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Eiberg M. Cognitive Functioning of Children in Out-of-Home Care. JOURNAL OF CHILD & ADOLESCENT TRAUMA 2024; 17:217-230. [PMID: 38938961 PMCID: PMC11199474 DOI: 10.1007/s40653-023-00580-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Most children who enter out-of-home care (OHC) have been subjected to prolonged maltreatment. Maltreatment potentially contributes to a cumulative deficit in neurocognitive maturation and development that is likely to proceed with the child's placement into OHC and persist throughout adulthood. From the theoretical perspective of how maltreatment may affect the developing brain, this study examines the IQ and executive function of children placed in OHC on standardized, norm-referenced measures. Furthermore, the study investigates the prevalence of serious cognitive delays, defined by scores in the clinical range on the administered instruments. METHODS The study included 153 children in foster care (66% female), aged 6-15 (M = 10.5, SD = 2.1). Independent two-sample t-tests were run to test for significant differences between the sample and the norm population on the applied neuropsychological measures. RESULTS The results showed that discrepancies in cognitive development were global in scope, with the children lagging significantly behind the norm population on all applied measures with discrepancies ranging from 0.61 to 2.10 SD (p < .001). Also, serious developmental delays in all cognitive domains were vastly overrepresented in the sample ranging from 11.3% (IQ) to 66.0% (executive function). CONCLUSIONS The results document a very high prevalence of cognitive deficits and delays among the children in the sample. The implications of identifying the neurocognitive effects of maltreatment in the practices of the child welfare system are discussed in terms of developing suitable assessment and intervention strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Misja Eiberg
- VIVE - The Danish Center for Social Science Research, Herluf Trolles gade 11, 1052 , Copenhagen, Denmark
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2
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Purrington J, Goodall S, Lynch J. Family-based psychological interventions for domestically adoptive families: a systematic review. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024; 33:1239-1256. [PMID: 37079133 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02210-y] [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: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
Adopted children are often at a risk of experiencing several neurobiological and psychosocial difficulties. Adoptive parents must support these difficulties whilst managing their own idiosyncratic challenges. Family-based psychotherapeutic interventions which promote adoptive family functioning, environments and relationships can mediate these difficulties for adopted families. This review synthesises evidence exploring family-based psychological interventions for adoptive families, appraises the literature's strengths and weaknesses, and reports characteristics of promising interventions. Included studies recruited domestically adoptive families receiving psychotherapeutic interventions delivered to at least one adoptive parent and child. The authors searched seven electronic information databases, four grey literature databases, two journals and five relevant websites up to 12.12.2022. The quantitative Risk of Bias in Non-Randomised Studies of Interventions tool and the qualitative Critical Skills Appraisal Programme checklist assessed risk of bias. The narrative synthesis presents 20 papers detailing 18 studies involving at least 729 adopted children and 829 adoptive parents. Findings provide preliminary support for integrative interventions which include aspects of sensory activities, attachment-based play, Dyadic Developmental Psychotherapy and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing with Therapeutic Input provided to adopted children and adoptive parents separately, alongside the adoptive family. However, risk of bias was high, limiting the conclusions. Future research should examine the feasibility, acceptability and efficacy of integrative therapeutic approaches for adoptive families to further direct clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jack Purrington
- Chrysalis Associates, Clinical Psychology Team, 48 Wostenholm Road, Nether Edge, Sheffield, S7 1LL, UK.
