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Lester KJ, Michelson D. Perfect storm: emotionally based school avoidance in the post-COVID-19 pandemic context. BMJ MENTAL HEALTH 2024; 27:e300944. [PMID: 38580437 PMCID: PMC11021743 DOI: 10.1136/bmjment-2023-300944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
School absences have risen following the COVID-19 pandemic and persistent absenteeism remains high in primary and secondary schools in England compared with pre-pandemic levels. This coincides with an upward trend in emotionally based school avoidance (EBSA). EBSA adversely affects children's educational attainment, health, social functioning and life prospects and warrants early intervention before a pattern of absenteeism becomes entrenched. In this article, we consider how the COVID-19 pandemic and its sequelae have created a 'perfect storm' of conditions, amplifying known school, family and child-based risk factors for EBSA while simultaneously reducing access to support services. We then outline priorities for developing new EBSA interventions and argue for a multi-component approach, which works across education, health and social care, and voluntary sectors to address the complex interplay between risk factors. Given the difficulties that families often face in obtaining timely support for EBSA, it is also essential that new interventions are accessible, resource-efficient and scalable. To this end, we specifically discuss the potential for contextually-sensitive, parent-focused interventions that can be delivered online with minimal synchronous support from a trained coach or facilitator.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn J Lester
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, Brighton, East Sussex, UK
| | - Daniel Michelson
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
- NIHR Maudsley Biomedical Research Centre, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust and King's College, London, UK
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2
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Jones CJ, Read R, O'Donnell N, Wakelin K, John M, Skene SS, Stewart R, Hale L, Cooke D, Kanumakala S, Satherley RM. PRIORITY Trial: Results from a feasibility randomised controlled trial of a psychoeducational intervention for parents to prevent disordered eating in children and young people with type 1 diabetes. Diabet Med 2024; 41:e15263. [PMID: 38100228 DOI: 10.1111/dme.15263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Children and young people (CYP) with type 1 diabetes (T1D) are at increased risk of disordered eating. This study aimed to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a novel, theoretically informed, two-session psychoeducational intervention for parents to prevent disordered eating in CYP with T1D. METHODS Parents of CYP aged 11-14 years with T1D were randomly allocated to the intervention or wait-list control group. Self-reported measures including the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey-Revised (DEPS-R), Problem Areas in Diabetes Parent Revised (PAID-PR), Child Eating Behaviour Questionnaire subscales (CEBQ), Warwick Edinburgh Mental Wellbeing Scale (WEMWBS), clinical outcomes (e.g. HbA1c, BMI, medication and healthcare utilisation) and process variables, were collected at baseline, 1-and 3-month assessments. Acceptability data were collected from intervention participants via questionnaire. RESULTS Eighty-nine parents were recruited, which exceeded recruitment targets, with high intervention engagement and acceptability (<80% across domains). A signal of efficacy was observed across outcome measures with moderate improvements in the CEBQ subscale satiety responsiveness (d = 0.55, 95% CI 0.01, 1.08) and child's BMI (d = -0.56, 95% CI -1.09, 0.00) at 3 months compared with controls. Trends in the anticipated direction were also observed with reductions in disordered eating (DEPS-R) and diabetes distress (PAID-PR) and improvements in wellbeing (WEMWBS). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study to have co-designed and evaluated a novel parenting intervention to prevent disordered eating in CYP with T1D. The intervention proved feasible and acceptable with encouraging effects. Preparatory work is required prior to definitive trial to ensure the most relevant primary outcome measure and ensure strategies for optimum outcome completion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina J Jones
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Rebecca Read
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Nicola O'Donnell
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Katherine Wakelin
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Mary John
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
- Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Research and Development Department, Sussex Education Centre, Hove, UK
| | - Simon S Skene
- Surrey Clinical Trials Unit, School of Biosciences and Medicine, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Rose Stewart
- Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, Wrexham, UK
| | - Lucy Hale
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Debbie Cooke
- School of Health Sciences, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Shankar Kanumakala
- Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Rose-Marie Satherley
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Science, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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3
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Ingeman K, Hulgaard DR, Rask CU. Health anxiety by proxy - through the eyes of the parents. J Child Health Care 2024; 28:22-36. [PMID: 35510964 DOI: 10.1177/13674935221095648] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Health anxiety by proxy is a newly described phenomenon where parents worry excessively that their child suffers from a serious illness. In a former study, six parents with distressing worries about their child's health were interviewed to develop the Health Anxiety by Proxy Scale. The present study is a secondary analysis of these semi-structured interview data using interpretative phenomenological analysis aiming to explore for the first time the lived experience of parents with health anxiety by proxy. Analysis revealed three main themes: 'Faces of distress' describing various aspects of parents' experienced distress; 'Invasive insecurity and mistrust' portraying how anxiety affects parents' relationship with their children, health professionals and family; and 'Making sense of own worries' covering parents' ambivalence regarding their anxiety and rationalization of their worries. Knowledge about perspectives of parents who suffer from health anxiety by proxy can inform communication in clinical encounters where validation of parents' experiences may be key to forging an alliance for further treatment; and to recognising and potentially lowering barriers to receiving help that lies in parents' potential mistrust in professional help.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katrine Ingeman
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Research Clinic for Functional Disorders and Psychosomatics, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark
| | - Ditte Roth Hulgaard
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
- Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Odense, Mental Health Services in the Region of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Charlotte U Rask
