Caregiving Relationship Research Articles

Partner-Caregivers’ Interpretation Bias and Sexual Satisfaction: Gender and Congruency in Pain-Related Beliefs

It has been suggested that family caregivers of chronic pain patients may develop cognitive biases similar to those observed among patients in previous studies. However, there is a gap in knowledge regarding the effect of such biases on patients’ adaptation to pain. In this study, we examined the relationship between partner-caregivers’ interpretation bias and sexual satisfaction among married heterosexual couples. We further examined the relationship between caregivers’ interpretation bias and congruency in the beliefs that patients and caregivers hold about the experience of pain. The sample comprised 32 married couples in a caregiving relationship and 28 married individuals who were neither patients nor caregivers, serving as control participants. Caregivers and controls completed a modified version of the interpretation bias task. Patients and caregivers filled out the Sexual Satisfaction Index and a Patient’s Pain-Related Disabilities Checklist. Results confirmed that a biased negative interpretation exists among caregivers when compared to partners of pain-free individuals. A noticeable gender effect was observed in the effect of interpretation bias on patients’ sexual satisfaction. Female partner-caregivers’ negative interpretation bias was associated with a lower level of sexual satisfaction among male patients. In contrast, the same bias was associated with higher levels of sexual satisfaction among female patients when observed among male partner-caregivers. Furthermore, a moderate but not symmetrical positive interpretation was associated with higher levels of congruence on the level of patients’ disability within couples. The findings are another step toward incorporating the social circuit of individuals with chronic pain conditions into intervention protocols.

A Hybrid Digital Parenting Program Delivered Within the Malaysian Preschool System: Protocol for a Feasibility Study of a Small-Scale Factorial Cluster Randomized Trial.

The United Nations' Sustainable Development Goal 4, and particularly target 4.2, which seeks to ensure that, by 2030, all children have access to quality early childhood development, care, and preprimary education so that they are ready for primary education, is far from being achieved. The COVID-19 pandemic compromised progress by disrupting education, reducing access to well-being resources, and increasing family violence. Evidence from low- and middle-income countries suggests that in-person parenting interventions are effective at improving child learning and preventing family violence. However, scaling up these programs is challenging because of resource constraints. Integrating digital and human-delivered intervention components is a potential solution to these challenges. There is a need to understand the feasibility and effectiveness of such interventions in low-resource settings. This study aims to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of a digital parenting program (called Naungan Kasih in Bahasa Melayu [Protection through Love]) delivered in Malaysia, with varying combinations of 2 components included to encourage engagement. The study is framed around the following objectives: (1) to determine the recruitment, retention, and engagement rates in each intervention condition; (2) to document implementation fidelity; (3) to explore program acceptability among key stakeholders; (4) to estimate intervention costs; and (5) to provide indications of the effectiveness of the 2 components. This 10-week factorial cluster randomized trial compares ParentText, a chatbot that delivers parenting and family violence prevention content to caregivers of preschool-aged children in combination with 2 engagement components: (1) a WhatsApp support group and (2) either 1 or 2 in-person sessions. The trial aims to recruit 160 primary and 160 secondary caregivers of children aged 4-6 years from 8 schools split equally across 2 locations: Kuala Lumpur and Negeri Sembilan. The primary outcomes concern the feasibility and acceptability of the intervention and its components, including recruitment, retention, and engagement. The effectiveness outcomes include caregiver parenting practices, mental health and relationship quality, and child development. The evaluation involves mixed methods: quantitative caregiver surveys, digitally tracked engagement data of caregivers' use of the digital intervention components, direct assessments of children, and focus group discussions with caregivers and key stakeholders. Overall, 208 parents were recruited at baseline December 2023: 151 (72.6%) primary caregivers and 57 (27.4%) secondary caregivers. In January 2024, of these 208 parents, 168 (80.8%) enrolled in the program, which was completed in February. Postintervention data collection was completed in March 2024. Findings will be reported in the second half of 2024. This is the first factorial cluster randomized trial to assess the feasibility of a hybrid human-digital playful parenting program in Southeast Asia. The results will inform a large-scale optimization trial to establish the most effective, cost-effective, and scalable version of the intervention. OSF Registries; https://osf.io/f32ky. DERR1-10.2196/55491.

