Configurations of mother-child and father-child attachment relationships as predictors of child language competence: An individual participant data meta-analysis

An individual participant data meta-analysis was conducted to test pre-registered hypotheses about how the configuration of attachment relationships to mothers and fathers predicts children's language competence. Data from seven studies (published between 1985 and 2014) including 719 children (Mage : 19.84 months; 51% female; 87% White) were included in the linear mixed effects analyses. Mean language competence scores exceeded the population average across children with different attachment configurations. Children with two secure attachment relationships had higher language competence scores compared to those with one or no secure attachment relationships (d = .26). Children with two organized attachment relationships had higher language competence scores compared to those with one organized attachment relationship (d = .23), and this difference was observed in older versus younger children in exploratory analyses. Mother-child and father-child attachment quality did not differentially predict language competence, supporting the comparable importance of attachment to both parents in predicting developmental outcomes.

Changes to women's childbirth plans during the COVID-19 pandemic and posttraumatic stress symptoms: a cross-national study

A considerable number of women giving birth during COVID-19 pandemic reported being concerned about changes to their childbirth plans and experiences due to imposed restrictions. Research prior to the pandemic suggests that women may be more at risk of post-traumatic stress symptoms (PTSS) due to unmet expectations of their childbirth plans. Therefore, this study aimed to examine if the mismatch between women's planned birth and actual birth experiences during COVID-19 was associated with women's postpartum PTSS. Women in the postpartum period (up to 6 months after birth) across 11 countries reported on childbirth experiences, mental health, COVID-19-related factors, and PTSS (PTSD checklist DSM-5 version) using self-report questionnaires (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04595123). More than half (64%) of the 3532 postpartum women included in the analysis reported changes to their childbirth plans. All changes were significantly associated with PTSS scores. Participants with one and two changes to their childbirth plans had a 12% and 38% increase, respectively, in PTSS scores compared to those with no changes (Exp(β) = 1.12; 95% CI [1.06-1.19]; p < 0.001 and Exp(β) = 1.38; 95% CI [1.29-1.48]; p < 0.001). In addition, the effect of having one change in the childbirth plan on PTSS scores was stronger in primigravida than in multigravida (Exp(β) = 0.86; 95% CI [0.77-0.97]; p = 0.014). Changes to women's childbirth plans during the COVID-19 pandemic were common and associated with women's postpartum PTSS score. Developing health policies that protect women from the negative consequences of unexpected or unintended birth experiences is important for perinatal mental health.

Neural correlates of face familiarity in institutionalised children and links to attachment disordered behaviour

BACKGROUND

One of the most well-documented sequelae of early maltreatment and institutionalisation is attachment problems, including behaviours under the labels of reactive attachment disorder (RAD) and disinhibited social engagement disorder (DSED). Despite growing evidence of the neurobiological effects of institutionalisation, the neural correlates of these behavioural patterns are largely unknown.

METHODS

The current study examined effects of both institutionalisation in general and attachment disordered behaviour, in particular, on brain-based markers of face processing, in 100 Portuguese children (70 currently institutionalised, 30 continuously raised by their families). Children's neural processing of caregiver's and stranger's faces was assessed with Event-Related Potentials (ERPs).

RESULTS

Compared to children from the community, institutionalised children showed smaller amplitudes in the N170, to both stranger and caregiver faces. Amongst the institutionalised group, living in a setting with a higher children-to-caregivers' ratio was associated with smaller P400 amplitudes. The display of DSED symptoms was associated with a smaller P1 to both faces, as well as a reduced differentiation between faces in P400 amplitudes and smaller P400 to the stranger's face. In contrast, RAD symptoms were not associated with any ERP measures.

CONCLUSIONS

Results replicate previously reported hypoactivation in institutionalised children, in a less-globally deprived setting than past work, indicating that such a pattern is associated with lack of individualised care and increased symptoms of DSED.

Non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring tool of children’s mental health: A point-of-care immunosensor for IL-6 quantification in saliva samples

Mental disorders are commonly featured as chronic conditions with often onset during childhood. In this context, inflammation has been associated with a higher risk of developing physical and mental health problems. Interleukin (IL)-6 is a key mediator of inflammatory responses and plays a pivotal role in immune and nervous system interaction. High levels of IL-6 during childhood are associated with mental problems, indicating that the IL-6 molecular pathway may represent a new target for monitoring and treating these conditions. Here, we report the detection of IL-6 in saliva samples from children (N = 118, mean age 4.4 years old) with behavioral problems using an immunosensor based on electrochemical impedance spectroscopy. This work demonstrates that the proposed immunosensor requires smaller sample volumes and is significantly faster and more sensitive than conventional ELISA while maintaining comparable levels of specificity and reproducibility. The point-of care immunosensor for detection of IL-6 in saliva samples presented herewith is, therefore, an attractive solution to the clinical practice as a rapid non-invasive, high-sensitive monitoring tool of mental health problems, especially in vulnerable patient populations such as children.

The Quality of Interactive Behaviors in the Context of Prematurity: Fathers, Mothers, Daughters, and Sons

OBJECTIVE

This study examined the quality of interaction between preterm-born preschoolers and their mothers and fathers, focusing on the role of child and parental sex.

