Parental Depression Research Articles

Double loss in the Chinese families of parental depression: A qualitative study

Although many studies have examined the lived experiences of children whose parents have depression in the West, few have been conducted in the Chinese context. This study aimed to identify the subjective experiences of parents living with major depressive disorder (MDD) and of adolescents with parental depression by investigating how adolescents and parents interpret and respond to parental depression.This study adopted a qualitative approach and conducted a purposive sampling of community mental health services in Hong Kong to capture the experiences of both parents with MDD and their adolescent children. The research employed multiple methods of data collection, including focus groups with adolescents (n = 1); in-depth semi-structured interviews with adolescents (n = 8) and their parents (n = 12); and dyadic interviews (n = 8). A total of 14 families participated in the study. Thematic analysis was employed as the data analysis method.Two themes were generated: “the loss of parenthood” and “the loss of certainty.” While suffering from MDD denuded parents of parenthood in various ways, adolescents highlighted a sense of uncertainty and loss of orientation in the challenges of living with their parents. The findings are used to suggest policy and service provision to support families with parental depression to alleviate the suffering of double loss.

Comparison of effects of interventions to promote the mental health of parents of children with autism: A systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorders often face persistent challenges in social interaction and engage in repetitive and stereotyped behaviors. Parenting a child with autism can profoundly affect parents both physically and psychologically, potentially leading to negative impacts on their mental health. This study employs a network meta-analysis methodology to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of mental health interventions specifically designed for parents of autistic children. A total of 69 empirical intervention studies involving 4213 parents of autistic children were included in the analysis. Employing the frequency framework model and utilizing Stata 16.0 software, we quantitatively analyzed the impact of various interventions on anxiety, depression, parenting stress, and parenting self-efficacy. Our findings indicate that mindfulness-based interventions demonstrate the highest efficacy in reducing parenting stress, while cognitive behavioral therapy is effective in alleviating anxiety and depression in parents of children with autism. Psychoeducational interventions have shown significant benefits in mitigating parental anxiety, depression, and parenting stress, and acceptance and commitment (ACT) displays promising outcomes in reducing depression. We also elaborate on the underlying mechanisms that contribute to the effectiveness of these interventions. This network meta-analysis presents valuable insights for the development of targeted interventions to provide support to parents of children with autism.

Identification and transfer to stepped care of depressed and psychosocially stressed parents during peri- and postpartum-UPlusE: study protocol for cluster randomized trial of a screening intervention.

Perinatal depression affects 10-15% of mothers and approximately 5% of fathers. However, only a small number of affected individuals seek treatment. If left unrecognized and untreated, it can have negative long-term consequences for the family's health, leading to subsequent high costs. Early treatment is crucial, yet there is a notable underdiagnosis and undertreatment. Affected individuals are often seen during this time, e.g. in paediatric practices, but not by specialists in mental health. Consequently, this study aims to increase detection and treatment rates of affected individuals by implementing a screening for depression and psychosocial stress in perinatal and postpartum parents within routine obstetric and paediatric care with subsequent advice and-if necessary-further referral to a mental health specialist. UPlusE is a prospective, cluster-randomized controlled trial conducted in an outpatient setting. Obstetric and paediatric practices will be randomized into an intervention and control group (1:1 ratio). Practices and enrolling patients will be required to use specific smartphone apps (practice apps) for interaction. The screening will occur with the apps at each paediatric checkup up to the child's age of 12months, using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), KID-PROTEKT questionnaire, and the scale 1 (impaired bonding) of the Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ-1). The goal is to screen 10,000 patients across Germany. Gynaecologists and paediatricians will receive certified training on peripartum depression. Participants in the intervention group with scores above cut-offs (EPDS ≥ 10, KID-PROTEKT ≥ 1, PBQ-1 ≥ 12) will receive counselling through their treating gynaecologists/paediatricians and will be provided with regional addresses for psychiatrists, psychotherapists, and "Frühe Hilfen" (early prevention) as well as family counselling centres, depending on symptom severity. At each screening, participants will be asked whether they sought support, where, and with whom (utilization). Utilization is the primary outcome. The screening is designed to reduce underdiagnosis to enable suitable support at an early stage (especially for those often overlooked, such as individuals with "high-functioning depression") and hence to avoid manifestation of mental health problems in the whole family, especially infants who are exceptionally dependent on their parents and their well-being will benefit from this program. German Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00033385. Registered on 15 January 2024.