Informal caregivers' experiences of support from a tailored primary healthcare unit for older adults - A focus group study.

Informal caregivers are an essential part of health and social care systems worldwide. As such, they may need professional support. The aim of this study was to describe informal caregivers' experiences and need for support from a tailored primary health care (PHC) unit. This is a qualitative descriptive study using data collected from five semi-structured focus group discussions with a purposeful sample of 16 informal caregivers of older relatives. Respondents were recruited from a tailored PHC unit for people aged 75 years or older in a region in central Sweden. The data were analysed by qualitative content analysis with an abductive approach, based on the principles of the patient- and family-centred care framework. The overarching theme was 'Striving for partnership'. The findings indicate that informal caregivers to some extent felt supported by the healthcare professionals. However, the caregivers expressed a need to be further acknowledged by the professionals in order to participate in the care of their older relatives in the way they wanted. Moreover, insufficient information regarding the older adult's health condition and care provided by the professionals had a negative impact on the caregiver's participation in care. Informal caregivers have unmet needs for support and strive for a partnership with the PHC professionals. PHC professionals should be more attentive and invite informal caregivers to participate in the care of the older adult in order to meet their support needs and build an equal partnership. The patient- and family-centred care framework may be of guidance when providing care for older adults in a PHC context.

Family psychoeducation in schizophrenia and schizophrenia related disorder, treatment compliance, and suicidal risk reduction: questions about their relationship from a naturalistic observation.

The Profamille V3.2 multi-family psycho-educational program directed at caregivers of relatives with schizophrenia or schizophrenia related disorder has been shown to decrease the annual prevalence of suicide attempts. It has been reported that psychoeducation of families can sometimes improve compliance with treatment. This study investigates whether the Profamille program improves compliance and thus reduces the risk of suicide among patients. This is a retrospective study of 179 groups of family caregivers, encompassing 1946 participants enrolled in Module 1 of the Profamille program and followed up one year after completion of the module. Evaluations were conducted using questionnaires filled out by family caregivers at three distinct times: prior to beginning the program, upon its completion, and again one year following its conclusion. The annual prevalence of suicide attempts was measured both before the program began and one year after its conclusion, while compliance to treatment was evaluated at the start and end of the program. After the Profamille program, the annual prevalence of suicide attempts fell by a factor of 2 (p-value = 0.00002) and patient compliance improved (p-value <0.000001). This reduction in suicide attempts was observed independently of improved compliance. Compliance seems to have an additional effect, but only after participation in the program. The Profamille program reduces patients' risk of suicide even when patients are not taking the treatment. When family psychoeducation is not proposed in schizophrenia or schizophrenia related disorder, this can represent a loss of chance for patients.

Intergenerational conflict, contact with biological parents, and child functioning in kinship caregiver families

Over time, federal child welfare policy has shaped a preference for states to make every effort to place children with kinship caregivers before non-kin, foster caregivers. The current study focuses on two aspects of out-of-home care that past research indicates differ between kin and non-kin foster care arrangements: frequency of conflict between caregivers and biological parents (higher among kin foster care) and children’s contact with biological parents (easier to facilitate among kin foster care). Using a convenience sample of kinship caregivers recruited from a midwestern state, we examined cross-sectional associations between intergenerational conflict, child contact with biological mothers and fathers, and child well-being among kinship care households. N = 205 kinship caregivers completed an extensive telephone interview about a range of relevant topics, including study child well-being (i.e., the child that requires the most care and attention from the kin caregiver). After controlling for a range of caregiver, child, and contextual factors, more frequent intergenerational conflict was associated with a greater likelihood of child hyperactivity disorder, mental health concerns, learning disabilities, and any of the diagnoses individually or in combination. Results concerning child contact with biological mothers and fathers were less conclusive. The findings will add to our understanding of kinship care as a preferred form of non-parental care and have value to those implementing the 2018 Family First Prevention Services Act (H.R. 1892).

Caregiver and parent-child relationship during COVID-19: The mediator role of anxiety and life satisfaction.