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
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4
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Wu Y, De Asis-Cruz J, Limperopoulos C. Brain structural and functional outcomes in the offspring of women experiencing psychological distress during pregnancy. Mol Psychiatry 2024:10.1038/s41380-024-02449-0. [PMID: 38418579 DOI: 10.1038/s41380-024-02449-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
In-utero exposure to maternal psychological distress is increasingly linked with disrupted fetal and neonatal brain development and long-term neurobehavioral dysfunction in children and adults. Elevated maternal psychological distress is associated with changes in fetal brain structure and function, including reduced hippocampal and cerebellar volumes, increased cerebral cortical gyrification and sulcal depth, decreased brain metabolites (e.g., choline and creatine levels), and disrupted functional connectivity. After birth, reduced cerebral and cerebellar gray matter volumes, increased cerebral cortical gyrification, altered amygdala and hippocampal volumes, and disturbed brain microstructure and functional connectivity have been reported in the offspring months or even years after exposure to maternal distress during pregnancy. Additionally, adverse child neurodevelopment outcomes such as cognitive, language, learning, memory, social-emotional problems, and neuropsychiatric dysfunction are being increasingly reported after prenatal exposure to maternal distress. The mechanisms by which prenatal maternal psychological distress influences early brain development include but are not limited to impaired placental function, disrupted fetal epigenetic regulation, altered microbiome and inflammation, dysregulated hypothalamic pituitary adrenal axis, altered distribution of the fetal cardiac output to the brain, and disrupted maternal sleep and appetite. This review will appraise the available literature on the brain structural and functional outcomes and neurodevelopmental outcomes in the offspring of pregnant women experiencing elevated psychological distress. In addition, it will also provide an overview of the mechanistic underpinnings of brain development changes in stress response and discuss current treatments for elevated maternal psychological distress, including pharmacotherapy (e.g., selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and non-pharmacotherapy (e.g., cognitive-behavior therapy). Finally, it will end with a consideration of future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao Wu
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | | | - Catherine Limperopoulos
- Developing Brain Institute, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Radiology, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20010, USA.
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5
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Yetim O, Çakır R, Bülbül E, Alleil İS. Peer relationships, adolescent anxiety, and life satisfaction: a moderated mediation model in Turkish and syrian samples. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2024:10.1007/s00787-023-02366-7. [PMID: 38300342 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-023-02366-7] [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: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
Prior studies comparing Syrian refugee adolescents to their native peers in the same region have found higher anxiety and lower life satisfaction. Therefore, identifying regulatory variables is crucial for implementing support programs. This study examined the mediating effect of peer relationships and the moderating effect of being a refugee or native adolescent on the relationship between adolescent anxiety and life satisfaction across different samples. Participants and setting: The study included 2,336 adolescents aged 11-19 (M = 14.79, SD = 1.04). Participants completed the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The mediation and moderation effects were analyzed with the path analysis codes written on Mplus 8.3. SPSS 26 was used for descriptive statistics and group comparisons. The findings showed that peer relationships mediate adolescent anxiety and life satisfaction, and this relationship is moderated according to whether the participants are native adolescents or refugee adolescents. This study highlights the significant associations between peer relationships, adolescent anxiety, and life satisfaction and the moderating role of the participant identity. The findings may inform psychological interventions to improve Syrian refugee adolescents' mental health and well-being. These findings may also have implications for policies and programs aimed at supporting the integration of Syrian refugee adolescents in host communities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onat Yetim
- Psychology Department, Toros University, Bahçelievler District, Mersin, Turkey.
| | - Resul Çakır
- Psychology Department, Toros University, Bahçelievler District, Mersin, Turkey
| | - Ece Bülbül
- Psychology Department, Toros University, Bahçelievler District, Mersin, Turkey
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6
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Bolton B, Rooney RM, Hughes A, Hopkins A, Mancini VO. Systematic review and meta-analysis of the prevention of internalizing disorders in early childhood. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1061825. [PMID: 38155699 PMCID: PMC10752964 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1061825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Internalizing problems comprise a significant amount of the mental health difficulties experienced during childhood. Implementing prevention programs during early childhood may prevent internalizing problems. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the effect of both targeted and universal prevention programs in preventing internalizing problems for children aged 3- to 5-years and their parents. Methods PsycINFO, Embase, and MEDLINE were systematically searched, and 17 randomized control trials, consisting of 3,381 children, met eligibility criteria. There were seven universal prevention programs, and 10 targeted prevention programs. Four prevention programs were delivered to children, 10 prevention programs were delivered to parents/caregivers, and three prevention programs were delivered to both parents and children. Results Prevention programs led to significantly fewer internalizing problems at 6- and 7-month post-intervention (n = 7, p = 0.02, CI -0.69, 0.06) with a small-to-moderate effect size (g = -0.38), however, not at post-intervention or at 12-month follow up. Discussion Overall, findings suggest that there may be value in ongoing development and evaluation of prevention programs for internalizing problems, as they improve social and emotional wellbeing in students and reduce internalizing difficulties within the 6- to 7-month timeframe following prevention programs. Systematic review registration PROSPERO: CRD42021261323.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brigid Bolton
- Psychology Department, Curtin School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Rosanna Mary Rooney
- Psychology Department, Curtin School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Anya Hughes
- Psychology Department, Curtin School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Amber Hopkins
- Discipline of Psychology, School of Population Health, Curtin University, Bentley, WA, Australia