Parent-child interaction frequency: associations with age, sibling presence, and child health.

Parent-child interaction plays a crucial role in child development. This study investigated associations between the frequency of parent-child-interactions and sociodemographic characteristics (age, sex, socio-economic status, family structure, number and age of siblings), physical and psychological symptoms in children, and mental health of parents. The frequencies of 11 different parent-child interactions (shared reading, singing, moving, painting, building, puzzle, playing ball, role games, language games, number games and talking about problems) were assessed in 739 children aged 2-6.5 years-old using a standardised parental questionnaire, within a population-based cohort study in Leipzig, Germany. Physical and psychological symptoms were investigated using the HBSC Symptom-Checklist and parental depression symptoms using the Patient Health Questionnaire. We applied regression analyses to assess associations between variables. Shared reading was the parent-child interaction reported most frequently, with an average occurrence of several times a week. Number games were reported least frequently, with an average occurrency of every two weeks. Fewer parent-child interactions were significantly associated with higher child age, higher number of siblings, presence of older siblings and a lower level of physical and psychological symptoms. The other variables (sex, SES, living situation, presence of younger siblings or both (younger and older), depression symptoms of parents) were not significantly associated with the frequency of parent-child interactions. The findings show that age of children and number as well as age of siblings at home may shape the frequency of parent-child interaction in preschool children. In addition, the findings suggest that parent-child interaction might be related to the health of children rather than the (mental) health of parents. This study assessed the associations between the frequency of different types of parent-child interactions and sociodemographic as well as health-related parameters in a large sample of children. There still exist sex-specific differences in the frequency of parent-child interactions related to traditional role models of girls and boys. A higher frequency of parent-child interactions is associated with more physical and psychological symptoms in children. Parent-child interactions are less frequent in families with more children, especially when older siblings are present.

Experiences and psychological issues affecting parents of children born with atypical genitalia in India.

Parents of children with differences of sex development (DSD) are known to suffer from psychological distress at the time of diagnosis and thereafter. We analyzed the prevalence of anxiety and depression in Indian parents of children with DSD and its associated risk factors, as well as their experiences, perceptions and expectations from the healthcare system. This cross-sectional study included parents of children aged ≤6 years with atypical genitalia. Data was collected through face-to-face semi-structured interview using specially designed questionnaire. Depression and anxiety have been assessed using PHQ9 (Patient health questionnaire) and GAD-7 (Generalized anxiety disorder scale), respectively. The current mean age of the 43 children (46,XY=26, 46,XX=16 and chromosomal DSD=1) was 36.5±21.4months with a median age of diagnosis of 5months (range- 0-60months). 68 parents (35 mothers and 33 fathers) were interviewed. The score was above the cut-off for clinically significant depression in 27.2 and 25.7 % of the fathers and mothers, respectively; and for clinically significant anxiety in 15.1 and 28.6 % of the fathers and mothers, respectively. The most significant factor associated with psychological distress was rearing a boy with lower EMS in fathers and lower literacy levels (with higher perception of stigma) in mothers. Absence of family support was associated with high levels of distress in both parents. There is a high level of depression and anxiety amongst Indian parents of children born with atypical genitalia and requirement for psychological support and counseling.

