1
|
Chami JM, Pooley JA. Widowed Young: The Role of Stressors and Protective Factors for Resilience in Coping with Spousal Loss. OMEGA-JOURNAL OF DEATH AND DYING 2023; 88:477-504. [PMID: 34541943 DOI: 10.1177/00302228211047088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
While distressing, late life spousal loss is considered a normative life event and most demonstrate resilient recovery from grief. However, for 5-7% of the population spousal loss comes early, before the age of 50, and little is known about the factors that influence adjustment in this population. We used the DPM integrative framework to examine correlates and predictors of mental wellbeing and grief intensity in an international sample of 603 young widows and widowers. Contrary to existing bereavement research, loss-orientated stressors (e.g., expectedness and cause of death) did not predict bereavement outcomes. Employment and financial wellbeing were the only statistically significant restoration-orientated stressors associated with coping, mental wellbeing and grief intensity. We found no significant associations between parental status and coping or bereavement outcomes. Loss-orientated coping, followed by inter and intrapersonal protective factors for resilience and financial wellbeing were the greatest predictors of grief intensity. Loss-orientated coping was highest in early bereavement, the greatest predictor of grief intensity and associated with being unemployed, financial insecurity and decreased protective factors for resilience. Restoration-orientated coping was highest in later bereavement, was a weak predictor of grief intensity and associated with being employed, increased financial wellbeing and protective factors for resilience. Overall, we found the young-widowed population is at heightened risk of poor adjustment. Almost two-thirds reported decreased functioning, probable depression with high rates of psychological distress. Nearly half met diagnostic criteria for prolonged grief disorder. We discuss implications for research and clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jane Marie Chami
- Department of Psychology and Social Science, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| | - Julie Ann Pooley
- Department of Psychology and Social Science, Edith Cowan University, Perth, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Verhallen AM, Alonso‐Martínez S, Renken RJ, Marsman JC, ter Horst GJ. Depressive symptom trajectory following romantic relationship breakup and effects of rumination, neuroticism and cognitive control. Stress Health 2022; 38:653-665. [PMID: 34921589 PMCID: PMC9786723 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 11/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Studying individuals who recently experienced a romantic reltionship breakup allows us to investigate mood disturbances in otherwise healthy individuals. In our study, we aimed to identify distinct depressive symptom trajectories following breakup and investigate whether these trajectories relate to personality traits and cognitive control. Subjects (n = 87) filled out questionnaires (RRS-NL-EXT trait rumination and NEO-FFI neuroticism) and performed cognitive tasks (trail making test, Stroop task) during a period of 30 weeks. To identify distinct depressive symptom trajectories ('trajectory groups'), we performed K-means clustering on the consecutive (assessed every 2 weeks) Major Depression Inventory scores. This resulted in four trajectory groups; 'resilience', 'fast recovery', 'slow recovery' and 'chronic distress'. The 'slow recovery group' and the 'chronic distress group' were found to have higher neuroticism and trait rumination levels compared to the 'resilience group', and the 'chronic distress group' also had higher neuroticism levels than the 'fast recovery group'. Moreover, the 'chronic distress group' showed worse overall trail making test performance than the 'resilience group'. Taken together, our findings show that distinct patterns of depressive symptom severity can be observed following breakup and that personality traits and cognitive flexibility seem to play a role in these depressive symptom patterns.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anne M. Verhallen
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & SystemsUniversity of GroningenUniversity Medical Centre GroningenCognitive Neuroscience CenterGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Sonsoles Alonso‐Martínez
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & SystemsUniversity of GroningenUniversity Medical Centre GroningenCognitive Neuroscience CenterGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Remco J. Renken
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & SystemsUniversity of GroningenUniversity Medical Centre GroningenCognitive Neuroscience CenterGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Jan‐Bernard C. Marsman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & SystemsUniversity of GroningenUniversity Medical Centre GroningenCognitive Neuroscience CenterGroningenThe Netherlands
| | - Gert J. ter Horst
