China
| | - Lin Zhang
- School of Psychology, Central China Normal University, Luoyu Road No.152, Hongshan District, Wuhan, 430079 China
- Key Laboratory of Adolescent Cyberpsychology and Behavior, Ministry of Education, Wuhan, China
- Key Laboratory of Human Development and Mental Health of Hubei Province, Wuhan, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention, School of Psychology and Cognitive Science, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Marmor A, Cohen N, Katz C. Child Maltreatment During COVID-19: Key Conclusions and Future Directions Based on a Systematic Literature Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:760-775. [PMID: 34488521 PMCID: PMC10011920 DOI: 10.1177/15248380211043818] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has had a far-ranging impact. As societies struggled to minimize infection, questions arose regarding the consequences for children. Initial research reported the urgent need for child protective services worldwide to adapt existing policies and practices to protect children from maltreatment during this time, which is the rationale for the current systematic literature review. This review examined studies published in peer-reviewed journals from March 2020 to October 2020 on child maltreatment (CM) in the context of COVID-19. Twenty-five manuscripts met the inclusion criteria and were predominantly from the United States, with three international studies. The majority of the studies included CM reports during COVID-19 based on official data. The results clearly demonstrated an increased risk for children alongside a worrisome international decrease in CM reports. Only two studies addressed interventions during the pandemic. The current review highlights that, along with the obligation of scholars to advance the protection of children during COVID-19, there is much that is unknown. Future studies should examine the impact of the pandemic on children and their surrounding systems as well as child protective services' responses, which face enormous challenges during a pandemic. An additional conclusion is that, since children were not identified as a health risk group during the pandemic, their protection rights may have been jeopardized. Furthermore, the variance identified in the policies of different countries pinpoints the urgent need to establish an international protocol for protecting children from maltreatment during COVID-19, a protocol that will hopefully be a basis for policymakers worldwide.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amitai Marmor
- Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Israel
- Amitai Marmor, Paul Baerwald School of Social Work and Social Welfare, Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Jerusalem 91905, Israel.
| | - Noa Cohen
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
| | - Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel-Aviv University, Israel
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Schein SS, Roben CKP, Costello AH, Dozier M. Assessing Changes in Parent Sensitivity in Telehealth and Hybrid Implementation of Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up During the COVID-19 Pandemic. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2023; 28:24-33. [PMID: 35081800 PMCID: PMC8841399 DOI: 10.1177/10775595211072516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, home visiting services for families with young children pivoted to continue providing services virtually. One such service was Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up (ABC), a brief prevention/intervention program targeting increased parental sensitivity. 70 families participated in a sensitivity assessment before and after receiving ABC. Forty-three families received the program fully through telehealth, and 27 families received the program through an in-person/telehealth hybrid format. Parent sensitivity was assessed pre- and post-intervention, and results suggested that when ABC was delivered through a telehealth or hybrid format, parents showed increased following the lead and decreased intrusiveness from pre- to post-intervention, with moderate effect sizes. Ongoing supervision in the model, weekly fidelity maintenance checks, and the flexibility of families and parent coaches likely contributed to the maintenance of significant change in parental sensitivity from pre- to post-intervention during the move from face-to-face home visiting to the provision of virtual services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stevie S. Schein
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Caroline K. P. Roben
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Amanda H. Costello
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Mary Dozier
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Salloum A, Palantekin S, Claudio Torres AM, Holley R, Storch EA. Stepping Together in Stepped Care Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Case Report of Core Components. J Cogn Psychother 2023; 37:7-25. [PMID: 36787998 DOI: 10.1891/jcpsy-d-20-00060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
New service delivery systems are needed to expand the reach of evidence-based practices for childhood trauma. Cognitive behavioral therapy is an effective approach for treating -childhood trauma, yet treatment barriers remain. Stepped care models that incorporate parent-led -treatment with therapist assistance may be one approach to improve access. This case study highlights the core components of a parent-led therapist-assisted treatment called Stepping Together that serves as a Step 1 treatment within a stepped care model. The components and structure of Stepping Together are described, along with excerpts from therapy sessions to illustrate the therapist's implementation of the model. Results of the case, in which improvements occurred, are presented. Stepping Together, a parent-led therapist-assisted first-line treatment within stepped care trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy, may be an effective treatment for some children after trauma and their caregivers, although more research is needed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison Salloum
- School of Social Work, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | | | | | - Robb Holley
- School of Social Work, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | | |
Collapse
|
22
|
Cassity-Caywood W, Griffiths A, Woodward M, Hatfield A. The Benefits and Challenges of Shifting to Telehealth During COVID-19: Qualitative Feedback from Kentucky's Sexual Violence Resource Centers and Children's Advocacy Centers. JOURNAL OF TECHNOLOGY IN BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE 2023; 8:87-99. [PMID: 36597503 PMCID: PMC9801142 DOI: 10.1007/s41347-022-00296-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic presented novel challenges for service providers addressing mental health issues with a large shift to the utilization of telehealth. While previous research has examined the benefits and challenges of providing mental health and crisis services remotely through telehealth, little research exists examining the use of telehealth in children's advocacy centers (CACs) and sexual violence resource centers (SVRCs). CACs and SVRCs are multi-disciplinary agencies taking a holistic approach to addressing interpersonal violence, making them unique in that they provide a range of direct services beyond mental health counseling (e.g., legal advocacy, medical exams, and prevention education) but all geared toward public health and safety. The current study explored the experiences of direct service providers in Kentucky CACs and SVRCs and their opinions about the most significant challenges and benefits of adapting their practices at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 118 providers participated in the study, and 88 reported using telehealth (defined as communicating with clients via technology such as videoconferencing, phone calls, or email) since the onset of COVID-19. Qualitative data from those 88 respondents regarding the challenges and benefits of using telehealth were collected and coded using a thematic content analysis. 78.6% of the sample indicated that they served primarily rural areas. Benefits noted included increasing treatment access, increasing treatment flexibility, and advancing continuity of care, while challenges included difficulties with technology, client engagement, privacy, and logistical challenges. Responses highlighted that telehealth presented both a number of advantages and difficulties and that more formal guidance for providers at CACs and SVRCs was desired.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Whitney Cassity-Caywood
- Department of Community Leadership and Human Services, Murray State University, Murray, KY USA.,Lifeskills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY USA.,Paducah Regional Campus, Murray State University, 4430 Sunset Ave, Paducah, KY 42001 USA
| | - Austin Griffiths
- The Department of Social Work Program, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY USA.,Lifeskills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY USA
