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Clore L, Agrawal RM, Kolm P, Rethy JA. Social Connectedness as a Determinant of Health in African-American Low-Income Families with Young Children: A Cross-Sectional Cohort Study. J Dev Behav Pediatr 2024; 45:e143-e149. [PMID: 38452045 PMCID: PMC11017831 DOI: 10.1097/dbp.0000000000001260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE This cross-sectional study aimed to assess the level of social connectedness (SC) in African-American low-income families with young children attending a pediatric primary care clinic and examine its relationships with food insecurity and parental well-being. METHODS This cross-sectional analysis used data from the Healthy Children and Families program, a cohort intervention study addressing food insecurity, conducted by an urban pediatric clinic serving low-income predominantly African-American families. Twenty-seven families completed baseline screening tools, including the Social Provisions Scale five-question short form (SPS-5) to measure SC, a modified version of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Household Food Security Survey Module six-item short form to assess food insecurity, and the Parental Stress Index Short Form to measure parental stress. Descriptive statistics, correlations, and partial correlations were conducted to analyze the data. RESULTS The average SPS-5 composite score was 14.5 on a scale of 5 to 20. Moderate negative correlations were identified between SC and food insecurity, weaker when controlled for parental stress. Strong negative correlations were identified between SC and parental stress that held when controlled for food insecurity. CONCLUSION In this study, we propose a conceptual framework highlighting the complex interplay of social connectedness with other social determinants of child health. The findings align with the 2023 Surgeon General's Advisory on the epidemic on the healing effects of social connection and provide insight into the value of incorporating SC assessments into routine screenings in pediatric primary care settings. Further research is needed to explore causal relationships and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions designed to enhance SC in diverse populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Clore
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington, DC
| | - Rajeev Mohan Agrawal
- MedStar Health Research Institute; Center for Biostatistics, Informatics and Data Science; and
| | - Paul Kolm
- MedStar Health Research Institute; Center for Biostatistics, Informatics and Data Science; and
| | - Janine A. Rethy
- Georgetown University School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Washington, DC
- MedStar Georgetown University Hospital, Division of Community Pediatrics, Washington, DC
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Krijnen LJG, van Eldik WM, Mooren TTM, van Rooijen B, Boelen PA, van Baar AL, Spuij M, Verhoeven M, Egberts MR. Factors associated with mental health of young children during the COVID-19 pandemic in the Netherlands. Child Adolesc Psychiatry Ment Health 2023; 17:136. [PMID: 38093365 PMCID: PMC10720157 DOI: 10.1186/s13034-023-00686-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The COVID-19 pandemic and accompanying societal measures have impacted children and their families all over the world. Little is known about the factors associated with mental health outcomes in young children (i.e., 1 to 6 years old) during the pandemic. The current study aimed to examine associations with potential risk and protective factors, i.e., direct COVID-19 exposure factors as well as within-family characteristics. METHODS Caregivers of children aged 1-6 years old were recruited in the Netherlands to participate in an ongoing longitudinal research project. In the current study, baseline data-collected during the 1st year of the pandemic-are reported. The final sample consisted of 2762 caregivers who answered questionnaires assessing negative and positive dimensions of their children's mental health (i.e., anxiety, depressive symptoms, anger, sleep problems, positive affect, and self-regulation). Furthermore, caregivers provided information regarding: (1) Direct COVID-19 related factors, i.e., parental infection and death of a family member or close friend due to COVID-19, (2) Family related COVID-19 factors, i.e., parental perceived impact of the pandemic and COVID-19 related parent-child emotion regulation strategies (i.e., active, avoidant and information-focused strategies), (3) General caregiver's distress, i.e., parental mental health, parental feelings of rejection towards their child. Regression analyses were used to examine associations with children's mental health. RESULTS Direct COVID-19 related factors were not associated with more mental health problems in the children, though parental COVID-19 infections were related with less anger in children. Family related COVID-19 factors and caregiver's distress were related with children's mental health. Higher parental perceived negative impact of the pandemic, lower parental perceived positive impact of the pandemic, more avoidant as well as more active and information-focused parent-child emotion regulation strategies, more caregiver's mental health problems and more parental feelings of rejection towards their child were related with more mental health problems in the child. CONCLUSION Direct exposure to COVID-19 was not related with more mental health problems in the child. Family related COVID-19 factors and caregiver's distress appear to play a more important role for young children's mental health. Findings may inform prevention and intervention programs for potential future global crises as well as other stressful events.