| | - Vincent Oreste Mancini
- Psychology Department, Curtin School of Population Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, Bentley, WA, Australia
- Human Development and Community Wellbeing, Telethon Kids Institute, Nedlands, WA, Australia
- Division of Paediatrics, UWA Medical School, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
- The Fathering Project, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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7
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Hart MJ, Sung JY, McQuillin SD, Schleider JL. Expanding the reach of psychosocial services for youth: Untapped potential of mentor-delivered single session interventions. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 51:1255-1272. [PMID: 36017616 DOI: 10.1002/jcop.22927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
At present, the mental healthcare system cannot meet the demand for services, and the need-to-access gap is widest among children and adolescents. Single session interventions (SSIs) are brief, intentional, and mechanism-targeted programs that have shown promise in increasing the reach of effective, evidence-based services; yet, a wide gap still remains due to structural barriers (e.g., lack of awareness, workforce shortages). The present paper posits the integration of SSIs and mentor-delivered programs as a promising future step to further overcome the inaccessibility of youth mental health services. Capitalizing on the advantages of mentoring relationships (e.g., the associated interpersonal benefits and mentors' pre-existence in most community settings) has the potential to complement and enhance the value of SSIs, and to expand the acceptability and reach of evidence-based mental health services. In this paper, we discuss the anticipated benefits of mentor-delivered SSIs, as well as cautionary considerations related to the proposed model. To conclude, we highlight the necessary implementation and research implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mackenzie J Hart
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jenna Y Sung
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
| | - Samuel D McQuillin
- Department of Psychology, University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina, USA
| | - Jessica L Schleider
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, New York, USA
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8
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McDonald B, Lester KJ, Michelson D. 'She didn't know how to go back': School attendance problems in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic-A multiple stakeholder qualitative study with parents and professionals. BRITISH JOURNAL OF EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY 2023; 93:386-401. [PMID: 36345270 PMCID: PMC10099830 DOI: 10.1111/bjep.12562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in school closures worldwide and unexcused absences have increased since schools reopened. AIMS Drawing on multiple stakeholders' perspectives, we aimed to (i) develop a detailed understanding of how school attendance problems (SAPs) have manifested for primary school-aged children in the context of COVID-19; and (ii) identify promising community-based intervention strategies. METHODS We used a qualitative design with two sequential phases of data collection. Phase 1 involved insight generation using qualitative surveys with parents and professionals working in primary education settings. These results were used to guide in-depth stakeholder interviews in Phase 2. SAMPLE Phase 1 included 29 parents of primary-school children experiencing SAPs and 19 professionals. Phase 2 included 10 parents and 12 professionals. Parents were recruited through social media; professionals were identified through schools and associated networks in Southern England. RESULTS Attendance was particularly challenging for children with special educational needs and pre-existing anxiety problems. Compounding factors included COVID-related anxiety, difficulties adapting to new school routines, poor home-school communication and collaboration, and concerns about academic catch-up. Effective support was characterized by schools and families working closely together. Recommendations for practice improvements centred on early intervention, re-building parent-school relationships, peer support for parents, and improving special educational provision. CONCLUSION New interventions for SAPs must be sensitive to the ongoing COVID-19 context. Help should be easily accessible in the community and address modifiable risk and protective factors for individual children, in family systems, and at the home-school interface.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Daniel Michelson
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK.,Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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9
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Dunn A, Alvarez J, Arbon A, Bremner S, Elsby-Pearson C, Emsley R, Jones C, Lawrence P, Lester KJ, Majdandžić M, Morson N, Perry N, Simner J, Cartwright-Hatton S, Thomson A. Investigating the effect of providing monetary incentives to participants on completion rates of referred co-respondents: An embedded randomized controlled trial. Study within a trial (SWAT) protocol. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2023; 32:101090. [PMID: 36865678 PMCID: PMC9971523 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2023.101090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Parent-report questionnaires are a common method of generating data on child outcomes in mental health studies. A second report from another person who knows the child (co-respondent) is implemented to reduce bias and increase objectivity. The success of this approach is dependent on the engagement of co-respondents, which can be difficult. Financial incentives are used to increase data return in clinical trials, and to promote referral rates in online marketing. This protocol describes the use of an embedded randomised controlled trial (RCT) to investigate the effect of financial incentives on rates of co-respondent data completion. In the host RCT (of an online intervention designed to reduce the impact of a parent's anxiety on their child) index participants (i.e. parents) are asked to invite a co-respondent to complete measures on the index child. This study will test the hypothesis that providing monetary incentives to index participants will increase the outcome measure completion rate of co-respondents. Methods Embedded RCT of two parallel groups. Participants in the intervention arm will be sent a £10 voucher if their chosen co-respondent completes online baseline measures. Participants in the control arm will not be offered payment regardless of their chosen co-respondent's behaviour. 1754 participants will take part. Analysis will compare co-respondent outcome measure completion rates between the two arms at baseline and follow-up. Conclusion Findings from this study will provide evidence on the impact of offering payment to index participants on return rates of co-respondent data. This will inform resource allocation within future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby Dunn
- University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9RH, United Kingdom,Corresponding author. University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9RH, United Kingdom.
