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Alimohamadi A, Ghasemzadeh M, Fooladi F, Abdolmohamadi K, Killikelly C, Janghorbanian Z. Living-loss: A narrative synthesis review of the grief process in parents of children with autism spectrum disorder. J Pediatr Nurs 2024; 77:e97-e107. [PMID: 38570227 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedn.2024.03.036] [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: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/05/2024]
Abstract
PROBLEM Realizing that a child has a lifelong developmental condition like Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) can create feelings of sadness and grief for the parents. It remains unclear, however, how parents deal with and understand these emotions. The purpose of this narrative review was to explore the grief process of parents of children with ASD. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA An analysis of the literature was conducted using the databases Psychinfo, Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed. As part of our research, we also searched the grey literature (Google Scholar) and the thesis database (ProQuest) manually. Among the study criteria were (1) targeting direct informants as parents of children with ASD, (2) original and empirical research published in different English-language sources, (3) outcomes pertaining to grief experiences among parents, and/or processes involved in raising children with ASD, and (4) studies with qualitative data collection methods. SAMPLE Seven articles met the inclusion criteria and were included in this narrative analysis. RESULTS Our study's deductive content analysis revealed three primary themes: (i) manifestations of ambiguous loss, (ii) dealing with disenfranchised grief, and (iii) oscillation. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that ASD in children can cause parents to feel ambiguity and uncertainty, experience grief, and may result in the modification of expectations, emergent affective responses, and self-blame attributions. When confronted with difficulties arising from their child's condition, parents of children with ASD may undergo significant life changes and oscillate between various coping strategies. IMPLICATIONS The findings are expected to provide healthcare professionals, including nurses and front-line clinicians, with valuable information about the burden of grief experienced by parents of children with ASD so they can provide and validate the necessary support for them. Moreover, rigorous qualitative and quantitative studies are also required to support the claims made.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asgar Alimohamadi
- Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology and Education of Exceptional Children, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mahdi Ghasemzadeh
- Department of Clinical and General Psychology, Allameh Tabataba'i University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Fooladi
- Department of Educational Psychology, Alzahra University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Karim Abdolmohamadi
- Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, Azarbaijan Shahid Madani University, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Clare Killikelly
- Assistant Professor, Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Binzmuhlestrasse 14-70, 8050 Zurich, Switzerland; Visiting Research Fellow, Department of Psychiatry, University of British Columbia, 5950 University Blvd, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
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Maltman N, DaWalt LS, Hong J, Baker MW, Berry-Kravis EM, Brilliant MH, Mailick M. FMR1 CGG Repeats and Stress Influence Self-Reported Cognitive Functioning in Mothers. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 128:1-20. [PMID: 36548377 PMCID: PMC10445796 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-128.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Variation in the FMR1 gene may affect aspects of cognition, such as executive function and memory. Environmental factors, such as stress, may also negatively impact cognitive functioning. Participants included 1,053 mothers of children with and without developmental disabilities. Participants completed self-report measures of executive function, memory, and stress (i.e., life events, parenting status), and provided DNA to determine CGG repeat length (ranging from 7 to 192 CGGs). Stress exposure significantly predicted greater self-reported difficulties in executive function and the likelihood of memory problems. Cubic CGG effects independently predicted executive function and memory difficulties, suggesting effects of both genetic variation and environmental stress exposure on cognitive functioning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nell Maltman
- Nell Maltman, Leann Smith DaWalt, and Jinkuk Hong, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Leann Smith DaWalt
- Nell Maltman, Leann Smith DaWalt, and Jinkuk Hong, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | - Jinkuk Hong
- Nell Maltman, Leann Smith DaWalt, and Jinkuk Hong, University of Wisconsin-Madison
| | | | | | | | - Marsha Mailick
