Child Relationship Research Articles

Longitudinal trajectories of maternal depression are associated with maternal and child problematic media use.

This study uses a family systems and differential susceptibility framework to examine the association between postpartum media ecosystems, trajectories of maternal depression, and problematic media use in mothers and children (N = 501) in the United Sates over a 5-year period. Three classes of trajectories of maternal depression were identified: low stable, decreasers, and increasers. Results indicate that different classes of trajectories of maternal depression demonstrated differing levels of maternal problematic media use at Wave 1 and differing levels of both mother and child problematic media use at Wave 5. This family perspective provides a deeper understanding of how media ecosystems are connected to family-level processes and problematic media use for mothers and children. Findings suggest the need for better support of new mothers at a systemic level to support mothers' mental health and the healthy development of children's early relationship with media and technology. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

THE IMPACT OF MATERNAL SECOND SIGNAL SYSTEM ACTIVITY ON MOTHER-CHILD INTERACTIONS DURING THE VERBAL DEVELOPMENT STAGE IN THE CONTEXT OF WAR AND HEALTH CRISES

The transition from nonverbal to verbal communication in children is signifi cantly infl uenced by the maternal secondary signaling system. Current geopolitical and health crises, such as the war in Ukraine and post- COVID-19 syndrome, exacerbate maternal stress and may aff ect mother- child interactions and child development.Aim. The purpose of this study is to examine diff erences in the activity of the second signaling system between mothers who report diffi culties perceiving their children and those who do not, and to understand the impact of these diff erences on motherchild interactions during the child’s verbal developmental period.Materials and methods. The study involved 184 mothers, divided into two groups: 98 mothers who reported diffi culties in perceiving their children and 86 mothers who did not. The The Questionnaire for Assessing the Activity of the Second Signal System (Language and Cognitive Test: How Well Do You Understand and Communicate?) (Lunov, 2023) was used to evaluate the activity of the second signal system across eight subscales corresponding to diff erent cytoarchitectonic fi elds. Independent samples t-tests were conducted to compare the mean scores of each subscale and the overall integral index between the groups. Results. Signifi cant diff erences were found on all subscales and the integral index, indicating notable discrepancies in the activity of the second signaling system between the two groups. Mothers who reported diffi culties had consistently lower scores, highlighting the need for targeted interventions to support their communication and interaction with their children. Discussion. The fi ndings highlight the critical role of the second signaling system in maternal perception and interaction. The combined eff ects of war-induced trauma and post- COVID-19 syndrome exacerbate these challenges and underscore the need for comprehensive support programs. Findings from studies underscore the importance of addressing transgenerational attachment factors and maternal mental health to improve mother- child relationships and promote healthy developmental outcomes.

The Role of Affects and Emotional Styles in the Relationship Between Parents and Preschool Children

Background/Objectives: Parent–child relationships represent a key factor for the quality of developmental trajectories and impact on children’s social and emotional competence. Therefore, research has advanced the role of parenting by showing the significance of differentiating between distinctive aspects of a parent’s behaviors. This study aims to investigate the role of the feelings experienced in parent–child relationships (e.g., warmth and negative feelings), considering the moderating role of the parental styles toward children’s emotions (e.g., coaching and dismissing). Methods: A total of 136 mothers (M = 38.09 years, SD = 4.51 anni, 48.5% high school degree) with a preschool child (age range 3–5 years) in Central Italy have been involved in a survey during the pandemic period. Results: Multiple regression analyses show that warmth and negative feelings are associated with positive parenting; however, the moderation effect of the dismissing style on both warmth and negative feelings emerged. Conclusions: Despite the characteristics of the data collection period, the results suggest the importance of considering the emotion-related dimensions between parents and their children as they seem to influence parenting behaviors.