METHODS

Participants included 88 preterm-born children (<37 wk gestational age) and 44 full-term-born children (≥37 wk gestational age) aged 3 1/2 years and their parents. Mother-child and father-child dyads were observed during a structured interactive task. Children's cooperation-compliance and negativity-hostility behaviors were coded using the Coding System for Mother-Child Interactions, and parents' sensitive behavior was coded using the Ainsworth Sensitivity Scale.

RESULTS

There was no association between preterm birth and the quality of child and parents' interactive behaviors. In the full-term group, fathers exhibited lower levels of sensitive behavior than mothers, but in the preterm group, both parents exhibited similar levels of sensitive behavior. Preterm boys exhibited more interactive difficulties than preterm girls, but there was no significant effect of child sex on full-term children's interactive behaviors. Children exhibited more compliance-cooperation and less negativity-hostility toward fathers than toward mothers.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that prematurity in itself does not affect the quality of parent-preterm child interactive behaviors as the children enter the preschool period. Preterm boys seem to be at higher risk for interactive difficulties than girls, and thus, child sex should be considered when monitoring and examining the development of preterm children.

Maternal and paternal overprotection of children born preterm: Relations to child and parental factors

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlates of observed overprotective behaviors of mothers and fathers of preterm-born preschoolers. Participants included 85 children born prematurely (gestational age <37 weeks) and their parents, assessed when children were 12, 24, and 42 months old. Observed overprotection was measured through the standardized observation of a parent-child interaction. The examined correlates included parent-reported perception of their protective behavior, parental gender, child neonatal risk, child development, parent-reported perception of child vulnerability, parent-reported psychological distress, and family's socioeconomic disadvantage. Results revealed that the correlation between parent-reported and observed parental overprotection was not significant for mothers and fathers. There was a significant positive association between maternal and paternal observed overprotection and no significant differences between mothers' and fathers' overprotection levels. Lower child developmental level and more socioeconomic disadvantage at child's 12 months of age were significant predictors of observed overprotective behaviors. Findings suggest the importance of targeting parents of preterm-born children with socioeconomic disadvantages and whose children have a lower developmental level for providing support to both mothers and fathers in the development of more adaptive parenting strategies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Neurobiological Correlates of Fatherhood During the Postpartum Period: A Scoping Review

During the postpartum period, the paternal brain suffers extensive and complex neurobiological alterations, through the experience of father-infant interactions. Although the impact of such experience in the mother has been increasingly studied over the past years, less is known about the neurobiological correlates of fatherhood-that is, the alterations in the brain and other physiological systems associated with the experience of fatherhood. With the present study, we aimed to perform a scoping review of the available literature on the genetic, neuroendocrine, and brain correlates of fatherhood and identify the main gaps in the current knowledge. PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science electronic databases were searched for eligible studies on paternal neuroplasticity during the postpartum period, over the past 15 years. Reference lists of relevant key studies and reviews were also hand-searched. The research team independently screened the identified studies based on the established inclusion criteria. Extracted data were analyzed using tables and descriptive synthesis. Among the 29 studies that met our inclusion criteria, the vast majority pertained to neuroendocrine correlates of fatherhood (n = 19), followed by brain activity or connectivity (n = 7), association studies of candidate genes (n = 2), and brain structure correlates (n = 1). Collectively, studies published during the past 15 years suggest the existence of significant endocrine (testosterone, oxytocin, prolactin, and cortisol levels) and neurofunctional alterations (changed activity in several brain networks related to empathy and approach motivation, emotional processing and mentalizing, emotion regulation, dorsal attention, and default mode networks) as a result of fatherhood, as well as preliminary evidence of genetic variability accounting for individual differences during the postpartum period in fathers. No studies were so far published evaluating epigenetic mechanisms associated with the paternal brain, something that was also the focus of the current review. We highlight the need for further research that examines neuroplasticity during the experience of fatherhood and that considers both the interplay between hormones and simultaneous assessment of the different biomarkers (e.g., associations between hormones and neural activity); data collection protocols and assessment times should also be refined.

Meta-Analysis on Parent-Teacher Agreement on Preschoolers' Emotional and Behavioural Problems

Based on a meta-analysis, this study aimed to examine cross-informant agreement between parents and teachers about Internalizing, Externalizing and Total Problems in preschool children using community and clinical samples and to test the effects of the type of sample, the measure used for assessments, and child sex on agreement between informants. The meta-analysis involved 23 studies assessing cross-informant agreement for preschool children. Informants were parents and teachers. The level of cross-informant agreement tended to be low. Meta-regression analyses showed that the child's sex, the type of sample, and the measure used for assessments did not predict the level of cross-informant agreement on emotional and behavioural problems. The findings were in line with previous research results. Furthermore, the studied variables did not contribute to the prediction of agreement, suggesting the development of further studies that focus on other variables that may interfere with agreement in informants' reports and will contribute to explaining different ratings of internalizing and externalizing problems in preschool-aged children.