| | - James Alvarez
- University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9RH, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Arbon
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, BN2 5BE, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Bremner
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, BN1 9PX, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Christopher Jones
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, BN1 9PX, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Lawrence
- University of Southampton, Southampton, SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | - Nicky Perry
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, BN1 9PX, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Simner
- University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9RH, United Kingdom
| | | | - Abi Thomson
- University of Sussex, Falmer, BN1 9RH, United Kingdom
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10
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Palmer E, Woolgar M, Carter B, Cartwright-Hatton S, Challacombe FL. Preventing anxiety in the children of anxious parents - feasibility of a brief, online, group intervention for parents of one- to three-year-olds. Child Adolesc Ment Health 2023; 28:33-41. [PMID: 35983606 DOI: 10.1111/camh.12596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The evidence suggests an increased risk of developing anxiety problems in children of anxious parents. The current study explored the feasibility and acceptability of an intervention with anxious parents of young children, to inform the possibility of further trials. METHODS Participants were recruited through primary and secondary care psychological services and social media. Participants who had a current or recent anxiety disorder and a child aged 12-47 months were included. Assessments of parental and child outcomes occurred at baseline, after the intervention (week-2) and follow-up (week-8). The intervention was delivered in a small group format, in two sessions, one week apart, using videoconferencing. RESULTS Out of 32 participants, 30 (94%) attended the full intervention. All found the intervention acceptable and reported it as useful and relevant. There was a reduction in parental depression (MD = 2.63, 95%CI 1.01-4.26), anxiety (MD = 3.93, 95%CI 2.49-5.37) and stress (MD = 4.60, 95% CI 3.02-6.18) and increases in parenting confidence. CONCLUSIONS The online group intervention was feasible and acceptable. There were moderate to large effects on parental mental health and no adverse effects on children (decline on outcome measures). This indicates that intervening early in parenting with anxious parents is possible and warrants further investigation to establish prevention efficacy with a larger, controlled trial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Palmer
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Matt Woolgar
- Department of Psychology, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Ben Carter
- Department of Biostatistics and Health Informatics, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
| | | | - Fiona L Challacombe
- Section of Women's Mental Health, Health Service and Population Research Department, Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, UK
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Song Z, Huang J, Qiao T, Yan J, Zhang X, Lu D. Association between Maternal Anxiety and Children's Problem Behaviors: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph191711106. [PMID: 36078827 PMCID: PMC9518446 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph191711106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/01/2023]
Abstract
Although numerous studies have found that maternal anxiety is a risk factor for the development of children's problem behaviors, and there is a possible role of genes in the association between the two. And anxious mothers caring for their children can also affect the development of children's problem behaviors. However, there is also considerable evidence from studies that refute this view. This study used a meta-analysis to explore the relationship between maternal anxiety and preschool children's problem behaviors. Through literature retrieval and selection, in terms of the criteria for inclusion in the meta-analysis, 88 independent effect sizes (34 studies, 295,032 participants) were picked out as meta-analysis units. The test for heterogeneity illustrated that there was significant heterogeneity in 88 independent effect sizes, while the random effects model was an appropriate model for the subsequent meta-analysis. The publication bias test indicated that the impact of publication bias was modest but the major findings remained valid. In addition, in terms of the tentative review analysis and research hypotheses, the random effects model was used as a meta-analysis model. The research revealed that maternal anxiety was significantly positively correlated with preschool children's internalizing problem behaviors, externalizing problem behaviors, and overall problem behaviors. The moderating effect analysis showed that region and gender of the child affected the relationship between maternal anxiety and children's internalizing problem behaviors and externalizing problem behaviors, and region, child's age and gender, mother's age, and education level affected maternal anxiety and preschool children's problems behavioral relationship. Hence, these results affirmed the role of maternal anxiety and emphasized the need to pay attention to the demographic characteristics and cultural background of the subjects during the research process and consider the generalizability of the conclusions under different circumstances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhanmei Song
- Institute of International Education, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jie Huang
- School of Education, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Tianqi Qiao
- School of Education, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Jingfeng Yan
- School of Education, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Xueying Zhang
- School of Education, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
| | - Dengcheng Lu
- School of Education, Wenzhou University, Wenzhou 325035, China
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12
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Dunn A, Alvarez J, Arbon A, Bremner S, Elsby-Pearson C, Emsley R, Jones C, Lawrence P, Lester KJ, Majdandžić M, Morson N, Perry N, Simner J, Thomson A, Cartwright-Hatton S. Effectiveness of an Online Intervention to Prevent Anxiety in the Children of Anxious Parents: A Study Protocol for a Randomised Controlled Trial. (Preprint). JMIR Res Protoc 2022; 11:e40707. [PMID: 36355406 PMCID: PMC9693706 DOI: 10.2196/40707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Anxiety is the most common childhood mental health condition and is associated with impaired child outcomes, including increased risk of mental health difficulties in adulthood. Anxiety runs in families: when a parent has anxiety, their child has a 50% higher chance of developing it themselves. Environmental factors are predominant in the intergenerational transmission of anxiety and, of these, parenting processes play a major role. Interventions that target parents to support them to limit the impact of any anxiogenic parenting behaviors are associated with reduced anxiety in their children. A brief UK-based group intervention delivered to parents within the UK National Health Service led to a 16% reduction in children meeting the criteria for an anxiety disorder. However, this intervention is not widely accessible. To widen access, a 9-module web-based version of this intervention has been developed. This course comprises psychoeducation and home practice delivered through text, video, animations, and practice tasks. Objective This study seeks to evaluate the feasibility of delivering this web-based intervention and assess its effectiveness in reducing child anxiety symptoms. Methods This is the protocol for a randomized controlled trial (RCT) of a community sample of 1754 parents with self-identified high levels of anxiety with a child aged 2-11 years. Parents in the intervention arm will receive access to the web-based course, which they undertake at a self-determined rate. The control arm receives no intervention. Follow-up data collection is at months 6 and months 9-21. Intention-to-treat analysis will be conducted on outcomes including child anxiety, child mental health symptoms, and well-being; parental anxiety and well-being; and parenting behaviors. Results Funding was received in April 2020, and recruitment started in February 2021 and is projected to end in October 2022. A total of 1350 participants have been recruited as of May 2022. Conclusions The results of this RCT will provide evidence on the utility of a web-based course in preventing intergenerational transmission of anxiety and increase the understanding of familial anxiety. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04755933; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04755933 International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) DERR1-10.2196/40707
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Dunn
- Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - James Alvarez
- Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Amy Arbon
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, The Brighton and Sussex Clinical Trials Unit, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Stephen Bremner
- Brighton and Sussex Medical School, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Richard Emsley
- Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Peter Lawrence
- Department of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, United Kingdom
