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Jean-Dit-Pannel R, Belot RA, Mellier D, Robert L, Petersen C, Dinet B, Bréhat C, Koliouli F. Becoming a first-time father during the COVID-19 pandemic in France. Front Psychiatry 2024; 15:1376934. [PMID: 38690200 PMCID: PMC11060328 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyt.2024.1376934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024] Open
Abstract
The role of fathers in Western societies has undergone significant change over time. However, their psychopathology remains largely misunderstood and difficult to identify. This study aims to explore the lived experiences of first-time fathers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Twenty-seven first-time French fathers were recruited for the study, which involved a narrative interview, the Rorschach projective test, the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), and a semi-structured interview. Narrative interviews revealed several challenges faced by these fathers, including the pressure of paternal responsibility, the need to be actively involved in the prenatal activities and caregiving (haptonomy, skin-to-skin contact), and concerns about the future of their couple and family as a triad. The Rorschach tests showed numerous perinatal responses and difficulties in identifying phallic representations among the fathers. Additionally, the EPDS scores indicated that 15% of fathers showed signs of depression, while 52% exhibited signs of anxiety. This study also examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated health context on creating the initial triad. Lastly, the case of one father is presented to illustrate the need for diagnostic tools to address the psychopathology of fathers, as narrative or semi-structured interviews have often fallen short of addressing this issue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Romuald Jean-Dit-Pannel
- Psychology Department, Laboratory of Psychology, Faculty of Languages and Human Sciences, University of Strasbourg, Besançon, France
| | - Rose-Angélique Belot
- Psychology Department, Laboratory of Psychology, Faculty of Languages and Human Sciences, University of Strasbourg, Besançon, France
| | - Denis Mellier
- Psychology Department, Laboratory of Psychology, Faculty of Languages and Human Sciences, University of Strasbourg, Besançon, France
| | - Laura Robert
- Psychology Department, Laboratory of Psychology, Faculty of Languages and Human Sciences, University of Strasbourg, Besançon, France
| | - Célia Petersen
- Psychology Department, Laboratory of Psychology, Faculty of Languages and Human Sciences, University of Strasbourg, Besançon, France
| | - Benoît Dinet
- Department of Family Medicine, Laboratory of Psychology, Faculty of Health, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Cécile Bréhat
- Psychology Department, Laboratory of Psychology, Faculty of Languages and Human Sciences, University of Strasbourg, Besançon, France
| | - Flora Koliouli
- School of Early Childhood Education, Faculty of Education, Laboratory Psyché, University of Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki, Greece
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Chen M, Chia M, Chua T, Shen Z, Kang M, Chen L, Tong T, Wang X. Associations between Parental Educational Attainment, Children's 24-h Behaviors and Children's Hyperactivity Behavior in the COVID-19 Pandemic. Healthcare (Basel) 2024; 12:516. [PMID: 38470627 PMCID: PMC10930545 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare12050516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parental Educational Attainment and children's 24-h behaviors significantly influenced children's hyperactivity symptoms. This study aimed to examine the mediating role of children's 24-h behavior changes due to the COVID-19 pandemic between Parental Educational Attainment and children's hyperactivity index. It also aimed to investigate the associations between Children's Physical Activity, digital media use, sleep, and hyperactivity index between two clusters of Parental Educational Attainments. The goal was to provide targeted behavioral optimization recommendations for caregivers to reduce the risk of children's hyperactivity. METHODS The study was a collaborative extension of the International iPreschooler Surveillance Study Among Asians and otheRs project and the Chinese Children and Adolescent Sports Health Promotion Action Project. The Parent-Surveillance of Digital Media in Childhood Questionnaire® and the Abbreviated Rating Scales from the Conners Parent Symptom Questionnaire were used to measure Parental Educational Attainment, children's behavior changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, and hyperactivity indexes. A total of 11,190 parents of 6-to-12-year-old children completed the online surveys in mainland China. A structural equation model was established by using Smart-PLS, and the linear regression model, and isotemporal substitution models were established by using a Compositional Data Analysis package with R program to achieve the research objectives. RESULTS Changes in children's 24-h behaviors due to the COVID-19 pandemic had a significant mediation effect on the negative associations between Parental Educational Attainment and children's hyperactivity index (β = 0.018, T = 4.521, p < 0.001) with a total effect (β = -0.046, T = 4.521, p < 0.001) and a direct effect (β = -0.064, T = 6.330, p < 0.001). Children's Digital Media use was significantly and negatively associated with