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Background: Youth in foster care may demonstrate high levels of aggression and thought problems. There is a growing trend to consider mental health symptoms of youth involved with the foster care system from a developmental trauma perspective. Objective: The aim of this study was to test if trauma, race, age, and gender predicted variability in thought problems and aggression for youth in foster care. Method: The sample (n = 303) included youth in out-of-home placements with a mean age of 14 years, a diverse racial demographic, and almost an equal percentage of males and females. Participants were assessed over three waves using a series of multilevel growth curve models. Results: Results indicated significant decreases in thought problems and aggression and youth with higher levels of trauma reported higher initial levels and swifter decreases of both thought problems and aggression over time. Conclusions: While trauma was associated with aggression and thought problems, results found that youth demonstrated significant decreases in aggression and thought problems over time. A better understanding of the long-term effects of trauma on thought problems and aggression of youth in foster care is needed. While our findings suggest foster care may be protective in fostering resilience, additional research on the nature of potential positive effects of foster care on aggression and thought problems is suggested.

Anger and aggression are among the most clinically pervasive symptoms of people with complex trauma histories, however, there is little agreement about how anger and aggression are defined, triggers to anger and aggression, and how anger and aggression are regulated. Plus, limited research exists from youths' perspectives. Using a developmental trauma framework as a guide, a phenomenological qualitative study was conducted to understand youths' experiences of anger and aggression with a sample of youth with low and higher levels of risk exposure. Resulting themes points to youths' perceptions of triggers, regulation, purposes, and usefulness of anger and aggression. While there were similarities across groups, there were notable differences in how youth described triggers and the regulation of anger and aggression. Findings point to the importance of considering the adaptive functioning of anger and aggression in the context of youth' lives. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Youth in residential treatment centers have high rates of internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and most youth in residential placements do not demonstrate long-term positive improvements in mental health. These youth also often experience high levels of exposure to violence and trauma, yet little is known about the interrelationships between exposure to violence, trauma, and mental health outcomes including internalizing and externalizing symptoms. As such, the primary purpose of this study was to determine the linkages between youth exposure to violence, trauma, and internalizing and externalizing symptoms. The current study examined these interrelationships and tested gender and race as moderators. The sample included youth in residential treatment with a mean age of 13.75 years, a diverse racial makeup, and almost an equal percentage of males and females. Trauma and exposure to violence were associated with internalizing and externalizing symptoms, and gender significantly moderated the relationship between trauma and externalizing symptoms, demonstrating a strong positive relationship for males in particular. Results highlight key associations between trauma and exposure to violence and youths' internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Findings also revealed that gender moderated the link between trauma and externalizing symptoms with a positive association for males and a negligible association for females., Author(s): Tatjana M. Farley [sup.1] , Lenore M. McWey [sup.1] , Thomas Ledermann [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.255986.5, 0000 0004 0472 0419, Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State [...]

The child welfare system (CWS) is designed to protect children from maltreatment. One avenue through which the CWS aims to do so is by mandating participation in parenting interventions. There are notable challenges associated with mandated services, however, and participant drop out is a key concern. Researchers have examined factors associated with retention, and participants' beliefs about parenting and their parental identity may be linked with intervention engagement. Although theory and research on parental identity is growing, little of this work is specific to parents involved with the CWS. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine parental identity in the context of CWS involvement and mandated services. The study involved analysis of existing qualitative data collected through interviews with 35 parents who participated in a parenting intervention. Interviews were analyzed using a thematic approach guided by open, axial and selective coding principles. Findings identified that parental identity is influenced by CWS and mandated intervention participation through three main themes: (1) Loss of Parental Control Over Parent-Child Interactions, (2) Internal Shifts in Parental Beliefs and Emotions, and parental reflections on the (3) Transmission of Core Values. Each theme represented experiences of identity disruption alongside positive shifts in parental identity, such as enhanced beliefs about self and parental responsibilities. Further, parents described re-evaluating themselves in their role and expressed shifts in thought patterns and perceptions. Results challenge professionals to consider the CWS context as integral to parental identity and encourage researchers to examine parental identity as a mechanism of change., Author(s): Sarah N. Wolford [sup.1], Lenore M. McWey [sup.2] Author Affiliations: (1) grid.261868.3, Marriage and Family Therapy Program, Division of Applied Sciences, Pfeiffer University (Charlotte), , 28209, Charlotte, NC, USA [...]

