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Vladislav EO, Marc G, Paica CI, Pop O. Family resilience in a social-ecological context - emotional difficulties and coping strategies. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1421745. [PMID: 39011286 PMCID: PMC11247023 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1421745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction This research explored how crises such as the pandemic influence the family dynamic and the way that the parents and the children face new difficulties and challenges. The present study investigates children's and young people's emotional states, the dimensions of family resilience, and the types of coping strategies and parents' emotional states during the coronavirus pandemic. The final sample for the research was represented by 1,010 parents from Romania. Methods The present scientific research is a transversal study with the scope to understand the emotional difficulties that parents and children/ young people face and the coping strategies that they adopt in a crisis, such as the time of the coronavirus pandemic. Results Parents with maladaptive coping strategies are more affected by the pandemic. Also, the results indicate that there is a significant correlation between parental coping strategies and the children's emotional states, and the adaptability level. Therefore, the high scores on the subscales which measure maladaptive coping indicate high scores of the levels of depression, anxiety, and stress of the parents. Family resilience, through the dimension of 'communication and problem-solving in the family' has a moderation role in the relationship between parental depression and the maladaptive coping strategy of rumination. Family resilience through 'maintaining a positive attitude' has a moderation role in the relationship between catastrophizing and the teenagers' level of adaptability. Discussion The results of the study pointed out the role and place of family resilience within the family system and how a period of crisis can affect this system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Otilia Vladislav
- Department of Applied Psychology & Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Gabriela Marc
- Department of Applied Psychology & Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Corina-Ioana Paica
- Department of Applied Psychology & Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ovidiu Pop
- Department of Applied Psychology & Psychotherapy, Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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Pietras L, Wiessner C, Briken P, Štulhofer A. Closeness Discrepancies and Relationship Quality in German Partnered Women and Men. JOURNAL OF SEX & MARITAL THERAPY 2024:1-16. [PMID: 38881400 DOI: 10.1080/0092623x.2024.2360980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
The construct of inclusion of other in the self has been established as one of the most influential measures for relationship closeness in romantic relationships. It is regularly associated with relational well-being, sexual satisfaction, as well as mental health. However, the degree of closeness one desires in the present relationship is person-specific and can differ from the closeness one actually experiences. Exploring these discrepancies, the present study focused on the association between not enough closeness and too much closeness and relationship characteristics, parenting, and extradyadic sexual activity. Data from a population-based sample of 3,161 men and women from the German Health and Sexuality Survey were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Our results confirm closeness discrepancies as prevalent relationship phenomena, while identifying feelings of not enough closeness as much more problematic for the relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Pietras
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Wiessner
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
- Institute for Medical Biometry and Epidemiology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Peer Briken
- Institute for Sex Research, Sexual Medicine and Forensic Psychiatry, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Aleksandar Štulhofer
- Department of Sociology, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, University of Zagreb, Zagreb, Croatia
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Penner F, Bunderson M, Bartz C, Brooker RJ, Rutherford HJV. Emotion regulation strategies and perceived stress during pregnancy in expectant mothers and fathers. J Reprod Infant Psychol 2024; 42:410-423. [PMID: 35949103 PMCID: PMC9911557 DOI: 10.1080/02646838.2022.2110224] [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] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 10/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Stress during pregnancy can increase physical and mental health risks in parents and offspring. Emotion regulation (ER) may protect against prenatal stress; however, ER is understudied in expectant parents, particularly expectant fathers. This study aimed to evaluate associations between ER strategies (reappraisal, suppression, ratio of suppression-to-reappraisal) and perceived stress among expectant parents, and also test whether expectant mothers and fathers differed in ER strategy use and perceived stress levels. METHODS N = 83 expectant parents (62.7% mothers) in the third trimester completed measures assessing perceived stress,reappraisal, and suppression. ANCOVA, hierarchical regression, and multilevel models were used to evaluate associations between ER strategies and perceived stress, and test for sex differences. RESULTS Controlling for age and education, lower reappraisal and higher suppression were associated with higher perceived stress; in addition, higher suppression-to-reappraisal ratios were associated with greater perceived stress. Mothers and fathers did not differ in perceived stress, reappraisal, or suppression; however, suppression-to-reappraisal ratios significantly differed. CONCLUSION Increasing ER skills such as reappraisal while reducing suppression may be beneficial for decreasing stress in expectant parents. Expectant fathers report similar levels of perceived stress to mothers and would benefit from prenatal mental health screening and intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Madison Bunderson
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine
- Graduate School of Education, Stanford University
| | - Cody Bartz
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale University School of Medicine
- School of Public Affairs, American University
| | - Rebecca J Brooker
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, Texas A&M University
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Seipp V, Hagelweide K, Stark R, Weigelt S, Christiansen H, Kieser M, Otto K, Reck C, Steinmayr R, Wirthwein L, Zietlow A, Schwenck C. Parenting stress in parents with and without a mental illness and its relationship to psychopathology in children: a multimodal examination. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1353088. [PMID: 38374978 PMCID: PMC10875068 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1353088] [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: 12/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective Children of parents with a mental illness are at heightened risk to develop a mental illness themselves due to genetics and environmental factors. Although parenting stress (PS) is known to be associated with increased psychopathology in parents and children, there is no study investigating PS multimodally in a sample of parents with a mental illness. This study aims to compare PS of parents with and without a mental illness and further to examine the relationship between PS and psychopathology of children. Methods Participants were parents with a mental illness and parents without a mental illness and their children aged four to sixteen years. We assessed PS multimodally using a questionnaire, parents' evaluation of children's behavior (relational schemas) and psychophysiological arousal of parents during free speech task. Results Self-reported PS was increased, and evaluation of children's behavior was more negative and less positive in parents with a mental illness compared to parents without a mental illness. Children's psychopathology was associated with self-reported PS and relational schemas of parents. Regarding psychophysiological arousal, parents with a mental illness showed reduced reactivity in heart rate from baseline to free speech task in comparison to parents without a mental illness. Conclusions Our findings highlight the importance of implementing intervention programs to reduce PS for parents and children. In particular, parents with a mental illness might benefit from specific intervention programs in order to interrupt the transgenerational transmission of mental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Seipp
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Klara Hagelweide
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Rudolf Stark
- Department of Psychotherapy and Systems Neuroscience, Justus-Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
| | - Sarah Weigelt
- Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Hanna Christiansen
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Meinhard Kieser
- Institute of Medical Biometry, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Kathleen Otto
- Department of Work and Organizational Psychology, Philipps-University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Corinna Reck
- Department of Psychology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Ricarda Steinmayr
- Department of Psychology, Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Linda Wirthwein
- Department of Psychology, Technical University Dortmund, Dortmund, Germany
| | - Anna–Lena Zietlow
- Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Department of Psychology, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christina Schwenck
- Department of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, Justus Liebig University Giessen, Giessen, Germany
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Anand P, Patil RS, Puri P, Patil S. The Psychosocial Effects of Lockdown Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic on Children in 2021. Cureus 2024; 16:e53614. [PMID: 38449990 PMCID: PMC10916525 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.53614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives The COVID-19 pandemic led to a nationwide lockdown that isolated numerous children and adolescents, significantly affecting their mental well-being. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the challenges faced by children during the pandemic and identify the potential contributing factors. Additionally, given the existing concerns surrounding the mental health of female children and adolescents, our study aimed to investigate the presence of sex-based disparities in children's observed emotional and behavioral difficulties during the COVID-19 lockdown. Methods Participants in this study were parents of children aged 6-17 years. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted through verbal administration of a validated semi-structured questionnaire, the Parent Report Measure, from June 2021 to August 2021 at a nearby community health center. The questionnaire collected socio-demographic details and utilized the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), a screening tool to assess children's emotional and behavioral aspects during the six-month lockdown period. The responses were then analyzed using appropriate statistical tools like SPSS statistics, and cumulative SDQ scores were used to categorize participants. Results Out of the total 280 responses analyzed, the prosocial subscale exhibited the highest number of abnormal responses, 73 (26.1%), followed by conduct (42; 15%), hyperactivity (41; 14.6%), and peer (41; 14.6%) subscales. These results indicated that children displayed decreased empathy towards others, restlessness, fidgetiness, reduced attention span, frequent tantrums, and a preference for solitary activities. Furthermore, there was a significant association between abnormal subscale scores and the sex of children. Females showed a considerably higher prevalence of emotional problems (172; 61.5%) than males. Among the behavioral responses, a more significant proportion of females displayed abnormal scores in the conduct subscale (170; 60.7%), while abnormal hyperactivity scores were more frequently observed among males (178; 63.4%). Regarding the peer problems subscale, the proportion of females was slightly higher than males (150; 53.7%) and nearly equal in the prosocial domain. A more significant proportion of females displayed abnormal scores for overall difficulties 144 (51.5%), indicating a notable sex-based disparity. Conclusion Our findings highlight the pandemic's significant impact on many children's psychological well-being. The results emphasize the need for targeted interventions to address the mental health concerns that arose in this population. The observed disparity in emotional and behavioral difficulties among female children is particularly concerning, highlighting the need for gender-sensitive support and care. Various strategies can be helpful, such as virtual support groups, indoor recreational activities, reduced screen time and excessive news consumption, and effective communication with parents. Furthermore, our study also indicates the need to dive deep into such areas of pediatric research to understand and plan timely interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puneet Anand
- Pediatrics, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, Elmhurst Hospital Center, New York City, USA
| | - Rutuja S Patil
- Medicine, Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College Pune, Pune, IND
| | - Piyush Puri
- Internal Medicine, Adesh Institute of Medical Science and Research, Bathinda, IND
| | - Sanjivani Patil
- Community Medicine, Bharati Vidyapeeth Medical College, Pune, IND
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Senn M, Stadelmann C, Forster F, Nussbeck FW, Bodenmann G. Parental stress mediates the effects of parental risk factors on dysfunctional parenting in first-time parents: A dyadic longitudinal study. JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND PERSONAL RELATIONSHIPS 2023; 40:4335-4358. [PMID: 38058532 PMCID: PMC10695745 DOI: 10.1177/02654075231165340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/08/2023]
Abstract
Both parental psychological well-being (e.g., depressive symptoms) and parental relationship functioning (e.g., negative communication) are common parental risk factors for dysfunctional parenting. The spillover process from these parental characteristics to dysfunctional parenting is assumed to be amplified by parental stress, which is particularly common among mothers and fathers of young children. However, few studies have examined dyadic spillover processes from parental risk factors and parental stress on parenting in early childhood. In the current study, we first examined direct actor and partner effects of parents' depressive symptoms and negative communication at 10 months postpartum on dysfunctional parenting at 48 months postpartum in 168 primiparous mixed-gender couples. Second, we analyzed indirect effects via one's own and the partner's parental stress at 36 months postpartum using Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Models (APIMeM). We found direct actor effects for mothers' depressive symptoms and negative communication on their dysfunctional parenting. Additionally, indirect actor effects were found for depressive symptoms and negative communication among mothers and fathers. Specifically, mediating effects of depressive symptoms and negative communication on one's dysfunctional parenting through one's parental stress were found. There were no indirect partner effects through parental stress. These findings highlight the important role of parental stress in early childhood as a mediator between both individual and relationship parental risk factors and dysfunctional parenting. These results further underscore the importance of longitudinal dyadic analyses in providing early and tailored interventions for both mothers and fathers of young children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mirjam Senn
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | | | - Fabienne Forster
- Gynaeco-Psychiatry, Cantonal Psychiatric Clinic, St. Gallen, Switzerland
| | | | - Guy Bodenmann
- Department of Psychology, University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
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Rambod M, Pasyar N, Mazarei Z, Soltanian M. The predictive roles of parental stress and intolerance of uncertainty on psychological well-being of parents with a newborn in neonatal intensive care unit: a hierarchical linear regression analysis. BMC Pediatr 2023; 23:607. [PMID: 38037025 PMCID: PMC10691133 DOI: 10.1186/s12887-023-04420-4] [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: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hospitalization of newborns in neonatal intensive care units (NICU) exposes parents to considerable stress. This study aimed to determine the predictive role of parental stress and intolerance of uncertainty on the psychological well-being of parents with a newborn in NICU using hierarchical linear regression analysis. METHODS This cross-sectional study included 130 parents of newborns hospitalized in the NICU. Data were collected using Parental Stress Scale, Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale, and Psychological Wellbeing Scale. The data were analyzed in SPSS v.26 using hierarchical linear regression analysis. RESULTS The mean scores of the parents' psychological well-being, parental stress, and intolerance of uncertainty were 79.08 (SD = 11.70), 63.06 (SD = 26.71), and 75.38 (SD = 19.40), respectively. The result of the hierarchical linear regression analysis revealed that, in step 1, academic education had a significant proportion of the variance of parents' psychological well-being (β = 0.26, P = 0.005). In step 2, it was shown that academic education (β=-0.25, P = 0.006) and parental stress (β=-0.25, P = 0.006) had a significant proportion of the variance of parents' psychological well-being. According to step 2, education levels, parental stress, and intolerance of uncertainty explained 22% of the changes in parents' psychological well-being. CONCLUSION There was a significant association between the parents' psychological well-being and education levels, intolerance of uncertainty, and parental stress. Academic education and parental stress were the predictors of parents' psychological well-being. Based on these findings, early detection of parents' education and stress are important for their psychological well-being.
