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Levante A, Quarta S, Massaro M, Calabriso N, Carluccio M, Damiano F, Pollice F, Siculella L, Lecciso F. Physical activity habits prevent psychological distress in female academic students: The multiple mediating role of physical and psychosocial parameters. Heliyon 2024; 10:e26626. [PMID: 38420440 PMCID: PMC10901019 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e26626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Psychological distress is recognised as the most common mental health difficulty in emerging adult (18-to-24-year-old) female academic students. This study aimed to test a novel model positing physical activity habits as a protective factor for psychological distress through the mediating role of physical and psychological parameters. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet and self-reported physical health status were included as physical parameters. Self-reported psychological health status and time spent on leisure activities were the psychological parameters considered. Method Data were collected between April and May 2021. Correlation analyses and a multiple mediation model were computed on 411 online questionnaires filled out by 18-to-24-year-old female students from the University of blind (Italy). Results The multiple indirect effects were significant (β = -0.088; p < 0.001). This means that physical activity habits reduce psychological distress through high adherence to the Mediterranean diet, a good self-assessment of one's physical and psychological health status, and more time spent on leisure activities outdoors, with friends, and with family members. Conclusions Results show that academic policies should be adopted so as to design physical activity programmes that may improve the students' healthy behaviours and social interactions, which, in turn, mitigate the detrimental effects of psychological distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- A. Levante
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Via di Valesio, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Lab of Applied Psychology, Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Via di Valesio, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - S. Quarta
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DISTEBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - M. Massaro
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - N. Calabriso
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - M.A. Carluccio
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - F. Damiano
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - F. Pollice
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Via di Valesio, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - L. Siculella
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DISTEBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - F. Lecciso
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Via di Valesio, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Lab of Applied Psychology, Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Via di Valesio, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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2
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Lax ES, Graziosi M, Gioia AN, Arunagiri V, Novak SA. "More Than Just a Manicure" Qualitative Experiences of Maternal Self-Care During COVID-19. WOMEN'S HEALTH REPORTS (NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y.) 2023; 4:571-583. [PMID: 38099079 PMCID: PMC10719642 DOI: 10.1089/whr.2023.0081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Background The COVID-19 pandemic presented families with novel challenges. Mothers were at particular risk for parental burnout, however, there is limited research on self-care behaviors to ameliorate it explicitly for mothers of young children (aged 3 and younger). Moreover, there has been little in-depth analysis on barriers to self-care and how mothers realistically implement it in their lives. Methods In this article, we explore influences on and barriers to self-care in mothers of young children during the COVID-19 pandemic. Using a content analysis approach, we used verbal testimony from mothers to create a coding framework and applied that framework to the sample (N = 717). Results Qualitative analyses revealed that beauty and personal care were the most utilized self-care acts. Two major barriers were lack of childcare and limited time. Social support was the most frequently reported asset to engaging in self-care. Participants noted that the pandemic significantly restricted their access to activities and social support. Conclusions These findings emphasize the need to encourage mothers to prioritize self-care and incorporate their support systems to facilitate engagement. These results can inform programming to increase self-care behaviors in mothers, particularly during times of high environmental stressors. Future research should examine how resources can be allocated toward barriers of self-care to reduce burnout and improve quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth S. Lax
- Psychology Department, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, USA
| | | | - Ayla N. Gioia
- Psychology Department, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, USA
| | | | - Sarah A. Novak
- Psychology Department, Hofstra University, Hempstead, New York, USA
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3
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Romero C, Kupis L, Goodman ZT, Dirks B, Baez A, Beaumont AL, Cardona SM, Parlade MV, Alessandri M, Nomi JS, Perry LK, Uddin LQ. Pre-pandemic Executive Function Protects Against Pandemic Anxiety in Children with and Without Autism Spectrum Disorder. J Autism Dev Disord 2023:10.1007/s10803-023-06175-4. [PMID: 38038873 DOI: 10.1007/s10803-023-06175-4] [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: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic may have exacerbated depression, anxiety, and executive function (EF) difficulties in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). EF skills have been positively associated with mental health outcomes. Here, we probed the psychosocial impacts of pandemic responses in children with and without ASD by relating pre-pandemic EF assessments with anxiety and depression symptoms several months into the pandemic. We found that pre-pandemic inhibition and shifting difficulties, measured by the Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function, predicted higher risk of anxiety symptoms. These findings are critical for promoting community recovery and maximizing clinical preparedness to support children at increased risk for adverse psychosocial outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Celia Romero
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA.
| | - Lauren Kupis
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Zachary T Goodman
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Bryce Dirks
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Adriana Baez
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Amy L Beaumont
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Sandra M Cardona
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Meaghan V Parlade
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Michael Alessandri
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Jason S Nomi
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Lynn K Perry
- Department of Psychology, University of Miami, 5665 Ponce de Leon Blvd., Coral Gables, FL, 33146, USA
| | - Lucina Q Uddin
- Department of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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4
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Guerra GC, Nardozza O, Frigerio A, Garito MC, Ponzetti S, Passaquindici I, Fasolo M, Spinelli M, Lionetti F. Families Facing Pandemic Modifications of Everyday Life: A Mixed Study on Mothers' and Children's Emotional Reactions and Regulation Strategies. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1627. [PMID: 37892290 PMCID: PMC10605359 DOI: 10.3390/children10101627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/23/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic caused many enduring changes in the everyday life of families, with negative effects on parents' and children's wellbeing. However, there is a lack of studies in the literature exploring the emotional reactions and coping strategies of both mothers and children of different ages. Furthermore, most studies used only self-reports. This study aimed to identify the emotions and coping strategies of children, adolescents and their mothers and to verify the association between maternal and child wellbeing. A mixed-method design using interviews and questionnaires was applied to collect information on wellbeing (emotional reactions, behavioral/emotional problems) and coping strategies of both mothers (n = 65; M age = 42.17; SD = 4.40; M age = 41.63; SD = 4.48), and their children (n = 35, 8-10 year; n = 30, 11-13 year) during the second wave of the pandemic (December 2020). No differences between the groups emerged concerning the emotional reactions reported. In contrast, mothers and children of different ages reported different self-regulation and other-regulation strategies. Moreover, maternal strategies had different effects on children's wellbeing. The integration of qualitative and quantitative results was informative to understand how families adapted to the radical changes of everyday life related to the pandemic. The implications for developing interventions in such similar stressful situations to promote family wellbeing are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Carlotta Guerra
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.C.G.); (O.N.); (M.C.G.); (S.P.); (I.P.); (M.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Odette Nardozza
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.C.G.); (O.N.); (M.C.G.); (S.P.); (I.P.); (M.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Alessandra Frigerio
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University Milano, 20143 Milan, Italy;
| | - Maria Concetta Garito
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.C.G.); (O.N.); (M.C.G.); (S.P.); (I.P.); (M.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Silvia Ponzetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.C.G.); (O.N.); (M.C.G.); (S.P.); (I.P.); (M.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Ilenia Passaquindici
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.C.G.); (O.N.); (M.C.G.); (S.P.); (I.P.); (M.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Mirco Fasolo
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.C.G.); (O.N.); (M.C.G.); (S.P.); (I.P.); (M.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Maria Spinelli
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.C.G.); (O.N.); (M.C.G.); (S.P.); (I.P.); (M.F.); (F.L.)
| | - Francesca Lionetti
- Department of Neuroscience, Imaging and Clinical Sciences, University G. D’Annunzio Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (G.C.G.); (O.N.); (M.C.G.); (S.P.); (I.P.); (M.F.); (F.L.)
