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Simões LP, Souto T, Silva F, Ferreira MJ. The role of coping and positivity in shaping mental health among Portuguese informal caregivers. Geriatr Nurs 2024; 59:604-613. [PMID: 39178627 DOI: 10.1016/j.gerinurse.2024.07.038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 07/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/30/2024] [Indexed: 08/26/2024]
Abstract
The role of informal caregivers is increasingly relevant in the current sociodemographic context, with Portugal having an estimated 1.3 million caregivers. This study explores the relationship between coping strategies, Positive Life Orientation (PLO), and mental health among 133 Portuguese informal caregivers. Using a quantitative, cross-sectional methodology, results show a significant association between specific coping strategies, PLO, and variables related to distress and well-being. PLO and instrumental support positively predict well-being, while duration of care and self-blame and PLO positively predict depression, and positive reappraisal and positivity negatively predict depression. Religion, self-blame, and seeking emotional support are positively associated with anxiety, while religion, self-blame, and seeking emotional support positively predict stress, and positivity negatively predicts stress. PLO emerges as the strongest predictor of well-being. These findings underscore the importance of coping strategies and PLO in understanding informal caregivers' mental health, informing the development of personalized interventions tailored to their unique needs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Teresa Souto
- Faculty of Psychology, Sports and Education, Lusófona University, Porto, Portugal; HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Frederico Silva
- Faculty of Psychology, Sports and Education, Lusófona University, Porto, Portugal
| | - Maria José Ferreira
- Faculty of Psychology, Sports and Education, Lusófona University, Porto, Portugal; HEI-Lab: Digital Human-Environment Interaction Lab, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Martínez-Rico G, Argente-Tormo J, Calero-Plaza J, González-García RJ. The role of women in the field of early intervention. Heliyon 2024; 10:e31571. [PMID: 38818194 PMCID: PMC11137533 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e31571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2024] [Accepted: 05/18/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024] Open
Abstract
This study examines the intersection of early intervention and the role of women as primary caregivers for children with disabilities. Studies for this analysis were collected through a meticulous search in the Web of Science (WoS) and Scopus databases. This process ensured the inclusion of a wide range of relevant literature from the field of study. A rigorous procedure of identification, selection, eligibility assessment, and inclusion of potentially relevant studies in this research area was conducted. We analyzed 130 articles, identifying 8 key research areas. Significant factors include the impact on parental interactions, communication skills, the role of women in developmental disabilities, mothers' understanding of their children's disabilities, emotional overload, parental stress, and psychological aspects. These factors significantly affect the well-being and development of mothers and children with disabilities. The study also considers the impact on women's careers. While research on psychological aspects and maternal overload is well-developed, establishing early intervention systems to optimize resources for proper child development is a challenge. The findings have high social value, paving the way for improving the quality of early childhood services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Martínez-Rico
- Campus Capacitas, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001, Valencia, Spain
| | - Julia Argente-Tormo
- Campus Capacitas, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001, Valencia, Spain
- Doctoral School, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001, Valencia, Spain
| | - Joana Calero-Plaza
- Campus Capacitas, Catholic University of Valencia San Vicente Mártir, 46001, Valencia, Spain
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Mestre TD, Lopes MJ, Mestre DM, Ferreira RF, Costa AP, Caldeira EV. Impact of family-centered care in families with children with intellectual disability: A systematic review. Heliyon 2024; 10:e28241. [PMID: 38560242 PMCID: PMC10981057 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e28241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Family-Centered Care (FCC) is an approach to healthcare planning, delivery and evaluation, based on beneficial partnerships between health professionals, patients and families. FCC may be particularly relevant for families with children with intellectual disability (ID), given their needs of continuum care. Objective To identify which components of the FCC are practiced and which health outcomes are considered effective in families with children with ID. Method A systematic review guided by the PRISMA STATEMENT 2020 approach and the STROBE reporting guidelines was performed on specific databases through the EBSCOhost Web platform: MEDLINE with Full Text, CINAHL PLUS with Full Text, Academic Search Complete and Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection. Peer-reviewed articles published in English or Portuguese languages from 2018 to September 2023 were retrieved. Methodological quality was established using the Quality Assessment Tool for Observational, Cohort and Cross-Sectional Studies - NHLBI, NIH. Results Ten studies met the eligibility criteria and were synthetized. The results revealed nine components, reflecting the way FCC was developed: shared decision-making; family education; respect for culture; family engagement; recognition of the family's needs, characteristics and interests; specialized care support; social and emotional support; family functionality; and family seen as a unit. The health outcomes demonstrate effective gains in improving children's health through family satisfaction with health services. Also achieved psychological and social benefits, with improved family well-being and quality of life, favoring family empowerment. Conclusions The evidence suggests that FCC components involves an effective partnership between the family and health professionals as the main key in developing care plans, as well as the experience that the family unit brings to the delivery of care. FCC approach include all family members as decision-makers, providing emotional, physical and instrumental levels of support. Health outcomes emerged in three strands; for children with ID, families and health services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa Dionísio Mestre