Links Between Reactive Attachment Disorder, Caregiving and Temperament: A Differential Susceptibility Perspective

The links between Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) and temperament received relatively little research attention, in spite of their clinical and social relevance. Children with RAD sustain disproportionate burdens of early adversity related to their caregiving environment. However, there seem to be important individual differences in susceptibility to adversity, since only a small number of children show signs of RAD. Based on the work of Zeanah and Fox, this review aims to bring new insights to this relevant clinical issue in light of recent research. A differential susceptibility hypothesis will be considered as a promising and innovative approach toward a further understanding of the links between temperament and RAD.

Dataset on maternal attitudes about child maltreatment in nine countries using a Q-sort methodology

Analyses of the present data are reported in the article "Crossing Boundaries: A Pilot Study of Maternal Attitudes about Child Maltreatment in Nine Countries" [8]. Data were collected during home visits using the Maltreatment Q-Sort (MQS). A total of 466 mothers from nine different countries gave their opinion about child maltreatment by sorting 90 cards with parenting behaviors taken from the literature that reflect four types of child maltreatment, into 9 evenly distributed stacks (with 10 cards each) from least to most harmful for the child. This data article provides an overview of the content of the 90 items, which type of maltreatment they reflect, and the source of the items. The percentage of mothers labelling each of the MQS items as maltreatment is also presented. In addition, instructions are included about the administration of the MQS as well as data-entry and analyses of Q-sort data, accompanied by example datasets and syntaxes. This can serve as a manual for researchers interested in using Q-sort data.

[Screening of Human Immunodeficiency Virus and Other Sexually Transmitted Infections in a Group of Sex Workers in Indoor Settings in the Porto Metropolitan Area]

INTRODUCTION

Early diagnosis is a crucial tool for containing the human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections, particularly in key populations such as sex workers. Despite its relevance, there is a gap considering epidemiological studies and interventions aimed at the monitoring and diagnosis of sexually transmitted infections in Portugal. The objectives of this study are: (i) to contribute to a better understanding of the epidemiology of sexually transmitted infections; and (ii) to evaluate the transfer of screening methods from clinical settings to the outreach context in hidden populations such as sex workers.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The screening of sexually transmitted infections (human immunodeficiency virus 1/2, hepatitis B virus, hepatitis C virus, syphilis, chlamydia and gonorrhea) were carried out in a sample of 100 sex workers during the Porto G outreach intervention in the Metropolitan area of Porto, from September 2015 to September 2016.

RESULTS

Six reactive cases for human immunodeficiency virus were identified, five of syphilis, eight of chlamydia and two of gonorrhea. No positive results were detected for hepatitis B virus and hepatitis C virus. The results were discussed considering the risk gradient and sexually transmitted infections vulnerability in the different sex workers' subgroups.

DISCUSSION

The results of this study corroborate the need to promote comprehensive responses to populations most affected by the human immunodeficiency virus and other sexually transmitted infections, such as sex workers. Also, in this group, men who have sex with men and trans women have a higher prevalence than cis women. Intervention strategies should be informed by rigorous epidemiological studies.

CONCLUSION

The adaptation of the screening methodology performed in a clinical setting to the proximity context has shown to be an innovative response in Portugal, especially in sentinel populations.

Mothers' distress exposure and children's withdrawn behavior - A moderating role for the Interferon Gamma gene (IFNG)

The dysregulation of the inflammatory response, including pro-inflammatory molecules, produces neuropsychiatric symptoms and depression-like behavior, including withdrawal from the physical and social environment. Genetic variants that enhance immune reactivity may thus increase inflammatory and withdrawn reactions to stress. Here we investigated a functional polymorphism of Interferon Gamma gene (IFNG +874 T > A, rs2430561) as moderator of the relationship between mothers' distress exposure and children's withdrawn behavior at preschool age. Participants were 198 Portuguese preschool children (mean age = 57.98 months). Exposure to mother's distress was assessed using the Brief Symptom Inventory, and withdrawn behavior with the Caregiver Teacher Report Form. All children provided saliva samples for genotyping. Contrary to expecations based on prior work, the rs2430561 AA genotype-not the T variant-interacted with (high levels of) mothers' distress exposure, to increase children's withdrawn behavior. No significant main effects were detected. The polymorphism in Interferon Gamma gene showed specific environmental stressor-dependent effects on withdrawn behavior during childhood, ones which are interpreted in light of the "behavioral immune system" hypothesis, and which proved inconsistent with diathesis-stress thinking.