This research was conducted to evaluate the mediation effect of anxiety and life satisfaction on the relationship between Care burden and Parent Child Relationship in Turkish parents during the COVID-19 epidemic. The research was carried out with parents (221 women and 219 men) who have children between the ages of 6-18 living in Turkey. Data were collected in June-July 2021 using the demographic data form, "Care Burden Scale," "Pervasive Anxiety Disorder-7 Test," "Satisfaction with Life Scale," and "Parent Child Relationship Scale." Path analysis was used to analyse the relationships. In this study, structural equation modelling (SEM) was used to examine the path analysis. It was found that the burden of care and anxiety of the parents and the parent-child conflict relationship were positively correlated and negatively correlated with the life satisfaction and parent-child closeness relationship (p < 0.05). Path model analyses revealed that the burden of care had a direct effect on anxiety and life satisfaction, and an indirect effect on the parent-child relationship, respectively. It shows that parents' perceptions of how the COVID-19 pandemic is affecting their mental health have implications for parent and child well-being, with stronger relationships for low-income families. Anxiety and life satisfaction had a mediating effect between care burden and parent-child relationship. Given the demonstrable impact of COVID-19 on the parent-child relationship, this study may guide the planning of coping strategies and programmes focused on mental health.

Breaking the Silence: A Quantitative Analysis of Challenges among Orphaned Children in Sargodha District Orphanages

Orphans represent a significant population worldwide, and orphan homes are responsible for providing support for holistic development in the lives of children. The purpose of the study was to investigate the psychological, social, and educational challenges faced by orphan children in orphan homes. The theoretical framework of the current study was based on the Attachment Theory by Bowlby, which states how early caregiver relationships influence the psychological, social, and educational development of orphan children in orphan homes. All of the orphan children in SOS Children Village district Sargodha made up the population of the current study. A sample of 206 orphan children was selected randomly from SOS Children Village district Sargodha. Reliable data were gathered using a quantitative survey study design, and the instrument's reliability was confirmed by Cronbach's Alpha, which was found to be 0.89. The obtained data were analyzed using descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviations, frequency percentages, and inferential statistics, for instance, the t-test. The results showed that gender was found to be significant regarding psychological, social, and educational challenges. In addition, female orphan children have a greater mean score as compared to males concerning psychological and social challenges. While, concerning educational challenges male orphans have a greater mean score as compared to female orphan children. However, to overcome these challenges it is suggested that it is essential to create efficient programs that can recognize and tackle the emotional, social, and academic difficulties orphaned children confront.

Effective Relationships Between Younger Caregivers and Older Care Recipients Across a Continuum of Formal Residential Care Settings: A Scoping Review and a Critical Analysis.

Objective: This article aims to conduct a scoping review of what constitutes effective relational interactions between caregivers (CGs) and older persons (OPs) across formal residential care settings. Methods: A scoping review of publications between January 2000 and December 2021 yielded 10,929 articles, and after removing duplicates and applying exclusion criteria, 36 articles were analysed. Results: Articles were scrutinised for interactions involving both CGs and OPs, using a thematic framework analysis to identify effective relational constructs. Four themes emerged: 1) Diverse perspectives on the same context: for OPs it is home, and for CGs, workplace. 2) CGs move for a one-up position and OPs submit to a one-down, or as friends. 3) Relational qualities have been mostly associated with CGs, confirming care as a unidirectional action 4). Relationships between CGs and OPs result either in effective or ineffective care outcomes. Conclusion: The dual meanings attached to the same context limit the authentic interactions between CGs and OPs. We propose a relational caregiving approach by considering the interactions of both CGs and OPs, changing the relational definition, and demonstrating effective relational qualities.

A multi-country mixed-method study identifying the association between perceived ethical work climate and problems among critical care nurses