The Impact of Parental Depressive, Anxiety, and Stress Symptoms on Adolescents’ Mental Health and Quality of Life: The Moderating Role of Parental Rejection

Background/Objectives: Parental internalizing issues, particularly maternal mental health, can significantly influence adolescents’ mental health by altering parenting behaviors and roles. This study explores the role of parental rejection in moderating the relationship between parental depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms and adolescents’ mental health and quality of life. Methods: One hundred thirty eight mothers (mean age: 47.96, SD = 5.06 years) and 68 fathers (mean age: 51.07, SD = 5.53 years) of adolescents aged 12–18 completed measures on mental health, parental rejection, and adolescent well-being. Results: Maternal rejection was found to moderate the relationship between maternal anxiety symptoms and adolescents’ quality of life, as well as between maternal anxiety symptoms and adolescents’ mental health problems. Paternal rejection moderated the relationship between paternal stress symptoms and adolescents’ mental health. However, parental rejection did not moderate the relationship between parental depression and adolescents’ quality of life or mental health. Conclusions: These findings highlight the distinct roles of maternal and paternal rejection in adolescent development and suggest that parental mental health, particularly anxiety and stress, has a significant impact on adolescent well-being. Future studies should consider the influence of both parents and focus on longitudinal effects. These results emphasize the need for interventions addressing parental rejection to improve adolescent outcomes.

Development of Selective Attention and Vocabulary in a Socio-Economically Diverse Sample of Preschoolers

ABSTRACT Research Findings: The impact of low SES, parental depression, low social support for parenting, and growing up in a non-Western family on selective attention and vocabulary at age 2.5 and their development from age 2.5 to age 5 were examined. N = 305 children in the Netherlands were tested on selective attention and receptive vocabulary, during four measurement occasions: around the ages of 2.5, 3, 4 and 5. Multiple imputation was used to handle missing data. Relationships were investigated through multilevel latent growth curve analyses. The results showed that none of the risk factors were significant negative predictors of the baseline score or growth in attention or vocabulary. However, the lower children scored on a selective attention or vocabulary task at age 2.5, the higher their growth on this ability over the next two and a half years. Practice or Policy: Selective attention and vocabulary ability at age 2.5 are better predictors of the expected development of these skills than individual risk factors associated with poverty. This study provides tentative, preliminary evidence that early childhood selective attention and vocabulary testing may inform selection for preschool intervention programs. Follow-up research is recommended to confirm the results in the current study.

Application of the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model in Parent-Adolescent Mental Health Knowledge and Depression.

To explore the individual and interpersonal association between mental health knowledge (MHK) and depression in adolescents and one of their parents, and to explore whether gender differences exist between fathers and mothers in these associations. Participants were 3456 father-adolescent dyads and 4478 mother-adolescent dyads, recruited from eight middle schools in Wuhan, who completed self-report assessments of MHK and depression from September to October 2021. With the application of the actor-partner interdependence model, A positive actor effect between MHK and depression in adolescents was found. Adverse partner effects from fathers' MHK and mothers' MHK to adolescent depression were noted and showed no significant difference. Adolescents' depression was significantly associated with parental depression in both fathers and mothers. It is implied that milder adolescent depression was associated with lower levels of adolescent MHK, along with higher levels of MHK in both fathers and mothers. For parents, it is important to emphasise the improvement of their own MHK and increase their attention to adolescent mental health problems, as this may contribute to enhancing the mental health of adolescents. This study is instructive and related to family-based nursing interventions for mental health, emphasising the potential influence of parents in the family on adolescent depressive symptoms. The findings suggest that parental involvement should be encouraged and that the family's role in supporting the child's mental health should be recognised, contributing to the development of relevant policies. This study highlights that higher parental MHK is associated with lower levels of adolescent depression, with no gender differences between fathers and mothers. Family-based nursing interventions that emphasise mental health education for parents may have an impact on improving depression in adolescents. Guidelines were followed using the STROBE reporting method. None.

Emotion dysregulation in autism: Severity and correlates in early childhood.

