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Babu N, Fatima M, Arora M. The dynamic nature of parenting practices: a qualitative enquiry of parenting adolescents during COVID-19. Front Psychol 2024; 15:1309786. [PMID: 38711756 PMCID: PMC11071647 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1309786] [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: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 05/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Parenting practices are known to be dynamic, evolving in response to various factors such as societal changes, cultural norms, and individual circumstances. Understanding the dynamic nature of parenting is essential for comprehending its influence on children's development. This study aimed to explore the adaptive nature of parenting practices amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, a global event that provided a unique context for examining these dynamics. Methods In-depth semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with six heterogeneous couples who were parenting at least one adolescent during the pandemic. Attride-Sterling's thematic network analysis was employed to analyze the interview data. Results Five global themes emerged from the data, namely, change in parenting style due to stressors, paternal versus maternal style of parenting, intergenerational transmission of parenting practices, child-centric parenting practices, positive parenting practices and evolving parent-child relationship during COVID-19. Discussion The findings highlight the tendency of parents to adapt their parenting styles to meet the evolving needs of their children. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for supporting families during times of crisis. Future research should explore the long-term effects of these changes and effective strategies for promoting positive parent-child relationships.
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Mesesan-Schmitz L, Coman C, Stanciu C, Bucur V, Tiru LG, Bularca MC. Changes in parenting behavior in the time of COVID-19: A mixed method approach. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0302125. [PMID: 38640097 PMCID: PMC11029621 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0302125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to explore mothers' perceptions about changes in parenting behavior in the middle of the pandemic COVID 19 period. Based on the convergent mixed-method design and Parental Stress model, we illustrated these changes by taking into account the impact of the pandemic perceived by mothers and the resources they had available. Research on parenting changes was important in the Romanian context because, in that challenging period, there were no regulations to safeguard parents, especially single parents as mothers. Mothers experienced increased levels of stress, some of them having to leave their jobs to stay at home with their children. Other mothers needed to work from home and in the meantime to take care of their children. In this context we wanted to illustrate the possible changes that occurred in their parenting behavior during the pandemic period. Results from the quantitative survey showed that there is a moderate correlation between the negative impact felt by mothers and the negative changes in their parenting behavior, and this correlation was diminished by a series of resources such as: social support, parenting alliance, or high income. Qualitative data provided better understanding of mothers' parenting behavior by showing that mothers shared both positive and negative experiences during the pandemic, regardless of the general trend mentioned. As shown by the quantitative data, the qualitative data also showed that mothers who felt more strongly the impact of the pandemic reported more negative changes in their parenting behavior. The positive changes most frequently stated involved expressing affection and communicating more often on various topics, carrying out leisure activities or activities meant to help with the personal development of the child, and involving children in domestic activities. Mothers mostly described negative aspects such as too much involvement in school life, increased control and surveillance of children, especially when it comes to school related activities and to the time children were allowed to spend on their digital devices. These changes led to conflicts and sometimes, mothers resorted to discipline practices. In addition to the resources identified in quantitative research, mothers with higher education and medium-high income also turned to specialized resources (psychologists, online courses, support groups) in order to manage conflicts, them being able to see the challenges of the pandemic as an opportunity to develop and improve the relationship with their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luiza Mesesan-Schmitz
- Faculty of Sociology and Communication, Transilvania University of Brasov, Brasov, Romania
| | - Claudiu Coman
- Faculty of Sociology and Communication, Transilvania University of Brasov, Brasov, Romania
| | - Carmen Stanciu
- Faculty of Sociology and Psychology, West University of Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Venera Bucur
- Faculty of Sociology and Psychology, West University of Timisoara, Timisoara, Romania
| | | | - Maria Cristina Bularca
- Faculty of Sociology and Communication, Transilvania University of Brasov, Brasov, Romania
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Gonzalez A, Jack SM, Sim A, Ratcliffe J, Dumbaugh M, Bennett T, MacMillan HL. CHAMPP4KIDS: Mixed methods study protocol to evaluate acceptability and feasibility of Parenting for Lifelong Health materials in a Canadian context. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0298156. [PMID: 38452022 PMCID: PMC10919627 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0298156] [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: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Parents and caregivers play a key role in children's healthy development and well-being. Traditional parenting interventions promote positive parenting practices and are key to preventing child maltreatment. However, numerous barriers can limit access to programs, barriers which were further exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Parenting for Lifelong Health group developed mass media and public health communication materials to promote positive caregiving behaviours on a population level. The Champions of Positive Parenting 4 Kids (CHAMPP4KIDS) study will examine the acceptability and feasibility of these materials for service providers and caregivers of children aged 2-6 years in Ontario, Canada. METHODS This study will use a convergent mixed-methods design. Consenting service providers (n = 200) and caregivers (n = 100) will complete a quantitative survey to rate, rank and give feedback on Parenting for Lifelong Health tip sheets and social media ads. Caregivers will also complete self-report scales measuring depression and anxiety. We will hold focus group discussions with a sub-sample of surveyed providers (n = 40) and caregivers (n = 25). An adapted Trials of Improved Practices methodology will explore caregiver perspectives after implementing the tip sheets. Primary quantitative outcomes will be descriptive statistics of rankings, Likert Scale scores and descriptive analysis of caregiver depression and anxiety. Qualitative data will be analyzed using Rapid Qualitative Inquiry and triangulated through a convergent coding matrix. DISCUSSION The Parenting for Lifelong Health COVID-19 parenting materials offer succinct, engaging parenting information in a mass media format that addresses some challenges associated with accessing in-person programming. The CHAMPP4KIDS study will provide mixed methods insights on the materials' acceptability and feasibility from different groups in a Canadian context, with a focus on marginalized families. The use of Trials of Improved Practices methodology could prove a useful tool for participant-led adaptation of existing parenting, early childhood development and other health intervention materials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gonzalez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Susan M. Jack
- School of Nursing, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amanda Sim
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jenna Ratcliffe
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Mari Dumbaugh
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois-Chicago, Chicago, Illinois, United States of America
| | - Teresa Bennett
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Harriet L. MacMillan
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Zani B, Luckett B, Thurman TR. COVID-19 pandemic stressors, familial discord, and anxiety among adolescents living with HIV in South Africa: pathways to non-adherence. AIDS Care 2024:1-8. [PMID: 38301123 DOI: 10.1080/09540121.2024.2308025] [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: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
Adolescents living with HIV (ALHIV) have poorer adherence to antiretroviral treatment (ART). This study investigates the interconnectivity of stressors induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety and family dynamics on adolescents' adherence to ART. A telephone survey was conducted among 196 South African ALHIV previously enrolled in support groups. Generalized structural equations modeling was used to understand how pandemic-related stressors affected ART adherence. Respondents reported experiencing life stressors since the implementation of COVID-19 restrictions, including doing worse at school (32%), loss of household income (44%) and less food available (38%). Forty-two percent reported greater verbal aggression from adults at home and 60% experienced anxiety. The structural equations model demonstrated a direct path from experiencing life stressors to increased verbal aggression from caregivers, which led to anxiety and ultimately, poorer ART adherence. Each stressor experienced increased the odds of experiencing verbal aggression by 51% (OR=1.51, 95%CI=1.14-2.00) which, in turn, increased the odds of having anxiety four-fold (OR=4.1, 95%C =2.16-7.76). Anxiety was associated with a 74% reduction in the odds of being fully ART adherent (OR=0.26, 95%CI=0.08-0.81). COVID-19-induced stressors exacerbated the mental and physical vulnerability of ALHIV. Findings elucidate how both discord at home and anxiety can result in poorer ART adherence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Babalwa Zani
- Tulane International, Cape Town, South Africa
- Highly Vulnerable Children Research Center, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Brian Luckett
- Tulane International, Cape Town, South Africa
- Highly Vulnerable Children Research Center, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Department of International Health and Sustainable Development, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Tonya R Thurman
- Tulane International, Cape Town, South Africa
- Highly Vulnerable Children Research Center, Cape Town, South Africa
- School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine, Department of International Health and Sustainable Development, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, USA
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McTier A, Soraghan J. The Utility of Administrative Data in Understanding the COVID-19 Pandemic's Impact on Child Maltreatment: Learning From the Scotland Experience. CHILD MALTREATMENT 2024; 29:14-23. [PMID: 35702015 PMCID: PMC9204123 DOI: 10.1177/10775595221108661] [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] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health 'stay at home' restrictions have intensified familial risk factors. Children would appear to be at increased risk of harm and abuse, yet administrative data from the early months of the pandemic showed falling cases of child maltreatment. Using weekly administrative data from Scotland, UK that span the first 17 months of the pandemic, this article found that child maltreatment activity levels fluctuated as 'stay at home' restrictions changed. During lockdown periods, the number of children subject to Inter-agency Referral Discussion fell but a higher number of children were placed on the Child Protection Register. When restrictions were eased, the number of Inter-agency Referral Discussions increased but the number of children placed on the Child Protection Register fell. To explain the fluctuations, the article asserts that the pandemic's impact on services' ability to engage directly with children and families has been critical, but the limitations of administrative data in providing an accurate measure of child maltreatment levels also need to be recognised. The article advocates that analysis of administrative data is best done in tandem with wider quantitative and qualitative sources in order to understand the impact of crisis events on children and families.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander McTier
- Evidence and Evaluation Specialist, University of Strathclyde, UK
| | - Joanna Soraghan
- Evidence and Evaluation Specialist, University of Strathclyde, UK
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Garner JB, Self-Brown S, Emery V, Wootten K, Tiwari A. COVID-19 and Caregiver Risk Factors for Child Maltreatment: The Pandemic in Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2024; 25:613-629. [PMID: 36935570 PMCID: PMC10030880 DOI: 10.1177/15248380231158609] [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] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has fostered an environment for increased risk of child maltreatment (CM) as families experience increased psychosocial and financial burdens and spend unprecedented amounts of time together in the home. This narrative review aimed to summarize empirical findings on existing or new pandemic-related risk factors among caregivers. A combination of search terms related to CM and COVID-19 were used to identify articles published within five databases between February 2020 and July 2022. Literature searches produced 113 articles, of which 26 published across 12 countries met inclusion criteria. Four previously well-established risk factors for CM perpetration continued to persist during the pandemic, including stress, parental mental health, financial concerns, and parental substance use. Of note, inconsistent definitions and measures were used to capture these risk factors. Several additional emerging and understudied risk factors were also identified among limited articles, such as food insecurity and parental education. Findings emphasize the ongoing need for evidence-based interventions to address CM risk during the pandemic, including parent training programs. However, consolidated measures and consistent conceptualization of risk factors are needed to advance the study of CM. Going forward, practitioners and researchers should (a) strengthen the identification process for families at greatest risk for CM, and particularly those vulnerable to pandemic-related stressors; and (b) augment delivery of CM prevention strategies and evidence-based programs to fit the pandemic context.
