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Gautschi J, Lätsch D. The effectiveness of interventions to prevent and reduce child maltreatment in high-income countries: An umbrella review. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2024; 153:106845. [PMID: 38761720 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2024.106845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Revised: 04/24/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent decades, many interventions targeting the occurrence (primary prevention) or the recurrence (secondary prevention) of child abuse and neglect have been tested. Findings have been synthesized in several meta-analyses and systematic reviews. However, the range of interventions addressed in these studies is very broad, and an integrative assessment of this large spectrum is lacking. OBJECTIVE Focusing on high-income countries, we ask (i) what is known about the effectiveness of interventions to prevent or reduce child abuse and neglect and (ii) how robust this evidence is. METHODS A systematic review of systematic reviews, called an umbrella review, was conducted. Ten databases on OvidSP and Web of Science were searched up until April 2023. Narrative synthesis was used to document the publications' findings. RESULTS 44 publications were included in the umbrella review. We did not find that any type of intervention had a clear, consistent, and robust track record of preventing or reducing the occurrence of child abuse and neglect. Rather, publications examining the effectiveness of interventions in all areas frequently reported non-existent, small or inconsistent effects. However, positive effects for particular interventions in specific settings did emerge. Research methodologies showed several and often severe problems. CONCLUSIONS We suggest several measures to improve the quality of research and call on practitioners to be persistent in developing more effective interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Gautschi
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW, School of Social Work, Institute of Childhood, Youth, and Family, Pfingstweidstrasse 96, CH-8037 Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - David Lätsch
- Zurich University of Applied Sciences ZHAW, School of Social Work, Institute of Childhood, Youth, and Family, Pfingstweidstrasse 96, CH-8037 Zürich, Switzerland.
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Lowery DF, Novak JR, McWey LM, Ketring SA. A test of the dyadic associations between ineffective arguing, emotional distress, and violence perpetration and victimization among couples seeking therapy. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2023; 49:762-780. [PMID: 37343060 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12654] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023]
Abstract
Researchers have tested associations between ineffective arguing and emotional distress among couples without relationship violence. Moreover, studies have demonstrated associations between physical violence perpetration and victimization in the aftermath of emotional distress. However, there is a paucity of research examining linkages between ineffective arguing, emotional distress, and physical violence perpetration or victimization. Dyadic data from 231 married, heterosexual couples seeking therapy were used to test a model examining pathways between ineffective arguing and physical violence perpetration and victimization through emotional distress. The hypothesized model was compared to two plausible alternative models. Results revealed higher levels of men's ineffective arguing were positively associated with men's physical violence perpetration, both directly and indirectly, through higher levels of emotional distress. Higher levels of men's ineffective arguing were associated with lower men's physical violence perpetration through higher levels of women's emotional distress. Results can inform the clinical treatment of interpersonal violence by targeting ineffective arguing and emotional distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dylann F Lowery
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Josh R Novak
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
| | - Lenore M McWey
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, Florida, USA
| | - Scott A Ketring
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Auburn University, Auburn, Alabama, USA
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Tutty LM. “Looking Back, the Programs Kept Me Alive”: Women’s Impressions of Counseling for Intimate Partner Violence. WOMEN & THERAPY 2023. [DOI: 10.1080/02703149.2023.2167309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Tao H, Zeng X, Hou M, Chen S, Shen J, Liao X, Zou C. Association of adverse childhood experiences and depression among medical students: the role of family functioning and insomnia. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1134631. [PMID: 37205075 PMCID: PMC10185847 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1134631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Few studies have explored the mechanisms linking adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to depression in medical students. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ACEs and depression through the serial mediation effect of family functioning and insomnia. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 368 medical students from university in Chengdu in 2021. The participants were asked to complete four self-report questionnaires, including ACEs scale, the family APGAR index, the ISI and PHQ-9. Singe and serial mediation analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling by Mplus 8.3. Results ACEs had a significant direct effect on depression (β = 0.438, p < 0.001) and through three significantly indirect pathways: (1) through family functioning (β = 0.026, 95% CI: 0.007-0.060), accounting for 5.9% of the total effect; (2) through insomnia (β = 0.103, 95% CI: 0.011-0.187), accounting for 23.5% of the total effect; and (3) through the serial mediators involving in family functioning and insomnia (β = 0.038, 95% CI: 0.015-0.078), accounting for 8.7% of the total effect. The total indirect effect was 38.1%. Limitations This cross-sectional study prevented us from establishing causality. Conclusion This study highlights the role of family functioning and insomnia as serial mediators of the relationship between ACEs and depression. Findings help to elucidate the mechanism that underlines the pathway between ACEs and depression in medical students. These findings may indicate developing measures to strengthen family functioning and improve insomnia aiming to reduce depression in medical students with ACEs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxia Tao
- School of Medical and Life Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- The Department of General Practice, Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Zeng
- The Department of General Practice, Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Mutian Hou
- Psychological Research and Counseling Center, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Shanping Chen
- The Department of Geriatric Medicine, Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Shen
- The Department of General Practice, Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyang Liao
- General Practice Medical Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoyang Liao, ; Chuan Zou,
| | - Chuan Zou
- The Department of General Practice, Chengdu Fifth People’s Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Xiaoyang Liao, ; Chuan Zou,
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Lebow J, Snyder DK. Couple therapy in the 2020s: Current status and emerging developments. FAMILY PROCESS 2022; 61:1359-1385. [PMID: 36175119 PMCID: PMC10087549 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This paper provides a critical analysis and synthesis of the current status and emerging developments in contemporary couple therapy. Its narrative centers on the evolution of couple therapy into a prominent intervention modality and coherent body of practice. The review begins with the consideration of the field's strong empirical underpinnings derived from research on couple therapy and basic relational science. Couple therapy comprises the widely accepted method for reducing relationship distress and enhancing relationship quality. Moreover, both as a stand-alone intervention and in conjunction with other treatment formats, couple-based interventions have garnered considerable empirical support for their effectiveness in addressing a broad spectrum of specific relational dysfunctions as well as individual emotional and physical health problems. We highlight the convergence of methods through common factors, shared strategies, and remarkably similar arrangements across approaches. Our review also points to key differences among approaches, the importance of recognizing respective strengths and limitations linked to these differences, and building on differences across models when selecting and tailoring interventions for a given couple. The discussion concludes with a consideration of recent trends in the field including the impact of telehealth and related digital technologies, the expansion of specific treatments for specific problems and diverse populations, the interface of couple therapy with relationship education, and enduring challenges as well as new opportunities addressing broader systemic and global dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Lebow
- Family Institute of NorthwesternNorthwestern UniversityEvanstonIllinoisUSA
| | - Douglas K. Snyder
- Department of Psychological and Brain SciencesTexas A&M UniversityCollege StationTexasUSA
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Wathen CN, Mantler T. Trauma- and Violence-Informed Care: Orienting Intimate Partner Violence Interventions to Equity. CURR EPIDEMIOL REP 2022; 9:233-244. [PMID: 36212738 PMCID: PMC9527731 DOI: 10.1007/s40471-022-00307-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Purposeof Review Intimate partner violence (IPV) is a complex traumatic experience that often co-occurs, or is causally linked, with other forms of structural violence and oppression. However, few IPV interventions integrate this social-ecological perspective. We examine trauma- and violence-informed care (TVIC) in the context of existing IPV interventions as an explicitly equity-oriented approach to IPV prevention and response. Recent Findings Systematic reviews of IPV interventions along the public health prevention spectrum show mixed findings, with those with a theoretically grounded, structural approach that integrates a trauma lens more likely to show benefit. Summary TVIC, embedded in survivor-centered protocols with an explicit theory of change, is emerging as an equity-promoting approach underpinning IPV intervention. Explicit attention to structural violence and the complexity of IPV, systems and sites of intervention, and survivors' diverse and intersectional lived experiences has significant potential to transform policy and practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- C. Nadine Wathen