BackgroundGiven the grave ethical tension and dilemmas posed continuously which are aggravated in the intensive care unit context and its related caregiving provision, combined with their impact on critical care nurses’ job satisfaction and work-related risks, exploring and analyzing these tensions and conflicts is crucial. This study was conducted to examine the relationship between perceived ethical work climate and problems among critical care nurses in addition to exploring their perspectives on the ethical work climates while caring for patients with infectious diseases.Design and methodA mixed-method research design was used to conduct this study among 635 participants, comprising 170 from Egypt, 144 from Jordan, 161 from Saudi Arabia, and 160 from the United Arab Emirates. Online or paper-based survey forms were distributed to all eligible critical care nurses who agreed to take part in the study. The survey contained both quantitative and qualitative data that were analyzed separately and integrated during the discussion. The study was reported following the STROBE guidelines.FindingsThe overall ethical work climate was fairly good and was significantly associated with ICU nurses’ personal and professional characteristics. The findings also identified three main themes: (1) an ethical sense of failure, (2) environmental condemnation, and (3) an instant action plan for resolving ethical conflicts.ConclusionsICU nurses perceived that ICU ethical climate was fairly good. The results indicated that ICU nurses generally had a relatively fair perception of the ethical work climate, with implications for addressing ethical issues and conflicts in various settings.ImpactMentorship and/or close supervision concerning ethical resilience, consultation, and decision-making is crucial in the ICU milieu. Metacognitive strategies to reinforce problem-solving and decision-making ICU nurses’ skills could help them overcome the different ethical challenges. Adequate resources, teamwork, and organizational support are promising tactics to improve ICU nurses’ ethical skills.Trial registrationNot applicable.

Children's Behavioural Issues and Kinship Caregiver Depression: The Roles of Self‐Care and Formal Support

ABSTRACTThe purpose of this study was to examine two intervening variables, self‐care and formal support that affect the relationship between children with behavioural issues and caregiver depression. Specifically, this study examines whether self‐care can mediate the relationship between children's behavioural issues and caregivers' depression levels and whether formal support can moderate the relationship between children's behavioural issues and caregivers' depression levels. Data from this study were collected from Qualtrics survey in 2020. A total of 136 participated in the survey, and 16 of them did not complete the survey. Two duplicates were removed, so the final sample size in the survey is 118 kinship caregivers in Michigan. Children's problem behaviours, depression level of caregivers, self‐care practices and kinship care navigator programme were measured. Results suggested that more frequently children showed behavioural issues, the more their behaviours are significantly associated with higher caregiver depression levels (B = 0.253, p = 0.004). The amount of caregiver self‐care practice showed a significant mediation effect between caregivers' depression level and children's behavioural issues (B = −0.314, p &lt; 0.001), meaning more behavioural issues resulted in less self‐care practice of caregivers, and this less frequent self‐care could also result in a higher level of depression of caregivers. The moderation effect of kinship care programmes showed a disparity when caregivers were caring for children with different levels of behavioural issues. This study uncovered the differential roles of two intervening variables between children with behavioural issues and caregiver depression levels. Our findings affirmed the need to assist caregivers with children's behavioural issues in finding ways to engage in self‐care.

An Exploratory Typology for Understanding Family-Relationship Issues in Kinship-Care Placements

Family relationships are a distinctive feature of kinship-care placements, but very few studies have examined how the dynamics of these relationships affect the placement experience. This article does explore these dynamics and identifies some possible patterns, as experienced and reported by parents of children placed in kinship care. The findings presented here come from a qualitative study employing a life-story methodology, in which nine parents were interviewed on two occasions each. All of them had experienced the permanent placement of at least one of their children with a member of their extended family, under the direction of a government child-protection agency. Drawing from significant themes in parental narratives, particularly that of relationships, we analyzed and delineated three distinct profiles. In the first profile, a family solidarity was present between the parents and the kinship caregivers before the placement and was maintained during the placement. In the second, the parents struggled to keep their place in their children’s lives, thus experiencing conflicts both with the kinship caregivers and with the child-protection agency. In the third profile, the dynamics of the current relationship between both biological parents influenced the other family relationships of the parent who was interviewed.

Longitudinal effects of ambivalent and guilt feelings on dementia family caregivers' depressive symptoms.

The world prevalence of people with dementia is increasing. Most of the care received by people with dementia is provided by family caregivers, and this prolonged activity has a significant impact on caregivers' levels of depression. Stressors and frequency of leisure are known predictors of caregivers' depressive levels. The longitudinal impact of caregivers' ambivalent and guilt feelings is unknown. Participants were 177 family caregivers of relatives with dementia who were assessed three times during a 2-year period. In addition to demographic variables, psychological symptoms of the dementias, and frequency of leisure activities, caregivers' ambivalent feelings, guilt, and depressive symptoms were measured. The longitudinal association of changes in these variables with changes in caregivers' depressive symptoms over time was assessed using mixed linear models. Changes over time in the assessed variables predicted 48.05% of variance of changes over time in depressive symptoms. Even when variables strongly associated with increased depressive symptoms were controlled (lower caregivers' age and educational level, higher reaction to BPSD, and lower leisure activities), increases in ambivalence and guilt contributed to an increase of 9.22% of the variance of changes depressive symptoms over a 2-year period. The effects of ambivalent feelings on depression are indirect, mediated by guilt feelings. Cessation of caregiving do not seem to alter these findings. Caregivers' ambivalent and guilt feelings are significant predictors of caregivers' mental health. Caregivers may significantly benefit from early detection of ambivalent and guilt feelings and preventive strategies targeting triggers associated with ambivalent and guilt symptoms.