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5
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Levante A, Martis C, Bianco F, Castelli I, Petrocchi S, Lecciso F. Internalizing and externalizing symptoms in children during the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic mixed studies review. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1182309. [PMID: 37397311 PMCID: PMC10313408 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1182309] [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: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Given the vulnerability of children during the COVID-19 pandemic, paying close attention to their wellbeing at the time is warranted. The present protocol-based systematic mixed-studies review examines papers published during 2020-2022, focusing on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's internalizing/externalizing symptoms and the determinants thereof. Method PROSPERO: CRD42022385284. Five databases were searched and the PRISMA diagram was applied. The inclusion criteria were: papers published in English in peer-reviewed journals; papers published between January 2020 and October 2022 involving children aged 5-13 years; qualitative, quantitative, and mixed studies. The standardized Mixed Method Appraisal Tool protocol was used to appraise the quality of the studies. Results Thirty-four studies involving 40,976 participants in total were analyzed. Their principal characteristics were tabulated. The results showed that children's internalizing/externalizing symptoms increased during the pandemic, largely as a result of disengagement from play activities and excessive use of the internet. Girls showed more internalizing symptoms and boys more externalizing symptoms. Distress was the strongest parental factor mediating children's internalizing/externalizing symptoms. The quality of the studies was appraised as low (n = 12), medium (n = 12), and high (n = 10). Conclusion Gender-based interventions should be designed for children and parents. The studies reviewed were cross-sectional, so long-term patterns and outcomes could not be predicted. Future researchers might consider a longitudinal approach to determine the long-term effects of the pandemic on children's internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42022385284, identifier: CRD42022385284.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Levante
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
- Lab of Applied Psychology, Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Chiara Martis
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Federica Bianco
- Department of Human and Social Science, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ilaria Castelli
- Department of Human and Social Science, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Serena Petrocchi
- Lab of Applied Psychology, Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Flavia Lecciso
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
- Lab of Applied Psychology, Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
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6
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Rueda-Posada MF, Thibodeau-Nielsen RB, Dier SE, Wilson-Dooley A, Palermo F, White RE, Chung C. Pandemic play moderates the relation between caregiver stress and child emotional distress in contexts of economic adversity. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1155617. [PMID: 37333599 PMCID: PMC10272616 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1155617] [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: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/20/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well-established that caregiver stress is linked to increased emotional distress among children, and recent evidence highlights similar associations between caregiver and child emotional well-being during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Examining protective factors and coping mechanisms that are associated with resiliency in the face of pandemic-related stress can highlight potential strategies that may help children adapt to other unexpected hardships outside of a global pandemic. Previous research found that playing about the pandemic moderated an association between caregiver stress and children's emotional distress. However, few studies have explored "pandemic play" among children from low-income households, where pandemic-related stressors were often exacerbated. In the present study, 72 caregivers of Head Start preschoolers between 3 and 6 years of age were surveyed between late 2020 and early 2021. Results revealed that 32% of children engaged in pandemic play frequently. Caregiver stress was positively associated with child emotional distress, but only among children who did not engage in pandemic play frequently. These findings support the idea that child-directed play may be a developmentally appropriate and accessible coping mechanism to reduce the emotional burden of stressful events on children, regardless of economic context.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shannon E. Dier
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Alaina Wilson-Dooley
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Francisco Palermo
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
| | - Rachel E. White
- Department of Psychology, Hamilton College, Clinton, NY, United States
| | - Christina Chung
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO, United States
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Cejas I, Sanchez C, Holcomb M, Coto J. Parents of children with hearing loss: Impact and exposure of COVID-19 on mental health. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0285249. [PMID: 37130117 PMCID: PMC10153707 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0285249] [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: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact and exposure of COVID-19 on parent mental health (e.g., depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), for parents of children with hearing loss. The survey was distributed via an electronic survey to families subscribed to a pediatric program listserv as part of a university medical center. Fifty-five percent of parents reported elevated symptoms of anxiety, while 16% scored in the clinically significant range for depression. In addition, 20% of parents reported elevated symptoms of PTSD. Liner regressions found that impact of COVID-19 predicted anxiety symptoms, while both impact and exposure predicted depression and PTSD symptoms. In addition, both impact and exposure predicted COVID related parental distress. Exposure and impact of COVID-19 has had negative consequences on parents of children with hearing loss. Although exposure influenced parental mental health, impact uniquely affected depression and PTSD. Results highlight the need for mental health screening, as well implementation of psychological interventions using telehealth or in-person consultations. Future work should focus on post-pandemic challenges, including long-term psychological functioning due to the established relationship between parental mental health and pediatric outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivette Cejas
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Chrisanda Sanchez
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Meredith Holcomb
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
| | - Jennifer Coto
- Department of Otolaryngology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, Miami, FL, United States of America
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Li Z, Zhao J, Zhou Y, Tian L, Liu Q, Zhu H, Zhu G. Adaptive behaviors and vaccination on curbing COVID-19 transmission: Modeling simulations in eight countries. J Theor Biol 2023; 559:111379. [PMID: 36496185 PMCID: PMC9726658 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2022.111379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Revised: 11/13/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Current persistent outbreak of COVID-19 is triggering a series of collective responses to avoid infection. To further clarify the impact mechanism of adaptive protection behavior and vaccination, we developed a new transmission model via a delay differential system, which parameterized the roles of adaptive behaviors and vaccination, and allowed to simulate the dynamic infection process among people. By validating the model with surveillance data during March 2020 and October 2021 in America, India, South Africa, Philippines, Brazil, UK, Spain and Germany, we quantified the protection effect of adaptive behaviors by different forms of activity function. The modeling results indicated that (1) the adaptive activity function can be used as a good indicator for fitting the intervention outcome, which exhibited short-term awareness in these countries, and it could reduce the total human infections by 3.68, 26.16, 15.23, 4.23, 7.26, 1.65, 5.51 and 7.07 times, compared with the reporting; (2) for complete prevention, the average proportions of people with immunity should be larger than 90%, 92%, 86%, 71%, 92%, 84%, 82% and 76% with adaptive protection behaviors, or 91%, 97%, 94%, 77%, 92%, 88%, 85% and 90% without protection behaviors; and (3) the required proportion of humans being vaccinated is a sub-linear decreasing function of vaccine efficiency, with small heterogeneity in different countries. This manuscript was submitted as part of a theme issue on "Modelling COVID-19 and Preparedness for Future Pandemics".