| | - Matthew Woodward
- Department of Psychological Sciences, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY USA.,Lifeskills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY USA
| | - Alecia Hatfield
- Department of Psychology, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY USA.,Lifeskills Center for Child Welfare Education and Research, Western Kentucky University, Bowling Green, KY USA
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Herbell K, Breitenstein SM, Ault S. Web-Based Parent Training in Parents with Adolescents Admitted to Psychiatric Residential Treatment: A Mixed-Methods Study. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2022; 31:3533-3549. [PMID: 36345383 PMCID: PMC9629754 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-022-02478-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Despite intensive treatment, adolescents discharged from residential treatment (RT) often do not maintain treatment gains in the community. Providing support and education to caregivers through parent training may ameliorate the loss of treatment gains. Successful parent training programs have been delivered to this population; however, these interventions were delivered in-person, posing significant barriers affecting reach, access, and engagement. A convergent mixed methods design was used to assess the acceptability, appropriateness, and feasibility of a web-based parent training in a sample of parents (N = 20) with adolescents admitted to RT. Parents completed two interviews and an end-of-program survey. Parents completed at least 80% of the assigned modules and felt that PW was easy to use and that the features facilitated learning. Parents reported practicing the skills in their daily lives and found it beneficial to have a partner to practice with. Consistent with previous studies, parents perceived the delivery method as a strength because the web-based delivery circumvented multiple known barriers to in-person interventions. A large subset of parents related to the scenarios, while a small subset of parents felt the modules were challenging to relate to because of the severity of their adolescent's mental health challenges. Overall, findings indicate that web-based parent training programs may be an acceptable, appropriate, and feasible adjuvant evidence-based support. However, tailoring the intervention content is necessary to create a more relatable intervention that captures the breadth and severity of mental health challenges adolescents in RT face.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kayla Herbell
- Ohio State University, College of Nursing, 1585 Neil Ave, Columbus, 43210 OH USA
| | | | - Samantha Ault
- Ohio State University, College of Nursing, 1585 Neil Ave, Columbus, 43210 OH USA
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Liu J, Kwan C, Deng J, Hu Y. The Mental Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Older Adults in China: A Systematic Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14362. [PMID: 36361241 PMCID: PMC9657377 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Considered at a high risk during the COVID-19 pandemic, older adults in China not only face the disadvantages caused by their relatively low immune systems, but also the challenges brought about by the complex psychological environment in which they spend this special period of their life. However, a thorough study on the impact of the pandemic on older adults' mental health in China remains scant. Hence, this research aimed to investigate the question: What are the mental health outcomes and associated risk factors of the COVID-19 pandemic on older adults in China? Two Chinese academic databases (China National Knowledge Infrastructure and WANFANG DATA) as well as six English academic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Social Science, and Google Scholar) were searched while following PRISMA guidelines. Studies were selected according to the predetermined inclusion criteria. Further, relatively high detective rates of mental health disorders, including anxiety symptoms (4.9% to 48.6%), depression symptoms (13.8% to 58.7%), hypochondria (11.9%), suicidal ideation (4.1%), along with worries and fear (55.7%) were all reported. The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a threat to not only the physical, but also the psychological health of Chinese older adults. The most common risk factors of psychological distress among Chinese older adults were found in female gender, living in rural areas, coexisting chronic diseases, and insufficient knowledge about the COVID pandemic. As a result, government policy and psychological guidelines that are created in order to alleviate the adverse effects of COVID-19 on older adults' mental health, need to be further developed.
Collapse
|
25
|
Cummings JR, Shellman MH, Stein BD, Asplund J, Lin H, Serban N. Association Between In-Home Treatment and Engagement in Psychosocial Services Among Medicaid-Enrolled Youth. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 61:1351-1361. [PMID: 35427731 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaac.2022.03.028] [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: 06/04/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/05/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Prior studies have identified low rates of engagement in mental health (MH) services in clinic settings among children enrolled in Medicaid. Yet, little is known about whether the delivery of in-home MH treatment (in which the clinician travels to the child's home) improves engagement for this population. This study examines the association between the delivery of in-home psychosocial treatment and engagement in services among Medicaid-enrolled youth. METHOD We used 2010 to 2014 Georgia Medicaid claims data to identify 53,508 children and adolescents (aged 5-17 years) with a MH diagnosis that initiated new psychosocial treatment. We estimated regression models controlling for covariates to examine the relationship of the receipt of any in-home psychosocial treatment in the home setting with 3 outcome measures of engagement: receipt of at least 4 psychosocial visits during the first 12 weeks; total number of psychosocial visits during the first 12 weeks; and total duration of service use. RESULTS Those who received any in-home psychosocial treatment (compared to those who did not) had 4.3 times the odds (odds ratio = 4.3, 95% CI = 4.0, 4.7) of receiving at least 4 visits during the first 12 weeks, had 4.5 (95% CI = 4.3, 4.7) more predicted visits during the first 12 weeks, and had a longer treatment episode duration (mean rate ratio = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.48,1.59). CONCLUSION Although many Medicaid-enrolled youth do not receive a sufficient number of MH services to achieve positive outcomes, our findings suggest that providing in-home psychosocial treatment can improve service engagement and potentially help address this challenge.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janet R Cummings
- Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, Georgia.
| | - Melody H Shellman
- School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
| | | | - John Asplund
- School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta; Metron, Inc., Reston, Virginia
| | - Hannah Lin
- School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
| | - Nicoleta Serban
- School of Industrial and Systems Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Chavira DA, Ponting C, Ramos G. The impact of COVID-19 on child and adolescent mental health and treatment considerations. Behav Res Ther 2022; 157:104169. [PMID: 35970084 PMCID: PMC9339162 DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2022.104169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Denise A. Chavira
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Psychology, USA,Corresponding author. 1285 Franz Hall, PO Box 951563, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - Carolyn Ponting
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Psychology, USA,University of California San Francisco, Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, USA
| | - Giovanni Ramos
- University of California Los Angeles, Department of Psychology, USA