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Dumitriu D, Lavallée A, Riggs JL, Frosch CA, Barker TV, Best DL, Blasingame B, Bushar J, Charlot-Swilley D, Erickson E, Finkel MA, Fortune B, Gillen L, Martinez M, Ramachandran U, Sanders LM, Willis DW, Shearman N. Advancing early relational health: a collaborative exploration of a research agenda. Front Pediatr 2023; 11:1259022. [PMID: 38143537 PMCID: PMC10748603 DOI: 10.3389/fped.2023.1259022] [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: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we introduce the Early Relational Health (ERH) Learning Community's bold, large-scale, collaborative, data-driven and practice-informed research agenda focused on furthering our mechanistic understanding of ERH and identifying feasible and effective practices for making ERH promotion a routine and integrated component of pediatric primary care. The ERH Learning Community, formed by a team of parent/caregiver leaders, pediatric care clinicians, researchers, and early childhood development specialists, is a workgroup of Nurture Connection-a hub geared toward promoting ERH, i.e., the positive and nurturing relationship between young children and their parent(s)/caregiver(s), in families and communities nationwide. In response to the current child mental health crisis and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) policy statement promoting ERH, the ERH Learning Community held an in-person meeting at the AAP national headquarters in December 2022 where members collaboratively designed an integrated research agenda to advance ERH. This agenda weaves together community partners, clinicians, and academics, melding the principles of participatory engagement and human-centered design, such as early engagement, co-design, iterative feedback, and cultural humility. Here, we present gaps in the ERH literature that prompted this initiative and the co-design activity that led to this novel and iterative community-focused research agenda, with parents/caregivers at the core, and in close collaboration with pediatric clinicians for real-world promotion of ERH in the pediatric primary care setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dani Dumitriu
- Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, New York, NY, United States
- Division of Developmental Neuroscience, Department of Psychiatry, Columbia Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, NY, United States
| | - Andréane Lavallée
- Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, New York, NY, United States
| | - Jessica L. Riggs
- Department of Psychiatry, The University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
| | - Cynthia A. Frosch
- Department of Human Development and Family Science, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Tyson V. Barker
- Science and Innovation Strategy, Institute for Child Success, Greenville, SC, United States
| | - Debra L. Best
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | | | - Jessica Bushar
- HealthySteps, ZERO TO THREE, Washington, DC, United States
| | | | - Elizabeth Erickson
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics and Adolescent Health, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Morgan A. Finkel
- Division of Child and Adolescent Health, Department of Pediatrics, Columbia University Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons and NewYork-Presbyterian Morgan Stanley Children’s Hospital, New York, NY, United States
| | - Bryn Fortune
- Fortune Consulting, Early Relational Health-Family Network Collaborative, Royal Oak, MI, United States
| | - Leah Gillen
- Department of Research and Innovation, Reach out and Read, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Marty Martinez
- Chief Executive Officer, Reach Out and Read, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Usha Ramachandran
- Department of Pediatrics, Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, Piscataway, NJ, United States
| | - Lee M. Sanders
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of General Pediatrics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - David W. Willis
- Center for the Study of Social Policy, Washington, DC, United States
| | - Nikki Shearman
- Department of Research and Innovation, Reach out and Read, Boston, MA, United States
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Avezum MDMDM, Altafim ERP, Linhares MBM. Spanking and Corporal Punishment Parenting Practices and Child Development: A Systematic Review. TRAUMA, VIOLENCE & ABUSE 2023; 24:3094-3111. [PMID: 36177799 DOI: 10.1177/15248380221124243] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Violence against children is a significant problem, particularly during early childhood development. Spanking and other forms of corporal punishment in child-rearing have been used by families worldwide to correct children's unwanted behaviors. Despite previous studies focusing on the negative consequences of these parental practices, open questions remain. The present study aimed to systematically review the empirical studies published in scientific literature that examined the associations between parenting practices of spanking and corporal punishment of mothers and their children's behaviors and development in early childhood. Search was performed in PubMed, APA PsycNet, Web of Science, SciELO, and LILACS databases using the combination of the following keywords: ((spank OR physical punishment OR physical abuse OR physical maltreatment OR corporal punishment) AND (parenting)) AND (child* development OR child* behavior). The inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied and 34 articles were selected for review. The inclusion criteria were the following: studies that evaluated associations between maternal spanking or corporal punishment practices and behaviors or development of 0-to-6-year-old children; quantitative studies; studies published in English, Spanish, or Portuguese language. The results showed that in 94% of the studies, there were significant associations between maternal spanking and corporal punishment with deteriorated child behavior and development, concurrently or later. In addition, maternal physical practices also acted as mediators or moderator variables in models that explained behavioral and developmental problems in early childhood.
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Antunes AP, Martins S, Almeida AT. Factors Associated with Parenting Adaptability in Facing the First COVID-19 Lockdown: A Study on Portuguese Parents. Healthcare (Basel) 2023; 11:2745. [PMID: 37893820 PMCID: PMC10606055 DOI: 10.3390/healthcare11202745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Parenting was drastically challenged during the COVID-19 pandemic as families complied with the consequent containment for sanitary and social reasons. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationships among self-report measures (co-parenting, emotional experience and parental support network) and the employment condition (teleworking parents and at-home parents with governmental leave aid) that might be associated with the everyday life change, and their contribution towards family's daily routines during the first COVID-19 lockdown. A sample of 878 parents (90.2% mothers), aged from 21 to 61 years (39.58 ± 6.08), and mainly of Portuguese nationality (97.2%), was gathered through an online survey. Participants completed sociodemographic data and answered questions related to four positive parenting dimensions (Daily routines, Co-parenting, Emotional experience, and Support network) rating on a five-point Likert scale how much their behavior changed during the lockdown. Descriptive statistics and multilinear regression models were tested as well as a mediation model. The results showed that Emotional experience, Co-parenting, and Support network played an important role in family Daily routines, reinforcing that the first COVID-19 lockdown was lived differently by parents according to their employment conditions. Furthermore, the pathways model of factors associated with parental adaptability is suggestive that the direct effect of Emotional experience on Daily routines is partially mediated by Co-parenting and Support network. In line with previous studies on the complexity and dynamic ecology of parenting, the reported indicators showcase the interrelated facets of parenting and its corresponding support needs. Further, clear indicators for the design of family support interventions and family resilience enhancement to stressor events are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana P. Antunes
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, University of Madeira, Campus Universitário da Penteada, 9020-105 Funchal, Portugal;
- Research Centre on Child Studies, Institute of Education, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
| | - Silvana Martins
- ProChild CoLAB Against Poverty and Social Exclusion Association, Campus de Couros, Rua de Vila Flor, 4810-225 Guimarães, Portugal;
- Health Sciences Research Unit, Nursing School of Coimbra, Avenida Bissaya Barreto, Polo C, 3046-851 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Ana T. Almeida
- Research Centre on Child Studies, Institute of Education, University of Minho, Campus de Gualtar, 4710-057 Braga, Portugal
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Pajek J, Mancini K, Murray M. COVID-19 and children's behavioral health: An overview. Curr Probl Pediatr Adolesc Health Care 2023; 53:101491. [PMID: 38040607 DOI: 10.1016/j.cppeds.2023.101491] [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] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
The paper reviews the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's and adolescents' well-being. A trauma-informed framework is employed to discuss the emerging evidence of notable changes in youth's psychological, developmental, academic, and social well-being since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. Children and adolescents have been uniquely affected based on their age at the start of the pandemic. Despite multiple resiliency factors, COVID-19 and its ramifications have had an adverse effect on youth in general and have exacerbated preexisting racial and socioeconomic disparities. This review concludes with recommendations for child health clinicians.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Pajek
- MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA.
| | - Kathryn Mancini
- MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA
| | - Marsheena Murray
- MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, 2500 MetroHealth Drive, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA
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Scaini S, Caputi M, Giani L. Parent and Child Predictors of Internalizing and Externalizing Symptomatology during COVID-19. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1625. [PMID: 37892288 PMCID: PMC10605653 DOI: 10.3390/children10101625] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 emergency has fostered an increasing risk of experiencing distress and negative emotions in parents that turned into heightened stress for children. In this study, we aim to evaluate the effects of parental stress, children's resilience, and previous adversities on the development of internalizing and externalizing symptoms in children. A series of questionnaires were completed by 158 Italian parents (148 mothers, 10 fathers, mean age = 41 years) concerning them and their school-aged children (N = 158, 76 boys, mean age = 7.4 years) at two critical time points (June 2020 and December 2020). Regression analyses showed that internalizing problems were predicted only by concurrent children's resilience, whereas externalizing problems were predicted by concurrent parental flooding, children's resilience, and early parental satisfaction. Therefore, internalizing and externalizing symptoms trajectories follow different routes and are predicted by both common and distinct factors. Supporting positive parenting attitudes and behavior should be recommended to prevent the worsening of children's externalizing behaviors. At the same time, nurturing resilience in pediatric systems might be useful in preventing or reducing children's internalizing symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Scaini
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Ripa di Porta Ticinese 77, 20143 Milan, Italy; (S.S.); (L.G.)