hyperactivity index among all children. Reallocated time from digital media use to both sleep and physical activity decreased the hyperactivity index, and vice-versa. For parents without tertiary education (R2 = 0.09, p < 0.001), sleep was significantly and negatively associated with the hyperactivity index (βilr-CSL = -0.06, p < 0.001); for parents with tertiary education (R2 = 0.07, p < 0.001), physical activity was significantly and negatively associated with the hyperactivity index (βilr-CPA = -0.05, p < 0.001), and sleep was significantly and positively associated with the hyperactivity index (βilr-CSL = 0.03, p < 0.001). A significant increase in the hyperactivity index was detected when physical activity time was reallocated to sleep, with a significant decrease in the opposite direction. CONCLUSIONS Parental Educational Attainment and children's 24-h behaviors directly influenced children's hyperactivity index. However, a purposeful and targeted optimization of children's 24-h behaviors-namely, physical activity, digital media use, and sleep-could assist parents with different educational attainments to reduce their children's hyperactivity index and mitigate the risk of hyperactivity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiyuan Chen
- College of Physical Education & Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; (M.C.)
- Physical Education & Sports Science Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637616, Singapore
| | - Michael Chia
- College of Physical Education & Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; (M.C.)
- Physical Education & Sports Science Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637616, Singapore
| | - Terence Chua
- Physical Education & Sports Science Academic Group, National Institute of Education, Nanyang Technological University, Singapore 637616, Singapore
| | - Zhi Shen
- Department of Astronomy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
| | - Mengke Kang
- College of Physical Education & Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; (M.C.)
| | - Lu Chen
- School of Physical Education, Shandong University, Jinan 250061, China
| | - Tiantian Tong
- College of Sports, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221000, China;
| | - Xiaozan Wang
- College of Physical Education & Health, East China Normal University, Shanghai 200241, China; (M.C.)
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Power C, Weise V, Mack JT, Karl M, Garthus-Niegel S. Does parental mental health mediate the association between parents' perceived stress and parent-infant bonding during the early COVID-19 pandemic? Early Hum Dev 2024; 189:105931. [PMID: 38215651 DOI: 10.1016/j.earlhumdev.2023.105931] [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: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/31/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The spread of the COVID-19 virus was declared a pandemic in March 2020. New restrictions such as 'lockdowns' and 'social distancing' created challenges for individuals' work-life balance, financial situation, family life, and physical and mental health. The global population's stress levels rose in response to these changes, leading to a widespread deterioration of mental health. One group particularly affected was parents of infants and very young children. Poor parental mental health may disrupt parent-infant bonding, with negative consequences for infant well-being and development. AIMS To consider parent-infant bonding in relation to parents' perceived stress and psychological distress during the first lockdown, and to examine whether associations of stress with parent-infant bonding were mediated by parental mental health. METHODS DREAMCORONA (n = 738: 471 mothers and 267 partners) is a sub-study of the prospective German cohort study 'DREAM'. The SPSS modelling tool PROCESS was used to assess whether parental mental health mediated the relationship between parents' perceived stress response to the COVID-19 pandemic and parent-infant bonding, while controlling for covariates. RESULTS Higher levels of parental stress were strongly associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and aggression symptoms for both parents. In addition, there was a significant relationship between parents' self-reported stress levels and parent-infant bonding. This relationship was mediated by symptoms of depression and anxiety for fathers and by symptoms of anger-hostility for both parents. CONCLUSION Increased parental stress during the early pandemic was associated with poorer parent-infant bonding. This has important implications for the management of any future public health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Victoria Weise
- Institute and Outpatient Clinics of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Judith T Mack
- Institute and Outpatient Clinics of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Marlene Karl
- Institute and Outpatient Clinics of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Department of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatic Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Susan Garthus-Niegel
- Institute and Outpatient Clinics of Occupational and Social Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany; Institute for Systems Medicine (ISM) and Faculty of Medicine, Medical School Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany; Department of Childhood and Families, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Oslo, Norway.