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells & SystemsUniversity of GroningenUniversity Medical Centre GroningenCognitive Neuroscience CenterGroningenThe Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Weber DM, Wojda AK, Carrino EA, Baucom DH. Love in the time of COVID-19: A brief report on relationship and individual functioning among committed couples in the United States while under shelter-in-place orders. FAMILY PROCESS 2021; 60:1381-1388. [PMID: 34315187 PMCID: PMC8444826 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2020] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic in the United States has changed many aspects of people's daily life, including increased time at home in response to shelter-in-place orders, heightened stress about health effects of COVID-19, and shifts in other domains of life (e.g., employment). These lifestyle changes are likely to impact the well-being of individuals and their romantic relationships. This investigation examined how COVID-19 influenced couple and individual well-being in real-time during the early phase of the pandemic. Data were collected in early May 2020 during shelter-in-place orders in the United States. Participants in committed relationships (n = 332) completed an online survey assessing their experiences currently and before the pandemic. Results suggested that while couple functioning overall maintained or even improved, individual well-being was more negatively impacted by the pandemic. Moreover, some groups who are at higher risk of a poor health outcome from COVID-19 or experience unique challenges as a result of COVID-19 reported worse outcomes (e.g., those whose employment changed) while others did not decline in their psychological and couple functioning (e.g., Black individuals and older individuals). These findings suggest that the pandemic has had varied impacts on couples and individuals, as well as across different virus-related risk factors. Further research is needed to understand the nuanced effects of this pandemic on couples and individuals across time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danielle M. Weber
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | | | - Emily A. Carrino
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| | - Donald H. Baucom
- University of North Carolina at Chapel HillChapel HillNorth CarolinaUSA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Foster K, Mitchell R, Van C, Young A, McCloughen A, Curtis K. Resilient, recovering, distressed: A longitudinal qualitative study of parent psychosocial trajectories following child critical injury. Injury 2019; 50:1605-1611. [PMID: 31101410 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2019.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2019] [Revised: 04/02/2019] [Accepted: 05/04/2019] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The psychological distress and risk of mental health problems for parents of children with critical injury is well-established. There has been little exploration, however, of parent experiences and psychosocial trajectories over time following child critical injury. To address this knowledge gap, a longitudinal qualitative study was conducted to explore parent experiences and support needs and identify parent psychosocial trajectories in the 12 months following child critical injury. METHODS Semi- structured in-depth interviews were conducted with 27 parents at three time points over a 12 month period: the immediate hospital period post-child injury, and 6 and 12 months following injury, resulting in a total of 81 interviews. Data were analysed using a longitudinal within and across-case thematic analysis of patterns emerging over time. FINDINGS Three parent trajectory patterns were identified: resilient trajectory where parents were temporarily disrupted by the child's injury and hospitalisation, but recovered their mental and emotional wellbeing quickly, which was maintained over time; recovering trajectory where parents were initially disrupted at the time of injury but their mental and emotional wellbeing fluctuated over time and had not been fully restored by 12 months; and distressed trajectory where parents experienced significant psychosocial disruption due to their child's injury and struggled to adapt and regain their wellbeing over time, remaining emotionally distressed about the circumstances and impacts of the injury on their child and family. Illustrative narratives that represent each trajectory are presented. CONCLUSIONS This is the first qualitative study to report the psychosocial trajectories of parents of critically injured children. Clinical application of insights provided by these trajectories can assist clinicians to use targeted strategies to help strengthen parental adaptation and prevent adverse mental health outcomes, and address families' psychosocial support needs following child injury. Screening for parent psychological distress and post-traumatic stress disorder is needed from the time of the child's admission, and a dedicated trauma support role can facilitate an integrated care approach for children and families with complex needs across the care continuum.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kim Foster
- Australian Catholic University, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Paramedicine, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia; Northwestern Mental Health, Melbourne Health, Grattan Street, Parkville, Victoria, 3050, Australia; Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sydney Nursing School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Sydney, 88 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia.
