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Provenzi L, Fuertes M, Mariani Wigley ILC, Nazzari S. Editorial: From social wires to neurobiological connections: a neuropsychobiological focus on parent-child interaction. Front Behav Neurosci 2024; 18:1487555. [PMID: 39372726 PMCID: PMC11449855 DOI: 10.3389/fnbeh.2024.1487555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2024] [Accepted: 09/10/2024] [Indexed: 10/08/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Livio Provenzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Marina Fuertes
- Centro de Psicologia, University of Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Escola Superior de Educação de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Sarah Nazzari
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Neuroscience, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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Carr J, Lane T, Naylor J, Orrock P, Shrubsole K, Vaughan B, Jones E. 'Thrown at twins' - A qualitative study exploring the lived experience of Australian osteopaths who regularly treat paediatric patients. Complement Ther Clin Pract 2024; 57:101897. [PMID: 39167928 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2024.101897] [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: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 08/15/2024] [Accepted: 08/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/23/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND and purpose: Little is known about the training and experience of osteopaths who treat paediatric patients, and graduates report feeling unprepared for this aspect of practice. The purpose of this study was to investigate the lived experience of Australian osteopaths who regularly treat these patients, in order to better understand their individual educational pathways and their management of this population. MATERIALS AND METHODS Osteopaths who reported regularly treating paediatric patients were recruited through the Osteopathy Research and Innovation Network (ORION) national practice-based network. Semi-structured interviews were completed, transcribed and thematically analysed using the principles of Descriptive Phenomenology to compile qualitative data. RESULTS Ten osteopaths were interviewed, whose age ranged from 33 to 71 years and with 15-46 years of clinical experience. Proportion of paediatric patients ranged from 20 to 90 % of participants' caseload according to self-report. Seven themes were identified that reflected the lived experience of treating paediatric patients: 1) Variable pathways to practice, 2) Challenges and rewards, 3) Scope of practice, 4) Team-based care, 5) Importance of entry-level skills, 6) Family-centred care, and 7) Success. CONCLUSION The study found a diversity of educational pathways, that paediatric practice was highly rewarding, the scope of practice was based on diagnostic skills and experience, the practitioners had extensive team-based professional networks, practice reflected a family-centred care model, and personal measures of success were multifactorial. These results give insight into this area of practice to guide further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Carr
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Australia.
| | - Tayla Lane
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Australia.
| | - Joshua Naylor
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Australia.
| | - Paul Orrock
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Australia.
| | - Kirstine Shrubsole
- School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, University of Queensland, Australia.
| | - Brett Vaughan
- Department of Medical Education, University of Melbourne, Australia.
| | - Emily Jones
- Faculty of Health, Southern Cross University, Australia.
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Uzundağ BA, Koşkulu-Sancar S, Küntay AC. Background TV and infant-family interactions: Insights from home observations. INFANCY 2024; 29:590-607. [PMID: 38700093 DOI: 10.1111/infa.12598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Background television has been found to negatively impact children's language development and self-regulatory skills, possibly due to decreased parent-child interactions. Most of the research on the relationship between background TV and caregiver-child interactions has been conducted in laboratory settings. In the current study, we conducted home observations and investigated whether infants engage in fewer interactions with family members in homes where background TV is more prevalent. We observed 32 infants at the ages of 8, 10, and 18 months in their home environments, coding for dyadic interactions (e.g., parent talking to and/or engaging with the child), triadic interactions (e.g., parent and infant play with a toy together), and infants' individual activities. Our findings revealed that background TV was negatively associated with the time infants spent in triadic interactions, positively associated with time spent engaging in individual activities, and not significantly related to the time spent in dyadic interactions. Apart from the relationship between background TV and individual activity time at 8 months, these associations remained significant even after accounting for families' socioeconomic status. These findings imply a correlation between background TV exposure and caregiver-infant-object interactions, warranting a longitudinal analysis with larger sample sizes.
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Wriedt SC, Müller M, Reck C, Nonnenmacher N, Zietlow AL, Woll CFJ. The effect of antepartum depressive and anxiety symptoms on mother-infant interaction: The mediating role of antepartum maternal emotional stress. Infant Behav Dev 2024; 75:101942. [PMID: 38522348 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2024.101942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 02/13/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024]
Abstract
Anxiety disorders, depression, and emotional stress during the antepartum period are interlinked with adverse child development. The quality of the dyadic interaction seems to play a crucial role in the transmission of these effects. In this study, we explored the mediating effect of antepartum maternal emotional stress (assessed via the Prenatal Emotional Stress Index) regarding the relationship of antepartum maternal depressive (assessed via the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale), anxiety symptoms (assessed via the Stat-Trait-Anxiety-Inventory), and depressive and anxiety disorders (assessed according to the DSM-IV-TR) in the antepartum period on postpartum interactive quality in a longitudinal design. The Face-to-Face-Still-Face Paradigm (FFSF) and the Infant and Caregiver Engagement Phases (ICEP-R) coding system were used to assess the postpartum interactive qualities of the mother-infant dyads. The sample consisted of 59 women, 38 in the clinical and 21 in the control group. We found significant indirect effects of antepartum depressive symptoms and maternal diagnostic status on the mother's neutral engagement and on the latency to the first social positive interactive match during the interaction - effects that were mediated by antepartum stress. Moreover, there was an indirect effect of state anxiety on neutral engagement - mediated by antepartum stress. Therapeutic intervention studies focusing on maternal antepartum regulation of emotional stress and postpartum interactive patterns might be crucial to encounter maladaptive developmental trajectories.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Cécile Wriedt
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence and Counselling Psychology, LMU Munich, Leopoldstraße 13, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Mitho Müller
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence and Counselling Psychology, LMU Munich, Leopoldstraße 13, 80802 Munich, Germany.
| | - Corinna Reck
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence and Counselling Psychology, LMU Munich, Leopoldstraße 13, 80802 Munich, Germany
| | - Nora Nonnenmacher
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence and Counselling Psychology, LMU Munich, Leopoldstraße 13, 80802 Munich, Germany; Department of Medical Psychology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Bergheimer Straße 20, 69115 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Zietlow
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence, Technical University Dresden, Chemnitzer Straße 46a, 01187 Dresden, Germany
| | - Christian Franz Josef Woll
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Psychology of Childhood and Adolescence and Counselling Psychology, LMU Munich, Leopoldstraße 13, 80802 Munich, Germany
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Choi EA, Kover ST. Social and Linguistic Correlates of Vocabulary Size in Autism: Overlapping Vocalization and Phonological Memory. J Autism Dev Disord 2024:10.1007/s10803-024-06396-1. [PMID: 38796794 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-024-06396-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
This study sought to understand the wide variability in vocabulary development among autistic children by testing potential social and linguistic correlates of vocabulary size. The correlation between overlapping vocalization (i.e., an aspect of social interaction relevant to accessing input for vocabulary acquisition) and phonological memory (i.e., retaining linguistic sound sequences) with vocabulary size were examined in 22 autistic children (3 to 11 years old) engaged in a structured nonword repetition task. Overlapping vocalization and phonological memory were correlated with vocabulary size. Overlapping vocalization remained a significant predictor of receptive and expressive vocabulary size when controlling phonological memory and nonverbal cognition. Both social and linguistic factors were associated with receptive and expressive vocabulary size in autistic children engaged in a structured task.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun Ae Choi
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
- San Jose State University, One Washington Square, Sweeney Hall #115, San Jose, CA, 95192, USA.
| | - Sara T Kover
- Department of Speech and Hearing Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle, USA
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Somers JA, Ho TC, Roubinov D, Lee SS. Integrating Biobehavioral and Environmental Components of Developmental Psychopathology via Interpersonal Dynamics: An RDoC-Advancing Model. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2024; 52:491-504. [PMID: 37603188 PMCID: PMC10879449 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-023-01110-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023]
Abstract
Although the Research Diagnostic Criteria (RDoC) framework proposes biological and environmental mechanisms intersect in the etiology of psychopathology, there is no guidance on how to define or measure experiences in the environment within the RDoC matrix. Interpersonal dynamics during caregiver-child interactions involve temporal coordination of interacting partners' biobehavioral functioning; repeated experiences of signaling to caregivers and responding to caregivers' signals shape children's subsequent socioemotional and brain development. We begin with a review of the extant literature on caregiver-child dynamics, which reveals that RDoC's units of analysis (brain circuits, physiology, behavior, and self-report) are inextricably linked with moment-to-moment changes in the caregiving environment. We then offer a proof-of-concept for integrating biobehavioral RDoC units and environmental components via caregiver-child dynamics. Our approach uses dynamic structural equation models to estimate within-dyad dynamics involving arousal, social, cognitive, and negative or positive affective processes based on second-by-second changes in parasympathetic activity (RSA) during a conflict discussion and a positive event-planning task. Our results illustrate variation in parent-child RSA synchrony, suggesting differences depending on the driver (i.e., child- or parent-led) and on the unique and intersecting domains involved (e.g., positive or negative affect valence systems). We conclude with recommendations for conducting robust, methodologically rigorous studies of interpersonal dynamics that advance the RDoC framework and provide a summary of the clinical implications of this research. Examining caregiver-child dynamics during and across multiple dyadic interaction paradigms that differentially elicit key domains of functioning can deepen understanding of how caregiver- and child-led interpersonal dynamics contribute to child psychopathology risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer A Somers
- Department of Psychology, University of California, 502 Portola Plaza, Pritzker Hall, CA, 6658, Los Angeles, USA.