- Murray H. Brilliant and Marsha Mailick, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Bin Eid W, Lim M, Gabrieli G, Kölbel M, Halstead E, Esposito G, Dimitriou D. Habilitation of sleep problems among mothers and their children with autism spectrum disorder: Insights from multi-level exploratory dyadic analyses. FRONTIERS IN REHABILITATION SCIENCES 2022; 3:915060. [PMID: 36211831 PMCID: PMC9533106 DOI: 10.3389/fresc.2022.915060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Few habilitation strategies for children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consider their sleep-related problems. Together with the fact that caregivers of children with ASD also face issues with sleep, there may be yet-to-be uncovered relationships between caregiver-child sleep patterns and sleep quality, offering a key opportunity for clinicians to consider the needs of both child and caregiver in terms of sleep. 29 dyads of mothers and their children with ASD were recruited for this cohort study and both subjective (self-report questionnaires and sleep diaries) and objective (cortisol samples and actigraphy) measures of sleep were collected to investigate significant predictors of sleep quality. Comparative, correlational, and hierarchical analyses were conducted. Findings indicated that both mother and child experience sleep deprivation in terms of shorter sleep duration and poor sleep quality in terms of longer sleep onset latencies and a higher frequency of wake bouts. Exploratory hierarchical analyses also found that child-related sleep difficulties such as sleep disordered breathing and night waking significantly predict mothers’ sleep quality, which may point to the bi-directional influence of mother-child sleep. Based on these findings, it is recommended that clinicians adopt a family systems perspective and consider the sleep environment of the household, particularly that of the caregiver and child, when designing interventions for sleep-related problems in ASD. Finally, there is a need for additional support to promote good quality sleep among caregivers of children with ASD to bolster out-of-clinic care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasmiah Bin Eid
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, London, UK
| | - Mengyu Lim
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Giulio Gabrieli
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore
| | - Melanie Kölbel
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, London, UK
- Department of Developmental Neurosciences Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Elizabeth Halstead
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, London, UK
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Affiliative Behaviour and Physiology Lab, Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Italy
| | - Dagmara Dimitriou
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, London, UK
- Correspondence: Dagmara Dimitriou
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Bin Eid W, Lim M, Gabrieli G, Kölbel M, Halstead E, Esposito G, Dimitriou D. Alterations in Cortisol Profiles among Mothers of Children with ASD Related to Poor Child Sleep Quality. Healthcare (Basel) 2022; 10:healthcare10040666. [PMID: 35455843 PMCID: PMC9032515 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare10040666] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Revised: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) experience poorer sleep, but studies have not yet used objective measures to investigate how child and caregiver sleep affect each other. In this study, 29 mothers and their child with ASD aged between 6 and 16 years were recruited. Questionnaires measuring child autism, maternal depression, and maternal and child sleep quality were administered. Cortisol salivary samples were also obtained from the mothers over the course of a day. Results revealed that maternal depression is significantly correlated with their subjective sleep quality, sleep latency and daytime dysfunction. Child sleep quality was also found to be significantly correlated with ASD severity. In terms of maternal cortisol profiles, a significant number of mothers showed a flattened diurnal cortisol expression, and children of mothers with a flattened cortisol profile had significantly more sleep problems. Overall, results suggest that maternal and child sleep are affected by the child’s disability but also are mutually related. Future studies may consider employing measures such as actigraphy or somnography to quantify sleep quality and establish causal pathways between sleep, cortisol expression and caregiver and child outcomes. The present study has clinical implications in examining family sleep when considering treatment for ASD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasmiah Bin Eid
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, London WC1H 0AA, UK; (W.B.E.); (M.K.); (E.H.)
| | - Mengyu Lim
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 48 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639818, Singapore; (M.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Giulio Gabrieli
- Psychology Program, School of Social Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 48 Nanyang Avenue, Singapore 639818, Singapore; (M.L.); (G.G.)
| | - Melanie Kölbel
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, London WC1H 0AA, UK; (W.B.E.); (M.K.); (E.H.)
- Department of Developmental Neurosciences Unit, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child Health, London WC1N 1EH, UK
| | - Elizabeth Halstead
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, London WC1H 0AA, UK; (W.B.E.); (M.K.); (E.H.)
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Affiliative Behaviour and Physiology Lab, Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Corso Bettini, 84, I-38068 Trento, Italy;
| | - Dagmara Dimitriou
- Sleep Education and Research Laboratory, UCL Institute of Education, London WC1H 0AA, UK; (W.B.E.); (M.K.); (E.H.)