| | | | - Jacqueline Lynch
- Chrysalis Associates, Clinical Psychology Team, 48 Wostenholm Road, Nether Edge, Sheffield, S7 1LL, UK
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3
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Devaney J, Power L, Jacobs P, Davidson G, Hiller R, Martin J, McCartan C, McCusker P, McGuire R, Phillips A, Roesch‐Marsh A, Thapar A. An agenda for future research regarding the mental health of young people with care experience. CHILD & FAMILY SOCIAL WORK 2023; 28:960-970. [PMID: 38505819 PMCID: PMC10947327 DOI: 10.1111/cfs.13015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 12/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2024]
Abstract
Young people who are currently or were previously in state care have consistently been found to have much higher rates of mental health and neurodevelopmental difficulties than the general youth population. While a number of high-quality reviews highlight what research has been undertaken in relation to the mental health of young people with care experience and the gaps in our knowledge and understanding, there is, until now, no consensus, so far as we aware, as to where our collective research efforts should be directed with this important group. Through a series of UK wide workshops, we undertook a consultative process to identify an agreed research agenda between those with lived experience of being in care (n = 15), practitioners, policy makers and researchers (n = 59), for future research regarding the mental health of young people with care experience, including those who are neurodiverse/have a neurodevelopmental difficulty. This consensus statement identified 21 foci within four broad categories: how we conceptualize mental health; under-studied populations; under-studied topics; and underused methodologies. We hope that those who commission, fund and undertake research will engage in this discussion about the future agenda for research regarding the mental health of young people with care experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Devaney
- School of Social and Political ScienceUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Luke Power
- School of Social and Political ScienceUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Paula Jacobs
- School of Social and Political ScienceUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
- Health SciencesUniversity of StirlingStirlingUK
| | - Gavin Davidson
- School of Social Sciences, Education and Social WorkQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - Rachel Hiller
- Department of PsychologyUniversity of BathUK
- Clinical, Educational & Health PsychologyUniversity College LondonUK
| | - Joanna Martin
- Wolfson Centre for Young People's Mental Health, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical NeurosciencesCardiff UniversityUK
| | - Claire McCartan
- School of Social Sciences, Education and Social WorkQueen's University BelfastBelfastUK
| | - Pearse McCusker
- School of Social and Political ScienceUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Rosie McGuire
- Clinical, Educational & Health PsychologyUniversity College LondonUK
| | | | | | - Anita Thapar
- Wolfson Centre for Young People's Mental Health, Division of Psychological Medicine and Clinical NeurosciencesCardiff UniversityUK
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Hiller RM, Fraser A, Denne M, Bauer A, Halligan SL. The Development of Young Peoples' Internalising and Externalising Difficulties Over the First Three-Years in the Public Care System. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2023; 28:141-151. [PMID: 35081783 PMCID: PMC9716486 DOI: 10.1177/10775595211070765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Although we know there are high rates of mental health difficulties amongst young people in out-of-home care (i.e. social welfare-involved children), there is limited evidence on the longitudinal development of these problems, particularly from when they enter the care system. Using the routinely collected carer-reported strengths and difficulties questionnaire, we explored internalising (emotional and peer) and externalising (conduct and hyperactivity) difficulties for 672 young people across their first 3 years in the UK care system (2-16 yrs, 51% boys, 76% Caucasian). In all cases stable profiles (resilient or chronic) were most common, while changing profiles (recovery or delayed) were less common. Findings showed that entry into the care system is not enough of an intervention to expect natural recovery from mental health difficulties. Number of placements and being separated from siblings were associated with greater difficulties. Implications for child welfare and mental health systems are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel M Hiller
- Division of Psychology & Language Sciences, University College London, UK
- Anna Freud Centre for Children and Families, UK
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK
| | - Abigail Fraser
- Population and Health Sciences, Bristol Medical School, University of Bristol, UK
| | - Megan Denne
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK
| | | | - Sarah L Halligan
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, UK
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, University of Cape Town, South Africa
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5
