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Previous studies have demonstrated that psychological needs frustration strongly influences adolescent depression. However, this influence's underlying mechanisms remain unknown, and related protective factors have not been identified. Based on an integration of basic psychological needs theory, the cognitive vulnerability model of depression, and findings regarding the link between psychological suzhi (a Chinese cultural construct that includes a hierarchical and integrated set of positive psychological qualities) and mental health, we assessed a structural equation model examining the mediating role of self-esteem and moderating role of psychological suzhi in the relationship between psychological needs frustration and depression. Participants were 1552 Chinese adolescents (Mage = 12.30, SD = 0.54, 49.10% male) who effectively completed paper-based questionnaires. The results indicated that psychological needs frustration significantly and positively predicted adolescent depression. Furthermore, the relationship between psychological needs frustration and depression was significantly mediated by self-esteem and significantly moderated by psychological suzhi; specifically, psychological suzhi buffered the association between psychological needs frustration and adolescents' depression. Additionally, we provide further evidence for the relationship between psychological needs frustration and depression, revealing the relevant underlying mechanisms and protective factors; these findings have practical relevance in the prevention and treatment of Chinese adolescents' depression. Highlights: Psychological needs frustration significantly and positively predicted adolescent depression. Self-esteem played a mediating role between psychological needs frustration and depression. Psychological suzhi played a moderating role in the association between psychological needs frustration and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sensory sensitivities in children are found not only across a range of childhood disorders, but also within the general population. The current exploratory study examines the reliability and validity of a novel parent-report measure which assesses sensory-sensitivities in both typically developing and non-typically developing children. This 42-item Parent-completed Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire (GSQ-P) has been adapted by us from an existing adult tool (Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire), and measures children's hyper-sensitivities (sensory overload leading to avoidance-behaviours) and hypo-sensitivities (sensory dampening leading to seeking-behaviours) across seven different sense domains (visual, auditory, gustatory, olfactory, tactile, vestibular, proprioception). We validated this novel measure on the parents of 601 English children 6–11 years. Both the long version (42-items GSQ-P) and an additional reduced version (24-item rGSQ-P) significantly associated with children's anxiety, behavioural difficulties, and ability to empathise. As expected, sensory sensitivities were invariant across age and gender, but non-typically developing children had significantly elevated scores compared to typically developing peers (in both GSQ-P and rGSQ-P). We also provide insight into the structure of sensory sensitivities in children, showing for the first time that hyper sensitivities cluster by sense (e.g., tactile questions cluster together; visual questions cluster together) whilst hypo sensitivities cluster by behaviour (e.g., a cluster of seeking-behaviours irrespective of sense; a cluster of sensory dampening irrespective of sense). We offer both instruments (GSQ-P and rGSQ-P) as free reliable measures for better understanding children's sensitivities, for use in different circumstances depending on focus. Highlights: The paper explores two new parent-report sensory sensitivity questionnaires adapted from the adult Glasgow Sensory Questionnaire. Sensory sensitivity scores were invariant across age groups (6–10 years) and between girls and boys. Anxiety, internalising behaviours and poorer empathy were associated more closely with hyper-sensitivity, whereas externalising behaviours were associated more with hypo-sensitivity. Hyper-sensitivity items clustered together within sense modalities, whereas hypo-sensitivity items tendered to cluster by behavioural manifestation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study provides a rigorous assessment of a community-based early child development (ECD) intervention to understand the drivers of caregivers' reading and playing practices in a low-resourced township in South Africa. Mentors visited 157 homes biweekly (2474 observations from 2019–21; children ages 0–5), completing surveys regarding caregiver behaviors and engagement. One hundred and fifty-seven caregivers (mostly Black, Zulu women) participated in the program during this time period and completed surveys biannually on their support system (modified version of the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Support) and ECD beliefs (modified versions of the Parental Play Beliefs Scale and the Parent Opinion Survey). Longitudinal Hierarchical Linear Model revealed that several behaviors and beliefs significantly predicted positive parenting behaviors. Regression discontinuity plots suggest that positive parenting behaviors could continue and even improve following Covid-19 shutdowns, especially in homes with more intervention visits. This paper provides translational evidence on tangible ways interventions can engage caregivers in stimulating ECD behaviors. Highlights: This study analyzes data from a South African ECD intervention targeting caregiver reading and playing practices through a relational home-visitation program. Caregiver engagement was the changeable individual difference that best predicted caregiver reading and playing behaviors. Time in the program, social support, and hope that children will have a better future significantly predicted caregiver reading and playing behaviors. Participants who were in the program for over a year before the pandemic were best able to sustain positive beliefs of child development after the shutdown. Caregiver involvement and reading and playing improved even after the pandemic shutdown, especially in homes that had more intervention visits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known about the nature of adolescents' experiences of Technology-Assisted Adolescent Dating Violence and Abuse (TAADVA) behaviours and whether the Electronic Communication Technology (ECT) used varies depending on the behaviour. This paper therefore examines the nature of adolescents' victimisation experience of 12 different TAADVA behaviours via nine methods of ECT (phone call, text, instant messenger, social networking site, picture message, video chat, email, chatroom and website/blog). Four-hundred-and-sixty-nine 12-18-year-old British adolescents (59% (n = 277) of which had dated in the last year) completed a questionnaire regarding their experience of TAADVA. Exploratory factor analysis was used to examine how adolescents experienced the 12 TAADVA behaviours and through which of the nine ECTs they were experienced. Adolescents' experiences of TAADVA victimisation did not significantly vary in terms of the ECT method used and often multiple TAADVA behaviours were experienced in combination with one another across a range of ECTs, demonstrated by the identification of nine factors in the analysis. The findings highlight implications for understanding and raising awareness of the extent and intrusiveness of TAADVA, particularly when multiple abusive and controlling behaviours are experienced via multiple methods or devices. It is advised that assessing the overall construct of abusive and controlling behaviour is avoided in future research and instead, the multidimensionality of the factors identified in the analysis of the TAADVA assessment tool and the different behaviours that these factors encompass need to be considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Worldwide, depression is one of the most common medical disorders in adolescence. Adolescent depressive symptoms generally increase over time, but many experience decreases after an initial peak. The purpose of this paper was to examine ecological predictors of baseline and change in adolescent depressive symptoms using Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs as a framework. Methods: Adolescents (n = 500; 52% female; baseline age 10–13 years) and their parents living in the northwestern United States completed annual questionnaires over six years. A structural equation model growth curve analysis was conducted to examine how family stressors, neighborhood safety, parent-child connectedness, and youth locus of control predicted adolescent depressive symptoms (baseline and growth). Results: Results demonstrated that adolescent locus of control was associated with lower baseline depressive symptoms (β = −0.27, p < 0.001). Parent-child connectedness (youth-report) was indirectly predictive of baseline depressive symptoms through locus of control (β = −0.06, p < 0.05). Family economic stress was predictive of less growth in depressive symptoms over time (β = −0.20, p < 0.05). General family stressors, neighborhood safety, and parent report of parent-child connectedness were not predictive of adolescent depressive symptoms. In a sensitivity analysis using an autoregressive model, adolescent-report of parent-child connectedness was the most consistently predictive measure of adolescent depressive symptoms. Conclusions: Overall, the results suggest that feelings of family connectedness and control are more important to understanding baseline depressive symptoms than physical, contextual factors. However, some adversity may be healthy and provide adolescents with experiences that slow the growth of depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