Emotion dysregulation (ED) is common and severe in older autistic youth, but is rarely the focus of early autism screening or intervention. Moreover, research characterizing ED in the preschool years (when autism is typically diagnosed) is limited. This study aimed to characterize ED in autistic children by examining (1) prevalence and severity of ED as compared to children without an autism diagnosis; and (2) correlates of ED in autistic children. A sample of 1864 parents (Mean child age = 4.21 years, SD = 1.16 years; 37% female) of 2-5 year-old children with (1) autism; (2) developmental concerns, but no autism; and (3) no developmental concerns or autism completed measures via an online questionnaire. ED was measured using the Emotion Dysregulation Inventory-Young Child, a parent report measure characterizing ED across two dimensions: Reactivity (fast, intense emotional reactions) and dysphoria (low positive affect, sadness, unease). Autistic preschoolers, compared to peers without developmental concerns, had more severe ED (+1.12 SD for reactivity; +0.60 SD for dysphoria) and were nearly four and three times more likely to have clinically significant reactivity and dysphoria, respectively. Autistic traits, sleep problems, speaking ability, and parent depression were the strongest correlates of ED in the autism sample. While more work is needed to establish the prevalence, severity, and correlates of ED in young autistic children, this study represents an important first step. Results highlight a critical need for more high-quality research in this area as well as the potential value of screening and intervention for ED in young autistic children.

Longitudinal patterns of alcohol and cannabis use among US young adults: Correlates and implications for problematic health outcomes.

Alcohol and cannabis use are common during young adulthood. Less is known regarding correlates of alcohol-cannabis use patterns and related problematic health outcomes. Using longitudinal survey data (Fall 2018, 2019, 2020) from 2,194 young adults (YAs; ages 18-34), bivariate analyses and multivariable logistic regressions examined: (1) Wave 1 (W1) sociodemographics and psychosocial factors (i.e., adverse childhood experiences [ACEs], depressive symptoms, personality traits, parent and peer alcohol and cannabis use) in relation to W3 past-month use group (i.e., use of neither, alcohol only, cannabis only, both/co-use); and (2) W3 use group in relation to W5 problematic alcohol use (Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test), problematic cannabis use (Cannabis Use Disorder Identification Test), and depressive/anxiety symptoms (Patient Health Questionnaire - 4 item). Overall, 42.3% reported W3 alcohol-only use, 34.9% co-use, 17.8% no use, and 5.0% cannabis-only use. Those reporting W3 co-use reported greater W1 extraversion, openness, friend alcohol/cannabis use, and were more likely to report parent cannabis use (vs. no use); reported less conscientiousness, greater friend cannabis use, and were more likely to report depressive symptoms and parent cannabis use (vs. alcohol-only use); and reported greater friend alcohol use, and were more likely to report parent alcohol use (vs. cannabis-only use). W3 co-use was associated with higher odds of W5 problematic alcohol use (vs. alcohol-only use) and problematic cannabis use (vs. cannabis-only use). Substance use messaging and interventions should consider YAs' alcohol-cannabis co-use and the unique correlates of such use.

Estimated lifetime impact of a school-based intervention for mental health: A microsimulation study