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Skar AMS, Braathu N, Jensen TK, Ormhaug SM. Predictors of nonresponse and drop-out among children and adolescents receiving TF-CBT: investigation of client-, therapist-, and implementation factors. BMC Health Serv Res 2022; 22:1212. [PMID: 36175864 PMCID: PMC9521876 DOI: 10.1186/s12913-022-08497-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background There is a paucity of evidence about effective implementation strategies to increase treatment response and prevent drop-out among children receiving evidence-based treatment. This study examines patient, therapist, and implementation factors and their association to nonresponse and drop-out among youth receiving Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT). Methods Youth (n = 1240) aged 6–18 (M = 14.6) received TF-CBT delivered by 382 TF-CBT therapists at 66 clinics. Odds ratio analyses were used to investigate whether pretreatment child (age, gender, number of trauma experiences, post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS), therapist (education), and implementation strategy factors (high-low, low-low, low–high intensity therapist and leadership training respectively) or tele-mental health training during the Covid-19 pandemic are associated with nonresponse (above clinical PTSS level post-treatment) and drop-out (therapist-defined early termination). Fidelity checks were conducted to ensure that TF-CBT was used consistently. Results One fourth of the children (24.4%) were nonresponders and 13.3 percent dropped out. Exposure to three or more traumatic experiences were related to nonresponse and drop-out. Higher baseline PTSS was related to a higher probability of nonresponse. There was no effect of therapist education or child gender on nonresponse and drop-out, whereas children over 15 years had a higher likelihood of both. After controlling for baseline PTSS, the effect of age on nonresponse was no longer significant. Drop-out was related to fewer sessions, and most dropped out during the first two phases of TF-CBT. Fidelity was high throughout the different implementation phases. High-intensity therapist training was related to a lower probability of both nonresponse and drop-out, whereas low therapist and leadership training were related to a higher likelihood of both. Multivariate analysis revealed higher child age and higher PTSS baseline scores as significant predictors of nonresponse, and number of trauma experiences (> = 3) at baseline as the only predictor of drop-out. Conclusions High-intensity therapist training seem key to prevent patient nonresponse and drop-out. Leadership training might positively affect both, although not enough to compensate for less intensive therapist training. More complex cases (higher PTSS and exposure to more traumas) predict nonresponse and drop-out respectively, which underscores the importance of symptom assessment to tailor the treatment. The lack of predictive effect of therapist education increases the utilization of TF-CBT. Trial registration Retrospectively registered in ClinicalTrials, ref. nr. NCT05248971.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ane-Marthe Solheim Skar
- Norwegian Center for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Gullhaugveien 1-3, 0484, Oslo, Norway. .,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Forskningsveien 3A, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Nora Braathu
- Norwegian Center for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Gullhaugveien 1-3, 0484, Oslo, Norway
| | - Tine K Jensen
- Norwegian Center for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Gullhaugveien 1-3, 0484, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Forskningsveien 3A, Oslo, Norway
| | - Silje Mørup Ormhaug
- Norwegian Center for Violence and Traumatic Stress Studies, Gullhaugveien 1-3, 0484, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Katz C, Varela N, Korbin JE, Najjar AA, Cohen N, Bérubé A, Bishop E, Collin-Vézina D, Desmond A, Fallon B, Fouche A, Haffejee S, Kaawa-Mafigiri D, Katz I, Kefalidou G, Maguire-Jack K, Massarweh N, Munir A, Munoz P, Priolo-Filho S, Tarabulsy GM, Levine DT, Tiwari A, Truter E, Walker-Williams H, Wekerle C. Child protective services during COVID-19 and doubly marginalized children: International perspectives. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 131:105634. [PMID: 35525629 PMCID: PMC9013646 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105634] [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: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alongside deficits in children's wellbeing, the COVID-19 pandemic has created an elevated risk for child maltreatment and challenges for child protective services worldwide. Therefore, some children might be doubly marginalized, as prior inequalities become exacerbated and new risk factors arise. OBJECTIVE To provide initial insight into international researchers' identification of children who might have been overlooked or excluded from services during the pandemic. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING This study was part of an international collaboration involving researchers from Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Israel, South Africa, Uganda, the UK and the USA. Researchers from each country provided a written narrative in response to the three research questions in focus, which integrated the available data from their countries. METHOD Three main questions were explored: 1) Who are the children that were doubly marginalized? 2) What possible mechanisms may be at the root? and 3) In what ways were children doubly marginalized? The international scholars provided information regarding the three questions. A thematic analysis was employed using the intersectional theoretical framework to highlight the impact of children's various identities. RESULTS The analysis yielded three domains: (1) five categories of doubly marginalized children at increased risk of maltreatment, (2) mechanisms of neglect consisting of unplanned, discriminatory and inadequate actions, and (3) children were doubly marginalized through exclusion in policy and practice and the challenges faced by belonging to vulnerable groups. CONCLUSION The COVID-19 pandemic can be used as a case study to illustrate the protection of children from maltreatment during worldwide crises. Findings generated the understanding that child protective systems worldwide must adhere to an intersectionality framework to protect all children and promote quality child protection services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Natalia Varela
- Faculty of social and human sciences, Externado University, Calle 12 No. 1-17 Este, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Jill E Korbin
- Department of Anthropology, Case Western Reserve University, USA.
| | - Afnan Attarsh Najjar
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Noa Cohen
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Annie Bérubé
- Department of Psycho-education and Psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Canada.
| | - Ellen Bishop
- School of Geography, Geology and the Environment, University of Leicester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Delphine Collin-Vézina
- Centre for Research on Children and Families, McGill University, Suite 106, Wilson Hall, 3506 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2A7, Canada.
| | - Alan Desmond
- Leicester Law School and University of Leicester Migration, Mobility and Citizenship Network (MMCN), United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Barbara Fallon
- Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, the University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - Ansie Fouche
- Department of Social Wellbeing, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates; Department of Child Protection Social Work, North-West University, South Africa.
| | - Sadiyya Haffejee
- University of Johannesburg, Cnr Kingsway & University Roads, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa.
| | - David Kaawa-Mafigiri
- Department of Social Work and Social Administration, Makerere University, Uganda.
| | - Ilan Katz
- Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC), University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Genovefa Kefalidou
- School of Computing and Mathematical Sciences, University of Leicester, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
| | - Katie Maguire-Jack
- University of Michigan, School of Social Work, 1080 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Nadia Massarweh
- Al-Qasemi Educational College of Education, Baqa-El-Gharbia, 3010000, P. O. Box 124, Israel
| | - Akhtar Munir
- Department of Social Work and Sociology, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat, Pakistan
| | - Pablo Munoz
- Nacional Universidad de Colombia, Building 205 - Of. 117, Bogota, DC, Colombia.
| | - Sidnei Priolo-Filho
- Graduate Program of Psychology, the Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Rua Sydnei Antonio Rangel Santos 238, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - George M Tarabulsy
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Pavillon Charles-De Koninck 1030, Avenue des Sciences-Humaines Suite 3456, Laval University, Quebec, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Diane Thembekile Levine
- Leicester Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Leicester/School of Media, Communications and Sociology, United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland; Centre for Social Development in Africa, University of Johannesburg.
| | - Ashwini Tiwari
- Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Augusta University, 1120 15th St, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
| | - Elmien Truter
- Social Work Department, Faculty of Health Sciences, North-West University, COMPRES research entity, Vanderbijlpark Campus, South Africa.