- Child and Adolescent Unit, Italian Psychotherapy Clinics, Corso San Gottardo 5, 20136 Milan, Italy
| | - Marcella Caputi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Via E. Weiss 21, 34128 Trieste, Italy
| | - Ludovica Giani
- Department of Psychology, Sigmund Freud University, Ripa di Porta Ticinese 77, 20143 Milan, Italy; (S.S.); (L.G.)
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Shields M, Tonmyr L, Gonzalez A, Atkinson L, Blair DL, Hovdestad W, MacMillan H. Depression, parenting and the COVID-19 pandemic in Canada: results from three nationally representative cross-sectional surveys. BMJ Open 2023; 13:e063991. [PMID: 37580094 PMCID: PMC10432656 DOI: 10.1136/bmjopen-2022-063991] [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: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Depression is associated with problems in functioning in many aspects of life, including parenting. COVID-19 has increased risk factors for depression. We investigated the prevalence of depression among parents during the pandemic and the association with dysfunctional parenting. DESIGN Canadian nationwide cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS The 2020 and 2021 Surveys on COVID-19 and Mental Health (SCMH) and the Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) (2015‒2019). Responding sample sizes for parents were 3121 for the 2020-SCMH; 1574 for the 2021-SCMH and 6076 for the CCHS. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES All three surveys collected information on symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD). The SCMH measured harsh parenting. RESULTS Based on data from the 2021-SCMH collected during wave 3 of COVID-19, 14.4% of fathers and 21.2% of mothers screened positive for MDD. These prevalence estimates were similar to those from the 2020-SCMH during wave 2, but at least two times higher than pre-COVID-19 estimates from the CCHS. Multivariate analyses revealed a linear association between MDD and harsh parenting. COVID-19-related stressors were associated with harsh parenting. Among mothers, feeling lonely or isolated because of COVID-19 was a risk factor for harsh parenting; among fathers, being a front-line worker was a risk factor. Meditation was a protective factor for mothers. CONCLUSIONS After years of stability, the prevalence of MDD increased substantially among Canadian parents during the pandemic. Ongoing monitoring is vital to determine if elevated levels of depression persist because chronic depression increases the likelihood of negative child outcomes. Programmes aimed at addressing depression and bolstering parenting skills are needed as families continue to face stressors associated with COVID-19.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lil Tonmyr
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | - Andrea Gonzalez
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Leslie Atkinson
- Department of Psychology, Toronto Metropolitan University, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dawn-Li Blair
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Harriet MacMillan
- Departments of Psychiatry & Behavioural Neurosciences, and of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Harms MB, Record J. Maltreatment, harsh parenting, and parent-adolescent relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic. Curr Opin Psychol 2023; 52:101637. [PMID: 37453182 DOI: 10.1016/j.copsyc.2023.101637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted multiple aspects of family life, including normative tendencies for adolescents to establish independence from the family. This disruption has had profound, but variable impacts on parent-adolescent relationships, strengthening them in some circumstances and increasing the risk for harsh parenting and maltreatment in others. Factors that moderated this influence include a family's financial situation and pandemic-related job loss, pre-existing characteristics of the parent-child relationship, and parent and adolescent mental health. Further research is needed to examine the mechanisms through which the pandemic continues to influence parent-adolescent relationships, with attention to policy-related impacts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline B Harms
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota Duluth, United States.
| | - Julia Record
- Department of Psychology, University of Minnesota Duluth, United States
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14
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Gurgel RB, Silva JLPD, Monteiro EMLM, da Silva SL, Lima TRDME, Coriolano-Marinus MWDL. Parenting of mothers of children in early childhood during the COVID-19 pandemic: qualitative research. Rev Bras Enferm 2023; 76Suppl 1:e20220478. [PMID: 37531482 PMCID: PMC10389648 DOI: 10.1590/0034-7167-2022-0478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES to understand practices of mothers of children in early childhood who live in contexts of poverty in the face of the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS an exploratory, descriptive and qualitative study. Participants were selected in the community context, composing an intentional sample to be collected through semi-structured online interviews. Data were analyzed inductively and anchored in the Bioecological Model of Human Development. RESULTS eight mothers participated in the research. Mothers highlighted pleasure in taking care of their children, although they were overloaded with activities and comprehensive care at the time of the pandemic. Children, in mothers' perception, showed a higher frequency of challenging behaviors, which may be related to negative parenting practices, such as punishment and physical violence. FINAL CONSIDERATIONS interventions to support parenting become urgent in the face of changes brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic in families living in a context of poverty.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Suzana Lins da Silva
- Instituto de Medicina Integral Professor Fernando Figueira. Recife, Pernambuco, Brazil
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15
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Tiwari A, Recinos M, Garner J, Self-Brown S, Momin R, Durbha S, Emery V, O’Hara K, Perry E, Stewart R, Wekerle C. Use of technology in evidence-based programs for child maltreatment and its impact on parent and child outcomes. Front Digit Health 2023; 5:1224582. [PMID: 37483318 PMCID: PMC10357009 DOI: 10.3389/fdgth.2023.1224582] [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: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Technology has been used in evidence-based child maltreatment (CM) programs for over a decade. Although advancements have been made, the extent of the application of technology in these programs, and its influence on parental and child outcomes, remains unclear within the context of changes that emerged because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This scoping review provides a contextualized overview and summary of the use of technology in evidence-based parenting and child programs serving families impacted by child maltreatment and the effects of technology-enhanced programs on target outcomes. Materials and methods Using Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework, we searched seven databases to identify peer-reviewed and grey literature published in English from 2000 to 2023 on evidence-based programs, according to the California Evidence-Based Clearinghouse (CEBC), that included technological supports for two populations: at-risk parents for child maltreatment prevention, and children and youth 0-18 years exposed to child maltreatment. All study designs were included. Results Eight evidence-based parenting programs and one evidence-based child trauma program were identified as using technology across a total of 25 peer-reviewed articles and 2 peer-reviewed abstracts meeting inclusion criteria (n = 19 on parent-level programs; n = 8 on child-level programs). Four studies were published in the context of COVID-19. Two main uses of technology emerged: (1) remote programmatic delivery (i.e., delivering all or part of the program virtually using technology) and (2) programmatic enhancement (i.e., augmenting program content with technology). Improvements across parenting and child mental health and behavioral outcomes were generally observed. Discussion Technology use in evidence-based child maltreatment programs is not new; however, the small sample since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic in this review that met inclusion criteria highlight the dearth of research published on the topic. Findings also suggest the need for the inclusion of implementation outcomes related to adoption and engagement, which could inform equitable dissemination and implementation of these programs. Additional considerations for research and practice are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashwini Tiwari
- Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Manderley Recinos
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Jamani Garner
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Shannon Self-Brown
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Rushan Momin
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Sadhana Durbha
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Vanessa Emery
- Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Kathryn O’Hara
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Elizabeth Perry
- Department of Health Policy and Behavioral Sciences, School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, United States
| | - Regan Stewart
- Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, United States
| | - Christine Wekerle
- Department of Pediatrics, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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16
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Dungan M, Lincoln M, Aichele S, Clark ELM, Harvey A, Hoyer L, Jiao Y, Joslin S, Russell F, Biringen Z. Mother-Child and Father-Child Emotional Availability during the COVID-19 Pandemic. CHILDREN (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 10:1044. [PMID: 37371275 DOI: 10.3390/children10061044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023]
Abstract
While the body of literature on COVID-19's impacts on family life is rapidly expanding, most studies are based entirely on self-report data, leaving a critical gap in observational studies of parent-child interactions. The goal of this study was to evaluate parent-child relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic using the observational emotional availability (EA) construct. Parents (n = 43) were assessed using the Epidemic-Pandemic Impacts Inventory (EPII), the Flourishing Scale (FLS), and the adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) questionnaires. The subcategories of the EPII were used to develop an EPII negative and an EPII positive for each parent. EA (sensitivity, structuring, nonhostility, nonintrusiveness, child responsiveness, and child involvement) was coded from filmed parent-child interactions. Separate hierarchical multiple regressions (HMRs) were run to evaluate each of the variables of interest (EPII and FLS) as predictive of EA. Child age (M = 6, SD = 4.68) and ACEs were added in subsequent steps for EPII negative and positive if the initial step was significant. For mothers (n = 25), results demonstrated EPII negative as a significant predictor of EA with child age and ACEs adding only small amount of variance to the prediction. The same HMR process was repeated for flourishing, with the covariate child age alone. For fathers (n = 18), flourishing was a significant predictor of EA and child age added only a small amount of variance to the prediction. Results indicate that experiencing high COVID-19-related stressors is associated with lower EA for mothers, but not fathers. Having high levels of flourishing during the pandemic was predictive of higher EA for fathers, but not mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maggie Dungan
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
| | - Michael Lincoln
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
| | - Stephen Aichele
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
| | - Emma L M Clark
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
| | - Ashley Harvey
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
| | - Lillian Hoyer
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
| | - Yuqin Jiao
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
| | - Steffany Joslin
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
| | - Frances Russell
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
| | - Zeynep Biringen
- Department of Human Development & Family Studies, Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 80528, USA
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17
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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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18
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Penna AL, de Aquino CM, Pinheiro MSN, do Nascimento RLF, Farias-Antúnez S, Araújo DABS, Mita C, Machado MMT, Castro MC. Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mental health, early childhood development, and parental practices: a global scoping review. BMC Public Health 2023; 23:388. [PMID: 36823592 PMCID: PMC9950022 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-023-15003-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/05/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In March 2020, the COVID-19 outbreak was declared a pandemic by the World Health Organization (WHO), generating stark economic and social repercussions that directly or indirectly affected families' wellbeing and health status. AIMS This review aims at mapping the existing evidence on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on maternal mental health, early childhood development, and parental practices, worldwide, to identify evidence gaps and better inform future delivery of care and health policy measures. METHODS Following the protocol defined by PRISMA-ScR, this scoping review has searched for relevant studies published between January 2020 and June 2021, selecting evidence sources based on pre-established criteria. From a total of 2,308 articles, data were extracted from 537 publications from 35 countries on all three health domains. RESULTS The combined stressors brought forth by the pandemic have exerted a heavy burden on the mental health of mothers and the development of young children, partly mediated by its impact on parental practices. CONCLUSIONS Despite remaining gaps, we have identified sufficient evidence pointing to an urgent need for more concerted global research efforts and rapid policy responses to timely address severe and pervasive negative impacts to the mental health of mothers and children at a key developmental stage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Luiza Penna
- Department of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA.