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhaowan Li
- School of Mathematics and Computing Science, Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Data Analysis and Computation, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China; Center for Applied Mathematics of Guangxi (GUET), Guilin, China
| | - Jianguo Zhao
- Guangdong Provincial Institute of Public Health, Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yuhao Zhou
- School of Mathematics and Computing Science, Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Data Analysis and Computation, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China
| | - Lina Tian
- School of Mathematics and Computing Science, Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Data Analysis and Computation, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China
| | - Qihuai Liu
- School of Mathematics and Computing Science, Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Data Analysis and Computation, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China; Center for Applied Mathematics of Guangxi (GUET), Guilin, China
| | - Huaiping Zhu
- LAMPS and Centre for Diseases Modeling (CDM), Department of Mathematics and Statistics, York University, Toronto, Canada
| | - Guanghu Zhu
- School of Mathematics and Computing Science, Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of Data Analysis and Computation, Guilin University of Electronic Technology, Guilin, China; Center for Applied Mathematics of Guangxi (GUET), Guilin, China.
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Capurso M, Pedale T, Santangelo V, Salmi LP, Mazzeschi C. Italian Children's Accounts of the Lockdown: Insights and Perspectives. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2023; 32:145-159. [PMID: 36643882 PMCID: PMC9831020 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-022-02508-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
COVID-19 lockdown-imposed restrictions emerged as a risk to children's well-being. However, the extant literature often ignored children's experiences, emotions, struggles, hopes, and expectations. Based on a large sample of Italian students (N = 906; mean age = 9.4 years, 48.8% female), we drew data from a post-lockdown school re-entry program where students completed narrative activities in 2020. These narratives underwent quantitative content analysis according to gender and school level. Overall, children reported mixed feelings about the lockdown; they felt safe at home but also experienced fear and missed their friends, school, and freedom. Screen-time, technology and friendships helped, but children struggled to make sense of the events. Our findings show how children attempted to make sense of the lockdown experience and may provide key information for the development of community coping programs to help children facing crises in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michele Capurso
- Department of Philosophy, Social & Human Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Tiziana Pedale
- Neuroimaging Laboratory, IRCCS Santa Lucia Foundation, Perugia, Italy
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology “Vittorio Erspamer”, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Valerio Santangelo
- Department of Philosophy, Social & Human Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Mazzeschi
- Department of Philosophy, Social & Human Sciences and Education, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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10
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Levante A, Petrocchi S, Bianco F, Castelli I, Lecciso F. Teachers during the COVID-19 Era: The Mediation Role Played by Mentalizing Ability on the Relationship between Depressive Symptoms, Anxious Trait, and Job Burnout. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:859. [PMID: 36613181 PMCID: PMC9820251 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20010859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 outbreak caused severe changes in school activities over the past two years. Teachers underwent a re-planning of their teaching approaches, shifting from face-to-face teaching formats to remote ones. These challenges resulted in high levels of burnout. The identification of risk/protective factors contributing to burnout is crucial in order to inform intervention programs. Thus, we hypothesized a mediation role of teachers' mentalizing ability (processing of emotions, a component of mentalized affectivity) on the relationship between depression, anxiety, and depersonalization (burnout dimension). Two reverse models were computed. Job satisfaction, teachers' age and gender, school grade, and length of teaching experience served as covariates. METHODS 466 (M(sd) = 46.2 (10.4) years) online questionnaires were completed by Italian teachers of primary (n = 204) and middle (n = 242) schools. Measures of burnout, depression, anxiety, and mentalization were administered. RESULTS The findings corroborated our hypotheses: in all models, processing emotions served as a mediator on the relationship between depression, anxiety, and depersonalization, and on the reciprocal one. Job satisfaction positively impacted processing emotion, and negatively impacted depression and depersonalization; women teachers reported high levels of the anxious trait. CONCLUSIONS Overall, it can be concluded that the ability to mentalize has a beneficial impact on teachers' well-being. Policymaking, clinical, and research implications were discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Levante
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Lab of Applied Psychology, Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Serena Petrocchi
- Lab of Applied Psychology, Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Federica Bianco
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, 24100 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Ilaria Castelli
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, 24100 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Flavia Lecciso
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Lab of Applied Psychology, Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
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11
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Parental psychosocial factors predicting adolescents' psychological adjustment during the surging and remission periods of COVID-19 in China: A longitudinal study. J Affect Disord 2023; 320:57-64. [PMID: 36183815 PMCID: PMC9525891 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2022.09.134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 09/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents play a critical role in adolescents' psychological adjustment, especially in stress response. Few studies have investigated parental impact on adolescents' psychological adjustment in the pandemic. The longitudinal study examined how parental psychosocial factors at the surging period of the pandemic (T1) in China predicted adolescents' anxiety and depression concurrently and at the remission periods three (T2) and six months (T3) later. METHODS Middle and high school students and their parents from three schools in Shanghai, China, completed online surveys on March 10, 2020 (T1), June 16, 2020 (T2), and Sep 25, 2020 (T3). Adolescents' anxiety/depression levels were assessed by matching self- and parent-reports at T1, T2, T3, and parents reported their psychological state (emotion and psychopathology), pandemic response (appraisal and coping), and perceived social support (PSS) at T1. RESULTS Parental positive/negative emotions, anxiety, depression, control-appraisal, forward- and trauma-focus coping style and PSS were all significantly related to their children's anxiety/depression at T1. All factors, except coping style, predicted adolescents' anxiety/depression at T2 and T3, even after controlling for T1 adjustment levels. Parental positive emotion and depression had the strongest impact on adolescents' adjustment. LIMITATIONS Some participants didn't complete the surveys at later time points, and the participants were only recruited in Shanghai. CONCLUSIONS The study found that parents' psychosocial factors played a pivotal role on adolescents' psychological adjustment during COVID-19, highlighting the need to provide help to parents who were suffering from potential psychological distress.