| | - Tiffany C Ho
- Department of Psychology, University of California, 502 Portola Plaza, Pritzker Hall, CA, 6658, Los Angeles, USA
| | - Danielle Roubinov
- Department of Psychiatry, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Steve S Lee
- Department of Psychology, University of California, 502 Portola Plaza, Pritzker Hall, CA, 6658, Los Angeles, USA
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Tesson S, Swinsburg D, Nielson-Jones C, Costa DSJ, Winlaw DS, Badawi N, Sholler GF, Butow PN, Kasparian NA. Mother-Infant Dyadic Synchrony and Interaction Patterns After Infant Cardiac Surgery. J Pediatr Psychol 2024; 49:13-26. [PMID: 37873696 DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsad069] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 08/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Parents and their infants with complex congenital heart disease (CHD) face relational challenges, including marked distress, early separations, and infant hospitalizations and medical procedures, yet the prevalence of parent-infant interaction difficulties remains unclear. Using a standardized observational paradigm, this study investigated mother-infant dyadic synchrony, interactional patterns, and associated predictors in mother-infant pairs affected by CHD, compared with typically-developing pairs. METHODS In this prospective, longitudinal cohort study, mothers and their infants requiring cardiac surgery before age 6-months (n=110 pairs) and an age- and sex-matched Australian community sample (n=85 pairs) participated in a filmed, free-play interaction at 6.9±1.0 months. Mother-infant dyadic synchrony, maternal and infant interactional patterns, and relational risk were assessed using the Child-Adult Relationship Experimental (CARE) Index. Maternal and infant predictors were assessed at 32 weeks gestation, 3- and 6-months postpartum. RESULTS Most mother-infant interactions were classified as "high risk" or "inept" (cardiac: 94%, control: 81%; p=.007). Dyadic synchrony (p<.001), maternal sensitivity (p=.001), and infant cooperativeness (p=.001) were lower for cardiac than control pairs. Higher maternal traumatic stress at 6-months postpartum predicted lower dyadic synchrony for mother-infant pairs affected by CHD (B=-.04, p=.03). Dyadic synchrony was higher among older infants in the total (B=.40, p=.003) but not cardiac sample (B=.24, p=.06). CONCLUSIONS Relational difficulties were almost universal among mother-infant pairs affected by CHD and were also high in the Australian community sample. Widespread education initiatives are recommended to increase awareness of heightened mother-infant relational risk in congenital heart care and well-child settings, alongside relationally-focused prevention and early intervention programs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Tesson
- Heart Centre for Children, The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Australia
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dianne Swinsburg
- Heart Centre for Children, The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Claudia Nielson-Jones
- Heart Centre for Children, The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - Daniel S J Costa
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Australia
- Pain Management Research Institute, Royal North Shore Hospital, Australia
| | - David S Winlaw
- Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, USA
| | - Nadia Badawi
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Australia
- Grace Centre for Newborn Care, The Children's Hospital at Westmead, Australia
| | - Gary F Sholler
- Heart Centre for Children, The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Australia
- Discipline of Child and Adolescent Health, Sydney Medical School, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Phyllis N Butow
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Australia
- Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group, The University of Sydney, Australia
| | - Nadine A Kasparian
- Heart Institute, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, USA
- Heart and Mind Wellbeing Center, Heart Institute and Division of Behavioral Medicine and Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, USA
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Puglisi N, Favez N, Rattaz V, Epiney M, Razurel C, Tissot H. Interactive synchrony and infants' vagal tone as an index of emotion regulation: associations within each mother- and father-infant dyad and across dyads. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1299041. [PMID: 38169698 PMCID: PMC10758435 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1299041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Studies have shown that infants' emotion regulation capacities are closely linked to the quality of parent-infant interactions. However, these links have been mostly studied in mother-infant dyads and less is known about how the quality of father-infant interactions contributes to the development of emotion regulation during infancy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the links between interactive synchrony (i.e., an index of the quality of parent-infant coordination of interactive behaviors) and infants' vagal tone (i.e., a physiological index of emotion regulation). To understand the respective contributions of both parents, as well as the interrelations between the functioning of both dyads within a family, we observed mothers and fathers from 84 families interacting with their infants. Methods Synchrony was assessed by using the CARE-Index; infants' vagal tone was derived from the analysis of infants' electrocardiograms recorded during the interactions. Moreover, to take the play's order into account, we counterbalanced the procedure, so that approximately half of the mothers played first. We specified a first structural equation modeling (SEM) model to investigate the associations between interactive synchrony and the infants' root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), an index of vagal regulation, in the two successive parts of the play. We conducted a multigroup analysis in a second SEM model to investigate the associations of the first SEM model in two groups based on the order of interaction. Results The results of the SEM models showed that greater synchrony was related to greater infant RMSSD within mother-infant dyads and across one dyad to the other dyad in the full sample and in the group of fathers who interacted first with the infants. The associations between synchrony and infant vagal tone within father-infant dyads never appeared to be significant, nor did any associations within each dyad and across dyads when mothers interacted first. Discussion This study highlights that the links between interactions and infants' vagal tone are sensitive to family members' interdependencies and some conditions (the order of interaction).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nilo Puglisi
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Nicolas Favez
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Valentine Rattaz
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for Family Studies, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Manuella Epiney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology. University of Geneva Hospital, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Chantal Razurel
- Department of Midwifery, University of Applied Sciences Western Switzerland, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Hervé Tissot
- Faculty of Psychology and Educational Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
- Center for Family Studies, Department of Psychiatry, Lausanne University Hospital and University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
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Santos IRDD, Carvalho WLDO, Brazorotto JS. Videofeedback-guided teleintervention for the family of a child with a cochlear implant: a case study. Codas 2023; 35:e20220231. [PMID: 37991028 DOI: 10.1590/2317-1782/20232022231pt] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Interventions for parental training for families of hard of hearing children, including cochlear implant users, are identified as optimizing their developmental outcomes. In this single-case intervention study, we aim to describe the use of videofeedback in a remote environment, as well as to identify its effectiveness, based on the analysis of mother-child interaction, both for the mother's communicative behaviors and for the behaviors of the mother, receptive and expressive language of the child. Pre- and post-intervention measurements were performed, based on video analysis of the mother's interaction with the child, by blind judges, as well as through the application of assessment instruments for the child and the mother. There were 13 sessions, 3 of which were for evaluation before and after the intervention and 10 of teleconsultation sessions in which the videofeedback tool was used with the mother. Data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially, using the JT method, which determined the Reliable Change Index (BMI) and Clinical Significance. There was reliable positive change in the child's receptive and expressive language, as well as reliable positive change and clinically significant change in mother-child interaction after the 10 sessions of remote videofeedback intervention. Based on the reliable changes observed in this study, we present this model (televideofeedback) as a potential to optimize resources and efforts for therapeutic success in children's auditory rehabilitation, which should be studied in research with a rigorous method, for the broad recommendation of its use.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid Rafaella Dantas Dos Santos
- Programa Associado de Pós-graduação em Fonoaudiologia, Departamento de Fonoaudiologia e Laboratório de Inovação Tecnológica em Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte - UFRN - Natal (RN), Brasil
| | | | - Joseli Soares Brazorotto
- Programa Associado de Pós-graduação em Fonoaudiologia, Departamento de Fonoaudiologia e Laboratório de Inovação Tecnológica em Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte - UFRN - Natal (RN), Brasil
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Lilliesköld S, Lode-Kolz K, Rettedal S, Lindstedt J, Linnér A, Markhus Pike H, Ahlqvist-Björkroth S, Ådén U, Jonas W. Skin-to-Skin Contact at Birth for Very Preterm Infants and Mother-Infant Interaction Quality at 4 Months: A Secondary Analysis of the IPISTOSS Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open 2023; 6:e2344469. [PMID: 38032643 PMCID: PMC10690460 DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.44469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Importance Good-quality parent-infant interactions have protective effects on infant socio-emotional and behavioral development. These interactions are especially critical for very preterm infants at risk of vulnerabilities related to immaturity. Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) has been found to improve mother-preterm infant interaction behaviors, but few studies exist regarding its benefits when initiated immediately after birth. Objective To determine the effect of immediate SSC at birth for very preterm infants on mother-infant interaction quality at 4 months of corrected age. Design, Setting, and Participants This secondary analysis used data from the Immediate Parent-Infant Skin-to-Skin Study (IPISTOSS), a randomized clinical trial conducted between April 1, 2018, and June 30, 2021, at 3 neonatal units in Sweden and Norway. Participants included very preterm infants (28-33 gestational weeks of age) and their parents. Four-month follow-up was concluded in December 2021. Data analyses were performed on March 16 and September 18, 2023. Intervention Infants were allocated to standard incubator care or SSC with either parent initiated at birth and continued throughout the first 6 hours after birth. Main Outcomes and Measures The primary outcome was mother-infant interaction quality as measured with the Parent-Child Early Relational Assessment (PCERA), based on video recordings of a 5-minute free-play situation with mother-infant dyads at 4 months of corrected age. A multilevel regression analysis was performed. Results This analysis included 71 infants (31 twins [44%]) and 56 mothers. Infants had a mean (SD) gestational age of 31 weeks 3 (1.3) days, and more than half were male (42 [59%]); mothers had a mean (SD) age of 32 (4.9) years. There were 37 infants allocated to standard care and 34 to SSC with either parent after birth. During the first 6 hours after birth, fathers provided more SSC than mothers, with a median (IQR) of 3.25 (2.25-4.5) and 0.75 (0-2.5) hours, respectively. A statistically significant difference in 1 of 5 PCERA subscales (subscale 3: infant positive affect, communicative and social skills) was observed, with higher-quality mother-infant interaction in the SSC group at 4 months (Cohen d = 0.67 [95% CI, 0.17 to 1.17]; P = .01). This effect remained significant when adjusting for primiparity, child sex, and observation setting. Conclusions and Relevance In this study of the effect of immediate parent-infant SSC after very preterm birth, SSC was beneficial for the mother-infant relationship. These findings suggest that immediate SSC should be supported in the clinical setting. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03521310.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siri Lilliesköld
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neonatology, Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Karoline Lode-Kolz
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Clinical Neurophysiology, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Paediatrics, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Siren Rettedal
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Stavanger, Stavanger, Norway
- Department of Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Johanna Lindstedt
- Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Agnes Linnér
- Department of Neonatology, Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Hanne Markhus Pike
- Department of Paediatrics, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway
| | - Sari Ahlqvist-Björkroth
- Department of Psychology and Speech-Language Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Ulrika Ådén
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Neonatology, Astrid Lindgren Children’s Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Wibke Jonas
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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Dettmer AM, Bartz C, Rutherford HJV. Nonverbal face-to-face interactions in macaques and humans: A translational pilot study. Dev Psychobiol 2023; 65:e22416. [PMID: 37860898 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22416] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Human and nonhuman primate mother-infant dyads engage in face-to-face interactions critical for optimal infant development. In semi-free-ranging rhesus macaques (Macaca mulatta), maternal primiparity and infant sex influence the expression of nonverbal face-to-face mother-infant interactions. However, whether similar patterns of variation exist in laboratory-housed macaques or human mothers is not well understood. Comparing both species would yield information regarding the translational validity of macaques to humans in this important social/developmental domain. In this pilot study, we first compared semi-free-ranging (n = 39) and laboratory-housed (n = 20) macaques, finding that laboratory-housed dyads, first-time mothers, and mothers of sons engaged in higher rates of face-to-face interactions regardless of housing. After translating the nonhuman primate coding scheme for use in a small but diverse group of human mother-infant dyads (N = 27; 44.4% African American, 18.5% American Indian, 7.4% Asian/Asian American, and 29.6% White), we found that, like macaques, human mothers of sons engaged in more face-to-face interactions; however, experienced (vs. first-time) mothers engaged in more interactions. Macaques and humans also engaged in species-specific interactions with their infants. We conclude that components of caregiver-infant nonverbal face-to-face interactions are translatable across human and nonhuman primate species and represent an exciting avenue for future caregiving work.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda M Dettmer