| | - Rebecca Mitchell
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Level 6, 75 Talavera Road, Macquarie University, NSW, 2109, Australia
| | - Connie Van
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sydney Nursing School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Sydney, 88 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Alexandra Young
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sydney Nursing School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Sydney, 88 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Andrea McCloughen
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sydney Nursing School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Sydney, 88 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia
| | - Kate Curtis
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sydney Nursing School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Sydney, 88 Mallett Street, Camperdown, NSW, 2006, Australia; Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong Hospital, Loftus Street, Wollongong, NSW, 2500, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Building 32, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong, NSW, 2522, Australia; The George Institute for Global Health, Level 5, 1 King Street, Newtown, NSW, 2042, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Foster K, Mitchell R, Young A, Van C, Curtis K. Resilience-promoting factors for parents of severely injured children during the acute hospitalisation period: A qualitative inquiry. Injury 2019; 50:1075-1081. [PMID: 30573290 DOI: 10.1016/j.injury.2018.12.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2018] [Revised: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 12/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Paediatric injury impacts the entire family. Many parents experience stress and anxiety following paediatric injury, but little is known about factors that support parents' wellbeing and how they successfully manage the adversity of child injury during acute hospitalisation. AIM To explore parent experiences and resilience-promoting factors that facilitate the wellbeing of parents with severely injured children during the acute hospitalisation period. METHODS A qualitative inquiry conducted across four major Australian paediatric trauma services. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of 40 parents of 30 severely injured children aged 0-12 years during the acute post-injury hospitalisation period. Interviews explored parents' experiences and how parents had managed the stress of their child's injury during the acute hospitalisation period. Data were analysed using directed content analysis. RESULTS Parents identified a range of individual characteristics and resources, and those of their children and families, communities, and the hospital environment, which facilitated their wellbeing during the initial post-injury period. Three themes were derived from analysis: Drawing on inner strengths; Having positive and supportive relationships; Being in a safe place with the right help. CONCLUSION Resilience-promoting factors for parents of injured children can be used to inform development of brief online intervention modules to enhance parent resilience. Routine screening and targeted psychological first aid for parental distress are recommended.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kim Foster
- Australian Catholic University, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Paramedicine, 115 Victoria Parade, Fitzroy, Victoria, 3065, Australia; Northwestern Mental Health, Melbourne Health, Grattan Street, Parkville, Victoria, 3050, Australia.
| | - Rebecca Mitchell
- Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Level 6, 75 Talavera Road, Macquarie University NSW 2109, Australia
| | - Alexandra Young
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sydney Nursing School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Sydney, 88 Mallett Street, Camperdown NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Connie Van
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sydney Nursing School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Sydney, 88 Mallett Street, Camperdown NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Kate Curtis
- Susan Wakil School of Nursing and Midwifery, Sydney Nursing School, Faculty of Health and Medicine, The University of Sydney, 88 Mallett Street, Camperdown NSW 2006, Australia; Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Macquarie University, Level 6, 75 Talavera Road, Macquarie University NSW 2109, Australia; Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District, Wollongong Hospital, Loftus Street, Wollongong NSW 2500, Australia; Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, Building 32, University of Wollongong, Northfields Avenue, Wollongong NSW 2522, Australia; The George Institute for Global Health, Level 5, 1 King Street, Newtown NSW 2042, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Lenferink LIM, de Keijser J, Piersma E, Boelen PA. I've changed, but I'm not less happy: Interview study among nonclinical relatives of long-term missing persons. DEATH STUDIES 2018; 42:346-355. [PMID: 28665191 DOI: 10.1080/07481187.2017.1347213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Twenty-three nonclinical relatives of long-term missing persons were interviewed. Patterns of functioning over time were studied retrospectively by instructing participants to draw a graph that best described their pattern. Patterns most frequently drawn were a recovery and resilient/stable pattern. Participants were also asked to select 5 out of 15 cards referring to coping strategies, which they considered most helpful in dealing with the disappearance. Acceptance, emotional social support, mental disengagement, and venting emotions were most frequently chosen. This study provided some indication of coping strategies that could be strengthened in treatment for those in need of support.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lonneke I M Lenferink