- Correspondence:
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Friesen KA, Weiss JA, Howe SJ, Kerns CM, McMorris CA. Mental Health and Resilient Coping in Caregivers of Autistic Individuals during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Findings from the Families Facing COVID Study. J Autism Dev Disord 2021; 52:3027-3037. [PMID: 34240291 PMCID: PMC8265288 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-021-05177-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Many caregivers of autistic people experience mental health issues, and the impact of disruptions due to COVID-19 may present additional challenges for these individuals. This study characterized caregiver stress, anxiety, and resilient coping during COVID-19 and investigated the impact of COVID-19 disruptions, demographic variables, and resilient coping on mental health. The majority of caregivers reported some degree of disruption associated with COVID-19, and more than half reported moderate levels of stress and high anxiety. Resilient coping did not emerge as a moderator between COVID-19 disruptions and caregiver mental health, but instead had a direct effect on outcomes. Future research is needed to understand additional factors impacting the mental health of caregivers of autistic people during the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey A Friesen
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, EDT 508, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Jonathan A Weiss
- Department of Psychology, York University, 4700 Keele Street, Toronto, ON, M3J 1P3, Canada
| | - Stephanie J Howe
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, EDT 508, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada
| | - Connor M Kerns
- Department of Psychology, University of British Columbia, 2329 West Mall, Vancouver, BC, V6T 1Z4, Canada
| | - Carly A McMorris
- Werklund School of Education, University of Calgary, EDT 508, 2500 University Dr. NW, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
- Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, T2N 1N4, Canada.
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Lovell B, Elder GJ, Wetherell MA. Sleep disturbances and physical health problems in caregivers of children with ASD. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2021; 113:103932. [PMID: 33730686 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2021.103932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder self-report more physical health problems than controls. Sleep disturbances are also more prevalent in caregivers, and are positively associated with physical health problems. The negative impact of caring for a child with ASD on physical health therefore, might occur indirectly via poorer sleep. METHODS Participants, of which n = 43 were caregivers and n = 17 were controls, completed self-report measures of physical health problems and, to capture objective measures of sleep, wore an actigraphy device. RESULTS Physical health problems were greater in caregivers, as were subjective reports of disturbed sleep. Objectively, waking after sleep onset (WASO) and average number of awakenings were higher, as was sleep latency, and sleep efficiency was poorer, in caregivers. Total sleep time however, was greater in caregivers, as was time in bed. Physical health problems, while unrelated to actigraphy measures, were positively associated with self-reported sleep disturbances. Caregivers' increased risk for physical health problems occurred indirectly via greater self-reports of disturbed sleep. CONCLUSIONS Interventions that help alleviate caregivers' sleep disturbances might be effective, by reducing physical health problems, for improving quality of provided care, and this might be explored in future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Lovell
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, United Kingdom.
