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Howland MA, Glynn LM. The future of intergenerational transmission research: A prospective, three-generation approach. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38832544 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424000622] [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: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Dr. Dante Cicchetti's pioneering theory and research on developmental psychopathology have been fundamental to the proliferation of research on intergenerational transmission over the last 40 years. In part due to this foundation, much has been learned about continuities and discontinuities in child maltreatment, attachment, parenting, and psychopathology across generations. Looking towards the future, we propose that this field stands to benefit from a prospective, three-generation approach. Specifically, following established prospective, longitudinal cohorts of children over their transition to parenting the next generation will afford the opportunity to investigate the developmental origins of intergenerational transmission. This approach also can address key outstanding questions and methodological limitations in the extant literature related to the confounding of retrospective and prospective measures; examination of mediators and moderators; and investigation of the roles of biology, environment, and their interplay. After considering these advantages, we offer several considerations and recommendations for future research, many of which are broadly applicable to the study of two or more generations. We hope that this discussion will inspire the leveraging of existing prospective cohorts to carry forward Dr. Cicchetti's remarkable contributions, with the ultimate aim to inform the development of preventions and interventions that disrupt deleterious intergenerational cycles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariann A Howland
- Institute of Child Development, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Laura M Glynn
- Department of Psychology, Chapman University, Orange, CA, USA
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2
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Buisman RSM, Compier-de Block LHCG, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, Pittner K, van den Berg LJM, Tollenaar MS, Elzinga BM, Voorthuis A, Linting M, Alink LRA. The role of emotion recognition in the intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment: A multigenerational family study. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 149:106699. [PMID: 38417291 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106699] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Understanding how child maltreatment is passed down from one generation to the next is crucial for the development of intervention and prevention strategies that may break the cycle of child maltreatment. Changes in emotion recognition due to childhood maltreatment have repeatedly been found, and may underly the intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment. OBJECTIVE In this study we, therefore, examined whether the ability to recognize emotions plays a role in the intergenerational transmission of child abuse and neglect. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING A total of 250 parents (104 males, 146 females) were included that participated in a three-generation family study. METHOD Participants completed an emotion recognition task in which they were presented with series of photographs that depicted the unfolding of facial expressions from neutrality to the peak emotions anger, fear, happiness, and sadness. Multi-informant measures were used to examine experienced and perpetrated child maltreatment. RESULTS A history of abuse, but not neglect, predicted a shorter reaction time to identify fear and anger. In addition, parents who showed higher levels of neglectful behavior made more errors in identifying fear, whereas parents who showed higher levels of abusive behavior made more errors in identifying anger. Emotion recognition did not mediate the association between experienced and perpetrated child maltreatment. CONCLUSIONS Findings highlight the importance of distinguishing between abuse and neglect when investigating the precursors and sequalae of child maltreatment. In addition, the effectiveness of interventions that aim to break the cycle of abuse and neglect could be improved by better addressing the specific problems with emotion processing of abusive and neglectful parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renate S M Buisman
- Institute of Education and Child studies, Leiden University, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, The Netherlands.
| | | | - Marian J Bakermans-Kranenburg
- University Institute of Psychological, Social and Life Sciences, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Psychology, Personality, Social and Developmental Psychology, Stockholm University, Sweden
| | - Katharina Pittner
- Institute of Medical Psychology Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Berlin, Germany
| | - Lisa J M van den Berg
- Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology Unit, Leiden University, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke S Tollenaar
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, The Netherlands; Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology Unit, Leiden University, The Netherlands
| | - Bernet M Elzinga
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, The Netherlands; Institute of Psychology, Clinical Psychology Unit, Leiden University, The Netherlands
| | - Alexandra Voorthuis
- Institute of Education and Child studies, Leiden University, The Netherlands
| | - Mariëlle Linting
- Institute of Education and Child studies, Leiden University, The Netherlands
| | - Lenneke R A Alink
- Institute of Education and Child studies, Leiden University, The Netherlands; Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden University, The Netherlands
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Fjeldheim H, Werner A, Anke T, Moe V, Norheim HS, Aalberg M. Parenting the parent without losing sight of the child. A qualitative study of therapists' experiences with intergenerational adversities in perinatal psychotherapy. Infant Ment Health J 2024; 45:201-216. [PMID: 38272852 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.22100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 01/27/2024]
Abstract
The complex work of addressing intergenerational adversities, like violence, abuse, and neglect through perinatal psychotherapy, is understudied. Especially noticeable is the paucity of studies giving voice to the therapists. This study explored therapeutic processes through the perspectives of seven Norwegian therapists. A qualitative approach was chosen with individual interviews and a follow-up focus group. Data were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. We identified one overarching theme: To maintain a reflective therapeutic capacity, and two main themes with associated subthemes: 1) Alliance work when a caring system comes to therapy to fight generations of adversities and 2) The complex therapeutic work of addressing generational adversities in perinatal psychotherapy. Findings from the present study indicate that maintaining a reflective stance is essential yet challenging when addressing intergenerational adversities, requiring a holding environment for the therapists. The primary vehicle of change was perceived as a safe enough therapeutic alliance to explore new ways of being together, contrasting earlier experiences. A key question raised was how to give caregivers enough time to trust the therapist without compromising the safety and development of the child. The essence of the therapeutic work was to reduce risk factors and increase protective factors through multiple ports of entry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Fjeldheim
- Akershus University Hospital and Faculty of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Anne Werner
- HØKH - Health Services Research Unit, Akershus University Hospital, Nordbyhagen, Norway
| | - Teija Anke
