Family cohesion, shame-proneness, expressive suppression, and adolescent mental health-A path model approach

The Dyadic Influence of Relationship Hope on Family Functioning

There is a continued need to understand family factors that can promote child well-being and reduce their risks for mental health problems. Drawing from research on family dynamics and using a cross-sectional design, this study examined the association between relationship hope, couple satisfaction, and family functioning using the actor-partner interdependence model (APIM) on dyadic data collected from 537 opposi-gender, ethnically diverse, low-income couples. Results indicated that, while accounting for couple satisfaction as a covariate, women's relationship hope was positively associated with their own perceptions of parental teamwork and family relationship. Men's relationship hope was positively linked with their own perceptions of parental teamwork and parent-child relationships. Additionally, men's level of relationship hope positively influenced women's perceptions of family relationships. Findings highlight the systemic nature of relationship hope and its relationship to enhanced family functioning. Implications for clinical practice focus on the importance of fostering relationship hope within couples to promote positive parenting practices and family stability.

Losing a Family Member in Earthquake: The Mediating Role of Fear of Intimacy Between Family Cohesion and Mental Well-Being

Earthquakes are unpredictable disasters that have catastrophic consequences and caused many people to lose their family members. In this study, the relationships between family cohesion, fear of intimacy and mental well-being were examined in individuals who lost a family member after the 6 February 2023 Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. The study included 385 participants (Mean = 20.56; SD = 2.43) and structural equation modelling used. According to findings, family cohesion positively affected mental well-being and fear of intimacy negatively affected mental well-being. In addition, fear of intimacy partially mediated the relationship between family cohesion and mental well-being. These results emphasize the importance of family dynamics in post-disaster mental health. Strengthening family cohesion after traumatic events may increase both relationship skills and mental well-being. Based on a family systems approach, this study suggests that post-disaster interventions should focus on strengthening family cohesion to improve both relational and mental health outcomes for individuals.

The parent-child relationship and child shame and guilt: A meta-analytic systematic review

Empirical findings on the associations of positive and dysfunctional parent-child relationship (PPCR/DPCR) characteristics with child shame, adaptive guilt, and maladaptive guilt were synthesized in six meta-analyses. The 65 included samples yielded 633 effect sizes (Ntotal = 19,144; Mage = 15.24 years; 59.0% female; 67.7% U.S. samples, n = 12,036 with 65% White, 12.3% Hispanic and Latinx, 10.8% Black, 6.3% mixed race, 5.6% Asian American, 0.3% Native American participants). Small positive correlations were found between DPCR and shame (r = .17), DPCR and maladaptive guilt (r = .15), and PPCR and adaptive guilt (r = .14). A small negative correlation was found between PPCR and shame (r = -.12). Sample and study moderators and sources of bias are investigated and discussed.

(Non)specific interaction patterns in families raising a child with disability or chronic illness: a latent profile analysis

Introduction

The presence of a child with a disability significantly affects family dynamics introducing new responsibilities and altering roles. However, research also highlights the positive outcomes, such as increased family cohesion and stronger bonds among family members. Siblings face unique challenges, including emotional burdens and adjustment difficulties, which are influenced by factors such as age, severity of the disability, and parental attitudes. While some siblings develop empathy and nurture traits, others struggle with internalizing and externalizing problems. This study investigated whether families exhibit distinct interaction patterns based on the presence and type of a child's disability, considering the perspectives of healthy siblings and parents.

Methods

The study comprised 179 dyads, each consisting of a healthy adolescent sibling of a child with a disability or chronic illness and one of their parents (N = 358). The sample included 49 families of children with diabetes, 49 with intellectual disabilities, 28 with motor disabilities, and 53 healthy children. To assess interaction patterns within families, the following measures were used: the Questionnaire of Relationships with Siblings to evaluate relationships between healthy adolescents and their siblings, the Parentification Questionnaire for Youth to measure emotional and instrumental parentification, the KidScreen-27 to assess quality of life, the Parental Attitude Scale-2 to assess parental attitudes, and the Family Rating Scales to evaluate family dynamics, including the structure and quality of family interactions. Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) was used to analyze data.