Youth in foster care have often been exposed to in-home violence and violence exposure is associated with higher mental health concerns. This study used multiple regression mediation analyses with bootstrapping to identify specific current foster caregiver-adolescent relationship factors and their mediating qualities between in-home violence exposure and adolescent internalizing, externalizing, and trauma symptoms. Using a national dataset of adolescents in foster care (n = 175), the results of this study suggested that an adolescent's perception of feeling emotionally secure in their relationship with their caregiver mediated the relationships between exposure to violence and youth internalizing, externalizing, and trauma symptoms. Additionally, current foster caregiver involvement and structure mediated the associations between exposure to violence and adolescent internalizing and externalizing outcomes, but not trauma symptoms. Further discussion of the results is included. Findings have important implications for mental health interventions aimed towards youth in foster care., Author(s): Allison D. Rayburn [sup.1] , Mathew C. Withers [sup.1] , Lenore M. McWey [sup.1] Author Affiliations: (1) Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University, 0000 0004 0472 [...]

Sibling relationships are among the most influential relationships of one's life. For youth in foster care, sibling relationships may be particularly important. Using National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW) II data, this study tested if higher sibling relationship quality was associated with lower depressive symptoms among youth in foster care, and the interactive effects of relationships with siblings and biological mothers on youth depressive symptoms. Results indicated higher sibling and mother relationship quality were associated with lower depressive symptoms. Regarding interactive associations, the protective effects of sibling relationships on youth depressive symptoms were stronger when youth reported lower levels of relationship quality with biological mothers, highlighting the importance of good sibling relationships, especially in the absence of a positive relationship with biological mothers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Researchers have tested associations between ineffective arguing and emotional distress among couples without relationship violence. Moreover, studies have demonstrated associations between physical violence perpetration and victimization in the aftermath of emotional distress. However, there is a paucity of research examining linkages between ineffective arguing, emotional distress, and physical violence perpetration or victimization. Dyadic data from 231 married, heterosexual couples seeking therapy were used to test a model examining pathways between ineffective arguing and physical violence perpetration and victimization through emotional distress. The hypothesized model was compared to two plausible alternative models. Results revealed higher levels of men's ineffective arguing were positively associated with men's physical violence perpetration, both directly and indirectly, through higher levels of emotional distress. Higher levels of men's ineffective arguing were associated with lower men's physical violence perpetration through higher levels of women's emotional distress. Results can inform the clinical treatment of interpersonal violence by targeting ineffective arguing and emotional distress. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This qualitative study explores mother-adult daughter relationships through in-depth, individual interviews with 24 adult daughters and their mothers (N = 48). Using a life-course perspective, the authors examined the kinds of themes that emerged in each woman's narrative and within each mother-daughter pair. Given the periods of adulthood under study, the authors expected and found themes reflecting complexity and ambivalence within the relationships. Themes related to intimacy and positive relationship qualities included generational continuity, closeness, emotional support, and family norms/values. Themes indicating autonomy and relationship difficulties--generational change, conflict, secrets, and maternal pressures--were also identified. Generational differences, as well as within-dyad divergence, were found most often in narratives about autonomy and relationship difficulties. The majority of mothers and daughters reevaluated their past relationship in light of their present ties. The place of narratives about adult family relationships in understanding the life course is emphasized. (Contains 1 table.)

The authors conducted a content analysis of appellate court foster care cases in which fathers appealed the termination of their parental rights. Applying the Responsible Fathering framework to organize the contextual issues that impede men from responsibly fathering, the authors sought to learn what factors affect decisions regarding the termination of their parental rights. Multiple risk factors emerged including lack of social support, financial resources, and opportunities. Implications for practitioners include attending to father's mental health, alcohol and/or substance abuse, issues surrounding incarceration, and the coparental relationship. (Contains 1 table.)

Using a developmental psychopathology framework, this study aimed to examine changes in externalizing and internalizing problems of adolescents in foster care and to determine whether type of maltreatment, gender, and age influenced trajectories. Authors used 3 waves of data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being. Growth-curve analyses of 106 adolescents aged 13-16 in foster care revealed that externalizing and internalizing problems decreased over time. Adolescents, particularly boys, placed in foster care as a result of sexual abuse, physical abuse, or neglect demonstrated faster decreases in externalizing problems and, similarly but to a weaker degree, internalizing problems than did those placed in foster care as a result of other forms of maltreatment.

Using ecological theory and a mixed-methods approach, the authors examined family-court interactions for foster care decisions made in Virginia across three policy periods: 1980 to 1993, 1994 to 1997, and 1997 to present (N = 95). For the first and last policy periods, quantitative analyses revealed significant differences in the rates at which parental rights were terminated. Differences also existed in termination rates for parents with mental health issues and limited IQs but not for parents with substance abuse issues or those with special-needs children. The best-interests-of-the-child standard and clear and convincing evidence were the primary legal principles used to determine whether to terminate parental rights or to reunify families. Suggestions were made to enhance the understanding of family professionals. (Contains 1 note.)