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre [CHRC], Portugal
- Polytechnic Institute of Beja – Health Department, Portugal
| | - Manuel José Lopes
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre [CHRC], Portugal
- University of Évora – Health Department, Portugal
| | | | - Rogério Ferrinho Ferreira
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre [CHRC], Portugal
- Polytechnic Institute of Beja – Health Department, Portugal
| | - Ana Pedro Costa
- Comprehensive Health Research Centre [CHRC], Portugal
- Local Health Unit of Lower Alentejo [ULSBA], Beja, Portugal
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Barak-Levy Y, Paryente B. Diving into the Resolution Process: Parent's Reactions to Child's Diagnosis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:3295. [PMID: 36833989 PMCID: PMC9963369 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20043295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
This research presents an in-depth observation of parental resolution regarding a child's diagnosis with special needs to help counsellors understand the complexities of parental coping. Sixty-two parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder/Intellectual Developmental Delay participated in a Reaction to the Diagnosis Interview and a semi-structured interview. Categorical analysis revealed that 59.7% of the parents had reached resolution, with approximately 40% emotional orientation, 40% cognitive orientation, and 20% proactive orientation. Content analysis revealed three themes: emotions-feelings of guilt, shame, and emotional breakdown; thoughts-fear of stigma and concern for the child's future; actions-concealment, seeking support, and attempts to reject the results of the diagnosis. Whereas most parents were diagnosed as having reached resolution, the content analysis still found complex subject matter suggesting lack of resolution. Research findings show that counsellors should identify the intricate emotional dynamics of parents coping while being cautious of premature coping categorization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yael Barak-Levy
- Department of Early Childhood Education, Achva Academic College, Arugot 7980400, Israel
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Popa ZL, Margan MM, Bernad E, Stelea L, Craina M, Ciuca IM, Bina AM. A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Paternal Intimacy Problems, Stress Levels, and Satisfaction from Families with Children Born with Mucoviscidosis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:15055. [PMID: 36429771 PMCID: PMC9690099 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192215055] [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: 09/27/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
There is an increasing interest in father-child interactions and their effects. Due to the rising number of working mothers, marital interruptions, divorces, and child custody arrangements, paternal duties and the relevance of fathering continue to be re-evaluated. As there are rising expectations for men to undertake more childcare and household responsibilities, it was hypothesized that the presence of a disabled or chronically ill child would have a significant impact on the couple's future family situation, marital conduct due to paternal dissatisfaction, and increased stress levels. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine paternal intimacy problems, stress levels, and couple satisfaction inside families that have children with cystic fibrosis. The study followed a cross-sectional design with five questionnaires that were answered by a total of 107 fathers of children with cystic fibrosis from the "cases" group as the reference group, and 124 fathers of healthy children from the "control" group. The statistically significant findings of the current study show that men who were taking care of their child with mucoviscidosis engaged less frequently in sexual activity. A significantly higher number of these respondents were smokers. A higher proportion of them reported marital distress (OR = 2.54) and inhibited sexual desire (OR = 2.02), all in association with a higher number of men taking psychiatric medication (7.5% vs. 1.6%). More than 40% of all respondents declared high levels of general stress and parenting distress, while the most frequently used coping mechanism for stress was avoidance-oriented (45.8% vs. 25.8%). Other important findings were the high levels of dissatisfaction and lower levels of marital quality on the SII scale, equivalent to the intimacy problems on the MIQ scale. It is likely that paternal stress is higher when parenting children with cystic fibrosis, and the lack of intervention in this vulnerable group seem to be associated with intimacy problems, couple dissatisfaction, and maladaptive coping mechanisms. It is recommended that these concerns should not only be raised for the mothers of children with mucoviscidosis, but also for the child's father or the male caretaker partner since they might experience the same problems as the opposite gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoran Laurentiu Popa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Centre for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Madalin-Marius Margan
- Department of Microscopic Morphology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Elena Bernad
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Lavinia Stelea
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Marius Craina
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Ioana Mihaela Ciuca
- Department of Pediatrics, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
| | - Anca Mihaela Bina