| | | | - Christine Wekerle
- Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W. - MIP 201A, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Fogarty A, Jones A, Evans K, O’Brien J, Giallo R. The experience of the COVID-19 pandemic for families of infants involved with Child Protection Services for maltreatment concerns. HEALTH & SOCIAL CARE IN THE COMMUNITY 2022; 30:1754-1762. [PMID: 34435399 PMCID: PMC8653246 DOI: 10.1111/hsc.13555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 08/09/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated physical distancing restrictions have exacerbated social, economic and health disadvantage within our communities. With increases in mental health difficulties and family violence already being seen, there is concern that the risk of child maltreatment risk may also be increased. The current study aimed to explore the experience of the COVID-19 pandemic for families identified to be at risk of child maltreatment in Victoria, Australia. Understanding the experiences of the pandemic for families already at risk is essential in identifying how to best support vulnerable parents and young children during this challenging time. Interviews were conducted with 11 parents currently involved with Child Protection Services, and nine clinicians working within a child and family health services, supporting clients with child protection involvement. Parents and clinicians described a range of pandemic related stressors including employment and financial stress, worry about infection and changes to service access. In addition, parents with children in out of home care discussed decreased access to their children resulting from physical distancing restrictions. Parents and clinicians perceived the pandemic to be having a negative impact on parent mental health, parenting stress and isolation. Although parents raised minimal concerns about the impact of the pandemic on child well-being, clinicians expressed concerns about the rise in risk factors for child maltreatment. Parents discussed a range of coping strategies which they perceived to be helpful during the pandemic, and clinicians and parents described the need for additional mental health support and support to access basic needs. The study highlights the importance of ensuring at risk families have access to parenting and mental health support throughout the pandemic and the importance of ensuring children within at-risk families are sighted and their safety assessed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison Fogarty
- Murdoch Children’s Research InstituteMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Andi Jones
- Tweddle Child and Family Health ServiceMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Kirsty Evans
- Tweddle Child and Family Health ServiceMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Jacquie O’Brien
- Tweddle Child and Family Health ServiceMelbourneVic.Australia
| | - Rebecca Giallo
- Murdoch Children’s Research InstituteMelbourneVic.Australia
- Department of PaediatricsThe University of MelbourneMelbourneVic.Australia
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cummings JR, Zhang YX, Wilk AS, Marcus SC. Mental Health Clinic Administrators’ Perspectives on the Impact of Clinic-School Partnerships on Youth Mental Health Services Continuity and Quality. SCHOOL MENTAL HEALTH 2022; 14:1086-1097. [PMID: 35966403 PMCID: PMC9360675 DOI: 10.1007/s12310-022-09531-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
|
31
|
Fogarty A, Savopoulos P, Seymour M, Cox A, Williams K, Petrie S, Herman S, Toone E, Schroeder K, Giallo R. Providing therapeutic services to women and children who have experienced intimate partner violence during the COVID-19 pandemic: Challenges and learnings. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 130:105365. [PMID: 34686360 PMCID: PMC8516655 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the face of the COVID-19 pandemic, many therapeutic services for children and their parents who had experienced intimate partner violence (IPV) were required to rapidly transition to telehealth. OBJECTIVE The current study aims to explore parents' experiences of participating in a parent-child telehealth intervention during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study also aimed at exploring clinicians' experiences of delivering the service, including key strengths and challenges. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants were five mothers who took part in Berry Street's Restoring Childhood service during the COVID-19 pandemic in Melbourne, Australia, and 14 Restoring Childhood clinicians, delivering the service across metropolitan and regional sites. METHODS Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted, and data were analysed using thematic analysis to determine key themes and sub-themes within the data. RESULTS Parents identified several strengths and benefits of Restoring Childhood delivered via telehealth including improvements in parenting skills and confidence, parent-child relationships, and children's emotional-behavioural functioning. Both parents and clinicians noted the creativity utilised during the online approach, and the increased accessibly it offered for families. However, challenges to the telehealth approaches were also noted. Clinicians discussed important considerations for telehealth within this context including safety and confidentiality, technology challenges, and challenges working from home. CONCLUSIONS The current study highlights the promise of telehealth interventions for parents and children who have experienced IPV. It also poses several important considerations for the use of telehealth within this setting and emphasises the need for rigorous evaluations of telehealth services for children exposed to IPV.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alison Fogarty
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Australia.
| | - Priscilla Savopoulos
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Australia
| | - Monique Seymour
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Australia
| | - Allison Cox
- Berry Street, 1 Salisbury Street, Richmond 3121, Australia
| | | | - Skye Petrie
- Berry Street, 1 Salisbury Street, Richmond 3121, Australia
| | - Sue Herman
- Berry Street, 1 Salisbury Street, Richmond 3121, Australia
| | - Emma Toone
- Berry Street, 1 Salisbury Street, Richmond 3121, Australia; Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Plenty Road, Bundoora 3086, Australia
| | - Kim Schroeder
- Berry Street, 1 Salisbury Street, Richmond 3121, Australia
| | - Rebecca Giallo
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Australia; Department of Paediatrics, The University of Melbourne, 50 Flemington Road, Parkville 3052, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Jeharsae R, Jehnok M, Jeh-alee H, Waeteh S, Nimu N, Chewae C, Yama M, Dureh N, Wichaidit W. Associations between caregiver stress and child verbal abuse and corporal punishment in Thailand’s impoverished Deep South region during the COVID-19 pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MENTAL HEALTH 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/00207411.2022.2098563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rohani Jeharsae
- Faculty of Nursing Pattani Campus, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani, Thailand
| | - Manusmeen Jehnok
- Faculty of Nursing Pattani Campus, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani, Thailand
| | - Haneefah Jeh-alee
- Faculty of Nursing Pattani Campus, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani, Thailand
| | - Suhaida Waeteh
- Faculty of Nursing Pattani Campus, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani, Thailand
| | - Nisuraida Nimu
- Faculty of Nursing Pattani Campus, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani, Thailand
| | | | - Malinee Yama
- Pattani Provincial Public Health Office, Pattani, Thailand
| | - Nurin Dureh
- Faculty of Science and Technology, Prince of Songkla University, Pattani, Thailand
| | - Wit Wichaidit
- Department of Epidemiology, Faculty of Medicine, Prince of Songkla University, Hat Yai, Thailand
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Hartwell M, Hendrix AD, Sajjadi NB, Baxter MA, Chesher T, Coffey S, Passmore SJ. Child maltreatment during COVID-19: Deviations from forecasted projections of criminal filings in Oklahoma in 2020. CHILD ABUSE REVIEW (CHICHESTER, ENGLAND : 1992) 2022; 31:e2754. [PMID: 35573648 PMCID: PMC9083244 DOI: 10.1002/car.2754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Micah Hartwell
- Office of Medical Student ResearchOklahoma State University Center for Health SciencesTulsaOKUnited States
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesOklahoma State University Center for Health SciencesTulsaOKUnited States
| | - Amy D. Hendrix
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Oklahoma School of Community MedicineTulsaOKUnited States
| | - Nicholas B. Sajjadi
- Office of Medical Student ResearchOklahoma State University Center for Health SciencesTulsaOKUnited States
| | - Michael A. Baxter
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Oklahoma School of Community MedicineTulsaOKUnited States
| | - Tessa Chesher
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesOklahoma State University Center for Health SciencesTulsaOKUnited States
| | - Sara Coffey
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral SciencesOklahoma State University Center for Health SciencesTulsaOKUnited States
| | - Sarah J. Passmore
- Department of PediatricsUniversity of Oklahoma School of Community MedicineTulsaOKUnited States