| | - Greg J Elder
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, United Kingdom
| | - Mark A Wetherell
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, United Kingdom
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Song J, Mailick MR, Greenberg JS. Apolipoprotein ɛ4 Allele and Subjective Cognitive Functioning in Parents of Adults With Disabilities. J Gerontol B Psychol Sci Soc Sci 2021; 75:e189-e197. [PMID: 32361736 DOI: 10.1093/geronb/gbaa061] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Parents of individuals with disabilities face ongoing responsibilities of providing care and support for their children, even during the child's adulthood. Past research has shown that this caregiving role is linked to chronic stress and subsequent adverse health outcomes for parents, including impaired cognition. This study examines the impacts of genetic risk for cognitive impairment (apolipoprotein [APOE] ɛ4 allele) among parents of adults with disabilities and comparison parents whose adult children do not have disabilities. METHOD We performed rank order regression analysis of data from the Wisconsin Longitudinal Study (2004-2006 and 2010-2012 surveys and DNA samples). Participants included parents of adults with disabilities (247 mothers and 159 fathers) and comparison parents whose adult children were not disabled (1,482 mothers and 954 fathers). RESULTS Mothers who had adult children with disabilities and who were APOE ɛ4 carriers reported significantly declining levels of subjective cognitive functioning over time, but mothers of adults with disabilities who did not have the APOE ɛ4 allele did not manifest this change. Among comparison group mothers, cognitive change over time was not a function of their APOE ɛ4 carrier status. Fathers' cognitive function did not differ significantly by either parental status or APOE ɛ4 carrier status. DISCUSSION The results show that older mothers of adults with disabilities are more susceptible to cognitive impairment than their age peers if they have the genetic risk factor of APOE ɛ4 allele.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jieun Song
- Waisman Center, University of Wisconsin-Madison
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Lovell B, Wetherell MA. Exploring the Moderating Role of Benefit Finding on the Relationship Between Child Problematic Behaviours and Psychological Distress in Caregivers of Children with ASD. J Autism Dev Disord 2020; 50:617-624. [PMID: 31724121 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-019-04300-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Caregivers of children with ASD often find benefits associated with their caregiving role, and benefit finding predicts lower distress. Child problematic behaviours (CPB), which positively predict caregivers' distress, are perceived to be being less problematic, or more manageable, by caregivers who find benefits. Benefit finding therefore might mitigate the negative psychological impact of CPB. A sample of n = 158 caregivers of children with ASD completed an online survey assessing benefit finding, CPB, and psychological distress. CPB positively, and benefit finding negatively, predicted caregivers' distress. Moderation effects however were not observed. Findings implicate increased CPB and lower benefit finding as risk factors for caregivers' psychological distress. Findings provide clearly definable targets for intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Lovell
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Northumberland Building, Northumberland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK.
| | - Mark A Wetherell
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, Northumberland Building, Northumberland Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 8ST, UK
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Romero-Martínez Á, Hidalgo-Moreno G, Moya-Albiol L. Neuropsychological consequences of chronic stress: the case of informal caregivers. Aging Ment Health 2020; 24:259-271. [PMID: 30450952 DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2018.1537360] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Caring for a family member with a long-term illness is a significant source of chronic stress that might significantly accelerate the cognitive ageing of informal caregivers. Nevertheless, the absence of a defined theoretical body of literature on the neuropsychology of this population makes it difficult to understand what the characteristic neuropsychological deficits of these caregivers are.Aims: The main aim of this study is to carry out a systematic review of studies of cognitive deficits present in informal caregivers of people with several chronic pathologies, and analyse the effects of cognitive-behavioural interventions on caregivers' cognition.Methods: The scientific literature was reviewed following the PRISMA quality criteria for reviews using the following digital databases: PubMEd, PsycINFO, and Dialnet.Results: Identification of 2046 abstracts and retrieval of 211 full texts led to the inclusion of 38 papers. The studies showed heterogeneous results, but most of the cross-sectional studies reviewed that employed neuropsychological assessments concluded that informal caregivers reported a generalized cognitive deterioration, especially memory dysfunctions (i.e. learning verbal, visuospatial, and digit information). Moreover, they also presented low selective attention and capacity for inhibition, along with slow processing speed. Longitudinal studies confirmed that caregivers whose care situation was more prolonged showed a marked deterioration in their overall cognitive state, memory, processing speed, and vocabulary richness. However, although the patient's death does not seem to reverse the neuropsychological alterations in caregivers, cognitive-behavioural interventions that employ techniques to reduce stress levels, cognitive biases, and inadequate adaptation schemas seem to improve some of the aforementioned cognitive abilities.Conclusions: Results from this synthesis and critical analysis of neuropsychological deficits in informal caregivers offer guidelines for diagnosing caregivers' cognitive status by including a test battery covering all the domains considered relevant. Finally, given the ability of cognitive behavioural interventions to improve cognition in caregivers, further studies on their long-term effects on caregivers are warranted.Chronic stress entails an acceleration of the cognitive ageingCross-sectional studies concluded that informal caregivers reported a generalized cognitive deteriorationCognitive-behavioural interventions seem to improve cognitive abilities of caregivers.