| | - Camila Machado de Aquino
- grid.8395.70000 0001 2160 0329Department of Community Health, Federal University of Ceará, Fortaleza, Brazil
| | | | | | - Simone Farias-Antúnez
- grid.411237.20000 0001 2188 7235Department of Health Sciences, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Araranguá, Brazil
| | | | - Carol Mita
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XCountway Library, Harvard Medical School, Boston, USA
| | | | - Marcia C. Castro
- grid.38142.3c000000041936754XDepartment of Global Health and Population, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, USA
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19
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Ma M, Orsi R, Brooks-Russell A. Is Household Unemployment Associated With Increased Verbal and Physical Child Abuse During the COVID Pandemic? CHILD MALTREATMENT 2023; 28:7-12. [PMID: 35445620 DOI: 10.1177/10775595221088217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The economic downturn due to the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic initially led to a large increase in the US unemployment rate. Being laid-off or losing a job could cause financial stress and have an impact on the relationship between parents or other adults in the home and children. We aimed to assess the effect of household unemployment on child physical and emotional abuse during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic, with an older population of children. METHODS Data were from a sample of 7,555 students from 51 schools that participated in a survey administered from October to December 2020. We conducted weighted multivariable logistic regression models and report adjusted odds ratio to estimate associations between recent household unemployment and emotional and physical abuse. RESULTS Having a parent or other adult in the home with a job loss was associated with higher odds of emotional or physical abuse. CONCLUSIONS The findings are consistent with child maltreatment prevention strategies focused on alleviating economic hardship.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Ma
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, 144805Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Rebecca Orsi
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, 129263University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
- 144805The Kempe Center for the Prevention and Treatment of Child Abuse & Neglect, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ashley Brooks-Russell
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, 144805Colorado School of Public Health, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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20
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Nozadi SS, Li X, Kong X, Rennie B, Kanda D, MacKenzie D, Luo L, Posner J, Blackwell CK, Croen LA, Ferrara A, O’Connor TG, Zimmerman E, Ghassabian A, Leve LD, Elliott AJ, Schmidt RJ, Sprowles JLN, Lewis JL. Effects of COVID-19 Financial and Social Hardships on Infants' and Toddlers' Development in the ECHO Program. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2023; 20:1013. [PMID: 36673770 PMCID: PMC9858743 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph20021013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The financial hardships and social isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic have been found to adversely affect children's developmental outcomes. While many studies thus far have focused on school-aged children and the pandemic-related impacts on their academic skills and behavior problems, relatively less is known about pandemic hardships and associations with children's development during their early years. Using a racially and economically diverse sample, we examined whether hardships experienced during the pandemic were associated with children's development with a particular focus on communication and socioemotional development. METHODS Participants from eight cohorts of the Environmental influences on Child Health Outcomes program provided data on pandemic-related financial and social hardships as well as child developmental outcomes. Financial hardship was defined as at least one parent experiencing job loss or change, and social hardship was defined as families' quarantining from household members or extended family and friends. The development of children under 4 was assessed longitudinally, before and during the pandemic (N = 684), using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). The Generalized Estimating Equations, which accounted for within-child correlation, were used for analysis. RESULTS Families from minority backgrounds and low socioeconomic status disproportionately experienced pandemic-related hardships. Male children had higher odds of experiencing negative changes in communication and personal social skills from pre- to during-pandemic visits (ORs ranged between 2.24 and 3.03 in analysis with binary ASQ outcomes and ranged from -0.34-0.36 in analyses with ASQ z-scores, ps = 0.000). Pandemic-related hardships in the social and financial areas did not explain within-individual changes in children's developmental outcomes. CONCLUSION Negative developmental changes from pre- to during-pandemic were found in boys, yet we did not find any associations between increased experience of pandemic-related hardships and children's development. E how pandemic hardships affect development using a larger sample size and with longer follow-up is warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara S. Nozadi
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA
| | - Ximin Li
- Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Xiangrong Kong
- Department of Biostatistics, Bloomberg School of Public Health, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
- Wilmer Eye Institute, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21087, USA
| | - Brandon Rennie
- Department of Pediatrics, Center for Development and Disability, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87107, USA
| | - Deborah Kanda
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA
| | - Debra MacKenzie
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA
| | - Li Luo
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA
| | - Jonathan Posner
- Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences, Duke University School of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, NC 27705, USA
| | - Courtney K. Blackwell
- Department of Medical Social Sciences, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Lisa A. Croen
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
| | - Assiamira Ferrara
- Division of Research, Kaiser Permanente Northern California, Oakland, CA 94612, USA
| | - Thomas G. O’Connor
- School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14642, USA
| | - Emily Zimmerman
- Department of Communication Sciences and Disorder, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Akhgar Ghassabian
- Department of Pediatrics, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Leslie D. Leve
- Department of Counseling Psychology, College of Education, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR 97403, USA
| | - Amy J. Elliott
- Department of Pediatrics, Sanford School of Medicine, University of South Dakota, Sioux Falls, SD 57105, USA
- Avera Research Institute, Sioux Falls, SD 57108, USA
| | - Rebecca J. Schmidt
- Department of Public Health Sciences, School of Medicine, University of California Davis, Davis, CA 95616, USA
| | - Jenna L. N. Sprowles
- Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
- International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health, Durham, NC 27713, USA
| | - Johnnye L. Lewis
- Community Environmental Health Program, College of Pharmacy, University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center, Albuquerque, NM 87106, USA
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Sequencing drinking events and use of punitive, nonpunitive, and positive parenting behaviors with ecological momentary assessment. Drug Alcohol Depend 2023; 242:109716. [PMID: 36493504 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2022.109716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The relationship between alcohol use and parenting is primarily predicated on use of both past year drinking and parenting behaviors, making it difficult to develop prevention and intervention efforts that target alcohol-related maltreatment. Here, we assess the sequencing of parenting behaviors in relation to alcohol use (e.g., whether punitive parenting and alcohol use occur simultaneously). METHODS Using Ecological Momentary Assessment, a convenience sample of parents was asked to take three brief surveys daily (at 10 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.) for 14 days. If the parent was with the focal child, they were asked to identify whether they had used one of six randomly assigned parenting behaviors (punitive, nonpunitive, or positive). Alcohol use was queried at the 9 p.m. survey on days 7 and 14. Logistic multilevel models were used to analyze the data. FINDINGS Parents reported less nonpunitive parenting during the time in which they reported drinking, and less positive parenting behaviors on the morning after the drinking occurred. CONCLUSIONS Parents may be less attentive to children's behavior while drinking, or they may be less inclined to find that behavior needing correction. Drinking may reduce the likelihood of positive parenting the next day if parents are feeling hungover or have negative aftereffects from drinking. These parents may want to explicitly have another adult provide caregiving duties during the drinking event or plan drinking when it is less likely to cause the least amount of harm (e.g., when children are in bed).