Estado nutricional y acúmulo de micronutrientes en capim-elefante cv. Morado en secano

Se objetivó evaluar el estado nutricional y la dinamica de acumulación de micronutrientes en la parte aérea del pasto elefante cv. Morado en diferentes épocas bajo secano. Se analizarón siete edades de crecimiento (9, 18, 27, 36, 45, 54 y 63 días) y tres épocas de cultivo (lluviosa, transición y sequía), en un delineamiento completamente casualizado en el arreglo de parcelas subdivididas en el tiempo, las edades fueron asignadas en las parcelas y las épocas de cultivo en las subparcelas, con tres repeticiones. Se constató la interacción entre las edades de crecimiento y la época de cultivo para los contenidos y las acumulaciones de hierro (Fe), zinc (Zn), cobre (Cu) y manganeso (Mn). En la hoja, los niveles de Fe (épocas lluviosa y transición), Zn, Cu y Mn (época lluviosa) redujeron en respuesta al avance en la edad de crecimiento. En la época de sequía, el contenido de Fe fue incrementado linealmente, mientras que los niveles de Cu y Mn presentarón respuestas cuadráticas con el aumento de las edades de crecimiento. Los acúmulos de Fe, Zn, Cu y Mn presentarón una respuesta lineal creciente con el avance en las edades en todas las épocas de cultivo. A los 63 días de crecimiento, se estimaron acúmulos de Fe de 915.51, 463.93 y 360.00 g ha 1, Zn de 439.19, 111.48 y 86.37 g ha 1, Cu de 56.07, 31.43 y 35.30 g ha 1 y Mn de 333.16, 155.78 y 225.40 g ha 1 (épocas lluviosas, transición y sequía, respectivamente). La acumulación de micronutrientes en el pasto elefante cv. Morado manejado sobre secano presenta el siguiente orden Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu para las épocas lluviosas y de transición, y Fe > Mn > Zn > Cu para época de sequía.

Crossing boundaries: A pilot study of maternal attitudes about child maltreatment in nine countries

BACKGROUND

Definitions of child maltreatment vary widely between studies, and even more so between different cultural contexts.

OBJECTIVE

In this pilot study, we examine between-country variations in maternal notions about what constitutes child maltreatment.

PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING

The sample consisted of 466 mothers recruited in Chile, China, Greece, Iran, the Netherlands, Portugal, South Africa, Turkey, and Uruguay.

METHODS

All mothers completed a new Q-sort measure, ranking 90 parenting behaviors linked to subtypes of maltreatment (emotional neglect, emotional abuse, physical neglect, and physical abuse) from least to most detrimental to child development.

RESULTS

Between-country agreement regarding the harmfulness of the parenting behaviors was high (r = .45), but there were different patterns of reported harmfulness of subtypes of maltreatment (although driven mostly by deviating patterns in the South African sample). Further, there were significant country effects on the number and type of behaviors labeled as maltreatment (pƞ² = .15), and the number of items labeled as requiring intervention (pƞ² = .19).

CONCLUSIONS

Variations in conceptions of maltreatment need to be studied in larger more representative samples and taken into account in the assessment and treatment of child maltreatment across cultures.

Synthesis of thermoelectric magnesium-silicide pastes for 3D printing, electrospinning and low-pressure spray

In this work, eco-friendly magnesium-silicide (Mg₂Si) semiconducting (n-type) thermoelectric pastes for building components concerning energy-harvesting devices through 3D printing, spray and electrospinning were synthetized and tested for the first time. The Mg₂Si fine powders were obtained through the combination of ball milling and thermal annealing under Ar atmosphere. While the latter process was crucial for obtaining the desired Mg₂Si phase, the ball milling was indispensable for homogenizing and reducing the grain size of the powders. The synthetized Mg₂Si powders exhibited a large Seebeck coefficient of ~ 487 µV/K and were blended with a polymeric solution in different mass ratios to adjust the paste viscosity to the different requirements of 3D printing, electrospinning and low-pressure spray. The materials produced in every single stage of the paste synthesis were characterized by a variety of techniques that unequivocally prove their viability for producing thermoelectric parts and components. These can certainly trigger further research and development in green thermoelectric generators (TEGs) capable of adopting any form or shape with enhanced thermoelectric properties. These green TEGs are meant to compete with common toxic materials such as Bi₂Te₃, PbTe and CoSb that have Seebeck coefficients in the range of ~ 290-700 μV/K, similar to that of the produced Mg₂Si powders and lower than that of 3D printed bulk Mg₂Si pieces, measured to be ~ 4866 μV/K. Also, their measured thermal conductivities proved to be significantly lower (~ 0.2 W/mK) than that reported for Mg₂Si (≥ 4 W/mK). However, it is herein demonstrated that such thermoelectric properties are not stable over time. Pressureless sintering proved to be indispensable, but difficultly achievable by long thermal annealing (even above 32 h) in inert atmosphere at 400 °C, at least for bulk Mg₂Si pieces constituted by a mean grain size of 2-3 μm. Hence, for overcoming this sintering challenge and become the silicide's extrusion viable in the production of bulk thermoelectric parts, alternative pressureless sintering methods will have to be further explored.

Child's oxytocin response to mother-child interaction: The contribution of child genetics and maternal behavior

The oxytocinergic system is a primary biological system involved in regulating a child's needs for bonding and for protection from threats. It is responsive to social experiences in close relationships, though evidence across studies is not entirely consistent. Guided by previous literature, we investigated individual and environmental factors predicting and presumably affecting children's oxytocin (OT) response during mother-child interaction. by focusing on children's OXTR genotype, and maternal behavior, respectively. This was achieved by assessing salivary OT levels of 88 Portuguese preschoolers prior to and following a mother-child interaction task, and by genotyping children's OXTR SNP rs53576. Maternal interactive behavior was assessed using Ainsworth scales. Results indicated that child genotype and mother's sensitive responsiveness interacted in predicting change in child OT concentrations from before to after the interaction. Specifically, Genotypic differences emerged under conditions of low maternal sensitive responsiveness: OT levels increased over time for children with the GG genotype when maternal sensitive responsiveness was low, but no such genotypic differences were evident when mothers were highly sensitive responsive. Findings provide preliminary support for the notion that increased understanding of children's OT and close relationships requires consideration of both individual and environmental factors.