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Kautz SV, Bosk EA, Mendez A, Pomales H. Strategies and Adaptations to an Integrated Substance Use and Infant Mental Health Treatment Program During COVID-19. ADMINISTRATION AND POLICY IN MENTAL HEALTH AND MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES RESEARCH 2024; 51:17-34. [PMID: 37773312 DOI: 10.1007/s10488-023-01300-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/01/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in increased parenting stress and substance use. At the same time that mental health and social service needs increased, access to services, including among those receiving treatment, decreased due to stay-at-home orders. Few programs were equipped or prepared to translate their interventions to a virtual format at the start of the pandemic. There is a critical need to identify effective adaptations to substance use and family-focused treatment during the COVID-19 pandemic. Effective program adaptations have continued relevance for the expansion of access to family-focused addiction services beyond the pandemic itself, particularly for rural or other hard to reach populations. Seventy-three semi-structured interviews were conducted with the five agencies participating in the implementation of the In-Home Recovery Program (IHRP), an in-home, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment program. Using a rapid analysis approach two coders analyzed interviews for recurring concepts and themes. Facilitators for adapting services included: (1) the introduction of virtual toxicology screens, (2) helping parents access technology, (3) assisting parents with non-identified children to decrease their stress, and (4) anticipating reoccurrences of substances during the pandemic. Barriers to adapting services included: (1) engaging young children in virtual treatment, (2) privacy, and (3) engaging in telehealth with parents experiencing domestic violence or reoccurrence of substances. Findings reveal virtual substance use treatment is possible. Facilitators to adaptation such as providing access to technology and virtual toxicology screens demonstrate the feasibility and acceptability of utilizing telehealth interventions for substance use. Barriers to adaptations were primarily related to the infant mental health component. Telehealth is likely not appropriate for children below the age of five. Individual sessions focusing on caregiving, rather than dyadic treatment may be more suitable to virtual formats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah V Kautz
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 390 George Street, Room 713, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA.
| | - Emily A Bosk
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 390 George Street, Room 713, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Alicia Mendez
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 390 George Street, Room 713, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
| | - Hannah Pomales
- School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, 390 George Street, Room 713, New Brunswick, NJ, 08901, USA
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Hogye SI, Lucassen N, Helmerhorst KOW, Vrolijk P, Keizer R. Changes in coercive parenting and child externalizing behavior across COVID-19 and the moderating role of parent-child attachment relationship quality. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0290089. [PMID: 37824556 PMCID: PMC10569510 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0290089] [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: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Research indicates increases in coercive parenting towards children and increases in child externalizing behavior during COVID-19 as compared to the pre-pandemic period. In this preregistered study, we extended previous knowledge by investigating to what extent, and under what conditions, changes in coercive parenting and child externalizing behavior are interrelated. Ninety-five mothers and fathers of children (of age 3 prior to the pandemic) reported on coercive parenting and child externalizing behavior before and during the pandemic, and trained assistants observed the quality of mother-child and father-child attachment relationship prior to the pandemic. We employed latent change score modeling to test the extent to which changes in maternal and paternal coercive parenting and changes in child externalizing behavior across the pre-pandemic period and the onset of the first COVID-19 lockdown are interrelated. Moreover, we tested whether these linkages are moderated by changes in the other parent's coercive parenting and the quality of parent-child attachment relationship. Specifically, we tested the moderation by mother-child (father-child) attachment relationship quality in the relation between changes in mothers' (fathers') coercive parenting and changes in child externalizing behavior. We found that changes in mothers', but not fathers' coercive parenting were positively associated with changes in child externalizing behavior. We found no moderation by changes in the other parent's parenting or by parent-child attachment relationship quality. Our findings provide support for the transactional processes underlying mothers' and children's behavior in the context of non-normative stressful conditions. We recommend incorporating evidence-based (parenting) support for mothers, fathers, and young children in prevention strategies and recovery tools employed during and after future lockdowns and non-normative stressful events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara I. Hogye
- Department of Public Administration and Sociology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Generation R Study Group, Erasmus MC University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry/Psychology, Erasmus MC University Medical Centre Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Nicole Lucassen
- Department of Psychology, Education and Child Studies, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Katrien O. W. Helmerhorst
- Department of Pedagogy and Educational Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Social Sciences, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Paula Vrolijk