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Samson AC, Sokhn N, Van Herwegen J, Dukes D. An exploratory study on emotion regulation strategy use in individuals with Williams syndrome, autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Front Psychiatry 2022; 13:940872. [PMID: 36506439 PMCID: PMC9726902 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2022.940872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders often have atypical emotion profiles, but little is known about how they regulate their emotions. While several studies have examined emotion regulation strategy use in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), only a few have included individuals with intellectual disability (ID) or focused on specific syndromes such as Williams syndrome (WS). Methods A parent-reported survey launched during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic allowed to exploratorily study emotion regulation strategy use and its link to anxiety in individuals with ASD with (N=785) and without ID (N=596), WS (N=261), and Intellectual Disability not otherwise specified (N=649). Results Using multilevel analyses, besides revealing specific group differences in emotion regulation strategy use, a variety of strategies (e.g., rumination, avoiding information, repetitive behaviors) were found to be linked to elevated levels of anxiety, while focusing on the positive was linked to lower anxiety levels in all groups. Moreover, only autistic people without ID used humor more frequently while experiencing lower anxiety levels. Conclusion This study sheds light on an underexplored area of emotion regulation strategy use in different neurodevelopmental disorders. It also paves the way to further examine emotion regulation in more rigorous ways to better understand emotion regulation in different neurodevelopmental disorders as well as the impact on outcome measures such as anxiety. This exploratory study may help to develop and validate adequate measures to study a broad array of ER strategies used by individuals with neurodevelopmental disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea C. Samson
- Institute of Special Education, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Faculty of Psychology, UniDistance Suisse, Brig, Switzerland
| | - Nayla Sokhn
- Faculty of Psychology, UniDistance Suisse, Brig, Switzerland
- Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Eye and Brain Mapping Laboratory (iBMLab), Department of Psychology, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
| | - Jo Van Herwegen
- Department of Psychology and Human Development, UCL Institute of Education, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Dukes
- Institute of Special Education, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland
- Swiss Center for Affective Sciences, University of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland
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Costa P, Cruz AC, Alves A, Rodrigues MC, Ferguson R. The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on young children and their caregivers. Child Care Health Dev 2022; 48:1001-1007. [PMID: 35106795 DOI: 10.1111/cch.12980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely impacted child development and the well-being of caregivers, and such evidence ought to be used to inform public policy decisions. This study investigated the impact of COVID-19 on children's behaviours and their caregivers' needs. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted with 153 caregivers of children (from 0 to 5 years old) from three public daycare centres in Brazil. The Nurturing Care Framework of the World Health Organization was used to guide the assessment of caregivers' needs. Online data collection using a questionnaire was conducted from June to July 2020. RESULTS The COVID-19 pandemic increased stressors such as low family income, unemployment, sadness, depression and anxiety of caregivers. Their most commonly reported needs were related to offering age-appropriate playful activities (49.7%), organizing the care routine of children at home (41.8%) and educating children when they do something wrong (39.9%). Additionally, the results showed that misbehaviour, aggressiveness and agitation occurred more frequently among preschoolers than infants or toddlers (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION During the COVID-19 pandemic, public policies should provide mental health support to caregivers, as well as information about security, safety and early learning opportunities for childcare at home.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priscila Costa
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Andréia Cascaes Cruz
- Department of Pediatric Nursing, School of Nursing, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Annelise Alves
- School of Nursing, Federal University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil
| | | | - Ronald Ferguson
- Harvard Kennedy School, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, United States
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Costenaro P, Di Chiara C, Boscolo V, Barbieri A, Tomasello A, Cantarutti A, Cozzani S, Liberati C, Oletto S, Giaquinto C, Donà D. Perceived Psychological Impact on Children and Parents of Experiencing COVID-19 Infection in One or More Family Members. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 9:1370. [PMID: 36138679 PMCID: PMC9498072 DOI: 10.3390/children9091370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
SARS-CoV-2 infection may impair behavior and mental health; we explored the psychological impact on parents and children who experienced COVID-19 within their families. A cross-sectional web-based survey was conducted on families attending the COVID-19 Follow-up Clinic at the Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, Padua (Italy). From April 2020 to August 2021, 75 surveys were collected from 66 families (97 parents and 129 children); almost 70% of participants had COVID-19, mostly asymptomatic/mildly symptomatic, and the median time from infection to survey compilation was 164.7 days (SD 56). Most parents (>87%) reported positive relationships with family members either before, during, or after COVID-19. More than one-third of children and adolescents were unable to adapt to isolation. Among 31 pre-school children with a median age of 3 (SD 1.7), a change of one or more functions was reported for 74.2% of cases irrespective of COVID-19 status, particularly a change in circadian rhythm (25%), in relationship with parents (42.8%), and poor emotional control (36%). Among 74 children with a median age of 10.9 years (SD 2.7), 8.1% had a score indicating a disease; however, significant impairment in attention was reported for 16.7%, along with anxiety/depression and problems with conduct in 5.6% and 6.5% of cases, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Costenaro
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Costanza Di Chiara
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Valentina Boscolo
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Alessia Barbieri
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Alice Tomasello
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Anna Cantarutti
- Department of Statistics and Quantitative Methods, Division of Biostatistics, Epidemiology and Public Health, Laboratory of Healthcare Research and Pharmacoepidemiology, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20126 Milan, Italy
| | - Sandra Cozzani
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Cecilia Liberati
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Serenella Oletto
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Carlo Giaquinto
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Daniele Donà
- Division of Pediatric Infectious Diseases, Department for Women’s and Children’s Health, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
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15
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Cornaggia A, Bianco F, Gilli G, Marchetti A, Massaro D, Castelli I. Children's representations of the COVID-19 lockdown and pandemic through drawings. Front Psychol 2022; 13:960893. [PMID: 36092051 PMCID: PMC9449491 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.960893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and the measures to face it have placed children and their caregivers in front of many challenges that could represent sources of stress. This work aims to explore the point of view of children through drawing, as a spontaneous means of expression, relating it to parents' perceptions of children's difficulties, strengths, and mentalization skills. The sample consists of 18 children (mean age = 8.22, SD = 1.79). Parents were asked to complete: a socio-demographic questionnaire with information on the impact of COVID-19 on the family, the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, and the Everyday Mindreading Scale. Children were asked to draw three moments: "Before" the pandemic, "During" the lockdown, and "After," when the COVID-19 will be passed. The drawings were coded by constructing a content and expressive analysis grid, adapting coding systems found in the literature. Data were collected at the beginning of the summer of 2020, just after the first lockdown period (from March to May 2020 in Italy). The results of the present work are in line with previous studies that reported experiences of wellbeing and tranquility of children in time spent at home with family during the pandemic. From the drawings emerges that children feel sufficiently able to master the situation, as reflected by including themselves in drawings and providing many details of the house in "During" drawings. The literature also reports a feeling of sadness/loneliness caused by the lack of friends, an element that we also find in the tendency to represent friends significantly more in the drawings concerning the future. Some contents of drawings (inclusion of friends, relatives, and parents) appeared associated with emotional, interpersonal, and mentalizing abilities of children, as perceived by parents. Exploring children's representations of a stressful event like the pandemic through drawings allows to focus both on their difficulties and on their resources, with useful implications for the educational support.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessia Cornaggia