EARLY MALTREATMENT AND CURRENT QUALITY OF RELATIONAL CARE PREDICT SOCIOEMOTIONAL PROBLEMS AMONG INSTITUTIONALIZED INFANTS AND TODDLERS

The present study is focused on child socioemotional problems 6 months after institutionalization, by considering the putative predictive role of child maltreatment, of developmental functioning at admission and the following months, and of the quality of institutional relational care. Fifty institutionalized infants and toddlers participated in this study. Child developmental functioning (i.e., cognitive, language, and motor development) was assessed at admission to the institution (Wave 0), and 3 (Wave 1) and 6 months (Wave 2) thereafter. The quality of institutional relational care-operationalized in terms of caregivers' sensitivity and cooperation-was measured at Wave 2. Caregivers reported on the presence of disturbed socioemotional behaviors at Wave 2. Child gestational age, birth weight, age, and stunted growth at admission to the institution served as covariates. Results revealed significant associations between socioemotional difficulties and lower levels of motor development at Waves 0 and 1, child maltreatment, and less sensitive caregiving. A logistic regression showed that child maltreatment and caregiver insensitivity were the only significant predictors of disturbed socioemotional functioning by the end of 6 months of institutionalization.

Maternal Interactive Behaviours in Parenting Children with Williams Syndrome and Autism Spectrum Disorder: Relations with Emotional/Behavioural Problems

This study compared maternal responsiveness to children with two neurodevelopmental disorders sharing different but, in some cases, overlapping social phenotypes-Williams syndrome (WS) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD)-and explored the relations between maternal responsiveness and child emotional/behavioural problems (EBP). The sample included 16 pre-schoolers with WS and 43 with ASD, and their mothers. Responsiveness was assessed during a mother-child interaction task. Mothers completed the CBCL 1½-5, providing a measure of EBP. No significant differences emerged between groups, and most dyads were characterized by less responsive behaviours. Maternal responsiveness proved related to child developmental age, but not with EBP. These results provide further insight into the rearing environment of children with neurodevelopmental disorders, highlighting the need for early relationship-based interventions.

Recent contributions for understanding Inhibited Reactive Attachment Disorder

This special issue brings together studies representing the current state of the art research on inhibited reactive attachment disorder (RAD) from developmental psychology and developmental attachment research. This editorial introduces and discusses conceptual topics of the development and  the assessment of inhibited RAD. Next, five empirical studies of this special issue cover timely topics from developmental trajectories and longitudinal stability of RAD to associations with caregiving experiences in institutions, IQ, and psychopathology, moreover aspects of internal working models of children with inhibited RAD are examined. The commentary meta-analytically integrates the empirical evidence of all five studies and offers theoretically derived suggestions for further research. In this editorial, we discuss unsettled issues and future directions for attachment oriented research in this field.

Development and validation of an observational measure of symptoms of Reactive Attachment Disorder

Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD) is presumed to be a consequence of social neglect and deprivation of the kind particularly associated with institutional care. Despite its clinical relevance there is a lack of assessment tools for RAD based on the direct observation of child-caregiver interaction. Here we describe the development and validation of such a tool for use with preschool children, the Rating of Inhibited Attachment Disordered Behavior (RInAB). The RInAB is composed of 17 ratings grouped in three subscales assessing (1) Attachment, (2) Exploratory, and (3) Socioemotional behavior. Participants were 134 institutionalized preschool children (M = 54.84 months; SD = 10.83; 60% boys) and their caregivers. Adequate reliability was found for RInAB subscales and total score. Confirmatory factor analyses documented the three aforementioned RInAB subscales. Correlational analyses documented: (i) construct validity via positive and significant associations with caregiver sensitivity and quality of child-caregiver relationship; (ii) convergence validity via association evidence with some emotionally/withdrawn inhibited items of the Disturbed Attachment Interview (DAI), as well as, with Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL)'s somatic complaints and withdraw syndrome scales; and (iii) discriminant validity via nonsignificant or negative associations with DAI-indiscriminate subscale, Rating of Infant and Stranger Engagement (RISE) and CBCL-externalizing problems. Discussion highlights the contributions complementary roles of RInAB for a comprehensive assessment of child RAD-related functioning.

Assessing preschoolers interactive behaviour: A validation study of the "Coding System for Mother-Child Interaction"

BACKGROUND

The preschool years are a period of great developmental achievements, which impact critically on a child's interactive skills. Having valid and reliable measures to assess interactive behaviour at this stage is therefore crucial. The aim of this study was to describe the adaptation and validation of the child coding of the Coding System for Mother-Child Interactions and discuss its applications and implications in future research and practice.