- Department of Public Administration and Sociology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Renske Keizer
- Department of Public Administration and Sociology, Erasmus University Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
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Nishimura E, Shoki R, Kato M, Yoneoka D, Okawa S, Tabuchi T, Ota E. Factors associated with father-infant bonding during the COVID-19 pandemic: an internet-based cross-sectional study in Japan. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13653. [PMID: 37608013 PMCID: PMC10444891 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-40225-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced lifestyles changes and affected the relationships between fathers and their infants. However, the factors associated with paternal-infant bonding have not been clarified. This study aimed to explore the factors associated with father-infant bonding during the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan. This cross-sectional study used data from a nationwide survey and the Japanese version of the Mother-to-Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS) to measure father-infant bonding. The participants were divided into two groups depending on their partners' parity. A linear regression model (Gauss-Markov-type) was used for both groups. A total of 1055 men were included in the analysis. Of these men, 521 (49.4%) had a primipara partner, and 534 (50.6%) had a multipara partner. No significant differences were found between the two groups' MIBS-J scores. Fathers' mental health, relationship with the partner and family members, abusive behavior towards children, wanted pregnancy, and the youngest child's Neonatal Intensive Care Unit admission history were associated with father-infant bonding. Regarding factors related to COVID-19, caring for the child while the partner is at home has a negative impact on bonding, while fear related to infection with COVID-19 has no negative impact on bonding.
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Affiliation(s)
- Etsuko Nishimura
- Global Health Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St. Luke's International University, 10-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0044, Japan
| | - Rina Shoki
- Global Health Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St. Luke's International University, 10-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0044, Japan
| | - Mika Kato
- Global Health Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St. Luke's International University, 10-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0044, Japan
| | - Daisuke Yoneoka
- Center for Surveillance, Immunization, and Epidemiologic Research, National Institute of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo, Japan
- Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Sumiyo Okawa
- Institute for Global Health Policy Research, Bureau of International Health Cooperation, National Center for Global Health and Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takahiro Tabuchi
- Cancer Control Center, Osaka International Cancer Institute, Osaka, Japan
- Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Erika Ota
- Global Health Nursing, Graduate School of Nursing Science, St. Luke's International University, 10-1 Akashi-cho, Chuo-ku, Tokyo, 104-0044, Japan.
- Tokyo Foundation for Policy Research, Tokyo, Japan.
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Yu W, Guo Z, Tian J, Li P, Wang P, Chen H, Zcm D, Li M, Ge Y, Liu X. Parental Anxiety, Practices, and Parent-Child Relationships among Families with Young Children in China: A Cross-Sectional Study. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1388. [PMID: 37628388 PMCID: PMC10453797 DOI: 10.3390/children10081388] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
This study explored the ambiguous characteristics and influencing factors of parental anxiety, practices, and parent-child relationships among families with young children during a sudden COVID-19 lockdown in Shanghai, China. An online survey was conducted from 1 June to 10 November 2022, with 477 valid responses. Parental anxiety, practices, and parent-child relationships were evaluated. During this lockdown, 72.6% caregivers felt anxious about parenting to different degrees, with only a small proportion experiencing extreme anxiety. Parental anxiety was mainly influenced by whether the caregivers faced parenting issues and external parenting difficulties. The frequency of two-parent-child activities of reading books or looking at picture books with their children and telling stories to them significantly increased. Caregivers' occupations of either professional or technical personnel and working from home were the most significant influencing factors. Mother-child relationships were relatively good. In conclusion, parental anxiety, practices, and parent-child relationships were relatively good and stable among families with young children during this lockdown. In the context of public health emergencies like COVID-19, more parenting support and knowledge should be provided to caregivers from professionals in CHCs or hospitals to decrease parental anxiety and improve parent-child relationships. Full advantage should be taken of working from home to promote parent-child activities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenya Yu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (W.Y.)
| | - Zhichao Guo
- Department of Prevention and Health Care, Yuepu Town Community Health Service Center of Baoshan District, Shanghai 200941, China
| | - Jiahe Tian
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (W.Y.)
| | - Panpan Li
- Department of Prevention and Health Care, Dapuqiao Community Health Service Center of Huangpu District, Shanghai 200001, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The 903rd Hospital of PLA, Hangzhou 310013, China
| | - Hong Chen
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (W.Y.)
| | - Dan Zcm
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (W.Y.)
| | - Meina Li
- Department of Military Medical Services, College of Military Health Service, Naval Medical University, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Yang Ge
- School of Public Health, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China; (W.Y.)