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Affiliation(s)
- L J G Krijnen
- Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands.
| | - W M van Eldik
- Youz, Parnassia Psychiatric Institution, The Hague, The Netherlands
| | - T T M Mooren
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - B van Rooijen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - P A Boelen
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- ARQ National Psychotrauma Centre, Diemen, The Netherlands
| | - A L van Baar
- Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - M Spuij
- Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- TOPP-Zorg, Driebergen, The Netherlands
| | - M Verhoeven
- Child and Adolescent Studies, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - M R Egberts
- Department of Clinical Psychology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Ingeborg Douwes Centrum, Centre for Psycho-Oncology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Zeevi-Cousin A, Lavenda O. The Mediating Role of Parenting Style in the Relationship between Parents' Openness to Different Ways of Thinking and Child Anxiety. Children (Basel) 2023; 10:1564. [PMID: 37761525 PMCID: PMC10528896 DOI: 10.3390/children10091564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
The quality of parent-child relationships plays a significant role in the development of child anxiety, especially regarding aspects of parental control, intrusive behavior, and a lack of warmth. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of these parenting behaviors that are associated with the risk of child anxiety have yet to be revealed. The present study aims to examine the contribution of a cognitive aspect of parenting, i.e., openness to different ways of thinking, to the development of child anxiety through its impact on parenting style. A sample of 300 Israeli parents (72% women) over the age of 18 (M = 38.8, SD = 6.2), with at least one child over the age of 6 (M = 13.3, SD = 5.5 of oldest child), was recruited through social media platforms. Participants provided demographic information and filled out self-reported questionnaires dealing with child anxiety (using the Child Behavior Checklist), openness to different ways of thinking (using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index), and parenting style (using the Parental Behavior Inventory). The analysis confirmed the mediation role of hostile/coercive parenting style in the association between parental openness to different ways of thinking and child anxiety. However, the association between supportive/engaged parenting and child anxiety was non-significant. Apparently, openness to different ways of thinking allows for parents to consolidate parenting that does not resort to coercive and hostile behaviors, control, obedience, and severe strictness. As a result, the child develops self-regulation and coping mechanisms that reduce the risk for developing anxiety.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Osnat Lavenda
- School of Social Work, Ariel University, Ariel 40700, Israel
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Mahmoodi Z, Rostami M, Bahrami G, Rasouli F, Ghavidel N. Predictor factors affecting emotional and behavioral problems in school-aged (6-12 years) children during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study. BMC Psychiatry 2023; 23:633. [PMID: 37644456 PMCID: PMC10466850 DOI: 10.1186/s12888-023-05125-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The prolonged outbreak of COVID-19 has caused psychological problems in the community, especially in children. Given that limited studies have been conducted on this vulnerable group in Iran, we conducted this study to determine the predictor factors affecting emotional and behavioral problems in school-aged (6-12 years) children during the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS We conducted a cross-sectional study on 322 mothers of elementary school-aged children (6-12 years) from April 21 to June 21, 2021, in Karaj, Alborz, Iran. Sociodemographic checklist, socioeconomic status scale (SES), Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale (DASS-21), Corona Disease Anxiety Scale (CDAS), and the Rutter Children's Behavior Questionnaire (RCBQ) were used to evaluate the children's behavioral symptoms, the mental health of their mothers, and sociodemographic factors. RESULTS In total, 17.7% of children (male = 27.0%, female = 11.7%) had behavioral problems. Results showed income (p-value = 0.007, 95%CI (-3.85- -0.607)), and physical activity of the child (p-value = 0.026, 95%CI (-1.03- -0.067)), were indirectly associated with children's behavioral symptoms. Having underlying disease (p-value = 0.00, 95%CI (1.712-5.949)), breastfeeding (p-value = 0.027, 95%CI (0.335-5.61)), corona-related anxiety (p-value = 0.00, 95%CI (0.158-0.318)), and DASS score (p-value = 0.00, 95%CI (0.149-0.334)) in the mothers, as well as male gender (p-value = 0.003, 95%CI (0.724-3.471)) were directly associated with children's behavioral symptoms. The most factors involved in the behavioral symptom score of children were corona-related anxiety (β = .298), DASS (β = 0.273), underlying disease of mothers (β = 0.163), income (β = -0.154), child's gender (β = 0.142) and physical activity (β = -0.101), and breastfeeding (β = 0.099) respectively. CONCLUSION Study findings showed that some factors affect the emotional and behavioral problems of school-aged (6-12 years) children during the COVID-19 pandemic. These data may help future researchers and policymakers with early intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zohreh Mahmoodi
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Mahnoosh Rostami
- Health Systems Evaluation and Evidence, Provincial Clinical Excellence, Alberta Health Services, Alberta, Canada
| | - Giti Bahrami
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Rasouli
- Non-Communicable Diseases Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran
| | - Nooshin Ghavidel
- Social Determinants of Health Research Center, Alborz University of Medical Sciences, Karaj, Iran.