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Affiliation(s)
- Masoume Rambod
- Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, Nursing and Midwifery School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Nilofar Pasyar
- Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, Nursing and Midwifery School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
| | - Zeinab Mazarei
- Student Research Committee of Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mitra Soltanian
- Community Based Psychiatric Care Research Center, Nursing and Midwifery School, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Gissandaner TD, Stearns MA, Sarver DE, Walker B, Ford H. Understanding the Impact of Insufficient Sleep in Children with Behavior Problems on Caregiver Stress: Results from a U.S. National Study. Clin Child Psychol Psychiatry 2023; 28:1550-1564. [PMID: 36781225 PMCID: PMC10423297 DOI: 10.1177/13591045231156342] [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] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Research indicates strong connections between child ADHD, child ODD/CD, and sleep. Children experiencing these concerns also have caregivers who report feeling more stress. However, no studies have examined how child ADHD and ODD/CD interact together and with insufficient sleep to potentially exacerbate caregiver stress. Data were acquired from the 2018/2019 National Survey of Children's Health, a nationally representative survey of parents or caregivers conducted across the United States (U.S.). The current study used data for children 6-17 years old with a final analytic sample size of 41,541, representing a total of 47,357,862 U.S. youth. Overall child ADHD and ODD/CD were each uniquely associated with increased caregiver stress, while adequate child sleep duration was related to decreased caregiver stress. However, these findings were qualified by a significant two-way interaction that revealed that caregiver stress among children with comorbid ADHD and ODD/CD was not significantly greater than that of children with ODD/CD alone. Significant interactions between sleep and ODD/CD on caregiver stress were generally not observed, except potentially in females with ADHD. Our findings underscore the importance of considering strategies to reduce both youth symptoms and caregiver stress simultaneously. Additionally, ensuring adequate sleep for all children is recommended.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tre D Gissandaner
- New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | | | - Hannah Ford
- University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS, USA
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Romare Strandh M, Hovén E, Sörensdotter R, Stålberg K, Enebrink P, Ljungman L, Wikman A. The Complexity of Being a Parent in the Hospital and a Patient at Home: A Qualitative Study on Parenting Concerns and Challenges Among Parents With Cancer. Cancer Nurs 2023:00002820-990000000-00168. [PMID: 37731179 DOI: 10.1097/ncc.0000000000001276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents given a diagnosis of cancer must balance the demands of their illness and caregiving responsibilities. This can result in parental stress and have a negative impact on the well-being of the whole family. A greater understanding of the experiences of parents with cancer is necessary to provide adequate support. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to explore parenting concerns and challenges among parents with cancer who were caring for dependent children younger than 18 years. METHODS Semistructured interviews were carried out with 22 parents with cancer. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and analyzed using thematic analysis. RESULTS Parental concerns and challenges affected parents in their parental role and their everyday family life. Three overarching themes described the struggles in balancing life as a parent and as a patient: navigating dual roles as a parent with cancer, impact of cancer on parenting, and impact on family life. Parents' primary focus was on their children's well-being, and they struggled to manage their own expectations of parenting and the demands on their role in the family. CONCLUSION The results highlight the complexity of being a parent with cancer while caring for dependent children. To support parents during the cancer journey, it is important to understand the consequences of their illness on their parental role and the family. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Supporting parents to feel secure in their parental role and providing support to them during their cancer journey should be integrated into routine cancer care, where parenting concerns and challenges are addressed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Romare Strandh
- Author Affiliations: Department of Women's and Children's Health (Ms Romare Strandh, and Drs Hovén, Stålberg, Ljungman, and Wikman), Centre for Women's Mental Health during the Reproductive Lifespan (WOMHER) (Ms Romare Strandh and Dr Wikman), and Centre for Gender Research (Dr Sörensdotter), Uppsala University; and Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet (Dr Enebrink), Stockholm, Sweden
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Hughes PM, Graaf G, deJong NA, Thomas KC. Emotional Support Among Parents of Children With Adverse Childhood Experiences. J Pediatr Health Care 2023; 37:557-565. [PMID: 37245128 PMCID: PMC10524602 DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2023.05.003] [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: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION We assess the association between a child's exposure to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and the parent's current experiences of emotional support. METHOD This study used pooled cross-sectional data from the National Survey of Children's Health (N = 129,988). Emotional support for the parent was classified by the presence (any emotional support, no emotional support) and type (any formal support or only informal support). All models were adjusted for relevant predisposing, enabling, and need factors. RESULTS Having two or more ACEs was associated with a higher probability of any emotional support (average marginal effect = 0.017; 95% confidence interval = 0.002-0.032) and a higher probability of formal support (average marginal effect = 0.049; 95% confidence interval = 0.028-0.069). Several individual ACEs were associated with the presence and type of emotional support. DISCUSSION Parents of children with higher ACEs are likelier to have emotional support, especially formal support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip M. Hughes
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy
- Division of Research, UNC Health Sciences at MAHEC, Asheville, NC
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Genevive Graaf
- School of Social Work, University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, TX
| | - Neal A. deJong
- Department of Pediatrics, University of North Carolina School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC
| | - Kathleen C. Thomas
- Division of Pharmaceutical Outcomes and Policy, University of North Carolina Eshelman School of Pharmacy
- Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC
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Scandurra C, Mezzalira S, Aviani S, Lastra V, Bochicchio V, Zapparella R, Saccone G, Maldonato NM, Locci M. Perinatal depression during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in a single prenatal clinic in Southern Italy: The role of loneliness, anxiety, and maternal support. JOURNAL OF AFFECTIVE DISORDERS REPORTS 2023; 13:100585. [PMID: 37152681 PMCID: PMC10141786 DOI: 10.1016/j.jadr.2023.100585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The current study aimed at assessing the levels of perinatal depression (i.e., both antenatal and postnatal) during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 outbreak in a group of Italian women, as well as to evaluate the role of loneliness, anxiety, and lack of maternal support in cumulatively predicting perinatal depression. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted with 200 Italian women recruited during a peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy (i.e., from September to December 2021) from a single prenatal clinic in Southern Italy. A non-parametric binomial test was conducted to assess whether the perinatal depression frequencies of the current sample differed from those found in a pre-Covid reference group. Additionally, hierarchical multiple linear regression analyses assessing whether loneliness, anxiety, and maternal support affected women's perinatal depression were also conducted. Results The general prevalence of perinatal depression was significantly higher in participants recruited during the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic compared to the pre-Covid reference group (29% vs. 9.2%). However, results showed that, contrary to postnatal depression (18.2% vs. 19.9%), only the prevalence of antenatal depression was significantly higher compared to the pre-Covid reference group (39.6% vs. 6.4%). Furthermore, loneliness and anxiety, but not maternal support, were associated with higher levels of PD. Limitations Limitations concerned the cross-sectional nature of the study and the relatively small sample size. Conclusions This study sheds light on the need to address perinatal mental health of women during major stressful events, such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristiano Scandurra
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, Napoli 80133, Italy
| | - Selene Mezzalira
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Calabria, Via Ponte Bucci Cubo 18/C, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Silvia Aviani
- Intradepartmental Program of Clinical Psychology, Federico II University Hospital, Via Sergio Pansini 5, Napoli 80133, Italy
| | - Valeria Lastra
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, Napoli 80133, Italy
| | - Vincenzo Bochicchio
- Department of Humanistic Studies, University of Calabria, Via Ponte Bucci Cubo 18/C, Rende 87036, Italy
| | - Rosanna Zapparella
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, Napoli 80133, Italy
| | - Gabriele Saccone
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, Napoli 80133, Italy
| | - Nelson Mauro Maldonato
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, Napoli 80133, Italy
| | - Mariavittoria Locci
- Department of Neuroscience, Reproductive Sciences and Dentistry, University of Naples Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, Napoli 80133, Italy
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Rattaz C, Loubersac J, Michelon C, Picot MC, Baghdadli A. Changes in mothers' and fathers' stress level, mental health and coping strategies during the 3 years following ASD diagnosis. RESEARCH IN DEVELOPMENTAL DISABILITIES 2023; 137:104497. [PMID: 37004353 DOI: 10.1016/j.ridd.2023.104497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ASD in a child affects parental mental health, with elevated levels of stress, anxiety and depression reported in parents. METHOD In this study, we examined mothers' and fathers' stress, anxiety and depression, as well as their coping strategies in a sample of 103 children and adolescents enrolled in the ELENA cohort study in France at diagnosis and three years after diagnosis. RESULTS Results showed that mothers had higher levels of stress and anxiety / depression than fathers and used more social support coping strategies at diagnosis, which might be explained by increased levels of parental involvement. Mothers' stress level significantly decreased during the three years following ASD diagnosis but no such decrease was observed in fathers' stress level. A significant decrease in anxiety and depression was observed for both parents, suggesting that parental distress is particularly elevated during the critical diagnosis period. Results finally yielded a significant decrease in emotion-focused coping strategy in mothers over the three-year period, an ineffective strategy that takes places at the time of diagnosis but then decreases during the period following ASD diagnosis, in relation to the acceptance process. CONCLUSIONS Implications in terms of addressing the unmet mental health needs of parents and their coping strategies are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cécile Rattaz
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'excellence sur l'autisme et les troubles neuro-développementaux, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Julie Loubersac
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'excellence sur l'autisme et les troubles neuro-développementaux, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807 Villejuif, France
| | - Cécile Michelon
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'excellence sur l'autisme et les troubles neuro-développementaux, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Marie-Christine Picot
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'excellence sur l'autisme et les troubles neuro-développementaux, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807 Villejuif, France; Clinical Research Unit, Department of Medical Information, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - Amaria Baghdadli
- Centre de Ressource Autisme Languedoc-Roussillon et Centre d'excellence sur l'autisme et les troubles neuro-développementaux, CHU Montpellier, Montpellier, France; Université Paris-Saclay, UVSQ, Inserm, CESP, Team DevPsy, 94807 Villejuif, France; Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montpellier, France.