- a Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences , University of Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
- b Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences , Utrecht University , Utrecht , The Netherlands
| | - Jos de Keijser
- a Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences , University of Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Eline Piersma
- a Department of Clinical Psychology and Experimental Psychopathology, Faculty of Behavioral and Social Sciences , University of Groningen , Groningen , The Netherlands
| | - Paul A Boelen
- b Department of Clinical Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences , Utrecht University , Utrecht , The Netherlands
- c Arq Psychotrauma Expert Group , Diemen , The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Juengst SB, Adams LM, Bogner JA, Arenth PM, O’Neil-Pirozzi TM, Dreer LE, Hart T, Bergquist TF, Bombardier CH, Dijkers MP, Wagner AK. Trajectories of life satisfaction after traumatic brain injury: Influence of life roles, age, cognitive disability, and depressive symptoms. Rehabil Psychol 2015; 60:353-364. [PMID: 26618215 PMCID: PMC4667543 DOI: 10.1037/rep0000056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES (a) Identify life satisfaction trajectories after moderate to severe traumatic brain injury (TBI); (b) establish a predictive model for these trajectories across the first 5 years postinjury; and (c) describe differences in these life satisfaction trajectory groups, focusing on age, depressive symptoms, disability, and participation in specific life roles. RESEARCH METHOD Analysis of the longitudinal TBI Model Systems National Database was performed on data collected prospectively at 1-, 2-, and 5-years post-TBI. Participants (n = 3,012) had a moderate to severe TBI and were 16 years old and older. RESULTS Four life satisfaction trajectories were identified across the first 5 years postinjury, including: stable satisfaction, initial satisfaction declining, initial dissatisfaction improving, and stable dissatisfaction. Age, depressive symptoms, cognitive disability, and life role participation as a worker, leisure participant, and/ or religious participant at 1-year postinjury significantly predicted trajectory group membership. Life role participation and depressive symptoms were strong predictors of life satisfaction trajectories across the first 5 years post-TBI. CONCLUSIONS The previously documented loss of life roles and prevalence of depression after a moderate to severe TBI make this a vulnerable population for whom low or declining life satisfaction is a particularly high risk. Examining individual life role participation may help to identify relevant foci for community-based rehabilitation interventions or supports.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shannon B. Juengst
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Leah M. Adams
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | | | - Patricia M. Arenth
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Therese M. O’Neil-Pirozzi
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA and Department of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, Northeastern University, Boston, MA
| | | | - Tessa Hart
- Moss Rehabilitation Research Institute, Elkins Park, PA
| | | | - Charles H. Bombardier
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA
| | - Marcel P. Dijkers
- Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York, NY
| | - Amy K. Wagner
- Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, Pittsburgh, PA
- Center for Neuroscience, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA and Safar Center for Resuscitation Research, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Mancini AD, Sinan B, Bonanno GA. Predictors of Prolonged Grief, Resilience, and Recovery Among Bereaved Spouses. J Clin Psychol 2015; 71:1245-58. [PMID: 26394308 DOI: 10.1002/jclp.22224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Most reactions to loss can be characterized by three prototypical trajectories of resilience, gradual recovery, and chronic distress (Bonanno, ). However, research on the factors that uniquely predict these trajectories of response has been limited. We examined theoretically relevant predictors of each of the trajectory patterns. METHOD We assessed 115 bereaved spouses at 1.5 to 3 years postloss and 74 married controls. To identify grief trajectory, we provided bereaved participants with a graphical depiction of the trajectories and asked them to select the one that best described their experience. RESULTS Group comparisons revealed substantial differences between resilient and prolonged grievers, and almost no differences between resilient and married controls. Multivariate analyses indicated that prolonged grief, when compared to resilience, was uniquely associated with maladaptive dependency traits, difficulty accessing positive memories of the deceased, and higher recalled marital adjustment. CONCLUSION The present results extend our understanding of factors associated with distinct trajectories of adjustment after loss.
Collapse
|
9
|
Hart R, Lancaster SL. Initial validation of self-reported trajectories in military veterans. JOURNAL OF LOSS & TRAUMA 2015. [DOI: 10.1080/15325024.2015.1067104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
|