While there has been increasing interest in promoting father engagement in parenting interventions for child wellbeing, both research and practice endeavors have been hindered by a lack of a measure of father engagement practices. This paper reports the development and evaluation of a comprehensive, practitioner-report measure of father engagement practices-—the Father Engagement Questionnaire (FEQ). Practitioners (N = 589; 84.5% females; mean age = 38.56) involved in delivering parenting interventions in Australia completed the FEQ, along with background demographics and questions regarding their own and organization’s practice. A separate sample of 28 practitioners completed the FEQ twice, with a two-week interim, to assess test-retest stability of the measure. Exploratory factor analysis revealed five factors corresponding to the measure’s five intended content areas: Confidence in Working with Fathers, Competence in Using Engagement Strategies, Perceived Effectiveness of Engagement Strategies, Frequency of Strategy Use, and Organizational Practices for Father Engagement. Each of these scales demonstrated adequate internal consistency reliability and test-retest stability. As the five scales appear to be related but distinct, it is recommended that the FEQ is used as a multidimensional measure of father engagement. In terms of predictive validity, higher scores on the Confidence in Working with Fathers, Frequency of Strategy Use, and Organizational Practices for Father Engagement scales were associated with a higher likelihood of practitioner-reported father attendance. The results provide support for adequate psychometric properties of the FEQ as a research and clinical tool for assessing and monitoring father engagement practices. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The assessment of varied psychiatric disorders, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), is shifting towards the use of evidence-based assessments (EBAs). This shift has fostered the development, validation and adaptation of several measures to rate obsessive-compulsive symptoms and other related problematic areas such as functional impairment or family attitudes among others. The aim of this paper is to present a systematic review of psychometric studies on pediatric OCD-specific measures to classify these according to assessment evidence-based criteria. Selection criteria that determined which studies were included in the review were: (1) analyzing an OCD measure and (2) including participants' age being 18 years or younger. The literature search procedure was conducted in Medline, PsycINFO, PsycARTICLES, ERIC, Cochrane Library, and Scholar Google databases and enabled us to locate 42 studies which analyzed psychometric properties of 14 OCD measures studied in children and adolescents. Instruments were grouped into the following assessment areas: symptom presence and severity, functional impairment, family functioning and cognitive dimensions of OCD. Psychometric data regarding internal structure, internal consistency, reliability, validity and diagnostic precision were also reported. Further, measures were classified as well- established, approaching well- established and promising assessments in terms of reliability and validity. We concluded that the assessment of OCD in pediatric populations is a growing field that in a short-medium term could provide a wide variety of EBAs for the evaluation obsessive-compulsive symptoms and other OCD-related dimensions. The paper concludes by highlighting directions for future research. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mentalization-based interventions show promise in improving mental health outcomes for children and parents through increasing a family's reflective functioning, or ability to mentalize. Mentalizing involves the ability to understand behavior in relation to mental states, such as thoughts and feelings, and typically develops within the context of secure attachment relationships. One area not given much consideration when training foster parents is their capacity to mentalize. This study evaluated Family Minds, a newly developed psychoeducational intervention for foster parents, designed to increase their ability to mentalize. The current paper reports on the development and preliminary empirical evaluation of Family Minds in a quasi-experimental study where 102 foster parents received either Family Minds or a typical foster parenting class, which served as a control group. Results indicate that parents who received Family Minds significantly increased their levels of reflective functioning as assessed with the Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire and a new Five-Minute Speech Sample procedure coded using the Reflective Functioning Scale, and revealed a tendency to show decreased levels of parenting stress on the Parenting Stress Index, while the control group showed no such improvements. These findings support the hypothesis that a short-term psychoeducational intervention may improve foster parents' ability to mentalize themselves and their children. These skills are very beneficial for foster parents, as they frequently deal with children who come into their home with challenging behaviors, attachment issues, and negative internal working models of relationships. This type of intervention has the potential to lower placement breakdowns and improve the mental health of foster children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper analyzes the predictive effect of recurrent maternal depression and social vulnerability indicators on internalizing behavior among schoolchildren, considering potential differences in mediator and moderator effects related to the children’s gender. A cross-section of 100 mother-child pairs participated in the study and were systematically assessed: mothers were aged between 25 and 45 years old and children were at school age (7-12 years old); 50 mothers presented recurrent depression and 50 mothers presented no mental disorders. The mothers answered to a diagnostic interview, a general questionnaire and to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Prediction models assessed maternal depression and social vulnerability indicators as well as the moderator and mediator effect of the children’s gender (p ≤ .05). The results indicate that maternal depression is directly and negatively related to emotional problems for boys and girls, maintaining its significant impact for girls in the presence of cumulative risks. For the effect of cumulative risks for such an outcome, the mothers’ low educational level influence emotional problems among boys. Gender was not identified as a moderator or mediator variable. Identifying the differentiated impact of maternal depression and other vulnerable conditions for boys and girls can support public policies focused on child mental health and care delivery. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Praise may have different effects on child self-esteem, depending on its informational and evaluative value. In this multiphase, multimethod investigation, we assessed the interplaying role of two outcome-oriented praises that differed in their informational and evaluative value (i.e., descriptive and non-specific praise) on indicators of child self-esteem. In phase 177 mothers reported on their usage of descriptive and non-specific praise, while their child (M = 10.09 years old) reported on their level of self-esteem. In phase 2, a subsample of 43 children completed an experimental art task during which an experimenter offered either descriptive or non-specific praise. Children then rated their competence at that task. Results from phase 1 showed that mother usage of descriptive and non-specific praise interacted to predict child self-esteem. Specifically, the relation between descriptive praise and child self-esteem was positive (vs. non-significant) when mothers used moderate to high (vs. low) amounts of non-specific praise. Furthermore, the relation between non-specific praise and child self-esteem was negative (vs. non-significant) when mothers used low (vs. moderate to high) levels of descriptive praise. Results from phase 2 showed that differences between descriptive and non-specific praise conditions emerged on child perceived competence for children reporting lower (but not higher) global self-esteem. Specifically, children with lower global self-esteem rated themselves as more competent when given descriptive (rather than non-specific) praise. Results underlie the relevance of including descriptive elements when offering outcome-oriented praise to children. They also advance the field by identifying different ways to offer outcome-oriented praise. Highlights: Compared to non-specific praise, descriptive praise is believed to be more informational. Descriptive praise is positively linked to child self-esteem when mothers combine it with non-specific praise. Non-specific praise is negatively linked to child self-esteem when mothers don't combine it with descriptive praise. Children with lower (vs. higher) global self-esteem respond better (vs. similarly) to descriptive praise, compared to non-specific praise. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Early childhood is a crucial time for developing social-emotional skills, offering the opportunity to lay the foundation for healthy development. However, early childhood behavior problems are risk factors for problems and disorders in later life phases, including depression, antisocial behavior, and substance abuse. This study uses a longitudinal design to examine the differential impact of a preventive intervention and social-emotional learning program (Papilio-3to6) on children's social-emotional development. The program was evaluated using a 1-year-randomized controlled trial design with an intervention (IG) and control group (CG) that provided data at a pretest and post-test. Teachers rated 627 children's behaviors (MAGE = 56.77 months at pretest) from 50 daycare center groups using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). To investigate differential effectiveness, a latent profile analysis at the pretest identified three distinct subgroups of children with different patterns in SDQ subscales: 1) Internalizers with high internalizing problems, 2) Prosocials with high prosocial behaviors, and 3) Externalizers with high externalizing problems. Latent change score analysis showed significantly reduced externalizing problems and increased prosocial behaviors in the IG compared to the CG. Further, the children categorized as Internalizers, Prosocials, and Externalizers benefited from the program regarding externalizing problems. However, no effect was found regarding internalizing problems. Highlights: Taking a person-centered approach, a three-class model of SDQ subscales, including Internalizers, Prosocials, and Externalizers, was chosen as the best-fitting model. Children in the intervention group showed a greater reduction in externalizing problems and a greater increase in prosocial behaviors compared to the control group of children. The children categorized as Internalizers, Prosocials, and Externalizers benefited from the program regarding externalizing problems. No intervention effects were found regarding internalizing problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Given the lack of validated measures of adolescents' self-representation, in this paper we present the development process and psychometric properties of a new self-representation questionnaire for adolescents (SRQA), aged 12-16 year old. We examined SRQA factor structure through two studies. In the first study, 32 attributes (16 positive and 16 negative), previously validated in three studies, were administered to 239 adolescents ( M = 13.8; SD = 1.28). An exploratory factor analysis showed that 21 attributes (13 positive and 8 negative) were organized in five factors: instrumental, social, emotional, intelligence, and physical appearance. In the second study, these 21 attributes were administered to 232 adolescents ( M = 13.8; SD = 1.23). A confirmatory factor analysis supported the SRQA five factor model (Model fit: χ / df ratio = 2.392; CFI = .90; RMSEA = .08). Internal consistency was acceptable, ranging between .60 and .85. Girls displayed higher scores in the instrumental and social factors, whereas boys presented higher scores on the physical appearance factor. In line with previous research, results regarding age differences were inconsistent: while in Study 1 results suggested that as, age increases, adolescents' intelligence self-representation becomes more negative, in Study 2 no age differences were found. Concurrent validity of the SRQA was explored through correlations with the Teacher Report Form, filled out by the adolescents' homeroom teachers. Results revealed significant negative correlations between two dimensions of self-representation (i.e., instrumental and intelligence) and several