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Negash S, Chung K, Oh S. Families post-release: Barriers and pathways to family therapy. FAMILY PROCESS 2022; 61:609-624. [PMID: 35332541 PMCID: PMC9311075 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Family therapy has helped repair relational ruptures and restore stability within families for decades. However, service can be inaccessible and underutilized among many minoritized and stigmatized groups, including families post-release. Harmful sociocultural and relational experiences pose considerable risks to families before, during, and after incarceration. While not exhaustive, this article highlights potential attitudinal, relational, and logistical obstacles to family therapy engendered by therapists, clients, or both. Feasible and accessible clinically oriented conceptual and practical pathways of support to combat such obstacles are outlined to help therapists attract and retain families post-release.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sesen Negash
- Counseling and School PsychologySan Diego State UniversitySan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Klancy Chung
- Counseling and School PsychologySan Diego State UniversitySan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| | - Shinyung Oh
- Counseling and School PsychologySan Diego State UniversitySan DiegoCaliforniaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Ward MM, Ullrich F, Merchant KAS, Carter KD, Bhagianadh D, Lacks M, Taylor E, Gordon J. Describing Changes in Telebehavioral Health Utilization and Services Delivery in Rural School Settings in Pre- and Early Stages of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency. THE JOURNAL OF SCHOOL HEALTH 2022; 92:452-460. [PMID: 35195293 DOI: 10.1111/josh.13150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Receiving treatment for behavioral health disorders remains problematic due to profound provider shortages. Telebehavioral health services are effective for providing quality care, but research literature on these services in schools is limited. METHODS Data were collected during Fall 2019 and Spring 2020 semesters on all students receiving telebehavioral health services from 15 school-based telehealth programs across the U.S. RESULTS From Fall 2019 to Spring 2020, 62 schools providing services during both periods increased the number of students served from 396 to 745, increased the average number of encounters per student from 2.4 to 4.1, increased the percentage of encounters delivered by clinical social workers, mental health counselors, and clinical psychologists (all p < .001), and increased the use of individual counseling, family counseling, and group counseling (all p < .001). Schools that initiated the service in Spring 2020 (n = 25) averaged 6.5 encounters for the 301 students receiving services, delivered mostly by clinical social workers or professional counselors, using individual counseling. CONCLUSION Overall, data indicate programs significantly increased both behavioral services provided to their ongoing schools and increased the number of schools served. Undoubtedly telebehavioral health care delivery provided a swift and necessary response to the challenges posed by the growing pandemic threat.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marcia M Ward
- Department of Health Management and Policy, CPHB - N236, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Fred Ullrich
- Department of Health Management and Policy, CPHB - N226, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Kimberly A S Merchant
- Department of Health Management and Policy, CPHB - N242, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Knute D Carter
- Department of Biostatistics, CPHB - N318, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Divya Bhagianadh
- Department of Health Management and Policy, CPHB - N200, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, 52242, USA
| | - Meghan Lacks
- Brody School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, East Carolina University, 101 Heart Drive, Mail Stop 654, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - Erika Taylor
- Brody School of Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, East Carolina University, 101 Heart Drive. Mail Stop 654, Greenville, NC, 27834, USA
| | - Jennifer Gordon
- School Based Telehealth Initiative (SBTI), Bay Rivers Telehealth Alliance, 618 Hospital Road, Tappahannock, VA, 22560, USA
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Schriger SH, Klein MR, Last BS, Fernandez-Marcote S, Dallard N, Jones B, Beidas RS. Community Mental Health Clinicians' Perspectives on Telehealth During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Mixed Methods Study. JMIR Pediatr Parent 2022; 5:e29250. [PMID: 35023839 PMCID: PMC8989386 DOI: 10.2196/29250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 01/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In March 2020, a rapid shift to telehealth occurred in community mental health settings in response to the need for physical distancing to decrease transmission of the virus causing COVID-19. Whereas treatment delivered over telehealth was previously utilized sparingly in community settings, it quickly became the primary mode of treatment delivery for the vast majority of clinicians, many of whom had little time to prepare for this shift and limited to no experience using telehealth. Little is known about community mental health clinicians' experiences using telehealth. Although telehealth may make mental health treatment more accessible for some clients, it may create additional barriers for others given the high rates of poverty among individuals seeking treatment from community mental health centers. OBJECTIVE We examined community mental health clinicians' perspectives on using telehealth to deliver trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy to youth. We sought to better understand the acceptability of using telehealth, as well as barriers and facilitators to usage. METHODS We surveyed 45 clinicians across 15 community clinics in Philadelphia. Clinicians rated their satisfaction with telehealth using a quantitative scale and shared their perspectives on telehealth in response to open-ended questions. Therapists' responses were coded using an open-coding approach wherein coders generated domains, themes, and subthemes. RESULTS Clinicians rated telehealth relatively positively on the quantitative survey, expressing overall satisfaction with their current use of telehealth during the pandemic, and endorsing telehealth as a helpful mode of connecting with clients. Responses to open-ended questions fell into five domains. Clinicians noted that (1) telehealth affects the content (ie, what is discussed) and process (ie, how it is discussed) of therapy; (2) telehealth alters engagement, retention, and attendance; (3) technology is a crucial component of utilizing telehealth; (4) training, resources, and support are needed to facilitate telehealth usage; and (5) the barriers, facilitators, and level of acceptability of telehealth differ across individual clinicians and clients. CONCLUSIONS First, telehealth is likely a better fit for some clients and clinicians than others, and attention should be given to better understanding who is most likely to succeed using this modality. Second, although telehealth increased convenience and accessibility of treatment, clinicians noted that across the board, it was difficult to engage clients (eg, young clients were easily distracted), and further work is needed to identify better telehealth engagement strategies. Third, for many clients, the telehealth modality may actually create an additional barrier to care, as children from families living in poverty may not have the requisite devices or quality broadband connection to make telehealth workable. Better strategies to address disparities in access to and quality of digital technologies are needed to render telehealth an equitable option for all youth seeking mental health services.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Simone H Schriger
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Melanie R Klein
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Briana S Last
- Department of Psychology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | | | - Natalie Dallard
- Community Behavioral Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Bryanna Jones
- Community Behavioral Health, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| | - Rinad S Beidas
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Medical Ethics and Health Policy, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Penn Implementation Science Center at the Leonard Davis Institute of Health Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Penn Medicine Nudge Unit, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA, United States.,Center for Health Incentives and Behavioral Economics, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Goldberg AE, McCormick N, Virginia H. School-age adopted children's early responses to remote schooling during COVID-19. FAMILY RELATIONS 2022; 71:68-89. [PMID: 34898782 PMCID: PMC8653365 DOI: 10.1111/fare.12612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This mixed-methods exploratory study sought to address the experiences of 89 adoptive parents (heterosexual, lesbian, and gay) in the United States with school-age children in relation to the transition to remote schooling and their children's mental health during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic. BACKGROUND The transition to remote schooling and associated confinement during the COVID-19 pandemic presents challenges for families, particularly when children are struggling with mental health and learning challenges. METHODS Data were collected via an online survey between May and June 2020. Before the pandemic, almost half of the children received special education services. RESULTS Findings revealed that although a minority of children were doing well with remote schooling, the majority were struggling due to lack of motivation and an inability to work independently. Some parents voiced challenges with teacher communication and inconsistencies across classes and were overwhelmed by the demands of their new role as proctor/teacher. Some were dissatisfied with how children's school services had been implemented and noted difficulties with the online format of various services (e.g., therapy was less engaging). Regarding children's mental health, half of parents said it had stayed the same, one third said it had worsened, and the remainder said it had improved. The mental health of children adopted via foster care seemed to have benefited from the additional time spent at home. Yet most children were described as struggling in part due to social isolation and loss of routine, which manifested in a variety of ways, including anxiety, schoolwork avoidance, and boundary testing. Most parents tried to show patience, tolerance, and reassurance, but more than one third reported stress and frustration associated with not knowing how to best support their children. CONCLUSION The transition to remote schooling during COVID-19 may be especially challenging for adoptive families and other families whose children have higher levels of need. IMPLICATIONS Findings have implications for parents, teachers, school social workers and psychologists, and other professionals who work with children and families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nora McCormick