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Chen C. The relationship between parental depression and child internalizing and externalizing problems: The roles of parenting stress and child maltreatment. Front Public Health 2023; 11:962951. [PMID: 36825147 PMCID: PMC9941167 DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2023.962951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although the relationships between parental mental health and child internalizing and externalizing problems have been explored by previous studies, the pathways between these two variables need further exploration. The present study aims to explore the relationships between parental depression and child internalizing and externalizing problems and to examine the roles of parenting stress and child maltreatment in those relationships within the Chinese cultural context. Method Data were collected from 855 Chinese families with preschool-aged children, and mediation analysis was used to examine the pathways between these variables. Results The results show that parental depression is positively associated with child internalizing and externalizing problems, and child maltreatment and the combination of parenting stress and child maltreatment mediated the relationships between parental depression and child internalizing and externalizing problems, respectively. These findings suggest that parental depression not only has a direct effect on child internalizing and externalizing problems but also has an indirect effect via parenting stress and child maltreatment. Discussion Decreasing the levels of parenting stress and child maltreatment should be applied in interventions to break the relationships between parental depression and child internalizing and externalizing problems within the Chinese cultural context.
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Farewell CV, Thayer Z, Paulson J, Nicklas J, Walker C, Waldie K, Morton S, Leiferman JA. Fostering Resilience Among Mothers Early (FRAME): using growth mixture modeling to identify resources that mitigate perinatal depression. Arch Womens Ment Health 2022; 25:451-461. [PMID: 35137331 DOI: 10.1007/s00737-022-01211-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
The primary objective of this study was to delineate classes of individuals based on depression trajectories from the antenatal period through 54-month postpartum and internal and external resources that are associated with low depression risk. Participants came from the Growing Up in New Zealand (GUiNZ) study (n = 5664), which is a pregnancy cohort study and is nationally representative of the ethnic and socioeconomic diversity of contemporary New Zealand births. Growth curve mixture modeling was used to identify distinct subgroups based on depression scores from the antenatal period through 54-month postpartum. Logistic regression models were run to investigate socioeconomic factors and internal and external resources that were associated with depression class membership. A two-class model, "low risk" and "high risk," resulted in the best model fit. Most of the sample (n = 5110, 90%) fell into the "low-risk" class defined by no-to-mild depression symptoms during pregnancy and decreasing depressive symptoms over time (bintercept = - .05, bslope = - .05). Approximately 10% of the sample fell into the "high-risk" class (n = 554, 10%) defined by mild-to-moderate depressive symptoms during pregnancy and increasing depressive symptomology over time (bintercept = .39, bslope = .57). More positive parenting-related attitudes, better pre-pregnancy self-reported health, informal social supports, and community belonging were significantly associated with greater odds of being in the "low-risk" class, after controlling for socioeconomic factors. These findings suggest that targeting internal and external resources for individuals across the perinatal and early childhood periods is important to mitigating maternal depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte V Farewell
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop B119, East 17Aurora, CO, 1300180045, USA.