Prenatal representations link pregnancy intention to observed caregiving

ABSTRACT Aims/Background Children from unintended pregnancies are at an increased risk of experiencing less positive parenting practices as well as abuse and neglect. Thus, identifying factors that may explain the association between pregnancy intention and caregiving behaviours is critical, as well as identifying if these associations can be assessed during pregnancy. Design/Methods In a sample of 297 pregnant people (Mage = 31.17, SD = 4.89; gestational age range 9.71–35.14, M = 23.55, SD = 5.54) and, later, their 6-month-old infants, this prospective study examined the degree to which two facets (i.e. acceptance and richness of perceptions of the child and their role in being a parent for that child) of caregivers’ prenatal mental representations of the child explained the association between pregnancy intention and the caregiver behaviour observed during caregiver – child interactions in infancy. Results Results indicated that caregiver–child interactions following pregnancies that were intended, relative to those non-intended, were rated as higher in caregiving sensitivity and warmth. These relations were explained, in part, by a greater richness of perceptions, but not through acceptance. Conclusion Findings suggest richness of perceptions as a potential target for exploration in interventions to support pregnant people who were not intending to become pregnant as a means to promote positive caregiver – child relationships.

Whom to turn to? The association between childhood living arrangement and the parent-child relationship

Objective: First, the study examines if children’s perception of their parent-child relationship is associated with parental separation and second, it investigates if children’s perception of their relationship with parents is associated with their living arrangements post-separation. Background: Previous findings indicate that children living in shared residence generally fare better across several life domains compared to children living in sole parental households. There is, however, limited knowledge of how children perceive their relationships with both their separated parents during childhood. Method: The data includes two cross-sectional waves (2000 and 2010) of the child survey (Child-LNU) that accompanies the Swedish Level-of-Living Survey (LNU). The analytical sample consisted of 2,064 children (10-18 years), and the subsample of separated families comprised 455 children. Results: Children in separated families were less likely to turn to both parents when worried (emotional support) compared to children living with two custodial parents in the same household. Additionally, they were less likely to report that they get along very well with both parents. Children in shared residence arrangements did not differ significantly from children in households with two custodial parents, with the exception of older children (age 14-18), who also reported less often that they get on very well with both parents. In contrast, children in sole parental residence fared worse regarding both emotional support from, and relationship quality with, both parents. Conclusion: Shared residence enables children to maintain a relationship with both parents after separation, regarding both emotional support and relationship quality. This result is on par with the parental relationships of children in households with two custodial parents. Importantly, this study does not claim to provide causal interpretation due to the use of cross-sectional data.

Does early skin-to-skin contact have a long-term effect on the emotional and behavioral development of very preterm infants?

IntroductionPremature birth may impair a sensitive, responsive, enjoyable, and regulating parenting style, potentially leading to behavioral, cognitive, and emotional deficits in children. Additionally, the emotional bond between the parent and infant may be disturbed due to the restrictions and difficulties at the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), further negatively impacting child development. Skin-to-skin contact (SSC) directly after birth is strongly recommended also for preterm or low birth weight infants since there is high-certainty evidence that SSC has positive effects on neonatal and maternal health as well as on the quality of the parent–child relationship. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of skin-to-skin contact immediately after childbirth on the development of emotional and behavioral problems in children born preterm entering school.MethodsThis study is part of a randomized controlled delivery room skin-to-skin study (Deisy Study). A total of 33 children (aged 6–8 years) were assessed at school start. The German version of the CBCL/6-18R was used to evaluate the presence of behavior problems.ResultsThe perceived parental stress 6 months after discharge was the variable that most contributed to the variance explanation. SSC immediately after childbirth was not significant in the prediction of emotional and behavioral problems at school start.LimitationsThe study was conducted in a small study group. Partners' variables were not included. Information regarding sociodemographic variables and bonding quality was collected 6 months (corrected age) after birth. The measurement of children's behavioral problems is not objective and corresponds to the parents' perception.Clinical Trial Registrationhttps://clinicaltrials.gov, deisy study NCT01959737, deisy follow up NCT03366285.

Parental warmth and parent-child conflict among U.S. Latinx families in middle childhood.

