1
|
Stepanous J, Munford L, Qualter P, Nees F, Elliott R. Longitudinal Associations between Peer and Family Relationships, Emotional Symptoms, and Regional Brain Volume across Adolescence. J Youth Adolesc 2023; 52:734-753. [PMID: 36807228 PMCID: PMC9957881 DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01740-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
The period of adolescence brings with it a dynamic interaction between social context and behaviour, structural brain development, and anxiety and depressive symptoms. The rate of volumetric change in the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) and amygdala have been implicated in socioemotional development in adolescence; typically, there is thinning of grey matter volume (GMV) in the vmPFC and growth in the amygdala during this time. The directionality of the associations between social, emotional, and neuroanatomical factors has yet to be untangled, such as the degree to which social variables impact regional brain development, and vice versa. To add, the differences between sexes are still up for debate. In this study, longitudinal associations between peer problems, family support, socioeconomic stress, emotional symptoms, amygdala volume, and vmPFC GMV were investigated for both sexes using latent change score models. Data from a multi-site European study at baseline (mean (SD) age = 14.40 (0.38) years; % female = 53.19) and follow-up 2 (mean (SD) age = 18.90 (0.69) years, % female = 53.19) were used. Results revealed that peer problems did not predict emotional symptoms, rather they changed together over time. For males only, there was positive correlated change between vmPFC GMV, peer problems and emotional symptoms, indicating that slower vmPFC GMV thinning was associated with poorer social and emotional functioning. Additionally, greater family support at age 14 years was associated with slower growth of amygdala volume between ages 14 and 19 years for males; previous research has related slower amygdala growth to resilience to mental health disorders. The findings have extended understanding of mutual social, emotional and brain development, and avenues to protect mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Stepanous
- Department of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK.
| | - Luke Munford
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
| | - Frauke Nees
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Square J5, 68159, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Square J5, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Rebecca Elliott
- Department of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Skandsen A, Sand L, Teicher MH, Heradstveit O, Bøe T. Exposure to potentially traumatic events and PTSD symptomatology in Norwegian 11-13-year-olds: results from the Bergen Child Study. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:32. [PMID: 36870995 PMCID: PMC9985863 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00578-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to potentially traumatic experiences (PTEs) is common among children and adolescents, but relatively little is known about the epidemiology of trauma and trauma-related psychopathology in children and youth. The present cross- sectional epidemiological study aimed to explore factors that is associated with posttraumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) in children. METHOD Data stem from the Bergen Child Study, a series of cross-sectional multi-phase surveys of children born between 1993 and 1995 in Bergen, Norway. The sample used is from the second wave of the Bergen Child Study (BCS) conducted in 2006, a two-phase study. The study entailed a detailed psychiatric evaluation using the Development and well-being assessment (DAWBA). The DAWBA was administered to parents or caregivers and covered diagnostic areas, child and family background, and child strengths. A total of 2043 parents participated. RESULTS Out of the total sample, parents reported that 4.8% children had experienced PTEs at some point in their lives. The findings revealed current PTSS in 30.9% of children exposed to PTE, which was 1.5% of the total sample. None of the parents reported PTSS in their children over the threshold for diagnosing posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The most common PTSS cluster was arousal reactivity (90.0%), followed by negative cognitions and mood (80%). The least frequent symptom cluster was intrusions (63.3%) and avoidance (60%). Children with PTSS were reported to live in families with significantly more family stressors (p = 0.001, d = 0.8) and had utilized significantly more sources for help relative to those without PTSS (p = 0.001, d = 0.75). CONCLUSION The present population study on children revealed a lower prevalence rate of PTEs and PTSD than previous studies. It provided findings in the field of trauma on parent- reported PTSS and PTSD symptom clusters not restricted to the clinical level of PTSD. Lastly, it highlighted how family-life stressors and support differed between those who had PTSS and those with no PTSS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Annika Skandsen
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway. .,Stavanger University Hospital, Gerd Ragna Bloch Thorsens Gate 25, Stavanger, Norway.