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Stenason L, Romano E. Evaluation of a Trauma-Informed Parenting Program for Resource Parents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:16981. [PMID: 36554880 PMCID: PMC9779077 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192416981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Child maltreatment impacts many young people involved in the child welfare system, and it is important that the resource parents supporting these youth have knowledge and skills in trauma-informed care. The current study is a preliminary evaluation of the Resource Parent Curriculum (RPC), an in-service, 8-module, group-based parenting program developed by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Youth and caregiver outcomes were examined by way of a quasi-experimental design that included 22 resource parents in the experimental group and 21 in the waitlist control group and involved baseline, post-program, and 2-month follow-up assessments. For learning outcomes, RPC resulted in improvements in resource parents' knowledge and beliefs about trauma-informed parenting. While not statistically significant, potential effects included improvements in resource parents' tolerance of challenging youth behaviors and parenting self-efficacy. For behavioral outcomes, several non-significant potential effects were noted, including improvements in resource parents' attachment relationships with their youth and increased social supports. This study was the first to evaluate RPC using a quasi-experimental design within a Canadian context and through a virtual delivery. Findings highlighted several benefits of the program and resource parents' ongoing training needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Stenason
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean Jacques Lussier, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
| | - Elisa Romano
- School of Psychology, University of Ottawa, 136 Jean Jacques Lussier, Ottawa, ON K1N 6N5, Canada
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Chorão AL, Canavarro MC, Pires R. Explaining Parenting Stress among Adoptive Parents: The Contribution of Mindfulness, Psychological Flexibility, and Self-Compassion. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:14534. [PMID: 36361415 PMCID: PMC9658673 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114534] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Although parenting stress has been identified as one of the most important and highly acceptable targets for postadoption psychological intervention, knowledge regarding the modifiable factors that contribute to explaining this outcome among adoptive parents remains scarce. This study aimed to explore whether and to what extent adoptive parents' mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and self-compassion contribute to explaining parenting stress and to analyze whether this contribution varies according to children's age, time passed since the adoptive placement, and the parents' gender. Cross-sectional data from 302 Portuguese adoptive parents with children between 1 and 17 years old were collected online through self-response questionnaires. Controlling for a wide range of child-, adoption-, and parent-related variables, lower levels of mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and self-compassion were associated with higher levels of parenting stress. These associations were not moderated by children's age, time passed since the adoptive placement, or the parents' gender. The final regression model explained 50% of the variance in parenting stress. These results allow us to reflect on new guidelines for both preventive and remedial interventions with adoptive parents, given the apparent added value of promoting these psychological resources.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luz Chorão
- Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Maria Cristina Canavarro
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Raquel Pires
- Center for Research in Neuropsychology and Cognitive Behavioral Intervention, Faculty of Psychology and Education Sciences, University of Coimbra, Rua do Colégio Novo, 3000-115 Coimbra, Portugal
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Yarger HA, Lind T, Raby KL, Zajac L, Wallin A, Dozier M. Intervening With Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up to Reduce Behavior Problems Among Children Adopted Internationally: Evidence From a Randomized Controlled Trial. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2022; 27:478-489. [PMID: 33882710 PMCID: PMC8535762 DOI: 10.1177/10775595211010975] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Children who have been adopted internationally often exhibit persistent behavior problems. The current study assessed the efficacy of the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-up intervention (ABC; Dozier & Bernard, 2019) for reducing behavior problems in 122 children adopted internationally. Behavior problems were measured via parent-report using the Brief Infant Toddler Social Emotional Assessment at a pre-intervention visit and after the intervention when children were between 18 and 36 months. Children's behavior problems were also observed using the Disruptive Behavior Diagnostic Observation Schedule (DB-DOS) after the intervention when children were 48 and 60 months. Parents who received ABC reported fewer child behavior problems than parents who received the control intervention immediately after the intervention through 1.5 years post-intervention. Additionally, children whose parents received ABC exhibited fewer behavior problems within the parent context of the DB-DOS when they were 48 months old (2 years post-intervention) than children whose parents received the control intervention. There were no significant intervention effects on children's observed behavior problems within the examiner contexts. These results support the efficacy of ABC in reducing behavior problems among children adopted internationally. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT00816621.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather A. Yarger
- Department of Psychology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, USA
| | - Teresa Lind
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, San Diego, CA, USA
- Child and Adolescent Services Research Center (CASRC), San Diego, CA, USA
| | - K. Lee Raby
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Lindsay Zajac