Community perceptions and attitudes toward serious mental illness in Cambodia

BackgroundWorldwide, approximately 64 million people are living with serious mental illnesses (SMI), such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Because community perceptions and attitudes can impact help-seeking and the course of illness, understanding and incorporating these perspectives, and addressing misconceptions and harmful attitudes, is a critical component of comprehensive mental health support. These concepts are deeply rooted in local culture and belief systems, yet research to provide local understanding is often lacking, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to assess relative caregivers' and other key community members’ perceptions and attitudes towards people with SMI in Cambodia. MethodsA brief survey that included open-ended assessment of mental health knowledge and beliefs was interviewer-administered to 115 relative caregivers of people with SMI. Additionally, 20 community members considered knowledgeable about mental health (e.g., traditional healers, local authorities, family caregivers) participated in semi-structured qualitative interviews that explored perceptions and attitudes toward SMI in Cambodia. ResultsParticipants included 56 men and 79 women. While respondents were able to identify signs and symptoms of SMI, the most commonly perceived causes were spiritual (e.g., spells, ghosts); family crisis (e.g., domestic violence); and physical health problems. Both respondent groups showed empathy for people with SMI (e.g., pity) but also reported feelings of fear and shame (e.g., perceived tendency toward violence and not wanting to live with such a person). ConclusionBoth caregivers likely to seek help and respected local figures likely to be involved in initial help-seeking efforts demonstrated limited understanding of SMI as a medical disorder suitable for management within the formal healthcare system. Commonly reported misperceptions are likely to lead to delayed access to care and poorer treatment within the community. Strengthening mental health knowledge among caregivers and key community leaders may hold promise for improving peer support and community referral pathways.

Examining Financial Hardship and Caregiver Subgroups in Kinship Foster Placements: A Machine Learning Approach

Children placed with kinship foster parents can experience less disruption and stronger family ties than children in non-kinship placements. However, financial hardship can restrict kinship caregivers from taking in relatives’ children. This study investigated (1) kinship caregivers’ financial standing compared to a national subsample of caregivers and (2) whether certain factors moderate the likelihood that a kinship caregiver will be able to provide care for additional non-relative children without additional financial assistance from the Department of Social Services (DSS). This study utilized primary data from 345 relatives across North Carolina and nationally representative secondary data on 6394 individuals’ financial circumstances. One-sample t-tests and chi-square goodness-of-fit tests revealed that caregivers who participated in our study generally fared better financially than caregivers at the national level. Model-based recursive partitioning results showed that if an additional child is placed in the home, the caregiver’s perceived capacity to provide care without extra DSS support decreased by approximately 19%, with a greater decrease (35%) among a subgroup of caregivers with low financial well-being status. The heterogeneity in caregivers’ experiences, capacities, and financial needs buttresses the need for nuanced interventions and programs targeting these caregivers, enabling them to provide more stable care for children placed in their homes.

Alzheimer Hastası Bakım Vereninde Kişilerarası Psikoterapi Yaklaşımı: Olgu Sunumu