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
| | - Cody Bartz
- Yale Child Study Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
- School of Public Affairs, American University, Washington, DC, USA
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Jung A, Heinrichs N. Coding Dyadic Behavior in Caregiver-Child Interaction from a Clinical Psychology Perspective: How Should Multiple Instruments and Outcomes Be Dealt with? CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1765. [PMID: 38002856 PMCID: PMC10670483 DOI: 10.3390/children10111765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023]
Abstract
The experiences children have in the interactions with their caregivers influence their developmental outcomes. To target caregiving and optimize intervention effects, the assessment of caregiver-child interactions is highly relevant for families affected by parental mental disorders. Behavioral observation is a widely used method for assessing family dynamics, and the literature offers a wide variety of instruments with which to code such data. However, a structured overview of behavioral observation instruments (BOIs) is lacking, and the multitude of types of dyadic behaviors (DBs) assessed within each BOI are complicating their application. We aim to provide an overview of the BOIs applied to families affected by mental disorders and suggest a DB taxonomy that may be used across BOIs. We first conducted a systemic literature search to identify the most frequently used BOIs and the DBs they capture in clinical psychology. Second, we asked 13 experts to sort DB terms based on perceived conceptual similarity and analyzed these results using multidimensional scaling. We found approximately 450 different terms for DBs, and we argue that DBs can be classified within two overarching dimensions, i.e., in terms of structure and in terms of reaction to a child's signals. These efforts can facilitate the coding and application of BOIs in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Jung
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and Psychotherapy, Bielefeld University, P.O. Box 100131, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany
| | - Nina Heinrichs
- Department of Psychology, Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and Psychotherapy, Bielefeld University, P.O. Box 100131, 33501 Bielefeld, Germany
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Balinisteanu T. Pilot Studies on Empathy and Closeness in Mutual Entrainment/Improvisation vs. Formalised Dance with Different Types of Rhythm (Regular, Irregular, and No Rhythm) and Coupling (Visual, Haptic, Full Coupling): Building a Case for the Origin of Dance in Mutual Entrainment Empathic Interactions in the Mother-Infant Dyad. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:859. [PMID: 37887509 PMCID: PMC10604627 DOI: 10.3390/bs13100859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 10/28/2023] Open
Abstract
This paper employs a novel research design to examine changes in empathy and closeness in partnered face-to-face dance, considering both different types of rhythm (regular, irregular, and no external rhythm, or 'mutual entrainment only') and different types of coupling (visual only, haptic only, and full visual and haptic coupling). Two studies were undertaken to pilot the design. In both studies, the Interpersonal Reactivity Index and Inclusion of Other in the Self were used to measure empathy and closeness, respectively. Study 1 employed 24 participants (12 pairs) distributed across two rhythm conditions, external regular rhythm, and no external rhythm, with full coupling in both conditions. Closeness increased similarly in both conditions. Empathic concern (EC) was significantly affected in the 'no rhythm' condition. Study 2 employed 54 participants assigned to form pairs and distributed across all combinations of rhythm and coupling types. Closeness decreased with irregular rhythm. EC increased in the 'no rhythm' conditions relative to regular rhythm. Fantasy (F) decreased with haptic coupling only (no visual coupling) while personal distress (PD) increased. In addition, the analyses suggest that perspective taking (PT) increases with irregular rhythm and in the condition without rhythm (mutual entrainment only). The discussion gauges the value of the designs and results for capturing changes in empathy and closeness with different rhythm and coupling types. Capturing such changes is important for research on the origins of dance in empathic mutual entrainment in the mother-infant dyad.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tudor Balinisteanu
- Neuroaesthetics Lab, University of Suceava, 720229 Suceava, Romania;
- Psychology Department, Goldsmiths, University of London, London SE14 6NW, UK
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14
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MacBeth A, Christie H, Golds L, Morales F, Raouna A, Sawrikar V, Gillespie-Smith K. Thinking about the next generation: The case for a mentalization-informed approach to perinatal and intergenerational mental health. Psychol Psychother 2023. [PMID: 37534856 DOI: 10.1111/papt.12483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There has been substantial progress made across multiple disciplines to emphasize the importance of perinatal mental health both for parents and offspring. This focuses on what has been termed the 'First 1000 Days' from conception to the child's second birthday. We argue that our understanding of this issue can go further to create an intergenerational approach to mental health. Despite the existence of theoretical frameworks and practical approaches to implementation, there are gaps in the understanding of perinatal and intergenerational mental health including which psychological mechanisms are implicated in the transmission of risk and resilience within the perinatal period; and how to leverage these into treatment approaches. AIMS AND METHODS In this paper, we explore the potential for mentalization as a candidate psychological approach to intergenerational mental health. RESULTS We contextualize this issue in terms of the points of contact between mentalization and broader theoretical models such as the social determinants of health and the Developmental Origins of Health and Disease (DoHaD) model. Further, we provide an overview of the existing evidence base for the relevance of mentalization to perinatal mental health. DISCUSSION Finally, we sketch out an outline model for integrating mentalization into perinatal and intergenerational mental health, highlighting several areas of opportunity to develop research and practice from diverse geographies and demographics. Here, we suggest that integration of mentalization with other conceptual frameworks such as DoHaD can mutually enrich the understanding of each model, pointing the way towards more effective early and preventative interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angus MacBeth
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Hope Christie
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Lisa Golds
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Francisca Morales
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Aigli Raouna
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
| | - Vilas Sawrikar
- School of Health in Social Science, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
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15
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Abu Salih M, Abargil M, Badarneh S, Klein Selle N, Irani M, Atzil S. Evidence for cultural differences in affect during mother-infant interactions. Sci Rep 2023; 13:4831. [PMID: 36964204 PMCID: PMC10039016 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-31907-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Maternal care is considered a universal and even cross-species set of typical behaviors, which are necessary to determine the social development of children. In humans, most research on mother-infant bonding is based on Western cultures and conducted in European and American countries. Thus, it is still unknown which aspects of mother-infant behaviors are universal and which vary with culture. Here we test whether typical mother-infant behaviors of affect-communication and affect-regulation are equally represented during spontaneous interaction in Palestinian-Arab and Jewish cultures. 30 Palestinian-Arab and 43 Jewish mother-infant dyads were recruited and videotaped. Using AffectRegulation Coding System (ARCS), we behaviorally analyzed the second-by-second display of valence and arousal in each participant and calculated the dynamic patterns of affect co-regulation. The results show that Palestinian-Arab infants express more positive valence than Jewish infants and that Palestinian-Arab mothers express higher arousal compared to Jewish mothers. Moreover, we found culturally-distinct strategies to regulate the infant: increased arousal in Palestinian-Arab dyads and increased mutual affective match in Jewish dyads. Such cross-cultural differences in affect indicate that basic features of emotion that are often considered universal are differentially represented in different cultures. Affect communication and regulation patterns can be transmitted across generations in early-life socialization with caregivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miada Abu Salih
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Maayan Abargil
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Saja Badarneh
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | | | - Merav Irani
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Shir Atzil
- Department of Psychology, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Mount Scopus, Jerusalem, Israel.
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16
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Ho SS, Nakamura Y, Swain JE. Path of intuitive compassion to transform conflicts into enduring peace and prosperity: Symmetry across domains of reiterated prisoner's dilemma, dyadic active inference, and Mahayana Buddhism. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1099800. [PMID: 36968746 PMCID: PMC10034324 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1099800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Conflicts are increasingly intensified among the members of the community, making it almost impossible to extend compassion-defined as a wish to relieve others from suffering-from one side to the other, especially when both sides believe that "life is a battle of us the good vs. them the evil." Is compassion even relevant to conflicts? The answer depends on how a conflict is framed in one's perception. If a conflict is perceived in a frame of zero-sum competition, then compassion is meaningless in such a "tug-of-war" mindset. Conversely, if perceived in a non-zero-sum frame-as demonstrated in reiterated prisoner's dilemma (rPD) in which two players may interdependently render win-win, lose-lose, win-lose, or lose-win scenarios by their actions-then compassion can help achieve the most preferable outcomes for all in a "dyadic dance" mindset. In this article, we present a path of intuitive compassion by pointing to symmetry across three distinct domains of rPD, dyadic active inference, and Mahayana Buddhism. In each of these domains, conflicts serve as points of bifurcation on a bidirectional path, and compassion as a conflict-proof commitment to carrying out the best strategies-even if assessed for one's own sake only-that consistently produce optimal payoffs in rPD, minimal stress in dyadic active inference, and limitless joy of ultimate enlightenment in Mahayana Buddhism. Conversely, a lack of compassion is caused by invalid beliefs that obscure the nature of reality in these domains, causing conflicts to produce even more conflicts. These invalid beliefs are produced by mistakes of over-reduction, over-separation, and over-compression in the mind, and therefore, a person's mindset is overly compressed from a multidimensional frame to a one-dimensional frame. Taken together, intuitive compassion is not about how to balance one's self-serving goals with altruistic ones. Rather, it is a conflict-proof commitment to transforming conflicts into enduring peace and prosperity according to the ultimate nature of reality. The work presented here may serve as a preliminary science-informed introduction to a genre of time-tested compassion meditations, i.e., lojong mind training, for the world laden with conflicts, starting from the conflicts in close relationships to those in geopolitics.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Shaun Ho
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Yoshio Nakamura
- Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, Pain Research Center, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - James E. Swain
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
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17
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Del Rosario C, Nixon E, Quigley J, Whitehouse AJO, Maybery MT. Parent-child interaction and developmental outcomes in children with typical and elevated likelihood of autism. Infant Behav Dev 2023; 71:101830. [PMID: 36848788 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2023.101830] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/27/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early parent-child interactions have a critical impact on the developmental outcomes of the child. It has been reported that infants with a family history of autism and their parents may engage in different patterns of behaviours during interaction compared to those without a family history of autism. This study investigated the association of parent-child interactions with child developmental outcomes of those with typical and elevated likelihood of autism. METHOD This longitudinal study investigated the relationship between global attributes of parent-child interaction and the developmental outcomes of infant siblings with elevated likelihood (EL: n = 29) or typical likelihood (TL: n = 39) of developing autism. Parent-child interactions were recorded during a session of free-play when the infants were six months of age. Developmental assessments were carried out when the children were 12 and 24 months of age. RESULTS The intensity of mutuality was significantly higher in the TL group than in the EL group, and developmental outcomes were poorer in the EL group when compared to the TL group. Positive associations between parent-child interaction scores at six months and developmental outcomes at 12 months were observed only in the TL group. However, in the EL group, higher levels of infant positive affect and attentiveness paid to the caregiver is associated with lower autism symptoms. Due to the sample size and design of the study, the findings must be viewed as indicative. CONCLUSION This preliminary investigation demonstrated differences in the association between parent-child interaction quality and developmental outcomes for children with typical and elevated likelihood for autism. Future studies should combine micro-analytic and macro-analytic approaches to parent-child interaction to further examine the nature of this relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chelo Del Rosario
- School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Áras an Phiarsaigh, Dublin 2, Ireland.
| | - Elizabeth Nixon
- School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Áras an Phiarsaigh, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Jean Quigley
- School of Psychology, Trinity College Dublin, Áras an Phiarsaigh, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - Andrew J O Whitehouse
- Telethon Kids Institute, University of Western Australia, Perth Children's Hospital, 15 Hospital Avenue, Nedlands, Australia
| | - Murray T Maybery
- School of Psychological Science, University of Western Australia, 35 Stirling Highway, Perth, Australia
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18
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Gao MM, Vlisides-Henry RD, Kaliush PR, Thomas L, Butner J, Raby KL, Conradt E, Crowell SE. Dynamics of mother-infant parasympathetic regulation during face-to-face interaction: The role of maternal emotion dysregulation. Psychophysiology 2023; 60:e14248. [PMID: 36637055 PMCID: PMC10175143 DOI: 10.1111/psyp.14248] [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: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The dynamics of parent-infant physiology are essential for understanding how biological substrates of emotion regulation are organized during infancy. Although parent-infant physiological processes are dyadic in nature, research is limited in understanding how one person's physiological responses predict one's own and as well as the other person's responses in the subsequent moment. In this study, we examined mother-infant respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA) dynamics during the Still-Face Paradigm (SFP) among 106 mothers (Mage = 29.54) and their 7-month-old infants (55 males). Given mothers' role in shaping dyadic interactions with their infant, we also tested how mothers' self-reported emotion dysregulation (measured via the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale) associated with these dynamics. Results showed that both mothers' and infants' RSA tended to return to their respective homeostatic points (i.e., exhibited return strength) during each SFP episode, indicating stability in RSA for mother-infant dyads. Significant shifts in mother and infant RSA return strength were observed across SFP episodes, highlighting the role of contextual demands on each individual's physiological dynamics. Mother-infant RSA dynamics varied as a function of maternal self-reported emotion dysregulation. Specifically, RSA levels of infants with more dysregulated mothers had a weaker tendency to return to homeostasis during the Reunion episode and were less affected by their mothers' RSA during the Still-Face and Reunion episodes of the SFP, suggesting a less effective coregulatory influence. Our findings have implications for the intergenerational transmission of emotion dysregulation via mother-infant physiological dynamics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengyu Miranda Gao
- Beijing Key Laboratory of Applied Experimental Psychology, National Demonstration Center for Experimental Psychology Education (Beijing Normal University), Faculty of Psychology, Beijing Normal University, Beijing, China
| | | | - Parisa R Kaliush
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Leah Thomas
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Jonathan Butner
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - K Lee Raby
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
| | - Elisabeth Conradt
- Department of Psychiatry and Pediatrics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Sheila E Crowell
- Department of Psychology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of OB/GYN, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA.,Department of Psychiatry, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
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19
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Lindblom J, Pajulo M, Nolvi S, Tervahartiala K, Karlsson H, Karlsson L, Korja R. Early pathways of maternal mentalization: Associations with child development in the FinnBrain birth cohort study. Front Psychol 2022; 13:855190. [PMID: 36582339 PMCID: PMC9792295 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.855190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Parental mentalization refers to a parents' capacity and interest to consider the individual experience and mental state underlying the behaviors of the child. Higher mentalization is considered a key aspect for parental sensitivity in interaction, fostering child's socioemotional and self-regulatory development. Yet, previous studies have not examined the dynamic pathways through which the maternal mentalization may develop, nor their effects on child development. Thus, in the current person-oriented study, first, we identify distinct profiles and longitudinal trajectories of maternal mentalization from pregnancy to child's 2 years of age. Second, we test how the profiles and trajectories associate with children's internalizing and externalizing problems, social-emotional competence and effortful control at the age of 2 years. Third, we examine how the profiles and trajectories associate with contextual demographic and child related. The substudy was part of the FinnBrain Birth Cohort and included families from general population (n = 2,687). Mothers reported their parental reflective functioning (PRF) at late pregnancy, 6 months and 2 years of child's age. Both mothers (n = 1,437) and fathers (n = 715) reported the developmental child outcomes at the child's age of 2 years. Latent Profile Analysis and Latent Transition Analysis were used to identify PRF profiles and trajectories. The results showed decreasing heterogeneity in PRF from pregnancy to child's age of 6 months and 2 years (i.e., four, three and two latent classes, respectively). Most mothers progressed towards high PRF over time. Second, the profiles and trajectories depicting high PRF associated with child high social-emotional competence at the age of 2 years, yet no clear positive effects were found on child's problems and effortful control. The group of mixed PRF trajectories showed strongest association with child's internalizing and externalizing problems. Finally, there were theoretically meaningful associations between the PRF trajectories and both the contextual (e.g., parity) and child related (e.g., infant temperament) factors. This was the first study to explore the early unfolding of maternal mentalization. The results are discussed in relation with the potential mechanisms accounting for child development and with the nature and limitations of self-reported parental mentalization.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Lindblom
- The FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland,Faculty of Social Sciences, Tampere University, Tampere, Finland,*Correspondence: J. Lindblom,
| | - M. Pajulo
- The FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland,Department of Child Psychiatry, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - S. Nolvi
- The FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland,Turku Institute for Advanced Studies, University of Turku, Turku, Finland,Department of Psychology and Speech Language Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - K. Tervahartiala
- The FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland,Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University, Turku, Finland
| | - H. Karlsson
- The FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland,Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University, Turku, Finland,Department of Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - L. Karlsson
- The FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland,Centre for Population Health Research, University of Turku and Turku University, Turku, Finland,Department of Psychiatry, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - R. Korja
- The FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study, Turku Brain and Mind Center, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Turku, Turku, Finland,Department of Psychology and Speech Language Pathology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
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20
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Provenzi L, Pettenati G, Luparia A, Paini D, Aprile G, Morelli F, Mascherpa E, Vercellino L, Grumi S, Signorini S. Case report: Dancing in the dark: A critical single case study engaging a blind father in the rehabilitation journey of his visually impaired child. Front Psychol 2022; 13:942321. [PMID: 36312141 PMCID: PMC9606581 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.942321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Face-to-face visual contact is a key component of the early parent-child interaction, therefore a visual impairment condition of the parent or the child represents a risk factor for dyadic patterns' development. Aims The study presents a critical single case of a blind father and a 18-month-old visually impaired child. The study aims to explore changes in the relational functioning of this dyad during an early family-centered intervention. Methods and procedures Ten parent-child sessions were videotaped and micro-analytically coded. Data were analyzed through a State Space Grid crossing child's social cues and types of father verbalizations. Outcomes and results Findings showed a stable increase in the amount of child social cues over time. Moreover, the dyad exhibited progressive changes in dyadic regulation, stability, and organization. The return time to the “active interaction” region of interest decreased progressively. A reduction was observed also for the time spent by the dyad in the region “no vocal contact.” Conclusions and implications This critical single case highlighted the benefits of parental engagement in early interventions for the dyadic regulation in parent-child interaction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livio Provenzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- *Correspondence: Livio Provenzi
| | - Giada Pettenati
- Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Antonella Luparia
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Daria Paini
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giorgia Aprile
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Federica Morelli
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, Pavia, Italy
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Mascherpa
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Luisa Vercellino
- Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Serena Grumi
- Developmental Psychobiology Lab, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Sabrina Signorini
- Developmental Neuro-Ophthalmology Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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21
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Unique Contributions of Maternal Prenatal and Postnatal Emotion Dysregulation on Infant Respiratory Sinus Arrhythmia. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2022; 50:1219-1232. [PMID: 35267154 PMCID: PMC10041879 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-022-00914-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Prenatal intrauterine exposures and postnatal caregiving environments may both shape the development of infant parasympathetic nervous system (PNS) activity. However, the relative contributions of prenatal and postnatal influences on infant respiratory sinus arrhythmia (RSA)-an index of PNS functioning-are relatively unknown. We examined whether prenatal and postnatal maternal emotion dysregulation, a transdiagnostic construct that spans mental health diagnoses, were independently related to infant RSA trajectories during a social stressor, the still-face paradigm. Our sample included 104 mothers and their 7-month-old infants. Maternal emotion dysregulation was measured with the Difficulties in Emotion Regulation Scale during the 3rd trimester of pregnancy and again at a 7-month postpartum laboratory visit. Infant RSA was recorded during the still-face paradigm. Only postnatal maternal emotion dysregulation was associated with infant RSA. Specifically, high postnatal emotion dysregulation was associated with a blunted (i.e., dampened reactivity and recovery) infant RSA response profile. Infant sex did not moderate the associations between maternal emotion dysregulation and infant RSA. Findings suggest that postnatal interventions to promote effective maternal emotion regulation may reduce risk for infants' dysregulated psychophysiological stress responses.
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22
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Golds L, Gillespie‐Smith K, Nimbley E, MacBeth A. What factors influence dyadic synchrony? A systematic review of the literature on predictors of mother-infant dyadic processes of shared behavior and affect. Infant Ment Health J 2022; 43:808-830. [PMID: 35913364 PMCID: PMC9540815 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.22011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Dyadic behavioral synchrony is a complex interactional process that takes place between the mother and her infant. In the first year of life, when the infant is prelinguistic, processes such as synchrony enable the dyad to communicate through shared behavior and affect. To date, no systematic review has been carried out to understand the risk and protective factors that influence behavioral synchrony in the mother-infant dyad. The aim of this review was to identify and evaluate the factors that influence behavioral synchrony in the mother-infant dyad, when the infant is between 3 and 9 months old. Key electronic databases were searched between 1970 and April 2021, and 28 eligible studies were identified for review. As the results were largely heterogeneous, four subgroups of factors were identified: (i) infant demographics, (ii) physiological factors, (iii) maternal mental health, and (iv) miscellaneous factors. Identified risk factors and covariates suggest that social determinants of health, underpinned by biological factors, play a large role in influencing behavioral synchrony within the dyad. Implications for the need to identify additional risk and protective factors, as well as design support for at-risk families are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Golds
- School of Health in Social ScienceUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | | | - Emy Nimbley
- School of Health in Social ScienceUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
| | - Angus MacBeth
- School of Health in Social ScienceUniversity of EdinburghEdinburghUK
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23
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Grant AD, Erickson EN. Birth, love, and fear: Physiological networks from pregnancy to parenthood. COMPREHENSIVE PSYCHONEUROENDOCRINOLOGY 2022; 11:100138. [PMID: 35757173 PMCID: PMC9227990 DOI: 10.1016/j.cpnec.2022.100138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Pregnancy and childbirth are among the most dramatic physiological and emotional transformations of a lifetime. Despite their central importance to human survival, many gaps remain in our understanding of the temporal progression of and mechanisms underlying the transition to new parenthood. The goal of this paper is to outline the physiological and emotional development of the maternal-infant dyad from late pregnancy to the postpartum period, and to provide a framework to investigate this development using non-invasive timeseries. We focus on the interaction among neuroendocrine, emotional, and autonomic outputs in the context of late pregnancy, parturition, and post-partum. We then propose that coupled dynamics in these outputs can be leveraged to map both physiologic and pathologic pregnancy, parturition, and parenthood. This approach could address gaps in our knowledge and enable early detection or prediction of problems, with both personalized depth and broad population scale.
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Affiliation(s)
- Azure D. Grant
- Helen Wills Neuroscience Institute, University of California, Berkeley, CA, 94720, United States
- Levels Health Inc., 228 Park Ave. South, PMB 63877, New York, NY, 10003, United States
| | - Elise N. Erickson
- Oregon Health and Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, United States
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24
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Ho SS, Nakamura Y, Gopang M, Swain JE. Intersubjectivity as an antidote to stress: Using dyadic active inference model of intersubjectivity to predict the efficacy of parenting interventions in reducing stress-through the lens of dependent origination in Buddhist Madhyamaka philosophy. Front Psychol 2022; 13:806755. [PMID: 35967689 PMCID: PMC9372294 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.806755] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Intersubjectivity refers to one person's awareness in relation to another person's awareness. It is key to well-being and human development. From infancy to adulthood, human interactions ceaselessly contribute to the flourishing or impairment of intersubjectivity. In this work, we first describe intersubjectivity as a hallmark of quality dyadic processes. Then, using parent-child relationship as an example, we propose a dyadic active inference model to elucidate an inverse relation between stress and intersubjectivity. We postulate that impaired intersubjectivity is a manifestation of underlying problems of deficient relational benevolence, misattributing another person's intentions (over-mentalizing), and neglecting the effects of one's own actions on the other person (under-coupling). These problems can exacerbate stress due to excessive variational free energy in a person's active inference engine when that person feels threatened and holds on to his/her invalid (mis)beliefs. In support of this dyadic model, we briefly describe relevant neuroimaging literature to elucidate brain networks underlying the effects of an intersubjectivity-oriented parenting intervention on parenting stress. Using the active inference dyadic model, we identified critical interventional strategies necessary to rectify these problems and hereby developed a coding system in reference to these strategies. In a theory-guided quantitative review, we used this coding system to code 35 clinical trials of parenting interventions published between 2016 and 2020, based on PubMed database, to predict their efficacy for reducing parenting stress. The results of this theory-guided analysis corroborated our hypothesis that parenting intervention can effectively reduce parenting stress if the intervention is designed to mitigate the problems of deficient relational benevolence, under-coupling, and over-mentalizing. We integrated our work with several dyadic concepts identified in the literature. Finally, inspired by Arya Nagarjuna's Buddhist Madhyamaka Philosophy, we described abstract expressions of Dependent Origination as a relational worldview to reflect on the normality, impairment, and rehabilitation of intersubjectivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Shaun Ho
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - Yoshio Nakamura
- Pain Research Center, Division of Pain Medicine, Department of Anesthesiology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, United States
| | - Meroona Gopang
- Program of Population Health and Clinical Outcomes Research, School of Public Health, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
| | - James E. Swain
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Health, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
- Program of Population Health and Clinical Outcomes Research, School of Public Health, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
- Department of Psychology, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Medicine, Renaissance School of Medicine, Stony Brook University, Stony Brook, NY, United States
- Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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25
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Sagar M, Henderson AME, Takac M, Morrison S, Knott A, Moser A, Yeh WT, Pages N, Jawed K. Deconstructing and reconstructing turn-taking in caregiver-infant interactions: a platform for embodied models of early cooperation. J R Soc N Z 2022. [DOI: 10.1080/03036758.2022.2098781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Sagar
- Soul Machines Ltd., Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | | | - Martin Takac
- Soul Machines Ltd., Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Applied Informatics, Comenius University in Bratislava, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Samara Morrison
- Soul Machines Ltd., Auckland, New Zealand
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Alistair Knott
- Soul Machines Ltd., Auckland, New Zealand
- Department of Computer Science, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand
| | - Alecia Moser
- Auckland Bioengineering Institute, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Wan-Ting Yeh
- School of Psychology, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand
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26
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Doiron KM, Stack DM, Dickson DJ, Bouchard S, Serbin LA. Co-regulation and parenting stress over time in full-term, very low birthweight preterm, and psycho-socially at-risk infant-mother dyads: Implications for fostering the development of healthy relationships. Infant Behav Dev 2022; 68:101731. [PMID: 35850046 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2022.101731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
From birth, mothers and infants co-regulate their interactions that are shaped by their socio-emotional development, relationship history, current circumstances, and goals. However, few studies have longitudinally explored co-regulation in the context of medical and psycho-social risk. The present 4-wave longitudinal study sought to shed light on factors associated with co-regulation over time in infants from 6- to 48-months. The objectives were to 1) identify differences in co-regulation among low- and at-risk infant-mother dyads, 2) explore changes in co-regulation over time, and 3) explore the associations between infant-mother co-regulation and parenting stress in these low- and at-risk groups over time. Participants included three groups of infant-mother dyads (full-term [FT], n = 48; very low birthweight/preterm [VLBW/preterm] born 26-32 weeks, weighing 800-1500 g, n = 61; psycho-socially at-risk where parents had histories of socioeconomic disadvantage, n = 54) followed longitudinally at 6-, 12-, 18-, and 48-months of age. Dyads engaged in a free play in their homes that was coded for co-regulation using Fogel, de Koeyer, Secrist, Sipherd, Hafen, and Fricke's (2003) Revised Relational Coding System (RRCS), and mothers reported on their level of parenting stress. Results from MANOVAs at each time point indicated significant differences between the groups at 18-months, with psycho-socially at-risk dyads engaging in more one-sided interactions than FT and VLBW/preterm dyads, and more dysregulation and miscommunication than VLBW/preterm dyads. Multi-level models of co-regulation revealed that dyads became progressively less synchronous from 6- to 12-months, followed by greater synchrony and mutual reciprocity from 12-months onwards. Parenting stress was associated with less synchrony and less mutual reciprocity amongst the at-risk groups. Maternal education was associated with greater engagement and girls tended to engage in more synchronous interactions than boys. Our results underscore the value and implications of considering background risk and concurrent parent perceptions in the development and reciprocity of parent-infant co-regulation and their subsequent relationships from infancy onwards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly M Doiron
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Research and Human Development (CRDH), Concordia University, Canada.
| | - Dale M Stack
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Research and Human Development (CRDH), Concordia University, Canada.
| | - Daniel J Dickson
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Research and Human Development (CRDH), Concordia University, Canada
| | - Samantha Bouchard
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Research and Human Development (CRDH), Concordia University, Canada
| | - Lisa A Serbin
- Department of Psychology and Centre for Research and Human Development (CRDH), Concordia University, Canada
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27
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Vacaru VS, Alfaro AU, Hoffman N, Wittich W, Stern M, Zar HJ, Stein DJ, Sterkenburg PS. Applicability of a Novel Attunement Instrument and Its Relationship to Parental Sensitivity in Infants With and Without Visual Impairments. Front Psychol 2022; 13:872114. [PMID: 35592146 PMCID: PMC9113196 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.872114] [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] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the applicability of a novel instrument to assess parent–child attunement in free play interactions, in dyads with an infant with and without visual impairments (VI). We here report the findings on the reliability and applicability of the newly developed Attune & Stimulate Mother–Infant 56-items Instrument (A&S M-I) in two separate samples: one with infants with VI (N = 20) and one with typically sighted infants (N = 24). In addition, we assessed the contribution of parental sensitivity to attunement in dyadic interactions. The A&S M-I is an observational comprehensive instrument of behaviors that captures different body parts and their motility (i.e., finger movements, arm waving, and foot kicking), and different senses (i.e., audio, tactile, and visual). The appropriate responding of a parent to the child’s signal (i.e., matching and containing) reflects the ability to attune in the dyad as well as parent’s ability to stimulate the child to become engaged in the contact or activity. Consistency assessments revealed good reliability for maternal and infant behaviors, acceptable internal consistency and good test–retest reliability. Furthermore, both samples scored significantly above chance level on attunement, suggesting that the instrument captures parent–infant behavioral coordination, and VI was not related to parent–infant attunement. Lastly, a relation between parental sensitivity and attunement was found only in the TS sample. Altogether, these findings provide promising initial evidence of the applicability of the A&S M-I instrument for assessing dyadic attunement across different populations and ages. Having assessed the applicability of this observational instrument, future work should corroborate these findings in larger samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victorita Stefania Vacaru
- Donders Centre for Cognitive Neuroimaging, Donders Institute for Brain, Cognition and Behaviour, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands.,Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Andrea Urqueta Alfaro
- Nazareth and Louis-Braille Institute, Integrated Health and Social Services Centres (CISSS), Longueuil, QC, Canada.,School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Nadia Hoffman
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Walter Wittich
- School of Optometry, Université de Montréal, Montreal, QC, Canada.,Institut Nazareth et Louis-Braille du CISSS de la Montérégie-Centre, Longueuil, QC, Canada
| | - Micky Stern
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Heather J Zar
- MRC Unit on Child and Adolescent Health, Department of Paediatrics and Child Health, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Department of Paediatrics & Child Health, Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Dan J Stein
- Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa.,Risk and Resilience in Mental Disorders Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
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28
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Using complexity science to understand the role of co-sleeping (bedsharing) in mother-infant co-regulatory processes. Infant Behav Dev 2022; 67:101723. [PMID: 35594598 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2022.101723] [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: 05/02/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Human infants spend most of their time sleeping, but over the first few years of life their sleep becomes regulated to coincide more closely with adult sleep (Galland et al., 2012; Paavonen et al., 2020). Evidence shows that co-sleeping played a role in the evolution of infant sleep regulation, as it is part of an ancient behavioral complex representing the biopsychosocial microenvironment in which human infants co-evolved with their mothers through millions of years of human history (Ball, 2003; McKenna 1986, 1990). This paper is a conceptual, interdisciplinary, integration of the literature on mother-infant co-sleeping and other mother-infant co-regulatory processes from an evolutionary (biological) perspective, using complexity science. Viewing the mother-infant dyad as a "complex adaptive system" (CAS) shows how the CAS fits assumptions of regulatory processes and reveals the role of the CAS in the ontogeny of mother-infant co-regulation of physiological (thermoregulation, breathing, circadian rhythm coordination, nighttime synchrony, and heart rate variability) and socioemotional (attachment and cortisol activity) development.
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29
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Voegtline KM, Dhaurali S, Wainger J, Lauzon S. Ontogeny of the Dyad: the Relationship Between Maternal and Offspring Neuroendocrine Function. Curr Psychiatry Rep 2022; 24:297-306. [PMID: 35451797 PMCID: PMC9648681 DOI: 10.1007/s11920-022-01337-0] [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] [Accepted: 03/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW We review ontogeny of the maternal-offspring neuroendocrine relationship in human pregnancy. We present bidirectional genetic, physiological, and behavioral influences that enhance or disrupt HPA activity and its end product cortisol at the individual level and within the dyad. RECENT FINDINGS Consistent evidence supports that maternal mood and caregiving behavior are associated with maternal and offspring cortisol levels. Select studies support the buffering effects of antidepressant use and maternal positive affect on offspring cortisol. Growing research highlights evocative effects of fetal neuroendocrine activity, antenatal gene transfer, and infant behavioral distress and risk characteristics on maternal cortisol levels and dyadic attunement. There is potential to advance our understanding of the mother-offspring neuroendocrine relationship by consideration of other neuroactive steroids in addition to cortisol, and to consider developmental timing and measurement source in study design. Future study should emphasize in what context or for whom neuroendocrine attunement is adaptive versus maladaptive for mother and child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristin M. Voegtline
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics,Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
| | | | - Julia Wainger
- Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics
| | - Sylvie Lauzon
- Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Department of Population, Family and Reproductive Health
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30
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Translation and validation of Arabic version of maternal responsiveness questionnaire. Int J Health Sci (Qassim) 2022. [DOI: 10.53730/ijhs.v6ns4.6321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives: Aim to translate the original maternal responsiveness questionnaire from English to Arabic language and validate it. In addition to achieving equivalence between the original and adapted questionnaire. Method: maternal responsiveness questionnaire was translated into the Arabic language by using the WHO guideline of translation technique (translation – back translation and bilingual technique). A cross-cultural study design was used in this study to adapt the English version of the instrument to the new version in the Arabic language. Results: The translated Arabic maternal responsiveness questionnaire demonstrated a high degree of accuracy of translation and high estimates of content validity (S-CVI/Ave =0.96) and the Cronbach alpha showed a high level of internal consistency for questionnaire sub-scale as follow; 0.85 for responsiveness; 0.89 for delayed responsiveness; and 0.73 for non-responsiveness. Conclusion: The Arabic version of the maternal responsiveness questionnaire is highly reliable and has sufficient content validity and a culturally adapted form that can be used to measure the maternal responsiveness for Arabic-speaking mothers.
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31
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Provenzi L, Grumi S, Rodrigo MJ. Editorial: Neural and Epigenetic Factors in Parenting, Individual Differences and Dyadic Processes. Brain Sci 2022; 12:brainsci12040478. [PMID: 35448009 PMCID: PMC9028230 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci12040478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Livio Provenzi
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, University of Pavia, 27100 Pavia, Italy
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Serena Grumi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, 27100 Pavia, Italy;
| | - Maria José Rodrigo
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Education, Faculty of Psychology, University of La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Spain;
- University Institute of Neuroscience, University of La Laguna, 38200 La Laguna, Spain
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32
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Mother-Infant Dyadic Synchrony in the NICU Context. Adv Neonatal Care 2022; 22:170-179. [PMID: 35703926 DOI: 10.1097/anc.0000000000000855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Dyadic synchrony is a co-constructed social process relating to the back and forth interactions between mothers and infants that are strongly associated with neurodevelopment, self-regulation, and attachment. In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), this process may become interrupted because of the physiological state of the infant, the emotional state of the mother, and the physical environment of the NICU. PURPOSE In applying Feldman's Biobehavioral Model of Synchrony, this empirical review deconstructs the process of dyadic synchrony in the NICU context and provides a conceptual approach to guide both research and clinical practice. METHODS First, we examine the theoretical and empirical literature to explicate the primary structural and biophysiological components of synchrony and relate these constructs to the extant research on premature infants. Next, we synthesize the maternal, infant, and contextual factors that facilitate or inhibit the ontogenesis of dyadic synchrony in the NICU. The final section highlights the state of the science in dyadic synchrony in the NICU including gaps and recommendations for future research. FINDINGS An empirical review synthesis presents a visual conceptual framework to illustrate multiple processes that depict maternal, infant, and contextual influences of mother-infant synchrony in the NICU. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE/RESEARCH Despite the challenges posed to mother-infant relationships in the NICU, high-quality mother-infant interactions are possible, dyadic synchrony can emerge, and premature infants can develop secure attachments. Clinicians and researchers can apply this conceptual framework of mother-infant dyadic synchrony in the NICU to promote evidence-based research and clinical practice.
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33
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Turk E, Vroomen J, Fonken Y, Levy J, van den Heuvel MI. In sync with your child: The potential of parent-child electroencephalography in developmental research. Dev Psychobiol 2022; 64:e22221. [PMID: 35312051 DOI: 10.1002/dev.22221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Healthy interaction between parent and child is foundational for the child's socioemotional development. Recently, an innovative paradigm shift in electroencephalography (EEG) research has enabled the simultaneous measurement of neural activity in caregiver and child. This dual-EEG or hyperscanning approach, termed parent-child dual-EEG, combines the strength of both behavioral observations and EEG methods. In this review, we aim to inform on the potential of dual-EEG in parents and children (0-6 years) for developmental researchers. We first provide a general overview of the dual-EEG technique and continue by reviewing the first empirical work on the emerging field of parent-child dual-EEG, discussing the limited but fascinating findings on parent-child brain-to-behavior and brain-to-brain synchrony. We then continue by providing an overview of dual-EEG analysis techniques, including the technical challenges and solutions one may encounter. We finish by discussing the potential of parent-child dual-EEG for the future of developmental research. The analysis of multiple EEG data is technical and challenging, but when performed well, parent-child EEG may transform the way we understand how caregiver and child connect on a neurobiological level. Importantly, studying objective physiological measures of parent-child interactions could lead to the identification of novel brain-to-brain synchrony markers of interaction quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elise Turk
- Department of Cognitive Neuropsychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Jean Vroomen
- Department of Cognitive Neuropsychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Yvonne Fonken
- Department of Cognitive Neuropsychology, Tilburg University, Tilburg, The Netherlands
| | - Jonathan Levy
- Baruch Ivcher School of Psychology, Interdisciplinary Center Herzliya (IDC), Herzliya, Israel.,Department of Neuroscience and Biomedical Engineering, Aalto University, Aalto, Finland
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34
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Müller M, Zietlow AL, Klauser N, Woll C, Nonnenmacher N, Tronick E, Reck C. From Early Micro-Temporal Interaction Patterns to Child Cortisol Levels: Toward the Role of Interactive Reparation and Infant Attachment in a Longitudinal Study. Front Psychol 2022; 12:807157. [PMID: 35126257 PMCID: PMC8810635 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.807157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Parental mental disorders increase the risk for insecure attachment in children. However, the quality of caregiver–infant interaction plays a key role in the development of infant attachment. Dyadic interaction is frequently investigated via global scales which are too rough to uncover micro-temporal mechanisms. Prior research found that the latency to reparation of uncoordinated dyadic states is associated with infant behavioral and neuroendocrine regulation. We investigated the hypothesis that this interactive mechanism is critical in predicting secure vs. insecure attachment quality in infancy. We also assessed the predictive quality of infant attachment regarding neuroendocrine reactivity later in childhood. A subsample of N = 58 dyads (n = 22 mothers with anxiety disorders, n = 36 controls) from a larger study were analyzed. At 3–8 months postpartum, maternal anxiety disorders were diagnosed via a structured clinical interview as well as dyadic interaction during the Face-to-Face-Still-Face (FFSF) was observed and coded on a micro-temporal scale. Infant attachment quality was assessed with the strange situation paradigm at 12–24 months of age. In an overlapping subsample of N = 39 (n = 13 mothers with anxiety disorder; n = 26 controls), we assessed child cortisol reactivity at 5 to 6 years of age. Generalized linear modeling revealed that longer latencies to interactive reparation during the reunion episode of the FFSF as well as maternal diagnosis at 3–8 months of age predict insecure attachment in children aged 12–24 months. Cox regressions demonstrated that dyads with infants who developed insecure attachment at 12–24 months of age were 48% less likely to achieve an interactive reparation at 3–8 months of age. Mixed models revealed that compared to securely attached children, children who had developed an insecure attachment at 12–24 months of age had an increased cortisol reactivity at 5 to 6 years of age during free play. The results confirm the hypothesis that the development of attachment is affected by experienced micro-temporal interactive patterns besides diagnostic categories. They also showed that infants of mothers with postpartum anxiety disorders have a more than fivefold increased risk of developing an insecure attachment than the infants of the control group. Moreover, results imply that these patterns may influence neurohormonal regulation even in preschool aged children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mitho Müller
- EEKIP-Lab, Clinical Psychology in Childhood and Adolescence, Department Psychology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
- *Correspondence: Mitho Müller,
| | - Anna-Lena Zietlow
- Department of Psychology, School of Social Sciences, University of Mannheim, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Nathania Klauser
- EEKIP-Lab, Clinical Psychology in Childhood and Adolescence, Department Psychology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Woll
- EEKIP-Lab, Clinical Psychology in Childhood and Adolescence, Department Psychology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nora Nonnenmacher
- Institute of Medical Psychology, Center for Psychosocial Medicine, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Edward Tronick
- Child Development Unit, Developmental Brain Sciences Program, Department of Psychology, University of Massachusetts Boston – Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Corinna Reck
- EEKIP-Lab, Clinical Psychology in Childhood and Adolescence, Department Psychology, Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich, Munich, Germany
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35
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Bizzego A, Azhari A, Esposito G. Assessing Computational Methods to Quantify Mother-Child Brain Synchrony in Naturalistic Settings Based on fNIRS Signals. Neuroinformatics 2021; 20:427-436. [PMID: 34845593 DOI: 10.1007/s12021-021-09558-z] [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: 11/18/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Mother-child brain-to-brain synchrony captures the temporal similarities in brain signals between dyadic partners, and has been shown to emerge during the display of joint behaviours. Despite the rise in the number of studies that investigate synchrony in naturalistic contexts, the use of varying methodological approaches to compute synchrony remains a central problem. When dyads engage in unstructured social interactions, the wide range of behavioural cues they display contribute to the use of varying lengths of signals to compute synchrony. The present functional Near-infrared Spectroscopy (fNIRS) study investigates how different methods to quantify brain signals during joint and non-joint portions of dyadic play affect the outcome of brain-to-brain synchrony. Three strategies to cope with unstructured data are tested and different signal lengths of 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45s were used to determine the optimal method to sensitively capture synchrony. Results showed that using all available portions of the signals generated a greater number of less conservative results compared to the other two strategies, which were to compute the average synchrony for the joint and non-joint signals portions and to compute the difference between the average synchrony of joint and non-joint portions. From the different signal durations, only length portions of 25s to 35s generated significant results. These findings demonstrate that differences in computational approaches and signal lengths affect synchrony measurements and should be considered in naturalistic synchrony studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Bizzego
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, 38068, TN, Italy
| | - Atiqah Azhari
- Psychology Program, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639818, Singapore
| | - Gianluca Esposito
- Department of Psychology and Cognitive Science, University of Trento, Rovereto, 38068, TN, Italy. .,Psychology Program, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 639818, Singapore. .,Lee Kong Chian School of Medicine, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore, 308232, Singapore.
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36
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DiLorenzo MG, Bucsea O, Rumeo C, Waxman JA, Flora DB, Schmidt LA, Riddell RP. Caregiver and Young Child Biological Attunement In Distress Contexts: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis. Neurosci Biobehav Rev 2021; 132:1010-1036. [PMID: 34742924 DOI: 10.1016/j.neubiorev.2021.10.045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
The objective of the current study was to systematically review the literature on caregiver-child biological attunement within distress contexts during the first three years of life. A total of 9932 unique abstracts were identified through Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, CINAHL, and Scopus databases. Thirty-six studies provided data from caregivers and their infants or toddlers within a distress paradigm, used biological indicators of distress, and assessed the relations between caregiver and child biological indicators. Findings were synthesized based on biological indicators, type of analysis, and measurement epochs pre- and post-distress. Most articles examined cortisol. Associations between caregiver and child cortisol indicators were moderate to large, though findings varied depending on the analysis used and measurement epochs examined. Many of the findings examining relations between mother and child cardiac, sAA, and EEG indicators were weak or inconsistent, likely due to the limitations of methodological approaches used to capture the complexity of the caregiver-child attunement process. Gaps in the literature and suggestions for future research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Oana Bucsea
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Carla Rumeo
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | | | - David B Flora
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Louis A Schmidt
- Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour, McMaster University, Hamilton, Canada
| | - Rebecca Pillai Riddell
- Department of Psychology, York University, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Department of Psychiatry, The Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, Canada.