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Respiratory Disease, The 903rd Hospital of PLA, Hangzhou 310013, China
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Ünsal FO, Acar IH. Pathways to Children’s Behavioral Problems during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Fathers’ Parenting Stress and Parenting Approaches. CHILDREN 2023; 10:children10040639. [PMID: 37189888 DOI: 10.3390/children10040639] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023]
Abstract
Although the family stress model theoretically focuses on the roles of both mothers and fathers as predictors of children’s outcomes, studies generally have focused on mothers. The pandemic has brought additional burdens to parents’ daily functioning, including fathers’ involvement in childcare. The current study aimed to examine the contributions of fathers’ parenting stress and parenting approaches to their children’s behavior problems during the COVID-19 pandemic. Particularly, we examined the indirect effects of parenting stress on children’s behavior problems via parenting practices. The participants were 155 fathers (Mage = 36.87, SD = 5.11) and their children (71 girls, 84 boys; Mage = 59.52, SD = 14.98) from Turkish contexts. The fathers reported their parenting stress, approaches, and children’s behavioral problems. The results from the path analysis showed that parenting stress predicted children’s internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Parenting stress also predicted severe punishment and obedience as parts of the parenting approach. Finally, parenting stress was indirectly related to children’s externalizing behaviors via the punishment-based parenting approach of fathers. The findings of the current study highlighted the importance of examining the roles of fathers during the COVID-19 pandemic. Intervention programs targeting reducing fathers’ parenting stress and negative parenting approaches would also be beneficial for reducing children’s behavioral problems.
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Morelli M, Plata MG, Isolani S, Zabala MEZ, Hoyos KPC, Tirado LMU, Gracia MSR, Barbosa CP, Pistella J, Zuffianò A, Gerbino M, Laghi F, Pastorelli C, Baiocco R. Sexting Behaviors Before and During COVID-19 in Italian and Colombian Young Adults. SEXUALITY RESEARCH & SOCIAL POLICY : JOURNAL OF NSRC : SR & SP 2023:1-13. [PMID: 37363349 PMCID: PMC9986041 DOI: 10.1007/s13178-023-00798-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Recent research highlight increasing at-risk online sexual activities and behaviors during the COVID-19 pandemic among young adults. Specifically, sexting refers to exchanging sexually suggestive messages, photos, and videos through technological devices, and it can be placed on a continuum from safer to riskier behavior. This study aims to improve our knowledge about sexting behaviors in Italian and Colombian young adults before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods A survey online was filled in by all recruited participants through a snowball sampling procedure (from December 2019 to June 2021) both in Italy and Colombia, resulting in a total of 2931 participants (2051 from Italy and 880 from Colombia) aged 18 to 35 years old (Mage = 23.85; SDage = 3.63; 67.6% girls). Results Italian youth were more engaged in risky sexting than Colombian participants, while Colombians indicated being more engaged in non-consensual sexting than Italians. Sexual minority people reported more sharing their own sexts, higher levels of sexting under pressure, and 3.2 times more risky sexting than exclusively heterosexual counterparts. During the pandemic period, participants sent their own sexts 1.5 times more and were less involved in non-consensual sexting than in the pre-pandemic era. Conclusions The present research could help understand better the cultural dynamics underlying the differences in sexting behaviors, suggesting the relevance of investigating how sexting behaviors and online at-risk activities have changed since the pandemic started. Policy Implications Results provide implications for educational and prevention programs to improve young people's awareness of sexting behaviors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Morelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Stefano Isolani
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jessica Pistella
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Antonio Zuffianò
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Gerbino
- Department of Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Fiorenzo Laghi
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Faculty of Medicine and Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
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Abstract
OBJECTIVE Emerging research suggests that the Covid-19 pandemic has disproportionately and adversely affected children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). The purpose of this meta-analysis is to consolidate the findings from studies that examined changes in ADHD symptoms from before to during the pandemic. METHOD Database searches of PsycINFO, ERIC, PubMed, and ProQuest were used to identify relevant studies, theses, and dissertations. RESULTS A total of 18 studies met specific inclusion criteria and were coded based on various study characteristics. Twelve studies examined ADHD symptoms longitudinally and six studies assessed ADHD symptoms retroactively and during the pandemic. Data from 6,491 participants from 10 countries were included. Results indicated that many children and/or their caregivers reported an increase in child ADHD symptoms during the Covid-19 pandemic. CONCLUSIONS This review points to a global increase in ADHD symptoms and has implications for the prevalence and management of ADHD during the post-pandemic recovery.