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13
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Uriko K, Bartels I. Separation in Unity: Dialogical Transformation of Maternal Bond. Integr Psychol Behav Sci 2023; 57:590-606. [PMID: 35412263 DOI: 10.1007/s12124-022-09688-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
The objective of this paper is to explore mothers' psychological adaptation related to separation from their newborn children immediately after birth. Mother and child separation has traditionally received attention from the child's perspective, but given that the bond is dyadic, the mother's wellbeing should also be considered. This qualitative study is based on interview data with mothers of premature infants. From the analysis, three themes emerged: concerns during pregnancy about premature birth; emotional strain caused by separation; and the need to protect and to be close to the newborn. Drawing on the perspectives of dialogical self theory and semiotic regulation model, the paper will focus on intra-psychological dynamics and will analyze the adaptation process in terms of I-positions. Based on the analysis, the maternal bond represents the integration of the I-position I-as-mother and My child, which is integrated during the pregnancy into the core of the self. It can be assumed that rupture of the self-continuity is activated by the birth of the child, which is then compounded if the child leaves. The maternal superordinate viewpoint (meta-I-position) directs a woman's behavior and allows for a sense of coherence under dynamic organization related to the birth of the child. The potential for psychological adaptation is presented as an ability to establish self-continuity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristiina Uriko
- School of Natural Sciences and Health, Tallinn University, Tallinn, Estonia.
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14
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Baldoni F, Agostini F, Terrone G, Casu G, Giannotti M. A Psychometric Study of the Perinatal Assessment of Maternal Affectivity (PAMA) for the Screening of Perinatal Affective Disorders in Mothers. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:healthcare11060907. [PMID: 36981563 PMCID: PMC10048133 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11060907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Recently, empirical evidence from perinatal studies has led researchers to pay more attention to fathers. The need to evaluate male suffering led at first to using the same screening tools developed for mothers. However, these instruments present validity concerns with fathers, and today the need to assume a gender-based perspective is clear. The Perinatal Assessment of Paternal Affectivity (PAPA) is a self-reported questionnaire for the screening of a variety of psychological and behavioral dimensions related to affectivity as experienced by fathers during the perinatal period. In the present study, the psychometric properties of the maternal version of the scale (Perinatal Assessment of Maternal Affectivity; PAMA) were examined. The study, based on 225 mothers and their partners (n = 215), used a cross-sectional design with a single assessment at the third trimester of pregnancy. Results indicated a one-factor structure for a seven-item version of the PAMA, which showed adequate internal consistency reliability and was associated in the expected direction with other clinically relevant variables (depression, psychological distress, perceived stress and dyadic adjustment). The findings suggest the usefulness of developing gender sensitive screening tools for the detection of perinatal affective disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franco Baldoni
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Grazia Terrone
- Department of History, Cultural Heritage, Education and Society, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giulia Casu
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Giannotti
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Sciences, University of Trento, 38068 Trento, Italy
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15
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Loh AHY, Ong LL, Yong FSH, Chen HY. Improving mother-infant bonding in postnatal depression - The SURE MUMS study. Asian J Psychiatr 2023; 81:103457. [PMID: 36638754 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajp.2023.103457] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effectiveness of the Sure Mums intervention in improving mother-baby bonding in a group of new mothers in Singapore. METHODS Over a period of 2 years from 2017 to 2019, thirty-two mothers were identified from our clinic population seeking treatment for postnatal mental health difficulties - these included depressive or anxiety symptoms, together with bonding difficulties. They received home-based mother-infant therapy sessions, and scores for the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ), Global Assessment of Functioning (GAF), and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) were taken pre- and post-intervention. RESULTS In all, twenty-five mothers completed measures for baseline characteristics, pretreatment scores and post-treatment scores. Paired sample t-tests were conducted for the 4 subscales of the PBQ, the GAF rating score, and the EPDS score. Postintervention scores noted a reduction in the mean of all of the 4 PBQ subscales, and 3 of the 4 scores had differences that were shown to be statistically significant improvement. The EPDS pre-intervention mean score was 17.72, while mean postintervention EPDS score was 9.2. Total GAF scores showed an mean uptrend by 12-14 points, likely indicating significant improvement in the mothers' functioning post intervention. CONCLUSIONS The results of this programme shows promising evidence of its effectiveness in improving the quality of bonding in mothers with postnatal mental health difficulties. For future direction, we hope to offer the SURE MUMS programme to more mothers who are struggling to bond with their baby amidst the challenges of becoming a parent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abigail Hong Yan Loh
- Ministry of Health Holdings Pte Ltd, 1 Maritime Square, #11-25 Harbour Front Centre, 099253, Singapore.
| | - Li Lian Ong
- Department of Psychological Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.
| | - Flora Su Hui Yong
- Department of Psychological Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore.
| | - Helen Yu Chen
- Department of Psychological Medicine, KK Women's and Children's Hospital, Singapore; Duke-National University of Singapore, Singapore.
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16
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Della Vedova AM, Santoniccolo F, Sechi C, Trombetta T. Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Symptoms, Parental Bonding and Dyadic Sensitivity in Mother-Baby Interactions at Three Months Post-Partum. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:4253. [PMID: 36901263 PMCID: PMC10002080 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20054253] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The quality of the early parent-infant relationship is crucial for the child's optimal development, and parental sensitivity plays a key role in early interactions. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the influence of maternal perinatal depression and anxiety symptoms on dyadic sensitivity at three months post-partum, also considering a large set of maternal and infant variables. At the third trimester of pregnancy (T1) and at three months postpartum (T2), 43 primiparous women filled in a set of questionnaires evaluating symptoms of depression (CES-D) or anxiety (STAI), the woman's parental bonding experiences (PBI), alexithymia (TAS-20), maternal attachment to the baby (PAI, MPAS) and the perceived social support (MSPSS). At T2 mothers also completed a questionnaire on infant temperament and took part in the CARE-Index videotaped procedure. Dyadic sensitivity was predicted by higher maternal trait anxiety scores in pregnancy. In addition, the mother's experience of being cared for by her father in childhood was predictive of her infant's lower compulsivity, while paternal overprotection predicted higher unresponsiveness. The results highlight the influence of perinatal maternal psychological well-being and maternal childhood experiences on the quality of the dyadic relationship. The results may be useful to foster mother-child adjustment during the perinatal period.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Maria Della Vedova
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Sciences, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Cristina Sechi
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology and Philosophy, University of Cagliari, Via Is Mirrionis 1, 09126 Cagliari, Italy
| | - Tommaso Trombetta
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Via Verdi 10, 10124 Torino, Italy
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17
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Relações entre a saúde mental e a conjugalidade de gestantes primíparas. PSICO 2022. [DOI: 10.15448/1980-8623.2022.1.38230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Este estudo avaliou as relações entre variáveis sociodemográficas, saúde mental da mulher e conjugalidade durante a gestação. Participaram desta pesquisa correlacional 50 mulheres primíparas, que coabitavam com o genitor do bebê e que estavam no segundo ou terceiro trimestre de gestação do primeiro filho. Os sintomas de transtornos mentais comuns foram avaliados pelo Self-Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) e os sintomas depressivos pelo Inventário Beck de Depressão (BDI-I). A conjugalidade foi avaliada com a Escala de Ajustamento Diádico. Os resultados de testes de correlação e de comparação de grupos mostraram que a presença de sintomas de transtornos mentais comuns e de depressão esteve associada a menor nível de ajustamento diádico. Discute-se a importância de identificar problemas na saúde mental da mulher e no ajustamento diádico durante a gestação, para favorecer o bem-estar da tríade mãe-pai-bebê na transição para a parentalidade.
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18
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Johnson MS, Skjerdingstad N, Ebrahimi OV, Hoffart A, Johnson SU. Parenting in a Pandemic: Parental stress, anxiety and depression among parents during the government-initiated physical distancing measures following the first wave of COVID-19. Stress Health 2022; 38:637-652. [PMID: 34902219 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Drawing on the tenets of family stress theory, the aim of this study is to examine parents' perceived stress, symptoms of anxiety, depression, and associated risk- and protective factors across demographic subgroups during in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Norwegian parents (N = 2868; 79.5% mothers) with >1 child under 18 years of age completed an online survey two weeks after the implementation of government-initiated distancing measures. The survey includes measures of COVID-related risk factors (parental stress, burnout, depression, anxiety, anger of parents towards children, difficulty working from home, and positive beliefs about worry) and protective factors (self-efficacy and social support). Mothers, parents living with more than one child, and parents with a psychiatric diagnosis reported greater levels of parental stress, more burnout, and more anger towards their children, as well as less social support. Almost 25% of the parents reported anxiety and depression that are clinically significant. Parents who followed distancing measures reported significantly higher distress. Anger of parents towards children explains 41% of the variation in parental stress. These findings indicate that parents have experienced symptoms of deteriorated mental health due to the COVID- 19 pandemic, including parental stress, anxiety, and depression. The study presents practical implications for meso- and macro-level policymaking and offers support to further the potential aims of public health and clinical interventions. Future studies to monitor long-term aversive mental health outcomes among parents are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miriam S Johnson
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Oslo Metropolitan University, Oslo, Norway
| | | | - Omid V Ebrahimi
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Modum Bad Psychiatric Hospital, Vikersund, Norway
| | - Asle Hoffart
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Modum Bad Psychiatric Hospital, Vikersund, Norway
| | - Sverre Urnes Johnson
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway.,Modum Bad Psychiatric Hospital, Vikersund, Norway
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19
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Berg RC, Solberg BL, Glavin K, Olsvold N. Instruments to Identify Symptoms of Paternal Depression During Pregnancy and the First Postpartum Year: A Systematic Scoping Review. Am J Mens Health 2022; 16:15579883221114984. [PMID: 36124356 PMCID: PMC9490477 DOI: 10.1177/15579883221114984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Men often experience depressive symptoms during the transition to parenthood, but there is a lack of synthesized knowledge of instruments used to identify such symptoms. The aim of this scoping review was to identify instruments used to measure symptoms of depressive symptoms among fathers in pregnancy and the postpartum period, and to describe the instruments' characteristics and measurement properties. We identified studies published since 1990 through searches in databases such as MEDLINE, EMBASE, and PsycINFO and in gray literature. Pairs of reviewers selected relevant studies based on predetermined inclusion criteria. For each included study, we collected information relevant to the review question, guided by the COnsensus based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). We included 13 instruments, described in 59 studies with about 29,000 participants across 25 countries. There were 12 validation studies. None of the instruments were uniquely developed for assessing paternal depressive symptoms related to fatherhood. The three most extensively examined instruments were the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory. For seven of the 13 instruments, there was no information reported about the instruments' properties beyond internal consistency, but for the other six instruments the 12 validation studies reported on both reliability and validity. No studies reported on measurement error or responsiveness. EPDS was both the most extensively assessed instrument and reported to be the most reliable and valid. Further research on instruments for identifying men with depression in pregnancy and the postpartum period is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rigmor C. Berg
- UiT The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway,Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway,Rigmor C. Berg, UiT The Arctic University of Norway, PO Box 6050 Langnes, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway.