| | - Kathryn J Lester
- Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Mirjana Majdandžić
- Department of Child Development and Education, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Natalie Morson
- Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Nicky Perry
- University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, The Brighton and Sussex Clinical Trials Unit, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Julia Simner
- Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
| | - Abigail Thomson
- Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, United Kingdom
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13
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Maladaptive emotion-focused coping and anxiety in children: The moderating role of authoritative parenting. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03312-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
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14
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Dunn A, Dixon C, Thomson A, Cartwright-Hatton S. Workplace Support for Mental Health Workers Who Are Parents: A Feasibility Study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:854065. [PMID: 35814147 PMCID: PMC9262046 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.854065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Mental health workers are subject to high levels of occupational stress which is associated with poorer health and wellbeing and impaired patient outcomes. For individuals operating in high stress environments, reducing challenge at home, in particular around parenting, has been found to generalize into improvements in the professional domain. The present study sought to investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of brief targeted workplace intervention to support workers in terms of their parental role. Design/Methodology An uncontrolled evaluation of a series of three-session parenting-focused courses delivered to employees of a large Mental Health Trust. A pre-post-follow-up design was used to investigate effects on outcomes including parenting practice and experience, wellbeing, stress, and occupational self-efficacy. Intervention feasibility and acceptably was also evaluated. Findings Data from 15 participants who completed measures pre-post indicates the courses were associated with improved parenting practice and experience at a p < 0.005 level. Improvements were reported at 6-month follow up. Participant satisfaction and course acceptability was highly rated by 100% of participants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abby Dunn
- Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, United Kingdom
- *Correspondence: Abby Dunn,
| | - Clare Dixon
- Sussex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Hove, United Kingdom
| | - Abi Thomson
- Department of Psychology, University of Sussex, Falmer, United Kingdom
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15
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Daniels J, Rettie H. The Mental Health Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Second Wave on Shielders and Their Family Members. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19127333. [PMID: 35742580 PMCID: PMC9223363 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19127333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
In March 2020, individuals shielding from coronavirus reported high rates of distress. This study investigated whether fear of contamination (FoC) and use of government-recommended behaviours (GRB; e.g., handwashing and wearing masks) were associated with psychological distress during February 2021. An online cross-sectional questionnaire assessed psychological distress in three groups (shielding self, shielding other/s, and control), and those shielding others also completed an adapted measure of health anxiety (α = 0.94). The sample (N = 723) was predominantly female (84%) with a mean age of 41.72 (SD = 15.15). Those shielding (self) demonstrated significantly higher rates of health anxiety and FoC in comparison to other groups (p < 0.001). The use of GRB was significantly lower in controls (p < 0.001), with no significant difference between the two shielding groups (p = 0.753). Rates of anxiety were higher when compared to March 2020 findings, except for controls. Hierarchical regressions indicated FoC and GRB accounted for 24% of variance in generalised anxiety (p < 0.001) and 28% in health anxiety, however, the latter was a non-significant predictor in final models. Those shielding themselves and others during the pandemic have experienced sustained levels of distress; special consideration must be given to those indirectly affected. Psychological interventions should account for realistic FoC and the impact of government-recommended health behaviours, as these factors are associated with distress in vulnerable groups and may extend beyond the pandemic. Future research should focus on longitudinal designs to monitor and better understand the clinical needs of those shielding, and those shielding others post-pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jo Daniels
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK;
- North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
- Correspondence:
| | - Hannah Rettie
- Department of Psychology, University of Bath, Bath BA2 7AY, UK;
- North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol BS10 5NB, UK
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16
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Chapman L, Hutson R, Dunn A, Brown M, Savill E, Cartwright-Hatton S. The impact of treating parental anxiety on children's mental health: An empty systematic review. J Anxiety Disord 2022; 88:102557. [PMID: 35397376 DOI: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2022.102557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2021] [Revised: 03/11/2022] [Accepted: 03/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Children of anxious parents are at heightened risk of developing an anxiety disorder of their own, but promising research indicates that targeting parenting behaviours can reduce the risk of intergenerational transmission of anxiety. Given there is extensive evidence for the efficacy of treatments for adult anxiety, the current review sought to identify whether interventions solely addressing parental symptoms had any effect on the mental health and wellbeing of their children. Randomised Controlled Trials of psychological interventions targeting adults with a probable anxiety disorder and which included a child mental health or wellbeing outcome were eligible for inclusion. Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, PsychINFO, and PsychArticles were searched, and 2137 articles were systematically reviewed. However, no articles were identified that met the review criteria. Research into interventions targeting adult anxiety is failing to consider the potential benefit treatment may have on dependent children. This is a missed opportunity to evaluate a potential means of support for children who are known to be at risk of anxiety. Evaluation of psychological interventions for adult anxiety should consider including both adult and child mental health outcomes to determine potential preventative effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Chapman
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, United Kingdom.
| | - Rosie Hutson
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, United Kingdom
| | - Abby Dunn
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, United Kingdom
| | - Maddy Brown
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, United Kingdom
| | - Ella Savill
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, United Kingdom
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17
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Lawrence PJ, Harvey K, Williams C, Creswell C. Barriers and facilitators to targeted anxiety prevention programmes in families at risk: a qualitative interview study. Eur Child Adolesc Psychiatry 2022; 31:565-575. [PMID: 33346882 PMCID: PMC9034995 DOI: 10.1007/s00787-020-01703-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders are the most common psychiatric disorder in children and young people. They can be prevented in those at risk, but families do not always take up opportunities to participate in prevention programmes. This qualitative study aimed to understand what families with children who were at prospective risk of anxiety disorders perceived to be the barriers to access to targeted anxiety prevention programmes, and to explore what would help facilitate access. We used Information Power to determine our sample size, and individually interviewed seven young people (14-17 years) who had anxiety disorders and their mothers, each of whom had pre-natal anxiety disorders. We transcribed all interviews and thematically analyzed them to identify perceived barriers and facilitators to targeted anxiety prevention programmes. Perceived potential barriers to access included possible negative consequences of anxiety prevention, difficulties in identifying anxiety as a problem and concerns about how professions would respond to raising concerns about anxiety. Possible facilitators included promoting awareness of anxiety prevention programmes and involvement of schools in promotion and delivery of prevention. Our findings illustrate that implementation of targeted anxiety prevention could be improved through (i) the provision of tools for parents to recognize anxiety in their children as a problem, (ii) promotion of awareness, as well as delivery, of anxiety prevention via schools and (iii) the involvement of parents and possibly adolescents in the intervention programme, but not younger children.