Results

We identified two latent profiles: "Strained Families" profile, which featured lower-quality family interactions with parents displaying greater rejection, inconsistent, and overdemanding attitudes, and the "Resilient Families" profile reflected balanced functioning with greater cohesion and flexibility. The "Strained Families" profile was more prevalent (57%). No significant differences in profile frequencies were found across the groups.

Conclusion

Both profiles included families with children with motor disabilities, intellectual disabilities, or diabetes and healthy children. Therefore, the results suggest that family interaction patterns varied independently of the presence of a child with a disability. Notably, 64% of the families with healthy children exhibited the "Strained Families" profile, marked by lower-quality interactions and family functioning, suggesting that such interactions are not exclusive to families of children with disabilities.

Childhood maltreatment and suicide attempts: A prospective cohort study in Chinese middle school students

BACKGROUND

Suicide is a global public health crisis, and little evidence has focused on associations between suicide attempts and childhood maltreatment (CM) in Chinese middle school students.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the relationship between childhood maltreatment and suicide attempts and the sex difference in Chinese middle school students.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

In this prospective cohort study, students in grades 7 and 8 filled out the questionnaire at baseline and 6-month follow-up.

METHODS

Demographic data, childhood maltreatment, and suicide attempts were surveyed. Depression, anxiety, and stress were measured at baseline as covariates. Logistic regression was employed to measure the impact of childhood maltreatment and its sex differences on suicide attempts.

RESULTS

Among 782 students, 39.6 % suffered from childhood maltreatment, and the incidence rate of suicide attempts in 6 months was 4.60 % (36/782). After controlling for covariates, childhood maltreatment (adjusted odds ratio, OR = 2.899, 95%CI = 1.349-6.227) and its subtypes, physical abuse (adjusted OR = 4.077, 95%CI = 1.593-10.505) and emotional neglect (adjusted OR = 2.179, 95%CI = 1.059-4.481) were independent risk factors of suicide attempts. The association remained significant in females but not males, while no interactions between sex and childhood maltreatment were found.

CONCLUSIONS

Childhood maltreatment was prevalent in Chinese middle school students and closely associated with the incidence of suicide attempts, which provided valuable evidence for suicide prevention.

Family Therapy for Kosovar Mothers Who Experienced Conflict-Related Sexual Violence and Their Children in Postwar Times: A Pilot Randomised Waitlist-Controlled Trial

Women who have experienced conflict-related sexual violence report significant long-term effects, including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and relationship difficulties. Research has demonstrated that maternal trauma is associated with children's behavioural difficulties and challenges in family functioning, such as impaired communication and harsh parenting. This pilot study is aimed at evaluating the preliminary effectiveness of family therapy for Kosovar mothers who experienced conflict-related sexual violence in 1998-1999 and later developed PTSD and their children in improving family functioning and reducing behavioural difficulties in postwar times. Sixty-four mothers were randomised to an intervention group or a waitlist control group. Data was collected during a screening phase, at baseline before intervention initiation, after the intervention group completed family therapy and once the waitlist control group received the intervention. Generalised linear mixed models were used to analyse group differences in family functioning and children's behaviours over time. At follow-up, mothers in the intervention group reported improved family functioning. However, mothers in the waitlist control group reported significantly fewer behavioural difficulties than mothers in the intervention group before the control group had started family therapy. There was no significant interaction between group condition and time for child-rated family functioning. Overall, this pilot study suggests that family therapy could be effective in reducing the effects of intergenerational trauma related to PTSD and conflict-related sexual violence. Future research should evaluate the long-term effects of family therapy to assess if immediate effects were maintained.

How does family functioning contribute to academic-related outcomes of Chinese adolescents: the mediating role of spirituality

While family functioning is crucial to adolescent developmental outcomes, the mediating role of spirituality in the relationship between family functioning and academic-related outcomes of adolescents has been sparsely explored, particularly in non-Western contexts. To address this gap, based on a short-term longitudinal study, we examined the influence of family functioning on the academic values and academic anxiety of 4,981 Chinese adolescents in Sichuan, China, with spirituality as the mediator. We gathered data from students aged 11 and above at Wave 1 and at six months later (Wave 2). Analysis utilizing structural equation modeling indicated that prior family functioning positively and negatively predicted subsequent academic values and academic anxiety respectively, with spirituality as a significant mediator. Theoretically, this study helps to build up a conceptual model on how family functioning and spirituality of adolescents shape academic values and academic anxiety of adolescents. Practically, the present findings highlight the significance of enhancing family functioning and adolescent spirituality to help adolescents strive for academic success.