- Division of Mental Health and Addiction, Vestre Viken Hospital Trust, Drammen, Norway
| | - Vibeke Moe
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Marianne Aalberg
- Division of Mental Health Services, Akershus University Hospital, Nordbyhagen, Norway
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Nimphy CA, Kullberg MLJ, Pittner K, Buisman R, van den Berg L, Alink L, Bakermans-Kranenburg M, Elzinga BM, Tollenaar M. The Role of Psychopathology and Emotion Regulation in the Intergenerational Transmission of Childhood Abuse: A Family Study. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2024:10775595231223657. [PMID: 38299462 DOI: 10.1177/10775595231223657] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Previous studies have shown that parents with a history of childhood abuse are at increased risk of perpetrating child abuse. To break the cycle of childhood abuse we need to better understand the mechanisms that play a role. In a cross-sectional extended family design including three generations (N = 250, 59% female), we examined the possible mediating role of parental psychopathology and emotion regulation in the association between a history of childhood abuse and perpetrating child abuse. Parents' own history of childhood abuse was associated with perpetrating abuse toward their children, and externalizing (but not internalizing) problems partially mediated this association statistically. Implicit and explicit emotion regulation were not associated with experienced or perpetrated abuse. Findings did not differ across fathers and mothers. Findings underline the importance of (early) treatment of externalizing problems in parents with a history of childhood abuse, to possibly prevent the transmission of child abuse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cosima A Nimphy
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marie-Louise J Kullberg
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Katharina Pittner
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität Berlin, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Renate Buisman
- Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lenneke Alink
- Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marian Bakermans-Kranenburg
- William James Center for Research, ISPA -University Institute of Psychological, Social and Life Sciences, Lisbon, Portugal
- Department of Psychology, Personality, Social and Developmental Psychology, Stockholm University, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bernet M Elzinga
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Marieke Tollenaar
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Institute of Psychology, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
- Leiden Institute for Brain and Cognition (LIBC), Leiden, The Netherlands
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Bérubé A, Pearson J, Blais C, Forget H. Stress and emotion recognition predict the relationship between a history of maltreatment and sensitive parenting behaviors: A moderated-moderation. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-11. [PMID: 38173233 DOI: 10.1017/s095457942300158x] [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: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Our study proposes to examine how stress and emotion recognition interact with a history of maltreatment to influence sensitive parenting behaviors. A sample of 58 mothers and their children aged between 2 and 5 years old were recruited. Parents' history of maltreatment was measured using the Child Trauma Questionnaire. An emotion recognition task was performed. Mothers identified the dominant emotion in morphed facial emotion expressions in children. Mothers and children interacted for 15 minutes. Salivary cortisol levels of mothers were collected before and after the interaction. Maternal sensitive behaviors were coded during the interaction using the Coding Interactive Behavior scheme. Results indicate that the severity of childhood maltreatment is related to less sensitive behaviors for mothers with average to good abilities in emotion recognition and lower to average increases in cortisol levels following an interaction with their children. For mothers with higher cortisol levels, there is no association between a history of maltreatment and sensitive behaviors, indicating that higher stress reactivity could act as a protective factor. Our study highlights the complex interaction between individual characteristics and environmental factors when it comes to parenting. These results argue for targeted interventions that address personal trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annie Bérubé
- Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
- Centre de recherche universitaire pour les jeunes enfants et leur famille, Trois-Rivieres, QC, Canada
| | - Jessica Pearson
- Centre de recherche universitaire pour les jeunes enfants et leur famille, Trois-Rivieres, QC, Canada
- Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivieres, QC, Canada
| | | | - Hélène Forget
- Université du Québec en Outaouais, Gatineau, QC, Canada
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Bravo P, Kim Y, Xerxa Y, Koopman-Verhoeff ME, Cárcamo R, Oldehinkel A, Hillegers M, Jansen P. Maternal history of maltreatment and offspring's emotional and behavioral problems in adolescence: Do family factors contribute to the intergenerational risk transmission? CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 141:106228. [PMID: 37172532 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2023.106228] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A history of childhood maltreatment often has a negative and long-lasting impact across different domains in life. A childhood maltreatment experience in parents may even affect the next generation. So far, the effects of family factors have been considered in the intergenerational transmission of adversity across the childhood years, but whether the effects remain until adolescence is less clear. OBJECTIVE Using data from a large population-based study in the Netherlands, including both mother and child reports, we examined whether maternal childhood maltreatment history is associated with increased mental health problems in offspring and the role of family functioning and harsh parenting as a potential pathway. PARTICIPANTS 4912 adolescents (aged 13 years) and their mothers were recruited in the Generation R study. METHODS Mothers reported childhood maltreatment experiences using the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ), and adolescents reported on their mental health using the Youth Self Report (YSR). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test the association of maternal childhood maltreatment on mental health problems in offspring and family functioning and harsh parenting as mechanisms to explain this association. RESULTS Adolescents of mothers with a history of maltreatment had greater internalizing (β = 0.07, p < .01) and externalizing problems (β = 0.08, p < .01). Moreover, we found an indirect effect via family functioning over time and harsh parenting at ages 3 and 8 years which mediated this association. CONCLUSION We concluded an intergenerational effect of maternal childhood maltreatment on adolescents internalizing and externalizing problems. The findings might enable earlier intervention within the family context to mitigate the consequences of maternal childhood maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia Bravo
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Yugyun Kim
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Yllza Xerxa
- The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | | | - Rodrigo Cárcamo
- Facultad de Psicología, Universidad San Sebastián, Sede Valdivia, Chile; Facultad de Psicología, Universidad de Magallanes, Chile
| | - Albertine Oldehinkel
- Department of Psychiatry, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Manon Hillegers
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Pauline Jansen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC, University Medical Center Rotterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, the Netherlands.
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Jones KA, Freijah I, Brennan SE, McKenzie JE, Bright TM, Fiolet R, Kamitsis I, Reid C, Davis E, Andrews S, Muzik M, Segal L, Herrman H, Chamberlain C. Interventions from pregnancy to two years after birth for parents experiencing complex post-traumatic stress disorder and/or with childhood experience of maltreatment. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2023; 5:CD014874. [PMID: 37146219 PMCID: PMC10162699 DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd014874.pub2] [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] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acceptable, effective and feasible support strategies (interventions) for parents experiencing complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) symptoms or with a history of childhood maltreatment may offer an opportunity to support parental recovery, reduce the risk of intergenerational transmission of trauma and improve life-course trajectories for children and future generations. However, evidence relating to the effect of interventions has not been synthesised to provide a comprehensive review of available support strategies. This evidence synthesis is critical to inform further research, practice and policy approaches in this emerging area. OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of interventions provided to support parents who were experiencing CPTSD symptoms or who had experienced childhood maltreatment (or both), on parenting capacity and parental psychological or socio-emotional wellbeing. SEARCH METHODS In October 2021 we searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, Embase, six other databases and two trials registers, together with checking references and contacting experts to identify additional studies. SELECTION CRITERIA All variants of randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing any intervention delivered in the perinatal period designed to support parents experiencing CPTSD symptoms or with a history of childhood maltreatment (or both), to any active or inactive control. Primary outcomes were parental psychological or socio-emotional wellbeing and parenting capacity between pregnancy and up to two years postpartum. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently assessed the eligibility of trials for inclusion, extracted data using a pre-designed data extraction form, and assessed risk of bias and certainty of evidence. We contacted study authors for additional information as required. We analysed continuous data using mean difference (MD) for outcomes using a single measure, and standardised mean difference (SMD) for outcomes using multiple measures, and risk ratios (RR) for dichotomous data. All data are presented with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We undertook meta-analyses using random-effects models. MAIN RESULTS We included evidence from 1925 participants in 15 RCTs that investigated the effect of 17 interventions. All included studies were published after 2005. Interventions included seven parenting interventions, eight psychological interventions and two service system approaches. The studies were funded by major research councils, government departments and philanthropic/charitable organisations. All evidence was of low or very low certainty. Parenting interventions Evidence was very uncertain from a study (33 participants) assessing the effects of a parenting intervention compared to attention control on trauma-related symptoms, and psychological wellbeing symptoms (postpartum depression), in mothers who had experienced childhood maltreatment and were experiencing current parenting risk factors. Evidence suggested that parenting interventions may improve parent-child relationships slightly compared to usual service provision (SMD 0.45, 95% CI -0.06 to 0.96; I2 = 60%; 2 studies, 153 participants; low-certainty evidence). There may be little or no difference between parenting interventions and usual perinatal service in parenting skills including nurturance, supportive presence and reciprocity (SMD 0.25, 95% CI -0.07 to 0.58; I2 = 0%; 4 studies, 149 participants; low-certainty evidence). No studies assessed the effects of parenting interventions on parents' substance use, relationship quality or self-harm. Psychological interventions Psychological interventions may result in little or no difference in trauma-related symptoms compared to usual care (SMD -0.05, 95% CI -0.40 to 0.31; I2 = 39%; 4 studies, 247 participants; low-certainty evidence). Psychological interventions may make little or no difference compared to usual care to depression symptom severity (8 studies, 507 participants, low-certainty evidence, SMD -0.34, 95% CI -0.66 to -0.03; I2 = 63%). An interpersonally focused cognitive behavioural analysis system of psychotherapy may slightly increase the number of pregnant women who quit smoking compared to usual smoking cessation therapy and prenatal care (189 participants, low-certainty evidence). A psychological intervention may slightly improve parents' relationship quality compared to usual care (1 study, 67 participants, low-certainty evidence). Benefits for parent-child relationships were very uncertain (26 participants, very low-certainty evidence), while there may be a slight improvement in parenting skills compared to usual care (66 participants, low-certainty evidence). No studies assessed the effects of psychological interventions on parents' self-harm. Service system approaches One service system approach assessed the effect of a financial empowerment education programme, with and without trauma-informed peer support, compared to usual care for parents with low incomes. The interventions increased depression slightly (52 participants, low-certainty evidence). No studies assessed the effects of service system interventions on parents' trauma-related symptoms, substance use, relationship quality, self-harm, parent-child relationships or parenting skills. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS There is currently a lack of high-quality evidence regarding the effectiveness of interventions to improve parenting capacity or parental psychological or socio-emotional wellbeing in parents experiencing CPTSD symptoms or who have experienced childhood maltreatment (or both). This lack of methodological rigour and high risk of bias made it difficult to interpret the findings of this review. Overall, results suggest that parenting interventions may slightly improve parent-child relationships but have a small, unimportant effect on parenting skills. Psychological interventions may help some women stop smoking in pregnancy, and may have small benefits on parents' relationships and parenting skills. A financial empowerment programme may slightly worsen depression symptoms. While potential beneficial effects were small, the importance of a positive effect in a small number of parents must be considered when making treatment and care decisions. There is a need for further high-quality research into effective strategies for this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kimberley A Jones
- Indigenous Health Equity Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Isabella Freijah
- Indigenous Health Equity Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Sue E Brennan
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Joanne E McKenzie
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Monash University, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Tess M Bright
- Indigenous Health Equity Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Renee Fiolet
- Indigenous Health Equity Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Ilias Kamitsis
- Indigenous Health Equity Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Carol Reid
- Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
| | - Elise Davis
- Indigenous Health Equity Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Shawana Andrews
- Poche Centre for Indigenous Health, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
| | - Maria Muzik
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Leonie Segal
- Health Economics and Social Policy, Australian Centre for Precision Health, University of South Australia, North Terrace, Australia
| | - Helen Herrman
- Orygen, National Centre of Excellenece in Youth Mental Health, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
- Centre for Youth Mental Health, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria, Australia
| | - Catherine Chamberlain
- Indigenous Health Equity Unit, Melbourne School of Population and Global Health, University of Melbourne, Carlton, Australia
- Judith Lumley Centre, La Trobe University, Bundoora, Australia
- NGANGK YIRA Murdoch University Research Centre for Aboriginal Health and Social Equity, Murdoch University, Perth, Australia
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Langevin R, Kern A, Esposito T, Hélie S. Homotypical and Heterotypical Intergenerational Continuity of Child Maltreatment: Evidence from a Cohort of Families Involved with Child Protection Services. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4151. [PMID: 36901161 PMCID: PMC10002053 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054151] [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: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Child maltreatment (CM) in one generation can predict CM in the next generation, a concept known as intergenerational continuity. Yet, the form taken by the intergenerational continuity of CM remains unclear and fathers are mostly absent from this literature. This longitudinal study aimed to document patterns of intergenerational continuity of substantiated CM, on the maternal and paternal sides, by examining the presence of: homotypical CM, which is the same type of CM in both generations; and heterotypical CM, which is different CM types in both generations. The study included all children substantiated for CM with the Centre Jeunesse de Montréal between 1 January 2003, and 31 December 2020, with at least one parent who was also reported to that agency during their childhood (n = 5861 children). The cohort was extracted using clinical administrative data, and logistic regression models were tested with the children's CM types as the dependent variables. Homotypical continuity was found for: (1) physical abuse on the paternal side; (2) sexual abuse on the maternal side; and (3) exposure to domestic violence on the maternal side. Heterotypical continuity was also prevalent, but to a lesser extent. Interventions helping maltreated parents overcome their traumatic past are essential to foster intergenerational resilience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Langevin
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 3700 Rue McTavish, Montréal, QC H3A 1Y2, Canada
| | - Audrey Kern
- Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, McGill University, 3700 Rue McTavish, Montréal, QC H3A 1Y2, Canada
| | - Tonino Esposito
- School of Social Work, Université de Montréal, 3150 Rue Jean-Brillant, Montréal, QC H3T 1N8, Canada
| | - Sonia Hélie
- Institut Universitaire Jeunes en Difficulté, CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Ile-de-Montréal, 1001 Boulevard de Maisonneuve Est, Montréal, QC H2L 4P9, Canada
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Sullivan KS, Ancharski K, Wortham W, Okosi M, Kaplan D, Urquiza A, Timmer S, Cloitre M, Chemtob C, Lindsey MA. Feasibility and Preliminary Impact of a Community-Based Intervention for Maternal PTSD and Parenting: Parenting-STAIR Pilot. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2023; 32:481-497. [PMID: 36685737 PMCID: PMC9842206 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-023-02534-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) impact emotional and physical well-being, social functioning, and parent-child relationship quality. The effect of parental trauma on parenting and child maltreatment is often overlooked by current child welfare (CW) services. The novel intervention, Parenting-STAIR, was created to address maternal mental health, parenting skills, and child well-being outcomes. Parenting-STAIR is a combination of Skills Training in Affective and Interpersonal Regulation (STAIR) Narrative Therapy and Parent-Child Care (PC-CARE). This open pilot study aimed to examine the feasibility and preliminary impact of Parenting-STAIR in reducing maternal PTSD and increasing positive parenting skills for mothers and families involved in the child welfare system. Parenting-STAIR was delivered to 111 mothers receiving family preservation services in New York City. Of these, 70 completed treatment; statistical and clinically significant changes were observed for maternal PTSD and depression as well as in parenting stress, parenting skills, and child behaviors. These findings provide encouraging initial evidence for the feasibility and impact of this novel PTSD intervention. An evaluation of maltreatment recidivism is needed, as well as implementation of a randomized controlled trial to establish efficacy of the intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Kelly Ancharski
- McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY USA
| | - Whitney Wortham
- Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY USA
| | - Mercedes Okosi
- McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY USA
| | - Debra Kaplan
- McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY USA
| | - Anthony Urquiza
- CAARE Diagnostic & Treatment Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Susan Timmer
- CAARE Diagnostic & Treatment Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Sacramento, CA USA
| | - Marylene Cloitre
- Institute for Trauma and Stress, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY USA
- National Center for PTSD Dissemination and Training Division, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Claude Chemtob
- McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY USA
- Grossman School of Medicine, New York University, New York, NY USA
| | - Michael A. Lindsey
- Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY USA
- McSilver Institute for Poverty Policy and Research, Silver School of Social Work, New York University, New York, NY USA
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10
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Scheuplein M, Vermeulen S, van Harmelen AL, Alink L. Child maltreatment and victimization. HANDBOOK OF CLINICAL NEUROLOGY 2023; 197:147-160. [PMID: 37633707 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-821375-9.00001-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
It is estimated that up to 25% of all children growing up worldwide experience child maltreatment, making it a global emergency with substantial individual and public health consequences. This chapter addresses one of the most societally pervasive consequences of child maltreatment which is known as the "cycle of victimization." This concept depicts the increased risk of maltreated individuals to victimize others later in life, both within and outside the family environment. To understand the architecture of this victimization cycle, the chapter further sheds light on neurocognitive mechanisms aiding different forms of victimization and the buffering role of social support that could help break the cycle of victimization. Advancing our understanding of these complex and interrelated mechanisms will ultimately facilitate the design and implementation of more targeted early treatments and (preventive) interventions and support a move toward a safer society.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Scheuplein
- Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Samantha Vermeulen
- Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Lenneke Alink
- Institute of Education and Child Studies, Leiden University, Leiden, The Netherlands.
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11
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Cao R, Li H, Zhang H. Intergenerational Transmission of Violence Among Substance-Abusing Chinese Parents: Roles of Detachment and Social Support. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:NP18713-NP18737. [PMID: 34372729 DOI: 10.1177/08862605211037419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Despite a large population of registered people with drug addiction, child protection in substance-abusing families is a neglected issue in China. The present study aims to investigate the association between parents' childhood abuse history and the risk of abusing their own children in substance-abusing Chinese families and also to examine the mediating role of detachment and moderating role of social support during the intergenerational transmission of abuse. A total of 173 men and 116 women were selected using cluster sampling from two compulsory drug rehabilitation centers in Jiangsu Province. Results indicated that one's childhood abuse history was positively associated with the current perpetration of child abuse for both fathers and mothers. Detachment mediated the linkage between a history of childhood maltreatment and perpetration of child abuse in all types of abuse for both men and women except for women's sexual abuse. Social support from family members buffered the intergenerational transmission of child abuse for fathers but not for mothers. Child maltreatment in substance-abusing families is an urgent issue that needs measures to prevent the intergenerational transmission of violence in China. Intervention programs could involve helping parents cope with their childhood abuse history through rebuilding secure attachment and facilitating social support for their parenting practices, especially for fathers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixin Cao
- Renmin University of China, Beijing, P.R. China
| | - Hechun Li
- Renmin University of China, Beijing, P.R. China
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12
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Maternal Childhood Maltreatment Is Associated With Lower Infant Gray Matter Volume and Amygdala Volume During the First Two Years of Life. BIOLOGICAL PSYCHIATRY GLOBAL OPEN SCIENCE 2022; 2:440-449. [PMID: 36324649 PMCID: PMC9616256 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpsgos.2021.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2021] [Revised: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 09/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Childhood maltreatment affects approximately 25% of the world's population. Importantly, the children of mothers who have been maltreated are at increased risk of behavioral problems. Thus, one important priority is to identify child neurobiological processes associated with maternal childhood maltreatment (MCM) that might contribute to such intergenerational transmission. This study assessed the impact of MCM on infant gray and white matter volumes and infant amygdala and hippocampal volumes during the first 2 years of life. Methods Fifty-seven mothers with 4-month-old infants were assessed for MCM, using both the brief Adverse Childhood Experiences screening questionnaire and the more detailed Maltreatment and Abuse Chronology of Exposure scale. A total of 58% had experienced childhood maltreatment. Between 4 and 24 months (age in months: mean = 12.28, SD = 5.99), under natural sleep, infants completed a magnetic resonance imaging scan using a 3T Siemens scanner. Total brain volume, gray matter volume, white matter volume, and amygdala and hippocampal volumes were extracted via automated segmentation. Results MCM on the Adverse Childhood Experiences and Maltreatment and Abuse Chronology of Exposure scales were associated with lower infant total brain volume and gray matter volume, with no moderation by infant age. However, infant age moderated the association between MCM and right amygdala volume, such that MCM was associated with lower volume at older ages. Conclusions MCM is associated with alterations in infant brain volumes, calling for further identification of the prenatal and postnatal mechanisms contributing to such intergenerational transmission. Furthermore, the brief Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire predicted these alterations, suggesting the potential utility of early screening for infant risk.
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13
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Landry J, Asokumar A, Crump C, Anisman H, Matheson K. Early life adverse experiences and loneliness among young adults: The mediating role of social processes. Front Psychol 2022; 13:968383. [PMID: 36204733 PMCID: PMC9530052 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.968383] [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: 06/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Loneliness has been described as endemic among young people. Such feelings of social isolation 'even in a crowd' are likely linked to adverse early life experiences that serve to diminish perceptions of social support and intensify negative social interactions. It was suggested in the present series of survey studies that childhood abuse, which compromises a child's sense of safety in relationships, may affect social processes that contribute to loneliness in young adulthood. Study 1 assessed different adverse childhood and adult experiences in relation to loneliness among young adults (N = 171). Linear regression analyses indicated that childhood abuse was uniquely associated with greater loneliness, and this relationship was partially mediated by the perceived availability of social support. Study 2 (N = 289) assessed different forms of childhood abuse and demonstrated that early life emotional abuse was a unique predictor of loneliness, and this relationship was fully mediated by lower perceived support or value in social connections (social connectedness) and more frequent unsupportive interactions with friends. Study 3 evaluated the implications of the age of occurrence of abuse (N = 566). Both emotional and sexual abuse predicted young adult loneliness regardless of age; abuse that was recalled to have occurred at very early ages (0-5 years) was not predictive of loneliness over and above consideration of events that happened in older childhood. These relationships were at least partially mediated by perceived social support, social connectedness, and in the case of emotional abuse, unsupportive interactions with friends. Our results add to mounting evidence pointing to the prevalence of loneliness among young adults and the links to adverse early life experiences that may serve to shape appraisals of safety, value, and personal worth in social relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyllenna Landry
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Ajani Asokumar
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Carly Crump
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Hymie Anisman
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
| | - Kimberly Matheson
- Department of Neuroscience, Carleton University, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- The Royal’s Institute of Mental Health Research, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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14
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Milan S, Carlone C, Printz D, Perez SD. Understanding Children's Emotions: Differences in Mothers With a History of Childhood Maltreatment. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2022; 27:33-42. [PMID: 33176473 DOI: 10.1177/1077559520972188] [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] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