METHODS

Two hundred twenty Portuguese preschoolers and their mothers were videotaped during a structured task. Child and mother interactive behaviours were coded based on the task. Maternal reports on the child's temperament and emotional and behaviour problems were also collected, along with family psychosocial information.

RESULTS

Interrater agreement was confirmed. The use of child Cooperation, Enthusiasm, and Negativity as subscales was supported by their correlations across tasks. Moreover, these subscales were correlated with each other, which supports the use of a global child interactive behaviour score. Convergent validity with a measure of emotional and behavioural problems (Child Behaviour Checklist 1 ½-5) was established, as well as divergent validity with a measure of temperament (Children's Behaviour Questionnaire-Short Form). Regarding associations with family variables, child interactive behaviour was only associated with maternal behaviour.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings suggest that this coding system is a valid and reliable measure for assessing child interactive behaviour in preschool age children. It therefore represents an important alternative to this area of research and practice, with reduced costs and with more flexible training requirements. Attention should be given in future research to expanding this work to clinical populations and different age groups.

Fathers’ sensitive guidance moderates the association between coparenting and behavioral regulation in preschoolers

The purpose of this study was to determine the links between paternal sensitive guidance, coparenting, and child behavioral regulation. It also aimed to assess whether paternal sensitive behaviors moderate the putative relationship between cooperative coparenting and child regulatory abilities. The sample comprised 70 preschoolers and their fathers. Behavioral regulation was assessed using the Head–Toes–Knees–Shoulders task. For the assessment of paternal sensitive guidance, dyads were videotaped during a picture-book reading task. Fathers reported coparenting cooperation. Results revealed that coparenting predicted behavioral regulation, even after accounting for verbal ability and parental education. No significant links emerged between fathers’ sensitive guidance and regulatory skills. However, the interaction of coparenting and paternal sensitive behaviors predicted behavioral regulation: a lower score on cooperative coparenting was linked to more regulatory difficulties, when coupled with lower levels of paternal sensitive guidance. Intervention programs, designed to promote child self-regulation, should be focused on strategies aimed to improve both the cooperation between parents and the quality of individual parenting. Efforts should be made to include fathers.

Prematuridade, Funções Executivas e Qualidade dos Cuidados Parentais: Revisão Sistemática de Literatura

RESUMO Este artigo de revisão visa contextualizar o desenvolvimento das funções executivas (FE) em crianças prematuras, com especial atenção para o efeito dos cuidados parentais. As principais bases eletrônicas foram utilizadas para essa revisão: 31 estudos originais, duas meta-análises, uma meta-síntese e dois artigos de revisão foram identificados. Concluiu-se que as crianças prematuras têm maior risco de disfunção executiva global, sendo a qualidade dos cuidados parentais fundamentais para a modulação das FE, nomeadamente no que concerne às variáveis socioemocionais da interação, como a sensibilidadematerna. Salientam-se ainda as principais limitações dos estudos analisados e apontam-se recomendações para futura investigação sobre os efeitos dos cuidados parentais no desenvolvimento de FE em crianças prematuras.

Agreement and Disagreement on Emotional and Behavioral Problems in a Sample of Preschool-Age Children

The present study aimed to identify predictors of agreement and disagreement concerning emotional and behavioral problems reported by the mothers and teachers of preschool-aged children. Participants included 172 (89 boys) children, their mothers, and their preschool teachers. Mothers were asked to complete the Child Behavior Checklist for Ages 1½-5 (CBCL 1½-5), the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), and a sociodemographic questionnaire, and were observed engaging in an interactive task with their child. Preschool teachers completed the Caregiver Teacher Report Form for Ages 1½-5 (CTRF). The results show low cross-informant agreement. None of the studied variables predicted cross-informant agreement; however, maternal psychopathology and the presence of an assistant in the classroom were predictors of disagreement between mothers and teachers. Although these results highlight the influence of maternal and school context variables on the disagreement among informants’ reports on the emotional and behavioral problems of preschool-aged children, additional research in this field is needed.

Inhibited attachment disordered behavior in institutionalized preschool children: links with early and current relational experiences

Inhibited attachment disordered behavior (IADB) is characterized by difficulty in establishing an attachment relationship with a primary caregiver; is associated with persistent social and emotional problems; and is observed most frequently in contexts of pathological care such as institutional rearing. Here, we seek to enhance understanding of the conditions that give rise to IADB among institutionalized children by examining prior family experiences of neglect and deprivation and concurrent relational experiences at the institution. The sample is comprised of 146 children, between 36 and 78 months. IADB was assessed using a semi-structured interview administered to the child's primary caregiver. Results revealed that both pre-institutionalization experiences (e.g. parental abandonment) and current relational ones (e.g. low quality of child-caregiver relationship) predicted IADB. Findings are discussed in light of the need to promote conditions which foster the establishment and maintenance of the child's selective attachment to a caregiving figure.

Psychometric properties of the schedule of growing skills II: Portuguese version

The second version of the Schedule of Growing Skills (SGS-II) was standardized using a sample of 348 UK children, ages 0 to 5 years. It examined ten psychomotor development areas in 14 age ranges. The Portuguese version of SGS-II was published in 2003, re-edited in 2011, and re-published in 2012, but its psychometric properties remained untested. The aim of this study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Portuguese version of SGS-II, comparing them with the results of the UK version. A sample of 364 Portuguese children, 193 boys and 172 girls, with an average age of 34.45 months (±18.62) was assessed with the SGS-II. The results have shown suitable psychometric properties of the SGS-II Portuguese version, adequate for the screening of children development. The internal consistency coefficients ranged from adequate to excellent (≥.7) and similar correlation results among the scale’s versions (English and Portuguese) were positive, high, and significant.

Serotonin transporter polymorphism moderates the effects of caregiver intrusiveness on ADHD symptoms among institutionalized preschoolers

Research consistently chronicles a variety of mental health difficulties that plague institutionally reared children, including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), even if not all institutionalized children evince such problems. In seeking to extend work in this area, this research on gene × environment (GXE) interplay investigated whether the effect of the quality of institutional care-most notably, caregiver intrusiveness-on ADHD symptoms is moderated by the serotonin transporter (5-HTTLPR) polymorphism. One hundred and twenty-seven institutionalized preschoolers were evaluated using the Child Behavior Checklist. Caregiver-rated attention problems and hyperactivity were unrelated to both 5-HTTLPR polymorphism and caregiver intrusiveness. A significant GXE effect, independent of age at placement or duration of institutionalization, emerged, however, consistent with the differential-susceptibility hypothesis: s/s homozygotes manifest the most and least ADHD symptoms when they experienced, respectively, more and less intrusive caregiving. These results provide new insight into the reasons why some institutionalized children, but not others, exhibit ADHD symptoms.

Is the ideal mother a sensitive mother? Beliefs about early childhood parenting in mothers across the globe

In this article, we test the hypothesis that beliefs about the ideal mother are convergent across cultures and that these beliefs overlap considerably with attachment theory’s notion of the sensitive mother. In a sample including 26 cultural groups from 15 countries around the globe, 751 mothers sorted the Maternal Behavior Q-Set to reflect their ideas about the ideal mother. The results show strong convergence between maternal beliefs about the ideal mother and attachment theory’s description of the sensitive mother across groups. Cultural group membership significantly predicted variations in maternal sensitivity belief scores, but this effect was substantially accounted for by group variations in socio-demographic factors. Mothers living in rural versus urban areas, with a low family income, and with more children, were less likely to describe the ideal mother as highly sensitive. Cultural group membership did remain a significant predictor of variations in maternal sensitivity belief scores above and beyond socio-demographic predictors. The findings are discussed in terms of the universal and culture-specific aspects of the sensitivity construct.

Does infertility history affect the emotional adjustment of couples undergoing assisted reproduction? the mediating role of the importance of parenthood

Objectives

The emotional adjustment of couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatments has been widely studied; however, it remains unclear whether infertility history contributes to couples' adjustment. This study examined the impact of infertility history (duration of infertility and number of previous ART treatment cycles) on the emotional adjustment of couples undergoing an ART cycle and the mediating effect of importance of parenthood on that association.

Methods

In this cross‐sectional study, 70 infertile couples (70 women and 70 men) completed self‐report questionnaires assessing emotional adjustment and infertility stress during the hormonal stimulation phase of an ART cycle. Path models accounting for the dyadic nature of the data examined the direct and indirect effects (by affecting representations about parenthood and childlessness) of infertility history on emotional adjustment.

Results

The number of previous cycles affected men's, but not women's, emotional adjustment by affecting the representations on the importance of parenthood and of childlessness. Duration of infertility had the opposite effect, as couples with longer infertility reported heightened importance of parenthood, which negatively affected their emotional adjustment.

Conclusions

Infertility history was associated with emotional adjustment in men and women, although these associations were complex. The results suggest that progression through treatment is harder for those men and women who attribute higher importance to being parents, which is aggravated by longer infertility.

Emotions Under the Skin

Abstract. The present study examined physiological reactivity to emotional stimuli as a function of attachment style. Skin conductance responses (SCRs) and heart rate (HR) changes were simultaneously recorded while participants engaged in a visual attentional task. The task included positive, neutral, and negative emotional pictures, and required the identification of a target (neutral picture rotated 90° to the left or right), among a stream of pictures in which an emotional distracter (positive or negative) was presented. Participants additionally rated each of the emotional distracters for valence and arousal. Behavioral results on the attentional task showed that positive pictures facilitated overall target detection for all participants, compared to negative and neutral pictures, and that anxiously attached participants had significantly lower accuracy scores, relative to the other groups. Affective ratings indicated that positive pictures were rated as being more pleasant than negative ones, although no differences were found in HR changes to picture valence. In contrast, negative pictures were evaluated as being highly arousing. Consistent with this, negative pictures elicited larger SCRs in both insecure anxious and avoidant groups, especially for the anxious while the secure group showed SCRs unaffected by stimuli’s arousal. Present results show that individuals with different attachment styles reveal distinct patterns of attentional bias, appraisal, and physiological reactivity toward emotionally arousing stimuli. These findings further highlight the regulatory function of the attachment system.