dimensions of adolescents' internalizing and externalizing problems, providing evidence of concurrent validity for the SRQA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although socioeconomic status (SES) has been associated with a myriad of physical and psychological health indicators, it is arguably one of the most elusive constructs in the psychological literature. Most researchers agree that SES is complex and multidimensional; however, the majority of empirical studies that focus on SES do not measure (or attempt to measure) multiple components of the construct, instead focusing on one or two indicators of SES, most commonly household income and/or levels of education. This paper explores relationships among indicators of SES, disadvantage, and psychological well-being in two independent samples of families with children with severe emotional disturbances. In addition to utilizing two common SES indicators (parental education and income), we incorporated measures reflecting resource-related challenges of living, such as adequate food and housing. Based on analyses, we argue that such variables may better capture the challenges experienced by many families than traditional SES indicators. Findings also suggest that income and education relate to different aspects of family well-being, and solely using one or both of these variables may mask relevant relationships. Moreover, assessing practical, day-to-day challenges may permit a more nuanced picture of the relationships between factors associated with SES and indicators of well-being and adjustment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Peer support groups have been an increasingly popular way of limiting the adverse effects of life with a chronic illness for adolescents although few groups have been rigorously evaluated. This paper reports the findings of a realistic evaluation of a hospital based peer support program Chronic Illness Peer Support (ChIPS), in Sydney, Australia. We collected qualitative interview and focus group data from four participant groups; new ChIPS members, their parents, older members who had been in ChIPS for two or more years, and ChIPS co-ordinators past and present. Results of qualitative data have been aggregated and organised into three categories; program attendance: getting in and staying in; program outcomes for young people: personal growth and development; and social connection. Questionnaires were also administered to fourteen new ChIPS members but no significant changes in distress or self-esteem were recorded between the beginning and the end of the short study period. The ChIPS Introductory Program fulfilled its aim, entering young people with chronic illness into the peer support program. There was evidence of initial personal growth and development in those young people, with potential for enhanced social connection from ongoing participation in ChIPS activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper describes the initial development of the Friendships and Social Skills Test (FASST), a clinically oriented 25-item parent report measure of child peer relationships and social skills in a community (N = 423) and clinical sample (N = 159) of elementary school age children. Confirmatory factor analyses supported five factors measuring pro-social skills, negative peer directed behavior, friendship interactions, peer victimization, and the level of concern expressed about a child's social functioning. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability of the FASST factors predominately ranged from moderate to very good. Validity was supported through higher scores in at-risk and clinical groups compared to children in the community and through correlations with an existing measure of social skills and emotional and behavioral functioning. Cross-informant validity was supported by correlations with teacher-report. Moreover, the scales measuring negative social behaviors and pro-social skills predicted changes in peer victimization and concern expressed about the child over a 1-year duration. By assessing positive and negative aspects of peer-directed behaviors and relationships the FASST has the potential to facilitate the identification and treatment of childhood social deficits in mental health settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Children's perception of their parents' behavior is very important for their adjustment. Raising a child with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) can be particularly challenging. However, little is known about how children with ADHD perceive their parents' childrearing style. The main purpose of this paper is to study how children with ADHD perceive acceptance and control in parent-child relationships and this perception's relationship with inattention, hyperactivity/impulsivity, and externalizing behaviors. Participants were children between 7 and 13 years old with ADHD who were attending psychotherapy (ADHD), children without ADHD who were attending psychotherapy (APG), and children with unknown ADHD status who were not attending psychotherapy (NPG). Furthermore, one parent of each child participated in the study. An analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that children with ADHD perceived higher levels of pathological control in their relationships with their mothers than did APG and NPG children. NPG children perceived higher extreme autonomy than ADHD and APG children. Linear regression analyses revealed that the perception of pathological parental control and extreme autonomy predicted externalizing symptoms in children with ADHD. The perception of maternal acceptance and pathological control predicted inattention in APG children. Also, perceived maternal pathological control and perceived paternal acceptance predicted externalizing symptoms in APG children. Thus, these results show the importance of taking into account children's perception of their relationships with their parents in addition to parental reports of their own behavior. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Young expecting parents face a great deal of challenges as they transition into parenthood. This paper sought to identify racial and gender differences in the relationship between general discrimination, neighborhood problems, neighborhood cohesion, and social support on the depressive and stress symptoms among young expecting couples. Results indicated perceived general discrimination and less social support was associated with increased stress and depression. More neighborhood problems were related to increased depression and more neighborhood cohesion was related to less stress. Moderator analyses showed that the influence of general discrimination and stress was stronger for women than men. In addition, neighborhood cohesion was protective on stress for Blacks and Whites but not for Hispanics. These results indicate the need to address the broader social context for young expectant couples. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fathers are critical in the lives of young people, including those living with mental illness. Fathers' support may be different to that of mothers and is likely to influence the well-being of other family members. However, fathers' support is often seen as 'secondary' and little is known about the nature, diversity and impact of their involvement. This paper explores the parts played by fathers in supporting a young person (15-21 years old) living with mental illness. A modified grounded theory approach was used to perform a secondary analysis of data from in-depth interviews with 32 participants from 14 families: 13 young people, 13 mothers; and 6 fathers. Participants' descriptions of fathers' involvement varied along five dimensions, being the extent to which fathers: directly supported the young person; supported the mother; aligned with the mother; took responsibility for supporting the young person; and needed input from the mother. From comparison of data relating to each dimension across families, four distinct models of perceived father involvement are proposed. These are represented by transport metaphors: co-pilots; captain/first-mate; gondolier; and separate drivers. Father involvement was seen as having an impact on both young people directly and mothers' abilities to support young people. The findings are preliminary given the exploratory nature of the study, but nevertheless highlight the need for helping professionals and researchers to attend to father involvement to facilitate optimum parent support for young people living with mental illness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents results on the intergenerational transmission of interpersonal problems. Ninety-eight German mothers, fathers, and their young adult offspring completed the German version of the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-D64), which is conceptually based on the assumption of a circumplex structure of eight interpersonal problems. Model learning and psychodynamic theories were used to formulate assumptions about possible intergenerational similarity and dissimilarity, as well as about effects of family and societal context. The results showed the highest intergenerational correlations for three of the eight interpersonal problems in the IIP-D64, namely nonassertiveness, overly strong accommodation, and self-sacrificing tendencies. Intergenerational similarity was found only for mother-offspring dyads for two other problems: domineering and vindictiveness tendencies. No significant intergenerational similarity was found for coldness, social inhibition, or intrusiveness. In-depth analyses revealed higher similarities in families in which at least one parent had an overall IIP-64 score equal to or more than one standard deviation from the norm sample mean (as opposed to families where both parents had overall IIP-64 scores closer to the normative German mean). The findings are tentatively interpreted as suggesting that intergenerational transmission occurs only for problems on one axis of the interpersonal circumplex, i.e., the agency axis, but not for problems on the communality axis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper assessed the emotional and cognitive decision-making process regarding a hypothetical unplanned pregnancy in a convenience sample of female adolescents (N = 85; mean age 16.8), throughout an electronic role playing simulation. This work aimed at: describing adolescent's emotional reactions and cognitive responses to an unplanned pregnancy; identifying personal attitudes toward parenthood; evaluating the role played by adolescents' personal attitudes toward parenthood and positive and negative attitudes toward continuing the pregnancy or having an abortion in predicting the final choice (keeping the baby vs. having an abortion). Findings highlighted the presence of three main attitudes toward parenthood (parenthood idealization, rejection of commitment, adolescents' expectations toward the partner) and the importance played by them together with negative attitudes toward continuing the pregnancy and having an abortion in guiding the adolescents' decision-making process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigated the parental changes and challenges that anticipated and followed the communication of the diagnosis of autism. The methodology was a collaborative and participatory case study focused on the perceptions of 31 families with a child on the autism