Search

• There are complex dynamic relationships between paternal/maternal negative expressiveness and offspring internalizing/externalizing problems. • The relationship between offspring externalizing problems and internalizing problems is mediated by paternal negative expressiveness. • There are sex differences in this cross-lagged model, with parent-driven effects only for boys and child-driven effects mainly for girls. This longitudinal study explored the bidirectional longitudinal relationships and sex differences in negative expressiveness among parents and internalizing/externalizing problems in their offspring. A total of 185 father-mother dyads from China participated in this study. Fathers and mothers independently completed three rounds of self-report questionnaires assessing family negative expressiveness, while mothers also reported on their offspring's problem behaviors at the same intervals. The mean age of infants at the initial participation was 1.23 years (SD =.13). The results revealed that offspring internalizing problems at Time 1 (T1) positively predicted maternal negative expressiveness at Time 2 (T2), and maternal negative expressiveness at T1 positively predicted offspring externalizing problems at T2. Furthermore, paternal negative expressiveness at T2 mediated the relationship between early offspring externalizing problems at T1 and later internalizing problems at Time 3 (T3). The cross-lagged model also uncovered sex-specific patterns: paternal and maternal negative expressiveness predicted subsequent problem behaviors in boys, whereas problem behaviors in girls predicted paternal and maternal negative expressiveness. Notably, paternal negative expressiveness at T2 was a significant mediator for the continuity of externalizing problems in girls from T1 to T3, indicating a dynamic vicious circle with the family system. These findings highlight that the bidirectional longitudinal relationships between parents' negative expressiveness and offspring's problem behaviors are closely related to the sex of both parents and their offspring. Specifically, parents' negative expressiveness exacerbated offspring's problem behaviors (especially for boys), and offspring's problem behaviors exacerbated parents' negative expressiveness (especially for girls). Future interventions targeting parents' negative expressiveness and offspring's problem behaviors should consider the roles of sex differences among parents and infants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examines paternal advice in the ancient Arab world through a socio-pragmatic analysis of 159 pieces of advice from fathers to sons between the 7th and 10th centuries CE. The article identifies directness as a predominant feature in these communications, attributed to the intimate father–son relationship, paternal dominance, justifications for advice, and the inherent nature of the advice topics. The closeness between father and son, emphasized by the frequent use of "Oh my son(s)," allows for advice without social veiling, reflecting the Islamic duty of guidance. Power dynamics and the expectation of direct communication underscore the traditional Arab social structure. Justifications accompanying advice in the dataset highlight its acceptability, while the subjects of religion, relationships, and science encourage directness in the discourse. This analysis reveals that directness in advice-giving conveys deeply held cultural and religious values, emphasizing community and mutual responsibility, and showcases the role of clear communication in maintaining societal cohesion across generations. • A socio-pragmatic analysis of 159 pieces of paternal advice from the 7th to 10th centuries CE highlights directness as a key feature. • Directness in advice-giving is linked to close father–son relationships, paternal authority, and the content of the advice itself. • The use of the term "Oh my son(s)" signifies the intimate bond and lack of social distance in these communications. • The study underscores the influence of Islamic teachings on the tradition of direct paternal advice as part of a father's duty. • Justifications in advice emphasize that religion, relationships, and science are areas where directness is prevalent. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Higher fathers' attachment to their sons is related to higher sons' patient and careful driving style. • Higher fathers' attachment to their sons is related to lower sons' non-adaptive driving styles. • Father's driving styles are positively related with their sons' driving styles. • Modeling of fathers' driving mediates the association between most father and son driving styles. • The personal example fathers provide to their sons is of utmost importance in influencing the young driver's behavior behind the wheel. This study examined the unique and combined contributions of father's driving style and attachment to their son and the son's perception of the family climate for road safety to the young driver's driving style. One hundred Israeli Arab dyads of father-young male driver completed self-report questionnaires. Findings indicate that the higher the attachment dimensions, the more the son is likely to adopt a patient and careful style on the road, and the less likely he is to display a non-adaptive driving style. Positive associations were also found between the father's driving style and that of his son. Moreover, the dimension of modeling in the family climate for road safety served as a mediator in the association between the driving styles of the father and son, with the exception of the anxious style. The findings highlight the importance of the personal example fathers provide to their sons in influencing the young driver's behavior behind the wheel, especially in a culture that honors respect for and compliance with the father's values and demands. They point to the need to design specific intervention programs for fathers of young drivers in Arab society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Through interviews with bilingual users of Kwéyòl Donmnik (Dominica Creole), an understudied and endangered French lexifier Creole, and a questionnaire for users of English, a colonial language that has been in intense contact with Kwéyòl for over 200 years, this study investigates the metalinguistic knowledge members of each language community have about a selection of pragmatic markers that are cross-linguistically similar: Kwéyòl konsa 'so', èben 'well', and papa/Bondyé 'father/God' and English so, well , and oh my God. The study also examines Kwéyòl users' understandings of la 'there', a locative pragmatic marker. Participants' responses paralleled and expanded upon linguists' observations, and while there were commonalities between the two groups' self-reports, Kwéyòl users attributed greater cultural and communicative value to their markers. This research expands the limited body of work on Kwéyòl and reinforces that pragmatic markers are both procedurally meaningful and culturally embedded. It also demonstrates that, while corpus-based approaches are fruitful, richer insights can be gained by also incorporating language users' lived expertise through direct elicitation of their metalinguistic knowledge about how pragmatic markers are employed and perceived. • Selected Kwéyòl and English pragmatic markers (PMs) are in intense contact. • Metalinguistic knowledge about PMs parallels and expands beyond corpus analyses. • Despite rich knowledge, English survey takers were more dismissive of their PMs. • Kwéyòl interviewees ascribed greater cultural and communicative value to their PMs. • Both groups report awareness of waning taboos surrounding PMs with religious roots. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Both mothers and fathers are at risk for experiencing postpartum depressive symptoms shortly after the birth of a child. Previous studies suggest mothers' and fathers' depressive symptoms to be interrelated. This study examined bidirectional relations between mothers' and fathers' depressive symptoms across four years postpartum. Longitudinal data for this study were collected across five waves from 485 mothers and 359 fathers of infants when infants were on average 6 months-old until children were 54 months-old (1-year lags). Mothers and fathers reported on their depressive symptoms using the Center for the Epidemiological Studies Short Depression Scale (CES-D 10). A random intercept cross-lagged panel model (RICLPM) was specified to examine the bidirectional relations between mothers' and fathers' depressive symptoms over time. At the between-person level, mothers' and fathers' depressive symptoms were positively associated. At the within-person level, unique carry-over effects were found for mothers and fathers in that when reporting higher depressive symptoms than their trait levels, they were more likely to report higher depressive symptoms one year later. Moreover, intermittent cross-lagged effects were observed from mothers' depressive symptoms to fathers' depressive symptoms during toddlerhood. The sample was not racially or structurally diverse thereby limiting the generalizations of the findings. After the birth of a child, mothers and fathers are at risk for experiencing chronic depressive symptoms which can have implications for individual, couple and child health. Mothers' depressive symptoms are related to fathers' depressive symptoms over time. • Mothers' and fathers' depressive symptoms are related across the first four years postpartum. • Carry-over effects were observed for both mothers and fathers. • Intermittent spillover effects were observed from mothers' depressive symptoms to fathers' depressive symptoms one-year later. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Paternal parenting stress might be a general risk-factor for child executive function difficulties, independent of child hearing loss diagnosis. • Higher levels of coparenting undermining might exacerbate risk between paternal parenting stress and child executive function problems. • Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing children might be particularly susceptible to adverse coparenting relations. Fathers and family-level characteristics are understudied but potentially impactful contributors to at-risk outcomes for deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children who use spoken language. We investigated associations between paternal parenting stress, paternal self-efficacy for supporting language, and executive function (EF) development in DHH children and children with typical hearing (TH). Main and moderating effects of the coparenting relationship were also investigated. TH fathers of DHH children (n = 44) and TH children (n = 46) completed the Parenting Stress Index-4-Short Form, the Scale of Parental Involvement and Self-Efficacy, and the Coparenting Relationship Scale. Child EF was assessed via the Behavior Rating Index of Executive Function. Regression analyses revealed that paternal parenting stress was significantly associated with child EF difficulties regardless of child hearing status. Coparenting undermining moderated relations between paternal parenting stress and child difficulties with inhibition in the full sample. Coparenting undermining was associated with greater child difficulties with set-shifting for DHH children only. Paternal parenting stress represents a possible risk factor for child EF development, particularly in families with higher levels of coparenting undermining. DHH children might also be susceptible to adverse coparenting relations. Fathers of DHH children have previously been shown to be less involved and integrated during intervention, and a better understanding of the important contributions fathers have to child development could lead to novel, father-embedded intervention models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The incidence of sleep deprivation has increased in pediatric populations, however, the relationship with physical activity (PA) remains uncertain and lacks evidence. Although some studies have shown that parents' lifestyle habits can influence this process, one point that requires further clarification in the literature is whether parents' sleep quality is linked to that of their children and whether parents' physical activity could play an important role in these possible relationships. To investigate the relationship of sleep quality between parents and children and verify the role of physical activity in this association. This is a cross-sectional study. Sleep quality was assessed using the Mini Sleep Questionnaire. The amount of sleep was estimated by the number of hours slept. PA domains (occupational activities, leisure, and active commuting) were assessed using the Baecke questionnaire, while moderate to vigorous PA (MVPA) was assessed with an accelerometer. Socioeconomic status was obtained through a questionnaire. The relationship of sleep quality between parents and children was carried out using hierarchical models with Binary Logistic Regression, where the factors were inserted one by one (1. unadjusted model; 2. sociodemographic variables; 3. children's PA; 4. parents' PA). The study sample consisted of 102 children and adolescents (6–17 years), 92 mothers, and 69 fathers. Poor sleep quality of mothers was associated with their children's sleep quality (OR = 3.95; 95%CI = 1.33–11.38; P = 0.013). After inserting mothers' PA intensity into the final model, the associations remained significant (OR = 8.05; 1.33–48.59; P = 0.023). No relationship was observed between poor sleep quality of fathers and their children's sleep quality. The relationship between poor sleep quality of mothers and that of their children remained significant, regardless of confounding variables. • The prevalence of poor sleep quality is high in parents, regardless of sex, and their children. • Only mothers' poor sleep quality was associated with their children's poor sleep quality. • Poor sleep quality between mothers and children remained significant even after adjusting for mothers' MVPA. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study we examined the association between childhood maltreatment exposure (CME) and psychological distress, including symptoms of depression and anxiety, during pregnancy. Additionally, we explored the potential moderating effect of trait resilience on these associations. The study is part of the ongoing FinnBrain Birth Cohort Study. The sample consisted of 3016 mothers and 1934 fathers. The data were collected using self-report questionnaires, including EPDS, SCL-90, CD-RISC-10 and TADS. We conducted ANOVAs and linear logistic regression analyses to examine the associations between depression, anxiety, resilience, and CMEs. CMEs were associated with increased psychological distress, including depression symptoms and anxiety, and decreased trait resilience among both mothers and fathers. Additionally, trait resilience had a moderating effect on the association between fathers' CMEs and psychological distress, while no significant moderating effect was found among mothers. Furthermore, among both mothers and fathers, higher trait resilience was associated with decreased anxiety and depressive symptoms. Due to cross-sectionality, it is not possible to establish a causal relationship between CMEs, resilience, and parental distress. Additionally, the study does not provide insights into the underlying factors or processes that contribute to the development of trait resilience. Trait resilience may have a positive impact on parents' mental health during pregnancy. This study is the first to investigate the significance of fathers' trait resilience during pregnancy. In clinical settings, it is essential to identify parents with low levels of resilience and provide them with appropriate support, recognizing them as a vulnerable group. • Childhood maltreatment is associated with increased distress among both parents. • Trait resilience is associated with fewer depression and anxiety symptoms. • Resilience moderates distress-childhood maltreatment association among fathers. • Trait resilience appears to protect parents' mental health during pregnancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mental health problems in mothers and fathers are common. This longitudinal study analyzed the prevalence, course, and persistence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress over 18 years in parents based on a sample from the Future Family project (N = 316). At pre-assessment the children were on average 4.2, the mothers 35.3, and the fathers 38.1 years old. Over time, the parents repeatedly filled out the "Depression, Anxiety, Stress Scales" (DASS). Analyses included descriptive methods, Chi2-tests, binary logistic regression models, and different analytical approaches (number chains, transition probability). Approximately 6.2 % of mothers and 8.2 % of fathers suffered from borderline clinical or clinically relevant depression (anxiety: 5.4 %/6.3 %, stress: 12.6 %/14.2 %). The largest proportion of the sample was stable healthy over the 18-year period (depression: 89.1 %/86.8 %; anxiety: 90.2 %/86.2 %; stress: 75.3 %/75.7 %), whereas 2.2 % of mothers and 3.9 % of fathers showed chronic symptoms of depression (anxiety : 1.8 %/3.9 %; stress : 5.1 %/9.2 %). The remaining mothers and fathers were distributed among positive, negative, and transient courses. Child's mental health problems and mother's traumatic experiences in childhood were found to be important predictors of maternal chronic symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress. Based on the selected models, no significant prediction was found for fathers. The average short-term persistence (from one assessment to the next) was 42 % in mothers and 44 % in fathers, the average long-term persistence rates (over 18 years) were somewhat lower (35 %/38 %). Prevention programs and psychotherapy should be considered as an effective and economic approach to reduce mothers' and fathers' psychopathology in Germany. • Mothers and fathers are twice as likely to suffer from clinical symptoms of stress than from depressive and anxiety symptoms. • While stress symptoms decrease over a period of 18 years, this is not the case for depressive and anxiety symptoms. • The long-term persistence of symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress is between 35% and 40% in mothers and fathers. • Child mental health problems and mother's traumatic experiences in childhood significantly predict chronic clinical symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A common life history theory trade-off is that which males face between mating effort and parental effort. This trade-off is observed across species, among individuals within a species, and within individuals across their lifespan. Recent studies suggest the possibility of more rapid trade-offs or motivational shifts in response to transient aspects of the social environment. We