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Allison Wallin
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
| | - Mary Dozier
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, University of Delaware, Newark, DE, USA
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Dalgaard NT, Filges T, Viinholt BCA, Pontoppidan M. Parenting interventions to support parent/child attachment and psychosocial adjustment in foster and adoptive parents and children: A systematic review. CAMPBELL SYSTEMATIC REVIEWS 2022; 18:e1209. [PMID: 36913207 PMCID: PMC8732982 DOI: 10.1002/cl2.1209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Adopted children and children placed in foster care are at increased risk of developing a range of mental health, behavioural, and psychosocial adjustment problems. Previous studies suggest that due to early experiences of separation and loss some children may have difficulties forming a secure attachment relationship with the adoptive/foster parents. OBJECTIVES The objectives of the present review were: (1) to assess the efficacy of attachment-based interventions on measures of favourable parent/child outcomes (attachment security, dyadic interaction, parent/child psychosocial adjustment, behavioural and mental health problems, and placement breakdown) within foster and adoptive families with children aged between 0 and 17 years. (2) to identify factors that appear to be associated with more effective outcomes and factors that modify intervention effectiveness (e.g., age of the child at placement and at intervention start, programme duration, programme focus). SEARCH METHODS Relevant studies were identified through electronic searches of bibliographic databases, governmental and grey literature repositories, hand search in specific targeted journals, citation tracking, contact to international experts and Internet search engines. The database searches were carried out to October 2020. SELECTION CRITERIA The interventions of interest were parenting interventions aimed at helping the foster/adopted children and their parents to form or sustain a secure attachment relationship. The interventions had to be at least partly informed by attachment theory. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS The total number of potentially relevant studies constituted 17.822 hits after duplicates were removed. A total of 44 studies (27 different populations) met the inclusion criteria and were critically appraised by the review authors. Due to critical study quality, missing numeric data and re-use of the same data, only 24 studies analysing 16 different populations could be used in the data synthesis (children, N = 1302; parents, N = 1344). Meta-analysis using both child and parent outcomes were conducted on each metric separately. All analyses were inverse variance weighted using random effects statistical models. Random effects weighted mean effect sizes were calculated using 95% confidence intervals (CIs). When possible, we conducted moderator analysis using meta-regression and single factor sub group moderator analysis. Sensitivity analysis were conducted across study design and domains of the risk of bias assessment. MAIN RESULTS Ten studies analysed the effect of attachment-based interventions on the overall psychosocial adjustment of foster or adopted children as reported by their caregivers post intervention. Measures used include the Child Behaviour Checklist, The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, Brief Infant-Toddler Social and Emotional Assessment (BITSEA) and Eyberg Child Behaviour Inventory. The random effects weighted standardised mean difference (SMD) favouring the intervention group was 0.37 (95% CI, 0.10-0.65) and statistically significant. Three studies analysed the effects of attachment-based interventions on the observed attachment security of foster and adopted children as measured by independent observation. Measures include the Strange Situation Procedure, Attachment Q-Set, and The Emotional Availability Clinical Screener. The random effects weighted SMD was 0.59 (95% CI, -0.40-1.57) and not statistically significant. Four studies analysed the effect of attachment-based interventions on positive child behaviour post intervention as measured by independent observation of video-taped interaction between the child and caregivers. Measures include Disruptive Behaviour Diagnostic Observation Schedule (DB-DOS) and Emotional Availability Scales). The random effects weighted SMD was 0.39 (95% CI, 0.14-0.64) and statistically significant. Ten studies analysed the effect of attachment-based interventions on positive parenting behaviour post intervention as measured by independent observation of video-taped interaction between the child and caregivers or coding of audio-taped recordings of parental speech. Measures include Adapted Ainsworth Scales for sensitivity and noninterference, Measurement of Empathy in Adult-Child Interaction, The Dyadic Parent-Child Interaction Coding System, Reflective functioning scale, and Emotional Availability Scales. The random effects weighted SMD was 1.56 (95% CI, 0.81-2.31) and statistically significant. Nine studies analysed the effect of attachment-based interventions on self-reported post intervention parenting stress (Parenting Stress Index). The random effects weighted SMD was 0.24 (95% CI, 0.03-0.46.) and statistically significant. Three studies analysed the effect of attachment-based interventions on parental post intervention self-reported depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory). The random effects weighted SMD was 0.59 (95% CI, -0.08-1.25.) and not statistically significant. Follow-up analyses were carried out for the outcomes externalising behaviour, positive parenting, and parenting stress, but due to the low number of studies, results should be viewed with caution. Results of the single factor sub group moderator analysis suggest that it cannot be ruled out the effects differ depending on whether the interventions take place in the family home or in a clinical setting. However, it is unclear which location is associated with more positive effects as our findings differ between child and parent outcomes. Results of the sensitivity analysis showed no appreciable changes in the results following the removal of any of the studies in any of the analyses. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Parenting interventions based on attachment theory increase positive parent/child interactional behaviours, decrease parenting stress, and increase the overall psychosocial adjustment of children in foster and adoptive families postintervention. Due to the low number of studies evidence regarding the effects of attachment-based parenting interventions on attachment security and disorganised attachment in foster and adopted children was inconclusive. Theoretically, it is possible that child attachment security and/or attachment disorganisation cannot change within the relatively short period of time that parenting interventions typically last. It is possible that if postintervention improvements in parenting behaviours are sustained over time, it may lead to possible improvement in child attachment security and a decrease in child disorganised attachment. Thus, more longitudinal research is needed. Furthermore, evidence regarding the long-term effects of attachment-based parenting interventions on any outcomes was inconclusive due to too few studies, but findings suggest that attachment-based interventions increase positive parenting behaviour at follow-up points 3-6 months after the intervention. No study included in the present review provided a measure of placement stability or breakdown as an outcome, which could be used in the meta-analysis. This further emphasises the need for future longitudinal research in prevention of placement breakdown.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina T. Dalgaard
- VIVE—The Danish Centre for Social Science ResearchCopenhagenDenmark
| | - Trine Filges
- VIVE—The Danish Centre for Social Science ResearchCopenhagenDenmark
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Kazmerski TM, West NE, Jain R, Uluer A, Georgiopoulos AM, Aitken ML, Taylor-Cousar JL. Family-building and parenting considerations for people with cystic fibrosis. Pediatr Pulmonol 2022; 57 Suppl 1:S75-S88. [PMID: 34407321 PMCID: PMC9292426 DOI: 10.1002/ppul.25620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
As people with cystic fibrosis (CF) live longer and healthier lives, increasing numbers are considering the full range of reproductive options for their futures, including parenthood, pregnancy, or pregnancy prevention. As the face of CF changes, the CF care model must adapt to meet the reproductive health needs of both parents and nonparents with CF. This article summarizes the reproductive goals and family-building concerns faced by people with CF, including fertility, pregnancy, and alternative paths to parenthood, the impact of parenthood on mental and physical health, and important future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Traci M Kazmerski
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
- Center for Women's Health Research and Innovation (CWHRI), University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Natalie E West
- Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Raksha Jain
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ahmet Uluer
- Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Anna M Georgiopoulos
- Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Moira L Aitken
- Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
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Paine AL, Fahey K, Thompson R, Shelton KH. Adoptive parents' finances and employment status: a 5-year longitudinal study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022:10.1007/s00787-022-01946-3. [PMID: 35064828 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-01946-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
We investigated risk and facilitating factors related to families' change in finances and employment over 5 years following adoption of a child from local authority care in a prospective, longitudinal study of children placed for adoption between 2014 and 2015 (N = 96). Parents completed questionnaires at approximately 5, 21, 36, 48 and 60 months post-placement. We used time series analysis to examine the impact of child (e.g. pre-placement experiences, mental health), family structure (e.g. number of siblings, parent relationship status), and parent (e.g. mental health) factors on change in household income and parent employment status after adoption. We also examined the tendency for parents to comment on employment and finances and the emotional valence of their comments to gauge their concern about their circumstances. Children's mental health problems were associated with primary caregivers reducing their time spent in employment and parents' tendency to comment on their financial and work circumstances. Children who experienced more moves in care were more likely to have a primary caregiver not in full-time work, as were children with higher prosocial behaviour scores. Being in full-time work was associated with parents' symptoms of anxiety. We also detected associations between structural features of the family and changes in income and employment. This study represents one of the first empirical investigations of factors associated with the socioeconomic features of adoptive families' lives and informs ongoing discussion regarding the support needs of families and the timing, nature, and delivery of post-adoption professional services.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy L Paine
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Tower Building, 70 Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK.
| | - Kevin Fahey
- School of Politics and International Relations, University of Nottingham, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Rebecca Thompson
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Tower Building, 70 Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
| | - Katherine H Shelton
- School of Psychology, Cardiff University, Tower Building, 70 Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT, UK
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11
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Job AK, Ehrenberg D, Hilpert P, Reindl V, Lohaus A, Konrad K, Heinrichs N. Taking Care Triple P for Foster Parents With Young Children in Foster Care: Results of a 1-Year Randomized Trial. JOURNAL OF INTERPERSONAL VIOLENCE 2022; 37:322-348. [PMID: 32167402 DOI: 10.1177/0886260520909196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Young children with a history of maltreatment or neglect in foster families often confront their caregivers with particularly challenging behaviors. This may lead to more parenting stress, an increased risk for the child in foster care to experience further maltreatment, and placement disruptions. We conducted a randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of a parent group training tailored to the special needs of foster families. We hypothesized significant short- and long-term improvements regarding foster parents' parenting competencies, child mental health problems, and related outcomes. Eighty-one families with 87 children in foster care aged 2 to 7 years participated in the trial. For the intervention study, 44 randomly selected families (54%) were offered to participate in the parent group training. Intervention and control group families were reassessed three times over a period of 1 year. Contrary to our expectations, we found no advantages of the intervention group compared with the usual care control group on any outcome measure. Instead, we found some significant changes in both groups across time. Placement into foster care is associated with some favorable outcomes for children in foster care. Additional support for foster families beyond the services delivered in the youth welfare system to foster parents was not associated with more favorable outcomes. The present intervention is likely associated with a low risk of harm but also with a high likelihood of a lack of significant benefits for foster parents and their young children going beyond feeling satisfied about the delivered services. Participating foster families showed favorable baseline results on parenting measures which may have impeded intervention effects to unfold on these proximal variables.
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Forslund T, Granqvist P, IJzendoorn MHV, Sagi-Schwartz A, Glaser D, Steele M, Hammarlund M, Schuengel C, Bakermans-Kranenburg MJ, Steele H, Shaver PR, Lux U, Simmonds J, Jacobvitz D, Groh AM, Bernard K, Cyr C, Hazen NL, Foster S, Psouni E, Cowan PA, Cowan CP, Rifkin-Graboi A, Wilkins D, Pierrehumbert B, Tarabulsy GM, Cárcamo RA, Wang Z, Liang X, Kázmierczak M, Pawlicka P, Ayiro L, Chansa T, Sichimba F, Mooya H, McLean L, Verissimo M, Gojman-de-Millán S, Moretti MM, Bacro F, Peltola MJ, Galbally M, Kondo-Ikemura K, Behrens KY, Scott S, Rodriguez AF, Spencer R, Posada G, Cassibba R, Barrantes-Vidal N, Palacios J, Barone L, Madigan S, Mason-Jones K, Reijman S, Juffer F, Fearon RP, Bernier A, Cicchetti D, Roisman GI, Cassidy J, Kindler H, Zimmerman P, Feldman R, Spangle G, Zeanah CH, Dozier M, Belsky J, Lamb ME, Duschinsky R. El Apego Va a Juicio: Problemas de Custodia y Protección Infantil1. ANUARIO DE PSICOLOGÍA JURÍDICA 2021. [DOI: 10.5093/apj2021a26] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
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13
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A Systematic Review on Foster Parents' Psychological Adjustment and Parenting Style-An Evaluation of Foster Parents and Foster Children Variables. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182010916. [PMID: 34682659 PMCID: PMC8535523 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182010916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The current systematic review aimed to evaluate the variables influencing foster parents’ parenting stress, distress and parenting style, thereby supporting their adjustment and well-being as well as that of foster children. A PRISMA-guided search was conducted in three databases. Observational studies examining parenting stress, parenting distress (subsuming anxiety, depression and stress symptoms) and parenting style—all assessed through validated tools—were considered. A total of 16 studies were included, comprising N = 1794 non-relative foster parents (age range = 30–67 years). Results showed heightened parenting stress over time, both overall and compared to parents at large. Neither foster