Grounded in family systems theory and using latent profile analysis, the present study examined (a) patterns of parent-child warmth and parent-child conflict within multiple dyads (mother-older child, mother-younger child, father-older child, father-younger child) among 305 U.S. Latinx families with fifth graders (Mage = 10.6; 46.6% female) and younger siblings (Mage = 8.20; 47.2% female) and (b) tested links of profile membership with child academic competence, negative peer relationships, and depressive symptoms. Two profiles were characterized by differential maternal and paternal warmth toward older versus younger siblings, with one of the profiles characterized by higher levels of conflict than the other, and a third profile included families where parent-child dyads were similar in their levels of moderately high warmth and low conflict. Profile membership was concurrently linked with children's academic competence, peer relationships, and depressive symptoms, with notable within-family differences for older versus younger siblings. Findings underscore the value of studying families as interrelated subsystems by capturing multiple dimensions of two children's relationships with mothers and fathers and provide insights for family-based prevention. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Pathways from bullying victimisation to problematic media use in primary school students: do depression and teacher–child relationships matter?

ABSTRACT Previous studies have shown that bullying victimisation is a significant risk factor for problematic media use. However, little is known about the underlying mechanisms involved in this link. This study aimed to examine the association between bullying victimisation and problematic media use among primary school students, as well as the mediating effect of depression and the moderating effect of teacher–student relationships on this association. A total of 341 participants (10.73 ± 0.68 years) from a Chinese primary school completed the structured questionnaire with respect to the study variables. The results showed that depression mediated the association between bullying victimisation and problematic media use and that teacher–student relationships moderated the second stage (depression to problematic media use) of the mediation model. The simple slope analysis indicated that the association between depression and problematic media use was not significant when the relationship between teachers and students was high (bsimple = 0.03, t = 0.30, p > 0.05). As students perceived low levels of relationships with teachers, depression had a significant effect on problematic media use (bsimple = 0.32, t = 3.34, p < 0.01). These findings can provide empirical support for formulating problematic media use intervention measures based on the bullying victimisation experience as well as the important role of depression and teacher–child relationships.

Case Study: Innovative Approach To Increase Well Productivity by Adapting Drilling Targets and Completion Methodology

_ The discourse regarding US land exploration and production has tended to primarily focus on shale development. While this has pushed the industry to adopt many technologies or applications, the general recipe has been to be faster and cheaper with hopefully more predictable BOE/ft production. However, there are limitations with this approach as it tends to boil down to a choice of substitution rather than true engineering to improve return on investment or improved net present value. The relationship of parent and child well production has introduced a variable that does not necessarily respond to faster and cheaper. In fact, operators may agree that a dissolvable frac plug has application to reduce completion costs while completely disagreeing on the methodology to manage field development and the parent-child interaction. Extensive field study and calibration can determine an optimal solution with varying degrees of predictability (SPE 211899). For example, reservoir depletion and fracture communication can be difficult to accurately plan for in advance. These and several additional parameters are specific to a section, field, or bench and the design and planning process begins anew when drilling locations move a sufficient distance away from the asset in question. The best outcome during the drilling and completion of a child well is to limit the negative impact on parent well production while delivering an economically viable addition to existing production. Acceptable ranges of underperformance with the child well vary, but can be summarized as 20 to 30% less than the parent well (SPE 209171). Additionally, contact from an offset child well fracturing operation can detrimentally affect parent well production temporarily or permanently by increasing water production and decreasing hydrocarbon production. Introduction This case study presents the development of a methodology for optimizing and controlling the hydraulic fracturing process’s parameters by increasing cluster efficiency to 100% and overcoming formation leakoff with eight to 10 times rate per cluster when compared with industry standards. The developed framework is validated through field completion and production data taken from wells located on the Northwest Shelf, within the San Andres formation, specifically straddling the state line of New Mexico and Texas with operations primarily in northeast Lea County, New Mexico, and Yoakum County, Texas. For the purposes of this study, parent wells are wells drilled during Segment 1 (2013 to 2016) and/or the first wells drilled in a section. Child wells are defined as any subsequent wellbore placed in a section amongst current producers Segment 2 (2017 to 2020) and Segment 3 (2022 to 2023). The offset true vertical depth (TVD) of the child wells relative to the parent wells is less than 100 ft and no geologic barrier exists, thus the contribution to production is from the same rock matrix regardless of well vintage.