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Federica Bianco
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
| | - Gabriella Gilli
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Davide Massaro
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - Ilaria Castelli
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo, Italy
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KAYNAK S, DURAN S. Pandemi Döneminde 0-17 Yaş Arası Çocuğu Olan Annelerde Algılanan Stres ve Stresle Başa Çıkma Tarzları. İSTANBUL GELIŞIM ÜNIVERSITESI SAĞLIK BILIMLERI DERGISI 2022. [DOI: 10.38079/igusabder.988483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
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17
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Levante A, Petrocchi S, Colombi C, Keller R, Narzisi A, Masi G, Lecciso F. The Effect of Sleep-Wake Routines on the Negative Emotional States and Aggressive Behaviors in Adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) during the COVID-19 Outbreak. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19094957. [PMID: 35564352 PMCID: PMC9100330 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19094957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Disruption in routine may be related to experiencing negative emotional states and to aggressive behaviors in individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). The lockdown because of COVID-19 contributed to the disruption of individuals’ routines, including the sleep−wake cycle. The current study tested a relationship between the adherence to the sleep−wake routine and aggressive behaviors via the mediation role of negative emotional states (i.e., anxiety and anger). Forty-three parents of adults with ASD completed a web-based questionnaire about their life condition during the first lockdown (April−May 2020). Preliminary analyses showed a worsening in the adults’ aggressive behaviors during the lockdown in comparison to before it (Z = −3.130; p = 0.002). In the mediation models, the relationship between the adherence to the sleep−wake routines and aggressive behaviors was significant. The models showed the hypothesized mediated relationships among the adherence to the sleep−wake routines, negative emotional states, and aggressive behaviors (Model 1: F (1, 41) = 10.478, p < 0.001; Model 2: F(1, 41) = 9.826, p = 0.003). The findings confirmed the potential protective role of the adherence to the sleep−wake routines for the emotional and behavioral adjustment of adults with autism. Theoretical and practical contributions of the study were discussed; indeed, our results may inform parent-coaching as well as intervention programs for individuals with ASD given that adequate sleep hygiene may contribute to improvements in internalizing/externalizing behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Levante
- Department of History, Society and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
- Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Department of History, Society and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
- Correspondence:
| | - Serena Petrocchi
- Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Department of History, Society and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Via Buffi 13, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Costanza Colombi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56018 Pisa, Italy; (C.C.); (A.N.); (G.M.)
| | - Roberto Keller
- Adult Autism Center, Mental Health Department, Local Health Unit ASL Città di Torino, 10138 Turin, Italy;
| | - Antonio Narzisi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56018 Pisa, Italy; (C.C.); (A.N.); (G.M.)
| | - Gabriele Masi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56018 Pisa, Italy; (C.C.); (A.N.); (G.M.)
| | - Flavia Lecciso
- Department of History, Society and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
- Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Department of History, Society and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
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18
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Quarta S, Levante A, García-Conesa MT, Lecciso F, Scoditti E, Carluccio MA, Calabriso N, Damiano F, Santarpino G, Verri T, Pinto P, Siculella L, Massaro M. Assessment of Subjective Well-Being in a Cohort of University Students and Staff Members: Association with Physical Activity and Outdoor Leisure Time during the COVID-19 Pandemic. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19084787. [PMID: 35457652 PMCID: PMC9025284 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19084787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Time spent outdoors and physical activity (PA) promote mental health. To confirm this relationship in the aftermath of COVID-19 lockdowns, we explored individual levels of anxiety, depression, stress and subjective well-being (SWB) in a cohort of academic students and staff members and tested their association with sport practice, PA at leisure time and time spent outdoors. Our cross-sectional study collected data during the COVID-19 outbreak (April−May 2021) on 939 students and on 238 employees, who completed an online survey on sociodemographic and lifestyle features, depression, anxiety, stress, and SWB. Results showed that the students exhibited higher levels of anxiety, depression, and stress, and lower levels of SWB (p < 0.001 for all domains) compared to the staff members. Correlation analysis confirmed that PA and time spent in nature were associated to high mental health scores among staff and, more consistently, among students. Finally, mediation analyses indicated that the time spent in nature, social relationships, and levels of energy play a mediator role in the relationship between sport practice and SWB. Our evidence reinforces the protective role of time spent in nature in improving mental health, and provides support for policymakers to make appropriate choices for a better management of COVID-19 pandemic consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Quarta
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DISTEBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (S.Q.); (F.D.); (T.V.)
| | - Annalisa Levante
- Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, Via di Valesio, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.L.); (F.L.)
- Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - María-Teresa García-Conesa
- Research Group on Quality, Safety and Bioactivity of Plant Foods, Centro de Edafología y Biología Aplicada 40 del Segura-Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CEBAS-CSIC), Campus de Espinardo, P.O. Box 164, 30100 Murcia, Spain;
| | - Flavia Lecciso
- Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, Via di Valesio, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.L.); (F.L.)
- Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Egeria Scoditti
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy; (E.S.); (M.A.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Maria Annunziata Carluccio
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy; (E.S.); (M.A.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Nadia Calabriso
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy; (E.S.); (M.A.C.); (N.C.)
| | - Fabrizio Damiano
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DISTEBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (S.Q.); (F.D.); (T.V.)
| | - Giuseppe Santarpino
- Cardiovascular Center, Paracelsus Medical University, 90471 Nuremberg, Germany;
- GVM Care and Research, Città di Lecce Hospital, 73100 Lecce, Italy
- Cardiac Surgery Unit, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University “Magna Graecia”, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
| | - Tiziano Verri
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DISTEBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (S.Q.); (F.D.); (T.V.)
| | - Paula Pinto
- Instituto Politécnico de Santarém, Escola Superior Agraria, 2001-904 Santarem, Portugal;
- Life Quality Research Centre (CIEQV), IPSantarém/IPLeiria, 2040-413 Rio Maior, Portugal
| | - Luisa Siculella
- Department of Biological and Environmental Sciences and Technologies (DISTEBA), University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (S.Q.); (F.D.); (T.V.)
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-083-229-8860 (M.M.)
| | - Marika Massaro
- Institute of Clinical Physiology (IFC), National Research Council (CNR), 73100 Lecce, Italy; (E.S.); (M.A.C.); (N.C.)
- Correspondence: (L.S.); (M.M.); Tel.: +39-083-229-8860 (M.M.)