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20
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Scroggins JK, Ledbetter LS, Jones-Hepler B, Brandon D, Reuter-Rice K. Postpartum symptom clusters in birthing individuals: A systematic review. J Clin Nurs 2022. [PMID: 35995761 DOI: 10.1111/jocn.16494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Birthing individuals experience various postpartum symptoms which have been associated with adverse health outcomes. Previous systematic reviews have focused on the examination of individual symptoms and their impact on health, which have limited our understanding of postpartum symptom clusters. OBJECTIVE To examine the compositions of symptom clusters, analytic methodologies and predictors of symptom clusters in birthing individuals up to 1 year postpartum. DESIGN Systematic review. METHODS This systematic review was reported following the PRISMA. Five databases were searched: PubMed, Embase, CINAHL Complete, PsycINFO and Scopus. Two reviewers performed title and abstract and full-text screening independently. Standard Quality Assessment Criteria were used to assess the articles' qualities. Key information was extracted into evidence table, which was checked for accuracy and completeness. A narrative synthesis was conducted. RESULTS A total of 30 articles were included. Studies were conducted in 16 countries, mostly in Europe (n = 9) and North America (n = 7). The majority were quantitative (n = 27) and cross-sectional (n = 27). Factor analysis was the most frequently used analytic methodology (n = 21). All three qualitative studies used grounded theory. Taking into consideration the variations among the studies, stress (n = 15, infant or partner-related and from other sources), depression (n = 12), somatic (n = 12) and anxiety clusters (n = 10) were most frequently identified. Symptom cluster predictors were examined in less than half of the included studies (n = 13). Among these, most were focused on how individual postpartum symptoms influence symptom clusters. CONCLUSIONS Stress, depression, somatic and anxiety clusters are the most frequently identified postpartum symptom clusters. Future studies should examine the consistency, stability and clinical meaningfulness of these four symptom clusters. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE The identification and management of the four symptom clusters should be of particular interest to clinicians and researchers. NO PATIENT OR PUBLIC CONTRIBUTION This systematic review did not directly involve patient or public contribution to the manuscript.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Leila S Ledbetter
- Duke University Medical Center Library & Archives, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | | | - Debra Brandon
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Karin Reuter-Rice
- Duke University School of Nursing, Durham, North Carolina, USA.,Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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21
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Depressive Symptoms in Fathers during the First Postpartum Year: The Influence of Severity of Preterm Birth, Parenting Stress and Partners’ Depression. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19159478. [PMID: 35954832 PMCID: PMC9368501 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19159478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 07/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Although preterm birth constitutes a risk factor for postpartum depressive symptomatology, perinatal depression (PND) has not been investigated extensively in fathers of very low (VLBW) and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants. This study explored paternal depression levels at 3, 9, and 12 months of infant corrected age, investigating also the predictive role played by the severity of prematurity, maternal and paternal PND levels, and parenting stress. We recruited 153 fathers of 33 ELBW, 42 VLBW, and 78 full-term (FT) infants, respectively. Depression was investigated by the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and distress by the Parenting Stress Index-Short Form-PSI-SF (Total and subscales: Parental Distress, Parent–Child Dysfunctional Interaction, and Difficult Child). ELBW fathers showed a significant decrease (improvement) in EPDS, total PSI-SF, and Parental Distress mean scores after 3 months. Paternal EPDS scores at 12 months were significantly predicted by VLBW and FT infants’ birth weight categories, fathers’ EPDS scores at 3 and 9 months, Parent–Child Dysfunctional Interaction subscale at 3 months, and Difficult Child subscale at 9 months. This study strengthens the relevance of including early routine screening and parenting support for fathers in perinatal health services, with particular attention to fathers who might be more vulnerable to mental health difficulties due to severely preterm birth.
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22
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Stress Estimation Model for the Sustainable Health of Cancer Patients. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:3336644. [PMID: 35924111 PMCID: PMC9343204 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3336644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Good health is the most important and very necessary characteristic for stress-free, skillful, and hardworking people with a cooperative environment to create a sustainable society. Validating two algorithms, namely, sequential minimal optimization for regression (SMOreg) using vector machine and linear regression (LR) and using their predicted cancer patients' cases, this study presents a patient's stress estimation model (PSEM) to forecast their families' stress for patients' sustainable health and better care with early management by under-study cancer hospitals. The year-wise predictions (1998-2010) by LR and SMOreg are verified by comparing with observed values. The statistical difference between the predictions (2021-2030) by these models is analyzed using a statistical t-test. From the data of 217067 patients, patients' stress-impacting factors are extracted to be used in the proposed PSEM. By considering the total population of under-study areas and getting the predicted population (2021-2030) of each area, the proposed PSEM forecasts overall stress for expected cancer patients (2021-2030). Root mean square error (RMSE) (1076.15.46) for LR is less than RSME for SMOreg (1223.75); hence, LR remains better than SMOreg in forecasting (2011-2020). There is no significant statistical difference between values (2021-2030) predicted by LR and SMOreg (p value = 0.767 > 0.05). The average stress for a family member of a cancer patient is 72.71%. It is concluded that under-study areas face a minimum of 2.18% stress, on average 30.98% stress, and a maximum of 94.81% overall stress because of 179561 expected cancer patients of all major types from 2021 to 2030.
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23
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Khalsa AS, Weber ZA, Zvara BJ, Keim SA, Andridge R, Anderson SE. Factors associated with parenting stress in parents of 18-month-old children: Parenting stress in parents of toddlers. Child Care Health Dev 2022; 48:521-530. [PMID: 34978103 PMCID: PMC9203946 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
AIM Parenting stress is associated with less optimal outcomes for children. Risk factors contributing to parenting stress in healthy toddlers have received little empirical attention. This study sought to determine the factors that are associated with parenting stress in parents of 18-month-old children. METHODS We analysed cross-sectional survey data from a prospective cohort study focused on parent-child mealtime interactions. Families with an 18-month-old child were recruited in Columbus, Ohio, USA, between December 2017 and May 2019. Adjusted stepwise linear regression models estimated associations between child factors (e.g., temperament), parental factors (e.g., depressive symptoms), quality of romantic relationship factors (e.g., adult attachment style) and home environment factors (e.g., household income) and parenting stress (Parental Distress subscale of the Parenting Stress Index-4 Short Form). RESULTS The 299 children included 129 (43%) females. Parents were on average 30.6 (SD 6.1) years old and included a diverse racial/ethnic cohort. Mean Parental Distress score was 24.3 (SD 6.8; score range 12-60). Higher Parental Distress scores were associated with greater parental depressive symptoms (B = 5.1 [95% CI: 2.4, 7.7]) and avoidant (B = 2.8 [95% CI: 0.9, 4.6]) attachment style. Other child, parental and home environment factors did not demonstrate statistically significant relationships with parental distress in the final model. CONCLUSION Our findings align with recommendations for paediatric providers to screen for parenting stress and mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amrik Singh Khalsa
- Division of Primary Care Pediatrics, Center for Child Health Equity and Outcomes Research, Nationwide Children’s Hospital 700 Children’s Drive Columbus, OH 43205,Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University 370 W. 9th Ave. Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Zachary A. Weber
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University 1841 Neil Ave. Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Bharathi J. Zvara
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Gillings School of Global Public Health, The University of North Carolina 421C Rosenau Hall, Chapel Hill, NC 27599
| | - Sarah A. Keim
- Department of Pediatrics, College of Medicine, The Ohio State University 370 W. 9th Ave. Columbus, OH 43210,Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University 1841 Neil Ave. Columbus, OH 43210,Center for Biobehavioral Health, The Abigail Wexner Research Institute, Nationwide Children’s Hospital 700 Children’s Drive Columbus, OH 43205
| | - Rebecca Andridge
- Division of Biostatistics, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University 1841 Neil Ave, Columbus, OH 43210
| | - Sarah E. Anderson
- Division of Epidemiology, College of Public Health, The Ohio State University 1841 Neil Ave. Columbus, OH 43210
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24
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Cabrera N, He M, Chen Y, Reich SM. Risks and Protective Factors of Hispanic Families and Their Young Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic. CHILDREN 2022; 9:children9060792. [PMID: 35740729 PMCID: PMC9221755 DOI: 10.3390/children9060792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
This study examines the risk-related factors during the pandemic and protective factors that might reduce its effects on family functioning in a sample of 161 low-income Hispanic parents in the United States, recruited from an ongoing longitudinal intervention study. They were surveyed about family functioning six months into the pandemic. We focused on the associations between social (e.g., exposure to the virus) and economic (e.g., job loss) pandemic-related risks on parental stress, parenting, and children’s socioemotional problems and skills, as well as the degree to which coparenting support, parents’ positivity, economic support, and access to services and information mitigated (protected) the negative effects of these stressors on family functioning. We found that increases in economic risk were associated with more child competence skills, whereas increases in social risk were associated with less parental engagement. Positivity and economic support moderated the effects of economic risk on parental stress and engagement. These findings show that to intervene effectively with low-income Hispanic families, we need to strengthen and support the resources for coping with adversity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Cabrera
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
- Correspondence:
| | - Minxuan He
- Department of Psychology, Mount St. Mary’s University, Emmitsburg, MD 21727, USA;
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, MD 20742, USA;
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25
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Feeding disorders in preschoolers: a short-term outcome study in an Italian Family Care Program. Eat Weight Disord 2022; 27:1467-1479. [PMID: 34432231 DOI: 10.1007/s40519-021-01282-6] [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: 11/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To provide a description about a cohort of preschoolers with feeding disorders (FD) recruited from the therapeutic nursery "Cerco Asilo" of a tertiary care University Hospital, and to evaluate the short-term clinical outcome after 6 months of multidisciplinary treatment. METHODS The present inception cohort study was based on an observational longitudinal research design comparing families who underwent the multidisciplinary treatment and those who did not. 42 children (47.6% female; 52.4% males-mean age 36.7 months, SD 17.2, range 2.3-65 months) underwent FD assessment according to the DC-0-3R diagnostic criteria (T0). At the end of the assessment, 62% of families with FD children agreed to be included in the family-based treatment. Both treated and untreated children with FD underwent a follow-up clinical evaluation after 6 months (T1) from baseline. Comparison of clinical features at T0 between groups of subjects resolving or not the FD was performed. To evaluate baseline factors associated with FD resolution, principal components analysis (PCA) was used to identify new synthetic variables that were then used in a logistics analysis. Moreover, clinical differences between T1 and T0 were compared with a t test. RESULTS Two third of the cases (66.7%) resolved the FD, while one third (33.3%) did not. Children who had the FD resolved displayed at T0 significant differences in clinical features with respect to those who did not. Specifically, the FD subtype Feeding Disorder of Caregiver-Infant Reciprocity was strongly associated with resolution, while the subtype Infantile Anorexia was not. In addition, the component depicting "Anxious-Depressed", "Mood" and "Isolation" problems was independently associated with a significantly higher probability of resolution, similar to children having FD other than anorexia. CONCLUSIONS FD in preschoolers are associated with problems in emotional development and in the relationship with parents. These difficulties tend to accentuate if the disorder persists. The study suggests the need to investigate the maintaining factors of FD in preschool age. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Level IV: Evidence obtained from multiple time series with and without the intervention.