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22
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Rodriguez CM, Lee SJ, Ward KP. Applying Socio-Emotional Information Processing theory to explain child abuse risk: Emerging patterns from the COVID-19 pandemic. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2023; 135:105954. [PMID: 36442419 PMCID: PMC9663754 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105954] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic exerted profound effects on parents, which may translate into elevated child abuse risk. Prior literature demonstrates that Social Information Processing theory is a useful framework for understanding the cognitive processes that can contribute to parental abuse risk, but the model has not adequately integrated affective processes that may coincide with such cognitions. OBJECTIVE Given parents experienced intense emotions during the pandemic, the current study sought to examine how socio-emotional processes might account for abuse risk during the pandemic (perceived pandemic-related increases in harsh parenting, reported physical and psychological aggression, and child abuse potential). PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS Using two groups of mothers participating in online studies, the combined sample of 304 mothers reported on their abuse risk and cognitive and anger processes. RESULTS Greater approval of physical discipline and weaker anger regulation abilities were directly or indirectly related to measures of abuse risk during the pandemic, with maternal justification to use parent-child aggression to ensure obedience consistently relating to all indicators of abuse risk during the pandemic. CONCLUSIONS Socio-emotional processes that include anger appear particularly relevant during the heightened period of strain induced by the pandemic. By studying multiple factors simultaneously, the current findings can inform child abuse prevention efforts.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Shawna J Lee
- University of Michigan, United States of America
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23
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Yarger HA, Shariq D, Hickey AC, Giacobbe E, Dziura SL, Redcay E. Examining Adolescents' Mental Health Before and During the COVID-19 Pandemic. MERRILL-PALMER QUARTERLY (WAYNE STATE UNIVERSITY. PRESS) 2023; 69:1-29. [PMID: 38098477 PMCID: PMC10720734 DOI: 10.1353/mpq.2023.a909257] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
The current study characterized the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and stay-at-home orders on adolescents' internalizing symptoms and assessed predictors of adolescents' internalizing symptoms during the pandemic. Seventy-nine adolescents (18 autistic, 61 nonautistic) and their parents who participated in a previous study and were at least 10 years old (M = 13.8, SD = 1.7) were invited to participate in three online follow-up surveys post-stay-at-home order (May through November 2020). Measures of children's anxiety and depressive symptoms, parenting practices, family togetherness, conflict, financial problems, and parental mental health during the pandemic were collected. Nonautistic adolescents experienced a significant decrease in anxiety symptoms across the beginning of the pandemic and a significant increase in depressive symptoms from pre- to post-stay-at-home order. Permissive parenting and financial problems predicted adolescents' depressive symptoms. Parental mental health difficulties and permissive parenting predicted adolescents' anxiety symptoms. Results underscore the need to support parents and youth.
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Hendry A, Gibson SP, Davies C, McGillion M, Gonzalez-Gomez N. Toward a dimensional model of risk and protective factors influencing children's early cognitive, social, and emotional development during the COVID-19 pandemic. INFANCY 2023; 28:158-186. [PMID: 35993691 PMCID: PMC10086814 DOI: 10.1111/infa.12495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Variation in infants' home environment is implicated in their cognitive and psycho-social development. The pandemic has intensified variations in home environments through exacerbating socioeconomic inequalities, and increasing psychological stressors for some families. This study investigates the effects of parental (predominantly maternal) mental health, enriching activities and screen use on 280 24- to 52-month-olds' executive functions, internalising and externalising problems, and pro-social behaviour; with socioeconomic status and social support as contextual factors. Our results indicate that aspects of the home environment are differentially associated with children's cognitive and psycho-social development. Parents who experienced sustained mental distress during the pandemic tended to report higher child externalising and internalising problems, and executive function difficulties at follow-up. Children who spent more time engaged in enriching activities with their parents showed stronger executive functions and social competence six months later. Screen use levels during the first year of the pandemic were not associated with outcomes. To mitigate the risk of persistent negative effects for this 'pandemic generation' of infants, our study highlights the importance of supporting parents' mental health. As our results demonstrate the impact of social support on mental health, investing in support services and interventions promoting building support networks are likely to be beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Hendry
- Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | | | - Catherine Davies
- School of Languages, Cultures and Societies, University of Leeds, Leeds, UK
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25
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Shusterman GR, Fluke JD, Nunez JJ, Fettig NB, Kebede BK. Child maltreatment reporting during the initial weeks of COVID-19 in the US: Findings from NCANDS. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 134:105929. [PMID: 36270070 PMCID: PMC9556910 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105929] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND After the national COVID-19 emergency declaration in the U.S. in March 2020, child welfare agencies observed large reductions in maltreatment reporting. OBJECTIVE To quantify the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child maltreatment reporting nationally to inform policy for future emergencies. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Administrative data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) for 48 states for federal fiscal years (FFYs) 2017 through 2020. METHODS Analyses focused on reports to child protective services (CPS) between weeks 12 and 24 of calendar years 2017 through 2020 (mid-March through mid-June). Report sources of screened in and substantiated reports were compared with those during the prior year. Likelihood of a report being substantiated in 2020 compared with 2019 based on report source was calculated using odds ratios. RESULTS In 2020, CPS screened in 39 % fewer reports than during the same period in 2019 and the proportion of reports substantiated increased from 18 to 22 %. Reports from all report sources decreased, especially from education personnel (90 % decrease) and child daycare providers (65 % decrease). The odds for substantiation were significantly higher during 2020 than in 2019 for reports from all but three sources. CONCLUSION During the initial weeks following the national COVID-19 emergency declaration, the number of reports to CPS declined sharply at the national level and across all states, primarily in association with a large reduction in referrals from education sentinels. Explanations for the increase in percent of substantiation in the context of reduction of reports are considered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - John D Fluke
- Kempe Center, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Juan J Nunez
- WRMA, Inc., a Trimetrix Company, Rockville, MD, USA; Department of Social Welfare, Luskin School of Public Affairs, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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Lee K. Effects of formal center-based care and positive parenting practices on children in foster care. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022:105946. [PMID: 36435641 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The current study examined whether children in foster care have better cognitive and social-emotional outcomes at kindergarten age when they enroll in formal center-based care and when they receive positive parenting practices at home. OBJECTIVE Two primary questions were addressed: (1) Do children in foster care who attended formal center-based care (including Head Start) have higher cognitive and socio-emotional outcomes than children in foster care who did not attend formal center-based care? (2) Does positive parenting practice promote better cognitive and socio-emotional outcomes? PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Based on the Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-K: 2011 data, 299 children in foster care were selected. METHODS Regression analyses were conducted on children's cognitive and social-emotional scores by types of children's childcare arrangements (formal vs informal care) and positive parenting practices. Active parental involvement was measured based on how frequently parents read books with their children, and authoritarian parenting discipline was measured based on whether parents spanked their children. RESULTS Children in foster care who enrolled in formal center-based childcare at pre-school age have higher cognitive and socio-emotional scores at kindergarten age. Positive parenting practice also promotes children's outcomes. Children in foster care who are both enrolled in formal center-based care and experience positive parenting practice had the most positive outcomes. CONCLUSIONS Parents raising children in foster care should be informed about the positive impacts of certain parenting practices on their children. Foster parents should be connected to available community resources, including formal-center-based preschool programs and required to continuously attend parenting classes to sustain positive impact of parenting practice on foster children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyunghee Lee
- School of Social Work, Michigan State University, United States of America.
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Reinelt T, Suppiger D, Frey C, Oertel R, Natalucci G. Infant regulation during the pandemic: Associations with maternal response to the COVID-19 pandemic, well-being, and socio-emotional investment. INFANCY 2022; 28:9-33. [PMID: 36056543 PMCID: PMC9539181 DOI: 10.1111/infa.12497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2022] [Revised: 07/31/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
In the transition to parenthood, the COVID-19 pandemic poses an additional strain on parental well-being. Confirmed infections or having to quarantine, as well as public health measures negatively affect parents and infants. Contrary to previous studies mainly focusing on the well-being of school-aged children and their parents during lockdown periods, the present study investigated how mothers of infants respond to the COVID-19 pandemic and whether this is related to maternal well-being, maternal socio-emotional investment, and infant regulation. Between April and June 2021, 206 mothers of infants (Mage = 7.14 months, SDage = 3.75 months) reported on COVID-19 infections, their response to the COVID-19 pandemic, their well-being, socio-emotional investment, and their infant's regulation. Exploratory factor analyses yielded five dimensions of maternal response to the COVID-19 pandemic: social distancing, worrying about the child, birth anxiety, distancing from the child, and information on COVID-19-related parenting behavior and support. These dimensions were related to mother-reported infant regulatory problems. Path analyses revealed paths via reduced maternal well-being and maternal socio-emotional investment. Maternal perceptions of infant regulatory problems are related to how the mothers respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. Better information about COVID-19-related parenting behavior and support might buffer against these effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tilman Reinelt
- Department of NeonatologyFamily Larsson‐Rosenquist Foundation Center for Neurodevelopment, Growth, and Nutrition of the NewbornUniversity Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Debora Suppiger
- Department of NeonatologyFamily Larsson‐Rosenquist Foundation Center for Neurodevelopment, Growth, and Nutrition of the NewbornUniversity Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Clarissa Frey
- Department of NeonatologyFamily Larsson‐Rosenquist Foundation Center for Neurodevelopment, Growth, and Nutrition of the NewbornUniversity Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Rebecca Oertel
- Department of NeonatologyFamily Larsson‐Rosenquist Foundation Center for Neurodevelopment, Growth, and Nutrition of the NewbornUniversity Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
| | - Giancarlo Natalucci
- Department of NeonatologyFamily Larsson‐Rosenquist Foundation Center for Neurodevelopment, Growth, and Nutrition of the NewbornUniversity Hospital ZurichUniversity of ZurichZurichSwitzerland
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Katz I, Priolo-Filho S, Katz C, Andresen S, Bérubé A, Cohen N, Connell CM, Collin-Vézina D, Fallon B, Fouche A, Fujiwara T, Haffejee S, Korbin JE, Maguire-Jack K, Massarweh N, Munoz P, Tarabulsy GM, Tiwari A, Truter E, Varela N, Wekerle C, Yamaoka Y. One year into COVID-19: What have we learned about child maltreatment reports and child protective service responses? CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 130:105473. [PMID: 34996621 PMCID: PMC8760954 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105473] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2021] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND A year has passed since COVID-19 began disrupting systems. Although children are not considered a risk population for the virus, there is accumulating knowledge regarding children's escalating risk for maltreatment during the pandemic. OBJECTIVE The current study is part of a larger initiative using an international platform to examine child maltreatment (CM) reports and child protective service (CPS) responses in various countries. The first data collection, which included a comparison between eight countries after the pandemic's first wave (March-June 2020), illustrated a worrisome picture regarding children's wellbeing. The current study presents the second wave of data across 12 regions via population data (Australia [New South Wales], Brazil, United States [California, Pennsylvania], Colombia, England, Germany, Israel, Japan, Canada [Ontario, Quebec], South Africa). METHOD Regional information was gathered, including demographics, economic situation, and CPS responses to COVID-19. A descriptive analysis was conducted to provide an overview of the phenomenon. RESULTS Across all of the countries, COVID-19 had a substantial negative impact on the operation of CPSs and the children and families they serve by disrupting in-person services. One year into the COVID-19 pandemic, new reports of CM varied across the regions.1 In some, the impact of COVID-19 on CPS was low to moderate, while in others, more significant changes created multiple challenges for CPS services. CONCLUSIONS COVID-19 created a barrier for CPS to access and protect children. The dramatic variance between the regions demonstrated how social, economic and structural contexts impact both CM reports and CPS responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilan Katz
- Social Policy Research Centre (SPRC), University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
| | - Sidnei Priolo-Filho
- The Graduate Program of Psychology, the Universidade Tuiuti do Paraná, Rua Sydnei Antonio Rangel Santos 238, Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
| | - Carmit Katz
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel.