Although marriage and family therapists are being called on to help at-risk families, some say that clinicians have insufficient knowledge about the impact of policies on families involved in the foster care system. The purpose of this qualitative investigation was to identify how the Adoption and Safe Families Act informs decision making, to recognize trends in decisions regarding termination of parental rights of parents with mental health issues, and to explore treatment issues of families involved in the foster care system. Results indicate that court cases decided after the implementation of the Adoption and Safe Families Act are likely to result in termination of parental rights. Implications for clinicians and researchers are discussed.

A structured research team experience can add a great deal to a graduate student's academic and professional training, and it also can support a positive research culture within a department. In this study, we discuss how one department developed and implemented collaborative learning research teams to enhance students' research experiences. We discuss the advantages of cooperative learning and share student and faculty reflections that further support the use of collaborative learning research teams.

The purpose of this research is to understand the effect of the presence of children in the home on the quality of life of clergy and clergy spouses. A survey research design is used involving a random sample of 232 clergy and 169 clergy spouses. Data collected pertaining to selected variables in the ABC-X model of family stress. Discriminant analysis reveals that the ABC-X model of family stress could be used to predict whether or not clergy and spouses have children in the home. Implications of these findings are discussed. (Contains 4 tables.)

In this study, we explore how specific individual, family, and family-within-community characteristics, as well as aspects of in-home family therapy, relate to responses to treatment. The Child and Adolescent Functional Assessment Scale scores and Global Assessment of Functioning scores were used as outcome measures. Results revealed significant differences between pre- and post-scores for clients receiving in-home family therapy services, providing an initial indicator of treatment success. In addition, primary family caregiver social support, role performance in school/work, and self-harmful behavior were indicative of successful outcomes. Clients with higher problem levels had the greatest rates of change, and clients receiving more hours of services fared better in therapy.

This study examined the protective function of mother-adolescent relationship quality in mediating the association between maternal history of violent victimization and adolescent behavior problems. Participants included a sub-sample of 191 mother-adolescent dyads from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSC AN) who were at highest risk of child maltreatment. Results revealed that 78.5 % of the mothers reported a history of victimization, which was significantly associated with maternal mental health issues and both adolescent internalizing and externalizing behaviors. Bootstrapping analyses revealed that mother-adolescent relationship quality significantly mediated the relationship between maternal history of victimization and adolescent behaviors. Keywords Abuse * Adolescents * At-risk families * Maternal mental health * Parent-child relationship, A maternal history of violent victimization is associated with an increased risk for maternal mental health issues (Berlin, Appleyard, and Dodge 2011; McGuigan and Middlemiss 2005; Weisbart et al. 2008). [...]

Positive family relationships are important for child well-being. However, family relationships are unique for youth in out-of-home child welfare placements because they involve both biological and foster parents. The aim of this study was to test the interactive association between current caregiver involvement and contact with biological parents on youths' externalising symptoms using a sample representative of youth in out-of-home child welfare placements in the United States. Findings supported a significant interaction between current caregiver involvement and the amount of biological parent contact on youths' externalising symptoms, such that there was a more pronounced buffering effect of high caregiver involvement on youth externalising symptoms when there was more frequent youth contact with biological parents. Results can be used to support education initiatives about the importance of visitation for caseworkers and parents, and interventions aimed at promoting positive biological family and foster parent relationships focused on the best interests of the child. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Examining associations between therapists' perceptions of therapy sessions and client‐reported outcomes in naturalistic settings (real‐life therapy settings) can provide valuable guidance for the assessment, treatment, and monitoring of clients. This study included data of 1334 sessions from 127 clients (86 individual and 41 couple cases) and 15 therapists, collected at a therapy training center. Clients reported their personal functioning and individual symptoms before each session. Therapists rated clients' participation, receptivity, session progress, goal progress, and therapeutic alliance at the end of each therapy session. Multilevel Structural Equation Modeling analyses revealed that therapist‐rated client participation and goal progress predicted better personal functioning, beyond clients' previous personal functioning scores. In contrast, none of therapist‐rated session variables predicted clients' individual symptoms, beyond previous symptom scores. Power analyses suggested sufficient statistical power to detect small effect sizes. Findings of the current study have clinical implications for treatment planning and progress monitoring. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this qualitative study was to explore clients' perceptions of the in-home family therapy services they received. The sample consisted of 20 low-income families who were at risk for having their children placed in foster care, but who had ultimately retained custody of their children. Results indicate that families view in-home family therapy as a useful intervention. They expressed appreciation for the therapists, their availability, and the support offered. Participants also stated that they wished services could have been more frequent and longer-term. Implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed.