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Okwuosa LN, Onu DU, Onyedibe MCC. Inmates' Adaptation to Prison: Investigating the Mediating Role of Resilience in the Relationship between Religiosity and Prison Adjustment. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF OFFENDER THERAPY AND COMPARATIVE CRIMINOLOGY 2024:306624X241246097. [PMID: 38634404 DOI: 10.1177/0306624x241246097] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Incarceration is one of the most stressful life experiences with negative impacts on the health and wellbeing of the prisoners. Sufficient studies exist on the association between religiosity and adjustment to prison (ATP) but no studies have investigated the mediating variables explaining this link. This study examined the mediating role of resilience on the relationship between religiosity and ATP. Participants 513 inmates (males = 410, females = 103; mean age = 30.86, SD = 7.71 years) drawn from Enugu and Nsukka custodial centres in the South East Nigeria. They responded to Prison Adjustment Questionnaire, Religious Orientation Test and Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale in addition to supplying other relevant information. Hayes PROCESS macro for SPSS which uses a regression-based, path-analytical framework, was used in the data analysis. The results showed a significant indirect effect of resilience on the association between religiosity and ATP (β = .45, p < .001, 95% CI [0.27, 0.62]). This result revealed that resilience mediated the relationship between religiosity and ATP, indicating that individuals who are religious may possess higher resilience, leading to improved ATP. In conclusion, the study recommends incorporating comprehensive mental health services with a focus on resilience-building strategies in prison policies. Encouraging detainees' religious beliefs and activities is suggested, along with promoting psychological therapies to enhance resilience and improve adjustment to prison life.
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Rosales KP, Wong EH, Looney L. The Psychometric Structure of Executive Functions: A Satisfactory Measurement Model? An Examination Using Meta-Analysis and Network Modeling. Behav Sci (Basel) 2023; 13:1003. [PMID: 38131859 PMCID: PMC10740530 DOI: 10.3390/bs13121003] [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: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
A long-standing debate among cognitive scientists has focused on describing the underlying nature of executive functions, which has important implications for both theoretical and applied research. Miyake et al.'s three-factor model has often been considered the gold-standard representation of executive functions and has driven much research in the field. More recently, however, there have been increasing concerns that the three-factor model does not adequately describe a highly complex construct such as executive functions. The current project presents two studies that examine the veracity of Miyake et al.'s model and propose a new approach (i.e., network modeling) for detecting the underlying nature of executive functions. The current results raise questions about the psychometric strength and adequacy of the three-factor model. Further, the studies presented here provide evidence that network modeling provides a better understanding of executive functions as it better captures (relative to latent variable modeling) the complexity of cognitive processes. Theoretical and applied implications are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin P. Rosales
- Department of Child Development, California State University, San Bernardino, CA 92407, USA; (E.H.W.); (L.L.)
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Zhang L, Roslan S, Zaremohzzabieh Z, Liu K, Tang X, Jiang Y, Mohamad Z. A serial mediation model of negative life events on school adjustment of left-behind adolescents in rural china: the central role of hope and gratitude. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:588. [PMID: 37580685 PMCID: PMC10426169 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05102-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Adjustment difficulties of school students are common and their school adjustment has gained wide concern in recent years. Negative life events (NLEs) hope, and gratitude have been associated with school adjustment. However, the potential effect of NLEs on hope and gratitude and whether hope and gratitude mediate the association between NLEs and school adjustment among high students have not been studied. Thus, this study aims to investigate the association between NLEs, hope and gratitude, and school adjustment in high school students in China. Additionally, the study aims to examine the mediating role of hope and gratitude in the association between NLEs and school adjustment. A total of 700 junior high school students in Guangxi Province (336 boys, 364 girls, M age = 15 years) completed the questionnaire. The results indicated significant mediating effects of hope and gratitude in the sequential positive association between NLEs and school adjustment. Furthermore, this study unraveled the complexity of the link between NLEs and school adjustment with the combination of hope and gratitude. The findings emphasized the importance of fostering hope and gratitude in left-behind adolescents to combat the negative consequences of NLEs. The study is also one of the first to investigate a serial mediation model to determine which NLEs influence Chinese left-behind adolescents' school adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lyuci Zhang
- Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia
- Department of Education and Music, Hezhou University, Hezhou, 542899 China
| | - Samsilah Roslan
- Faculty of Educational Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Zeinab Zaremohzzabieh
- Institute for Social Science Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia, 43400 Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Kexin Liu
- Youth League Committee, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, 530021 China
| | - Xing Tang
- School of Intelligent Manufacturing, Nanning College For Vocational Technology, Nanning, 530008 China
- Faculty of Human Development, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, 35900 Perak, Malaysia
| | - Yuqin Jiang
- Department of Education and Music, Hezhou University, Hezhou, 542899 China
- Faculty of Human Development, Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, Tanjung Malim, 35900 Perak, Malaysia
| | - Zulkifli Mohamad
- Pusat Pengajian Citra Universiti, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), 43600 Bangi, Selangor Malaysia
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Aghebati A, Javaherirenani R, Amin R, Pazhooyan M, Farahani H, Ahadianfard P. Psychometric properties of Persian version of child and youth resilience measure‐revised in adolescents. PSYCHOLOGY IN THE SCHOOLS 2023. [DOI: 10.1002/pits.22860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Asma Aghebati
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Razieh Javaherirenani
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Razieh Amin
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Mahdiye Pazhooyan
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
| | - Hojjatollah Farahani
- Department of Psychology, School of Humanities Tarbiat Modares University Tehran Iran
| | - Pantea Ahadianfard
- Department of Clinical Psychology, School of Behavioral Sciences and Mental Health Iran University of Medical Sciences Tehran Iran
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5
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Fu W, Zhu Y, Wang J, Dong H. Parent–child conflict and friendship quality of Chinese adolescence: the mediating role of resilience. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-04195-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
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Aizza A, Porter BM, Church JA. Youth pre-pandemic executive function relates to year one COVID-19 difficulties. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1033282. [PMID: 37151319 PMCID: PMC10156991 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1033282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction The first year of the COVID-19 pandemic presented a series of stressors that could relate to psychological difficulties in children and adolescents. Executive functioning (EF) supports goal achievement and is associated with life success, and better outcomes following early life adversity. EF is also strongly related to processing speed, another predictor of life outcomes. Methods This longitudinal study examined 149 youths' pre-pandemic EF and processing speed abilities as predictors of self-reported emotional, cognitive, and social experiences during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. EF and processing speed were measured with a total of 11 behavioral tasks. The COVID-era data was collected during two timepoints, during early (May-July 2020) and mid- (January-March of 2021) pandemic. Results Better pre-pandemic EF skills and processing speed abilities predicted more mid-COVID-19 pandemic emotional and cognitive difficulties. On the other hand, better switching (a subcomponent of EF) and processing speed abilities predicted more mid-pandemic social interactions. EF and processing speed abilities did not relate to the well-being reports from the initial months of the pandemic. Our EF - but not processing speed - results were largely maintained when controlling for pre-pandemic mental health burden, socioeconomic status (SES), and gender. Discussion Better cognitive abilities may have contributed to worse mid-pandemic functioning by supporting the meta-cognition needed for attending to the chaotic and ever-changing pandemic news and advice, leading to higher stress-induced worry and rumination. Our study highlights a potential downside of higher EF - often largely viewed as a protective factor - in youth.
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Long DA, Waak M, Doherty NN, Dow BL. Brain-Directed Care: Why Neuroscience Principles Direct PICU Management beyond the ABCs. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:children9121938. [PMID: 36553381 PMCID: PMC9776953 DOI: 10.3390/children9121938] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Major advances in pediatric intensive care (PICU) have led to increased child survival. However, the long-term outcomes among these children following PICU discharge are a concern. Most children admitted to PICU are under five years of age, and the stressors of critical illness and necessary interventions can affect their ability to meet crucial developmental milestones. Understanding the neuroscience of brain development and vulnerability can inform PICU clinicians of new ways to enhance and support the care of these most vulnerable children and families. This review paper first explores the evidence-based neuroscience principles of brain development and vulnerability and the impact of illness and care on children's brains and ultimately wellbeing. Implications for clinical practice and training are further discussed to help optimize brain health in children who are experiencing and surviving a critical illness or injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Debbie A. Long
- School of Nursing, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
- Centre for Children’s Health Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +61-7-3138-3834
| | - Michaela Waak
- Paediatric Intensive Care Unit, Queensland Children’s Hospital, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
- Centre for Children’s Health Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
| | - Nicola N. Doherty
- Regional Trauma Network, SPPG, DOH, Belfast BT2 8BS, Northern Ireland, UK
- School of Psychology, Faculty of Life and Health Sciences, Coleraine Campus, Ulster University, Coleraine BT52 1SA, Northern Ireland, UK
| | - Belinda L. Dow
- School of Nursing, Centre for Healthcare Transformation, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
- Centre for Children’s Health Research, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4101, Australia
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Marks RA, Norton RT, Mesite L, Fox AB, Christodoulou JA. Risk and resilience correlates of reading among adolescents with language-based learning disabilities during COVID-19. READING AND WRITING 2022; 36:401-428. [PMID: 36406629 PMCID: PMC9649401 DOI: 10.1007/s11145-022-10361-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Students with language-based learning disabilities (LBLD) can face elevated socio-emotional well-being challenges in addition to literacy challenges. We examined the prevalence of risk and resilience factors among adolescents with LBLD (N = 93), ages 16-18, and the association with reading performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected at the start and end of the first fully remote academic year of COVID-19 (2020-2021). Participants completed standardized word and text reading measures, as well as self-report surveys of executive functions (EF), and socio-emotional skills associated with resilience (grit, growth mindset, self-management, self-efficacy, and social awareness) or risk (anxiety, depression, COVID-19 related PTSD, and perceived COVID-19 impact). Survey data at the start of the school year (Time 1) captured three underlying factors associated with socioemotional risk, socioemotional resilience, and regulation (i.e., EF). Path analyses revealed that students' Time 2 oral reading scores were significantly and uniquely predicted by socioemotional resilience, even when controlling for word-level reading at Time 1. Socioemotional risk, EF, and perceived COVID-19 impact were not directly related to Time 2 oral reading scores; however, students' resilience mediated the associations between risk and reading outcomes. These results demonstrate that adolescents' mental health concerns, self-regulatory ability, and socioemotional resilience were all associated with their experiences of the COVID-19-related stress. However, despite the high-risk context of the pandemic, and socio-emotional challenges faced by students with LBLD, our findings indicate that resilience directly predicts end-of-year reading outcomes and mediates the impact of socioemotional risk on achievement. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11145-022-10361-8.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca A. Marks
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, MGH Institute of Health Professions, 36 First Avenue, Boston, MA 02129 USA
| | - Rachel T. Norton
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, MGH Institute of Health Professions, 36 First Avenue, Boston, MA 02129 USA
| | - Laura Mesite
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, MGH Institute of Health Professions, 36 First Avenue, Boston, MA 02129 USA
| | - Annie B. Fox
- School of Healthcare Leadership, MGH Institute of Health Professions, 36 First Avenue, Boston, MA 02129 USA
| | - Joanna A. Christodoulou
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders, MGH Institute of Health Professions, 36 First Avenue, Boston, MA 02129 USA
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Zanini GAV, Miranda MC, Cogo-Moreira H, Nouri A, Fernández AL, Pompéia S. An Adaptable, Open-Access Test Battery to Study the Fractionation of Executive-Functions in Diverse Populations. Front Psychol 2021; 12:627219. [PMID: 33859592 PMCID: PMC8042159 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.627219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2020] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The umbrella-term 'executive functions' (EF) includes various domain-general, goal-directed cognitive abilities responsible for behavioral self-regulation. The influential unity and diversity model of EF posits the existence of three correlated yet separable executive domains: inhibition, shifting and updating. These domains may be influenced by factors such as socioeconomic status (SES) and culture, possibly due to the way EF tasks are devised and to biased choice of stimuli, focusing on first-world testees. Here, we propose a FREE (Free Research Executive Function Evaluation) test battery that includes two open-access tasks for each of the three abovementioned executive domains to allow latent variables to be obtained. The tasks were selected from those that have been shown to be representative of each domain, that are not copyrighted and do not require special hardware/software to be administered. These tasks were adapted for use in populations with varying SES/schooling levels by simplifying tasks/instructions and using easily recognized stimuli such as pictures. Items are answered verbally and tasks are self-paced to minimize interference from individual differences in psychomotor and perceptual speed, to better isolate executive from other cognitive abilities. We tested these tasks on 146 early adolescents (aged 9-15 years) of both sexes and varying SES, because this is the age group in which the executive domains of interest become distinguishable and in order to confirm that SES effects were minimized. Performance was determined by Rate Correct Scores (correct answers divided by total time taken to complete blocks/trial), which consider speed-accuracy trade-offs. Scores were sensitive to the expected improvement in performance with age and rarely/inconsistently affected by sex and SES, as expected, with no floor or ceiling effects, or skewed distribution, thus suggesting their adequacy for diverse populations in these respects. Using structural equation modeling, evidence based on internal structure was obtained by replicating the three correlated-factor solution proposed by the authors of the model. We conclude that the FREE test battery, which is open access and described in detail, holds promise as a tool for research that can be adapted for a wide range of populations, as well as altered and/or complemented in coming studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica C. Miranda
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Psicologia-Psicossomática, Universidade Ibirapuera, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Hugo Cogo-Moreira
- School of Public Health, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam, China
- Programa de Pós Graduação em Psiquiatria, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Ali Nouri
- Department of Education Studies, Faculty of Humanities, Malayer University, Malayer, Iran
| | - Alberto L. Fernández
- Universidad Católica de Córdoba, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Sabine Pompéia
- Departamento de Psicobiologia, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
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Wu L, Zhang X, Wang J, Sun J, Mao F, Han J, Cao F. The associations of executive functions with resilience in early adulthood: A prospective longitudinal study. J Affect Disord 2021; 282:1048-1054. [PMID: 33601677 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2021.01.031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Executive functions and resilience, the key components of an individual's ability to participate meaningfully and effectively in their environment, have become increasingly researched topics in psychology and education. However, little is known about the longitudinal associations of executive functions and resilience among emergent adults. METHODS We conducted a prospective study with 450 (baseline) participants aged 17-24 years; 420 of these participants also completed a 15-month follow-up. Participants answered questionnaires investigating socio-demographics, executive functions, and resilience, and results were analysed with multivariable logistic regression and cross-lagged analyses. RESULTS At baseline, the overall prevalence of low executive functions (T-score ≥ 60) among the sample was 18.2%. Relative to persistently low executive functions, newly developed or persistent high executive functions was significantly associated with higher level of resilience at follow-up (bOR = 8.26, 95% CI [2.57, 26.49]; bOR = 8.74, 95% CI [3.69, 20.70], respectively). Further cross-lagged analyses showed bidirectional relationships of executive functions and various executive functions subtypes with resilience. LIMITATIONS The use of self-report measures may lead to recall bias, and intervention or experimental studies are needed to examine causality. This study recruited participants from one vocational school, which may limit the generalisability of the results. Also, follow-up dropout was a potential bias in this study; the observed results should be interpreted with caution. CONCLUSIONS Our study proposes that enhancing executive functions may be associated with improved resilience, and vice versa. These findings could influence the development of targeted interventions via mental health professionals to support individuals' development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liuliu Wu
- Department of Health Psychology, School of Nursing, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Health Psychology, School of Nursing, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Juan Wang
- Department of Health Psychology, School of Nursing, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Jiwei Sun
- Department of Health Psychology, School of Nursing, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China; School of Medicine, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Fangxiang Mao
- Department of Health Psychology, School of Nursing, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Jing Han
- Department of Health Psychology, School of Nursing, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China
| | - Fenglin Cao
- Department of Health Psychology, School of Nursing, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, China.
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de la Fuente J, Santos FH, Garzón-Umerenkova A, Fadda S, Solinas G, Pignata S. Cross-Sectional Study of Resilience, Positivity and Coping Strategies as Predictors of Engagement-Burnout in Undergraduate Students: Implications for Prevention and Treatment in Mental Well-Being. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:596453. [PMID: 33679470 PMCID: PMC7928383 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.596453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
In a population of young adults, this study analyzes possible linear relations of resilience and positivity to coping strategies and engagement-burnout. The aim was to establish a model with linear, associative, and predictive relations, to identify needs and make proposals for therapeutic intervention in different student profiles. A population of 1,126 undergraduate students with different student profiles gave their informed, written consent, and completed validated questionnaires (CD-RISC Scale; Positivity; Coping Strategies of Stress; Engagement, and Burnout). An ex post-facto design involved bivariate association analyses, multiple regression and structural predictions. The results offered evidence of associations and predictive relationships between resilience factors, positivity, coping strategies and engagement-burnout. The factors of resilience and positivity had significant differential associations (positive and negative) with factors of coping strategies. Their negative relationship to burnout factors, and positive relation to engagement factors, is especially important. Results of structural analysis showed an acceptable model of relationships between variables. We conclude with practical implications for therapeutic intervention: (1) the proactive factors of resilience reflect a perception of self-efficacy and the ability to change adaptively; (2) the reactive factors of resilience are usually associated with withstanding experiences of change, uncertainty or trauma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jesús de la Fuente
- School of Education and Psychology, University of Navarra, Pamplona, Spain
- School of Psychology, University of Almería, Almería, Spain
| | - Flavia H. Santos
- UCD School of Psychology, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Salvatore Fadda
- Stress Prevention Unit, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Giuliana Solinas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Sassari, Sassari, Italy
| | - Silvia Pignata
- STEM Unit and Centre for Workplace Excellence, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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12
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Crisci G, Mammarella IC, Moscardino UMM, Roch M, Thorell LB. Distance Learning Effects Among Italian Children and Parents During COVID-19 Related School Lockdown. Front Psychiatry 2021; 12:782353. [PMID: 35002803 PMCID: PMC8732950 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2021.782353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, both children and their parents experienced consequences related to distance learning (DL). However, positive and negative effects have varied greatly among families, and the specific factors explaining these differences in experiences are still underexplored. In this study, we examined children's executive functions (EF) and parents' psychological well-being in relation to negative and positive effects of DL on both children and their parents. Method: Participants were 637 Italian parents (92% mothers) with a child (48% male) aged between 6 and 19 years involved in DL due to school closures during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Data were collected using an online survey. We performed three fixed-order hierarchical multiple regression analyses with child age and sex, children's EF deficits, and parents' psychological well-being as independent variables, and DL-related negative effects (on the child and on the parent) and DL-related positive effects as dependent variables. Results: The results of the regression analyses showed that for negative effects of DL, younger age and greater EF deficits explained most part of the variance. Specifically, regarding negative effects on children, the most important factor was EF deficits, whereas regarding negative effects on parents, child age was the most important factor. For positive effects of DL, all variables explained only a small part of the variance. Child age was the most important factor, but EF deficits and parents' psychological well-being also had a significant impact. Conclusions: The effects of DL during school closures vary widely across families. Our findings indicate that intervention efforts need to consider background variables, child factors, as well as parent factors when supporting families with homeschooling in times of pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Crisci
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Irene C Mammarella
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Ughetta M M Moscardino
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Maja Roch
- Department of Developmental Psychology and Socialization, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Lisa B Thorell
- Division of Psychology, Department of Clinical Neuroscience, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
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13
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Li Y, Xia X, Meng F, Zhang C. Association Between Physical Fitness and Anxiety in Children: A Moderated Mediation Model of Agility and Resilience. Front Public Health 2020; 8:468. [PMID: 32984252 PMCID: PMC7492542 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 07/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Anxiety is one of the most prevalent mental health problems in children. Although physical fitness as a predictor of mental health, the mechanisms underlying any association between physical fitness and anxiety in children have been understudied. Thus, the aim of the present study was to determine whether an association exists between physical fitness and anxiety and to explore the roles of agility and resilience in such an association. Methods: This cross-sectional study investigated 269 children aged 7 to 12 years from three public primary schools in Shanghai (China). Physical fitness and agility were objectively measured, and resilience and anxiety were assessed using self-reported questionnaires. The moderated mediation model was examined using the SPSS PROCESS macro, in which the moderator variable was agility, and the mediator variable was resilience. Results: Physical fitness was inversely associated with anxiety. Resilience partially and indirectly mediated this association, and agility moderated the association between physical fitness and resilience. Physical fitness had a greater impact on resilience in children with higher agility levels. Conclusions: Agility moderated the mediation of resilience on the indirect, inverse association between physical fitness and anxiety; thus, incorporating methods to develop agility and resilience may lead to better outcomes for physical fitness programs designed to prevent or alleviate anxiety in children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yansong Li
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Xue Xia
- School of Psychology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
| | - Fanying Meng
- Institute of Physical Education, Huzhou University, Huzhou, China
| | - Chunhua Zhang
- School of Kinesiology, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China
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