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Factors associated with the socioemotional development of preterm infants. Infant Behav Dev 2021; 64:101602. [PMID: 34246181 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2021.101602] [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: 10/19/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/20/2021] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
Preterm birth is a risk factor for problems in interactions with others. We compared the difference in socioemotional development between hospital discharge and at six months of corrected age of infants born ≤32 weeks and assessed the impact of maternal and infantile factors on socioemotional development rate within a 6 month's period. Mother-child dyads (n = 144) were assessed by the Mother-Baby Observation Protocol 0-6 months through a video microanalysis. Multivariate model was built. Neonatal, maternal and child factors were associated with interactive gaze, initiate contact, responsiveness, infantile vocalization, and thus contributed to the socioemocional development of preterm infants with their mothers.
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Tesson S, Butow PN, Marshall K, Fonagy P, Kasparian NA. Parent-child bonding and attachment during pregnancy and early childhood following congenital heart disease diagnosis. Health Psychol Rev 2021; 16:378-411. [PMID: 33955329 DOI: 10.1080/17437199.2021.1927136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Diagnosis and treatment of congenital heart disease (CHD) can present challenges to the developing parent-child relationship due to periods of infant hospitalization and intensive medical care, parent-infant separations, child neurodevelopmental delay and feeding problems, and significant parent and child distress and trauma. Yet, the ways in which CHD may affect the parent-child relationship are not well-understood. We systematically reviewed the evidence on parental bonding, parent-child interaction, and child attachment following CHD diagnosis, according to a pre-registered protocol (CRD42019135687). Six electronic databases were searched for English-language studies comparing a cardiac sample (i.e., expectant parents or parents and their child aged 0-5 years with CHD) with a healthy comparison group on relational outcomes. Of 22 unique studies, most used parent-report measures (73%) and yielded mixed results for parental bonding and parent-child interaction quality. Observational results also varied, although most studies (4 of 6) found difficulties in parent-child interaction on one or more affective or behavioural domains (e.g., lower maternal sensitivity, lower infant responsiveness). Research on parental-fetal bonding, father-child relationships, and child attachment behaviour was lacking. Stronger evidence is needed to determine the nature, prevalence, and predictors of relational disruptions following CHD diagnosis, and to inform targeted screening, prevention, and early intervention programs for at-risk dyads.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie Tesson
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Heart Centre for Children, The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, Australia
| | - Phyllis N Butow
- School of Psychology, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.,Psycho-Oncology Co-operative Research Group (PoCoG), The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kate Marshall
- Heart Centre for Children, The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, Australia.,Discipline of Paediatrics, School of Women's and Children's Health, UNSW Medicine, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Peter Fonagy
- Research Department of Clinical, Educational and Health Psychology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Nadine A Kasparian
- Heart Centre for Children, The Sydney Children's Hospitals Network, Sydney, Australia.,Cincinnati Children's Center for Heart Disease and Mental Health, Heart Institute and the Division of Behavioral Medicine & Clinical Psychology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital, Cincinnati, OH, USA.,Department of Pediatrics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, USA
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Rosenblatt A, Kremer M, Paun O, Swanson B, Hamilton R, Schwartz A. Parental Decision-Making for Surgery and Anesthesia in Young Children. West J Nurs Res 2021; 44:904-911. [PMID: 34085888 DOI: 10.1177/01939459211021622] [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: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Millions of young children undergo surgery and anesthesia each year, yet there is a lack of scientific consensus about the safety of anesthesia exposure for the developing brain. Also poorly understood is parental anesthesia-related decision-making and how neurotoxicity information influences their choices. The theoretical model of parental decision-making generated in this research explicates this process. Interviews with 24 mothers yielded a theoretical framework based on their narratives developed using a qualitative grounded theory analysis. Five major themes emerged from these interviews: emotional processing, cognitive processing, relationships as resources, the mother/child dyad, and the health care context. Mothers described a non-linear, iterative process; they moved fluidly through emotional and cognitive processing supported by relationships as resources and influenced by the health care context. A key element was the subtheme of the medical translator, an individual who provided context and information. The mother/child dyad grounded the model in the relationship with the child.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Rosenblatt
- Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Michael Kremer
- Rush Center for Clinical Skills and Simulation, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Olimpia Paun
- Department of Community, Systems and Mental Health Nursing, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Barbara Swanson
- Department of Adult Health and Gerontological Nursing, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rebekah Hamilton
- Department of Women, Children and Family Nursing, Rush University College of Nursing, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Alan Schwartz
- Department of Medical Education, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
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40
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Grumi S, Cappagli G, Aprile G, Mascherpa E, Gori M, Provenzi L, Signorini S. Togetherness, beyond the eyes: A systematic review on the interaction between visually impaired children and their parents. Infant Behav Dev 2021; 64:101590. [PMID: 34062369 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2021.101590] [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: 10/19/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/24/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parent-child interaction is essential to promote adaptive emotional, cognitive, and social development. The majority of previous research on parent-child interaction is largely dependent on face-to-face exchanges that require the interactive partners to visually recognize reciprocal communicative bids. Therefore, previous findings in the field can only partially apply to the early interactive patterns occurring between visually impaired infants and their parents. The present study was aimed to systematically review the available evidence on parent-child interaction in the context of developmental visual impairment. METHODS Fourteen papers were finally selected after literature search on PubMed and Scopus. Data synthesis was focused on three core topics: visually impaired children's contribution to the interaction, parental caregiving behaviors with visually impaired children, and the association between parents' behaviors and the developmental outcomes of children with visual impairment. RESULTS Visually impaired children may exhibit reduced reactivity to maternal stimuli and less-than-optimal levels of interactive initiations in social exchanges. Parents of children with visual impairment may use more descriptive communicative acts and greater directiveness compared to mothers of sighted counterparts. Specific caregiving behaviors (e.g., responsiveness and goal setting) of parents of children with visual impairment may significantly support language and socio-emotional development as well as sensorimotor integration. DISCUSSION Children with visual impairment may be less responsive and they may produce less clear communicative bids while interacting with their parents. Their parents may face specific challenges while engaging with them and they may become increasingly directive and intrusive. Nonetheless, even in the presence of visual impairment, the quality of parental caregiving behaviors appears to play a potential preventive role in the face of children's socio-emotional and cognitive outcomes. These results suggest that early interventions focused on parent-child interactions are especially needed in this population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serena Grumi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Giulia Cappagli
- Center of Child Neuro-Ophthalmology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy; Unit for Visually Impaired People, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Giorgia Aprile
- Center of Child Neuro-Ophthalmology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Eleonora Mascherpa
- Center of Child Neuro-Ophthalmology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | - Monica Gori
- Unit for Visually Impaired People, Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Genoa, Italy
| | - Livio Provenzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Sabrina Signorini
- Center of Child Neuro-Ophthalmology, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
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41
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Cabrera NJ, Hennigar A, Alonso A, McDorman SA, Reich SM. The Protective Effects of Maternal and Paternal Factors on Children's Social Development. ADVERSITY AND RESILIENCE SCIENCE 2021; 2:85-98. [PMID: 34423312 PMCID: PMC8372823 DOI: 10.1007/s42844-021-00041-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/06/2021] [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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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha J. Cabrera
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland
| | - Avery Hennigar
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland
| | - Angelica Alonso
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland
| | - S. Alexa McDorman
- Department of Human Development and Quantitative Methodology, University of Maryland
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Conti MG, Natale F, Stolfi I, Pedicino R, Boscarino G, Ajassa C, Cardilli V, Ciambra GL, Guadalupi L, Favata P, Repole P, De Luca F, Zacco G, Brunelli R, Terrin G. Consequences of Early Separation of Maternal-Newborn Dyad in Neonates Born to SARS-CoV-2 Positive Mothers: An Observational Study. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:5899. [PMID: 34072815 PMCID: PMC8199070 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18115899] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
As the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection continues its spread all over the world, data on perinatal management of the maternal-infant dyad are urgent. We performed an observational study to describe the effects of the early separation of the maternal-infant dyad, in case of maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection. We reported the medical records for 37 neonates born to 37 SARS-CoV-2 positive mothers in a setting of separation of the dyad after birth. Data on neonatal infection, clinical condition, and breastfeeding rate were recorded until the first month of life. No maternal deaths were recorded; 37.8% of women had at least one pregnancy-related complication. We reported a high adherence to recommended safety measures after discharged with 84.8% of the mothers using at least one personal protective device and 51.5% using all the protective devices. We reported one case of vertical transmission and no cases of horizontal transmission. However, the separation of the dyad had a negative impact on breastfeeding because only 23.5% of the newborns received exclusively human milk during the first month of life. Despite early separation of the dyad protecting the newborns from possible horizontal transmission of SARS-CoV-2, it negatively affects breastfeeding during the first months of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Giulia Conti
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.G.C.); (F.N.); (I.S.); (R.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.); (V.C.); (G.L.C.); (L.G.); (P.F.); (P.R.); (F.D.L.); (G.Z.); (R.B.)
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Roma, Italy
| | - Fabio Natale
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.G.C.); (F.N.); (I.S.); (R.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.); (V.C.); (G.L.C.); (L.G.); (P.F.); (P.R.); (F.D.L.); (G.Z.); (R.B.)
| | - Ilaria Stolfi
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.G.C.); (F.N.); (I.S.); (R.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.); (V.C.); (G.L.C.); (L.G.); (P.F.); (P.R.); (F.D.L.); (G.Z.); (R.B.)
| | - Roberto Pedicino
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.G.C.); (F.N.); (I.S.); (R.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.); (V.C.); (G.L.C.); (L.G.); (P.F.); (P.R.); (F.D.L.); (G.Z.); (R.B.)
| | - Giovanni Boscarino
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.G.C.); (F.N.); (I.S.); (R.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.); (V.C.); (G.L.C.); (L.G.); (P.F.); (P.R.); (F.D.L.); (G.Z.); (R.B.)
| | - Camilla Ajassa
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.G.C.); (F.N.); (I.S.); (R.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.); (V.C.); (G.L.C.); (L.G.); (P.F.); (P.R.); (F.D.L.); (G.Z.); (R.B.)
| | - Viviana Cardilli
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.G.C.); (F.N.); (I.S.); (R.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.); (V.C.); (G.L.C.); (L.G.); (P.F.); (P.R.); (F.D.L.); (G.Z.); (R.B.)
| | - Giovanni Luca Ciambra
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.G.C.); (F.N.); (I.S.); (R.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.); (V.C.); (G.L.C.); (L.G.); (P.F.); (P.R.); (F.D.L.); (G.Z.); (R.B.)
| | - Laura Guadalupi
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.G.C.); (F.N.); (I.S.); (R.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.); (V.C.); (G.L.C.); (L.G.); (P.F.); (P.R.); (F.D.L.); (G.Z.); (R.B.)
| | - Paola Favata
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.G.C.); (F.N.); (I.S.); (R.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.); (V.C.); (G.L.C.); (L.G.); (P.F.); (P.R.); (F.D.L.); (G.Z.); (R.B.)
| | - Paola Repole
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.G.C.); (F.N.); (I.S.); (R.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.); (V.C.); (G.L.C.); (L.G.); (P.F.); (P.R.); (F.D.L.); (G.Z.); (R.B.)
| | - Francesca De Luca
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.G.C.); (F.N.); (I.S.); (R.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.); (V.C.); (G.L.C.); (L.G.); (P.F.); (P.R.); (F.D.L.); (G.Z.); (R.B.)
| | - Giulia Zacco
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.G.C.); (F.N.); (I.S.); (R.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.); (V.C.); (G.L.C.); (L.G.); (P.F.); (P.R.); (F.D.L.); (G.Z.); (R.B.)
| | - Roberto Brunelli
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.G.C.); (F.N.); (I.S.); (R.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.); (V.C.); (G.L.C.); (L.G.); (P.F.); (P.R.); (F.D.L.); (G.Z.); (R.B.)
| | - Gianluca Terrin
- Department of Maternal and Child Health, Policlinico Umberto I Hospital, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Roma, Italy; (M.G.C.); (F.N.); (I.S.); (R.P.); (G.B.); (C.A.); (V.C.); (G.L.C.); (L.G.); (P.F.); (P.R.); (F.D.L.); (G.Z.); (R.B.)
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Cerezo MA, Abdelmaseh M, Trenado RM, Pons-Salvador G, Bohr Y. The temporal dimension in the understanding of maternal sensitivity in caregiver-infant interactions: The 'Early Mother-Child Interaction Coding System'. Infant Behav Dev 2021; 63:101563. [PMID: 33848770 DOI: 10.1016/j.infbeh.2021.101563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 01/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Caregiver-child interaction is known to play a central role in children's socioemotional development, yet the diversity of measures commonly used to evaluate it call into question the nature of the construct being assessed. Contingency within caregiver-child interactions has been identified as a key dyadic process that requires taking a temporal perspective to evaluating interactions. The Early Mother-Child Interaction Coding System is a psychometrically sound measure that sequentially code the flow of interactive and non-interactive behaviours within a caregiver-infant system. Its use of the framework of nonlinear dynamical systems (NDS) expands our understanding of contingent caregiver-infant dyadic behaviour.
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44
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Hoch JE, Ossmy O, Cole WG, Hasan S, Adolph KE. "Dancing" Together: Infant-Mother Locomotor Synchrony. Child Dev 2021; 92:1337-1353. [PMID: 33475164 DOI: 10.1111/cdev.13513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pre-mobile infants and caregivers spontaneously engage in a sequence of contingent facial expressions and vocalizations that researchers have referred to as a social "dance." Does this dance continue when both partners are free to move across the floor? Locomotor synchrony was assessed in 13- to 19-month-old infant-mother dyads (N = 30) by tracking each partner's step-to-step location during free play. Although infants moved more than mothers, dyads spontaneously synchronized their locomotor activity. For 27 dyads, the spatiotemporal path of one partner uniquely identified the path of the other. Clustering analyses revealed two patterns of synchrony (mother-follow and yo-yo), and infants were more likely than mothers to lead the dance. Like face-to-face synchrony, locomotor synchrony scaffolds infants' interactions with the outside world.
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45
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Singh BSK, Danckaerts M, Van den Bergh BRH. Helping Families of Infants With Persistent Crying and Sleep Problems in a Day-Clinic. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:591389. [PMID: 33716810 PMCID: PMC7952858 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.591389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Excessive crying and sleep problems affect up to 30% of infants and often coexist. Although usually benign and self-limiting, persistent crying, and sleep problems exceeding 6 months of age need attention as they may impair the mental health of the infant and its family. The source and the impact of these persistent regulatory problems is often not restricted to the infant, but extends to the parents and the parent-infant relationship. Clinical practice needs interdisciplinary and multi-method interventions focusing beyond regulatory problems of the infant but also on parental self-regulation and parent's co-regulatory responses toward the infant. Treating clinicians may encounter limitations of home-visits, outpatient, and pediatric residential settings when working with families in distress. We describe an infant mental health day-clinic treatment, drawing attention to this viable future direction. It offers a therapeutic climate based on forming a triangle of co-regulation between clinician, parent and infant to first help the parent and the infant settle down. This stress reduction restores parent-infant connectedness and parental learning and reflecting capacity. Clinicians then use established therapeutic modalities to support parental self- and co-regulatory skills which is important for the development of self-regulation in the infant. Experience with this treatment program suggests that a day-clinic setting facilitates interdisciplinary and integrative multi-method intervention, infant and parental stress reduction and integration of parental self- and co-regulatory skills in daily family life, improving overall outcomes. This perspective warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Binu S K Singh
- University of Leuven, University Psychiatric Center, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Marina Danckaerts
- University of Leuven, University Psychiatric Center, Leuven, Belgium.,Faculty of Medicine, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Bea R H Van den Bergh
- Department for Welfare, Public Health and Family, Flemish Government, Brussels, Belgium.,Health Psychology Research Group, University of Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
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46
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Provenzi L, Baroffio E, Ligabue S, Borgatti R. The Little Professor and the Virus: Scaffolding Children's Meaning Making During the COVID-19 Emergency. Front Psychiatry 2020; 11:817. [PMID: 32903863 PMCID: PMC7438921 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2020.00817] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Livio Provenzi
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
| | | | | | - Renato Borgatti
- Child Neurology and Psychiatry Unit, IRCCS Mondino Foundation, Pavia, Italy
- Department of Brain and Behavioral Sciences, Università di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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47
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Lau C, Turcich MR, Smith EO. Early detection of parenting stress in mothers of preterm infants during their first-year home. BMC Psychol 2020; 8:66. [PMID: 32576260 PMCID: PMC7313173 DOI: 10.1186/s40359-020-00435-z] [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] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Maternal stress following the birth of an infant is well acknowledged. It is particularly so when infants are born prematurely as their mothers cannot fully take on their parenting role until their infant(s) is discharged from neonatal intensive care units (NICUs). In this exploratory study, we examined whether these mothers’ parenting stress would lessen during their first-year reunification with their infant(s) as they settle into motherhood at home. Methods Two groups of mothers with infants born between 24- and 33-week gestational age were recruited. A group of 25 mothers were monitored at their infants’ 1-month corrected age (CA) and a second group of 24 mothers were monitored at their infants’ 12-month CA. Subjects completed the long form Parental Stress Index (PSI) ranking how stressful they perceive the individual subscales in the Child and Parent Domains of the self-reported questionnaire (PSI-3; Abidin; PAR Inc). The PSI theorizes that the stress mothers perceive is a resultant of their respective characteristics, interactions with their infant(s), family, and environment. Statistical analyses include descriptive statistics, χ2 square analysis, and independent t-test. Results There was no significant difference in the levels of perceived stress in the PSI subscales between the two groups of mothers at 1- and 12-month CA. Scores for the majority of respondents fell within the 15th to 80th percentile (% ile) distribution of Abidin’s normative population, with some mothers falling below the 15th % ile. Discussion/conclusion The data collected suggest that: 1. the perceived stress experienced by mothers during their first-year reunited with their preterm infants is within the normal range observed in Abidin’s normative population. 2. As the PSI is a self-reported survey, care providers need to be aware that some mothers may downplay their stress responses. 3. With the ability to monitor individual participants, the PSI can be readily offered to mothers at their infants’ first year routine clinical visits to assist in the early identification of parenting issues that may threaten the development of a healthy mother-infant dyad. Early appropriate guidance and social support would help “at-risk” mothers develop more constructive parenting routines.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Lau
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - M R Turcich
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - E O Smith
- Department of Pediatrics, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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48
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Provenzi L, Giusti L, Caglia M, Rosa E, Mascheroni E, Montirosso R. Evidence and Open Questions for the Use of Video-Feedback Interventions With Parents of Children With Neurodevelopmental Disabilities. Front Psychol 2020; 11:1374. [PMID: 32625153 PMCID: PMC7314919 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01374] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The Video-Feedback Intervention (VFI) is a technique aimed at promoting positive parenting that has been found to be supportive of child development and parent-child interaction in different at-risk and clinical populations. The application of VFI with parents of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (ND; e.g., cerebral palsy, sensory and/or psychomotor delay, and genetic syndromes) is growing. Nonetheless, no systematic review is currently available documenting whether this type of intervention improves children's developmental outcomes (e.g., behavioral stability and cognitive abilities), parental caregiving skills (e.g., responsive parenting), and parental emotional well-being (e.g., depressive symptomatology). In the present mini-review, 212 VFI records were retrieved from three databases (i.e., PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science), and 10 papers were finally included. Abstracted information included age, diagnosis, methodological aspects (timing, setting, and themes), and child/parent outcomes. Significant improvements from pre- to post-VFI were observed in all studies. Specifically, the VFIs were significantly associated with better children developmental outcomes and parental caregiving skills. Inconsistent findings emerged for the VFI effects on parental emotional well-being. Overall, the current mini-review supports the potential effectiveness of parent-focused VFI interventions for parents of children with ND, despite the presence of open questions that need to be addressed in future clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Rosario Montirosso
- 0-3 Centre for the at-Risk Infant, Scientific Institute, IRCCS E. Medea, Lecco, Italy
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Abstract
The interactive, give and take "dance" that highlights the synchrony between parents and young infants during social interaction occurs at the behavioral as well as the physiological level. These dyadic processes seen across infancy and early childhood appear to contribute to children's development of self-regulation and general socio-emotional outcomes. The focus of this chapter is on dyadic synchrony, the temporal coordination of social behaviors and the associated physiology. Research on behavioral, brain, and cardiac synchrony is reviewed within a bio-behavioral synchrony model. Tutorials for analyzing these types of complex social interaction data are noted.
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50
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Hazell Raine K, Cockshaw W, Boyce P, Thorpe K. Prenatal maternal personality as an early predictor of vulnerable parenting style. Arch Womens Ment Health 2019; 22:799-807. [PMID: 31016471 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-019-00963-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Perinatal mental health problems, particularly depression, are prevalent and have been a central focus of prevention initiatives. The greater proportion of ongoing annual perinatal mental health economic cost burdens relate to children. A key linking mechanism is mother-infant relationship quality. Perinatal depression symptoms are typically transient. However, personality style, including interpersonal sensitivity, is a more stable construct and predicts proneness to depression and common mental disorders. Building on our previous work, the objective of the present study is to examine the association between specific dimensions of prenatal interpersonal sensitivity and postpartum mother-infant relationship quality in the context of prenatal depression symptoms. We analysed data from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Interpersonal sensitivity and depression symptoms were measured at 18 weeks gestation. In a randomly selected 10% subsample of the ALSPAC cohort, mother-infant interaction was measured through standard observation at 12 months postpartum. For the subsample that had complete data at all time points (n = 812), multiple regression models examined prenatal interpersonal sensitivity dimensions predicting postpartum mother-infant relationship quality, accounting for depression symptoms. Two dimensions of maternal interpersonal sensitivity modestly predicted mother-infant relationship quality at 12 months postpartum and remained robust when we controlled for depression symptoms. The interpersonal sensitivity subscales were significantly associated with prenatal depression symptoms but more consistently and robustly predicted postnatal mother-infant interaction quality. The inclusion of personality measures may strengthen prenatal mental health assessment to identify vulnerability to suboptimal mother-infant relationship quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karen Hazell Raine
- Discipline of Psychiatry, Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia.
| | - Wendell Cockshaw
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne, Australia
| | - Philip Boyce
- Discipline of Psychiatry, Westmead Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Karen Thorpe
- Institute for Social Science Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Australia
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