| | - Sabine Andresen
- Social Pedagogy & Family Research Department, Goethe-University, Frankfurt, Germany; Goethe University Frankfurt am Main, Department of Education, Institute for Social Pedagogy and Adult Education, Theodor-W.-Adorno-Platz 6, D-60323 Frankfurt am Main, Germany.
| | - Annie Bérubé
- The Department of Psycho-education and psychology, Université du Québec en Outaouais, Canada.
| | - Noa Cohen
- Bob Shapell School of Social Work, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv 69978, Israel
| | - Christian M Connell
- Pennsylvania State University, 217 Health and Human Development Building, University Park, PA 16802, USA.
| | - Delphine Collin-Vézina
- The Centre for Research on Children and Families, McGill University, Suite 106, Wilson Hall, 3506 University Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A 2A7, Canada.
| | - Barbara Fallon
- The Factor-Inwentash Faculty of Social Work, the University of Toronto, Canada.
| | - Ansie Fouche
- Department of Social Wellbeing, United Arab Emirates University, United Arab Emirates; Department of Child Protection Social Work, North-West University, South Africa.
| | - Takeo Fujiwara
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1 Chome-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
| | - Sadiyya Haffejee
- University of Johannesburg, Cnr Kingsway & University Roads, Auckland Park, Johannesburg 2092, South Africa.
| | - Jill E Korbin
- Department of anthropology, Case Western Reserve University, USA.
| | - Katie Maguire-Jack
- University of Michigan, School of Social Work, 1080 S. University Ave., Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Nadia Massarweh
- The Al-Qasemi Educational college of education, P.O.Box 124, Baqa-El-Gharbia 3010000, Israel
| | - Pablo Munoz
- Nacional Universidad de Colombia, Building 205 - Of. 117, Bogota, DC, Colombia.
| | - George M Tarabulsy
- Faculty of Social Sciences, Laval University, Pavillon Charles-De Koninck 1030, avenue des Sciences-Humaines Suite 3456, Quebec, Quebec G1V 0A6, Canada.
| | - Ashwini Tiwari
- The Institute of Public and Preventive Health, Augusta University, 1120 15th St, Augusta, GA 30912, USA.
| | - Elmien Truter
- Child Protection Social Work, North-West University. Building 9A, Office G17.6, Vanderbijlpark Campus, South Africa.
| | - Natalia Varela
- Faculty of social and human sciences, Externado University, Calle 12 No. 1-17 Este, Bogotá, Colombia.
| | - Christine Wekerle
- The Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, 1280 Main St. W. - MIP 201A, Hamilton, ON L8S 4K1, Canada
| | - Yui Yamaoka
- Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1 Chome-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 113-8510, Japan
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Hails KA, Petts RA, Hostutler CA, Simoni M, Greene R, Snider TC, Riley AR. COVID-19 distress, negative parenting, and child behavioral problems: The moderating role of parent adverse childhood experiences. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 130:105450. [PMID: 34969517 PMCID: PMC8710429 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105450] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Heightened familial stress and distress during the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to increased negative parenting practices, particularly for parents with substantial adverse childhood experiences (ACES). OBJECTIVE To determine whether families' COVID-19-related distress is associated with young children's emotional/behavioral functioning via negative parenting, and whether these relationships vary based on parents' ACEs. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Participants were 267 parents of children ages 1.5-5 years recruited from five primary care sites across the United States. METHODS Participants completed internet questionnaires including measures of demographics, parent ACES, negative parenting, parent mental health, and COVID-19 distress. We used regression analyses to test a moderated mediation model in which the relationship between COVID-19 distress and child emotional/behavioral problems is mediated by negative parenting, and both the direct and indirect effects of COVID-19 distress on child emotional/behavioral problems is moderated by parents' ACEs. RESULTS Negative parenting significantly mediated the relationship between COVID-19 distress and child emotional/behavioral problems (indirect effect β = 0.07). Parents' ACEs moderated the associations between COVID-19 distress and both negative parenting and child emotional/behavioral problems, such that each relationship was stronger in the context of higher parental ACEs. The model accounted for 42% of the variance in child emotional/behavioral problems. CONCLUSIONS Findings have implications for managing risk and promoting well-being in young children during periods of significant stress and routine disruption. This study advances understanding of factors influencing negative outcomes in children during the pandemic's acute phase and may have implications for the development of targeted interventions to improve families' adjustment in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katherine A Hails
- Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR 97239, United States of America; University of Oregon Prevention Science Institute, 1600 Millrace Dr., Eugene, OR 97403, United States of America.
| | - Rachel A Petts
- Fairleigh Dickinson University, 1000 River Rd., Teaneck, NJ 07666, United States of America.
| | - Cody A Hostutler
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr., Columbus, OH 43205, United States of America.
| | - Marisa Simoni
- Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR 97239, United States of America.
| | - Rachel Greene
- Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR 97239, United States of America.
| | - Tyanna C Snider
- Nationwide Children's Hospital, 700 Children's Dr., Columbus, OH 43205, United States of America.
| | - Andrew R Riley
- Oregon Health & Science University, 3181 SW Sam Jackson Park Rd., Portland, OR 97239, United States of America.
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Taş Torun Y, Demirci SC, Gül H, Demir G, Işeri E. Evaluation of COVID-19-related psychological distress in parents of children referring to a child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient clinic: a university hospital sample. Nord J Psychiatry 2022; 76:457-465. [PMID: 34751627 DOI: 10.1080/08039488.2021.1994647] [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] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
AIMS We aimed to determine parents' levels of anxiety and fear and suspicion in relation to the COVID-19 period and the possible predictive factors for these variables in families admitted to a child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient clinic of a university hospital in Turkey. In this way, it is hoped to contribute to the identification of priority target groups in psychosocial support services. METHOD The research study group consisted of 600 patients aged 0-18 years and their parents who were referred to a child and adolescent psychiatry outpatient clinic of a university hospital. Parents completed the COVID-19-related psychological distress (CORPD) scale and the data recording form developed specifically for this study. All cases included in the study were examined by a child and adolescent psychiatrist for diagnostic evaluation and their current diagnoses were recorded. RESULTS Parents of children with any psychiatric diagnosis had higher suspicion scores on the CORPD scale and parents of children with high COVID-19-related anxiety also had higher anxiety and fear scores on the same scale. Logistic regression analysis revealed that negative changes in family relationships increased the risk of higher maternal COVID-19-related suspicion. CONCLUSIONS The most important factors associated with parental high CORPD levels were negative changes in family relationships and children with high COVID-19-related anxiety. Children's high COVID-19-related anxiety levels were associated with living with a single parent or separation from parents, negative changes in family relationships, previous COVID-19 infection in the family, and changes in daily routines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasemin Taş Torun
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Samet Can Demirci
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Hesna Gül
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Gulhane Research and Training Hospital, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Gamze Demir
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Elvan Işeri
- Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry, Gazi University, Ankara, Turkey
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Farahzadi S, Maarefvand M, Poursaadati MZ. Changes in Child Discipline Strategies in Iran During the Outbreak of COVID-19. J Sch Nurs 2022; 39:162-171. [PMID: 35899297 PMCID: PMC9339423 DOI: 10.1177/10598405221114398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
During the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, anxiety and depression were common among caregivers and parents more prone to adopt harsh disciplinary techniques when angry or stressed. The purpose of this study was to investigate if there are any differences in parents' disciplinary strategies following social distancing efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic. An online questionnaire was completed by a convenience sample of parents (N = 605) and mothers (n = 533; 88.1%) aged 37.80 years old (SD = 5.66; range = 20-59) who lived with children aged 6-12 years in Iran during the COVID-19 pandemic. Iran's Multiple Indicator Demographic and Health Survey questionnaire was used to gauge child discipline. There was an increase in shaking (1.8%), shouting and yelling (15.5%). The findings of this study serve as a reminder to researchers and government officials that child abuse and violence are more likely to occur during stressful times and provide the scientific foundation for the development of tailored psychological treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samin Farahzadi
- Department of Social Work, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Masoomeh Maarefvand
- Department of Social Work, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran,Masoomeh Maarefvand, Department of Social Work, University of Social Welfare and Rehabilitation Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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Zhang Y, Zhan N, Long M, Xie D, Geng F. Associations of childhood neglect, difficulties in emotion regulation, and psychological distresses to COVID-19 pandemic: An intergenerational analysis. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2022; 129:105674. [PMID: 35609405 PMCID: PMC9110570 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 05/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Although individuals' psychological responses to trauma are varied, significant associations between parental and offspring's reactions have been documented among trauma-exposed families. Common susceptible factors originated from intergenerational transmission may be underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon. OBJECTIVE This study aimed to investigate the intergenerational transmission of depression and anxiety during early outbreak of COVID-19 and further examined whether the transmission of child neglect and difficulties in emotion regulation (ER) was associated with the transmission of psychological distresses. METHODS Self-reported questionnaires of depression, anxiety, COVID-19 related worries, difficulties in ER, physical and emotional neglect suffered in childhood were completed by 2011 Chinese parent - offspring dyads. Path analysis was used to examine hypothesized relationships. RESULTS The proportions of physical neglect and emotional neglect were 31.2% and 16.9% respectively among parents, while 28.6% and 20.8% respectively among offspring. There were remarkably similar in response patterns between parents and offspring. Parents' COVID-19 related worries, depression and anxiety levels were significantly associated with offspring's COVID-19 related worries, depression and anxiety. Difficulties in ER not only impacted psychological distresses directly, but also mediated the relationships between childhood neglect and psychological distresses among both parents and offspring. Difficulties in ER and childhood neglect, as important risk factors, were modestly transmitted from parent to offspring. CONCLUSIONS Family members shared a certain degree of similarity in psychological reactions to trauma. Transmitted susceptible factors from parents to offspring may contribute to this similarity. Family therapy may be suitable for family members exposed to the same traumatic events.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeqing Zhang
- School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Nalan Zhan
- School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Mengyuan Long
- School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China
| | - Dongjie Xie
- Hangzhou College of Preschool Teacher Education, Zhejiang Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Fulei Geng
- School of Psychology, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, China.
