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Ports KA, Rostad WL, Coyne P, Dunning J, Gonzalez AE, Troy A. A Scoping Review to Identify Community- and Societal-Level Strategies Evaluated from 2013 to 2023 for Their Potential Impact on Child Well-Being in the United States. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2024; 11:1070. [PMID: 39334603 PMCID: PMC11430804 DOI: 10.3390/children11091070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024]
Abstract
There is increased recognition for solutions that address the social determinants of health (SDOHs)-the context in which families are raising children. Unfortunately, implementing solutions that address inequities in the SDOHs has proven to be difficult. Many child and family serving systems and communities do not know where to start or do not have the capacity to identify and implement upstream SDOH strategies. As such, we conducted a scoping review to assess the status of evidence connecting strategies that address the SDOHs and child well-being. A total of 29,079 records were identified using natural language processing with 341 records meeting inclusion criteria (e.g., outcomes focused on child well-being, interventions happening at a population level, and evaluations of prevention strategies in the United States). Records were coded, and the findings are presented by the SDOH domain, such as strategies that addressed economic stability (n = 94), education access and quality (n = 17), food security (n = 106), healthcare access and quality (n = 96), neighborhood and built environment (n = 7), and social and community context (n = 12). This review provides an overview of the associations between population-level SDOH strategies and the impact-good and bad-on child well-being and may be a useful resource for communities and practitioners when considering equitable solutions that promote thriving childhoods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katie A. Ports
- American Institutes for Research, 1400 Crystal Drive, 10th Floor, Arlington, VA 22202-3289, USA; (W.L.R.); (P.C.); (J.D.); (A.E.G.); (A.T.)
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Humphreys KL, Garon-Bissonnette J, Hill KE, Bailes LG, Barnett W, Hare MM. Caregiving relationships are a cornerstone of developmental psychopathology. Dev Psychopathol 2024:1-14. [PMID: 38389283 PMCID: PMC11341779 DOI: 10.1017/s0954579424000300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
The interdisciplinary field of developmental psychopathology has made great strides by including context into theoretical and empirical approaches to studying risk and resilience. Perhaps no context is more important to the developing child than their relationships with their caregivers (typically a child's parents), as caregivers are a key source of stimulation and nurturance to young children. Coupled with the high degree of brain plasticity in the earliest years of life, these caregiving relationships have an immense influence on shaping behavioral outcomes relevant to developmental psychopathology. In this article, we discuss three areas within caregiving relationships: (1) caregiver-child interactions in everyday, naturalistic settings; (2) caregivers' social cognitions about their child; and (3) caregivers' broader social and cultural context. For each area, we provide an overview of its significance to the field, identify existing knowledge gaps, and offer potential approaches for bridging these gaps to foster growth in the field. Lastly, given that one value of a scientific discipline is its ability to produce research useful in guiding real-world decisions related to policy and practice, we encourage developmental psychopathology to consider that a focus on caregiving, a modifiable target, supports this mission.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kaylin E. Hill
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Psychology and Human Development
| | - Lauren G. Bailes
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Psychology and Human Development
| | - Whitney Barnett
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Psychology and Human Development
| | - Megan M. Hare
- Vanderbilt University, Department of Psychology and Human Development
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Garon-Carrier G, Ansari A, Margolis R, Fitzpatrick C. Maternal Labor Force Participation During the Child's First Year and Later Separation Anxiety Symptoms. HEALTH EDUCATION & BEHAVIOR 2023; 50:792-801. [PMID: 37522632 PMCID: PMC10638856 DOI: 10.1177/10901981231188137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
Separation anxiety symptoms are frequent among preschool-aged children, but it is also a possible gateway for diagnosis of separation anxiety disorder. Early maternal employment after childbirth can increase the risk for the development of separation anxiety symptoms. From an economic perspective, however, securing employment is one effective strategy to ensure child well-being. This study investigated how mothers' participation in the labor force (vs. maternal leave) and the financial state of families when the child was 5 months old was prospectively associated with separation anxiety symptoms. This study is based on 1,295 Canadian families with children assessed longitudinally from 17 months to age 6 on their levels of separation anxiety. Separation anxiety was measured during face-to-face interviews with the mothers. Maternal labor force participation, financial status, and risk factors were measured at 5 months. Results adjusted for propensity scores and for sample weight revealed that children of working mothers, despite having sufficient income (n = 245, 18.9%), were at higher risk of separation anxiety during early childhood. In contrast, maternity leave was most beneficial for children's separation anxiety, whether they were in a family with sufficient income (n = 950, 73.4%) or temporary low income (n = 100, 7.7%). Children of mothers in maternity leave were at risk of heightened separation anxiety only if they experienced chronic economic hardship. Therefore, maternity leave uptake could help prevent the development of separation anxiety. Providing families with opportunity to care for the baby as their main occupation during this sensitive developmental period could help improve children's mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Arya Ansari
- The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Caroline Fitzpatrick
- Université de Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, Quebec, Canada
- University of Johannesburg, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Arnautovic TI, Dammann CEL. The neonatal perspective of paid family medical leave (PFML). J Perinatol 2023; 43:1055-1058. [PMID: 35132148 DOI: 10.1038/s41372-021-01300-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 12/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Paid family medical leave (PFML) offers infants, parents, and society at large numerous health and economic benefits. It has been shown to improve neonatal and maternal outcomes, breastfeeding rates, familial relationships, and decrease gender inequalities in the workplace. Though the economic feasibility of PFML has been well established in many countries, the USA lacks a cohesive and comprehensive federal PFML policy. Neonatal healthcare providers play a critical role in impacting neonatal health and should actively advocate for the development and promotion of a federal PFML policy, particularly one that is inclusive of both mothers and fathers and is at least 12 weeks in duration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamara I Arnautovic
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Tufts Children's Hospital, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Christiane E L Dammann
- Division of Newborn Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Tufts Children's Hospital, Tufts University School of Medicine, Boston, MA, USA
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Wilkinson CL, Pierce LJ, Sideridis G, Wade M, Nelson CA. Associations between EEG trajectories, family income, and cognitive abilities over the first two years of life. Dev Cogn Neurosci 2023; 61:101260. [PMID: 37262938 PMCID: PMC10245106 DOI: 10.1016/j.dcn.2023.101260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We sought to characterize developmental trajectories of EEG spectral power over the first 2 years after birth and examine whether family income or maternal education alter those trajectories. We analyzed EEGs (n = 161 infants, 534 EEGs) collected longitudinally between 2 and 24 months of age, and calculated frontal absolute power across 7 canonical frequency bands. For each frequency band, a piecewise growth curve model was fit, resulting in an estimated intercept and two slope parameters from 2 to 9 months and 9-24 months of age. Across 6/7 frequency bands, absolute power significantly increased over age, with steeper slopes in the 2-9 month period compared to 9-24 months. Increased family income, but not maternal education, was associated with higher intercept (2-3 month power) across delta-gamma bands (p range = 0.002-0.04), and reduced change in power between 2 and 9 months of age in lower frequency bands (delta-alpha, p range = 0.01-0.02). There was no significant effect of income on slope between 9 and 24 months. EEG intercept and slope measures did not mediate relationships between income and 24-month verbal and nonverbal development. These results add to growing literature concerning the role of socioeconomic factors in shaping brain trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carol L Wilkinson
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Lara J Pierce
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Georgios Sideridis
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mark Wade
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Applied Psychology and Human Development, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Charles A Nelson
- Division of Developmental Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Harvard Graduate School of Education, Cambridge, MA 02138, USA
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Leigh JS, Smith DK, Blight BA, Lloyd GO, McTernan CT, Draper ER. Listening to fathers in STEM. Nat Rev Chem 2023; 7:67-68. [PMID: 37117912 DOI: 10.1038/s41570-022-00459-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer S Leigh
- School of Social Policy and Social Science Research, University of Kent, Canterbury, UK
| | - David K Smith
- Department of Chemistry, University of York, York, UK
| | - Barry A Blight
- Department of Chemistry, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, Canada
| | | | - Charlie T McTernan
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
- Department of Chemistry, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Emily R Draper
- School of Chemistry, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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Bullinger LR, Klika B, Feely M, Ford D, Merrick M, Raissian K, Rostad W, Schneider W. Paid Family Leave: An Upstream Intervention to Prevent Family Violence. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2023; 39:1-11. [PMID: 36685754 PMCID: PMC9843119 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-022-00486-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Family violence imposes tremendous costs on victims and society. Rarely are policies focused on the primary prevention of family violence. Given the prevalence of family violence-including child maltreatment and intimate partner violence (IPV)-during the perinatal period, policies targeting this vulnerable time period may be successful in primary prevention. Paid family leave (PFL) programs provide income-replacement during particularly stressful family events, such as the birth of a child. Method In this commentary, we describe the conceptual links between PFL, child maltreatment, and IPV, suggesting that PFL may be a promising strategy for the primary prevention of child maltreatment and IPV. Results There is emerging evidence that policies targeting the early years of life may reduce child maltreatment and IPV. Conclusion Addressing the concrete and economic challenges faced by caregivers is one promising strategy for the prevention of family violence.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Bart Klika
- Prevent Child Abuse America, Chicago, IL USA
| | | | - Derek Ford
- University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA USA
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Brito NH, Werchan D, Brandes-Aitken A, Yoshikawa H, Greaves A, Zhang M. Paid maternal leave is associated with infant brain function at 3 months of age. Child Dev 2022; 93:1030-1043. [PMID: 35373346 PMCID: PMC9892990 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
The first months of life are critical for establishing neural connections relevant for social and cognitive development. Yet, the United States lacks a national policy of paid family leave during this important period of brain development. This study examined associations between paid leave and infant electroencephalography (EEG) at 3 months in a sociodemographically diverse sample of families from New York City (N = 80; 53 males; 48% Latine; data collection occurred 05/2018-12/2019). Variable-centered regression results indicate that paid leave status was related to differences in EEG power (ps < .02, R2 s > .12). Convergent results from person-centered latent profile analyses demonstrate that mothers with paid leave were 7.39 times as likely to have infants with EEG profiles characterized by increased higher-Hz power (95% CI, 1.9-36.9), potentially reflecting more mature patterns of brain activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalie H. Brito
- Department of Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Denise Werchan
- Department of Population Health, NYU Langone Health, New York, New York, USA
| | | | - Hirokazu Yoshikawa
- Department of Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ashley Greaves
- Department of Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
| | - Maggie Zhang
- Department of Applied Psychology, New York University, New York, New York, USA
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Fibla L, Kosie JE, Kircher R, Lew-Williams C, Byers-Heinlein K. Bilingual Language Development in Infancy: What Can We Do to Support Bilingual Families? POLICY INSIGHTS FROM THE BEHAVIORAL AND BRAIN SCIENCES 2022; 9:35-43. [PMID: 35224184 PMCID: PMC8866745 DOI: 10.1177/23727322211069312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Many infants and children around the world grow up exposed to two or more languages. Their success in learning each of their languages is a direct consequence of the quantity and quality of their everyday language experience, including at home, in daycare and preschools, and in the broader community context. Here, we discuss how research on early language learning can inform policies that promote successful bilingual development across the varied contexts in which infants and children live and learn. Throughout our discussions, we highlight that each individual child's experience is unique. In fact, it seems that there are as many ways to grow up bilingual as there are bilingual children. To promote successful bilingual development, we need policies that acknowledge this variability and support frequent exposure to high-quality experience in each of a child's languages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laia Fibla
- Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | - Ruth Kircher
- Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning
Fryske Akademy, Leeuwarden, the Netherlands
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Abstract
Germany is currently the third country with more Catalan residents mainly characterized as families with children born in Germany but raised with Catalan as heritage language (HL). Only few studies have investigated Catalan as an HL in Germany. Our study tries to fill this gap with spontaneous recordings of 16 bilingual and trilingual children (mean age 5;7). In terms of language competence (measured via MLU), balanced bilingualism is present in most children (44%), followed by those showing a dominance into German (38%). Interestingly, regarding language use (measured in w/minute), both balanced and Catalan dominants were fluent in both L1s similarly, while the German dominant group mostly prefer German. Moreover, the parents filled in a questionnaire on current and cumulative input from which some factors were examined such as family language policies (FLP), child’s language choice to the Catalan-speaking parent, Catalan skills of the non-native parent, family language and frequency of comprehension and production activities. In a nutshell, the results show that FLP and HL as FL or no FL seem to have an impact in the child’s grammatical development in the very early years, as opposed to family language. Children mostly direct their speech in the HL when talking to the Catalan-speaking parent.
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