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Marzilli E, Cerniglia L, Tambelli R, Cimino S. Children’s ADHD and Dysregulation Problems, DAT1 Genotype and Methylation, and their Interplay with Family Environment. CHILD & YOUTH CARE FORUM 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s10566-022-09687-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
International literature has underlined the complex interplay between genetic and environmental variables in shaping children’s emotional-behavioral functioning.
Objective
This study aimed to explore the dynamic relationship between children’s Dopamine Transporter (DAT1) genotype and methylation, and maternal and paternal affective environment, on children’s Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) problems and dysregulation problems.
Method
In a community sample of 76 families with school-aged children, we assessed children’s DAT1 genotype and methylation, their own ADHD problems and dysregulation profile (CBCL 6–18 DP), and maternal and paternal psychopathological risk, parenting stress, and marital adjustment. Hierarchical regressions were carried out to verify the possible moderation of children’s genotype on the relationship between children’s methylation and psychopathological risk, parental environment and children’s methylation, and parental environment and children’s psychopathological risk.
Results
The levels of methylation at M1 CpG significantly predicted ADHD problems among children with 10/10 genotype, whereas high levels of methylation at M6 CpG predicted low ADHD problems for children with 9/x genotype. High levels of methylation at M3 CpG were associated with high scores of CBCL DP. DAT1 genotype moderated the relationship between maternal and paternal variables with children’s methylation and psychopathological risk. The scores of maternal and paternal Dyadic Adjustment Scale showed indirect effects on children’s methylation and psychopathological risk in relation to those exerted by risk factors.
Conclusion
Our study has supported the emerging evidence on the complex nature of children’s emotional-behavioral functioning and the associated risk and protective factors, with important implications for the planning of preventive programs.
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Øygarden AMU, Berg RC, Abudayya A, Glavin K, Strøm BS. Measurement instruments for parental stress in the postpartum period: A scoping review. PLoS One 2022; 17:e0265616. [PMID: 35303028 PMCID: PMC8932572 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0265616] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background
Parenting stress is a particular type of stress that is conceptualized as a negative psychological response to the numerous obligations associated with raising children. Despite a considerable increase in research on parenting stress, little attention has been given to the ways parenting stress are measured.
Objectives
This scoping review aimed to provide an overview of available instruments measuring parental stress and to describe their psychometric properties.
Methods
We conducted a scoping review in accordance with international guidelines for scoping reviews. The main search strategy was searches in seven electronic databases. Pairs of reviewers selected relevant studies based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Studies had to report one or more psychometric properties of an instrument measuring stress in parents with children 0–12 months. For each included study, we collected information relevant to the review question, guided by the COnsensus based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments (COSMIN). Finally, we collated, summarized, and reported the findings descriptively.
Results
From 2164 unique record, 64 studies from 24 countries were included. They described 15 instruments, of which four were generic and eleven parental-specific self-administered instruments. Only two studies examined parental stress among fathers. Eleven of the studies were validation studies, but they only described seven of the 15 instruments. Internal consistency was the only information provided by 73.4% of the included studies. None of the instruments had information on all measurement properties as per the COSMIN criteria, and there was no information about measurement error, responsiveness, or interpretability for any of the 15 instruments.
Discussion
There are presently 15 instruments with some associated psychometric information being used to measure parental stress among parents with young children, but the amount of information on the instruments’ psychometric properties is slight. There is a need for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne-Martha Utne Øygarden
- Centre of Diakonia and Professional Practice, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Health, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
- * E-mail:
| | - Rigmor C. Berg
- Reviews and Health Technology Assessments, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway
- University of Tromsø The Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø og Finnmark, Norway
| | | | - Kari Glavin
- Faculty of Health, VID Specialized University, Oslo, Norway
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Sieverson C, Olhaberry M, Duarte J, Morán-Kneer J, Costa S, León MJ, Valenzuela S, Leyton F, Honorato C, Muzard A. Beyond the outcomes: generic change indicators in a video-feedback intervention with a depressed mother and her baby: a single case study. RESEARCH IN PSYCHOTHERAPY (MILANO) 2022; 25:584. [PMID: 35373962 PMCID: PMC9153750 DOI: 10.4081/ripppo.2022.584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Child and dyadic psychotherapy have been scarcely investigated from the psychotherapy process research perspective. Thus, content and mechanisms related to therapeutic change have been overlooked by research. This study aimed at testing the applicability of the generic change indicators (GCI) model to identify moments of change in the parent during dyadic interventions, as well as to explore, describe and illustrate the therapeutic process through a brief mentalization-informed intervention with a depressive mother and her baby, using video-feedback as its main strategy, which has ample evidence about its effectiveness. We conducted a single case qualitative study using the GCI model. The mother's ongoing change was determined by identifying episodes of change (EC) and moments of change (MC). Each MC was then labelled with one of the 19 GCIs. GCIs were observed from the intervention's start. GCI's hierarchical levels were increasing over the intervention, in association with the video-feedback situation. Our findings suggest that the GCI model is feasible to observe and understand dyadic interventions, contributing to the growing body of evidence supporting psychotherapists' training and supervision.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catalina Sieverson
- Milenium Institute for depression and Personality Research (MIDAP), Macul, Santiago.
| | - Marcia Olhaberry
- Psychology Faculty, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Macul, Santiago.
| | - Javiera Duarte
- Psychology Faculty, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago Centro, Santiago.
| | | | - Stefanella Costa
- Psychology Faculty, Universidad Diego Portales, Santiago Centro, Santiago.
| | - M José León
- Milenium Institute for depression and Personality Research (MIDAP), Macul, Santiago.
| | - Sofía Valenzuela
- Milenium Institute for depression and Personality Research (MIDAP), Macul, Santiago.
| | - Fanny Leyton
- Child Inpatient Unit, Psychiatric Hospital del Salvador, Valparaíso.
| | - Carolina Honorato
- Milenium Institute for depression and Personality Research (MIDAP), Macul, Santiago.
| | - Antonia Muzard
- Psychology Faculty, Pontificia Universidad Católica, Macul, Santiago.
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Identifying women's needs to adjust to postpartum changes: a qualitative study in Iran. BMC Pregnancy Childbirth 2022; 22:115. [PMID: 35148718 PMCID: PMC8832831 DOI: 10.1186/s12884-022-04459-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The transition to motherhood is associated with stress because of extensive and rapid changes to which women need to be able to adjust. To help women adjust to postpartum changes, their needs during this period must be identified. Therefore, the present qualitative study explored the needs of women for adjusting to postpartum changes. Methods In this study, 29 participants were selected through purposive sampling with maximum variation in Isfahan, Iran. Data was collected through in-depth individual interviews, daily notes, and field notes, and analyzed using conventional qualitative content analysis. Results Data analysis led to the emergence of 5 main categories: “the need to receive social support,” “the need to receive a sense of worth from the husband,” “the need to compensate and improve the situation,” “the need to create socio-cultural changes,” and “the need for training.” Conclusions According to the results of the study, in order to adjust to the changes in the postpartum period, and in addition to their efforts to compensate and improve the situation, women need to be supported by their husbands, family members and acquaintances, healthcare team, and society in various dimensions. Moreover, they should receive the information they need to turn the challenges of this period into an opportunity for growth.
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Molgora S, Saita E, Barbieri Carones M, Ferrazzi E, Facchin F. Predictors of Postpartum Depression among Italian Women: A Longitudinal Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19031553. [PMID: 35162574 PMCID: PMC8835615 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19031553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2021] [Revised: 01/12/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: Postpartum depression is commonly experienced by mothers worldwide and is associated with anxiety disorders, parenting stress, and other forms of distress, which may lead to a complex illness condition. Several studies have investigated the risk factors for this disorder, including biological and socio-demographic variables, medical and obstetric factors, and psychological and relational dimensions. The present study aimed to describe the psychological status of mothers up to 12 months postpartum, and to investigate the predictors of depressive symptoms at 12 months postpartum, considering obstetric factors along with psychological and relational variables. Methods: A sample of 137 women completed a questionnaire composed of a sheet on anamnestic and obstetric information and the following scales: Wijma Delivery Experience Questionnaire; State-Trait Anxiety Inventory; Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale; Parenting Stress Index (Short Form); Dyadic Adjustment Scale; and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support. Data were collected at four assessment times: 2–3 days, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months postpartum. Results: Findings showed that the highest percentage of women with clinically significant symptoms of anxiety (state and trait) and depression was found at 12 months postpartum, which indicated that this was the most critical time. The quality of childbirth experience and trait anxiety at three months postpartum emerged as significant predictors of postpartum depression at 12 months. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the importance of providing stable programs (such as educational programs) to mothers in the first year postpartum. Furthermore, because the quality of the childbirth experience is one of the most important predictors of PPD at 12 months postpartum, effort should be made by healthcare professionals to guarantee a positive experience to all women to reduce possible negative long-term consequences of this experience.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Molgora
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; (E.S.); (F.F.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-0272342347; Fax: +39-0272345962
| | - Emanuela Saita
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; (E.S.); (F.F.)
| | | | - Enrico Ferrazzi
- Fondazione IRCCS Cà Granda, Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy; (M.B.C.); (E.F.)
- Department of Clinical Science and Community Health, Università degli Studi di Milano, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Facchin
- Department of Psychology, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 20123 Milan, Italy; (E.S.); (F.F.)
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Pinto TM, Nunes-Costa R, Figueiredo B. The Baby Care Scale: A Psychometric Study With Fathers During Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period. Front Psychol 2022; 12:751330. [PMID: 35111098 PMCID: PMC8801460 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.751330] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Baby Care Scale (BCS) was designed to assess the involvement of father in infant care during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This study aimed to examine the psychometric characteristics of the BCS – antenatal (BCS-AN) and BCS – postnatal (BCS-PN) versions. A sample of 100 primiparous fathers completed the BCS-AN and/or the BCS-PN and self-reported the measures of anxiety and depressive symptoms and of father–infant emotional involvement during pregnancy and the postpartum period, respectively. Good internal consistency was found for both the BCS-AN and the BCS-PN. A two-factor model was found for both versions of the instrument: (1) household tasks and (2) infant care tasks. The BCS-AN and BCS-PN subscales revealed good internal consistency. Higher scores on the BCS-AN predicted higher scores on the BCS-PN. Significant associations were found among the BCS (BCS-AN and BCS-PN), depressive and anxiety symptoms, and father–infant emotional involvement, revealing good criterion validity. This study suggested that both the BCS-AN and the BCS-PN are reliable multidimensional self-report measures that assess the involvement of father in infant care during pregnancy and the postpartum period.