A Mother-Child data linkage approach using data from the information System for the development of research in primary care (SIDIAP) in Catalonia

BackgroundLarge-scale clinical databases containing routinely collected electronic health records (EHRs) data are a valuable source of information for research studies. For example, they can be used in pharmacoepidemiology studies to evaluate the effects of maternal medication exposure on neonatal and pediatric outcomes. Yet, this type of studies is infeasible without proper mother–child linkage. MethodsWe leveraged all eligible active records (N = 8,553,321) of the Information System for Research in Primary Care (SIDIAP) database. Mothers and infants were linked using a deterministic approach and linkage accuracy was evaluated in terms of the number of records from candidate mothers that failed to link. We validated the mother–child links identified by comparison of linked and unlinked records for both candidate mothers and descendants. Differences across these two groups were evaluated by means of effect size calculations instead of p-values. Overall, we described our data linkage process following the GUidance for Information about Linking Data sets (GUILD) principles. ResultsWe were able to identify 744,763 unique mother–child relationships, linking 83.8 % candidate mothers with delivery dates within a period of 15 years. Of note, we provide a record-level category label used to derive a global confidence metric for the presented linkage process. Our validation analysis showed that the two groups were similar in terms of a number of aggregated attributes. ConclusionsComplementing the SIDIAP database with mother–child links will allow clinical researchers to expand their epidemiologic studies with the ultimate goal of improving outcomes for pregnant women and their children. Importantly, the reported information at each step of the data linkage process will contribute to the validity of analyses and interpretation of results in future studies using this resource.

Firstborn's empathy and the sibling relationship quality: The moderating role of maternal emotional availability.

This study examined how a firstborn child's empathy interacts with maternal emotional availability (EA) to predict later positive sibling relationships. The study included 108 families expecting a second child who also had a 10- to 45-month-old firstborn child (M = 24.6 months, SD = 7.42; 58 girls). Before the second-born child arrived, the firstborn child's empathic abilities were measured, and a mother-child play interaction was videotaped and coded for maternal EA. At 16-18 months postpartum, mothers completed questionnaires assessing the quality of the sibling relationship. Maternal EA moderated the link between the firstborn's cognitive and emotional empathy and the quality of the sibling relationship. Higher levels of emotional and cognitive empathy predicted better sibling relationships for children whose mothers were more emotionally available. Implications for early interventions are discussed. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Psychosocial factors mediate social inequalities in health-related quality of life among children and adolescents

BackgroundThe present analysis aimed to assess the mediating role of psychosocial and behavioural factors in socio-economic inequalities in health-related quality of life (HRQoL) among children and adolescents.MethodsCross-sectional data was drawn from the randomly selected SEROCoV-KIDS cohort study in Geneva, Switzerland. Associations of socio-economic conditions (parents’ highest education, household financial situation) with HRQoL, psychosocial (parent–child relationship, school difficulties, friends, extracurricular activities) and behavioural factors (screen time, physical activity, green spaces time, sleep duration), along with associations of psychosocial and behavioural factors with HRQoL, were evaluated with generalized estimating equations. Counterfactual mediation analyses were conducted to test pathways linking socio-economic conditions to HRQoL.ResultsOf 965 children and 816 adolescents, those with disadvantaged financial circumstances were more likely to have a poor HRQoL (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR]: 3.80; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.96–7.36 and aOR: 3.66; 95%CI: 2.06–6.52, respectively). Psychosocial characteristics mediated 25% (95%CI: 5–70%) and 40% (95%CI: 18–63%) of financial disparities in HRQoL among children and adolescents, respectively. Health behaviours were weakly patterned by socio-economic conditions and did not contribute to financial differences in HRQoL.ConclusionsThese findings provide empirical evidence for mechanisms explaining socio-economic disparities in child HRQoL and could inform interventions aimed to tackle health inequalities.