Experiencing maltreatment in childhood can have a lasting impact on how individuals identify and understand emotions in others. Research in this area has not examined parents' understanding of children's emotions, although emotion processing deficits may be one mechanism linking childhood maltreatment to subsequent parenting problems. In a matched case-control design, we test whether mothers with (n = 50) and without (n = 96) childhood maltreatment differ in their understanding of children's emotions on self-report measures and computer-based tasks. Compared to the control group, mothers who experienced maltreatment labeled more children with sad or angry emotions when given limited facial information and made different interpersonal inferences about children they labeled angry. They also reported more subjective difficulty interpreting emotions in unknown children and their own child. Results provide further evidence of emotion processing biases associated with childhood maltreatment. Interventions aimed at improving parental emotion understanding and mentalization may be particularly useful for mothers with a history of childhood maltreatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Milan
- Department of Psychological Sciences, 7712University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Christina Carlone
- Department of Psychological Sciences, 7712University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
| | - Destiny Printz
- Department of Psychological Sciences, 7712University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT, USA
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15
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Martoccio TL, Berlin LJ, Aparicio EM, Appleyard Carmody K, Dodge KA. Intergenerational Continuity in Child Maltreatment: Explicating Underlying Mechanisms. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:973-986. [PMID: 32306818 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520914542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The current study examined direct and indirect effects of a mother's history of childhood physical and sexual abuse on her child's officially reported victimization. This prospective, longitudinal study followed a community-based sample of 499 mothers and their children. Mothers (35% White/non-Latina, 34% Black/non-Latina, 23% Latina, and 7% other) were recruited and interviewed during pregnancy, and child protective services records were reviewed for the presence of the participants' target child between birth and age 3.5. Whereas both types of maternal maltreatment history doubled the child's risk of child protective services investigation, mothers' sexual abuse history conferred significantly greater risk. Pathways to child victimization varied by type of maternal maltreatment history. Mothers who had been physically abused later demonstrated interpersonal aggressive response biases, which mediated the path to child victimization. In contrast, the association between maternal history of sexual abuse and child victimization was mediated by mothers' substance use problems. Study implications center on targeting child maltreatment prevention efforts according to the mother's history and current problems.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lisa J Berlin
- University of Maryland School of Social Work, Baltimore, USA
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16
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Fuchs A, Lunkenheimer E, Brown K. Parental history of childhood maltreatment and child average RSA shape parent-child RSA synchrony. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63:e22171. [PMID: 34423421 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22171] [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: 11/25/2020] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We examined whether dynamic parent-child RSA synchrony varied by individual differences in child average RSA and parental history of childhood maltreatment (CM), which has been linked to parental behavioral and physiological dysregulation. We also examined whether RSA synchrony was curvilinear, reflecting homeostatic regulation. Synchrony was defined as the dynamic association between parent and child RSA reactivity (change relative to their own mean) within epoch across a challenging task. Eighty-three mother-preschooler and 61 father-preschooler dyads participated. State-trait modeling showed that RSA synchrony was curvilinear such that significant relations were only found at lower and higher child reactivity. Children's higher task average RSA predicted maternal RSA augmentation and lower task average RSA predicted maternal RSA withdrawal, regardless of whether child reactivity in the moment was low or high, suggesting individual differences in child regulatory capacity were associated with dynamic maternal reactivity. When maternal CM history and child average RSA were both higher, mothers showed RSA augmentation. Father-child synchrony was not moderated by child average RSA but greater paternal CM history predicted fathers' greater RSA withdrawal regardless of whether child RSA reactivity was low or high. Findings offer novel insights into the nature and meaning of RSA synchrony with parents at risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fuchs
- Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania.,Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Heidelberg University Clinic, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Erika Lunkenheimer
- Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
| | - Kayla Brown
- Department of Psychology, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania
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17
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Reid C, McKenzie JE, Brennan SE, Bennetts SK, Clark Y, Mensah F, Hokke S, Ralph N, Brown SJ, Gee G, Nicholson JM, Chamberlain C. Interventions during pregnancy or up to two years after birth for parents who are experiencing complex trauma or have experienced maltreatment in their childhood (or both) to improve parenting capacity or socio-emotional well-being. Hippokratia 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/14651858.cd014874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Carol Reid
- Judith Lumley Centre; La Trobe University; Bundoora Australia
| | - Joanne E McKenzie
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine; Monash University; Melbourne Australia
| | - Sue E Brennan
- School of Public Health and Preventive Medicine; Monash University; Melbourne Australia
| | - Shannon K Bennetts
- Judith Lumley Centre; La Trobe University; Bundoora Australia
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute; Parkville Australia
| | - Yvonne Clark
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute; Adelaide Australia
| | - Fiona Mensah
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute; Parkville Australia
- Department of Paediatrics; University of Melbourne; Parkville Australia
| | - Stacey Hokke
- Judith Lumley Centre; La Trobe University; Bundoora Australia
| | - Naomi Ralph
- Judith Lumley Centre; La Trobe University; Bundoora Australia
- Central Queensland University; Townsville Australia
| | - Stephanie J Brown
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute; Parkville Australia
- Department of Paediatrics; University of Melbourne; Parkville Australia
- South Australian Health and Medical Research Council; Adelaide Australia