spectrum enrolled in a no-profit Association in the Province of Monza and Brianza (Italy). The aim of the research was collecting information for the establishment of a local permanent observatory, monitoring the needs of families with children with autism, and identifying possible operational proposals to implement the quality of the territorial services, through the enhancement of the experiences, perceptions and representations of families, analysing their points of view. Methods included semi structured interviews and questionnaires; the data were analysed through the interpretative phenomenological analysis method. The findings show that parents need to be supported in order to avoid crisis and confusion on the child's future perspectives, as consequence of the diagnosis of autism. The paper draws out implications for further studies that wish to analyse other family perspectives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper focusses on coping strategies employed by children and adolescents with diagnosed short stature, assesses the impact of socio-demographic and clinical characteristics on coping, examines the relationship between coping and health related quality of life (QoL) and investigates the role of coping strategies in mediating the relationship between height and QoL. Coping with a disease (CODI) and quality of life in short stature youth (QoLISSY-QoL) questionnaires were completed by 137 short-statured children and adolescents between 8 and 18 years, participating in the crosssectional European QoLISSY study. Clinical and socio-demographic data were collected to examine differences in coping via variance and regression analyses, associations between CODI and QoLISSY were inspected using correlation and mediation analyses. Most frequently employed coping strategies in the CODI were 'Acceptance' and 'Wishful Thinking', with 'Emotional Reaction' used least. Significant effects of age, diagnosis and treatment status on coping strategies were detected. CODI scales 'Acceptance' and 'Distance' were associated with higher QoLISSY-QoL scores, 'Emotional Reaction' and 'Wishful Thinking' with lower scores. Coping strategies predicted 60 % of the QoLISSY-QoL variance. Relationships between height deviation and QoLISSY-QoL were mediated by the coping strategies of 'Wishful Thinking' and 'Distance'. Findings suggest that coping efforts vary with socio-demographic and clinical characteristics, that protective coping strategies in terms of QoL can be identified and that coping mediates the relationship between short stature and QoL. Future longitudinal research should focus on the adaptive function of coping in relation to QoL over time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the relationship between child emotional and behavioral difficulties, parenting stress and the mental health of caregivers of adolescents living with HIV. Caregiver data from a two-year pilot study for adolescents and their caregivers (N = 89 dyads) in Uganda, were analyzed. Ordinary Least Square regression models were conducted to examine the association between child difficulties reported by caregivers using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire on parenting stress (measured by Parenting Stress Index) and caregiver mental health (measured by the Brief Symptoms Inventory). Results indicate that 12.36% of caregivers reported child difficulty scores within the borderline range and 8.99% reported scores within the abnormal range. Child difficulties (b = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.85) were associated with parenting stress. Similarly, the perceived impact of child difficulties was associated with both parenting stress (b = 0.89, 95% CI: 0.24, 1.54) and caregiver mental health (b = 1.73, 95% CI: 1.09, 2.37). Study findings have important implications for developing effective psychosocial interventions targeting children and adolescents living with HIV and their caregivers. Highlights: Child emotional and behavioral difficulties (EBDs) have been documented to predict parental mental health distress. In our study, 12% of caregivers reported EBD scores within the borderline range and 9% reported scores within the abnormal range. EBDs were associated with both caregiver parenting stress and mental health distress. Findings point to the need for the development of effective psychosocial interventions targeting adolescents living with HIV and their caregivers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As mothers and fathers remain important attachment figures beyond infancy and toddlerhood, comparisons of attachment security of older children with their mothers and fathers are relevant for family researchers and practitioners. We analyzed mean-level differences between verbal reports of attachment security with mothers and fathers, and correlations between both attachments. A systematic search in electronic databases identified 826 studies that were included in random-effects meta-analyses. Although security of attachment with fathers was, on average, lower than security of attachment with mothers, mean-level differences were small (g = −0.29). Large correlations were found between security with mothers and fathers (r = 0.53). While mean-level differences were larger in studies with questionnaires rather than interviews, the reverse was found when analyzing correlation. The size of mean-level differences increased with age, while the size of the correlation between security with mothers and fathers declined. More recent studies found smaller mean-level differences and larger correlations of security with both attachment figures. There were smaller differences between security with mothers and fathers as well as larger correlations of security with both parents if samples included more intact families. Mean level-differences were smaller and correlations were stronger if studies included more males. Finally, there were larger correlations of security with mothers and fathers in low-risk samples than in clinical/high-risk samples. We conclude that correlations and mean-level differences of self-reported attachment security are stronger than in studies with behavioral measures of observed security in younger children. Further research is recommended on factors that explain the observed correlations and mean-level differences. Highlights: Security of attachment with fathers tends to be lower than security with mothers. Reports on security with mothers and fathers share about 28% of their variance. Older participants report larger mean-level differences and lower accordance of attachment with their mothers and fathers. Reports on attachment with mothers and fathers have become more similar in recent studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The biobehavioral correlates of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) among Latinx youth have been strikingly understudied. The purpose of this study was to (1) examine the effects of T-ACEs (e.g., maltreatment, family dysfunction) and E-ACEs (e.g., family deportation, community violence) in alcohol use, (2) test whether social support moderate these associations and (3) explore whether ACEs and alcohol use were related via adrenocortical hormones (i.e., cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone [DHEA]). A total of 100 Latinx youth, between the ages of 13 and 19, participated in this study (53% female). Community samples of United States (U.S.)-born (N = 54) and immigrant Latinx (N = 46) youth provided morning saliva samples and completed self-report questionnaires. Results highlighted that for immigrant youth, social support buffered the effects of E-ACEs on alcohol use, F(9,89) = 3.34, p = 0.01, R2 = 0.25. Although our mediation hypothesis was not supported, the direct effects of T-ACEs (β = 0.25, t (94) = 2.21, p = 0.03) and E-ACES (β = −0.24, t (94) = −2.23, p = 0.03) on DHEA were significant for the entire sample. Preventing maltreatment and reducing community-level adversities seem critical for optimal child development, as exposure to these may increase alcohol use risk and affect HPA Axis functioning. Increasing extrafamilial support may be particularly salient for immigrant Latinx youth, as many experience extended immigration-related periods of separation from family members. Highlights: We studied the biobehavioral correlates of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among U.S.-born and immigrant Latinx youth. For immigrants, support from friends and adults buffered the effect of Expanded ACEs on alcohol use, emphasizing the importance of extrafamilial support. In the total sample, ACEs were significantly related to stress hormone DHEA, highlighting that ACEs can affect HPA axis functioning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Racial discrimination is related to mental health challenges for Black youth and parents. The purpose of this study was to examine the role of intrafamilial factors, including parent racial worries, depressive symptoms, and racial socialization competency, on internalizing symptoms for youth. A sample of 259 Black parents (Mage = 40.6) of children (ages 6–18) was assessed to investigate how parents' worries for their child's racial discrimination experiences may be directly and indirectly associated with youth internalizing problems (e.g., elevated symptoms of anxiety and depression) via parental levels of depression. We then evaluated the moderating role of parental racial socialization competency. Participants completed an online questionnaire battery that included measures of racial discrimination, depression, youth internalizing problems, and racial socialization competency. Mediation analyses revealed that parental racial worry was directly and indirectly associated with youth internalizing problems via increased levels of parental depressive symptoms. Furthermore, racial socialization competency moderated the association between parental racial worries and parental depression, wherein greater racial socialization competency (e.g., confidence and skills factors) was associated with less impact of parental racial worries on parental depression. These findings provide a more nuanced understanding of the implications of racial stress for Black Americans and identify culturally relevant and familial coping mechanisms. Highlights: Parental racial worry is directly and indirectly associated with youth internalizing problems via increased levels of parental depressive symptoms. Parental racial socialization competency (e.g., confidence and skills) moderates the association between parental racial worry and parental depression. When parents have the skills necessary to communicate about and confidence to prepare their children to cope with racial discrimination, much of the negative impact of parent racial worry on their depressive symptoms can be reduced. These findings provide a more nuanced understanding of the implications of racial stress for Black Americans and identify culturally relevant and familial coping mechanisms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Harsh parenting behaviors are some of the most commonly used discipline practices in the United States but are often difficult to measure. Self-report instruments are the most used method of assessing parenting behaviors, but likely result in response biases due to their methodological shortcomings. This study aimed to provide a viable alternative to traditional self-report surveys used to evaluate parenting practices with lower