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Maternal Cancer and Perception of Child Psychological Adjustment: The Role of Mother's Anxiety, Depression, and Parenting Stress. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030910. [PMID: 36765868 PMCID: PMC9913337 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030910] [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: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
A mother's cancer diagnosis may have consequences for all family members, particularly for children, since it makes a parent less physically and emotionally available, with effects on the relationship with the child and his/her development. The main aim of this study was to analyze children's psychological adjustment in the context of maternal cancer by considering factors related to the child (i.e., age and sex), the mother (psychological adjustment), and cancer (i.e., time elapsed from the diagnosis and current oncological treatment). Self-report questionnaires investigating mothers' parenting stress, depression, anxiety, and children's emotional and behavioral problems were administered to 124 mothers (mean age = 44.52 years; SD = 7.22) diagnosed with cancer. A hierarchical regression analysis highlighted that time since diagnosis and mothers' anxiety and parenting stress accounted for almost 44% of the variance of the children's difficulties. Maternal depression, current oncological treatment, and the child's age and sex were not statistically significant. Higher mothers' parenting stress and anxiety and a longer time elapsed since the first diagnosis predicted higher levels of children's emotional and behavioral problems. These findings highlight the need to identify precursors of childhood distress in the context of maternal cancer and to develop structured programs to support both mothers and children.
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Koźlarek M, Błaszczyk N, Grajek M, Jaskulska S. Preventive Health Behaviours among Adolescents and Their Parents during the COVID-19 Outbreak in the Light of the Health Beliefs Model. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:17060. [PMID: 36554938 PMCID: PMC9779301 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192417060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 12/14/2022] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
This article analysed the relationship between the preventive health behaviours of parents and teenagers during the COVID-19 outbreak, taking the Health Beliefs Model (HBM) as a point of reference. We assumed that parents' behaviours may be a cue to action for adolescents, looking at their preventive health behaviours regarding vaccination against COVID-19, as well as vaccination intention (among unvaccinated people); wearing protective masks where it is compulsory and where it is not obligatory; and maintaining physical distance and disinfecting hands in public places. The collected data were statistically analysed using the Statistica version 13.3 software package for advanced statistical data analysis. Descriptive statistics and correlation for non-parametric data (Spearman's correlation) were used. Research on a sample of 201 parents and their children revealed that young people engage in preventive behaviour less frequently than parents, but that the likelihood of such behaviour increases if they have a parent's cue to action. When formulating recommendations, we considered the gender of the surveyed parents, as the questionnaire was mainly completed by women, which may be an indicator of the unequal involvement in addressing the topic of the pandemic and preventive health behaviours, including attitudes towards vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marietta Koźlarek
- Faculty of Physic, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-712 Poznan, Poland
| | | | - Magdalena Grajek
- Faculty of Physic, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-712 Poznan, Poland
| | - Sylwia Jaskulska
- Faculty of Educational Studies, Adam Mickiewicz University, 61-712 Poznan, Poland
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Bramanti SM, Manippa V, Babore A, Dilillo A, Marcellino A, Martucci V, Mallardo S, Isoldi S, Bloise S, Sanseviero M, Iorfida D, De Luca E, Trumello C, D’Alleva F, Ventriglia F, Lubrano R, Del Giudice E. Comparing parental distress and children's difficulties between parents of children with rheumatic diseases and parents of healthy children in families facing the COVID-19 pandemic. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-10. [PMID: 35967493 PMCID: PMC9361970 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03589-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic could be a threat for the health status of children with a chronic condition. The present study aimed to explore parents' and children's psychological adjustment during the current pandemic, pursuing a triple objective: to compare the psychological adjustment of parents of children with pediatric rheumatic diseases (PRDs) and parents of healthy children; to analyze children's psychological symptoms (emotional problems and hyperactivity) before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, and with or without a PRDs diagnosis; to explore the associations of children's emotional problems and hyperactivity with parents' psychological adjustment, parent-child interactions and belonging or not to families with PRDs. This cross-sectional study involved 56 parents of children with PRDs and 53 parents of healthy children. Self-report questionnaires about parents' depression, anxiety, parenting stress, and children's emotional symptoms and hyperactivity-inattention were administered. No differences were detected on psychological adjustment between parents of children with PRDs and parents of healthy children. Parents of children with PRDs reported statistically significant higher levels of children's emotional problems and hyperactivity before the pandemic, compared to parents of healthy children; during COVID-19 pandemic, emotional symptoms increased for both groups, while hyperactivity-inattention symptoms increased only in the group of healthy children. Children's emotional difficulties were associated with higher levels of parental anxiety, worse parent-child interaction and having PRDs; children's hyperactivity symptoms were related to parent-child difficult interaction and higher levels of parental depression. Findings suggest the importance to target the children in relation to their parents, when approaching the psychological aspects of PRDs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonia M. Bramanti
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Valerio Manippa
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
- Department of Education, Psychology and Communication, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Bari, Italy
| | - Alessandra Babore
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Anna Dilillo
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Alessia Marcellino
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Vanessa Martucci
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Saverio Mallardo
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Sara Isoldi
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Silvia Bloise
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Mariateresa Sanseviero
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Donatella Iorfida
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Enrica De Luca
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Carmen Trumello
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Francesca D’Alleva
- Department of Psychological, Health and Territorial Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” of Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini, 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Flavia Ventriglia
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Riccardo Lubrano
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
| | - Emanuela Del Giudice
- Pediatric and Neonatology Unit, Maternal and Child Department, Sapienza University of Rome, Polo Pontino, Latina, Italy
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Pugliese E, Mosca O, Paolini D, Mancini F, Puntonieri D, Maricchiolo F. Families in quarantine for COVID-19 in Italy. Resilience as a buffer of parental distress and problematic children's emotions and behaviors. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022; 42:1-13. [PMID: 35910234 PMCID: PMC9309599 DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-03374-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
The pandemic of Covid-19 has had a high impact on people's lives and especially on families. In Italy, in 2020, the several forced closures led families to live indoors to manage anxiety and distress. It was considered appropriate to investigate which protective factors, like parental resilience, can mitigate the negative impact of pandemic-related distress on family life. We have conducted two online surveys during different national lockdowns for Covid-19. The first survey was conducted immediately after the disruption of the virus and the second one after nine months. We measured parental resilience and distress, anxiety, problematic behaviors, and somatization of their children (as assessed by the parents). The aim was to investigate the protective role of parental resilience in mitigating parental distress and in turn problematic emotional states and behavior of their children. Mediation analyses confirmed the hypothesis that parental resilience lowers parental distress and consequently the anxiety and behavioral disorders of their children in both acute distress (first study) and chronic distress (second study) situations. Such results suggest that the improvement of parents' resilience can buffer the negative impact of pandemic-related parental distress and children's behavioral problems on both occasions. The need for focused interventions and treatments aimed to reinforce parental resilience is discussed. Targeted prevention and support strategies are needed now, and early in case of future health crises.