Abstract Background The prevalence of childhood mental health problems is increasing. School-based interventions have the potential to reduce poor mental health and mental health inequalities. Our aim was to estimate the long-term costs and benefits of the Incredible Years Teacher® Classroom Management (IY-TCM) intervention in primary schools compared to no intervention. Methods LifeSim, an existing microsimulation model, was used to estimate the lifetime costs and benefits of IY-TCM by linking short-term changes in SDQ based on a previous trial in primary schools (Cluster RCT: 2075 children aged 4-9 years with a 30-month follow-up) to long-term health, social, economic and wellbeing outcomes. Benefits were measured in quality adjusted life years and wellbeing adjusted life years. We examined subgroup based on deprivation, conduct scores and parental depression. Results Microsimulation modelling estimated small gains in lifetime outcomes including reduced conduct disorder in adolescence and depression in adulthood. Estimates indicate IY-TCM could be cost-effective with a large amount of uncertainty (Net monetary benefit (NMB)=£21, Estimated CI = -£195, £240). IY-TCM was estimated to be more cost-effective for those with high deprivation (NMB = £231, Estimation CI - -£99, £231) and high conduct problem scores (NMB=£315, Estimated CI = £45, £483). Total net social benefit for a typical year size group was estimated to be £111m. Conclusions IY-TCM could be cost-effective compared to no intervention with a large estimated social benefit supporting wider implementation of IY-TCM, but results indicate a large amount of uncertainty. Greater benefits and higher certainty of cost-effectiveness for children with conduct problems and those living in a deprived area suggest IY-TCM has the potential to reduce mental health inequalities and may be more cost-effective for schools with higher deprivation and/or a high prevalence of conduct problems. Key messages • The Incredible Years Teacher Classroom Management intervention for mental health in primary schools could be considered cost-effective but there is a large amount of uncertainty. • Greater benefits for children with conduct problems and those living in a deprived area indicates the intervention has the potential to reduce mental health inequalities.

Using marketing strategies to promote maternal health: an international students’ collaboration

Abstract Purpose About 1 in 8 birth parents experience symptoms of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). The purpose of this collaborative project was to create a social media deliverable to lower the risk of postpartum depression in pregnant and postpartum parents in Georgia, USA. Methods Using the SM 10-step model, Master of Public Health Students from Georgia Southern University (GSU), Georgia in collaboration with Creative Business students from Breda University of Applied Science (BUas), the Netherlands, designed an evidence-based SM product. They were mentored by public health and media faculty from both institutions. Roles and responsibilities according to the skill sets were divided, but briefly: students 1) identified a target audience; 2) conducted tertiary data collection; 3) set goals and objectives; 4) developed 4 P’s (product, price, place, and promotion) 5) developed marketing strategies.; 6) and used the strategy to create a specific social media deliverable. Results Utilizing the 10-step model social marketing strategy used state-of-the-art marketing and digital media techniques and evidence-based strategies to create a digital electronic booklet that focused on reducing the stigma associated with help seeking behaviors with the ultimate goal to reduce the incidence and prevalence of PMADs. The digital interactive booklet will be pilot tested in selected OBGYN offices and health departments in Southeast Georgia in July 2024. Conclusions This collaborative project demonstrates effective collaboration between disciplines from different world regions utilizing strengths from both teams: public health and digital media skills to create an SM product that will be utilized to promote social engagement among postpartum parents. Key messages • Students utilized social marketing strategies to create an electronic booklet to address postpartum depression using state-of-the-art digital media techniques and evidence-based strategies. • This collaborative project demonstrates effective collaboration between disciplines from different world regions and utilizes strengths from both teams.

Risk and timing of postpartum depression in parents of twins compared to parents of singletons.

Parents of twins appear to be at increased risk of postpartum depression (PPD), yet little is known about the magnitude and timing of onset in the postpartum period compared to singleton parents. We conducted a cohort study using the Danish nationwide health registers. We defined a study population of parents that is, mothers and fathers of all twin and singleton livebirths between 1997 and 2019. Postpartum depression was defined as incident depression diagnosis or a redeemed antidepressant prescription from childbirth through 365 days postpartum. We performed a parametric time-to-event analysis based on Poisson regression. The time scale was time since birth, modeled using restricted cubic splines. From this we estimated the hazard ratio (HR) representing the momentary risk, and the cumulative risk ratio (RR) over the first year postpartum, in twin compared to singleton parents. The study population was based on 27,095 twin and 1,350,046 singleton births. In adjusted analyses, the HR of twins compared to singletons was highest around 2 months postpartum (HR 1.28, 95% CI 1.10-1.49) for mothers, and around 6 months (1.20, 95% CI 1.02-1.42) for fathers. The 6 months adjusted cumulative RR of PPD in twins compared to singletons was 1.24 (95% CI 1.10-1.40) for mothers and 1.11 (95% CI 0.95-1.30) for fathers. Twin mothers had increased risk of PPD compared to singleton mothers, which was driven by an immediate increase after childbirth. The risk among twin fathers was not increased immediately after childbirth, but we found slightly elevated risk around 6 months postpartum. This could suggest diverse patterns of PPD symptomatology in twin parents compared to singleton parents and between mothers and fathers. Our findings underline parents of twins as a potentially vulnerable group to PPD and emphasize the need for increased awareness of their mental health.