Attachment style impacts behavior and early oculomotor response to positive, but not negative, pictures

The present study investigated whether oculomotor behavior is influenced by attachment styles. The Relationship Scales Questionnaire was used to assess attachment styles of forty-eight voluntary university students and to classify them into attachment groups (secure, preoccupied, fearful, and dismissing). Eye-tracking was recorded while participants engaged in a 3-seconds free visual exploration of stimuli presenting either a positive or a negative picture together with a neutral picture, all depicting social interactions. The task consisted in identifying whether the two pictures depicted the same emotion. Results showed that the processing of negative pictures was impermeable to attachment style, while the processing of positive pictures was significantly influenced by individual differences in insecure attachment. The groups highly avoidant regarding to attachment (dismissing and fearful) showed reduced accuracy, suggesting a higher threshold for recognizing positive emotions compared to the secure group. The groups with higher attachment anxiety (preoccupied and fearful) showed differences in automatic capture of attention, in particular an increased delay preceding the first fixation to a picture of positive emotional valence. Despite lenient statistical thresholds induced by the limited sample size of some groups (p < 0.05 uncorrected for multiple comparisons), the current findings suggest that the processing of positive emotions is affected by attachment styles. These results are discussed within a broader evolutionary framework.

The interactive effect of maltreatment in the family and unstable institutional caregiving in predicting behavior problems in toddlers

The current study extends research on the effects of institutionalization, most notably by examining whether-and how-both pre-institutional maltreatment in the family and the stability and consistency of institutional care interact to shape emotional and behavioral development. Fifty Portuguese children, placed in residential institutions when 8 days to 26 months of age, were evaluated using the Child Behavior Checklist when aged 18-31 months. Caregiver-rated internalizing and externalizing behavior problems proved to be unrelated to both early family and institutional experiences, as main effects, but the interaction of these factors significantly predicted externalizing problems: a history of maltreatment in the family coupled with unstable institutional caregiving arrangements predicted especially elevated levels of externalizing problems. Results are discussed in terms of the importance of more distal and proximate developmental experiences.

Quality of institutional care and early childhood development

Institutional rearing adversely affects children’s development, but the extent to which specific characteristics of the institutional context and the quality of care provided contribute to problematic development remains unclear. In this study, 72 preschoolers institutionalised for at least 6 months were evaluated by their caregiver using the Child Behavior Checklist and the Disturbances of Attachment Interview. Distal and proximate indices of institutional caregiving quality were assessed using both staff reports and direct observation. Results revealed that greater caregiver sensitivity predicted reduced indiscriminate behaviour and secure-base distortions. A closer relationship with the caregiver predicted reduced inhibited attachment behaviour. Emotional and behavioural problems proved unrelated to caregiving quality. Results are discussed in terms of (non)-shared caregiving factors that influence institutionalised children’s development.

Decreasing harsh discipline in mothers at risk for maltreatment: a randomized control trial

This study tested the effectiveness of the attachment-based program Video-feedback Intervention to promote Positive Parenting and Sensitive Discipline (VIPP-SD; F. Juffer, M.J. Bakermans-Kranenburg, & M.H. van IJzendoorn, 2008) in decreasing harsh discipline of 43 mothers and their 1- to 4-year-old-children from severely deprived families. Based on previous studies, parenting stress was tested as a potential moderator of intervention effects on harsh discipline. Using a randomized control design, maternal harsh discipline was observed during home visits at the pretest and posttest, and mothers filled in questionnaires at both assessments. The VIPP-SD proved to be effective in decreasing maternal harsh discipline, but only for mothers who experienced higher levels of parenting stress at intake. These findings provide support for the program's ability to improve parenting in families who are most at risk for harsh parenting and for potentially maltreating child-parent interactions. The results are discussed in terms of the VIPP-SD elements most relevant to decreasing harsh discipline, and the challenges of parenting interventions in severely deprived populations.

Does early family risk and current quality of care predict indiscriminate social behavior in institutionalized Portuguese children?

The current study extends research on the effects of institutionalization, most notably by evaluating the influence of proximal relationship processes over and above prenatal and pre-institutional family experiences. By focusing on current quality of institutional care and the child's early family background, it examines the influence of variations in the institutionalization experience on displays of indiscriminate social behavior, after taking into account potentially confounding pre-admission experiences. Seventy-four Portuguese children (11-30 months) placed in 17 residential institutions and their primary caregivers participated in the study. Children's displays of indiscriminate social behavior were assessed based on an observational measure and a semi-structured interview administered to the child's caregiver. Data on children's physical and mental development were also collected. Three contextual-risk composites of early family behavior - prenatal, family relational, and emotional-neglect--were created. The quality of institutional care was examined in terms of structural, relational characteristics, and, additionally, of the quality of child-caregiver relationship. Current quality of care experienced in the institution, operationalized in terms of the absence (vs. presence) of a preferred caregiver, predicted indiscriminate social behavior over and above prenatal and family risk conditions that preceded the child's institutionalization.