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Affiliation(s)
- P J Lawrence
- School of Psychology, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
| | - K Harvey
- School of Psychology and Clinical Language Sciences, University of Reading, Reading, UK
| | - C Williams
- Department of Experimental Psychology , University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - C Creswell
- Department of Experimental Psychology , University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
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18
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Ginsburg GS, Yun-Tein J, Riddle MA. Preventing the Onset of Anxiety Disorders in Offspring of Anxious Parents: A Six-Year Follow-up. Child Psychiatry Hum Dev 2021; 52:751-760. [PMID: 33070244 PMCID: PMC8285043 DOI: 10.1007/s10578-020-01080-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
This study examined the effects of a family-based intervention Coping and Promoting Strength (CAPS) relative to a control condition, information-monitoring (IM), to prevent the onset of anxiety disorders in offspring of anxious parents six years after their initial assessment. One hundred thirty six families participated in the original randomized trial; 113 (83%) completed the one time follow-up assessment. Presence of anxiety disorders and severity of symptoms in offspring were assessed by masked evaluators using the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule; parents and offspring also completed questionnaires assessing offspring anxiety. Using the intention to treat sample from the original trial, Cox regression models showed significant intervention main effects in the rate of onset of anxiety disorders from baseline to follow-up (anxiety disorder: hazard ratio (HR) = 2.55, 95% CI: 1.54, 4.21) but growth curves suggest effects occurred within the first year after program completion. No group differences were found in the cumulative incidence of anxiety disorders at the six-year follow-up. Additional intervention appears needed to maintain the initial positive effects long-term to reduce the risk for downstream disability.Clinical Trials Registration: NCT00847561.
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19
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Vreeken-Ross SC, Cartwright-Hatton S, Harris SA, Hanna P, Jones CJ. Feasibility of an online CBT group intervention for parents of children with food allergy. Clin Exp Allergy 2021; 52:171-175. [PMID: 34143528 DOI: 10.1111/cea.13970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Stefanie C Vreeken-Ross
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | | | - Sally A Harris
- Royal Alexandra Children's Hospital, University Hospitals Sussex NHS Foundation Trust, Brighton, UK
| | - Paul Hanna
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Christina J Jones
- Faculty of Health & Medical Sciences, School of Psychology, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
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20
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Universal and Selective Interventions to Prevent Poor Mental Health Outcomes in Young People: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Harv Rev Psychiatry 2021; 29:196-215. [PMID: 33979106 DOI: 10.1097/hrp.0000000000000294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Much is not known about the efficacy of interventions to prevent poor mental health outcomes in young people by targeting either the general population (universal prevention) or asymptomatic individuals with high risk of developing a mental disorder (selective prevention). METHODS We conducted a PRISMA/MOOSE-compliant systematic review and meta-analysis of Web of Science to identify studies comparing post-test efficacy (effect size [ES]; Hedges' g) of universal or selective interventions for poor mental health outcomes versus control groups, in samples with mean age <35 years (PROSPERO: CRD42018102143). Measurements included random-effects models, I2 statistics, publication bias, meta-regression, sensitivity analyses, quality assessments, number needed to treat, and population impact number. RESULTS 295 articles (447,206 individuals; mean age = 15.4) appraising 17 poor mental health outcomes were included. Compared to control conditions, universal and selective interventions improved (in descending magnitude order) interpersonal violence, general psychological distress, alcohol use, anxiety features, affective symptoms, other emotional and behavioral problems, consequences of alcohol use, posttraumatic stress disorder features, conduct problems, tobacco use, externalizing behaviors, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder features, and cannabis use, but not eating-related problems, impaired functioning, internalizing behavior, or sleep-related problems. Psychoeducation had the highest effect size for ADHD features, affective symptoms, and interpersonal violence. Psychotherapy had the highest effect size for anxiety features. CONCLUSION Universal and selective preventive interventions for young individuals are feasible and can improve poor mental health outcomes.
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21
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Parental eating disorders: A systematic review of parenting attitudes, behaviours, and parent-child interactions. Clin Psychol Rev 2021; 88:102031. [PMID: 34246839 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpr.2021.102031] [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: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
A substantial proportion of adults with eating disorders are parents. Studies suggest these parents may experience a range of parenting challenges, and their children may be at an increased risk for the development of eating disorders themselves. With parenting practices being one potential environmental mechanism for the intergenerational transmission of eating disorders, we systematically searched Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, MEDLINE, PsychINFO, and PsychArticles for controlled studies in which parenting attitudes, behaviours, and parent-child interactions were examined for parents with and without probable eating disorders. 26,512 abstracts were screened, and 167 full-text manuscripts were retrieved, with 33 studies meeting the review inclusion criteria. Studies suggest that parents with eating disorders experience higher levels of parenting stress than control parents, and may on average be more intrusive, less sensitive, and provide less structuring/facilitation in non-feeding interactions with their children. These parents also appear, on average, to experience increased concern about their children's weight, and parent-child mealtime interactions may be problematic and characterised by high levels of conflict. Suggestions for future research are made with a view to enhancing understandings of the intergenerational transmission of eating disorders, which may lead to the identification of intervention targets for parents with eating disorders and their children.