| | - Graham Gee
- Murdoch Children's Research Institute; Parkville Australia
- Melbourne School of Psychological Sciences; University of Melbourne; Melbourne Australia
| | - Jan M Nicholson
- Judith Lumley Centre; La Trobe University; Bundoora Australia
| | - Catherine Chamberlain
- Judith Lumley Centre; La Trobe University; Bundoora Australia
- NGANGK YIRA Murdoch University Research Centre for Aboriginal Health and Social Equity; Murdoch University; Perth Australia
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18
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Khoury JE, Beeney J, Shiff I, Bosquet Enlow M, Lyons-Ruth K. Maternal experiences of childhood maltreatment moderate patterns of mother-infant cortisol regulation under stress. Dev Psychobiol 2021; 63:1309-1321. [PMID: 33615457 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 12/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The relation between maternal and infant cortisol responses has been a subject of intense research over the past decade. Relatedly, it has been hypothesized that maternal history of childhood maltreatment (MCM) impacts stress regulation across generations. The current study employed four statistical approaches to determine how MCM influences the cortisol responses of 150 mothers and their 4-month-old infants during the Still-Face Paradigm. Results indicated that MCM moderated cortisol patterns in several ways. First, lower MCM mothers and infants had strong positive associations between cortisol levels measured at the same time point, whereas higher MCM mothers and infants did not show an association. Second, infants of higher MCM mothers had cortisol levels that were moderately high and remained elevated over the procedure, whereas infants of lower MCM mothers had decreasing cortisol levels over time. Third, higher MCM mothers and infants showed increasingly divergent cortisol levels over time, compared to lower MCM dyads. Finally, patterns of cross-lagged influence of infant cortisol on subsequent maternal cortisol were moderated by MCM, such that lower MCM mothers were influenced by their infants' cortisol levels at earlier time points than higher MCM mothers. These findings highlight MCM as one contributor to processes of stress regulation in the mother-infant dyad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Khoury
- Cambridge Hospital, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Joseph Beeney
- University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Karlen Lyons-Ruth
- Cambridge Hospital, Cambridge, MA, USA.,Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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19
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Browne DT, Smith JA, Basabose JDD. Refugee Children and Families During the COVID-19 Crisis: A Resilience Framework for Mental Health. JOURNAL OF REFUGEE STUDIES 2021; 34:feaa113. [PMCID: PMC7928793 DOI: 10.1093/jrs/feaa113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Revised: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Children and families are undergoing unprecedented stress as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, in part, due to the disruption of daily life arising from mandated social distancing protocols. As such, the purpose of the present report is to raise awareness surrounding resilience-challenging and resilience-promoting factors for refugee children and families during the COVID-19 crisis. Issues surrounding family life, parenting, and potential for family conflict are described. Also, cultural and linguistic factors are discussed, which may limit access to information about the pandemic and, accordingly, uptake of public health recommendations. Throughout our analysis, a trauma-informed framework is utilized, whereby potential for pandemic-related disruption in triggering previous traumatic stress is considered. Furthermore, using a developmental resilience framework and building upon the inherent strengths of families and children, suggestions for developing evidence-based programming and policy are reviewed. Responses should be: (1) multilevel, (2) trauma informed, (3) family focused, (4) culturally and linguistically sensitive, and (5) access oriented. The present analysis can serve as a timely guide for informing program design and policy in the context of public health, social services, mental health, health care, resettlement services, and other refugee-serving organizations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dillon Thomas Browne
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Jackson Andrew Smith
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Jean de Dieu Basabose
- Department of Psychology, University of Waterloo, 200 University Avenue West, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada and Sanctuary Refugee Health Centre, 310 King Street East, Kitchener, ON N2G 2L3, Canada
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20
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Warmingham JM, Rogosch FA, Cicchetti D. Intergenerational maltreatment and child emotion dysregulation. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2020; 102:104377. [PMID: 32018212 PMCID: PMC7067645 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2020.104377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2018] [Revised: 12/17/2019] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 05/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Childhood maltreatment has been related to adverse outcomes on social, cognitive, and biological development with sequelae present throughout the lifespan. As such, caregivers maltreated in childhood may face a different set of challenges and interpersonal stressors in rearing their children. Parental history of maltreatment has the potential to increase the risk of parental depression and exposure to maltreatment in the next generation, both of which can have a negative effect on children's development. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study is to investigate maternal depression and child experiences of maltreatment as mediators of the relationship between mothers' own maltreatment experiences and child emotion dysregulation in children aged 10-12. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING 378 low-income mothers and their children were recruited to participate in a research summer camp from 2004-2007. METHOD Mothers self-reported on their experiences of maltreatment in childhood and current depressive symptoms. Current generation child maltreatment information was coded from Child Protective Services records. Child emotion dysregulation (rated by camp counselors) was the outcome measure in this study. Structural equation modeling was employed to test associations between maternal maltreatment and child emotion dysregulation. RESULTS Maternal history of maltreatment related to both child maltreatment (β = .24, SE = .052, p < .001) and greater maternal depressive symptoms (β = .28, SE = .049, p < .001). Only child maltreatment mediated the effect of mothers' maltreatment on child emotion dysregulation (95 %CI: .005-.023). CONCLUSIONS In this low-income sample, the rate of intergenerational maltreatment is high and represents a pathway of influence that increases risk for maladaptive socioemotional child development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer M Warmingham
- University of Rochester, Mt. Hope Family Center, 187 Edinburgh St, Rochester, NY 14608, United States.
| | - Fred A Rogosch
- University of Rochester, Mt. Hope Family Center, 187 Edinburgh St, Rochester, NY 14608, United States.