Understanding the Dynamics: A Comprehensive Review of Family Therapy's Impact on Expressed Emotions in Schizophrenia Patients

This comprehensive review examines the impact of family therapy on expressed emotions (EE) within the context of psychiatric disorders. EE, characterized by high levels of criticism, hostility, or emotional over-involvement, have been consistently linked to poorer treatment outcomes and increased severity of psychiatric symptoms. The review explores various family therapy approaches and their effectiveness in reducing high EE levels in families of psychiatric patients. It synthesizes existing literature to highlight the mechanisms underlying the changes in EE, such as modifying communication patterns and enhancing family cohesion. Additionally, the review discusses the implications for clinical practice, emphasizing the importance of integrating family therapy into psychiatric treatment plans and providing psychoeducation to empower families to manage emotions effectively. Future research directions are also outlined, including investigating the long-term sustainability of changes brought about by family therapy and exploring cultural considerations in therapeutic approaches. Overall, the review underscores the pivotal role of family therapy in addressing EE and promoting recovery and resilience in psychiatric patients and their families.

Structural equation modeling for the effects of family dysfunctions and communication on perceived mental health status among under/graduate students in the U.S

BACKGROUND

Many of the college students expressed experiencing moderate or severe psychological distress. In their emergence as adults, college students encounter significant periods of drastic change. Family functions play a crucial role in determining individuals' mental health status.

OBJECTIVES

The first objective of this study was to investigate whether family communication mediates the relationships between family dysfunctions and perceived mental health status among under/graduate students. The second objective was to investigate whether the mediation effects of family communication on the relationships between family dysfunctions and perceived mental health status differ by gender.

METHODS

The current study applied Minuchin's Structural Family Theory with under/graduate students (N = 348) in Ohio. Structural Equation Modeling was conducted to examine the effects of family dysfunctions and communication on perceived mental health status among under/graduate students.

RESULTS

Disengaged family function significantly influenced family communication, which, in turn, significantly impacted perceived mental health (mediation effect). Enmeshed family function did not show a significant relationship with family communication, whereas family communication had a significant impact on perceived mental health (no mediation effect). The model comparison test indicated that there were differences between males and females: the structural weights of the current path models were consistent with the full models, and there was a significant difference in the effect of parents' marital status on perceived mental health, with males being significantly impacted in both models.

CONCLUSIONS

Practitioners should recognize that improving positive communication skills within the family unit can be a realistic approach to supporting the perceived mental health of under/graduate students. Colleges/universities should offer regular education programs to promote an understanding of the relationship between family communication strategies and the mental health of under/graduate students.

Facing Pediatric Rheumatic Diseases: The Role of Disease Activity and Parental Emotion Regulation Strategy in Parents' and Children's Psychological Adjustment

BACKGROUND

Pediatric rheumatic diseases (PRDs) are a group of chronic disorders that start in childhood and are characterized by periodic exacerbations and remissions of symptoms, with limitations in family, school, and social activities. The aim of this study was to detect differences in parents' psychological adjustment and emotion regulation strategies, and parent-reported children's adjustments in families of children with active and inactive PRDs.

METHODS

Fifty-four parents (38 mothers and 16 fathers) of children with PRD were recruited from a pediatric unit. Disease activity was evaluated by their pediatric rheumatologist, while parents' depressive and anxiety symptoms, emotion regulation strategies, and children's emotional difficulties and hyperactivity-inattention symptoms were assessed through a web-based survey.

RESULTS

Parents of children with active PRDs reported higher levels of their child's emotional difficulties and hyperactivity-inattention symptoms. Linear regression analysis demonstrated that having a child in the active phases of PRD and lower use of cognitive reappraisal lead to higher children's emotional symptoms, while active disease, low use of cognitive reappraisal, and greater expressive suppression were associated with higher hyperactivity-inattention symptoms. Our study highlights that children with PRDs and their parents may be at increased risk for psychological problems, especially during the active disease phase, highlighting the importance of a multidisciplinary approach.