- Arthur Labatt Family School of Nursing, Western University, FIMS & Nursing Building, Room 2307, London, ON N6A 5B9 Canada
| | - Tara Mantler
- School of Health Studies, Western University, London, Canada
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Zhang H, Han T, Ma S, Qu G, Zhao T, Ding X, Sun L, Qin Q, Chen M, Sun Y. Association of child maltreatment and bullying victimization among Chinese adolescents: The mediating role of family function, resilience, and anxiety. J Affect Disord 2022; 299:12-21. [PMID: 34822918 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.11.053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Among adolescents, child maltreatment is linked to being bullied at school. Nevertheless, little is known about the mediating mechanisms underlying this association. Therefore, our research aimed to explore and evaluate the potential mediators of the relationship between child maltreatment and bullying victimization among Chinese adolescents. METHODS From October to December 2020, a population-based cross-sectional survey was conducted among 6247 adolescents (3401 males, 2846 females) in Anhui Province, China. The subjects of the survey were elementary and middle school students from grades 4 to 9. The data were collected through self-report questionnaires. Pearson correlation and linear regression were used to examine the relationships among child maltreatment, bullying victimization, family function, resilience, and anxiety. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was employed to conduct mediation analyses. RESULTS The results indicated that child maltreatment positively predicted the later bullying victimization of adolescents. Resilience and anxiety were each shown to separately mediate this relationship. Moreover, the sequential mediating effects of family function, resilience, and anxiety also mediated the predictive effect of child maltreatment on bullying victimization. CONCLUSIONS Resilience and anxiety were both shown to be important independent mediators for the relationship between child maltreatment and bullying victimization. Furthermore, the combined mediating effects of family function, resilience, and anxiety were also of great significance. These findings provide additional evidence that family and individual factors are critical to understanding bullying victimization. Effective prevention and intervention strategies for school bullying should target family and individual vulnerabilities in adolescents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huimei Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Tiantian Han
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Shaodi Ma
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Guangbo Qu
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Tianming Zhao
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Xiuxiu Ding
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Liang Sun
- Fuyang Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 19, Zhongnan Avenue, Fuyang 236000, Anhui, China
| | - Qirong Qin
- Ma'anshan Center for Disease Control and Prevention, No. 849, Jiangdong Avenue, Ma'anshan 243000, Anhui, China
| | - Mingchun Chen
- Changfeng Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Changxin Road, Changfeng 231100, Anhui, China
| | - Yehuan Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Health Statistics, School of Public Health, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China; Center for Evidence-Based Practice, Anhui Medical University, No. 81 Meishan Road, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
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Wittenborn AK, Holtrop K. Introduction to the special issue on the efficacy and effectiveness of couple and family interventions: Evidence base update 2010-2019. JOURNAL OF MARITAL AND FAMILY THERAPY 2022; 48:5-22. [PMID: 34904252 DOI: 10.1111/jmft.12576] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2021] [Revised: 11/16/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
This is the fourth Journal of Marital and Family Therapy (JMFT) special issue on the efficacy and effectiveness of couple and family therapy. Articles in this issue review studies published from 2010 to 2019 on couple and family interventions for prevalent mental and behavioral disorders and health conditions. The final article on mental health disparities tracks progress in the field and emphasizes the need for additional attention. In the current article, we provide a description of our methodological approach for the special issue and an overview of the state of the evidence for couple and family interventions across the conditions reviewed. We also offer recommendations to inspire researchers to further expand the empirical support for couple and family interventions to address pressing public health needs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea K Wittenborn
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
- Division of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, Michigan State University, Grand Rapids, Michigan, USA
| | - Kendal Holtrop
- Department of Human Development and Family Studies, Michigan State University, East Lansing, Michigan, USA
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