social desirability and lower literacy requirements. Our primary objectives were to adapt the Harsh Discipline Preference Discrete Choice Experiment (HDP-DCE), a picture-based measure originally developed for Liberia, for use with an American population, and evaluate its psychometric evidence of reliability and validity. We first adapted items through an iterative process of collecting feedback from 97 parents and 10 experts through focus groups and surveys to generate clear and acceptable images to elicit preferences for discipline strategies. We then administered the measure to 439 parents to explore the internal structure of the measure and evaluate multiple indicators of reliability and validity. An exploratory factor analysis resulted in three potential factor-solutions, with the three-factor solution explaining the most variance and being the most theoretically sound. Analyses also demonstrated that the HDP-DCE has excellent internal consistency, good test-retest reliability, and good convergent and discriminant validity. Given these results the HDP-DCE could be a useful alternative or complement to traditional self-report tools in research and clinical work. Highlights: Adapted the Harsh Discipline Preference Discrete Choice Experiment (HDP-DCE) from Liberia to the United States, and evaluated psychometric evidence of validity and reliability of the adapted measure. Exploratory factor analysis of the adapted measure supported a three-factor solution with excellent internal consistency. The HDP-DCE displayed test-retest reliability and convergent and discriminant validity within the targeted population. Results of this study provide evidence that the Harsh Discipline Preference Discrete Choice Experiment is a valid and reliable picture-based alternative to traditional self-report instruments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study focused on the effects of family type, family relationships and socialization on alcohol consumption and delinquent behaviour among Flemish adolescents. Data came from the second round of the Leuven Adolescents and Families Study and were collected in 2010 by paper-and-pencil questionnaires in 10 different secondary schools (N = 1,688). The results show that children living in non-intact families are more likely to be delinquent and to drink alcohol at an age it is not legally allowed (below 16 years old). High delinquent behaviour is found among boys in single parent families and among girls in stepfamilies. For alcohol use the reverse is true. A good relationship with the same-sex parent is negatively associated with delinquency. High interparental conflict increases delinquency for boys and alcohol use for girls. Parental role models are highly important, since drinking behaviour of parents, and especially the same-sex parent, are positively associated with externalising problems of children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Previous research has shown that children with high levels of early anxiety/withdrawal are at increased risk of later anxiety and depression. It has also been found that positive parent-child attachment reduces the risk of these disorders. The aim of this paper was to examine the extent to which positive parent-child attachment acted to mitigate the risk of later internalising disorders amongst children with high levels of early anxiety/withdrawal using data from a 30 years longitudinal study of a New Zealand birth cohort. The findings of this study showed that: (a) increasing rates of early anxiety/withdrawal were associated with an increased risk of later anxiety and depression; (b) positive parent-child attachment in adolescence was associated with a decline in the risk of later anxiety and depression; and (c) these associations persisted even after controlling for confounding factors. The implications of these findings for the role of parent-child attachment in mitigating the adverse effects of early anxiety/withdrawal are discussed. It is concluded that positive parent-child attachment in adolescence may act as a compensatory factor which buffers the adverse effects of childhood anxiety/withdrawal on risks of developing later anxiety and depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined whether parental psychopathology (depression and social anxiety), parenting styles (authoritative, authoritarian, permissive) and practice (parental accommodation), and parental beliefs about children's anxiety are related to symptom severity in pediatric patients diagnosed with Selective Mutism (SM). Participants included 78 children, aged 3.5-8.5 years, with SM diagnosis, and their primary care-giving parent. The measures included clinical interviews, clinicians and parents' reports, and behavioral observations. Clinician reports of less severe SM symptoms in children were associated with more positive parental beliefs about their children's anxiety. Parents' reports of less severe symptoms in their children were associated with lower levels of parental social anxiety and accommodations, as well as with more authoritative and authoritarian parenting styles. Parental accommodations mediated the relationship between parental social anxiety and severity of children's symptoms, such that parents who are more socially anxious were also more accommodative, and this was related to greater SM severity. The findings of this study highlight important parenting characteristics involved in SM. These findings may lead to refining the psychological interventions for children with SM by allocating greater attention to parents' characteristics. Highlights: This study examined the relationships between parental characteristics and symptom severity in children with Selective mutism. Parents' social anxiety, authority style, accommodation and beliefs regarding their children's anxiety are related to children's symptom severity. Parental accommodation has a unique contribution to children's symptom severity and mediates its relationship with parents' social anxiety. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Linked with a myriad of developmental outcomes, the parent-child relationship serves an important function, and it is therefore important that determinants of this relationship are elucidated so that optimal outcomes can be promoted. This study investigated links between parental attachment style and child temperament in the prediction of parent-child relationship quality during early adolescence. One hundred parents of 12–15-year-olds completed an online survey. Findings indicated that when examining parent attachment style alone, attachment-related anxiety but not avoidance predicted parent-child relationship quality. When examining child temperament alone, negative affect and affiliation predicted parent-child relationship quality. When examining both parental attachment style and child temperament in the same model, child temperament was uniquely predictive of the parent-child relationship quality. No moderation effects were detected. More precise models and expanded measures of parental attachment style, child temperament and parent-child relationship quality are recommended to fully capture the transactional and dynamic nature of the parent-child relationship. Highlights: Parental attachment avoidance was not predictive of parent-child relationship quality. Parental attachment anxiety was predictive of relationship quality when examined independently but not when examined with child temperament. Child negative affect and affiliation were predictive of relationship quality. Child effortful control and surgency were not predictive of relationship quality. No moderation effects were detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Between the years of 2003–2015, the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) has identified a global trend signalling a decline in a sense of school belonging for secondary school students. Research has identified several factors that are positively related to school belonging, such as teacher support and academic motivation. However, little empirical research has been conducted to evaluate the relevant school belonging variables holistically and to assess their socio-ecological levels (e.g., student, microsystem, mesosystem) relative to the student. The purpose of this study is to assess the significant predictive variables within each socio-ecological level regarding school belonging. For this purpose, this study used data collected by PISA in 2015, focusing on data from 309,785 15-year-old students attending 12,668 schools in 52 countries around the world. Hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted to a) examine the empirical support for a layered structure of sense of school belonging, b) explore the contributions of variables in each layer of the socio-ecosystem to explain the variability in sense of school belonging and c) examine potential variations in this ability across schools and countries. The models provided support for the existence of such layers but also for some underlying relationships across the variables in the layers of the socio-ecosystem. The study then concludes with a discussion of the implications of the findings for school leaders, teachers and parents with respect to how school belonging approaches and strategies can be absorbed into existing practices and operations at school. Highlights: Student, or individual intrapersonal factors, can have significant impact on a student's perception of belonging. The strongest individual factors were collaboration dispositions (i.e., enjoying and valuing cooperation with others). Findings suggest a significant negative relationship between school belonging and test anxiety. It can be concluded that there are various systemic influences of school belonging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Secure attachments to parents have been linked to social competence, but few studies address how attachment is related to character strengths. This study examined how attachment security is associated with a broad set of character strengths in early adolescence. In a mixed methods study with a sample of 10- to 14-year-olds (N = 92), we assessed attachment with the Friends and Family Interview, which was scored for markers of secure attachment. Children completed the Values in Action Inventory questionnaire of character strengths. More securely attached children more strongly endorsed Interpersonal Strengths (fairness, forgiveness, humor, and kindness), Temperance Strengths (honesty, persistence, and prudence), and the Transcendent Strength of spirituality. By contrast, secure attachment did not predict Intellectual Strengths (creativity, love of learning, appreciation of beauty). The findings show that secure attachments are associated with several character strengths, and future work could consider the foundational processes that account for these associations. Highlights: Parent–child relationships are an important context in which school-age children develop their personal characteristics. We tested whether secure attachments to mothers and fathers are both associated with character development in early adolescence. More securely attached children were more fair, forgiving, humorous in social interaction, kind, honest, persistent, thoughtful in decision making, and spiritual compared to less securely attached children. Many of the study findings are novel, and they point to areas where parents might be especially likely to influence children's character development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical and social environments, particularly the home environment in infancy, bring substantial impacts on child development; therefore, growth may be promoted when the home environment is duly regarded. Ultimately, the present study was conducted with 203 infants and toddlers living in Ankara (51% were females) and attempted to adapt the Infant-Toddler Home Observation for Measurement of the Environment (IT-HOME) into Turkish to evaluate the home environment for children up to 3 years of age. While 33% of the children were 3–12 months, 34% were 13–24 months, and 33% were 25–36 months. We collected the data using a demographic information form, the IT-HOME, and the Ages and Stages Questionnaires-Turkish Version (ASQ-TV). Accordingly, for linguistic validity, we calculated the consistency between the original scale and its back-translation to be 92%. Moreover, the Lawshe method adopted to analyze the expert opinions yielded content validity indices (CVI) to range between +0.88 and +1.00 for the dimensions of the IT-HOME. The analyses for criterion validity yielded positive and significant correlations between the dimensions of the IT-HOME and components of the ASQ-TV (r = 0.146–0.369). We then calculated the test-retest and interrater reliability coefficients to be 0.745 and 0.989, respectively. In conclusion, in the current study, the IT-HOME was found to demonstrate good initial interrater and test-retest reliability and content validity in a Turkish sample. Highlights: IT-HOME is a worldwide used tool to assess the quality of the home environments of infants and toddlers. This study's showed that IT-HOME is a reliable measurement instrument for the infants and toddlers in Turkey. This study's showed that IT-HOME is a valid measurement instrument for the infants and toddlers in Turkey. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Studies describing the link between infant sleeping arrangements and postpartum maternal depressive symptoms have led to inconsistent findings. However, expectations regarding these sleeping arrangements were rarely taken into consideration. Furthermore, very few studies on pediatric sleep have included fathers. Therefore, the aims of this study were (1) to compare maternal and paternal attitudes regarding co-sleeping arrangements and (2) to explore the associations among sleeping arrangements, the discrepancy between expected and actual sleeping arrangements, and depressive symptoms, in mothers and fathers. General attitudes about co-sleeping, sleeping arrangements and the discrepancy between expected and actual sleeping arrangements were assessed using the Sleep Practices Questionnaire (SPQ) in 92 parents (41 couples and 10 parents who participated alone in the study) of 6-month-old infants. Parental depressive symptoms were measured with the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale (CES-D). Within the same couple, mothers were generally more supportive than fathers of a co-sleeping arrangement (p < 0.01). Multivariate linear mixed model analyses showed that both mothers' and fathers' depressive symptoms were significantly associated with a greater discrepancy between the expected and actual sleeping arrangement (small to moderate effect size) (p < 0.05) regardless of the actual sleeping arrangement. These findings shed new light on the conflicting results concerning the link between co-sleeping and parental depressive symptoms reported in the literature. Researchers and clinicians should consider not only actual sleeping arrangements, but also parents' expectations. Highlights: Mothers and fathers, from the same couple, may have different attitudes toward co-sleeping arrangements. Sleeping arrangements themselves are not necessarily associated with depressive symptoms. A greater discrepancy between expected and actual sleeping arrangement is linked with more depressive symptoms regardless of actual sleep practice. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to assess the relationship between parental sexual passion styles and parent-child communication about sex. The central research questions were how parent sexual passion was associated with parent-child communication about sex and whether commonalities emerged in communication patterns across passion styles. Data were taken from a US national sample; participants were 801 mothers and 838 fathers (n = 1639). Comprehensive measures of parent-child sexual communication and sexual passion were used in a structural equation model. Among both mothers and fathers, harmonious sexual passion was associated with higher communication frequency, openness, and adolescent disclosure. Obsessive and inhibited sexual passion were associated with parental control of communication. Inhibited sexual passion was associated with adolescent secrecy. Additionally, for mothers only, obsessive sexual passion was associated with higher adolescent disclosure; for fathers only, inhibited sexual passion was associated with higher communication frequency and adolescent disclosure. These results help to connect the individual-level concept of sexual passion with dyad-level communication about sex; they also can help lead researchers and practitioners to better understand the influence of motivation and sexual passion on parental participation in sex education, which may lead to more effective efforts to educate adolescents about sex. Highlights: Parents with higher levels of harmonious passion had higher levels of communication about sex with their adolescents. Parents with higher levels of inhibited and obsessive sexual passion had higher levels of controlling communication about sex with their adolescents. Parents with higher levels of inhibited passion had adolescents with higher levels of secrecy about their sexuality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Guided by the attachment theory, this study investigated the interplay between anxiety and avoidance dimensions of attachment to Chinese fathers in early adolescents' internalizing problem behavior. This study further examined whether this association might exhibit an intercultural difference between the Han and Dong-Xiang ethnic groups. A total of 1019 adolescents between 10 and 15 years old (Mage = 12.66, SD = 1.51; 52.8% girls) participated in this study. Participants were uniformly instructed to complete a packet of well-established questionnaires written in simplified Chinese. Based on a hierarchical linear regression, interactive patterns of anxiety and avoidance exhibited an intercultural difference: adolescents with a fearful attachment style reported the highest levels of internalizing problem behavior among the Han, whereas adolescents with a preoccupied attachment style did so among the Dong-Xiang. Through these results, the current study highlights the vital role of attachment to fathers in early adolescents' internalizing problem behavior and emphasizes the interactive patterns between anxiety and avoidance in interpreting the variance of internalizing problem behavior. Further, the results not only have important theoretical implications for the discussion of attachment as a universal or cultural phenomenon, but also highlight practical ways to mitigate early adolescents' internalizing problem behavior. Highlights: Little is known about the relation between attachment to fathers and early adolescents' internalizing problem behavior (IPB). This study examined how the interplay between anxiety and avoidance dimensions of attachment was differentially related to youth's IPB. Adolescents from two ethnic groups (Han and Dong-Xiang) were involved in probing culture-specific research patterns. Han adolescents with fearful attachment style reported the highest levels of IPB. Dong-Xiang adolescents with preoccupied attachment style reported the highest levels of IPB. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research has shown that psychosocial and behavioral factors are associated with engagement in a range of deviant behaviors across offline settings. To date, however, very little research has explored the impact of these factors in online contexts. This article addresses this gap by examining the psychosocial and behavioral factors associated with common types of adolescent cyberdeviance. This is accomplished through an empirical study of 327 adolescents enrolled in a high school located in a large Australian city. The study assesses various aspects of psychosocial and behavioral functioning using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (total difficulties, internalizing problems, externalizing problems, prosocial behavior), as well as numerous types of cyberdeviance relevant to young people, including cyberfraud, cyberhate, cyberviolence, sexting, digital piracy, hacking, and cyberbullying. A series of multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to demonstrate the association between psychosocial and behavioral difficulties and various types of cyberdeviance, independent of gender, school grade, socioeconomic status, and engagement in offline delinquency. Results indicate that total difficulties, internalizing problems, and externalizing problems were significantly associated with greater likelihood of engagement in most types of cyberdeviance examined in this study, whereas prosocial behavior was associated with a lower likelihood of engagement in digital piracy only. A discussion of the findings highlights the importance of understanding these factors in a digital context, as well as demonstrating the need to account for them when designing targeted interventions. Highlights: Identifying evidence-based approaches to help develop effective interventions for young people is critical due to the potentially serious social and economic harms associated with many types of cyberdeviance. A survey of Australian adolescents examined the relationship between types of cyberdeviance and various psychosocial and behavioral factors. Internalizing and externalizing problems, as well as prosocial behaviors, were all differentially associated with engagement in various types of cyberdeviance. Further research regarding the development of interventions that target internalizing and externalizing problems is proposed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The cumulative family risk may impede students' academic achievement. However, previous studies have not adequately explored the mechanisms influencing cumulative family risk and the protective factors for adolescent academic achievement. Therefore, this research mainly discussed these two issues. A total of 1190 Chinese junior high school students (Mage = 13.450, SDage = 0.508, 52.4% girls) participated in the self-assessment questionnaire. First, we verified the negative association between cumulative family risk and academic achievement of junior high school students. Second, we demonstrated the mediating effect of basic psychological needs between cumulative family risk and academic achievement. Higher cumulative family risk implies lower basic psychological needs satisfaction among adolescents, making it more difficult for them to obtain academic achievement. Third, we found the protective effect of future orientation. The future orientation at a medium level buffers the negative impact of cumulative family risk on academic achievement, and this negative effect is no longer evident at the high level of future orientation. Implications for these findings and future directions are discussed. Highlights: Higher cumulative family risk is associated with lower academic achievement for junior high school students. Basic psychological needs mediate between cumulative family risk and academic achievement of adolescents. Future orientation plays a protective role between cumulative family risk and adolescents' academic achievement, manifested in the "risk buffer" pattern. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study aims to explore the associations between food insecurity and educational expectation, as well as the mediating role of the serial mediators of self-efficacy and depression on the focal association, among school children in rural China. This study conducted a cross-sectional survey on 3,787 students (Grade 5 to Grade 9, mean age = 13.38 years). They responded to questions on demographics, educational expectation, The Food Insecurity Experience Scale (FIES), General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and The Birleson Depression Self-Rating Scale (DSRS). Serial-multiple mediation modeling was used to test the mediating roles of self-efficacy and depression. It is found that higher food insecurity was associated with lower educational expectation (p < 0.001). The serial mediators of self-efficacy and depression were found partially mediating the association between food insecurity and educational expectation (p < 0.001). Moreover, the mediating effect of self-efficacy and depression, respectively, was observed to be stronger than the serial-multiple mediation effect of the two. The study enhances the understanding of how food insecurity relates with educational expectation among children with limited resources in developing countries. The findings as with the severity of childhood food insecurity in rural China as well as its association with the consequences on children's educational expectation provide empirical support for contentions that food insecurity should be considered in designing and implementing school-based intervention programs for children in disadvantaged households or communities. Moreover, related children services could weaken the negative influences of food insecurity on educational expectation by introducing interventions on childhood self-efficacy and depression. Highlights: 24.80% of the rural children were experiencing from food insecurity to different extent. Food insecurity was negatively correlated with the participants' educational expectation. The serial mediators of self-efficacy and depression were found partially mediating the focal association. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childbearing motivations are trait-like dispositions to feel, think, and act in a certain way in response to various aspects of parenthood. They shape human desire to have a child and underpin the decision about becoming a parent. A self-report tool to measure positive and negative childbearing motivations with their specific dimensions—the Childbearing Questionnaire (CBQ)—was developed in the US and has gained popularity over the past few decades as an increasing number of individuals choose not to have children. In the current article we present two studies, in which we developed and psychometrically validated a short version of the CBQ (The Childbearing Questionnaire-Short Form; CBQ-SF). In Study 1, we developed the CBQ-SF and verified its psychometric properties using a sample of 939 childless adults (25–44 years old). In Study 2, we cross-validated the CBQ-SF on a sample of 1803 childless adolescents aged from 18 to 20. Overall, our findings demonstrated that the CBQ-SF is a psychometrically sound instrument for comprehensively assessing childbearing motivations across different developmental periods (from late adolescence to middle adulthood). Most notably, our short measure preserves the multidimensionality of childbearing motivations and allows individuals' motivational profiles for parenthood to be identified. Future research directions and practical implications are discussed. Highlights: Childbearing motivations reflect individuals' beliefs about parenthood and may influence various parenting behaviors. Across two studies, we developed and evaluated psychometric properties of a short measure of childbearing motivations—CBQ-SF. We documented that CBQ-SF is a reliable measure of childbearing motivations and provided first evidence on its validity. The CBQ-SF can be successfully used in public health research and therapeutic settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wraparound care coordination has been demonstrated to promote positive mental health, residential, and cost outcomes for children and youth with serious emotional and behavioral disorders (SEBD) and their families. However, research also shows that positive outcomes are dependent on adequacy of Wraparound fidelity. The current study presents results from a series of studies that collectively assessed the factor structure, reliability, and validity of the Wraparound Fidelity Index, Short Form (WFI-EZ), a four section, multi-informant, self-report measure. Analyses of a sample of 10,955 caregivers of youth who received Wraparound and completed the WFI-EZ found a four-factor solution that aligned well with previous theories of change for Wraparound, with factors focused on team membership, team process, inclusion of natural supports, and intermediate outcomes, including increased family assets and more effective services and supports. Cronbach's alpha was 0.90 for the full index and acceptable for all four empirically derived factors (α = 0.61–0.91); preliminary test-retest reliability data for the composite WFI-EZ fidelity index drawn from two small samples was found to be high for caregivers (r = 0.94) and moderate for care coordinators (r = 0.72). Results of known-groups analyses found that WFI-EZ scores discriminated groups theoretically expected to differ on Wraparound fidelity, including whether basic elements of Wraparound were provided and whether provider organizations were measured as having high versus low supports for Wraparound. Results indicate the WFI-EZ is a reliable and valid measure of Wraparound fidelity, while also pointing to opportunities for future refinement, further research, and opportunities for improving Wraparound training and implementation support. Highlights: The Wraparound Fidelity Index, Short Form (WFI-EZ) was shown to be a reliable and valid fidelity measure. An underlying factor structure of the WFI-EZ was found that aligns with past theory on Wraparound that emphasizes the importance of Wraparound team membership, team process, and two routes to positive family outcomes: increased family assets and more effective services and supports. Wraparound provider factors such as leadership and staff morale were found to be associated with practice fidelity and caregiver satisfaction. The current study points to potential future refinements, including reduction in the number of items and revision of scoring rules. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Over the past twenty years research interest has been focused on deepening the role of parental mentalizing. Nevertheless, few studies have specifically addressed the role played by fathers' mentalizing. This systematic review aims to bridge this gap by offering an exploration of paternal mentalizing within attachment theory considering three different operationalizations: Reflective Functioning, Parental Insightfulness and Mind-Mindedness. Starting from this, the main goals of this systematic review are: (1) to show the effect of paternal mentalizing on child's outcomes or paternal role within the family system, (2) to increase research exchange between different theoretical frameworks, enhancing the knowledge of the mentalization construct, (3) to explore under-researched areas and implications for research and clinical practice. PsycInfo, PsycArticle, Web Of Science, Scopus, Medline, PubMed and EMBASE were systematically searched for articles published until February 7, 2021. In total, 6311 studies were considered for the systematic review; of these, thirty-six met the inclusion criteria. The included studies were subsequently split on the basis of the specific mentalizing operationalization. Overall, the data showed significant associations between paternal mentalizing and both fathers' parenting features and variables related to the paternal broader functioning within the family context. This systematic review also confirms the role of fathers' mentalizing processes in relation to paternal features and child's outcomes. In conclusion, further studies aimed at examining paternal mentalizing specific influences, exploring the causal pathways related to paternal mentalizing and investigating the relationship between different mentalizing dimensions and their diverse effects are recommended. Highlights: This research offers the first review focusing on the role of father's Reflective Functioning, Mind-Mindedness and Parental Insightfulness. Studies have pointed to the potential of father's mentalizing in both father's characteristics and child's outcomes. There is a need for further longitudinal studies designed to examine the causal pathways from father's mentalizing. It underlines the importance of analyzing the differences of the roles played by father's and mother's mentalizing within family system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) is a screening tool widely used in both pediatric research and clinical practice. Few studies have examined the psychometric properties of the U.S. version of this measure, and none have examined the structure of the measure with children younger than 4 years of age. The goal of this study was to assess the psychometric properties of the parent informant version of the SDQ administered in a pediatric practice serving a low-income, predominately Black, urban population of children ages 2–5 years. Parents routinely completed the SDQ electronically during annual well-child visits from July 2016 to June 2017. Confirmatory factor analysis was used to test 3-factor, 5-factor, and modified 5-factor (with positive construal response style) models. Responses to age-appropriate SDQ forms were analyzed. There were N = 622 for the 4–12 year old version (only collected on 4–5 year olds) and N = 672 of the 2–3 year old version. In both groups, the modified 5-factor model was the best fitting model. The internal consistency for the modified 5-factor model was lower than the original 5-factor model with the alpha coefficient lower on the Conduct Problems, Emotional Problems and Peer Problems subscales. Measurement invariance testing found non-invariance due to gender among the 4–5 year olds on the emotional problems subscale. Our study found that the SDQ shows satisfactory psychometric properties in preschool-aged children in a low-income urban U.S. population. More research is needed to deepen our understanding of the measure's clinical utility. Highlights: Few studies have examined the psychometric properties of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire in the US. No studies have examined the structure of the measure with children <4 years of age. Participants were recruited from a pediatric practice serving a low-income, predominately Black, urban population of children (2–5 years). A modified 5-factor (with positive construal response style) model fit the data best. Internal consistency was low for some subscales and non-invariance due to gender was found for the emotional problems subscale among 4–5 year olds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP) has been shown to be a risk factor for parental burnout (Sorkkila & Aunola, 2020). In the present study, we investigated the moderating role of self-esteem in this association. A total of 479 Finnish mothers of infants filled in questionnaires measuring their self-esteem, SPP, and symptoms of parental burnout. The results of structural equation modelling (SEM) showed that mothers' self-esteem moderated the effect of SPP on parental burnout: Mothers with high self-esteem were at lower risk of showing burnout symptoms even when SPP co-occurred, whereas for mothers with low self-esteem, the effect of SPP on burnout symptoms was further strengthened. The results can be applied when aiming to improve maternal well-being by recognizing the risk factors of parental burnout and by offering counseling for parents at high risk. Highlights: Mothers' self-esteem moderated the relationship between parental burnout and socially prescribed perfectionism (SPP). Mothers with high self-esteem were at lower risk of burnout than mothers with low self-esteem even when SPP co-occurred. For mothers with low self-esteem, the effect of SPP on burnout symptoms was further strengthened. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This mixed method study examined maternal perceptions of their children's sibling relationship when one child has autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and one is typically developing. Six mothers completed a questionnaire and semi-structured interview pertaining to their perceptions of the quality of the sibling relationship, the children's development, adjustment, and impact on one another. Mothers spoke kindly of both children and offered positive and negative perceptions of the sibling relationship. Mothers perceived that sibling influence was bi-directional, in that both children affect the behaviors and interests of one another, regardless of diagnosis and birth order. Typically developing siblings were described as very involved and caring towards their sibling; however, siblings and parents seem to experience day-to-day challenges associated with family relationships and dynamics. Findings highlight the need for services to address the individual needs of parents and siblings in response to having a child with ASD. Highlights: Mother's perception of the sibling relationship quality was investigated and revealed positive and negative dynamics between siblings with ASD and typically developing siblings. According to mothers, there is evidence of a bi-directional influence on each child's personality and development when one sibling has ASD. Developmental age may allow the typically developing sibling to take on certain roles, regardless of birth order. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Extensive research has focused on the critical effect of parent-child interactions on peer victimization among children. However, the underlying mediating and moderating mechanisms of this association remain largely unknown. Thus, we examine whether parent-child relationships predict peer victimization through self-esteem and whether resilience moderates this mediation process. A sample of 65,868 fourth grade students aged 8-14 years (10.83 ± 0.83, 53.6% males) completed questionnaires assessing their parent-child relationships, self-esteem, resilience, and peer victimization. A moderated mediation model analysis showed that the negative associations between parent-child interactions and peer victimization were partially mediated by self-esteem. Resilience moderated the meditation process and all three mediated paths were stronger for children with high (vs. low) resilience. High resilience has adequate protection against peer victimization among children. Our findings indicate that poor parent-child relationships, low resilience and low self-esteem are all risk factors for increased levels of peer victimization among children. Resilience is underscored as a crucial protective factor, which could prevent the onset and exacerbation of peer victimization, while low self-esteem is also an important predictor of peer victimization originating from poor parent-child relationships. Thus, internal factors (such as resilience, and self-esteem) cultivated among children, but not external ones, may play key roles in intervening of peer victimization. The positive effects of family support should also be considered when developing intervention strategies to promote self-esteem among children being bullied at school. Highlights: Negative relations of the two variables were partially mediated by self-esteem. Resilience moderated the meditation process. All three mediated paths were stronger for higher resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The opposition to culturally responsive teaching practices in the media overshadows the importance and benefits of these practices for minoritized children and families, given the disparate mental health and educational disparities for students of color. Therefore, this study assessed the relationship between parents' and legal guardians' perceptions of culturally responsive teaching practices to the perceptions of their elementary-aged children's mental health and well-being. This study also aimed to investigate the buffering role of culturally responsive teaching practices on the relationship between school discrimination and children's mental health outcomes. One hundred thirty-one diverse parents and legal guardians with children in elementary school (Mage = 8.05) were recruited for participation. According to parents and legal guardians, teachers' culturally responsive practices were positively associated with children's prosocial behaviors and significantly moderated the relationship between discrimination and mental health, including internalizing behaviors. This study provides crucial information regarding cultural variables that should be considered in school professional development and educator practices for elementary-aged children. Highlights: Parents' perceptions of culturally responsive teaching practices are associated with higher prosocial behaviors for elementary students of color. Parents' perceptions of discrimination are associated with higher internalizing and externalizing symptoms for elementary students of color. Parents, who reported high cultural responsiveness in their child's classroom and low experiences of school-based discrimination, also reported the fewest concerns about their young child's mental health, including internalizing symptoms. The findings of this study highlight the vital perspective of parents and legal guardians of children of color that should be included in research, practice, and policy when improving culturally responsive practices, anti-racism in schools, and mental health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Parental Reflective Interview Procedure was developed as part of an initial assessment interview for an attachment-based intervention for child mental health conditions. This study was a pilot randomised controlled trial that utilised a parallel, single-blind trial design to evaluate the differences in the effects of the Parental Reflective Interview Procedure compared to a diagnostic interview on parental reflective functioning. The control group was administered a structured diagnostic interview (Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview for Children and Adolescents—Parent Version) and matched for time with clinician. The study sample were 25 parents of clinic-referred children who scored above the clinical cut-off score on the Child Behaviour Checklist. Parental reflective functioning was measured with the Parental Reflective Functioning Questionnaire at baseline and repeated post-intervention, and then again at a two-week follow up. Results showed that the Parental Reflective Interview Procedure produced moderate improvements in parents' understanding of their children's mental states and maintenance in their reflections on intergenerational parent-child relationship patterns. The diagnostic interview showed decreases in both these dimensions. The findings suggest that the Parental Reflective Interview Procedure is a promising format for initial assessment when referral indicates difficulty in the parent-child relationship. The interview acts as a good orientation for parents to an intervention focused on parent-child relationship dynamics. Further work refining this interview, its coding and integration into a tailored feedback session is required. Highlights: There is growing evidence for the importance of interventions targeting parental reflective functioning in therapeutic work with children and families. A novel interview procedure aiming to orient parents towards reflection on their child was tested in an RCT design showed it was a promising preliminary interview for attachment-focused interventions. Tailoring assessment procedures to key features of a subsequent intervention appears to have beneficial effects in child and family therapy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Stop Now and Plan (SNAP) intervention program is designed specifically for children with serious conduct problems and their families. The program also focuses on improving parents' self-efficacy (PSE). The purpose of this study was to examine how the program impacts children's behavior problems and PSE, and to explore the bidirectional longitudinal associations between children's antisocial behaviors and their parents' self-efficacy. Our study included 62 boys and 18 girls with mean age of 8.2 years old (SD = 1.8, range from 6 to 12 years) and their parents or caregivers. For each family, one parent or caregiver was asked to complete the psychometrics assessments even if both parents participated in the SNAP program. The following assessment tools were used in the pre- and post-tests: The Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), Teacher Report Form (TRF), Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), and Tool to Measure Parent Self-Efficacy (TOPSE). Latent growth curve analyses indicated that SNAP effectively decreased antisocial behaviors (parents-reported effect sizes ranged from 0.39 to 0.66) and increased prosocial behaviors (effect size of 0.31) for participating children; parental self-efficacy also increased (effect sizes ranged from 0.14 to 0.56). Further, parallel process latent growth curve analysis indicated negative relationships between the PSE and behavior problems. Parents whose children had higher levels of behavior problems at admission were more likely to show greater improvements in PSE through the program. Our results further support SNAP's focus on improving PSE as a mechanism to reduce behavior problems. Highlights: This was a study of 80 children and their parents who participated in SNAP programing to promote effective social and parenting skills and to prevent risk for antisocial behavior problems. After participating in SNAP, children's behavior problems decreased and parents' self-efficacy improved. Parents' improvements in parental self-efficacy through the program were positively associated with their children's initial levels of behavior problems. Findings provide direction for future research that focuses on changes in parenting practices as a potential mechanism of change for children's outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]