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22
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Radley J, Sivarajah N, Moltrecht B, Klampe ML, Hudson F, Delahay R, Barlow J, Johns LC. A Scoping Review of Interventions Designed to Support Parents With Mental Illness That Would Be Appropriate for Parents With Psychosis. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:787166. [PMID: 35153857 PMCID: PMC8828543 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.787166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The experience of psychosis can present additional difficulties for parents, over and above the normal challenges of parenting. Although there is evidence about parenting interventions specifically targeted at parents with affective disorders, anxiety, and borderline personality disorder, there is currently limited evidence for parents with psychotic disorders. It is not yet known what, if any, interventions exist for this population, or what kinds of evaluations have been conducted. To address this, we conducted a scoping review to determine (1) what parenting interventions have been developed for parents with psychosis (either specifically for, or accessible by, this client group), (2) what components these interventions contain, and (3) what kinds of evaluations have been conducted. The eligibility criteria were broad; we included any report of an intervention for parents with a mental health diagnosis, in which parents with psychosis were eligible to take part, that had been published within the last 20 years. Two reviewers screened reports and extracted the data from the included reports. Thirty-eight studies of 34 interventions were included. The findings show that most interventions have been designed either for parents with any mental illness or parents with severe mental illness, and only two interventions were trialed with a group of parents with psychosis. After noting clusters of intervention components, five groups were formed focused on: (1) talking about parental mental illness, (2) improving parenting skills, (3) long-term tailored support for the whole family, (4) groups for parents with mental illness, and (5) family therapy. Twenty-three quantitative evaluations and 13 qualitative evaluations had been conducted but only eight interventions have or are being evaluated using a randomized controlled trial (RCT). More RCTs of these interventions are needed, in addition to further analysis of the components that are the most effective in changing outcomes for both the parent and their children, in order to support parents with psychosis and their families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Radley
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | | | - Bettina Moltrecht
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Marie-Louise Klampe
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Felicity Hudson
- School of Psychological Science, Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Rachel Delahay
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Jane Barlow
- Department of Social Policy and Intervention, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Louise C Johns
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom.,Oxford Health NHS Foundation Trust, Oxford, United Kingdom
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23
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O’Dea B, Han J, Batterham PJ, Achilles MR, Calear AL, Werner‐Seidler A, Parker B, Shand F, Christensen H. A randomised controlled trial of a relationship-focussed mobile phone application for improving adolescents' mental health. J Child Psychol Psychiatry 2020; 61:899-913. [PMID: 32683737 PMCID: PMC7496128 DOI: 10.1111/jcpp.13294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2019] [Revised: 05/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND This study evaluated the acceptability and effectiveness of a relationship-focussed mobile phone application (WeClick) for improving depressive symptoms and other mental health outcomes in adolescents. METHODS A randomised controlled trial involving 193 youth (M age: 14.82, SD: 0.94, 86.5% female) from Australia was conducted. Youth were recruited via the Internet and randomly allocated to the intervention or a 4-week wait list control condition, stratified for age and gender. The primary outcome was change in depressive symptom scores measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire for Adolescents (PHQ-A) at baseline, 4-week post-test and 12-week follow-up. Secondary outcomes included anxiety, psychological distress, wellbeing, help-seeking intentions for mental health, social self-efficacy and social support. Participants in the intervention condition received access to the intervention for four weeks. Thematic analysis was utilised to identify and examine acceptability. RESULTS The change in PHQ-A scores from baseline to 4-week post-test did not differ significantly (d = 0.26, p = .138) between the intervention (Mchange = -2.9, SD = 5.3) and wait list control conditions (Mchange = -1.7, SD = 4.3). However, significant between-group improvements were observed in wellbeing (d = 0.37, p = .023), help-seeking intentions (d = 0.36, p = .016) and professional help-seeking intentions for mental health problems (d = 0.36, p = .008). Increases in help-seeking intentions were sustained at follow-up in the intervention condition. No differential effects were found for generalised anxiety, separation anxiety, social self-efficacy or for any social support outcomes. Over 90% of participants indicated the app was enjoyable, interesting and easy to use. The app provided 'advice and direction' (n = 42; 46.15%), an 'opportunity for self-reflection' (n = 33; 36.3%) and 'normalised experiences' (n = 21; 23.1%). CONCLUSIONS The WeClick app was found to be effective for improving wellbeing and help-seeking intentions for mental health in adolescents. A larger, adequately powered trial is now required to establish differential effects on depressive symptoms. This trial was registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12618001982202.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridianne O’Dea
- Black Dog InstituteFaculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Jin Han
- Black Dog InstituteFaculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Philip J. Batterham
- Center for Mental Health ResearchResearch School of Population HealthThe Australian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
| | - Melinda R. Achilles
- Black Dog InstituteFaculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Alison L. Calear
- Center for Mental Health ResearchResearch School of Population HealthThe Australian National UniversityCanberraACTAustralia
| | - Aliza Werner‐Seidler
- Black Dog InstituteFaculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Belinda Parker
- Black Dog InstituteFaculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Fiona Shand
- Black Dog InstituteFaculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Helen Christensen
- Black Dog InstituteFaculty of MedicineUniversity of New South WalesSydneyNSWAustralia
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Maternal and paternal influences on childhood anxiety symptoms: A genetically sensitive comparison. JOURNAL OF APPLIED DEVELOPMENTAL PSYCHOLOGY 2020; 68. [PMID: 32704198 DOI: 10.1016/j.appdev.2020.101123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
This study tested the theory that anxious fathers pose a quantitatively different environmental influence on childhood anxiety than anxious mothers. The analysed sample contained 502 linked adoption units from the Early Growth and Development Study (EGDS), a longitudinal multisite study that follows 561 adopted children (57.2% boys) and their adoptive and birth parents, who were recruited through US adoption agencies. A Bayesian latent growth model predicted child anxiety symptoms between 18 months and 4.5 years from inherited (birth parent anxiety) and rearing parent anxiety. This model revealed little evidence for a difference in the influence of maternal and paternal rearing parent anxiety on child anxiety symptoms. Contrary to theoretical predictions, anxiety in the rearing father is likely to have an equivalent influence to that of the mother on both child anxiety symptoms at 18 months old and their developmental trajectory over the preschool years.