Alzheimer's Disease, which is turning into a public health problem in elderly societies, is characterized by significant deterioration in cognitive as well as behavioral processes, and is defined as a neurodegenerative disease, has a challenging process, especially for caregivers. The caregiver, who is seen as the main decision-maker in the disease, may experience problems with both the patient and the environment due to the burden of care, lack of knowledge about the disease, and the weakness of support networks. While the caregiver tries to manage the disease process, they also face loss and mourning. For this reason, especially the difficulty in accepting and adapting to changing roles brings about conflicts in relationships with the patient and others. At this point where support mechanisms gain importance, the Interpersonal Based Psychotherapy (IPT) Approach, which will be put into practice constructively, has a positive impact on caregiver relationships and makes the process bearable by reflecting positively on the prognosis of the disease. IPT is a psychotherapeutic approach used on many interpersonal problems and psychiatric syndromes, and works on the areas of interpersonal conflict, grief and loss, and role reversal. This case study aimed to evaluate the IPT Approach for D., who was caring for his father with Alzheimer's Disease. It has been seen that the approach plays an effective role when the caregiver's relationship with the patient and others is evaluated. Observed in literature studies is that positive interventions for caregivers have positive effects on both the patient and the caregiver. Olgu D., who experienced conflict in her relationships due to the weight of the burden of care and existing life responsibilities, along with the diagnosis of her father's illness, gained accurate information about the disease. At the same time with the therapeutic approach, the insight gained as a result of strengthening the support mechanisms, explaining the situation and the need for help, and the positive structuring of the social support network were achieved. Key Words: Alzheimer's Disease, Interpersonal Psychotherapy, Caregiver

The burden of psychological trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder among adults with congenital heart disease: PTSD in ACHD

BackgroundPsychological trauma, symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and mental health conditions are common in adult congenital heart disease (ACHD). There is a gap in the literature examining PTSD in ACHD using the current DSM-5 criteria, while assessing patient characteristics and experiences with trauma-focused treatment. MethodsSurveys were offered to outpatients over a six-month enrollment period to be completed via QR code on their personal smart phone. Patient-reported items include a detailed medical and psychosocial history, the Oslo Social Support Scale (OSSS-3), Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) survey, and the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5). ResultsOf 158 patients (77% moderate or complex heart disease) who provided complete data, a provisional diagnosis of PTSD was found in 48 patients (30%), using a PCL-5 cutoff score of ≥ 31. A positive PTSD screen was associated with younger age, non-white race, presence of heart failure, lower New York Heart Association Functional Class, lower linear Quality of Life score, lower OSSS-3 score, an insecure caregiver relationship, period of unemployment, emergency department visits, medication nonadherence, and coexisting mental health disorders. Complexity of heart disease and number of surgical and/or catheter-based interventions was not associated with PTSD, although having undergone no cardiac surgeries until adulthood (≥ 18 years old) was associated with a lower prevalence of PTSD. Those who screened positive for PTSD were more likely to report multiple traumatic events, including noncardiac traumatic events. Only 14/48 patients (29%) reported a known diagnosis of PTSD, although 44 patients (92%) reported having ever seen a mental health provider. Eighteen patients (38%) reported currently having a mental health provider. Thirty patients (62%) had heard of at least one evidence-based trauma-informed therapy, and 14 (29%) had tried at least one. ConclusionsUsing the DSM-5 criteria, we observed a high prevalence of potential PTSD in ACHD associated with several novel cardiac and psychosocial patient factors. Future longitudinal studies will be necessary to establish causality. Few individuals with ACHD have been formally diagnosed with PTSD or have experience with evidence-based trauma-informed therapies.

Social support and managing schizophrenia in Tanzania: Perspectives from treatment-engaged individuals and relative caregivers

BackgroundIn lower-resource settings like Tanzania, people living with schizophrenia (PWS) rely on their families for much of their social support, thus leading family members to become their main caregivers. How PWS and their families understand and implement social support can profoundly impact recovery pathways. This study examines how PWS and caregivers of PWS in Tanzania describe receiving and giving social support. We describe, from the perspectives of treatment engaged PWS and unmatched caregivers, different types of social support experienced and provided and examine any differences in the types and expectations of social support expressed by PWS versus caregivers. MethodsA total of 39 semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted with PWS (n = 19) and caregivers (n = 20) recruited from outpatient psychiatric clinics in tertiary-level hospitals in Tanzania across two geographic regions. Thematic content analyses were based on four dimensions of social support (instrumental, emotional, informational, and appraisal). ResultsResults revealed four themes: 1) Financial and basic needs support from families is common yet critical for daily living (instrumental support); 2) There were mixed experiences regarding provision and receipt of love and acceptance with desires and calls for more encouragement and moral support (emotional support); 3) Caregivers try to provide knowledge, guidance, and reminders related to illness management for PWS but acknowledge their own gaps in understanding recovery promotion and effective caregiving (informational & appraisal supports), 4) A cross-cutting issue was calls for more social support from the wider community. ConclusionSocial support is a multi-dimensional construct recognized by PWS and caregivers as critical for illness management, yet gaps remain, often due to lack of knowledge of how to bolster social support. Given the heavy reliance on families for social support in lower-resource contexts, psychiatric services can intervene with clinic-based psychoeducation for PWS and their families to improve quality of life and functioning.