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Lovell B, Wetherell MA. Affiliate stigma, perceived social support and perceived stress in caregivers of children with autism spectrum disorder: A multiple mediation study. Arch Psychiatr Nurs 2019; 33:31-35. [PMID: 31711591 DOI: 10.1016/j.apnu.2019.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/18/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Affiliate stigma negatively predicts social support, and positively predicts psychological distress, in caregivers of children with ASD. Whether the affiliate stigma-distress relationship occurs indirectly via social support however has not been explored. METHODS A correlational design was used. A sample of n = 124 caregivers of children with ASD completed an online survey assessing affiliate stigma, perceived support from family, friends and significant others, and perceived stress. RESULTS The relationship between greater affiliate stigma and increased perceived stress occurred indirectly via lower perceived support from family, but not from friends or significant others. CONCLUSIONS These findings underscore the importance of increasing caregivers' perceived family support. Whether interventions that alleviate affiliate stigma are beneficial for reducing perceived stress, and whether this effect is mediated by increased perceived availability of support, might be the subject of future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brian Lovell
- Department of Psychology, Northumbria University, UK.
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In vitro proinflammatory gene expression predicts in vivo telomere shortening: A preliminary study. Psychoneuroendocrinology 2018; 96:179-187. [PMID: 29980010 DOI: 10.1016/j.psyneuen.2018.06.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2018] [Revised: 05/24/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The chronic psychological stress of caregiving leads to higher risks for many diseases. One of the mechanisms through which caregiving is associated with disease risk is chronic inflammation. Chronic inflammation may accelerate cellular aging via telomere dysfunction and cell senescence, although this has not been examined in human cells from healthy people. We examined peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from 20 healthy mothers of children with autism (caregivers) and 19 mothers of neurotypical children (controls) in an in vitro culture system where PBMCs were stimulated with phytohaemagglutinin (PHA). We measured RNA expression levels of a panel of immune function genes before and after PHA stimulation, as well as telomere length from PBMCs collected from the participants at baseline and 15 months later. Caregivers and controls had similar gene expression profiles in unstimulated PBMCs, but after PHA stimulation, caregivers had increased RNA levels of the master inflammatory regulator NF-κB and its proinflammatory cytokine targets IL-1β, IL-6 and its receptor IL-6R as well as inflammatory chemokines IL-8, CXCL1 and CXCL2. Gene expression analysis suggested caregivers have increased Treg and Th17 T cell differentiation. Additionally, key signaling molecules involved in the upregulation of COX-2, a critical enzyme in the synthesis of the inflammatory mediator prostaglandin, were elevated. When both groups were examined together, higher expression levels of proinflammatory genes were associated with shorter telomere length in PBMCs from blood drawn 15 months later, independent of baseline telomere length. Taken together, these results suggest that chronic stress is associated with an exaggerated inflammatory response in PBMCs, which in turn is associated with shorter telomere length measured from PBMCs collected 15 months later. To our knowledge, this is the first human study that shows increased proinflammatory expression predicts future telomere shortening.
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Gallagher S, Pilch M, Hannigan A. Prior depressive symptoms and persistent child problem behaviours predict future depression in parents of children with developmental disabilities: The growing up in Ireland cohort study. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2018; 80:170-179. [PMID: 30032060 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2018.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Revised: 06/15/2018] [Accepted: 07/04/2018] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Predictors of depression over time were examined in parental carers of children with developmental disabilities (DD) and parents of typically developing children (controls) who participated in the Growing up in Ireland Study. Parents completed measures of depression, the Centre for Epidemiological Depression Scale (CES-D) and child problem behaviours, the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire when the children were aged 9 (Wave 1) and 13 (Wave 2). Using CES-D cut-off scores to indicate probable depression, caregivers were more likely to be depressed at both waves compared to controls with a Wave 1 rate of depression of 14.6% vs. 7.9% (p < 0.001, Cramer`s V = 0.059) and Wave 2 (14.8% vs. 10%, p = 0.003, Cramer`s V = 0.038). While overall rates of depression were stable for caregivers, a shifting pattern emerged; 59.6% of those who were depressed at Wave 1, were not at Wave 2; similarly, 10.9% who were not depressed at Wave 1, were at Wave 2. Parents of children with DD were also more likely to report greater problem behaviours in their children compared to controls at both waves. Depression in caregivers at Wave 1 and persistent child problem behaviours were significant predictors of depression at Wave 2. In conclusion, while overall rates of depression remain stable in caregivers, there are shifting patterns evident with prior depression and persistent behaviour problems predictive of ongoing depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen Gallagher
- Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory, Dept. of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
| | - Monika Pilch
- Centre for Social Issues Research, Study of Anxiety, Stress and Health Laboratory, Dept. of Psychology, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland
| | - Ailish Hannigan
- Health Research Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland; Graduate Entry Medical School, University of Limerick, Limerick, Ireland.