Parent and adolescent perceptions of parent–child developmental relationships: The role of family routines

AbstractObjectiveThis study examined family routines in relation to the strength of parent–child developmental relationships and discordant perceptions among parents and their adolescent children.BackgroundPositive parent–child relationships and regular engagement in family routines are known to create a positive environment in which adolescents can thrive. Yet both parents and their children hold unique perspectives on family structure and functioning. Agreement between parent and child reports tend to be low and often become increasingly discrepant during adolescence. Engaging in consistent and predictable family routines may not only strengthen parent–child relationships but also result in more concordant perceptions of the quality of their shared relationship.MethodUsing data from 633 matched parents and their children, we examined the association between engagement in family routines and the strength of parent–adolescent relationships including discrepant reports using a latent congruence model.ResultsFamily routines were positively associated with stronger parent–adolescent relationships and less discrepant reports of this critical relationship.ConclusionEngagement in family routines plays an important role in parent–adolescent developmental relationships.ImplicationsFindings have important implications for practices and research focused on improving adolescent outcomes through family structures and parent–child relationships.

Sensory-processing sensitivity, parenting styles, and adult attachment patterns in parents of young children

ABSTRACT Background Increased sensitivity to internal and external stimuli, known as sensory-processing sensitivity (SPS), has been linked to attachment insecurity and less optimal parenting styles in parents of children aged 4–13 years. Associations between these parenting factors in parents of children aged 3 years and younger have not yet been investigated. Understanding the relationships between these factors will facilitate the development of strategies to better support highly sensitive parents. Methods A sample of 153 parents of children aged 3 years and younger completed an online survey comprising standardised measures of SPS, attachment, and infant parenting styles. The underlying factor structure of the Infancy Parenting Styles Questionnaire was investigated. Results Factor analysis identified 33 items loading onto five factors: Discipline, Routine, Anxiety, Nurturance, and Involvement, with moderate to high reliability. SPS was positively correlated with parenting anxiety, attachment anxiety, and attachment avoidance, but did not predict parenting style. Younger parent age was associate with more insecure attachment styles. Multivariate regression analyses revealed that variability in parenting anxiety was predicted only by attachment anxiety and having fewer children. Conclusion While SPS was not seen to predict parenting anxiety, relationships between SPS, parenting anxiety, and insecure attachment suggest that strategies tailored to SPS would support highly sensitive parents to care for their children and promote improved parent–child relationships. These strategies may therefore be a beneficial addition to attachment-based parenting programs. Further studies using the Toddler Parenting Styles Questionnaire (TPSQ) are needed to identify optimal parenting styles for parents of infants and toddlers.

A window into Their World: How Video Visits Facilitate Father–Child Relationships

AbstractMaintaining the parent–child relationship while a parent is incarcerated is critical to the well-being of both parent and child. There is some evidence that video visits can be beneficial when they are used to supplement rather than replace in-person visits. This study explores how video visits support the father–child relationship during parental incarceration. Research was conducted with two public prisons in New South Wales, Australia, during the period of COVID-19 restrictions. Interviews with children’s carers (n = 17) and fathers (n = 27) were analysed to identify the ways fathers engaged with their children and the benefits of the relationship. Three themes were identified: show and tell, which explored how the visual element of video visits contributed to parent–child interactions; part of their world, which identified how video visits became integrated into children’s everyday lives; and along for the ride, which focused on child-initiated interactions. Challenges of using video visits were also explored in two themes: difficulty engaging, which showed how fathers and children can struggle to communicate and interact, and timing and transitions, which highlighted how video visits could be difficult or disruptive to children’s mood and routines. Overall, video visits were perceived as enabling interactions that strengthened the engagement and relationship between the father and child.

Friendships among young children: links with social behaviour

ABSTRACT Children's relationships with their peers have important associations with their behaviour. The current study examined children's friendships during the formative school years and hypotheses were made regarding associations between how well-liked children were by peers, the reciprocity of these friendships, and with whom friendships were made. Children aged 4–7 years (N = 193) were asked to identify who their friends were. Teachers and teaching assistants provided ratings of children’s behaviour; aggressive, victimized, prosocial and solitary. Results indicated differences in the number of friendship nominations children received from peers in relation to their behaviours. Reciprocity in children's friendships was also differentially associated with child behaviour. Further, there was some evidence for homophily in the behaviour of children and their friends. The findings are discussed in relation to the importance of supporting children's good quality friendship relationships.