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Muzard A, Olhaberry M, Immel N, Moran-Kneer J. Family dynamics. An exploration of parental sensitivity and depressive symptoms among mothers and fathers of toddlers. RESEARCH IN PSYCHOTHERAPY: PSYCHOPATHOLOGY, PROCESS AND OUTCOME 2021; 24:551. [PMID: 35047427 PMCID: PMC8715268 DOI: 10.4081/ripppo.2021.551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
In studies of maternal sensitivity, the influence of mothers’ depressive symptomatology has been consistently highlighted. Additionally, the relevance of both maternal and paternal sensitive responses to children’s development has been recognized. However, literature regarding the dynamics of the mother-father-toddler triad is scarce. This is particularly true when understanding how parental sensitivity may be bidirectionally shaped by both parents’ (i.e., mothers’ and fathers’ depressive symptomatology) and children’s characteristics (i.e., age). Hence, the present study aims to describe and analyse the associations between parental depression, paternal sensitivity and children’s socioemotional difficulties and age with mothers’ sensitive responses to highlight the appropriateness of considering fathers’ depressive symptoms and sensitivity to better understand the impact of maternal depressive symptomatology on mothers’ sensitivity. The participants included 80 Chilean mother-father-child triads in which all children were between 1 and 3 years of age and presented some degree of socioemotional difficulty. The results reveal no differences in maternal and paternal sensitivity or higher depressive symptomatology in mothers than in fathers. Additionally, while mothers’ depression was significantly associated with their sensitivity, this was not the case for fathers. Paternal depressive symptomatology was associated with the mother’s depression. Finally, paternal sensitivity emerged as a mediator between maternal depressive symptoms and sensitivity. This result calls attention to the use of paternal variables to understand how maternal depression impacts mothers’ sensitivity and to thus develop appropriate interventions that expand the scope of such impacts from the dyad to the triad.
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Salcuni S, Mancinelli E, Muneratti A, Grillo A, Alessi C, Guglielmino A, Finos L. Couples undergoing Assisted Reproductive Techniques: An Actor-Partner Interdependence Model of dyadic adjustment, attachment, and body-image avoidance. Health Psychol Open 2021; 8:20551029211039923. [PMID: 34671483 PMCID: PMC8521762 DOI: 10.1177/20551029211039923] [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] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim is to assess the commonalities and interdependence referred to body-image avoidance among 118 couples newly introduced to first-level assisted reproductive techniques. Results showed non-clinical functioning levels, and partners showed a correlated, yet low, dyadic adjustment. The couple-effect was modeled through an Actor Partner Interdependence Model. For both partners, dyadic adjustment’s actor-effect associates with body-image avoidance. Moreover, psychological symptoms’ actor-effect associate to body-image avoidance, resulting significantly more influential than the partner-effect. Only for males, alexithymia’s actor-effect was significant. To conclude, partners’ functioning is quite specular yet not interdependent, as they do not show a couple-as-a-unit modality of functioning. Clinical implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Salcuni
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Elisa Mancinelli
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Anna Muneratti
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Alessi
- Dipartimento Strutturale Aziendale Salute della Donna e del Bambino, Unità Operativa Complessa (UOC) Ostetricia e Ginecologia, Padova Hospital, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Livio Finos
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padova, Padova, Italy
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Harris TP, Vigoureux TFD, Lee S. Daily associations between sleep and stressors in nurses with and without children. J Sleep Res 2021; 31:e13505. [PMID: 34651360 DOI: 10.1111/jsr.13505] [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: 06/09/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Previous research shows that adults with children have poorer sleep overall than adults without children. Poorer sleep is associated with experiencing more frequent and severe stressors. The daily link between sleep and stressors may differ by parenting status; yet this potential difference has not been addressed, especially in nurses who provide care both at work and home. This study examined whether the sleep-stress relationship is stronger for nurses with children than those without. During 14 days of ecological momentary assessment, 60 hospital nurses (24 parents) reported their previous night's sleep characteristics upon waking. Three times daily, they also reported whether they encountered any stressors and how severe those stressors were. Associations were assessed at the within- and between-person levels with parenting status as a between-person moderator. After controlling for covariates, previous night's poorer sleep quality, lower sleep sufficiency, and shorter time in bed were associated with perceiving more frequent or severe stressors the following day. Some of these daily associations were moderated by parenting status, such that the sleep-stressor link was only significant for parents, with the magnitude of association being stronger for those with 2+ children relative to 1 child. These findings suggest that nurses with children are at greater risk for a stronger linkage between poorer sleep and greater stressor frequency and severity. A stronger sleep-stressor relationship could have compounding effects on health. Improving sleep in this group may be critical to reduce their stress and improve the quality of care across work and home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taylor P Harris
- School of Education and Human Sciences, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas, USA.,School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
| | | | - Soomi Lee
- School of Aging Studies, University of South Florida, Tampa, Florida, USA
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Frankel LA, Kuno CB, Sampige R. The relationship between COVID-related parenting stress, nonresponsive feeding behaviors, and parent mental health. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 42:10706-10717. [PMID: 34642561 PMCID: PMC8499607 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-02333-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
COVID-19 has disrupted the lives of families across the United States and all over the world. Stress is known to have a negative impact on parent-child feeding interactions; hence, the purpose of this study is to examine how COVID-related parenting stress, which was measured using a newly developed scale, is related to parent mental health, nonresponsive feeding, and children's self-regulation of eating. 119 parents of children ages 2-7 years old filled out questions about COVID-related parenting stress, mental health, nonresponsive feeding behaviors, and children's self-regulation of eating. A series of multiple regressions were run to predict parent anxiety and psychological distress from COVID-related parenting stress. COVID-related parenting stress was found to be a significant predictor of both parent anxiety and psychological distress. When COVID-related parenting stress was further broken down into COVID-Related Job/Financial Security Stress and COVID-Related Family Safety/Stability Stress, COVID-Related Job/Financial Security Stress predicted psychological distress while COVID-Related Family Safety/Stability Stress predicted parent anxiety. Moderation analyses were also run to test the difference across the parents of children under 5 years of age and those of children who were 5 years of age and older regarding the association of COVID-related parenting stress and either parent anxiety or psychological distress. There was no significant difference across age. Lastly, COVID-related parenting stress and nonresponsive feeding practices were simultaneously entered into a multiple regression to predict children's self-regulation of eating, and COVID-related parenting stress and parent distrust in appetite were both found to decrease children's ability to self-regulate energy intake. Based on findings from this study, researchers interested in improving children's self-regulation of eating and long-term health outcomes should continue to target the reduction of nonresponsive parent feeding behaviors, but they should also aim to look beyond specific parent feeding behaviors by attempting to help parents manage stressors in their lives. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12144-021-02333-y.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leslie Ann Frankel
- Department of Psychological, Health and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, 491 Farish Hall, Houston, TX 77204 USA
| | - Caroline Bena Kuno
- Department of Psychological, Health and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, 491 Farish Hall, Houston, TX 77204 USA
| | - Ritu Sampige
- Department of Psychological, Health and Learning Sciences, University of Houston, 491 Farish Hall, Houston, TX 77204 USA
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He M, Cabrera N, Renteria J, Chen Y, Alonso A, McDorman SA, Kerlow MA, Reich SM. Family Functioning in the Time of COVID-19 Among Economically Vulnerable Families: Risks and Protective Factors. Front Psychol 2021; 12:730447. [PMID: 34690887 PMCID: PMC8526846 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.730447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/08/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The ongoing COVID-19 crisis has been particularly harmful to economically vulnerable families with young children. We surveyed 247 low-income mothers and fathers from 142 families in the United States about changes in their family life following the economic and social restrictions imposed by the pandemic. We examined the associations between pandemic-related risk factors such as economic stressors (e.g., loss of job) and social stressors (e.g., exposure to the virus) on family functioning (e.g., parents' mental health, parent engagement, and children's socioemotional behaviors) and the degree to which coparenting support and parents' positivity protected families from the negative effects of these stressors on their wellbeing. We found both positive and negative associations. Mothers and fathers who reported more economic stressors since the pandemic also observed that their children behaved more prosocially and that fathers experienced more mental health difficulties during the pandemic. Mothers and fathers who reported more social stressors reported that they were less engaged with their children and their children exhibited more behavior problems compared to before the pandemic. We also found that mothers and fathers who reported feeling more positive also reported feeling less depressed and stressed during the pandemic and observed that their children had more prosocial behaviors compared to before the pandemic. Compared to before the pandemic, mothers and fathers who reported a more supportive coparenting relationship also reported more parent engagement and observed more prosocial behaviors in their children. In terms of protective factors, high levels of parent positivity during the pandemic protected mothers (less mental health difficulties) whereas high levels of coparenting support protected fathers (less mental health difficulties) from the negative effects of economic stress on their mental health during the pandemic. These findings highlight family processes that could promote resilience in mothers and fathers in the face of pandemic-related economic and social stressors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minxuan He
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Natasha Cabrera
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Jone Renteria
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Angelica Alonso
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - S. Alexa McDorman
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Marina A. Kerlow
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD, United States
| | - Stephanie M. Reich
- School of Education, University of California, Irvine, Irvine, CA, United States
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Mangialavori S, Cacioppo M, Terrone G, O'Hara MW. A dyadic approach to stress and prenatal depression in first-time parents: The mediating role of marital satisfaction. Stress Health 2021; 37:755-765. [PMID: 33620738 DOI: 10.1002/smi.3036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2020] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
In the field of perinatal clinical psychology, most studies focus on mothers' psychological states during pregnancy, neglecting the role of their partners. This study used an Actor-Partner Interdependence Mediation Model to evaluate the mediating role of dyadic satisfaction on the relationship between perceived stress and prenatal depressive symptomatology in both members of male-female-mixed-gender couples who were expecting their first child. One hundred thirty-eight couples in their third trimester of pregnancy were asked to complete questionnaires about perceived stress, dyadic adjustment, and depression. The model revealed that there was an intrapersonal indirect effect of fathers' perceived stress on prenatal paternal depression through their marital satisfaction. Moreover, an interpersonal indirect effect was found with mothers' perceived stress being associated with prenatal paternal depression through fathers' dyadic satisfaction. Maternal indirect effects were all non-significant, suggesting that their dyadic satisfaction and that of their partner did not mediate the relation between their perceived stress and that of their partner and their prenatal depression. Findings support the importance of assessing the dyadic satisfaction of couples during pregnancy, especially in expectant fathers, and targeting it in the psychological support offered to couples as a way of improving their prenatal distress, and consequently, their mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marco Cacioppo
- Department of Human Sciences, LUMSA, University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Grazia Terrone
- Department of History, Cultural Heritage, Education and Society, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy
| | - Michael W O'Hara
- Department of Psychological and Brain Sciences, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa, USA