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Manzano-García G, Ayala JC. Relationship between Psychological Capital and Psychological Well-Being of Direct Support Staff of Specialist Autism Services. The Mediator Role of Burnout. Front Psychol 2018; 8:2277. [PMID: 29312101 PMCID: PMC5744169 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2017.02277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the specific role of burnout as a mediator in the relationship between psychological capital and psychological well-being (PWB) in direct support staff of specialist autism services. A time lagged design with three data-collection points was conducted to survey 56 professionals (direct support staff) who work at a Spanish center specialized in autism. Participants completed measures of psychological capital, burnout and PWB. The hypothesized model was tested using structural equation modeling. Our findings show that psychological capital has a significant main effect on PWB. The results also show that psychological capital in the work environment should result in lower burnout which in turn, should lead to higher degrees of PWB in the direct support staff of autism services. Our results support that psychological capital is a key variable in the working life of the direct support staff of autism services. The findings suggest the need of implementing programmes which strengthen each individual's psychological capital in order to prevent burnout and achieve a greater PWB.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Juan-Carlos Ayala
- Department of Economics and Business, University of La Rioja, Logroño, Spain
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Marchal JP, van Oers HA, Maurice-Stam H, Grootenhuis MA, van Trotsenburg ASP, Haverman L. Distress and everyday problems in Dutch mothers and fathers of young adolescents with Down syndrome. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2017; 67:19-27. [PMID: 28618319 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2017] [Accepted: 05/19/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND To provide targeted support to parents of children with DS, knowledge of their distress and everyday problems is crucial. For this purpose, psychosocial screening instruments can be a valuable addition to routine clinical practice. AIMS To determine differences on a psychosocial screener concerning distress and everyday problems in parents of young adolescents (YAs) with DS versus control parents and in mothers of YAs with DS versus fathers. METHODS AND PROCEDURES We compared outcomes of the Distress Thermometer for Parents in 76 mothers and 44 fathers of 11-13-year-olds with DS versus 64 mothers and 52 fathers of age-matched children without DS (comparing mothers and fathers separately). Additionally, we compared mothers and fathers within 34 parent couples of YAs with DS. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS Clinical distress was not more frequent than in control parents. Mothers further did not report more everyday problems and only differed from their controls on one problem domain and some problem items. Fathers, however, reported more problems than their controls across most domains and wished to talk to a professional about their situation more frequently. Outcomes in mothers and fathers within parent couples did not differ significantly. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS This is one of few studies to report on the use of psychosocial screening instruments in parents of children with DS. Our results suggested that attention for fathers of YAs with DS is required. Psychosocial screening instruments that inquire about specific problems and the wish for referral can play an important role in achieving this.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jan Pieter Marchal
- Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Psychosocial Department, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Post Box 22660, 1100 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Post Box 22660, 1100 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Hedy A van Oers
- Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Psychosocial Department, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Post Box 22660, 1100 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Heleen Maurice-Stam
- Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Psychosocial Department, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Post Box 22660, 1100 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Martha A Grootenhuis
- Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Psychosocial Department, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Post Box 22660, 1100 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - A S Paul van Trotsenburg
- Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Department of Paediatric Endocrinology, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Post Box 22660, 1100 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Lotte Haverman
- Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Psychosocial Department, Emma Children's Hospital, Amsterdam Public Health research institute, Post Box 22660, 1100 DD, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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15