| | - Liv Sand
- Stavanger University Hospital, Gerd Ragna Bloch Thorsens Gate 25, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Martin H Teicher
- Department of Psychiatry, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.,Developmental Biopsychiatry Research Program, McLean Hospital, Belmont, MA, USA
| | - Ove Heradstveit
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway.,Alcohol & Drug Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Tormod Bøe
- Department of Psychosocial Science, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Bergen, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Stepanous J, Munford L, Qualter P, Banaschewski T, Nees F, Elliott R. Social environment and brain structure in adolescent mental health: A cross-sectional structural equation modelling study using IMAGEN data. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0280062. [PMID: 36603003 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0280062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Adolescent mental health is impacted by a myriad of factors, including the developing brain, socioeconomic conditions and changing social relationships. Studies to date have neglected investigating those factors simultaneously, despite evidence of their interacting effects and distinct profiles for males and females. The current study addressed that gap by applying structural equation modelling to IMAGEN data from adolescents aged 14 years (n = 1950). A multi-group model split by sex was tested with the variables of socioeconomic stress, family support, peer problems, and brain structure as predictors, and emotional symptoms as the main outcome. Findings indicated that, for both sexes, peer problems were positively associated with emotional symptoms, and socioeconomic stress was negatively associated with family support. Additionally, there were sex-specific findings within the full models: ventromedial prefrontal cortex grey matter volume was negatively associated with emotional symptoms for males when corrected for whole brain volume, and socioeconomic stress was negatively associated with whole brain volume for females. This study underscores the importance of the peer environment for early adolescent emotional symptoms in both boys and girls, but goes further to suggest distinct gender associations with socioeconomic factors and brain structure which provides a multi-level view of risk and resilience. Future research could exploit existing IMAGEN longitudinal data to strengthen causal claims and to determine the potential longstanding impact of social environment and brain development on adolescent mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessica Stepanous
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Luke Munford
- Division of Population Health, Health Services Research & Primary Care, University of Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Pamela Qualter
- Manchester Institute of Education, University of Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - Tobias Banaschewski
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Frauke Nees
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Cognitive and Clinical Neuroscience, Central Institute of Mental Health, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Medical Psychology and Medical Sociology, University Medical Center Schleswig Holstein, Kiel University, Kiel, Germany
| | - Rebecca Elliott
- Division of Psychology and Mental Health, University of Manchester, Manchester, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Bellina M, Grazioli S, Garzitto M, Mauri M, Rosi E, Molteni M, Brambilla P, Nobile M. Relationship between parenting measures and parents and child psychopathological symptoms: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2020; 20:377. [PMID: 32680486 PMCID: PMC7367317 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-020-02778-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2019] [Accepted: 07/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Increasing evidence suggests a complex role of family influences, such as the exposure to parent psychopathology through parenting behavior, in parent-to-child psychopathology transmission. Parenting behaviour could represent a relevant target of psychoeducative intervention. Given these premises, we aimed to evaluate homotypic and heterotypic relationships between parent and child psychopathology, mediated by parenting behaviours, taking into account the constructs of parent and offspring internalizing and externalizing psychopathology. METHODS Internalizing and externalizing symptoms in 272 clinically-referred subjects (mean age = 14.5 ± 2.3; F = 23.5%) and their parents (mothers n = 272, fathers n = 242) were assessed through the Child Behavior Checklist and the Adult Self Report; four areas of parenting behaviours were investigated through the Family Life Questionnaire. Multiple mediation models were built, considering mother and father psychopathology scales as independent variables, parenting measures and family functioning as mediators (Affirmation, Rules, Discipline and Special Allowances), child psychopathology scales as dependent variables and demographic variables as covariates. RESULTS Regression models showed a significant effect of maternal internalizing symptomatology on child externalizing behavioral problems; high levels of maternal pathology predicted high levels of children's psychopathology. A total mediating effect of parenting measures was found: high levels of internalizing symptoms in mothers predicted low levels of affirmation, which in turn predicted high levels of externalizing psychopathology in children. CONCLUSIONS Our study results confirmed the existence of interdependent links between mothers' psychiatric symptomatology, parenting behaviour and offspring outcomes, specifically in an Italian context. On a clinical and rehabilitation basis, this work offers suggestions about parenting practices, specifically maternal, involved in the maintenance of child psychopathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Monica Bellina
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Developmental Psychopathology Unit, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Silvia Grazioli
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Developmental Psychopathology Unit, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Marco Garzitto
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, San Vito al Tagliamento, Pordenone, Italy
| | - Maddalena Mauri
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Developmental Psychopathology Unit, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Eleonora Rosi
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Developmental Psychopathology Unit, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Massimo Molteni
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Developmental Psychopathology Unit, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| | - Paolo Brambilla