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Toran M, Özden B. Are there any changes in mothers' attitudes? Analysis of the impact of the COVID-19 quarantine on child-rearing attitudes. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2022; 134:106372. [PMID: 35035010 PMCID: PMC8752169 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106372] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 01/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The present study aims to examine the impact of the time spent by mothers at home with their children during the quarantine period that was implemented due to the COVID-19 pandemic on the mothers' child-rearing attitudes, taking into consideration some variables and the experiences of mothers. The study was designed using embedded mixed design, in which qualitative and quantitative research methods were used together. The quantitative research group consisted of 673 mothers and the qualitative research group consisted of 16 mothers. The research data was gathered online using the Lime Survey platform, and the interviews with the mothers were also held online. Demographic information form, the Child Rearing Attitude Scale, and a semi-structured interview form were used as data collection tools. Moderator variable analysis was used for the quantitative research data and descriptive analysis was used for the qualitative research data in support of the quantitative data. The findings revealed that the mothers' child-rearing attitudes changed depending on the variables concerning the children; however, the quarantine period instituted due to COVID-19 had an impact on the mothers' child-rearing attitudes depending on the variables of age and number of children. The qualitative findings obtained from the interviews supported the quantitative findings. However, it was revealed that the mothers' attitudes towards their children underwent changes during the quarantine period under COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Toran
- Early Childhood Education Department, Istanbul Kültür University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bülent Özden
- Department of Elementary Education, Marmara University, Istanbul, Turkey
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Çelik S, Tomris G, Tuna DM. The COVID-19 pandemic: The evaluation of the emergency remote parent training program based on at-home support for children with down syndrome. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2022; 133:106325. [PMID: 34873354 PMCID: PMC8636318 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2021.106325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the development of emergency remote training programs for young children with Down syndrome, learning difficulties, and severe health problems and their parents became a requirement. The present study aimed to evaluate the impact of the "applied emergency remote training program", prepared to address the needs of parents with children with Down syndrome and to offer them at-home support. It is an evaluative case study conducted with 11 parents of 11-35 months old children with Down syndrome. The findings demonstrated that the program could be conducted in a home environment, it improved the interactional behavior of both parents and children, reduced the number of difficult routines, and was considered as an educational, instructive, and band-aid solution. Issues such as the development of systematic psycho-social support systems that increase full participation and motivation of parents in distance education programs are important during extreme times such as the pandemic. Difficulties in online data collection, the employment of coaching and counseling systems in information maintenance, individualization of the program, the improvement of the interactivity in the program, and the development of applied training programs on different topics still wait for a solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Çelik
- Early Intervention/Special Education, Anadolu University, Faculty of Education, Department of Special Education, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - G Tomris
- Early Intervention/Special Education, Eskisehir Osmangazi University, Faculty of Education, Department of Special Education, Eskisehir, Turkey
| | - D M Tuna
- Private Ocean Psychological and Devolopmental Support Center, Hoşnudiye Neighborhood, 732. Street, Kent Plaza, 6/5, Eskisehir, Turkey
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Distress Levels of Parents of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Comparison between Italy and Australia. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182111066. [PMID: 34769585 PMCID: PMC8583226 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182111066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2021] [Revised: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Parents of children with a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) report higher levels of distress compared to those of typically developing children. Distress levels may be heightened by the restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic. However, it is unclear whether distress levels of parents varied by the diagnosis of neurodevelopmental disorder in children during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to investigate whether parental distress was influenced by the type of NDD. Participants were from Australia (N = 196) and Italy (N = 200); the parents of children aged 3-18 were invited to complete an online self-reported survey which included the 6-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6) to determine parental distress. The results show that intellectual or learning disorder (ILD) is a major contributor to parental distress compared to other NDDs in both Australia and Italy. Moreover, the worsening of symptomatic changes in children with NDDs was significantly associated with parental distress. The differences between the two countries in terms of the pandemic impact, however, were not statistically significant. The results suggest that intervention strategies need to be tailored for individual clinical information and factor in the society's stringency level of anti-contagion policies to improve parental wellbeing.
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22
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Bianco F, Levante A, Petrocchi S, Lecciso F, Castelli I. Maternal Psychological Distress and Children's Internalizing/Externalizing Problems during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Moderating Role Played by Hypermentalization. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph181910450. [PMID: 34639750 PMCID: PMC8507724 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph181910450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
In order to explore the psychological impact of the COVID-19 outbreak on the caregiver–child relationship, we investigated the interplay among COVID-19 exposure and children’s internalizing/externalizing problems during the Italian lockdown, hypothesizing a mediation effect played by maternal distress. Additionally, we included maternal reflective functioning (i.e., hypermentalization) as a moderator factor among this interplay. A total of 305 Italian mothers of children aged 6–13 years (M = 10.3; SD = 2.4) filled in an online survey. Findings revealed an indirect effect of maternal COVID-19 exposure on children’s anxious/depressed (k2 = 0.46) and attention problems (k2 = 0.32) via maternal distress. Hypermentalization moderated the impact of maternal COVID-19 exposure on children’s anxious/depressed problems (β = −1.08, p = 0.04). Hypermentalization moderated both the relation between maternal distress and children’s aggressive behaviors (β = 12.226; p < 0.001) and between maternal distress and children’s attention problems (β = 5.617, p < 0.001). We found pivotal significant effects of maternal hypermentalization on children’s anxious/depressed and attention problems, indicating that the higher the mother’s hypermentalization was, the higher the children’s problems were. Our results broaden what we knew on the role of maternal reflective and emotional functioning on children’s emotional/behavioral adjustment during stressful situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Bianco
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo 24129, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.B.); (I.C.)
| | - Annalisa Levante
- Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.L.); (F.L.)
- Lab of Applied Psychology, Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Serena Petrocchi
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera italiana, Via Buffi 13, Lugano 6900, Switzerland;
| | - Flavia Lecciso
- Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy; (A.L.); (F.L.)
- Lab of Applied Psychology, Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy
| | - Ilaria Castelli
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, Bergamo 24129, Italy
- Correspondence: (F.B.); (I.C.)
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Polizzi C, Burgio S, Lavanco G, Alesi M. Parental Distress and Perception of Children's Executive Functioning after the First COVID-19 Lockdown in Italy. J Clin Med 2021; 10:jcm10184170. [PMID: 34575279 PMCID: PMC8471124 DOI: 10.3390/jcm10184170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Revised: 08/31/2021] [Accepted: 09/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), and the consequential first italian lockdown to minimize viral transmission, have resulted in many significant changes in the every-day lives of families, with an increased risk of parental burnout. This study explores the impact of the first COVID-19 lockdown in Italy on parental distress and parental perceptions of children’s executive functions (EFs). Participants were 308 Italian parents with children between 4 and 17 years of age; they were recruited through online advertisements on websites and social media, and they were given an online survey. The measures were: the balance between risks and resources (BR2) and the executive functioning self-report (EF). Findings of the study suggest that the most distressed parents perceived their children as less competent in EF, highlighting a cognitive fragility on attention, memory, and self-regulation (Pearson correlation coefficient, p < 0.05); significant differences were found between parents of children exhibiting typical and atypical patterns of development (ANOVA, p < 0.05). The study reinforces the need to provide families with psychological aid to support parental competence in restrictive lockdown conditions.