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Kim M, Park C, Park M, You JSH. Comparative parenting stress measures between segmental and community-based rehabilitation services in parents of children and adolescents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD): A cross-sectional survey. Technol Health Care 2021; 29:85-89. [PMID: 33682748 PMCID: PMC8150654 DOI: 10.3233/thc-218009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND: There is a dearth of information on the effects of different types (Segmental rehabilitation service (SRS) vs Community-based rehabilitation service (CRS)) on the parenting stress and family quality of life in parents of children who have individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD). OBJECTIVE: This paper is to compare the effects of SRS and CRS on parenting stress and family quality of life in parents of individuals with IDD. METHODS: A cross-sectional design was used to examine parenting stress and family quality life in cohorts of 120 fathers and mothers of children with IDD who had received either SRS or CRS participated in the survey. The outcome measures included the modified Parenting Stress Index (PSI) and the modified Beach Center Family Quality of Life Scale (mBCFQLS). The Mann-Whitney U test was performed at P< 0.05. RESULTS: A significant difference was observed in social stress in PSI between the SRS and CRS groups (P= 0.03). The child rearing, emotional well-being, and physical and material well-being variables in mBCFQLS were different between the SRS and CRS groups (P< 0.05), indicating superior benefits from CRS than SRS. CONCLUSIONS: These findings provide important information and about parenting stress and family quality of life in children with IDD, for developing effective rehabilitation programs and services for these parents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikyoung Kim
- Sports Movement Artificial-Intelligence Robotics Technology (SMART) Institute, Department of Physical Therapy, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea.,Department of Physical Therapy, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Chanhee Park
- Sports Movement Artificial-Intelligence Robotics Technology (SMART) Institute, Department of Physical Therapy, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea.,Department of Physical Therapy, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Myungsook Park
- Department of Social Welfare, Sangji University, Wonju, Korea
| | - Joshua Sung H You
- Sports Movement Artificial-Intelligence Robotics Technology (SMART) Institute, Department of Physical Therapy, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea.,Department of Physical Therapy, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea
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Skjerdingstad N, Johnson MS, Johnson SU, Hoffart A, Ebrahimi OV. Feelings of worthlessness links depressive symptoms and parental stress: A network analysis during the COVID-19 pandemic. Eur Psychiatry 2021; 64:e50. [PMID: 34311806 PMCID: PMC8376856 DOI: 10.1192/j.eurpsy.2021.2223] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 06/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalent co-occurrence between parental stress and depression has been established prior to and during the COVID-19 pandemic outbreak. However, no studies to date have identified the connections through which these symptom domains interact with each other to emerge into a complex and detrimental mental health state, along with the plausible mechanistic variables that may play key roles in maintaining parental stress and depression. The aim of this research is to uncover these interactions in a period where parents experience heightened demands and stress because of the strict social distancing protocols. METHODS Network analysis is utilized to examine parental stress and depressive symptoms during the COVID-19 pandemic in a large cross-sectional study (N = 2,868) of parents. Two graphical Gaussian graphical network models were estimated, one in which only parental stress and depression symptoms were included, and another in which several mechanistic variables were added. RESULTS Expected influence and bridge expected influence revealed that feeling worthless was the most influential node in the symptoms network and bridged the two psychological states. Among the mechanistic variables, worry and rumination was specifically relevant in the depressive cluster of symptoms, and self-criticism was connected to both constructs. CONCLUSION The study displays that the co-occurrence of parental stress and depression has specific pathways, was manifested through feelings of worthlessness, and has specific patterns of connection to important mechanisms of psychopathology. The results are of utility when aiming to avoid the constellation of co-occurring parental stress and depressive symptoms during the pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Sverre Urnes Johnson
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Research Institute, Modum Bad Psychiatric Hospital, Vikersund, Norway
| | - Asle Hoffart
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Research Institute, Modum Bad Psychiatric Hospital, Vikersund, Norway
| | - Omid V. Ebrahimi
- Department of Psychology, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
- Research Institute, Modum Bad Psychiatric Hospital, Vikersund, Norway
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Ahmad M, Vismara L. The Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Women's Mental Health during Pregnancy: A Rapid Evidence Review. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:7112. [PMID: 34281049 PMCID: PMC8297318 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18137112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The perinatal period is a particularly vulnerable period in women's lives that implies significant physiological and psychological changes that can place women at higher risk for depression and anxiety symptoms. In addition, the ongoing pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is likely to increase this vulnerability and the prevalence of mental health problems. This review aimed to investigate the existing literature on the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on women during pregnancy and the first year postpartum. METHOD The literature search was conducted using the following databases: Pubmed, Scopus, WOS-web of science, PsycInfo and Google Scholar. Out of the total of 116 initially selected papers, 17 have been included in the final work, according to the inclusion criteria. RESULTS The reviewed contributions report a moderate to severe impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the mental health of pregnant women, mainly in the form of a significant increase in depression-up to 58% in Spain-and anxiety symptoms-up to 72% in Canada. In addition to the common psychological symptoms, COVID-19-specific worries emerged with respect to its potential effects on pregnancy and the well-being of the unborn child. Social support and being engaged in regular physical activities appear to be protective factors able to buffer against the effects of the pandemic on maternal mental health. CONCLUSIONS Despite the limitations of the study design, the evidence suggests that it is essential to provide appropriate psychological support to pregnant women during the emergency in order to protect their mental health and to minimize the risks of long-term effects on child development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Laura Vismara
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, Faculty of Human Studies, University of Cagliari, 09124 Cagliari, Italy;
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Hong X, Liu Q, Zhang M. Dual Stressors and Female Pre-school Teachers' Job Satisfaction During the COVID-19: The Mediation of Work-Family Conflict. Front Psychol 2021; 12:691498. [PMID: 34168602 PMCID: PMC8217622 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.691498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Online education has become a vital weapon to fight against the COVID-19 epidemic in the world. In the home-based online education environment, female pre-school teachers are expected to balance the dual roles of teacher and mother at the same time, which may trigger the work-family conflict. Although previous studies analyzed individual stressors, work-family conflict and its outcomes, there is little research on pre-school teachers' work and parenting experience during major public health emergencies. The current study examined the associations among work overload, parenting stress, work-family conflict, and job satisfaction during the COVID-19. Seven hundred eighteen female pre-school teachers with children who worked online at home participated in the study. Female pre-school teachers reported that the COVID-19 has increased work overload and parenting stress. Moreover, work overload was negatively associated with job satisfaction via its positive association with work-to-family conflict. Parenting stress was negatively associated with job satisfaction via both family-to-work conflict and work-to-family conflict. The study contributes to a better understanding of the association among female pre-school teachers' work overload, parenting stress, work-family conflict, and job satisfaction. Our findings highlighted potential avenues for interventions aimed at balancing female pre-school teachers' work and family and improving their job satisfaction during the COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiumin Hong
- Faculty of Education, Institute of Early Childhood Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Qianqian Liu
- Faculty of Education, Institute of Early Childhood Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | - Mingzhu Zhang
- Faculty of Education, Institute of Early Childhood Education, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
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42
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Ballarotto G, Cerniglia L, Bozicevic L, Cimino S, Tambelli R. Mother-child interactions during feeding: A study on maternal sensitivity in dyads with underweight and normal weight toddlers. Appetite 2021; 166:105438. [PMID: 34090944 DOI: 10.1016/j.appet.2021.105438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
During the second year of life, mother's sensitivity in encouraging child autonomy supports children's emotional-affective individuation. In the feeding context, there is a clear transition from dependence on the mother to an emerging autonomy. Several studies have found an association between children's poor growth which is not related to organic pathologies, and maladaptive mother-child interactions that are characterized by poor maternal sensitivity. Despite this evidence, no studies have investigated maternal sensitivity to specific child's cues, such as demands for autonomy, during feeding interactions between mothers and their underweight children. This study aimed to assess how mothers' psychopathological risk and toddler's dysregulation profile are associated with mother-toddler interactional quality during feeding, with particular attention to mothers' sensitivity to child's specific cues (e.g. need of autonomy, requests for cooperation, request to stop the interaction, etc.). One hundred fifty mother-toddler dyads (N = 73 with underweight children and N = 77 with normal weight children) with children aged between 18 and 30 months, were recruited. Mother-toddlers feeding interactions were assessed through specific rating scales applied to the video-recorded interactions and mothers filled out questionnaires on children's emotional-behavioral functioning and their own psychopathological risk. Results showed a significant association between the quality of mother-toddler feeding interaction and children's weight. Underweight children showed less demand for autonomy and request for cooperation than normal weight children. Moreover, mothers of underweight children were less sensitive to toddler's cues of wanting to stop the interaction and demands for autonomy compared to mothers of normal weight children. Lower facilitations were associated with toddler's more dysregulated profile and with mother's higher psychopathological risk, and high toddler's dysregulation profile was associated with lower maternal sensitivity to child's cues of wanting to interrupt interactions and with worse mother's mood. Assessing maternal sensitivity in relation to toddler's specific cues might be particularly relevant in the feeding context. It might help to detect some dysfunctional interactive patterns and allow the implementation of prevention and treatment programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Ballarotto
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome "La Sapienza", via degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Luca Cerniglia
- Faculty of Psychology, Uninettuno Telematic International University, Corso Vittorio Emanuele II, 39, 00186, Rome, Italy.
| | - Laura Bozicevic
- Institute of Population Health, Department of Primary Care & Mental Health, Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, University of Liverpool, Eleanor Rathbone Building, Bedford Street South, Liverpool, L69 7ZA, UK.
| | - Silvia Cimino
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome "La Sapienza", via degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy.
| | - Renata Tambelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, University of Rome "La Sapienza", via degli Apuli 1, 00185, Rome, Italy.
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The Protective Effects of Maternal and Paternal Factors on Children's Social Development. ADVERSITY AND RESILIENCE SCIENCE 2021; 2:85-98. [PMID: 34423312 DOI: 10.1007/s42844-021-00041-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
The goal of this study is to examine associations among family and child protective factors, maternal and paternal levels of distress, and children's social competence in a sample of 156 ethnically and socioeconomically diverse first-time mothers, fathers, and their children, followed from 9 months to 30 months of age. Using multiple linear regression modeling, our results indicate that dyadic synchrony and children's positive temperament during infancy are significantly associated with fewer behavior problems and paternal optimism with high levels of social competence at 21 months (main effects). Father optimism and child positive temperament are only significantly related to higher levels of social competence and fewer behavioral problems, respectively, in the context of low levels of paternal distress (interaction effects). These results suggest that in our sample maternal dyadic synchrony operates in the same way across levels of maternal distress as it relates to children's behavior problems, with the exception of paternal optimism and children's positive temperament. Results also suggest that protective factors are different for mothers, fathers, and children.