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Affiliation(s)
- E. Pugliese
- Associazione Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva (APC-SPC), Rome, Italy
| | - O. Mosca
- Department of Education, Psychology, Philosophy, University of Cagliari, 09123 Cagliari, Italy
| | - D. Paolini
- Department of Human Science, Italian University Line (IUL), Florence, Italy
| | - F. Mancini
- Associazione Scuola di Psicoterapia Cognitiva (APC-SPC), Rome, Italy
- Department of Human Sciences, Marconi University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - F. Maricchiolo
- Department of Education, University of Roma Tre, Rome, Italy
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Association of Paternity Leave with Impaired Father–Infant Bonding: Findings from a Nationwide Online Survey in Japan. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19074251. [PMID: 35409930 PMCID: PMC8998345 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Although the number of fathers taking childcare leave is increasing, the impact of paternity leave on father–infant bonding remains to be fully investigated. This study aimed to assess the association between paternity leave and father–infant bonding among fathers with children under two years old. A cross-sectional study was performed using data from the Japan COVID-19 and Society Internet Survey study, a nationwide online survey conducted between July and August 2021 (N = 1194). Father–infant bonding was assessed by the Japanese version of the Mother–Infant Bonding Scale (MIBS-J), which comprised two subscales (lack of affection (LA), and anger and rejection (AR)), with a higher score denoting poor bonding. Four hundred (33.5%) fathers self-reported taking childcare leave. Paternity leave was associated with higher total MIBS-J score and AR score after adjusting for covariates (coefficient 0.51; 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.06–0.96, coefficient 0.26; 95% CI 0.03–0.49, respectively), but not with LA score (coefficient 0.10; 95% CI −0.13–0.34). There was no trend in the association between paternity leave and total MIBS-J score by children’s age group (p for trend = 0.98). Paternity leave was associated with impaired bonding, especially with increased anger and rejection, among fathers with children under two years of age.
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Morelli M, Graziano F, Chirumbolo A, Baiocco R, Longobardi E, Trumello C, Babore A, Cattelino E. Parental Mediation of COVID-19 News and Children's Emotion Regulation during Lockdown. JOURNAL OF CHILD AND FAMILY STUDIES 2022; 31:1522-1534. [PMID: 35194366 PMCID: PMC8853107 DOI: 10.1007/s10826-022-02266-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 outbreak resulted in a large amount of emotionally charged messaging that is believed to have a tremendous psychological impact, particularly on children and early adolescents. The present study examined the relationships between children's exposure to COVID-19 news, children's emotional responses to the news, parental styles of mediating COVID-19 news, and children's emotional functioning during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy in April 2020. An online survey was completed by 277 parents (Mage = 43.36; SDage = 4.76; mothers = 89.5%) with children aged 6 to 13 years. Regression analyses showed that the parental active mediation style was associated with higher emotion regulation and lower lability/negativity, whereas the restrictive style was associated with higher lability/negativity and the social coviewing style was associated with lower emotion regulation. The results provide evidence for how adults using an active style can mediate messages to reduce children's emotional difficulties during events with high emotional involvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mara Morelli
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Roberto Baiocco
- Department of Developmental and Social Psychology, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Emiddia Longobardi
- Department of Dynamic and Clinical Psychology, and Health Studies, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Carmen Trumello
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Territorial Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Alessandra Babore
- Department of Psychological, Health, and Territorial Sciences, University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Elena Cattelino
- Department of Human and Social Sciences, University of Valle d’Aosta, Aosta, Italy
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Internet Addiction: The Role of Parental Care and Mental Health in Adolescence. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2021; 18:ijerph182412876. [PMID: 34948485 PMCID: PMC8700934 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph182412876] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022]
Abstract
Internet addiction in adolescence is a social issue which is being increasingly discussed worldwide. Hence, deepening the knowledge of its development is necessary to prevent short- and long-term negative outcomes. This study involving 266 adolescents (mean age = 16.1 years, SD = 1.4) aimed at analyzing the relationship between quality of parental care, Internet addiction and adolescents’ mental health, by means of the following self-report tools: the Parental Bonding Instrument, the Internet Addiction Test, and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. The findings, collected through structural equation model analyses, showed that perceived care from both father and mother had significant indirect effects on Internet addiction problems through adolescents’ mental health problems. Furthermore, Internet addiction problems were demonstrated to be negatively associated with maternal care but not with paternal care. The study provides empirical support to the need of family-based prevention and intervention programs to take care of Internet addiction.
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