Parenting young children during COVID-19: Parenting stress trajectories, parental mental health, and child problem behaviors.

Parenting stress reflects a discrepancy between a parent's perception of their resources, the demands of their child's needs, and the caregiving relationship and contexts (Abidin, 1992). Parenting stress can increase the risk of issues in the parent-child relationship, as well as child behavioral and emotional outcomes (Neece et al., 2012; Spinelli et al., 2021). Chronic stressors, such as living through the COVID-19 pandemic, have the potential to increase the demands of parenting and thus parenting stress. Using latent growth curve modeling, we examined parenting stress trajectories of 298 American parents with young children (Mage = 15.02 months, range = 1-34 months) over the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. We also examined the effects of parental mental health on parenting stress, and the effects of parental mental health and parenting stress on child problem behaviors using data gathered through the Prolific survey platform. Parental mental health, measured by depressive symptoms Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale-10, anxiety symptoms Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale (GAD-7), and overall stress levels 10-item Perceived Stress Scale, was related to higher initial parenting stress index-short form. Changes in parenting stress over time were linked with higher levels of children's problem behaviors (CBCL). Child temperament was also related to initial parenting stress. Lower levels of household income were linked with higher levels of parental mental health symptoms and higher rates of parenting stress increases over time. These results highlight the importance of considering the well-being of all family members in child outcomes, and the ways in which different experiences and resources during the COVID-19 pandemic affect parental and child well-being. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Understanding the Support Needs and Challenges Faced by Family Caregivers in the Care of Their Older Adults at Home. A Qualitative Study.

As the global population ages, the demand for family caregivers is expected to increase, underscoring the necessity to comprehend their support needs and challenges they face. However, caregiving often comes with various challenges and support needs that require attention. This study was aimed to gain an in-depth understanding of the support needs and challenges faced by family caregivers who provide care to their elderly loved ones at home. The study was conducted in Mekelle City, Ethiopia from December 2022 to October 2023 using a phenomenology study design and purposive sampling technique. A total of twenty-two in-depth interviews were conducted using an open-ended guide. The interviews were transcribed verbatim, entered into ATLAS.ti8 software, translated, and analyzed using a thematic analysis. The study found that family caregivers face communication, financial, medication management, and transportation challenges in caring for elderly relatives at home. It also highlighted several key support needs of family caregivers in the care of elderly relatives at home. These includes financial assistance, training, access to information, and support from healthcare professionals. Qualitative research, by its nature, is subjective as it relies on the perceptions and interpretations of the participants. Moreover, in qualitative studies, researchers typically work with a limited number of participants, in qualitative studies, researchers typically work with a limited number of participants, resulting in conclusions that may not reflect the experiences of all family caregivers. This qualitative study underscored the multitude of challenges faced by family caregivers in their role as primary caregivers for elderly relatives. The research also highlighted the pressing need for support systems that would address the physical, emotional, financial, and informational needs of these caregivers.

Caregiving relationships are a cornerstone of developmental psychopathology.

The interdisciplinary field of developmental psychopathology has made great strides by including context into theoretical and empirical approaches to studying risk and resilience. Perhaps no context is more important to the developing child than their relationships with their caregivers (typically a child's parents), as caregivers are a key source of stimulation and nurturance to young children. Coupled with the high degree of brain plasticity in the earliest years of life, these caregiving relationships have an immense influence on shaping behavioral outcomes relevant to developmental psychopathology. In this article, we discuss three areas within caregiving relationships: (1) caregiver-child interactions in everyday, naturalistic settings; (2) caregivers' social cognitions about their child; and (3) caregivers' broader social and cultural context. For each area, we provide an overview of its significance to the field, identify existing knowledge gaps, and offer potential approaches for bridging these gaps to foster growth in the field. Lastly, given that one value of a scientific discipline is its ability to produce research useful in guiding real-world decisions related to policy and practice, we encourage developmental psychopathology to consider that a focus on caregiving, a modifiable target, supports this mission.