were interested in whether exposure to mating-related stimuli would negatively impact men's evaluation of parental-related stimuli and vice-versa, and whether this response would differ between fathers and non-fathers. In two separate experiments, a total of 160 heterosexual or bisexual men rated how appealing they found 40 images of attractive infants and 40 images of attractive adult females. Half of all participants viewed infant images before viewing female images, and the other half viewed female images before infant images. In both experiments, fathers rated infant stimuli as more appealing than did non-fathers when infants were presented before females, but not when infants were presented after females. That is, priming fathers with female stimuli negatively impacted their ratings of infants. On the other hand, priming men with pictures of cute infants before viewing females did not impact ratings of female pictures, in either fathers or non-fathers. Nor did priming fathers with pictures of another highly rewarding stimulus - highly appealing foods - decrease their ratings of infants. The negative effect of female pictures on fathers' subsequent ratings of infant stimuli is consistent with the possibility that the female pictures activated motivational systems related to mating effort, which in turn inhibited motivational systems related to parental effort, rendering the infant stimuli less appealing. Our findings suggest that human fathers may be susceptible to transient shifts in life history strategy as a function of their immediate social environment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Developmental shifts in infant temperament predict distal outcomes including emerging symptoms of psychopathology in childhood. Thus, it is critical to gain insight into factors that shape these developmental shifts. Although parental depression and anxiety represent strong predictors of infant temperament in cross-sectional research, few studies have examined how these factors influence temperament trajectories across infancy. We used latent growth curve modeling to examine whether mothers' and fathers' anxiety and depression, measured in two ways – as diagnostic status and symptom severity – serve as unique predictors of developmental shifts in infant temperament from 3 to 12 months. Participants included mothers (N = 234) and a subset of fathers (N = 142). Prior to or during pregnancy, both parents were assessed for lifetime diagnoses of depression and anxiety as well as current severity levels. Mothers rated their infants' temperament at 3, 6, and 12 months of age. Mothers' depression and anxiety primarily predicted initial levels of temperament at 3 months. Controlling for mothers' symptoms, fathers' depression and anxiety largely related to temperament trajectories across infancy. Lifetime diagnoses and symptom severities were associated with distinct patterns. Infant temperament was assessed using a parent-report measure. Including an observational measure would provide a more comprehensive picture of the infants' functioning. These results indicate that mothers' and fathers' mental health are uniquely associated with infant temperament development when measured using diagnostic status and/or symptom severity. Future studies should examine whether these temperament trajectories mediate intergenerational transmission of risk for depression and anxiety. • Mothers' depression and anxiety prior to birth predicted temperament at 3 months. • In fathers, these predictors related to shifts in temperament across infancy. • Lifetime diagnoses and symptom severities predicted distinct temperament profiles. • These results have implications for mental health screening and early intervention.s [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We investigate the possibility that women and men have distinct behavioral reactions to victimization. We conducted an experiment to elicit preferences for in-group egalitarianism and individual competitiveness for a random sample of 751 individuals in Sierra Leone (aged 18–85) to contrast the behavioral consequences of victimization during the 1991–2003 civil war across sex and parental status. Our results show that mothers and fathers display the highest level of cooperation, yet conflict exposure does not affect them. Egalitarianism increases after victimization only among non-parents, with an effect stronger for males, who are the least egalitarian to start with. Conflict exposure tames everyone's competitive tendencies, but has the opposite effect for mothers, the least competitive group in the absence of conflict. Measures of competitiveness among 191 parents from Colombia show a similar pattern. Our results suggests that conflict, by closing sex and parental gaps in behavior, may prime individuals toward strategies that either benefit the group or the individual, depending on sex and parental role. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Paternal perinatal distress is receiving increasing attention. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) is the predominant screening tool for paternal perinatal distress. Research using the large Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC) cohort demonstrated that a three-factor EPDS structure is appropriate among mothers, with anhedonia, anxiety and depression factors emerging consistently across perinatal timepoints. We employed confirmatory factor (CFA; n = 6170 to 9848) analysis to determine if this structure was appropriate for ALSPAC fathers, and the extent of invariance between mother and father groups. At 18-weeks gestation, and 8-weeks, 8-months and 21-months postpartum, the three-factor model had consistently superior fit to other proposed models. Consistent with interpretation of a total distress score, factors were highly correlated. The model exhibited configural invariance in both the first (8-months) and second (21-months) post-partum years. Metric and scalar invariance were not supported, however, non-invariance was largely attributable to item 9 canvassing "crying". While the study employs a large cohort, the data collection in 1991 to 1992 in the United Kingdom may not account for the diverse gender roles, family structures and societal changes seen since that time. Interpretation of the EPDS as representing perinatal distress, reflecting anhedonia, anxiety and depression aspects, is appropriate for mothers and fathers. The experience of distress has nuanced gender-based differences. Implications for EPDS interpretation and cut-off scores among fathers are discussed. • Concerningly, many fathers experience distress during pregnancy and early parenting. • Distress during pregnancy and parenting (perinatal period) is clinically relevant. • The EPDS can used to screen for perinatal distress among mothers and fathers. • Mothers and fathers experience aspects of perinatal distress differently. • Fathers require varied screening interpretation and clinical decision-making. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In Ghana, little is known about fathers' experiences caring for children with cerebral palsy. The purpose of this study is to explore a. the caregiving demand and burden on fathers of children with cerebral palsy and b. describe the caregiving consequences and coping strategies of fathers of children with cerebral palsy. The study utilized an exploratory, descriptive qualitative approach with a sample size of fifteen fathers purposively selected. The study used a semi-structured interview guide to conduct a one-on-one interview with participants. The analysis performed was thematic and content analysis. The results revealed complexities of care demand and burden; thus, meeting the child's needs resulted in physical and mental exhaustion, frequent hospital visits, and substantial financial implications for fathers. We conclude that t he family, particularly fathers, need support to embrace the challenging care roles as parents to children with cerebral palsy. It is evident that caring for children is mainly reserved for mothers in the African context. However, the demanding nature of care for a child with a developmental disability requires the involvement of both parents to meet the child's care needs and reduce the caregiver's care burden. Health professionals, particularly nurses must initiate and advocate for fathers' active participation in daily childcare. Tailored supportive care for families with children with disabilities in sub-Saharan Africa is required. • In Ghana, parenting a child with cerebral palsy has enormous implications for families. • Inadequate support systems constitute a significant challenge in caring for children with disabilities. • As a caregiver to a child with cerebral palsy, the father's involvement is necessary. • Fathers of children with cerebral palsy experience physical, emotional, social, and financial burdens. • Caring for children with cerebral palsy negatively impacts fathers' health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Childbirth is a seminal experience in parents' lives. However, little research has investigated the link between fathers' birth experiences and their postpartum mental health. We hypothesized that a more subjectively stressful birth will predict greater self-reported depressive symptoms in fathers at six months postpartum. We also investigated the association between mode of delivery and paternal subjective stress. Seventy-seven heterosexual fathers expecting their first child and cohabiting with their pregnant partners participated in the study. Depressive symptoms were assessed in pregnancy and again at six months postpartum. Subjective birth stress was measured within the first few days of the birth, and birth charts were collected to examine mode of delivery. Fathers' ratings of subjective birth stress significantly predicted postpartum depressive symptoms at six months postpartum. Subjective birth stress ratings varied significantly for fathers whose partners delivered via emergency cesarean section compared to those whose partners gave birth via both medicated and the unmedicated vaginal delivery. The study was limited by its small community (non-clinical) sample, which was restricted to heterosexual, cohabitating couples. Additionally, births were mostly uncomplicated and only 14 mothers underwent emergency cesarean section. These findings highlight that the days immediately following childbirth are a window of opportunity for early intervention in new fathers at risk for postpartum depression. [Display omitted] • Higher paternal birth stress within 2 days of birth predicts greater postpartum depression. • Emergency C-sections were associated with higher subjective birth stress in first-time fathers. • The days after birth are an opportunity for early intervention for paternal postpartum depression. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Unintended pregnancies are linked to adverse parental mental health, yet little attention has been given to this relationship in fathers specifically. We aimed to meta-analyse associations between unintended pregnancies and mental health problems in fathers with children aged ≤36 months. We conducted keyword searches of Medline, CINAHL, Academic Search Complete, PsycInfo and Embase to February 2, 2022, and hand searched included reference lists. Of 2826 records identified, 23 studies (N = 8085 fathers), reporting 29 effects, were eligible for meta-analysis. Included studies assessed depression, anxiety, stress, parenting stress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), alcohol misuse and psychological distress. Pooled estimates, from random effects meta-analyses, for all mental health outcomes (k = 29; OR = 2.28) and depression only (k = 19; OR = 2.36), showed that the odds of reporting mental health difficulties were >2-fold higher in men reporting unintended births compared with those reporting intended births. However, there was no evidence of association with anxiety (k = 2) or stress (k = 2). Overall, mental health problems were greater in low-income countries. No differences were found across parity, timepoint of mental health assessment, or instruments used to measure mental health symptoms. Analyses were limited by the use of retrospective assessment of pregnancy intention, and heterogeneity of measures used. Further, assessment of fathers' mental health was restricted to the first year postpartum. This review was limited to English language studies. Unintended pregnancies present an identifiable risk for postpartum mental health problems in fathers. • 23 studies (N = 8,085 fathers) of unintended fatherhood were identified for analysis • Unintended fatherhood is associated with a doubling of the odds of depression • Effects are stronger in low- compared to high-income countries • Few studies exist on men's reproductive intentions and other mental health outcomes [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Latino and Black adolescent males experience sexual health inequities, and their engagement in sexual health services remains low. Parents shape adolescent sexual health behavior and other youth outcomes. However, the role of Latino and Black fathers in promoting male adolescent sexual health is understudied, in part because about one in four fathers resides apart from their children and nonresident fathers are presumed to be less influential. We examined associations of paternal communication with sexual health service use and perceived paternal role modeling among Latino and Black adolescent males with resident and nonresident fathers. We recruited 191 Latino and Black adolescent males aged 15–19 years and their fathers in the South Bronx, New York City, using area sampling methods; dyads completed surveys. We estimated bivariate and adjusted associations of paternal communication with adolescent male sexual health service use and perceived paternal role modeling using logistic and linear regressions. Effect measure modification by paternal residence was assessed. A unit increase on a five-point paternal communication scale was associated with approximately twice and 1.7 times the likelihood of clinical sexual health service use during adolescent males' lifetime and in the past 3 months, respectively; there was no significant effect measure modification by paternal residence. Paternal communication was associated with increased levels of perceived paternal role modeling and usefulness of paternal advice, with stronger associations for nonresident fathers. Both resident and nonresident Latino and Black fathers warrant greater consideration as partners in promoting male adolescent sexual health service use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to determine the perceptions of fathers about child sexual abuse in Turkey using metaphors to facilitate understanding of child sexual abuse. The study was conducted as a qualitative study based on metaphor analysis. The data were collected from 164 Turkish fathers in Turkey between August 2022 and September 2022 using a descriptive information form for fathers and a semi-structured interview form exploring fathers' perceptions of child sexual abuse. The semi-structured interview form included metaphor statements like "Child sexual abuse is like....... because.......", and "Child sexual abuse reminds me of the color....... because.......". The data were analyzed using the content analysis technique. The study was reported based on Standards for Reporting Qualitative Research (SRQR). According to the results, 77.4% of the fathers had knowledge about protecting their children from sexual abuse, 40.9% got this information from the internet, and only 11.1% educated their children about sexual abuse. Seventy three percent of the fathers were afraid of confusing their children while educating them. The fathers involved in the study used 20 metaphors related to "child sexual abuse" and "the color evoked by child sexual abuse". The metaphors created by the fathers were analyzed under six categories: "emotions, feeling inadequate, punishment method, abuser, child concept, and uncertainty". Based on the results of the study, fathers had common feelings and emphasize the same concepts about child sexual abuse. Metaphors provide a unique approach to identifying fathers' conceptual images of child sexual abuse. • Fathers used 20 metaphors related to child sexual abuse and the color evoked by child sexual abuse. • Metaphors were emotions, feeling inadequate, punishment method, abuser, child concept, and uncertainty. • Metaphors can provide unique approach to identifying fathers' conceptual images of child sexual abuse. • Metaphor provides complex concepts to be interpreted by associating a familiar concept with another familiar concept. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this scoping review was to map and organize the previous studies conducted among fathers whose infants experienced admission to neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in South Korea. A scoping review was conducted based on Arksey and O'Malley using the JBI template. The review was described by PRISMA-ScR. The studies were reviewed through five electronic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, RISS and KMbase) since 1996. Each study was analyzed, extracted, and summarized into the following domains: general characteristics (language, design, data collection methods, intervention, data collection site, and time) and fathers' characteristics (types of fathers, mean age, variables related to the fathers, and measurements). A total of 290 studies were identified after screening titles and abstracts, and 32 full-text articles were retrieved for eligibility. Finally, 15 articles were included in the review. Four themes were derived after review: paternal stress, paternal attachment, fathers' adaptation, and fathers' support needs. Infants' hospitalization in NICUs causes stress for fathers but they overcome difficulties and play multiple roles as guardians, caregivers, and decision-makers of their spouses and infants over time. Paternal attachment increases significantly after participating in tactile and educational interventions. Fathers rely on nurses and they want to receive support from nurses. It is necessary for NICU nurses to understand and support fathers whose infants are hospitalized in NICUs. Medical institutions should provide nursing interventions and education for fathers to relieve their stress, help their adaptation, and improve attachment. • When infants were hospitalized in the NICU, fathers experienced a high level of stress. • Fathers have difficulty forming attachments and showed low attachment in visual perception to their infants. • Fathers in this study felt a role burden as they were given multiple new roles when their infants were hospitalized in NICU. • Fathers recognized NICU nurses as their supporters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Socioemotional development is central throughout life, and it unfolds in an interpersonal context in which each significant caregiver has an impact, particularly during infancy. However, only a relatively small number of studies have investigated associations between mothers and fathers' personality and emotional characteristics with their infant's socioemotional development during the perinatal period. Therefore, the present article examines the relationship between maternal and paternal personality traits and emotion regulation difficulties during the prenatal period with offspring's socioemotional development. This was a non-experimental and longitudinal study that included a community sample of 55 mother-father-baby triads. Parental assessments were carried out between the second and third trimester of pregnancy, and baby's socio-emotional development was assessed during their 2nd month after birth. Results evidenced differences between maternal and paternal personality traits and emotion regulation difficulties during the perinatal period as well as distinct contributions on infant's socioemotional development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Exploration of the quantity and type of physical behaviors demonstrated by mothers and fathers during shared book reading (SBR) with their preschool-aged children • Actor Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) was used to determine the relationship between quantity of parental physical behaviors during SBR and various aspects of SBR quality • Actor effects, but not partner effects, were found for the relationship between parental behaviors and parental affect • Mothers demonstrated more physical behaviors during SBR than did fathers, while fathers engaged in more interconnected physical contact with their children This research explores the physically performative behaviors demonstrated by mothers and fathers during shared book reading (SBR) activities with their young children. Separate observations of fathers and mothers reading with their preschool-aged child (M age = 46 months) were conducted with 40 families. Video-recorded observations were coded and analyzed for the physically performative behaviors demonstrated by parents during SBR, including hand/body gestures, facial expressions, voice, pointing, and proximity to the child while reading. Findings from the Actor Partner Interdependence Model reveal actor effects for the relationship between parental physical behaviors and parental affect, but no partner effects. Results also demonstrate similarities and differences in the stylistic approaches mothers and fathers used during the SBR task, with mothers demonstrating more physical behaviors, and fathers engaging in more interconnected physical contact with their children. This research contributes to the existing SBR literature by providing original observational data regarding mothers' and fathers' physicality during shared reading activities and how these physical behaviors contribute to the overall quality of parent-child SBR experiences. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A growing body of research is emerging regarding the relationship between parental adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and negative health, well-being and developmental outcomes in their children. This systematic review seeks to understand the relationship between parental ACEs and the health, well-being and developmental outcomes of their children and whether the relationships differ according to the number and type of parental ACEs. Systematic review. The review includes articles published between 2000 and 2021 from studies using quantitative longitudinal methods and multivariate analysis to investigate the relationship between parental ACEs and their offspring's outcomes. Relevant studies were identified through a systematic search of five databases and findings synthesised using a narrative synthesis. This review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021274068). Nineteen studies met the inclusion criteria and were included in the review. This resulted in a combined population sample of 124,043 parents and 128,400 children. Diversity in measurement of parental ACE exposure and in the type of ACEs measured within the studies precluded a meta-analysis. Offspring of parents exposed to ACEs had a higher risk of a range of negative health, well-being and developmental outcomes. This relationship differs according to the number and type of parental ACEs, with a positive relationship observed between the number of parental ACEs and the risk of negative health, well-being and development outcomes in their children. These findings indicate that screening for parental ACEs by health visitors, midwives and other health or social care staff may identify an at-risk population of infants, children and adolescents and improve child outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

There is limited literature from India on effect of fathers' deployment on the mental health of children. This cross-sectional analytical study investigates the difference in anxiety levels of children whose fathers are deployed in a field location and compares it with children currently located with their fathers. Data were collected in an army school from 200 children aged 10–17 years with fathers deployed in field locations (n = 99) and fathers currently residing with the children (n = 105) via interviewer administered and self-completed Screen for Child Anxiety-Related Disorders (SCARED) questionnaire. Anxiety scores were on an average, minimally raised above the cut-off level for children who had fathers deployed. In addition, panic disorder scores were also above the cut-off levels for these children. While scores were normal in all other domain, they were higher than that for children residing with their fathers, although the difference was not significant. Girls with fathers deployed had scores higher than cut-off scores for domains such as panic, separation anxiety and school avoidance, while boys had scores higher than cut-off scores only for panic disorders. However, the girls had significantly higher scores than boys in all domains. Girls in both groups (with and without father deployed) had higher scores than cut-off scores for panic disorders. Anxiety levels in children were not found to be unduly affected by the deployment of fathers. But girls were found to have clinically relevant panic disorder, school avoidance and separation anxiety scores as compared with boys in the similar situation of parental separation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Marital relationships influenced child adjustment through the mediating role of parenting. • Coparenting behaviors and parenting stress were mediating pathways. • Marital relationships were associated with maternal and paternal parenting. • The effect of marital relationships on parenting was similar for mothers and fathers. Mother-father relationships are one of the most important contexts for children's social-emotional development during early childhood. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study (family N = 1,438; child ages of 3, 5, and 9), we examined whether mother-father relationships influence child social-emotional adjustment through the mediating role of parenting. Maternal and paternal coparenting behaviors and maternal parenting stress mediated the association between mother-father relationships and child social-emotional adjustment. Dyadic data from mothers and fathers also revealed similarities and differences in how parents' own and partner's perceptions of their marital relationships were associated with parenting between mothers and fathers. Findings underscore the importance of considering children's social-emotional adjustment from a family systems perspective. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Impaired father-infant bonding is a mental health issue that has been understudied. The current study aimed to examine the extent to which fathers' depression symptoms and coparenting relationship, respectively, are associated with infant bonding, as well as how these two variables mediate in the association with infant bonding. Cross-sectional data from 612 fathers of infants (0–24 months) were used in this study. Path analyses on two competing mediation models were used to examine the direct and indirect associations between fathers' depression symptoms, coparenting relationship, and infant bonding, after controlling for several known covariates. Whether fathers reported depression symptoms (Model 1) or reported lower levels of coparenting relationships (Model 2), they also reported higher levels of impaired infant bonding, rejection and anger, and anxiety about care after controlling for the covariates. The analysis further found significant indirect associations between father depression symptoms and father-infant bonding via the coparenting relationship (Model 1) as well as significant indirect associations between the coparenting relationship and father-infant bonding via father depression symptoms (Model 2). The cross-sectional data cannot show causal links. Specific efforts were made to recruit fathers with depression symptoms, and therefore prevalence rates may appear skewed. Decreasing depression symptoms and improving coparenting quality can potentially improve father-infant bonding. Fathers' depression symptoms and coparenting quality can be bi-directionally related in the association with father-infant bonding. Early detection and preventive treatments for paternal depression symptoms and coparenting are warranted. • Paternal postpartum depression and the coparenting relationship are both directly associated with father-infant bonding • The quality of the coparenting relationship and having depression symptoms both mediated the direct associations • Clinical screenings and interventions regarding fathers' coparenting relationships and depression symptoms are needed • More research on the mechanisms impacting and outcomes of the father-infant bond are needed [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Finding modifiable predictors of paternal depression symptoms is helpful for developing interventions. The aim is to assess the unidirectional and/or bidirectional associations between paternal postpartum depression symptoms and coparenting among fathers of infants and toddlers. Longitudinal data were collected prospectively from 429 fathers of infants aged 0–24 months (median = 8 months) in Sweden, with 6- and 18-month follow-ups. All fathers participated in at least two of three waves of data collection, and multiple imputation was used for missing values. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale was used to detect depression symptoms (≥10 points), while the Brief Coparenting Relationship Scale measured the coparenting relationship. A cross-lagged panel model was used to estimate the associations between paternal depression symptoms and coparenting relationship quality over time, controlling for several known covariates and COVID-19 exposure. Fathers with higher coparenting scores at Time 1 and 2 had less depression symptoms at Time 3, and fathers with more depression symptoms at Time 2 had lower coparenting scores at Time 3. Plotted probabilities of having at least mild depression symptoms revealed a multifold increase in the probability of depression symptoms at Time 3 for fathers with minimal coparenting scores at Times 1 and 2, respectively, compared to fathers with mean coparenting scores at Times 1 and 2, respectively. Causal links cannot be determined using the current non-experimental study design. Using the EPDS alone may have missed some fathers with depression symptoms. Clinicians seeking to reduce paternal depression symptoms should help strengthen the coparenting relationship. • Finding modifiable factors to help reduce paternal postpartum depression benefits the whole family • Cross-lagged panel models showed bidirectional associations between paternal depression symptoms and coparenting • Fathers reporting low coparenting levels are at significantly higher risk of reporting depression symptoms (and vice versa) • Clinicians should support the coparenting relationship to decrease paternal depression in fathers of infants and toddlers [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most research on the association between parental or family socio-economic status and psychological adjustment in children has been performed mainly in Western countries, while there is limited evidence of such research in Asian countries. We examined the association of parental occupation and educational levels and household income with children's psychological adjustment in Japan. This was a cross-sectional study. Study subjects were 6329 children aged 3 years. Children's psychological adjustment was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Compared with having an unemployed father, having a father who worked in an administrative and managerial or clerical job was associated with a lower prevalence of peer problems. Compared with having an unemployed mother, having a mother who worked in the professional and engineering, sales, service, or manufacturing process area was associated with a lower prevalence of low prosocial behaviors, whereas having a mother who worked in the clerical, service, or manufacturing process area was associated with an increased prevalence of emotional problems. Having a mother who worked in a clerical area was associated with a higher prevalence of conduct problems. Higher paternal and maternal educational levels were inversely associated with the prevalence of conduct problems and hyperactivity but were positively associated with low prosocial behaviors. A higher household income was inversely associated with the prevalence of emotional problems, conduct problems, and hyperactivity. Parental occupation, educational levels, and household income may affect children's psychological adjustment in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Training a Machine Learning (ML) model in the industrial field faces special challenges, such as data privacy, lack of data, data imbalance, and unlabeled data. Therefore, it is not realistic to gather production data directly from various companies and use them to train a machine learning model. In this paper, we proposed a novel framework named Bi-level Federated Learning (BFL) to tackle the above challenges. In the first level, a Weakly Supervised Anomaly Detection method named Pairwise Relation prediction-based Ordinal regression Network (PRO) is utilized for training a Deep Anomaly Detection (DAD) model under Federated Learning (FL) mechanism. According to the DAD model, anomalies are identified and labeled with 'anomaly' tags. In order to train a multi-classification model that can identify different types of defects not just anomalies, the anomalies are manually labeled according to their respective defect types. In the second level, labeled anomaly and normal data are applied to train a multi-classification model under the FL mechanism. A framework is proposed to classify defects in pre-baked carbon anodes. Its performance is verified through a real case study. The results show that the DAD model achieved an acceptable performance with a 0.988 recall and 0.866 F1 score. The multi-classification model has shown good performance on 0.942 accuracy, 0.913 precision, 0.903 recall, and 0.906 F1. The results of the BFL exhibit improved performance compared to our previous work and classical ML methods. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Perinatal mental health research typically focuses on the birthing parent's experiences and their influence on birth/child outcomes, while not considering non-birthing parents in similar depth. Non-birthing parents are also at increased risk for mental illness during the perinatal period, and non-birthing parents' health and involvement affect the health of birthing people, fetuses, and newborns, necessitating greater understanding of non-birthing parents' contributions to family functioning. This review examines perinatal mental health disorders in non-birthing parents, their relationship quality with the birthing parent, and how the non-birthing parent's mental health and involvement affects the health outcomes of the birthing parent and the child. Recommendations are provided for healthcare professionals who work with perinatal patients and their families to engage non-birthing parents, learn about non-birthing parent health, and facilitate connections to care. By doing so, professionals working with perinatal patients can optimize health outcomes for their patients and the family as a whole. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Little is known from large-scale studies about whether noncustodial fathers (NCFs) believe the process of setting their financial obligations to their children is fair. We explore NCFs' perceptions of fair treatment in setting their child support orders, both overall and contingent on the outcomes of the process, and possible factors related to their perceptions of procedural fairness. Using descriptive and multivariate methods on data from over 3,000 NCFs, we found that a multi-faceted intervention increased NCFs perceptions of fair treatment; that NCFs can report the process was fair even if the outcome seems negative; and that some principles of procedural justice (helpfulness, knowledge, and voice) may be associated with perceptions of fair treatment. Implications for agencies serving children and their families, including child support, child welfare, and justice agencies, are discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Nonaccidental fractures are the most common signs of physical abuse in children. • Physical abuse was reported in 22.4% of the patients. • The most common form of physical abuse was hitting (94.3%). • Most abused children experience single-bone fractures. • The most common fracture observed in abused children is upper limb fracture. Child physical abuse, a type of child maltreatment (CM), poses a significant global public health concern. Nonaccidental fractures and soft tissue injuries, which encompass any action that directly or indirectly harms a child, are the primary indicators of physical abuse in children. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence, risk factors, and outcomes of accidental and nonaccidental skeletal fractures in a sample of Egyptian children. A cross-sectional analytical study was conducted between March 2022 and August 2022. A total of 156 children who presented with skeletal injuries and attended Mobarak Central Hospital were enrolled. Patients were subjected to full history taking, complete examination, and investigations. A structured questionnaire was administered to all the legal guardians. Physical abuse was reported in 22.4 % of cases, while medical neglect was reported in 19.9 % of cases. The incidence of physical abuse was notably higher among children whose fathers were smokers and/or drug addicts (p ≤ 0.05). The most common form of physical abuse was hitting (94.3 %). Among skeletal injuries, fractures were predominant (94.3 %), primarily closed fractures associated with contusions. Fractures of the upper limb accounted for the highest incidence (94.3 %) of skeletal injuries, and 60 % of physically abused children experienced moderate-severity injuries. The most common fracture observed in abused children is the upper limb fracture, typically involving a single bone. Clinicians should be more vigilant in suspecting abuse, even in cases where there is an isolated fracture, and advocate for the development of parental training programs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The first agent of socialisation is the family, who are expected to facilitate the inclusion of children in societal activities. While mothers' voices have been widely captured in the literature regarding their experiences raising children with disabilities, fathers' perceptions of their knowledge of and involvement in the development of children with disabilities have been understudied, particularly in non-Western contexts. The main aim of this study was to examine fathers' perceptions of their involvement in raising children with disabilities in the United Arab Emirates. In total, 469 fathers were recruited to understand their involvement in raising their children with disabilities. The Fathers' Involvement in Development and Rehabilitation Scale was used to collect data, which were analysed using SPSS and AMOS. The results showed that fathers rated themselves highly for their attitudes, support, and participation in training to support their children with disabilities. Demographic variables, such as nationality and educational qualifications, provided additional insight into their involvement in raising their children with disabilities. The study concludes with suggestions for training programmes to change fathers' attitudes towards children with disabilities, as such programmes can enable them to better support their children's development. • Extent of paternal involvement in raising children with disabilities is unresearched. • Fathers rated themselves highly on involvement in the lives of children with disabilities. • There was also a relationship between attitudes, support and participation in training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Among the various factors influencing matrimonial choices, religion holds long-standing sociological significance. Utilizing a unique dataset, "Muslim Life in Germany," this study examines the attitudes of Muslim migrants toward their actual or imaginary children's decisions to marry individuals from different religious backgrounds. The results indicate that the gender of the respondents, the gender of their actual or imaginary children, and the subjective, individual, and communal religiosity of Muslim migrants are significantly associated with the level of approval for their children's interfaith marriages. This study establishes a framework to discuss how interfaith marriage attitudes are gendered, manifesting in the differential standards applied to daughters versus sons, and further gendered by the distinct standards employed by mothers and fathers, each influenced by varying levels of different types of religiosity—incorporating the "religious gender gap" phenomenon. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To assess if received professional and social support are associated with father-infant bonding among primiparous (first-time) and multiparous (multi-time) fathers. Early father-infant bonding predicts several positive child outcomes. However, while received professional and social support positively impacts fathers' transition into parenthood, little research has tested if these factors are associated with a stronger father-infant bond. In total, 499 fathers (296 primiparous and 203 multiparous) of infants (aged 0–12 months) completed a cross-sectional online survey between November 2018 and March 2020. The survey included items related to socio-demographics, having a planned pregnancy, postnatal midwifery support, child health nurse support, child health center attendance, and social support. The parent-infant bonding questionnaire (PBQ) was used to assess the father-infant bond. Multiple linear regression models were estimated for the total sample and based on paternal parity. Missing data were managed through multiple imputation procedures. Fathers reported fewer bonding disturbances if they received support from their partners, postnatal midwives, child health nurses, and attended more child health visits. Primiparous fathers reported fewer bonding disturbances when receiving support from their partners, postnatal midwives, and the child health nurse. However, multiparous fathers had more bonding disturbances than primiparous fathers and received less professional and partner support. Receiving more partner and professional support is associated with less father-infant bonding disturbances. To encourage a better father-infant bond, clinicians should invite and support all fathers, regardless of parity, as they transition to parenthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Questionnaires for the screening of paternal perinatal psychological distress are based on clinical manifestations expressed by women, showing limitations in capturing the wide array of signs and symptoms exhibited by men. The current study aimed to validate the Perinatal Assessment of Paternal Affectivity, a new self-report tool for the screening of paternal depressive and affective disorder.Method: This study used a cross-sectional design with a 3-month test-retest, involving respectively 385 (T1) and a sub-sample of 111(T2) fathers. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was performed to test structural validity and concurrent validity was assessed by Spearman correlations. We assessed reliability using McDonald's ω and ordinal alpha. Group differences in PAPA scores based on sociodemographic were also tested.Results: The CFA reported a one factor structure as the optimal solution. The PAPA also showed adequate reliability and internal consistency as well as acceptable test-retest indices. Concurrent validity was confirmed by significant correlations between PAPA total score and standardized test scores. Non-Italian fathers and fathers who experienced recent stressful life events reported higher PAPA scores.Limitations: Our sample was not homogeneous in terms of nationality and most of the participants, were from Northern Italy. Some risk factors associated with paternal parental psychological distress (e.g., unplanned pregnancy) have not been considered.Conclusion: This study provides initial evidence of validity and reliability of the PAPA as a brief and sensitive screening tool to detect signs and symptoms of paternal affective disorder during both prenatal and postnatal period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Each year, millions of people worldwide are forced to leave their homes. Many of those affected are families. There are already a considerable number of initiatives designed to support refugees who are resettling in new countries and cultures. However, few are promotive interventions aiming to support parents and thereby their children through the extraordinary challenges they face. To develop a culturally adaptive intervention, more knowledge about how refugee parents from different countries perceive and handle these challenges is needed. This study explores refugee parents' own perspectives on the obstacles, challenges and opportunities they faced during their first years in Sweden to guide the future development of promotive interventions for refugee parents. Interviews were conducted with Arabic, Kurdish, and Somali-speaking refugee parents (n = 28; 19 mothers, 9 fathers). The interviews were examined using content analysis. One overarching theme emerged; "The new language is the key for entering social networks and society, and for helping your child in a new country". The new language was viewed as a key to integration, and to mastering parenthood in the new context. This theme consisted of four categories; "parents' motivation and hope as driving forces," "navigating among past and present culture and values", "loneliness as a risk factor" and "a new way of being a parent and relating to an acculturation gap". These findings may help guide the development of parenting interventions for refugees, to promote integration and well-being among parents and their children. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study examined the complaint-response strategies of Egyptian parents to their children's complaints. Data were collected from 60 Egyptian parents using 12 role-plays that included complaints by younger and older daughters and sons. The role-plays were audio-recorded and later transcribed. The data were analyzed using an adapted version of Laforest's (2002) model of complaint-response strategies. The results showed that parents preferred the use of partial-acceptance strategies (75%), particularly in the form of justifying oneself and suggesting alternatives. In contrast, rejection strategies were used at a much lesser extent (24%). The results also showed that parents preferred to justify their decisions in the form of positive outcomes and ill consequences. In this respect, religious reasons and societal norms were often employed with older children. Additionally, the results showed that mothers generally produced more partial-acceptance strategies with younger children (N = 261) and older sons (N = 142) and more rejection strategies with older daughters (N = 63) than fathers did (N = 238, 129 and 25 respectively). As for age differences, some statistically significant differences were noted in fathers' use of complaint-response strategies while no influence for age on mothers' behaviour proved statistically significant. • The Egyptian parents in the study preferred to partially accept children's complaints. • They adopted a mixture of authoritarian and authoritative parenting styles. • They often tried to preserve their children's negative face. • The mothers in the study used some response strategies more frequently than fathers. • The older the fathers in the study became, the stricter responses they produced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: High prevalence of parental separation and resulting biological father absence raises important questions regarding its impact on offspring mental health across the life course. We specifically examined whether these relationships vary by sex and the timing of exposure to father absence (early or middle childhood).Methods: This study is based on up to 8409 children from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC). Participants provided self-reports of depression (Clinical Interview Schedule-Revised) at age 24 years and depressive symptoms (Short Mood and Feelings Questionnaire) between the ages of 10 and 24 years. Biological father absence in childhood was assessed through maternal questionnaires at regular intervals from birth to 10 years. We estimated the association between biological father absence and trajectories of depressive symptoms using multilevel growth-curve modelling.Results: Early but not middle childhood father absence was strongly associated with increased odds of offspring depression and greater depressive symptoms at age 24 years. Early childhood father absence was associated with higher trajectories of depressive symptoms during adolescence and early adulthood compared with father presence. Differences in the level of depressive symptoms between middle childhood father absent and father present groups narrowed into adulthood.Limitations: This study could be biased by attrition and residual confounding.Conclusions: We found evidence that father absence in childhood is persistently associated with offspring depression in adolescence and early adulthood. This relationship varies by sex and timing of father's departure, with early childhood father absence emerging as the strongest risk factor for adverse offspring mental health trajectories Further research is needed to identify mechanisms that could inform preventative interventions to reduce the risk of depression in children who experience father absence. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The postnatal period is considered the most challenging period in the adjustment to fatherhood. This study aimed to assess anxiety levels among fathers during this period.Methods: A comparative study assessing the anxiety levels of first-time and multi-child fathers before the mother and child returned home (0-7 days after birth) was conducted. We used the French validation of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI).Results: Among 235 fathers who were met at the maternity ward, 182 (77 %) responded to the questionnaire. For most fathers in both groups, anxiety levels were low or very low for trait anxiety (166/182, 91.21 %) and state anxiety (177/182, 97.25 %). Levels of state anxiety were statistically higher for first-time fathers compared to multi-child fathers but were mainly at a low or very low level (70/83 [84 %] versus 71/99 [71 %], respectively, p = 0.029). The multiple linear regression showed that "feeling prepared at birth time" was the only significantly (p < 0.001) associated factor with state anxiety among first-time fathers only.Limitations: The validity and reliability of the STAI have been widely proven for the general population but not specifically for men during the postpartum period.Conclusions: Most fathers had low to very low anxiety levels during the early postpartum period, suggesting that developing new specific support interventions is not needed during early postnatal care. Further research focusing on when the family is back home is warranted. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Based on family system theory, this study explores the relationship between parental adult attachment and adolescent anxiety, and the mediating effect of harsh parenting. A total of 997 families participated in the survey. The Experiences in Close Relationships Scale, Harsh Parenting Scale, and Trait Anxiety Scale were used to investigate students and their parents. The results showed that: (1) both paternal and maternal adult attachment avoidance positively predicted adolescent anxiety. (2) Parental harsh parenting mediates the relationship between parental attachment and adolescent anxiety. The results show that adult attachment and harsh parenting have important effects on adolescents' anxiety and family harmony. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A family history of psychiatric diseases was suggested as one risk factor for autism spectrum disorders (ASD). Our aim was to assess the association of paternal and maternal diagnosis of psychiatric disorders with the risk of ASD in offspring in Taiwan. We conducted a population-based case-control study. Using several linked national databases, we obtained 1,000,939 singleton birth records born between 2004 and 2008. We followed these children up to 2015 for cases of ASD, using diagnostic codes in the National Health Insurance databases. There were 8,933 ASD cases and each case was matched to ten controls by sex and year of birth. We extracted their parental diagnosis of psychiatric disorders and performed conditional logistic regression models to assess the association of interest. Our sample included 8,933 cases and 89,330 controls. Eighty-six percent of the sample were boys. After adjustment for parental age, family income, and urbanization, we found that parental psychiatric diseases were significantly associated with ASD, including schizophrenic and psychotic disorders, mood, anxiety and personality disorders, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.32 to 2.39. Notably, the effect estimates were all larger for maternal diagnosis than paternal diagnosis when stratified by mothers or fathers. Cases of ASD are more likely to be born to parents with psychiatric disorders than their counterparts. Maternal psychiatric diagnosis seems to have a larger influence than paternal diagnosis. Both genetics and maternal environmental factors may contribute to the association observed between parental psychiatric diseases and child ASD. • The Taiwan registry system allowed data inter-linkage to demonstrate this large, population-based study with enough power to distinguish between the psychiatric history among mothers versus fathers in relation to autism spectrum disorder (ASD). • Parental psychiatric diseases were significantly associated with ASD, including schizophrenic and psychotic disorders, mood, anxiety and personality disorders, with adjusted odds ratios ranging from 1.32 to 2.39. • With clear temporality between exposure (parental psychiatric disorders) and outcome (offspring ASD), the effect estimates were all larger for maternal diagnosis than paternal diagnosis when stratified by mothers or fathers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study identified latent trajectory classes for maternal problem drinking and paternal problem drinking and examined the associations between these trajectory classes and offspring anxiety symptoms during adolescence and emerging adulthood.Methods: Participants (n = 870; 54% female; 59% non-Hispanic White; Mage = 16.10, SD = 0.71) were administered surveys during the spring of 2007, 2008, and 2009, and 2014.Results: Fit indices from parallel process growth mixture models suggested three dual trajectory classes: (1) Low initial levels of maternal problem drinking and paternal problem drinking that increased over time (Low-Both); (2) Low initial levels of maternal problem drinking that increased over time and high initial levels of paternal problem drinking that increased slightly over time (Low-Mom/High-Dad); (3) High initial levels of maternal problem drinking that increased slightly over time and low initial levels of paternal problem drinking that remained relatively stable over time (High-Mom/Low-Dad). Girls were more likely than boys to be classified in the Low-Mom/High-Dad and High-Mom/Low-Dad classes, relative to the Low-Both trajectory class. In addition, adolescents in the High-Mom/Low-Dad trajectory class reported the most anxiety symptoms during adolescence and emerging adulthood.Limitations: Limitations include the reliance on one informant (the adolescent/emerging adult) and the geographically limited sample (northeastern United States).Conclusions: Prevention and intervention programs aimed at reducing anxiety should consider changes in alcohol use in both the father and the mother over time. Moreover, special attention should be paid to maternal problem drinking given that it appears to be a salient risk factor for anxiety during adolescence and emerging adulthood. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]