- Department of PsychologyClark UniversityWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| | - Haylie Virginia
- Department of PsychologyClark UniversityWorcesterMassachusettsUSA
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Brown SM, Orsi R, Chen PCB, Everson CL, Fluke J. The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Child Protection System Referrals and Responses in Colorado, USA. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2022; 27:3-11. [PMID: 33896229 PMCID: PMC9011917 DOI: 10.1177/10775595211012476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
Although the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has amplified risk factors known to increase children's vulnerability to abuse and neglect, emerging evidence suggests declines in maltreatment reporting and responding following COVID-19 social distancing protocols in the United States. Using statewide administrative data, this study builds on the current state of knowledge to better understand the volume of child protection system (CPS) referrals and responses in Colorado, USA before and during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic and to determine whether there were differences in referral and response rates by case characteristics. Results indicated an overall decline in referrals and responses during COVID-19 when compared to the previous year. Declines were specific to case characteristics, such as reporter and maltreatment type. Implications regarding the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child maltreatment reporting and CPS response are discussed.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rebecca Orsi
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | | | - John Fluke
- University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Whitt-Woosley A, Sprang G, Eslinger J. Foster care during the COVID-19 pandemic: A qualitative analysis of caregiver and professional experiences. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 124:105444. [PMID: 34972016 PMCID: PMC8669913 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Research is needed to facilitate better understanding of how different groups have been impacted by COVID-19, especially those in already strained service systems such as foster care. These inquiries will support further response, recovery and preparedness efforts. OBJECTIVE This qualitative study addressed how professionals and caregivers in foster care described being affected by COVID-19 in order to support future research and planning for foster care systems in this pandemic context. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING A sample of foster parents and foster care professionals (N = 357) from a mostly rural, southeastern state in the U.S. participated in the study. METHODS Qualitative analysis was conducted of 357 open-ended responses regarding the impact of COVID-19 from a survey distributed in August 2020. RESULTS The coding process resulted in the identification of 15 distinct themes: Isolation & Loss of Social Support, Work Changes/Stressors, School Issues, Childcare Issues, No Impact/Positive Changes, Financial Problems, Fear of Contagion, Negative Child Welfare Impacts, Mental Health Problems/Stress, Loss of Faith/Trust & Societal Frustrations, Health & Mental Healthcare Access Issues, PPE & Testing Issues, Grief & Loss, and Marital Problems. Secondary impacts rather than direct physiologic effects of the virus were primarily reported. CONCLUSIONS This study underscores the various challenges facing foster care systems, and how the pandemic context is exacerbating many of these issues. Further research is needed to ensure the implementation of adequately complex and nuanced responses that target needs and avoid creating further problems for foster care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Adrienne Whitt-Woosley
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine - Department of Psychiatry, United States of America.
| | - Ginny Sprang
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine - Department of Psychiatry, United States of America
| | - Jessica Eslinger
- University of Kentucky, College of Medicine - Department of Psychiatry, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Gray SAO, Moberg SA, Obus EA, Parker V, Rosenblum KL, Muzik M, Zeanah CH, Drury SS. Harnessing Virtual Mom Power: Process and Outcomes of a Pilot Telehealth Adaptation of a Multifamily, Attachment-Based Intervention. JOURNAL OF INFANT, CHILD, AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOTHERAPY : JICAP 2022; 21:6-18. [PMID: 36686598 PMCID: PMC9853992 DOI: 10.1080/15289168.2022.2045464] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Objective The COVID-19 pandemic and mitigation strategies amplified racial and income-based health disparities, profoundly shifted family life, and altered delivery systems for support services. We report pilot data from a telehealth adaptation of Mom Power, an evidence-based, attachment-informed multifamily preventive intervention (clinicaltrials.gov: de-identified). Method Virtual Mom Power (VMP), adapted for economically marginalized, predominantly Black mothers and their young children (n = 9) was implemented in New Orleans, an early COVID-19 hotspot with an entrenched history of structural racism and trauma. We outline our approach to adaptation of curriculum and service delivery, using a trauma-informed lens. Results Maternal reports of maternal and child functioning from pre to post were consistent with improvements in maternal depressive and posttraumatic stress symptoms and child competence, comparable to outcomes from in-person trials. Feasibility and acceptability data were strong. Discussion Preliminary results and reflections on process suggest that telehealth service delivery of a multifamily preventive intervention, with attention to decreasing barriers to online access and consideration of culture and context, facilitated engagement while maintaining fidelity and effects on intervention targets. Future research using larger samples, randomized controlled design, and multi-method assessment should continue to guide dissemination of reflective, group-based telehealth parenting programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A O Gray
- Department of Psychology, Tulane School of Science & Engineering, 2007 Percival Stern Hall, 6400 Freret St., New Orleans, LA 70118, USA.,Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1440 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.,The Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Stephanie A Moberg
- Department of Psychology, Tulane School of Science & Engineering, 2007 Percival Stern Hall, 6400 Freret St., New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Elsia A Obus
- Department of Psychology, Tulane School of Science & Engineering, 2007 Percival Stern Hall, 6400 Freret St., New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | - Victoria Parker
- Department of Psychology, Tulane School of Science & Engineering, 2007 Percival Stern Hall, 6400 Freret St., New Orleans, LA 70118, USA
| | | | - Maria Muzik
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Charles H Zeanah
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1440 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Stacy S Drury
- Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1440 Canal St., New Orleans, LA 70112, USA.,The Brain Institute, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Children and youth mental health: not all equal in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. REFERENCE MODULE IN NEUROSCIENCE AND BIOBEHAVIORAL PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [PMCID: PMC9094644 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-323-91497-0.00072-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
42
|
Roben CKP, Kipp E, Schein SS, Costello AH, Dozier M. Transitioning to telehealth due to COVID-19: Maintaining model fidelity in a home visiting program for parents of vulnerable infants. Infant Ment Health J 2021; 43:173-184. [PMID: 34964152 PMCID: PMC9015513 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Maintaining treatment fidelity when implementing evidence‐based interventions is a significant challenge. The inability to deliver in‐person services due to the COVID‐19 pandemic critically challenged the foundation of implementation fidelity for home visiting programs across the globe. The Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch‐Up (ABC) program is an evidence‐based home visiting intervention designed to increase sensitivity in parents of infants who have experienced early adversity. ABC's community effectiveness is due to rigorous fidelity monitoring and supervision. Fidelity is measured by microanalytic coding of parenting opportunities and “in‐the‐moment” commenting, the active ingredient of ABC. In this study, we examined intervention fidelity among parent coaches implementing ABC through telehealth. Random 5‐min clips from 510 telehealth ABC session videos conducted by 91 parent coaches at 48 agencies were coded for their frequency and quality of in‐the‐moment comments. On average, parent coaches were able to exceed in‐person commenting fidelity standards when implementing ABC through the telehealth format. The active fidelity monitoring and supervision inherent to ABC's dissemination afforded a smooth transition to implementing ABC through telehealth while adhering to fidelity standards. Procedural and clinical challenges to telehealth implementation are discussed, along with future directions for telehealth program effectiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Evan Kipp