| | | | - James Paulson
- Old Dominion University, Norfolk University, Norfolk, USA
| | - Jacinda Nicklas
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop B119, East 17Aurora, CO, 1300180045, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jenn A Leiferman
- Department of Community and Behavioral Health, School of Public Health, University of Colorado-Anschutz Medical Campus, Mail Stop B119, East 17Aurora, CO, 1300180045, USA
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Gadassi Polack R, Joormann J, Orbach M, Silverman WK, Lebowitz ER. Maternal Depression and Mother-Child Oxytocin Synchrony in Youth with Anxiety Disorders. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol 2021; 49:381-92. [PMID: 33403493 DOI: 10.1007/s10802-020-00744-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/30/2020] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
The neuropeptide oxytocin (OT) plays a central role in the regulation of affiliative bonds and anxiety. However, the degree to which its levels are synchronized between interaction partners has not yet been assessed. Physiological synchrony assessed using other peripheral measures (e.g., heart rate, etc.) has been tied to positive outcomes for the individual and the dyad. The present study examined OT synchrony in the context of child anxiety and maternal depression by examining mother-child dyads. Mothers and their children with anxiety disorders participated in a behavioral interaction task. Changes in OT levels and mother-child OT synchrony before and after the interaction, as well as their moderation by maternal depression, were assessed. Ninety-eight youth with anxiety disorders (ages 10 to 17) and their mothers underwent psychiatric evaluation, and mothers rated their own depressive symptoms and their children's behavior problems. Salivary OT was assayed from mother and child before and after the task. Behavioral coding showed that interactions were characterized by high behavioral synchrony between mothers and their children, and both individuals displayed higher levels of positive vs. negative affect during the interactions. Mothers and their children also showed decreases in OT levels after the interaction. As hypothesized, OT synchrony increased following the task, but only dyads in which mothers showed high levels of depressive symptoms showed this increase. As hypothesized, lower levels of OT-synchrony were associated with higher levels of child internalizing symptoms. The findings suggest that positive interactions may be beneficial for youth with anxiety disorders with mothers with depression.
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Gibbs A, Abdelatif N, Said N, Jewkes R. Associations between exposures to occupation-related events, depression and intimate partner violence among women in the occupied Palestinian Territories. Glob Public Health 2020; 16:1834-1847. [PMID: 33222619 DOI: 10.1080/17441692.2020.1849349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
War and conflict impact on women's mental health and experiences of intimate partner violence (IPV), including in the occupied Palestinian Territories (oPT). Drawing on a cross-sectional population representative sample (n=534) collected in February 2017 in the oPT, we sought to (i) characterise the patterning of occupation-related events among women (18+) living in the oPT, (ii) to descriptively assess factors associated with this patterning, (iii) to assess the health impacts of occupation-related events by this patterning, specifically experience of IPV and poor mental health, and (iv) to assess the pathways through which occupation-related events are associated with IPV experience. Using Latent Class Analysis we identified three 'classes' of exposure to occupation-related events: 1 in 20 experienced multiple forms directed at themselves, their families and homes, 42.3% reported experiences against family members and their homes, and half reported relatively few direct experiences of occupation-related violence. Group membership was associated with increased past year IPV experience, and depressive symptoms. Using structural equation modelling we demonstrate that experiences of occupation-related events increased IPV experience via two mediated pathways; increased gender inequitable attitudes, and increased depressive symptoms and quarrelling with their husband. Preventing IPV requires addressing occupation-related events as well as transforming gender norms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew Gibbs
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.,Centre for Rural Health, School of Nursing and Public Health, University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nada Abdelatif
- Biostatistics Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Durban, South Africa
| | - Nader Said
- Arab World for Research and Development (AWRAD), Ramallah, Palestine
| | - Rachel Jewkes
- Gender and Health Research Unit, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.,Office of the Executive Scientist, South African Medical Research Council, Pretoria, South Africa.,School of Public Health, University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa
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Sui X, Massar K, Ruiter RAC, Reddy PS. Violence typologies and sociodemographic correlates in South African adolescents: a three-wave cross-sectional study. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:221. [PMID: 32050945 PMCID: PMC7017509 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-8332-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2019] [Accepted: 02/06/2020] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Violence victimisation and violence perpetration may co-occur in adolescents. Understanding the sociodemographic correlates of the independent and joint profiles of victimisation and perpetration may inform preventive interventions. This study examined the associations of sociodemographic factors with four violence typologies, namely, 1) non-involvement in both victimisation and perpetration, 2) victims only, 3) perpetrators only, and 4) victim-perpetrators. Trends in the prevalence of the four violence typologies over the three survey years were also examined. Methods We used data from the three nationally representative South African Youth Risk Behaviour Surveys conducted in 2002, 2008, and 2011 and included a multi-ethnic sample of adolescents (n = 30,007; boy: 46.9%, girls: 53.1%; M age = 16 years, SD = .06). Results The sample consisted of 8030 (30.8%) adolescents who had non-involvement in both victimisation and perpetration, 8217 were victims only (29.8%), 2504 were perpetrators only (9.0%), and 7776 were victim-perpetrators (24.6%). Logistic regression analyses showed that being a girl increased the odds of non-involvement (OR: 1.47, 99% CI: 1.36–1.58) and being victims only (OR: 1.90, 99% CI: 1.76–2.05). Being a boy increased the odds of being perpetrators only (OR: 0.42, 99% CI: 0.37–0.47) and victim-perpetrators (OR: 0.51, 99% CI: 0.47–0.55). Adolescents who did not have an absent mother had higher odds of non-involvement (OR: 0.78, 99% CI: 0.62–0.97). Lower monthly allowance increased the odds of victimisation only (OR: 0.99, 99% CI: 0.97–1.00), whereas higher monthly allowance increased the odds of perpetration only (OR: 1.05, 99% CI: 1.03–1.08). Trend analysis showed that between 2002 to 2011, there was an increase in the prevalence of non-involvement in adolescents (p < .001), a decrease in the prevalence of victims only (p < .05) and victim-perpetrators (p < .001), and no changes in the prevalence of perpetrators only (p > .05). Conclusions Sociodemographic factors are uniquely associated with different violence typologies suggesting the need for tailored interventions to target adolescents with differed risks to violence victimisation and perpetration. Strengthening family relations, particularly between mother and child, may protect adolescents from the experiences of victimisation and perpetration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xincheng Sui
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200, MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands.
| | - Karlijn Massar
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200, MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Robert A C Ruiter
- Department of Work and Social Psychology, Faculty of Psychology and Neuroscience, Maastricht University, P.O. Box 616, 6200, MD, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Priscilla S Reddy
- Human Sciences Research Council, Cape Town, 8001, South Africa.,Visiting Professor, Nelson Mandela University, Port Elizabeth, 6031, South Africa
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Ziv Y, Kupermintz H. The effects of exposure to political and domestic violence on preschool children and their mothers. Int J Psychol 2019; 56:12-21. [PMID: 31304981 DOI: 10.1002/ijop.12608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exposure to political violence on preschool children and their mothers. We explored whether these dyads are different from dyads with no known history of exposure to violence and from mother-child dyads with known exposure to domestic violence. Specifically, we explored differences in mothers' psychological status (depression and anxiety), dyadic emotional availability (EA), children's social information processing, and children's social behaviour, in a sample of 216 dyads divided into three groups (exposure to political violence, no exposure to violence, and exposure to domestic violence). We found evidence to support our hypotheses that children exposed to domestic violence exhibit the highest levels of social maladjustment with smaller but still significant differences between children exposed to political violence and children in the comparison group. As expected, the lowest EA scores were found in the exposure to domestic violence group, followed by dyads in the exposure to political violence group. Dyads belonging to the comparison group (no exposure) exhibited the highest levels of EA. These findings contribute to our understanding of the meaning of exposure to political violence, as well as sharpen the difference between exposure to political and domestic violence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yair Ziv
- Faculty of Education, University of Haifa, Haifa, Israel
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review was to focus solely on youths' behavioral responses to natural disasters and political conflicts in order to fully understand their impact and scope. RECENT FINDINGS Recent studies in the field of trauma have shown that theoretical conceptions have moved away from a narrow focus on the individual and towards wider ecological perspectives and from a narrow focus on negative responses to trauma exposure towards positive prosocial responses. Although there is a distinction between youths' behavioral responses towards natural disasters vs. towards political conflicts, in both of these adverse situations, behavioral responses exist alongside emotional responses. Adolescents exposed to either type of adverse scenario are often able to turn their negative experiences into positive ones, take greater responsibility for themselves and others, contribute to recovery processes, and engage in prosocial behaviors. These responses must be investigated in the context of the trauma field's recent understandings regarding psychological, biological, environmental, and cultural factors.
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