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Schleider JL, Dobias ML, Sung JY, Mullarkey MC. Future Directions in Single-Session Youth Mental Health Interventions. JOURNAL OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY : THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL FOR THE SOCIETY OF CLINICAL CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHOLOGY, AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION, DIVISION 53 2020; 49:264-278. [PMID: 31799863 PMCID: PMC7065925 DOI: 10.1080/15374416.2019.1683852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The United States spends more money on mental health services than any other country, yet access to effective psychological services remains strikingly low. The need-to-access gap is especially wide among children and adolescents, with up to 80% of youths with mental health needs going without services, and the remainder often receiving insufficient or untested care. Single-session interventions (SSIs) may offer a promising path toward improving accessibility, cost-effectiveness, and completion rates for youth mental health services. SSIs are structured programs that intentionally involve only one visit or encounter with a clinic, provider, or program; they may serve as stand-alone or adjunctive clinical services. A growing body of evidence supports the capacity of SSIs to reduce and prevent youth psychopathology of multiple types. Here, we provide a working definition of SSIs for use in future research and practice; summarize the literature to date on SSIs for child and adolescent mental health; and propose recommendations for the future design, evaluation, and implementation of SSIs across a variety of settings and contexts. We hope that this paper will serve as an actionable research agenda for gauging the full potential of SSIs as a force for youth mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jenna Y. Sung
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
| | - Michael C. Mullarkey
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY
- Department of Psychology, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX
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26
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Parental Demandingness and Executive Functioning in Predicting Anxiety among Children in a Longitudinal Community Study. J Youth Adolesc 2019; 49:299-310. [PMID: 31422499 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-019-01103-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/01/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Theoretical models and empirical studies of anxiety have predominately focused on the main effects of various predictors such as executive functioning deficits on anxiety. This study examined the moderating role of parental demandingness in the relationship between executive functioning deficits and anxiety in children. Ninety children (46.67% female) aged from 9 to 14 years completed several executive functioning tasks and a measure of anxiety. Parental demandingness was rated based on an observation of parent-child interactions. The children completed the anxiety measure again at one-year follow-up. The results showed that parental demandingness significantly moderated the prospective relationship between executive functioning deficits and anxiety, such that the association between executive functioning deficits and anxiety in children was weaker when parental demandingness was lower. These findings suggest that low parental demandingness may serve as a protective factor that buffers the detrimental effects of executive functioning deficits on anxiety.
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Ewing D, Pike A, Dash S, Hughes Z, Thompson EJ, Hazell C, Ang CM, Kucuk N, Laine A, Cartwright-Hatton S. Helping parents to help children overcome fear: The influence of a short video tutorial. BRITISH JOURNAL OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY 2019; 59:80-95. [PMID: 31390073 DOI: 10.1111/bjc.12233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Revised: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Anxiety runs in families, and its transmission is largely environmental. However, studies rarely explore this process in clinically anxious parents or ask participants to face a genuine fear. We also do not know whether this process is modifiable. This study will explore these questions using a sample of clinically anxious parents. DESIGN Experimental design comparing clinically anxious parents with non-anxious parents, and exploring the effects of a tutorial intervention versus a control group. METHODS Parents with and without anxiety disorders and their children (5-9 years) participated (N = 72). Children chose two fearful animal stimuli. Parents helped the child approach the first in graded steps. The following parental behaviours were recorded: positive/negative verbal information; positive/negative modelling; encouragement/praising of approach/avoidance behaviours. Half the parents were then randomly assigned to a short video tutorial advising how to help children cope with fearful situations. The remainder watched a control video. The approach task was repeated with the second stimulus. RESULTS Parenting behaviours fell into two categories: 'approach parenting' (encouraging/praising/modelling approach; positive verbal information) and 'avoidance parenting' (encouraging/praising/modelling avoidance; negative verbal information). The parenting tutorial increased 'approach parenting' and decreased 'avoidance parenting' and was associated with increased child approach towards fearful stimuli. This was not moderated by parent or child anxiety. CONCLUSIONS Parenting, particularly 'avoidance parenting', is associated with children's approach and avoidance. A short video tutorial modified these parenting behaviours and reduced avoidance. These effects were apparent regardless of parent or child anxiety level. PRACTITIONER POINTS Avoidance and approach parenting may influence children's response to fearful stimuli. Avoidance parenting may be more problematic than lack of approach parenting. Approach and avoidance parenting are amenable to manipulation by short video tutorial. Parenting improvement resulted in increased approach behaviour in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donna Ewing
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Alison Pike
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Suzanne Dash
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Zoe Hughes
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | | | - Cassie Hazell
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Chian Mei Ang
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Nesya Kucuk
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
| | - Amie Laine
- School of Psychology, University of Sussex, Brighton, UK
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