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Chan W, Smith LE, Greenberg JS, Hong J, Mailick MR. Executive Functioning Mediates the Effect of Behavioral Problems on Depression in Mothers of Children With Developmental Disabilities. AMERICAN JOURNAL ON INTELLECTUAL AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2017; 122:11-24. [PMID: 28095060 PMCID: PMC5303617 DOI: 10.1352/1944-7558-122.1.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
The present investigation explored long-term relationships of behavioral symptoms of adolescents and adults with developmental disabilities with the mental health of their mothers. Fragile X premutation carrier mothers of an adolescent or adult child with fragile X syndrome (n = 95), and mothers of a grown child with autism (n = 213) were included. Behavioral symptoms at Time 1 were hypothesized to predict maternal depressive symptoms at Time 3 via maternal executive dysfunction at Time 2. Results provided support for the mediating pathway of executive dysfunction. Additionally, the association of behavioral symptoms with executive dysfunction differed across the two groups, suggesting that premutation carriers may be more susceptible to caregiving stress due to their genotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wai Chan
- Wai Chan, Leann E. Smith, Jan S. Greenberg, Jinkuk Hong, and Marsha R. Mailick, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Waisman Center
| | - Leann E Smith
- Wai Chan, Leann E. Smith, Jan S. Greenberg, Jinkuk Hong, and Marsha R. Mailick, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Waisman Center
| | - Jan S Greenberg
- Wai Chan, Leann E. Smith, Jan S. Greenberg, Jinkuk Hong, and Marsha R. Mailick, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Waisman Center
| | - Jinkuk Hong
- Wai Chan, Leann E. Smith, Jan S. Greenberg, Jinkuk Hong, and Marsha R. Mailick, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Waisman Center
| | - Marsha R Mailick
- Wai Chan, Leann E. Smith, Jan S. Greenberg, Jinkuk Hong, and Marsha R. Mailick, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Waisman Center
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16
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Corwin EJ, Ferranti EP. Integration of biomarkers to advance precision nursing interventions for family research across the life span. Nurs Outlook 2016; 64:292-298. [DOI: 10.1016/j.outlook.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2016] [Revised: 04/25/2016] [Accepted: 04/30/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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17
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Yao Z, Wu J, Zhou B, Zhang K, Zhang L. Higher chronic stress is associated with a decrease in temporal sensitivity but not in subjective duration in healthy young men. Front Psychol 2015; 6:1010. [PMID: 26257674 PMCID: PMC4508488 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Maintaining accurate and precise temporal perception under conditions of stress is important. Studies in animal models and clinic patients have suggested that time perception can change under chronic stress. Little is known, however, about the relationship between chronic stress and time perception in healthy individuals. Here, a sample of 62 healthy young men completed Cohen’s Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) as a measure of chronic stress levels, while time perception was measured using a temporal bisection task. This task used short (400 ms) and long (1600 ms) visual signals as anchor durations. Participants were presented with a range of intermediate probe durations and were required to judge whether the durations were more similar to the short or the long anchor. Results showed that chronic stress was negatively related to temporal sensitivity indexed by the Weber ratio. However, there was no significant correlation between chronic stress and subjective duration indexed by the bisection point. These results demonstrate that higher chronic stress is associated with lower temporal sensitivity and thus provide evidence for a link between chronic stress and time perception in healthy adults.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhuxi Yao
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing, China ; University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Jianhui Wu
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Bin Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Kan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Behavioral Science, Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing, China
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18
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Mcbean AL, Schlosnagle L. Sleep, health and memory: comparing parents of typically developing children and parents of children with special health-care needs. J Sleep Res 2015; 25:78-87. [PMID: 26238150 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.12329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2014] [Revised: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 07/03/2015] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda L. Mcbean
- The Center for Excellence in Disabilities; West Virginia University; Morgantown WV USA
| | - Leo Schlosnagle
- The Center for Excellence in Disabilities; West Virginia University; Morgantown WV USA
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