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Williams S, Bruer KC, Evans AD, Price HL. The impact of COVID-19 on Canadian child maltreatment workers. CHILDREN AND YOUTH SERVICES REVIEW 2022; 138:106492. [PMID: 35400775 PMCID: PMC8983073 DOI: 10.1016/j.childyouth.2022.106492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Revised: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
As cases of child maltreatment become an increasing concern during the COVID-19 pandemic, the perspectives of those charged with protecting and supporting children and families is an important area of inquiry. We sought to examine the experiences of child maltreatment workers during the first wave of the pandemic (i.e., May-July 2020). We specifically aimed to examine child maltreatment experiences related to the following: (1) their work practices during the pandemic, (2) their perceived safety during the pandemic, and (3) their perceptions on the safety of the children and families with whom they work. A total of 106 child maltreatment investigators and forensic interviewers provided responses to a national survey disseminated across Canada. Using a cross-sectional design, data were collected through a survey management program. The survey combined both open-ended and forced choice questions to gather perspectives on respondents' experiences. More than half (67%) reported a reduction in their caseloads during the pandemic (May-July 2020) and continued in-person interviews, with the use of preventative health measures (i.e., PPE, physical distancing, gloves). Most respondents reported elevated stress levels and similarly high stress levels amongst the children and families to whom they provide services. Overall, our findings highlight both how child maltreatment investigators have adapted to preventative measures and the continuing areas of weakness where further supports are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shanna Williams
- Faculty of Education, McGill University, Room 614, Education Building, 3700 McTavish Street, Montreal, Quebec H3A 1Y2, Canada
| | - Kaila C Bruer
- Faculty of Arts, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
- Luther College, Department of Psychology, University of Regina, 3737 Wascana Parkway, Regina, SK S4S 0A2, Canada
| | - Angela D Evans
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Social Sciences, Brock University, 1812 Sir Isaac Brock Way, St. Catharines, ON L2S 3A, Canada
| | - Heather L Price
- Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts, Thompson Rivers University, 805 TRU Way, Kamloops, BC V2C 0C8, Canada
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Toros K, Falch-Eriksen A. The voices of parents in child protective services: A qualitative analysis of families' struggles with COVID-19. DEVELOPMENTAL CHILD WELFARE 2022; 4:97-113. [PMID: 38603234 PMCID: PMC9047598 DOI: 10.1177/25161032221094045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
The pandemic of the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has affected children and families worldwide, disrupting their daily lives and well-being. A small-scale study involving 13 parents in Child Protective Services in Estonia was conducted using in-depth, semi-structured interviews to explore parents' experiences with COVID-19 and its impact on their families' well-being. The findings indicated that one of the areas most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic was schooling, as the implementation of remote schooling often created tensions and conflicts at home. Parents reported regression in daily functioning, attributing this to the lack of supportive services during lockdown and additional distress resulting from increased workload at home and problems with balancing home and work life. Parents were exhausted by the various problems caused by the pandemic and questioned their ability to provide their children the support they needed. Discontinuation of services intensified existing challenges for both parents and children. Furthermore, a lack of trust in Child Protective Services was identified, serving as a barrier to asking for help in times of crisis.
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Trauma-Directed Interaction (TDI): An Adaptation to Parent-Child Interaction Therapy for Families with a History of Trauma. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH AND PUBLIC HEALTH 2022; 19:ijerph19106089. [PMID: 35627624 PMCID: PMC9140737 DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19106089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 05/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) is one of the strongest evidence-based treatments available for young children and their families. Research has supported the use of PCIT for children with a history of trauma; however, the treatment does not directly address trauma in the child. PCIT is a dyadic treatment; yet, the impact of the carer’s trauma on the carer-child relationship is not assessed or incorporated into treatment. For these reasons, therapists, families, agencies, and funders tend to view PCIT as a trauma treatment with skepticism. PCIT therapists who currently address trauma within the intervention do so without a standardized approach. Trauma-Directed Interaction (TDI) is an adaptation developed to directly address these concerns. TDI maintains the key elements and theoretical underpinnings of PCIT while adding sessions to cover psychoeducation about trauma, carer response to a child’s trauma reactions (SAFE skills), and coping skills to aid both the child and the carer to manage trauma activators (COPE skills). The TDI module creates a consistent strategy for PCIT therapists to address trauma, thus allowing research and replication which will advance the dual fields of PCIT and family trauma. The theoretical conceptualization of TDI is presented along with next steps in its evaluation.
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Rodriguez CM, Lee SJ. Role of maternal emotion in child maltreatment risk during the COVID-19 pandemic. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2022; 38:1-11. [PMID: 35431430 PMCID: PMC8993588 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-022-00379-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Preliminary research early in the COVID-19 pandemic suggested children appeared to be at increased risk for child maltreatment, particularly as parents struggled with mental health and economic strains. Such strains were likely to influence parental emotions about their children, affecting their parent-child interactions to contribute to elevated maltreatment risk. To identify the potential affective elements that may contribute to such increased maltreatment risk, the current study focused on whether maternal worry about children's behavior specifically as well as maternal anger were related to increased risk for neglect or physical or psychological aggression six months into the pandemic. Method The racially diverse sample included 193 mothers who completed an online survey during the COVID-19 pandemic in late September-early October 2020. Results Mothers' reported increases in neglect and physical and psychological aggression during the pandemic were significantly related with established measures of maltreatment risk. Furthermore, path models indicated that maternal anger and worry about children's behavior, as well as their interaction, were significantly related to indicators of physical aggression risk and neglect during the pandemic, but only maternal anger related to increased psychological aggression during the pandemic. Conclusions Maternal worry and anger about children's behavior may have exacerbated risk for maltreatment under the stressful conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings suggest affective reactions of both parental worry and anger focused on child behavior warrants greater empirical attention and consideration in intervention efforts both during the pandemic and potentially post-pandemic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christina M. Rodriguez
- Department of Psychology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, 1720 2nd Ave South, 35294 Birmingham, AL United States
- University of Michigan, Michigan, United States
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Regalado J, Timmer A, Jawaid A. Crime and deviance during the COVID-19 pandemic. SOCIOLOGY COMPASS 2022; 16:e12974. [PMID: 35603319 PMCID: PMC9115358 DOI: 10.1111/soc4.12974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2022] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the world and inevitably influenced people's behaviors including the likelihood of crime and deviance. Emerging empirical evidence suggests a decline in certain crimes (e.g., theft, robbery, and assault) but also proliferation of different violent behaviors and cybercriminal activity during the pandemic. To explain those trends, we draw on existent theories and elaborate on how crime and violence have been affected by the changes in people's daily routines and accumulated stressful conditions. However, as recent crime trends appear to be largely inconsistent and vary across social groups and contexts, we argue that social scientists need to pay particular attention to the differential experiences related to crime and violence during this global crisis. Specifically, because of the disproportionate experience of violence by vulnerable groups including minorities and women as well as the unique cross-national variations in deviance, more nuanced approaches to understanding causes of crime are warranted. We also discuss the limitations of present research and provide recommendations for the development of comparative and multi-disciplinary studies on criminal and deviant behaviors that are influenced by human crisis situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jullianne Regalado
- Department of Criminology and Justice StudiesCalifornia State UniversityNorthridgeCaliforniaUSA
| | - Anastasiia Timmer
- Department of Criminology and Justice StudiesCalifornia State UniversityNorthridgeCaliforniaUSA
| | - Ali Jawaid
- University of Texas Health Science CenterHoustonTexasUSA
- Laboratory of Translational Research in Neuropsychiatric Disorders (TREND) at the BRAINCITY: Center of Excellence for Neural Plasticity and Brain DisordersWarsawPoland
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Freisthler B, Price Wolf J, Chadwick C, Renick K. Daily Stress and Use of Aggressive Discipline by Parents during the COVID-19 Pandemic. JOURNAL OF FAMILY VIOLENCE 2022; 37:1101-1109. [PMID: 34866772 PMCID: PMC8626281 DOI: 10.1007/s10896-021-00340-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/30/2021] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
To assess the relationship between stress throughout the day and aggressive discipline practices by parents during COVID-19 stay at home orders. For this study, participants took baseline survey online, then provided data three times a day (10 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.) for 14 consecutive days using Ecological Momentary Assessment procedures. Data were collected from 323 participants, covering 9,357 observations from April 13 to May 27, 2020 in Central Ohio during stay-at-home orders due to COVID-19. Use of aggressive discipline, including corporal punishment and psychological aggression, was measured using the Dimensions of Discipline Inventory. For each higher level of stress, parents had 1.3 greater odds of using aggressive discipline. Having used aggressive discipline at baseline was related to three times greater odds of using it during the study period. Higher situational stress was associated with use of aggressive parenting. When combined with less contact with mandatory reporters, this places children at risk for abuse and neglect that may go without detection and intervention for longer time-periods. First responders and medical professionals become more important in identifying and reporting suspected child maltreatment, as this may be a child's only contact with a mandated professional for six months to a year. Well child visits, routine vaccinations, and problem-focused care are important opportunities to assess parents' stress and discipline practices that may be suggestive of abuse or neglect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget Freisthler