| | - Dante Cicchetti
- University of Rochester, Mt. Hope Family Center, 187 Edinburgh St, Rochester, NY 14608, United States; University of Minnesota, United States
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21
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Hubel GS, Davies F, Goodrum NM, Schmarder KM, Schnake K, Moreland AD. Adverse childhood experiences among early care and education teachers: Prevalence and associations with observed quality of classroom social and emotional climate. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2020; 111:104877. [PMID: 32921858 PMCID: PMC7480931 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2020.104877] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
This study examines the prevalence of self-reported adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among a sample of 349 early care and education teachers. Seventy-three percent of the sample reported experiencing at least one ACE and 22% reported experiencing 4 or more ACEs. Live observational assessments of the quality of the social and emotional climate in teacher's classrooms were conducted for a subsample of 58 teachers. Within this subsample, reporting a higher number of ACEs was associated with facilitating a lower quality social and emotional classroom climate. Individual ACEs were also examined. Teachers who reported experiencing incarceration of a family member, physical abuse, or emotional abuse were observed to facilitate a lower quality social and emotional classroom climate. This study provides preliminary insight into the prevalence of ACEs among members of the early care and education workforce. Further, it extends previous work examining the multi-generational impacts of ACEs within families by showing that ACEs may influence the care that is provided to children in childcare settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- G S Hubel
- Department of Psychology, The College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, United States
| | - F Davies
- National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President Street - 2 South, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - N M Goodrum
- National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President Street - 2 South, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
| | - K M Schmarder
- Department of Psychology, The College of Charleston, Charleston, SC 29424, United States
| | - K Schnake
- SC Program for Infant/Toddler Care, Medical University of South Carolina, 1 Carriage Lane, Unit J, Charleston, SC 29407, United States
| | - A D Moreland
- National Crime Victims Research and Treatment Center, Medical University of South Carolina, 67 President Street - 2 South, Charleston, SC 29425, United States
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22
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Berthelot N, Lemieux R, Maziade M. Shortfall of Intervention Research Over Correlational Research in Childhood Maltreatment: An Impasse to Be Overcome. JAMA Pediatr 2019; 173:1009-1010. [PMID: 31524929 DOI: 10.1001/jamapediatrics.2019.1684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Berthelot
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada.,Centre de Neuromédecine Personnalisée et du Neurodéveloppement de l'Enfant, Centre de Recherche Cervo, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
| | - Roxanne Lemieux
- Department of Nursing Sciences, Université du Québec à Trois-Rivières, Trois-Rivières, Quebec, Canada
| | - Michel Maziade
- Centre de Neuromédecine Personnalisée et du Neurodéveloppement de l'Enfant, Centre de Recherche Cervo, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada.,Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, Quebec, Canada
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23
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Cooke JE, Racine N, Plamondon A, Tough S, Madigan S. Maternal adverse childhood experiences, attachment style, and mental health: Pathways of transmission to child behavior problems. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2019; 93:27-37. [PMID: 31048134 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2019.04.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 87] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 04/05/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Investigations have found mothers' adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) confer an intergenerational risk to their children's outcomes. However, mechanisms underlying this transmission have only been partially explained by maternal mental health. Adult attachment insecurity has been shown to mediate the association of ACEs and mental health outcomes, yet an extension of this research to children's behavioral problems has not been examined. OBJECTIVE To examine the cascade from maternal ACEs to risk for child behavioral problems at five years of age, via mothers' attachment insecurity and mental health. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants in the current study were 1994 mother-child dyads from a prospective longitudinal cohort collected from January 2011 to October 2014. METHODS Mothers retrospectively reported their ACEs when children were 36 months of age. When children were 60 months of age, mothers completed measures of their attachment style, depression and anxiety symptoms, and their children's behavior problems. RESULTS Path analysis demonstrated maternal ACEs were associated with children's internalizing problems indirectly via maternal attachment avoidance, attachment anxiety, and depression symptoms, but not directly (β = .05, 95% CI [-.001, .10]). Maternal ACEs indirectly predicted children's externalizing problems via maternal attachment avoidance, attachment anxiety, and depression. A direct effect was also observed from maternal ACEs to child externalizing problems (β = .06, 95% CI [.01, .11]). CONCLUSIONS Maternal ACEs influenced children's risk for poor behavioral outcomes via direct and indirect intermediary pathways. Addressing maternal insecure attachment style and depression symptoms as intervention targets for mothers with histories of ACEs may help to mitigate the intergenerational transmission of risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica E Cooke
- University of Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Canada
| | - Nicole Racine
- University of Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Canada
| | | | - Suzanne Tough
- University of Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Canada; Cumming School of Medicine, Canada
| | - Sheri Madigan
- University of Calgary, Canada; Alberta Children's Hospital Research Institute, Canada.
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24
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Testing the cycle of maltreatment hypothesis: Meta-analytic evidence of the intergenerational transmission of child maltreatment. Dev Psychopathol 2019; 31:23-51. [PMID: 30757994 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579418001700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
It has long been claimed that "maltreatment begets maltreatment," that is, a parent's history of maltreatment increases the risk that his or her child will also suffer maltreatment. However, significant methodological concerns have been raised regarding evidence supporting this assertion, with some arguing that the association weakens in samples with higher methodological rigor. In the current study, the intergenerational transmission of maltreatment hypothesis is examined in 142 studies (149 samples; 227,918 dyads) that underwent a methodological quality review, as well as data extraction on a number of potential moderator variables. Results reveal a modest association of intergenerational maltreatment (k = 80; d = 0.45, 95% confidence interval; CI [0.37, 0.54]). Support for the intergenerational transmission of specific maltreatment types was also observed (neglect: k = 13, d = 0.24, 95% CI [0.11, 0.37]; physical abuse: k = 61, d = 0.41, 95% CI [0.33, 0.49]; emotional abuse: k = 18, d = 0.57, 95% CI [0.43, 0.71]; sexual abuse: k = 18, d = 0.39, 95% CI [0.24, 0.55]). Methodological quality only emerged as a significant moderator of the intergenerational transmission of physical abuse, with a weakening of effect sizes as methodological rigor increased. Evidence from this meta-analysis confirms the cycle of maltreatment hypothesis, although effect sizes were modest. Future research should focus on deepening understanding of mechanisms of transmission, as well as identifying protective factors that can effectively break the cycle of maltreatment.
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