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44
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Rayburn SR, Coatsworth JD. Becoming Fathers: Initial Exploration of a Support Program for New Fathers. J Perinat Educ 2021; 30:78-88. [PMID: 33897232 DOI: 10.1891/j-pe-d-20-00015] [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] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging fathers experience a variety of stressors, including identity and role transitions, changes in their relationships, and challenges in developing caregiving skills. Increasing expectations for father involvement in childcare are emphasizing the importance of the father role, but social supports for new fathers remain scarce. Nineteen expectant and new fathers participated in a pilot 5-week group intervention aimed at improving stress coping and involvement attitudes using a combination of mindfulness practices and skill-building for parenting and partner communication. We administered surveys pre- and postintervention to assess efficacy in the areas of stress, depressive symptoms, father involvement attitudes, and mindfulness. Within-participant differences were compared across participants as well as examining individual reliable change. Results indicated initial reductions in stress and depressive symptoms and increases in the mindfulness constructs of nonjudgment and nonreactivity. No significant changes were found in father involvement attitudes. Perinatal intervention specific to fathers holds promise as an underexplored avenue for supporting families across the transition to parenthood.
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Trombetta T, Giordano M, Santoniccolo F, Vismara L, Della Vedova AM, Rollè L. Pre-natal Attachment and Parent-To-Infant Attachment: A Systematic Review. Front Psychol 2021; 12:620942. [PMID: 33815204 PMCID: PMC8011495 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.620942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
During the perinatal period, the establishment of the attachment relationship with the fetus and subsequently with the real child is crucial for the parents' and the child's well-being. Coherently with the assumption that the attachment relationship starts to develop during pregnancy, this systematic review aims to analyze and systematize studies focused on the association between pre-natal attachment and parent-to-infant attachment, in order to clarify the emerging results and provide useful information for clinical purposes. Nineteen studies were included. Sixteen researches identified a positive relationship between pre-natal attachment and parent-to-infant attachment, and three articles highlighted a negative association between antenatal attachment and post-partum bonding disorders. These results were found both in women and men, in normative and at-risk pregnancies, adopting different assessment approaches (i.e., self-report measures, observations, and projective measures). However, only small or moderate associations were found. Future studies are needed to further confirm these findings across different populations (e.g., male samples, non-normative samples or samples in disadvantaged conditions) and with different methodological approaches (e.g., observational measures). Moreover, studies would be needed in order to clarify mechanisms through which pre-natal attachment influences parent-to-infant attachment, as well as protective and risk factors which intervene between these two variables.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maura Giordano
- Department of Psychology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Laura Vismara
- Department of Pedagogy, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | | | - Luca Rollè
- Department of Psychology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
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Conde A, Costa R, Figueiredo B. Anxiety and depressive symptoms effects on cortisol trajectories from pregnancy to postpartum: Differences and similarities between women and men. Horm Behav 2021; 128:104917. [PMID: 33387466 DOI: 10.1016/j.yhbeh.2020.104917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Anxiety and depressive symptoms may influence cortisol trajectories in women and men during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Using a multilevel approach, anxiety and depressive symptoms effects on 24-hour urinary free cortisol trajectories from the 2nd trimester to 3-months postpartum were examined in a sample of 66 women and 65 men with no known psychosocial or medical risk (N = 131; 33 (50%) of them were couples that participated in the same assessment waves). Results showed that both anxiety and depressive symptoms influence women's and men's cortisol trajectories from mid-pregnancy to 3-months postpartum. Women with high depressive symptoms and men with high anxiety or high depressive symptoms exhibited less accentuated variations in the 24-hour urinary free cortisol trajectories compared with women with low depressive symptoms and men with low anxiety or depressive symptoms, respectively. These effects were significant for women's cortisol trajectories from the 2nd to the 3rd pregnancy trimester and for men's cortisol trajectories throughout the entire period. The effect of anxiety and depressive symptoms on HPA axis functioning and cortisol production during pregnancy and postpartum, seems to be sex-specific. Reproductive-related alterations (associated with gestation, parturition and lactation) in women's HPA axis functioning may explain these sex-specific effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Conde
- INPP - Portucalense Institute for Human Development, Portucalense University, Porto, Portugal; Psychology Research Center, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.
| | - Raquel Costa
- Universidade Europeia, Lisboa, Portugal; EPIUnit, ISPUP - Instituto de Saúde Pública, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Bárbara Figueiredo
- Psychology Research Center, School of Psychology, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal
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DAT1 and Its Psychological Correlates in Children with Avoidant/Restrictive Food Intake Disorder: A Cross-Sectional Pilot Study. Behav Sci (Basel) 2021; 11:bs11010009. [PMID: 33466618 PMCID: PMC7828669 DOI: 10.3390/bs11010009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
International research has underlined the role played by children’s and maternal psychopathological symptoms on the onset of avoidant/restrictive food intake disorder (ARFID) in early childhood. No study has considered the possible interplay between children’s dopamine transporter (DAT1) genotype and methylation, dysregulation problems and maternal psychopathological risk. This study aimed to investigate the complex relationship between these variables, considering the possible mediation role played by children’s DAT1 methylation on the relationship between mothers’ psychopathological risk and children’s dysregulation problems, moderated by children’s DAT1 genotype. Our sample consisted of 94 early children and their mothers, divided into four subgroups, based on children’s ARFID subtypes (irritable/impulsive (I/I), sensory food aversions (SFA), post-traumatic feeding disorders subtypes (PTFD), and a non-clinical group (NC)). We addressed children’s dysregulation problems and maternal psychopathological risk, and collected children’s DNA through buccal swabs. Results showed that children’s 9/x genotype was associated with PTFD and NC groups, whereas the 10/10 genotype was associated with the SFA group, with large effect size. There were significant large differences in the study groups on children’s DAT1 total methylation, children’s dysregulation problems, and maternal psychopathological risk. Children’s DAT1 methylation did not mediate the relationship between mother’s psychopathological risk and children’s dysregulation problems, but there was a significant large direct effect. Children’s 9/x genotype moderated the relationship between maternal psychopathological risk and children’s DAT1 methylation but, respectively, with a large and small effect. Our pilot study suggested that the relationship between children’s DAT1 genotype and methylation, dysregulation problems, and maternal psychopathological risk has a crucial contribution to ARFID.
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Agostini F, Andrei F, Neri E, Trombini E, Nuccini F, Villani MT, Aguzzoli L, Paterlini M. Characteristics of Early Mother-Infant and Father-Infant Interactions: A Comparison between Assisted Reproductive Technology and Spontaneous Conceiving Parents. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2020; 17:ijerph17218215. [PMID: 33172139 PMCID: PMC7664381 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph17218215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/31/2020] [Accepted: 11/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
This study aims to describe parents’ and infant’s interactive styles after assisted reproduction treatments (ART), to compare them with parent–infant interactions after spontaneous conception (SC), and to assess the effect of specific ART variables (cause of infertility, treatment type, and previous ART attempts) on interaction quality. The sample included 25 ART conceiving couples and 31 SC couples with their 3-months-old babies. Free parent–infant interactions (3–5 min) were coded using the CARE-Index, a video-based assessment scale that gives both dimensional (e.g., sensitivity, control, passivity) and categorical scores (sensitive, inept, at-risk) for parents and infants. Results showed a global similarity between groups in CARE-Index dimensions. Nevertheless, differences emerged in categorical scores, as the interactive patterns of ART parents were more frequently classified as “inept” and “at-risk” compared to SC parents. With regards to ART dyads only, infants conceived through intracytoplasmic sperm injection scored significantly lower to the dimension compulsivity and higher to passivity, compared to infants conceived through in vitro fertilization. Yet, infants conceived at the first ART cycle had significantly lower levels of difficulty than infants conceived after one ART attempt. These results speak about the existence of important parent–infant interactive differences related to conception modality and ART technique and suggest the need to implement support programs to promote more sensitive parenting styles.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Agostini
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (F.A.); (E.N.); (E.T.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Federica Andrei
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (F.A.); (E.N.); (E.T.)
| | - Erica Neri
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (F.A.); (E.N.); (E.T.)
| | - Elena Trombini
- Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, 40127 Bologna, Italy; (F.A.); (E.N.); (E.T.)
| | - Francesca Nuccini
- Department of Neonatology, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Maria Teresa Villani
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.T.V.); (L.A.)
| | - Lorenzo Aguzzoli
- Center of Reproductive Medicine and Surgery, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy; (M.T.V.); (L.A.)
| | - Marcella Paterlini
- Department of Obstetrics and Pediatrics, Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale-IRCCS, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
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Escribano S, Oliver-Roig A, Richart-Martínez M. Longitudinal Study of Dyadic Adjustment in a Sample of Spanish Fathers. Am J Mens Health 2020; 14:1557988320966166. [PMID: 33084465 PMCID: PMC7708718 DOI: 10.1177/1557988320966166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The objectives of this study were to examine the evolution of fathers’ long-term dyadic adjustment after the birth of a child and to analyze their evolution considering related factors. A total of 113 Spanish fathers with a mean age of 35.72 years (SD = 3.84 years) participated. In general, there was a decline in the dyadic adjustment of the fathers until 6–12 months after childbirth, after which their level of adjustment remained stable until 13–24 months. We observed different patterns when analyzing the evolution by subgroups formed based on these different variables, previous experience of paternity, and anxiety. The intrinsic differences between fathers should also be considered because these differences can influence the way in which men face the parental process as well as the evolution of the quality of their relationship with their partner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Escribano
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
| | - Antonio Oliver-Roig
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
| | - Miguel Richart-Martínez
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Alicante, San Vicente del Raspeig, Alicante, Spain
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50
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Riva Crugnola C, Ierardi E, Prino LE, Brustia P, Cena L, Rollè L. Early styles of interaction in mother-twin infant dyads and maternal mental health. Arch Womens Ment Health 2020; 23:665-671. [PMID: 32451704 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-020-01037-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Transition to parenthood is considered a critical process for mothers of twins. There are, however, few studies on the subject. This study aims to evaluate the differences between mother-twin infant dyads and mother-singleton infant dyads with regard to maternal depression, anxiety, parenting stress, and the quality of mother-infant interaction. Mothers of twin infants (N = 40) were compared to mothers of singletons (N = 72). At infant 3 months, maternal depression, anxiety, and parenting stress were assessed via a questionnaire and styles of interaction with the Care-Index. The results indicated that mothers of twins (vs mothers of singletons) had significantly higher state anxiety and higher scores on the Difficult Child Scale of the Parenting Stress Index at infant 3 months. No significant differences between the two groups were found with regard to maternal depression. Mothers of twins had significantly lower sensitivity and were more unresponsive than mothers of singletons. Twin infants had significantly more difficult and compliant behaviours than singleton infants. Assisted reproductive treatment (ART) and prematurity had no effect on any of the examined variables. State anxiety was shown to partially mediate the relationship between twin parenthood and maternal sensitivity and to completely mediate the relationship between twin parenthood and infant difficult style. Maternal unresponsiveness was shown to be exclusively linked to being the parent of twins. The study shows that twin parenthood has a significant effect on maternal mental health and on the quality of mother-infant interaction and highlights the importance of early prevention programmes for twin parents.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Ierardi
- Department of Psychology, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Elvira Prino
- Department of Philosophy and Educational Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Piera Brustia
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Loredana Cena
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Sciences, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Luca Rollè
- Department of Psychology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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