- University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| | | | | | - Mary Dozier
- University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware, USA
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Ellis LA, Meulenbroeks I, Churruca K, Pomare C, Hatem S, Harrison R, Zurynski Y, Braithwaite J. The Application of e-Mental Health in Response to COVID-19: Scoping Review and Bibliometric Analysis. JMIR Ment Health 2021; 8:e32948. [PMID: 34666306 PMCID: PMC8651237 DOI: 10.2196/32948] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and its mitigation measures and impacts, such as shelter-in-place orders, social isolation, restrictions on freedoms, unemployment, financial insecurity, and disrupted routines, have led to declines in mental health worldwide and concomitant escalating demands for mental health services. Under the circumstances, electronic mental health (e-mental health) programs and services have rapidly become the "new normal." OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to assess key characteristics and evidence gaps in the e-mental health literature published in relation to the COVID-19 pandemic via a scoping review and bibliometric analysis. METHODS We conducted a search of four academic databases (ie, MEDLINE, Embase, PsycInfo, and CINAHL) for documents published from December 31, 2019, to March 31, 2021, using keywords for e-mental health and COVID-19. Article information was extracted that was relevant to the review objective, including journal, type of article, keywords, focus, and corresponding author. Information was synthesized by coding these attributes and was then summarized through descriptive statistics and narrative techniques. Article influence was examined from Altmetric and CiteScore data, and a network analysis was conducted on article keywords. RESULTS A total of 356 publications were included in the review. Articles on e-mental health quickly thrived early in the pandemic, with most articles being nonempirical, chiefly commentaries or opinions (n=225, 63.2%). Empirical publications emerged later and became more frequent as the pandemic progressed. The United States contributed the most articles (n=160, 44.9%), though a notable number came from middle-income countries (n=59, 16.6%). Articles were spread across 165 journals and had above-average influence (ie, almost half of the articles were in the top 25% of output scores by Altmetric, and the average CiteScore across articles was 4.22). The network analysis of author-supplied keywords identified key topic areas, including specific mental disorders, eHealth modalities, issues and challenges, and populations of interest. These were further explored via full-text analysis. Applications of e-mental health during the pandemic overcame, or were influenced by, system, service, technology, provider, and patient factors. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 has accelerated applications of e-mental health. Further research is needed to support the implementation of e-mental health across system and service infrastructures, alongside evidence of the relative effectiveness of e-mental health in comparison to traditional modes of care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louise A Ellis
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Centre for Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Isabelle Meulenbroeks
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Centre for Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kate Churruca
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chiara Pomare
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sarah Hatem
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Reema Harrison
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yvonne Zurynski
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Centre for Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jeffrey Braithwaite
- Centre for Healthcare Resilience and Implementation Science, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
- National Health and Medical Research Council Partnership Centre for Health System Sustainability, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Al-Sharif GA, Almulla AA, AlMerashi E, Alqutami R, Almoosa M, Hegazi MZ, Otaki F, Ho SB. Telehealth to the Rescue During COVID-19: A Convergent Mixed Methods Study Investigating Patients' Perception. Front Public Health 2021; 9:730647. [PMID: 34917570 PMCID: PMC8669510 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2021.730647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: The onset of the pandemic necessitated abrupt transition to telehealth consultations. Although there is a few tools that gauge the patients' perception about their experiences, none of them are contextualized to an emergency in the Middle East and North Africa region. Accordingly, this study aims at developing and validating a tool to address this gap, and deploying it to assess the patients' perception of telehealth services during COVID-19 in Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE). Methods: A convergent mixed methods design was adapted. A random selection of 100 patients from Dubai, UAE were invited to participate. Qualitative and quantitative datasets were collected using a tailor-made survey. The qualitative data, collected through open-ended questions, was analyzed using multi-staged thematic analysis. As for the quantitative data, it captured the patients' extent of satisfaction, and was assessed using SPSS (with a series of descriptive and inferential analyses). The qualitative and quantitative findings were then merged via joint display analysis. Results: Out of the 100 patients that were randomly selected, 94 patients participated in this study. The reliability score of Cronbach's Alpha for the instrument was 98.9%. The percentage of the total average of satisfaction was 80.67%. The Principal Component Analysis showed that 88.1% of the variance can be explained by the instrument (p < 0.001). The qualitative data analysis expanded upon the quantitative findings enabling a better understanding of the patients' perception. Three themes, revolving around the quality of the patient telehealth experiences, surfaced: "Factors that worked to the benefit of the patients," "Factors that the patients were not in favor of," and "Opportunities for improvements as perceived by the patients." Discussion: This study introduced a novel patient satisfaction with telehealth consultation survey contextualized to the COVID-19 times in Dubai, UAE. The participants were quite satisfied with the quality of their experience, however they suggested areas for improvement. Regional healthcare decision-makers can leverage the identified advantages and opportunities for improvement of telehealth. This will enable making informed decisions regarding the continuity of telehealth irrespective of how matters unfold in relation to the pandemic. It will also better prepare the healthcare sector for potential resurgence(s) of COVID-19 and/or the occurrence of other similar emergencies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ghadah A. Al-Sharif
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Alia A. Almulla
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Eman AlMerashi
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Reem Alqutami
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad Almoosa
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mona Zakaria Hegazi
- Department of Family Medicine, Mediclinic City Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Farah Otaki
- Strategy and Institutional Excellence, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| | - Samuel B. Ho
- College of Medicine, Mohammed Bin Rashid University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Medicine, Mediclinic City Hospital, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Sullivan ADW, Forehand R, Acosta J, Parent J, Comer JS, Loiselle R, Jones DJ. COVID-19 and the Acceleration of Behavioral Parent Training Telehealth: Current Status and Future Directions. COGNITIVE AND BEHAVIORAL PRACTICE 2021; 28:618-629. [PMID: 34629838 PMCID: PMC8488182 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2021.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The SARS-COV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic and associated social distancing guidelines have accelerated the telehealth transition in mental health. For those providing Behavioral Parent Training (BPT), this transition has called for moving sessions that are traditionally clinic-based, active, and directive to engaging, supporting, and treating families of children with behavior disorders remotely in their homes. Whereas many difficulties accompany this transition, the lessons learned during the current public health crisis have the potential to transform BPT service delivery on a large scale in ways that address many of its long-standing limitations. We describe both challenges and opportunities and consider the possibilities inherent in a large scale BPT service delivery model capable of increasing the reach and impact of evidence-based treatment for all families.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Juliana Acosta