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, 340C Stillman Hall, 1947 College Rd. N, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Jennifer Price Wolf
- School of Social Work, San Jose State University, 1 Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95112 USA
| | - Caileigh Chadwick
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, 340C Stillman Hall, 1947 College Rd. N, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
| | - Katherine Renick
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, 340C Stillman Hall, 1947 College Rd. N, Columbus, OH 43210 USA
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Bullinger LR, Marcus S, Reuben K, Whitaker D, Self-Brown S. Evaluating child maltreatment and family violence risk during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Using a telehealth home visiting program as a conduit to families. Infant Ment Health J 2021; 43:143-158. [PMID: 34969151 PMCID: PMC9015231 DOI: 10.1002/imhj.21968] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
The COVID‐19 pandemic has affected many child maltreatment risk factors and may have affected maltreatment among vulnerable families. We surveyed 258 certified providers of an evidence‐based home visiting program, SafeCare, about their perception of the impact of the pandemic on the families they serve. We examined if the providers perceived an overall change in child maltreatment and family violence risk among the families with young children they served and factors that may have contributed to changes. Regressions estimated the relationship between providers’ assessment of families’ ability to social distance, emotional struggles, and access to public resources/services with providers’ perception of child maltreatment and family violence risk in the home. Findings indicate that 87% of providers believed maltreatment risk had increased during the pandemic. Providers serving families who were unable to social distance due to employment were more likely to report increased supervisory neglect and material neglect among the families they serve. Providers reporting that families were struggling with elevated frustration levels also reported more family conflict and material neglect among the families they serve. Results from this research can inform strategic decision‐making for policies and programs that address the challenges low‐income families with young children face in emergency situations.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stevan Marcus
- School of Public Policy, Georgia Tech, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Katherine Reuben
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Daniel Whitaker
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
| | - Shannon Self-Brown
- School of Public Health, Georgia State University, Atlanta, Georgia, USA
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Gonzalez A, Afifi TO, Tonmyr L. Completing the picture: a proposed framework for child maltreatment surveillance and research in Canada. Health Promot Chronic Dis Prev Can 2021; 41:392-397. [PMID: 34569775 PMCID: PMC8639173 DOI: 10.24095/hpcdp.41.11.07] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Gonzalez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Tracie O Afifi
- Departments of Community Health Sciences and Psychiatry, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Lil Tonmyr
- Public Health Agency of Canada, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
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Zhang H, Li Y, Shi R, Dong P, Wang W. Prevalence of Child Maltreatment during the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Survey of Rural Hubei, China. BRITISH JOURNAL OF SOCIAL WORK 2021:bcab162. [PMCID: PMC8499768 DOI: 10.1093/bjsw/bcab162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
The impact of lockdown measures in Wuhan, China during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on child maltreatment remains unknown. The present study attempted to estimate the prevalence of child maltreatment during this period, to identify risk factors, and the influence of child maltreatment. A representative sample of 1,062 school-aged children in rural Hubei province was surveyed. Results indicated that the prevalence of family violence, physical violence, emotional abuse and neglect during the lockdown period were 13.9, 13.7, 20.2 and 7.3 percent, respectively, and that of lifetime prevalence were 17.0, 13.9, 14.6 and 6.9 percent, respectively. And most victims did not seek official help. Boys were more likely to experience physical violence. Children from separated/divorced families tended to report more emotional abuse. Those having family members with a history of drug abuse and mental illness were more likely to experience neglect during the lockdown period. All types of child maltreatment were positively associated with self-harm behaviours. These findings highlight the importance of identifying at-risk children immediately and implementing timely intervention programmes to prevent self-harm behaviours for social workers and health professionals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huiping Zhang
- Center for Studies of Sociological Theory and Method, Renmin University of China, People’s Republic of China
- Department of Social Work and Social Policy, School of Sociology and Population Studies, Renmin University of China, People’s Republic of China
- Correspondence to Huiping Zhang, Center for Studies of Sociological Theory and Method, Renmin University of China, 59 Zhongguancun Street, Haidian District, Beijing, People’s Republic of China. E-mail:
| | - Yali Li
- Department of Social Work and Social Policy, School of Sociology and Population Studies, Renmin University of China, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rui Shi
- Department of Social Work and Social Policy, School of Sociology and Population Studies, Renmin University of China, People’s Republic of China
| | - Peiyu Dong
- Department of Social Work and Social Policy, School of Sociology and Population Studies, Renmin University of China, People’s Republic of China
| | - Weiwei Wang
- Department of Social Work and Social Policy, School of Sociology and Population Studies, Renmin University of China, People’s Republic of China
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Khoury JE, Kaur H, Gonzalez A. Parental Mental Health and Hostility Are Associated With Longitudinal Increases in Child Internalizing and Externalizing Problems During COVID-19. Front Psychol 2021; 12:706168. [PMID: 34393943 PMCID: PMC8357980 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2021.706168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Children are at high risk for negative COVID-19 related outcomes. The present longitudinal study assessed (1) changes in child internalizing and externalizing problems from before to during the pandemic and (2) whether parent mental health (depression, anxiety, stress) or parenting behavior during COVID-19 were associated with changes in child mental health problems. Sixty eight mother-child dyads participated in this study. Children were approximately five years-old at the time of enrollment and were between the ages of 7–9 years old at the time of the follow-up survey. Parenting behavior, parental depression, anxiety, perceived stress and child internalizing and externalizing problems were measured using validated questionnaires. Children experienced greater internalizing (t = 6.46, p < 0.001) and externalizing (t = 6.13, p < 0.001) problems during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic. After taking into account child gender and COVID-related stressors, parental hostility was uniquely associated with greater changes in externalizing problems (β = 0.355, SE = 0.178, p < 0.05), while maternal anxiety was associated with greater increases in internalizing problems (β = 0.513, SE = 0.208, p < 0.05). Findings highlight the need for mental health supports for families to limit the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on child and parent mental health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer E Khoury
- Department of Psychology, Mount Saint Vincent University, Halifax, NS, Canada
| | - Hargun Kaur
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
| | - Andrea Gonzalez
- Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Neurosciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.,Offord Centre for Child Studies, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada
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Wolf JP, Freisthler B, Chadwick C. Stress, alcohol use, and punitive parenting during the COVID-19 pandemic. CHILD ABUSE & NEGLECT 2021; 117:105090. [PMID: 33975257 PMCID: PMC9754854 DOI: 10.1016/j.chiabu.2021.105090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2020] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/28/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging research suggests that parents are experiencing heightened stress during the COVID-19 pandemic. Parental stress is a risk factor for harsh or punitive parenting, and this association may be exacerbated by the use of alcohol. OBJECTIVE We examine whether parental stress is associated with use of punitive parenting, as well as whether this association is modified by drinking pattern. PARTICIPANTS & SETTING We used advertisements and word-of-mouth to recruit 342 parents living in Central Ohio during the initial stay-at-home order for COVID-19. METHODS We used geographic ecological momentary assessment (gEMA) to measure parental stress and punitive parenting during three time periods (10 a.m., 3 p.m., and 9 p.m.) over a period of fourteen days using an app downloaded to their cellular telephone. Participants also completed a longer baseline survey. We used nested multilevel ordinal regression models, where at-the-moment assessments (Level 1) were nested within individuals (Level 2) to analyze data. RESULTS Higher levels of parental stress [OR = 1.149 (95 % CI = 1.123, 1.176)] and later time of day [OR = 1.255 (95 % CI = 1.146, 1.373)] were positively related to odds of punitive parenting. Drinking pattern was not significantly related to punitive parenting in models with demographic covariates. Parents who drank alcohol both monthly and weekly and had higher levels of stress had greater odds of punitive parenting than parents with high levels of stress who abstain from alcohol. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol may be an accelerant in the use of punitive parenting for parents experiencing stress. As alcohol use increases during COVID-19, children may be at higher risk for punitive parenting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Price Wolf
- School of Social Work, San Jose State University, 1 Washington Square, San Jose, CA, 95112, United States.
| | - Bridget Freisthler
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, 340C Stillman Hall, 1947 College Rd. N, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States.
| | - Caileigh Chadwick
- College of Social Work, The Ohio State University, 1947 College Road N, Columbus, OH, 43210, United States.
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