parents’ nor foster children’s socio-demographic characteristics significantly contributed to the increase in parenting stress; yet child-related stress and children’s externalizing problems were its main predictors. Foster parents’ couple cooperation was associated with reduced parenting stress. Moreover, the authoritative parenting style was associated with parental warmth, while the authoritarian style was associated with foster parents’ greater perceived burden, greater criticism and rejection toward the foster child. Evidence supports the mutual influence between foster parents and children. Foster care services should support foster parents’ needs within a concentric modular system, to ultimately provide better care for both foster parents and children.
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[Promoting Secure Attachment Relationships in Foster Families with the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up (ABC) Intervention]. Prax Kinderpsychol Kinderpsychiatr 2021; 70:239-254. [PMID: 33641643 DOI: 10.13109/prkk.2021.70.3.239] [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] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Promoting Secure Attachment Relationships in Foster Families with the Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up (ABC) Intervention Due to a history of early adversity, foster children often show difficulties in the development of new attachment relationships. The Attachment and Biobehavioral Catch-Up Intervention (ABC) aims to promote sensitive caregiving and the development of secure attachment relationships in foster families by addressing the critical needs of foster children. The ABC intervention was implemented in Germany for the first time. The efficacy of the intervention was tested in a sample of N = 34 foster families with foster children between the ages of 6 to 24 months. Foster parents reported on parenting stress and on attachment behaviors of the child in a diary. Parenting quality was assessed in a semi-structured play situation and attachment quality was assessed with the Strange Situation Procedure. Foster parents showed higher levels of sensitivity post training (p < .001), they reported an increase in secure attachment behaviors in their foster children (p < .05), and the distribution of attachment relationships classified as secure (59 %) and disorganized (12 %) was comparable to distributions found in biological, middle class samples. Although these results still need further validation by larger control group studies, they give a first indication that the ABC program might be an effective tool to support the development of secure attachment relationships in foster families in Germany.
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Bridgewater JM, Yates TM. Academic implications of insensitive parenting: A mediating path through children's relational representations. JOURNAL OF APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.appdev.2020.101201] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Foster Parent Stress as Key Factor Relating to Foster Children’s Mental Health: A 1-Year Prospective Longitudinal Study. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2020. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-020-09547-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Foster children are reported to often have mental health difficulties. To optimize foster children’s development chances, we need to know more about the characteristics that are predictive of foster children’s mental health.
Objective
In the current study, we aimed to establish what accounts for the differences in foster children’s mental health, by examining the change and predictors of change in foster children’s mental health. Insight into foster children’s mental health outcomes and their predictors could inform the design of targeted interventions and support for foster children and foster families.
Method
In a sample of 432 foster children between 4 and 17 years old (M = 10.90) we examined a multivariate model in which characteristics of the foster child, the child’s care experiences, foster family, and foster placement were included as predictors of foster children’s mental health (internalizing, externalizing, and prosocial behaviors) using a three-wave longitudinal design
Results
Results showed that levels of mental health were generally stable over time. Differences between foster children’s developmental outcomes were mainly predicted by foster parent stress.
Conclusions
Foster parent stress levels were high and consistently found to be the strongest predictor of foster children’s mental health outcomes. Given this finding it is important for researchers and practitioners to consider foster parent stress in screening as a point of attention in creating conditions conducive to foster children’s mental health.
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