- Centre for Translational Research and Systems Medicine, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
- Department III Functional Sciences, Discipline of Pathophysiology, “Victor Babes” University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 300041 Timisoara, Romania
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Martínez-Shaw ML, Sánchez-Sandoval Y. Effective stress intervention programs for parents of premature children: A systematic review. Stress Health 2022; 39:236-254. [PMID: 36029285 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3194] [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: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The birth of a child alters family dynamics and can be stressful for parents, especially in the case of prematurity. This article carried out a systematic review on interventions in parents to reduce the stress experienced by the birth of a premature infant. The aims were to describe and classify the different interventions and to have an overview of their effectiveness. We used the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guide and the PICO model. For searching the bibliography, we used Web of Science, Science Direct, PubMed and PsycINFO databases. From a total of 450 articles identified, this review finally included 46 studies with empirical evidence. The articles clustered into different types of interventions, such as psychoeducational and parental or maternal support programs, relaxation techniques, expressive writing, art therapy, music therapy and interventions related to interaction and tactile stimulation. There is a wide range of effectiveness in reducing parental stress to a greater or lesser degree. There is a great heterogeneity of interventions. Despite that, they all have a parental educational component that needs to be studied in greater depth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa Liher Martínez-Shaw
- Departamento de Psicología, Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INIBICA), Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
| | - Yolanda Sánchez-Sandoval
- Departamento de Psicología, Instituto de Investigación e Innovación Biomédica de Cádiz (INIBICA), Universidad de Cádiz, Cádiz, Spain
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Strojek K, Wójtowicz D, Kowalska J. Assessment of the Emotional State of Parents of Children Starting the Vojta Therapy in the Context of the Physical Activity-A Pilot Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:10691. [PMID: 36078406 PMCID: PMC9517770 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191710691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the study was to assess the emotional state of parents at the moment of starting therapy for their children using the Vojta method in the context of the physical activity undertaken by the parents. The study involved 68 parents (37 mothers and 31 fathers) of children with central coordination disorders (CCD) presenting for consultation and therapy using the Vojta method. The authors' questionnaires, the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS-10), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI), the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the Satisfaction With Life Scale (SWLS), and the Inventory to Measure Coping Strategies with Stress (Mini-COPE) were used. As many as 84% of mothers and 77% of fathers presented high level of perceived stress. Comparative analysis showed a statistically significant difference in anxiety and life satisfaction between the groups of mothers and fathers studied. Taking declared physical activity into account, there was a statistically significant difference in stress and anxiety in the mothers' group and a statistically significant difference in mood and life satisfaction in the fathers' group. Promoting physical activity among parents of children with CCD can be helpful in maintaining better psycho-physical conditions and can also be a good tool in combating stress in difficult situations, such as the illness and therapy of a child.
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Bi XB, He HZ, Lin HY, Fan XZ. Influence of Social Support Network and Perceived Social Support on the Subjective Wellbeing of Mothers of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder. Front Psychol 2022; 13:835110. [PMID: 35401352 PMCID: PMC8989138 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.835110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study explored the relations between the social support network of mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), perceived social support, and their subjective wellbeing. The participants were mothers of children with ASD in Shanghai. Their social support network structure was explored via the nomination method. Perceived social support was measured using the Revised Social Provisions Scale for Autism (R-SPS-A), and the mothers’ subjective wellbeing was assessed using the Index of Wellbeing, Index of General Affect. A significant correlation was observed between the subjective wellbeing of mothers of children with ASD and perceived social support. Meanwhile, perceived social support was significantly correlated with the effectiveness of overall social support. Finally, perceived social support was also significantly correlated with the network size of social support. Moreover, the effectiveness of social support was significantly associated with the network size of social support and was highly significantly associated with the degree of intimacy of social support. Furthermore, the network size of instrumental support has a significant influence on all perceived social support subdimensions. Overall, social support effectiveness plays an important role in the social support network mechanism on perceived social support and subjective wellbeing in China.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-bin Bi
- Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui-zhong He
- Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Hui-zhong He,
| | - Hai-ying Lin
- Shanghai Rehabilitation Center for Children With Disabilities, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao-zhuang Fan
- Department of Special Education, Faculty of Education, East China Normal University, Shanghai, China
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