- Department of Neurosciences and Mental Health, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Maria Nobile
- Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Developmental Psychopathology Unit, Bosisio Parini, Lecco, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Waters L, Loton DJ, Grace D, Jacques-Hamilton R, Zyphur MJ. Observing Change Over Time in Strength-Based Parenting and Subjective Wellbeing for Pre-teens and Teens. Front Psychol 2019; 10:2273. [PMID: 31649593 PMCID: PMC6795758 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2018] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
The focus of this study was on adolescent mental health. More specifically, the relationship between strength-based parenting (SBP) and subjective wellbeing (SWB) during adolescence was examined at three time points over 14 months (N = 202, M age = 12.97, SD age = 0.91, 48% female). SBP was positively related to life satisfaction and positive affect at each of the three time points, and was negatively related to negative affect. SBP and SWB both declined significantly over time. When examining the causal relationships between SBP and SWB, two different statistical models were applied: latent growth-curve models (LGM) and random-intercept cross-lagged panel models (RI-CLPM). The LGM revealed a strong positive relationship between changes in SBP and SWB. Specifically, this model showed that SBP at one time point predicted adolescent SWB at future time points. However, when the more stringent statistical test was completed through RI-CLPMs, no cross-lagged paths reached significance. Thus, while parenting is a significant predictor of wellbeing for pre-teens and teens in real time, it is not predictive of wellbeing at future time points. Parents, thus, cannot assume that their current levels of SBP are 'banked' by their children to support future wellbeing. Instead, SBP needs to be an ongoing, contemporary parenting practice. Furthermore, the fact that perceptions of SBP decline in this age bracket suggest that SBP interventions may be helpful in supporting adolescent mental health.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lea Waters
- Centre for Positive Psychology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Daniel J. Loton
- Centre for Positive Psychology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Dawson Grace
- Centre for Positive Psychology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Michael J. Zyphur
- Centre for Positive Psychology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Management and Marketing, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Halvorsen M, Mathiassen B, Myrbakk E, Brøndbo PH, Sætrum A, Steinsvik OO, Martinussen M. Neurodevelopmental correlates of behavioural and emotional problems in a neuropaediatric sample. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2019; 85:217-228. [PMID: 30580152 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2018.11.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Most research does not address the overlap between neurodevelopmental disorders when investigating concomitant mental health problems. The purpose of the present study was to examine the association of intellectual disability (ID), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) with the presence of behavioural and emotional problems after controlling for other well-known correlates and risk factors. The sample included 4- to 18-year-old children who attended neuropaediatric clinics (N = 331). After controlling for adversity, age, gender, other developmental/neurological disorders, parental emotional problems, and parenting strategies, the presence of ADHD but not ASD or ID was uniquely associated with behaviour problems. Neither ADHD nor ASD nor ID was significantly associated with emotional problems after controlling for other risk factors. However, ADHD, ASD and behavioural/emotional disorders but not ID were significantly associated with functional impairment in everyday activities after controlling for other risk factors. Because children with neurodevelopmental disorders have complex needs, a holistic approach to diagnosis and interventions is highly warranted, including the assessment and treatment of behavioural and emotional disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marianne Halvorsen
- Department of Paediatric Rehabilitation, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Børge Mathiassen
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | | | - Per Håkan Brøndbo
- RKBU-Nord, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Ane Sætrum
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Oddmar Ole Steinsvik
- Department of Paediatric Rehabilitation, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Monica Martinussen
- RKBU-Nord, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Bøe T, Sivertsen B, Heiervang E, Goodman R, Lundervold AJ, Hysing M. Socioeconomic Status and Child Mental Health: The Role of Parental Emotional Well-Being and Parenting Practices. JOURNAL OF ABNORMAL CHILD PSYCHOLOGY 2013; 42:705-15. [PMID: 24150864 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-013-9818-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 120] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
|
8
|
Lang IA, Marlow R, Goodman R, Meltzer H, Ford T. Influence of problematic child-teacher relationships on future psychiatric disorder: population survey with 3-year follow-up. Br J Psychiatry 2013; 202:336-41. [PMID: 23637109 DOI: 10.1192/bjp.bp.112.120741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Teacher-pupil relationships have been found to mediate behavioural, social and psychological outcomes for children at different ages according to teacher and child report, but most studies have been small. AIMS To explore later psychiatric disorder among children with problematic teacher-pupil relationships. METHOD Secondary analysis of a population-based cross-sectional survey of children aged 5-16 with a 3-year follow-up. RESULTS Of the 3799 primary-school pupils assessed, 2.5% of parents reported problematic teacher-pupil relationships; for secondary-school pupils (n = 3817) this rose to 6.6%. Among secondary-school pupils, even when children with psychiatric disorder at baseline were excluded and we adjusted for baseline psychopathology score, problematic teacher-pupil relationships were statistically significantly related to higher levels of psychiatric disorder at 3-year follow-up (odds ratio (OR) = 1.93, 95% CI 1.07-3.51 for any psychiatric disorder, OR = 3.00, 95% CI 1.37-6.58 for conduct disorder). Results for primary-school pupils were similar but non-significant at this level of adjustment. CONCLUSIONS This study underlines the need to support teachers and schools to develop positive relationships with their pupils.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iain A Lang
- University of Exeter Medical School, Exeter, UK
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|