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Aguilar-Farias N, Toledo-Vargas M, Miranda-Marquez S, Cortinez-O'Ryan A, Martino-Fuentealba P, Cristi-Montero C, Rodriguez-Rodriguez F, Guarda-Saavedra P, Del Pozo Cruz B, Okely AD. Associations Between Movement Behaviors and Emotional Changes in Toddlers and Preschoolers During Early Stages of the COVID-19 Pandemic in Chile. Front Pediatr 2021; 9:667362. [PMID: 34532302 PMCID: PMC8438402 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2021.667362] [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: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: There is limited evidence about emotional and behavioral responses in toddlers and preschoolers during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, particularly in Latin America. Objective: To assess associations between changes in movement behaviors (physical activity, screen time and sleeping) and emotional changes in toddlers and preschoolers during early stages of the pandemic in Chile. Methods: A cross-sectional study conducted from March 30th to April 27th, 2020. Main caregivers of 1- to 5-year-old children living in Chile answered an online survey that included questions about sociodemographic characteristics, changes in the child's emotions and behaviors, movement behaviors and caregivers' stress during the pandemic. Multiple linear regressions were used to assess the association between different factors and emotional changes in toddlers and preschoolers. Results: In total, 1727 caregivers provided complete data on emotional changes for children aged 2.9 ± 1.36 years old, 47.9% girls. A large proportion of toddlers and preschoolers in Chile experienced emotional and behavioral changes. Most caregivers reported that children "were more affectionate" (78.9%), "more restless" (65.1%), and 'more frustrated' (54.1%) compared with pre-pandemic times. Apart from changes in movement behaviors, factors such as child age, caregivers' age and stress, and residential area (urban/rural) were consistently associated with changes in emotions and behaviors. Conclusion: The pandemic substantially affected the emotions and behaviors of toddlers and preschoolers in Chile. The findings suggest that supportive actions for caregivers may have a positive impact not only on adults but also on children. Mental health promotion programs should consider multilevel approaches in which the promotion of movement behaviors and support for caregivers should be essential pieces for future responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Aguilar-Farias
- Department of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- UFRO Activate Research Group, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Marcelo Toledo-Vargas
- Department of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- UFRO Activate Research Group, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Sebastian Miranda-Marquez
- Department of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- UFRO Activate Research Group, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Andrea Cortinez-O'Ryan
- Department of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- UFRO Activate Research Group, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Pia Martino-Fuentealba
- Department of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- UFRO Activate Research Group, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Carlos Cristi-Montero
- IRyS Group, Physical Education School, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Valparaíso, Valparaíso, Chile
| | | | - Paula Guarda-Saavedra
- Department of Physical Education, Sports and Recreation, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
- UFRO Activate Research Group, Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco, Chile
| | - Borja Del Pozo Cruz
- Centre for Active and Healthy Ageing, Department of Sports Science and Clinical Biomechanics, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Anthony D. Okely
- School of Health and Society and Early Start, Faculty of Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities, Australia and Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute, University of Wollongong, Wollongong, NSW, Australia
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Sesso G, Bonaventura E, Buchignani B, Della Vecchia S, Fedi C, Gazzillo M, Micomonaco J, Salvati A, Conti E, Cioni G, Muratori F, Masi G, Milone A, Battini R. Parental Distress in the Time of COVID-19: A Cross-Sectional Study on Pediatric Patients with Neuropsychiatric Conditions during Lockdown. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph18157902. [PMID: 34360193 PMCID: PMC8345642 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph18157902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2021] [Revised: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
The lockdown due to the COVID-19 pandemic has had adverse psychological effects on children and parents. While parenting is essential for positive development, increased parental distress has interfered with children’s wellbeing. In our study, we aimed to identify the predictors of parental distress in families of children with neuropsychiatric disorders during lockdown. Seventy-seven parents of children with neuropsychiatric disorders were asked to fill three online questionnaires (a socio-demographic questionnaire, the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) and Parental-Stress-Index (PSI-4-SF) to explore the relationship between parental distress, emotional/behavioral problems in children and quarantine-related factors through univariate analyses and multiple mediation models. Significant positive associations between CBCL-internalizing-problems and all PSI-4-SF subscales, and between CBCL-externalizing-problems and “Difficult Child” subscales were found. “Parent–Child Dysfunctional Interaction” subscale and teachers–child relationship quality resulted negatively associated, as well as the “Difficult Child” subscale and peers–child relationship quality. The effect of teachers–child relationship quality on “Parent–Child Dysfunctional Interaction” was mediated by children internalizing problems, while the effect of peers–child relationship quality on “Difficult Child” by the child internalizing/externalizing problems. Internalizing problems in children with neuropsychiatric disorders were among the strongest predictors of parental stress during lockdown, mediating the indirect effects of quarantine-related factors, thus suggesting the importance of their detection during and after emergency situations to provide assistance and reduce parenting pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Sesso
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.S.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (J.M.); (A.S.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Eleonora Bonaventura
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.S.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (J.M.); (A.S.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Bianca Buchignani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.S.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (J.M.); (A.S.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Stefania Della Vecchia
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.S.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (J.M.); (A.S.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Caterina Fedi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.S.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (J.M.); (A.S.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Marisa Gazzillo
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.S.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (J.M.); (A.S.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Jessica Micomonaco
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.S.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (J.M.); (A.S.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Andrea Salvati
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.S.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (J.M.); (A.S.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Eugenia Conti
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Giovanni Cioni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.S.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (J.M.); (A.S.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Filippo Muratori
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.S.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (J.M.); (A.S.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Gabriele Masi
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Annarita Milone
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.M.); (A.M.)
| | - Roberta Battini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy; (G.S.); (E.B.); (B.B.); (S.D.V.); (C.F.); (M.G.); (J.M.); (A.S.); (G.C.); (F.M.)
- Department of Developmental Neuroscience, IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56128 Pisa, Italy; (E.C.); (G.M.); (A.M.)
