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Parental mobile device use during parent–child interactions has become increasingly common and has been linked to a reduction in parental sensitivity. This study extends previous research in two ways: first it explores the relationship between independent and joint caregiver device use and a wide range of attachment behaviors; second, it acknowledges the bidirectional nature of attachment relationships by evaluating how young children behave throughout individual and joint use. Sixty-six naturalistic, nonparticipant observations were conducted with caregiver–child dyads in Australian malls in 2018. Children aged 12-years-old and under were eligible for observation. Fifty-four caregivers utilized a mobile device independently, and three caregivers jointly used a device with children. Caregivers who used devices joined in play, initiated conversations, and responded to attentional bids less often than non-device using caregivers. During device use, four caregivers were inattentive when children engaged in risky situations which may have caused injury and four caregivers spoke to or interacted harshly with children. When caregivers used devices, children either continued their activity, sought caregiver interaction, or demonstrated escalated bids for attention. In response to joint device use, children remained engaged with the device and failed to interact with the caregiver. This research may be useful for parents, or healthcare providers working with parents, to assist them in making conscious decisions about device use. This research also suggests that parental device use guidelines may be valuable.

Research into military-related posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and the impact to families is growing. However, qualitative studies exploring the family life or parenting experiences of military/veteran families living with PTSD appears limited. The current paper aimed to systematically review research that explored different family members’ experiences of living in families where a parent had a military related PTSD. Adhering to the PRISMA guidelines for systematic reviews, six online databases were comprehensively searched, along with manual searches of relevant journals, reviews and reference lists. Interrater reliability for identifying papers was established through blind co-screening of 20% of search results, with minimal initial discrepancy. Eleven studies were identified. Each study was critically appraised for quality using the RATS (relevancy, appropriateness, transparency, soundness) qualitative research review guidelines. Thematic analysis identified six primary themes including: the absent parent; walking on eggshells; still part of the family; children and partners as care givers; making sense and understanding; and long-term impacts upon the family. Quality of the identified research was mixed. The existing literature is extended by presenting a systematic review of published qualitative research on the subjective experiences of the parent with military-related PTSD, their partner and children. Themes across veteran, partner and child focused papers illustrated interconnected elements of the family experience of PTSD. Future studies might integrate the views of family members. Clinicians need to be mindful of the relational context in which PTSD exists.

During the preschool years (3–5 years), children living with parental mental illness are more at risk of various adverse developmental outcomes, compared to other children. Early childhood services are opportune settings for prevention and early intervention strategies that may support preschool children living with parental mental illness. However, there is limited research examining how the early childhood sector supports the child, parent and family. The aim of the study was to explore family focused practices within the early childhood sector in terms of the level of self-perceived knowledge, skill and confidence; and compare the self-perceived knowledge, skill and confidence between preschool teachers and childcare workers. A sample of 40 preschool teachers and 39 childcare providers rated themselves across eight domains that describe their knowledge, confidence and skill using the Family Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire (FFMHPQ). Overall, the sample rated themselves positively across all domains. In a cross-sectional analysis, a t-statistic comparison of preschool teachers and childcare providers showed that childcare providers scored significantly higher than preschool teachers in parenting support, referrals and assessing the impact of parental illness on the child. Future studies might identify the barriers and enablers for Family Focus Practice (FFP) across different groups of workers in the early childhood sector.

Primary care physicians are often the first contact for people with mental health concerns. Moreover, many patients with mental health concerns are parents caring for dependent children. The aim of this study was to investigate the family focused practices of a group of primary care physicians when working with patients who are parents and experience mental health concerns. A sequential mixed method design (questionnaire followed by interviews) was employed, early 2015, in general medical settings across six Australian states. Twenty one primary care physicians (12 female, 9 male) across different medical settings completed the Family Focused Mental Health Practice Questionnaire; nine of these were interviewed. Participants reported a moderate amount of family focused practice when working with patients who are parents with mental health issues. Many acknowledged the importance of working with patients on family issues but reported barriers in doing so. Clear guidelines, including the recording of parenting status, need to be in place for primary care physicians working with patients who are parents.

Young people of parents with a mental illness are at significant risk of developing a mental illness. This risk may be reduced if appropriate interventions are provided. While there are several supports available, their needs are rarely heard in either intervention development or evaluation. This study presents young people’s perspectives of the types of supports they want. One hundred and seventy-two young people (13–17 years) whose parent has a mental illness completed a self-constructed questionnaire and six of these participants engaged in individual follow-up interviews. Frequency data indicated that youth want to learn how to cope or manage their parent’s mental illness and highlighted a need to access support online. Interview thematic analysis reflected a need for psycho-education, confidential and/or anonymous support, and a preference to access information from health care professionals. Given the diversity of views presented, this study suggests that “not one size fits all”.