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University
| | - Justin Parent
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University
| | - Jonathan S Comer
- Center for Children and Families, Florida International University
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Marcelin LH, Cela T, Dembo R, Jean‐Gilles M, Page B, Demezier D, Clement R, Waldman R. Remote delivery of a therapeutic intervention to court-mandated youths of Haitian descent during COVID-19. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 49:2938-2958. [PMID: 33734451 PMCID: PMC8251117 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22559] [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: 11/22/2020] [Revised: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 03/07/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The threat generated by the COVID-19 pandemic has triggered sudden institutional changes in an effort to reduce viral spread. Restrictions on group gatherings and in-person engagement have increased the demand for remote service delivery. These restrictions have also affected the delivery of court-mandated interventions. However, much of the literature has focused on populations that voluntarily seek out face-to-face medical care or mental health services, whereas insufficient attention has been paid to telehealth engagement of court-mandated populations. This article draws on data gathered on an NIH/NIDA-funded study intervention implemented with juvenile justice-involved youths of Haitian heritage in Miami-Dade County, Florida, during the COVID-19 public health crisis. We explore the process of obtaining consent, technological access issues, managing privacy, and other challenges associated with remote delivery of family-based therapy to juvenile justice-involved youth. Our aim is to provide some insights for consideration by therapists, healthcare workers, advocates, researchers, and policymakers tasked with finding alternative and safer ways to engage nontraditional populations in health services. The clinical trial registration number is NCT03876171.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Louis Herns Marcelin
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of MiamiCoral GablesFloridaUSA
- Department of Public Health SciencesUniversity of MiamiMiamiFloridaUSA
- Laboratory on Health, Family and MigrationInteruniversity Institute for Research and Development (INURED)Port‐au‐PrinceHaiti
| | - Toni Cela
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of MiamiCoral GablesFloridaUSA
- Laboratory on Health, Family and MigrationInteruniversity Institute for Research and Development (INURED)Port‐au‐PrinceHaiti
| | - Richard Dembo
- Department of CriminologyUniversity of South FloridaTampaFloridaUSA
| | - Michèle Jean‐Gilles
- Robert Stempel College of Public Health and Social WorkFlorida International UniversityMiamiFloridaUSA
| | - Bryan Page
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of MiamiCoral GablesFloridaUSA
| | - Danna Demezier
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of MiamiCoral GablesFloridaUSA
| | - Roy Clement
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of MiamiCoral GablesFloridaUSA
| | - Rachel Waldman
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of MiamiCoral GablesFloridaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
The impact of COVID-19 lockdown on child and adolescent mental health: systematic review. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2021:10.1007/s00787-021-01856-w. [PMID: 34406494 PMCID: PMC8371430 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-021-01856-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 254] [Impact Index Per Article: 84.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 was declared a pandemic in March 2020, resulting in many countries worldwide calling for lockdowns. This study aimed to review the existing literature on the effects of the lockdown measures established as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic on the mental health of children and adolescents. Embase, Ovid, Global Health, PsycINFO, Web of Science, and pre-print databases were searched in this PRISMA-compliant systematic review (PROSPERO: CRD42021225604). We included individual studies reporting on a wide range of mental health outcomes, including risk and protective factors, conducted in children and adolescents (aged ≤ 19 years), exposed to COVID-19 lockdown. Data extraction and quality appraisal were conducted by independent researchers, and results were synthesised by core themes. 61 articles with 54,999 children and adolescents were included (mean age = 11.3 years, 49.7% female). Anxiety symptoms and depression symptoms were common in the included studies and ranged 1.8-49.5% and 2.2-63.8%, respectively. Irritability (range = 16.7-73.2%) and anger (range = 30.0-51.3%), were also frequently reported by children and adolescents. Special needs and the presence of mental disorders before the lockdown, alongside excessive media exposure, were significant risk factors for anxiety. Parent-child communication was protective for anxiety and depression. The COVID-19 lockdown has resulted in psychological distress and highlighted vulnerable groups such as those with previous or current mental health difficulties. Supporting the mental health needs of children and adolescents at risk is key. Clinical guidelines to alleviate the negative effects of COVID-19 lockdown and public health strategies to support this population need to be developed.
Collapse
|
48
|
Ong T, Wilczewski H, Paige SR, Soni H, Welch BM, Bunnell BE. Extended Reality for Enhanced Telehealth During and Beyond COVID-19: Viewpoint. JMIR Serious Games 2021; 9:e26520. [PMID: 34227992 PMCID: PMC8315161 DOI: 10.2196/26520] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused widespread challenges and revealed vulnerabilities across global health care systems. In response, many health care providers turned to telehealth solutions, which have been widely embraced and are likely to become standard for modern care. Immersive extended reality (XR) technologies have the potential to enhance telehealth with greater acceptability, engagement, and presence. However, numerous technical, logistic, and clinical barriers remain to the incorporation of XR technology into telehealth practice. COVID-19 may accelerate the union of XR and telehealth as researchers explore novel solutions to close social distances. In this viewpoint, we highlight research demonstrations of XR telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic and discuss future directions to make XR the next evolution of remote health care.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Triton Ong
- Doxy.me, LLC, Rochester, NY, United States
| | | | | | - Hiral Soni
- Doxy.me, LLC, Rochester, NY, United States
| | - Brandon M Welch
- Doxy.me, LLC, Rochester, NY, United States
- Biomedical Informatics Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Brian E Bunnell
- Doxy.me, LLC, Rochester, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, United States
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Guan F, Wu Y, Ren W, Zhang P, Jing B, Xu Z, Wu ST, Peng KP, He JB. Self-compassion and the Mitigation of Negative Affect in the Era of Social Distancing. Mindfulness (N Y) 2021; 12:2184-2195. [PMID: 34221182 PMCID: PMC8236748 DOI: 10.1007/s12671-021-01674-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Objectives The outbreak of contagious diseases and their associated non-pharmaceutical interventions can lead to negative mental health consequences. This study aimed to investigate online self-compassion exercises' effectiveness in alleviating people's negative affect (anxiety and negative emotions) during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown. Methods Study 1 examined the associations between self-compassion and negative affect using an anonymous online survey. In study 2, two pilot experiments were conducted to examine online self-compassion exercises' (i.e., instructor-guided meditation and self-guided writing) effectiveness to mitigate individuals' negative affect. In study 3, a randomized controlled study was conducted to further examine online self-compassion writing's effectiveness in reducing people's negative affect. Results The results of study 1 indicated a significant negative association between self-compassion and participants' negative affect. Participants in study 2a reported significant decreases in negative affect after completing the self-compassion meditation. Study 2b showed that participants who completed the self-compassion writing reported significantly more self-compassion and less anxiety when compared to participants who did not. Study 3 showed substantial pre/post-test changes in participants who completed self-compassion writing. Importantly, there were significant increases in participants' self-compassion and decreases in negative affect when compared to participants in the control condition. Conclusions Self-compassion exercises were effective to alleviate individuals' anxiety and reduce negative emotions (even within a brief session) during the pandemic lockdown. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12671-021-01674-w.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fang Guan
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Yun Wu
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Ren
- The Department of Youth and Children Work, China Youth University of Political Studies, Beijing, China
| | - Pei Zhang
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Jing
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Zhuo Xu
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Sheng-Tao Wu
- School of Sociology and Anthropology, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
| | - Kai-Ping Peng
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Ji-Bo He
- Department of Psychology, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
|