- Correspondence:
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26
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Levante A, Petrocchi S, Bianco F, Castelli I, Colombi C, Keller R, Narzisi A, Masi G, Lecciso F. Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Outbreak on Families of Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and Typically Developing Peers: An Online Survey. Brain Sci 2021; 11:808. [PMID: 34207173 PMCID: PMC8235600 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci11060808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND When COVID-19 was declared as a pandemic, many countries imposed severe lockdowns that changed families' routines and negatively impacted on parents' and children's mental health. Several studies on families with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) revealed that lockdown increased the difficulties faced by individuals with ASD, as well as parental distress. No studies have analyzed the interplay between parental distress, children's emotional responses, and adaptive behaviors in children with ASD considering the period of the mandatory lockdown. Furthermore, we compared families with children on the spectrum and families with typically developing (TD) children in terms of their distress, children's emotional responses, and behavioral adaptation. METHODS In this study, 120 parents of children aged 5-10 years (53 with ASD) participated. RESULTS In the four tested models, children's positive and negative emotional responses mediated the impact of parental distress on children's playing activities. In the ASD group, parents reported that their children expressed more positive emotions, but fewer playing activities, than TD children. Families with children on the spectrum reported greater behavioral problems during the lockdown and more parental distress. CONCLUSIONS Our findings inform the interventions designed for parents to reduce distress and to develop coping strategies to better manage the caregiver-child relationship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annalisa Levante
- Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
- Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
| | - Serena Petrocchi
- Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
- Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Via Buffi 13, 6900 Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Federica Bianco
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, 23129 Bergamo, Italy; (F.B.); (I.C.)
| | - Ilaria Castelli
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Bergamo, 23129 Bergamo, Italy; (F.B.); (I.C.)
| | - Costanza Colombi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56018 Pisa, Italy; (C.C.); (A.N.); (G.M.)
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Roberto Keller
- Adult Autism Center, Mental Health Department, Local Health Unit ASL Città di Torino, 10138 Turin, Italy;
| | - Antonio Narzisi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56018 Pisa, Italy; (C.C.); (A.N.); (G.M.)
| | - Gabriele Masi
- IRCCS Stella Maris Foundation, 56018 Pisa, Italy; (C.C.); (A.N.); (G.M.)
| | - Flavia Lecciso
- Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
- Laboratory of Applied Psychology, Department of History, Society, and Human Studies, University of Salento, 73100 Lecce, Italy;
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27
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Petrocchi S, Iannello P, Ongaro G, Antonietti A, Pravettoni G. The interplay between risk and protective factors during the initial height of the COVID-19 crisis in Italy: The role of risk aversion and intolerance of ambiguity on distress. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2021; 41:437-448. [PMID: 33776380 PMCID: PMC7978462 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-021-01601-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The present study aimed to test a model of relations to ascertain the determinants of distress caused by lockdown for COVID-19. It was hypothesized that the exposure to the COVID-19 increased distress directly and through the mediation of worry, health-related information seeking, and perception of the utility of the lockdown. It was also expected that higher levels of ambiguity intolerance corresponded to higher distress directly and through the mediation of worry, health information seeking behaviors, and perceived utility of the lockdown. Finally, it was expected that risk aversion positively influenced distress directly and through the increasing of worry, health-related information seeking behavior, and more positive perception of the utility of the lockdown The study was conducted in Italy during the mandatory lockdown for COVID-19 pandemic on 240 individuals (age range 18-76). Data recruitment was conducted via snowball sampling. COVID-19 exposure was positively associated with worry and health-related information seeking. Risk-aversion was positively associated with health-related information seeking and perceived utility of the lockdown to contain the spread of the virus. Worry and health-related information seeking were positively associated with distress, whereas the perceived utility of the lockdown was negatively associated with distress. Intolerance for the ambiguity was directly linked to distress with a positive sign. Findings suggest that risk aversion represents both a risk factor and a protective factor, based on what kind of variable mediates the relationship with distress, and that the intolerance to the ambiguity is a risk factor that busters distress.
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Affiliation(s)
- S. Petrocchi
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti, 435, 20132 Milan, MI Italy
| | - P. Iannello
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - G. Ongaro
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti, 435, 20132 Milan, MI Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato–Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - A. Antonietti
- Department of Psychology, Catholic University of the Sacred Heart, Milan, Italy
| | - G. Pravettoni
- Applied Research Division for Cognitive and Psychological Science, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Via Ripamonti, 435, 20132 Milan, MI Italy
- Department of Oncology and Hemato–Oncology (DIPO), University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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28
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Grignoli N, Petrocchi S, Bernardi S, Massari I, Traber R, Malacrida R, Gabutti L. Influence of Empathy Disposition and Risk Perception on the Psychological Impact of Lockdown During the Coronavirus Disease Pandemic Outbreak. Front Public Health 2021; 8:567337. [PMID: 33553084 PMCID: PMC7855966 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.567337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
During the current COVID-19 pandemic, and especially in the absence of availability of an effective treatment or a vaccine, the main health measure is neither chemical nor biological, but behavioral. To reduce the exponential growth of infections due to the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) and the resulting overburdening of the healthcare system, many European Countries, parts of the US and Switzerland gradually implemented measures of quarantine and isolation defined as lockdown. This consideration leads to the need to understand how individuals are motivated to protect themselves and others. Recent research suggested that prosocial mental dispositions, such as empathy, might promote adherence to social norms of distancing. Other research conducted during the COVID-19 outbreak indicates, however, that empathy levels might fluctuate according to anxiety linked to the risk of death, and this negatively predicted prosocial willingness. The present protocol proposes a study on whether people's empathic dispositions, interacting with the levels of risk, influence the psychological impact of lockdown. The rationale is that emphatic dispositions, encouraging the acceptance of the lockdown, determine a better psychological adaptation and less distress. One retrospective study will be developed in Switzerland and, if the pandemic conditions force a new wave of lockdown on the population, one prospective study as well. A total of 120 participants will be involved, distinguished by their level of objective risk: (1) high objective risk (COVID-19 positive patients, hospitalized in isolation in post-acute phase); (2) moderate objective risk (COVID-19 positive patients, isolated at home); (3) minimum objective risk (non-positive adults, in lockdown). Measures of perceived risk of being contagious for third parties, empathic dispositions and acceptance of lockdown will be collected. The expected results provide important answers related to the immediate impact of empathic dispositions, effective risk and risk perception on the psychological impact of lockdown during a pandemic outbreak. Data gathered from this study could inform policy makers and public health managers about the best communication strategies that will take into account the various stages of health risk and, in particular, to modulate messages to the population aimed at inducing self-isolation behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicola Grignoli
- Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service, Organizzazione Sociopsichiatrica Cantonale, Mendrisio, Switzerland.,Department of Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valli, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Serena Petrocchi
- Institute of Communication and Health, Università della Svizzera Italiana, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Sheila Bernardi
- Sasso Corbaro Medical Humanities Foundation, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Ilaria Massari
- Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service, Organizzazione Sociopsichiatrica Cantonale, Mendrisio, Switzerland
| | - Rafael Traber
- Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Service, Organizzazione Sociopsichiatrica Cantonale, Mendrisio, Switzerland
| | - Roberto Malacrida
- Sasso Corbaro Medical Humanities Foundation, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luca Gabutti
- Department of Internal Medicine and Nephrology, Regional Hospital of Bellinzona and Valli, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale, Bellinzona, Switzerland
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