Toddlers as ‘new-comers’: the social lives of very young children during transition into an established group

ABSTRACT There are a significant number of toddlers participating in early childcare (ECE) services in New Zealand. At the same time, there is a dearth of research examining these toddlers during their first ECE experiences. The extant literature has predominantly focused on adult–child relationships rather than toddlers’ experiences with their peers. A qualitative inquiry was undertaken wherein video footage and observations were recorded of two toddlers transitioning into an ECE setting; with their interactions with peers being observed especially. The children’s teacher was also interviewed. The findings were interpreted through a symbolic interactionist lens and themes were coded iteratively. The findings showed that the two transitioning children were motivated to participate in peer-related activities by using specific strategies such as passing toys, being close, and making physical contact. However, at times the peer group resisted these two newcomers and their ‘initial entry’ into the group. Despite this, the transitioning children demonstrated strong resilience and perseverance. This study shed light on the power of peer affiliation. It reminds educators that peer affiliation is as important as adult–child relationship and it should be reflected in the teaching curriculum in particular for those who transition from home to group care for the first time.

(Dis)connecting families: Parents’ versus children's perspectives on the role of mobile devices within family interactions

The characteristics of mobile technology devices have enabled new ways of integrating technology in familial interactions. This study aimed to investigate (1) differences in perspectives of technoference and family-oriented mobile technology use between parents and children, (2) the relation between parent–child interactions that take place via mobile technology and the quality of the parent–child relationship, and (3) its association with the well-being of parents and preadolescents separately. Structural equation modelling was performed on cross-sectional data from 390 parent–child dyads. The findings revealed discrepancies in child technoference perceptions and varying associations of the different types of mobile technology use with the parent–child relationship and parents' and children's well-being. From children's perspective, both parent and child technoference was negative for the parent–child relationship, whereas family-oriented mobile technology use when physically together was beneficial for the relationship and the child's well-being. From parents’ perspective, only child technoference was negatively related to the parent–child relationship and parent's well-being. Overall, the findings underline that mobile technology use can be both detrimental and beneficial, however, the effects can differ depending on the family member and the type of technology use.

Parasocial parenting, adoption, and monetization of the “internet parent” with the Griswolds on TikTok

This study investigates parasocial relationships between adolescents and a genre of TikTok microcelebrities who construct themselves as “Internet Parents.” We analyze Alex and Melinda Griswold's construction of themselves as the “mom and dad of TikTok” through their videos, comment sections, and off-platform interactive content. We ask how the Griswolds construct parasocial intimacy through modes of familial address, how viewers make sense of parasocial intimacy, and how the Griswolds monetize familial parasocial intimacy. Findings reveal how the Griswolds construct parasocial intimacy with their audience through the use of adoption rhetoric and engaging narrative structures, which viewers identify with by expressing their desire for a parent–child relationship with the Griswolds as their adopted children. However, these moments of parasocial intimacies become transformed through influencer economies that commodify social relationships. Ultimately, we consider the ethical obligations of the Griswolds to their target audience of adopted children .

How is therapeutic residential care constructed within key policy documents ?

AbstractTherapeutic residential care (TRC) is a mode of delivering out‐of‐home care (OOHC) that can help meet the needs of some of Australia's most vulnerable young people and their families. TRC programmes aim to support young people to develop positive relationship experiences in a safe and stable environment. Given that TRC is a relatively new model of intervention, to date, the alignment between its aspirational aims and the existing and evolving policy environment in which it is located has not been analysed in any depth. This paper reports on a national policy analysis exploring how TRC is constructed in policy documents. One hundred and thirty‐two relevant policy documents were analysed to identify the practices and the conditions that facilitate the development of relationships and connections. The aims of the policies underpinning TRC were consistent with the literature outlining promising trauma‐informed approaches. Findings show how the policies support the development of beneficial relationships for children and young people; however, there were also several discrepancies and silences identified, including a limited conceptualisation of children's participation.