“Tell me what I'm doing wrong”: Criticism of parenting choices and mental health during COVID-19

During the COVID-19 pandemic, parents struggled with high levels of economic insecurity and mental health difficulties. Social cognitive theory suggests that receiving criticism from others contributes to psychological distress. This mixed-methods study explored longitudinal associations between receiving criticism about parenting choices and parental anxiety, depression, and financial worries during COVID-19. Survey data were collected at two time points in April 2020 from a national U.S. sample of 359 parents (70 % White, 67 % female, average age 34 years). Quantitative analyses were conducted using logistic and linear regression, and qualitative responses were coded to elucidate topics of criticism. Criticism at T1 was associated with increased parental anxiety, depression, and financial worries at T2 after controlling for these outcomes at T1. Content coding revealed parents were criticized for lenient parenting styles (20.63 %) or for being too strict with COVID-19 precautions (18.13 %). Being criticized about parenting choices may exacerbate mental health problems. Parents may benefit from receiving positive feedback about their parenting methods, either through social media or from family members.

Playful activities mitigate relations between parental mental health difficulties and child verbal outcomes.

This study examined the role of parental involvement in the home learning environment in the association between parental mental health and child cognitive performance. In a sample of 174 three- to five-year-old children (52% female, 97% White, 7% Hispanic, 2019-2022), playful activities moderated the relation between parental general depression and child verbal reasoning and acquired verbal knowledge. However, there was no evidence that parental involvement moderated the association between parental mental health and child spatial reasoning. These results improve our understanding of the pathways by which parental mental health, even in a non-clinical community sample, relate to child outcomes and raise the possibility of leveraging playful activities as one mechanism to alleviate the potential role of parental mental health difficulties.

Serial Multiple Mediation of the Marital Satisfaction and Parenting Competence in the Relationship Between Postpartum Depression and Parent-Infant Attachment in First-Time Parents With Low- and High-Risk Pregnancy Experiences: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Little is known regarding the effects of postpartum depression on parent-infant attachment in high-risk parents. Based on Mercer's theory of becoming a mother, this study aimed to (1) examine the mediating effects of marital satisfaction and parenting competence in the relationship between postpartum depression and parent-infant attachment using a serial mediation model in first-time parent couples during the first 6 months postpartum, and (2) compare the serial mediation models between parents who had experienced low-risk and high-risk pregnancies. In this cross-sectional study, a total of 194 first-time parent couples at 1 to 6 months postpartum were included. Participants completed an online survey on postpartum depression, marital satisfaction, parenting competence, and parent-infant attachment. In both low- and high-risk groups, parenting competence was a common mediator of the impact of postpartum depression on parent-infant attachment. A sequential mediation effect involving both marital satisfaction and parenting competence was observed in high-risk mothers. Our findings suggest that the adverse impacts of postpartum depression on parent-infant attachment can be mitigated by boosting parenting competence or improving the marital satisfaction in couples experiencing first high-risk pregnancy.

Investigating the Impact of Social Communication Deficiencies in Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder on Their Parents' Depression and Anxiety Levels

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) significantly impacts individuals' social communication abilities, affecting both the diagnosed children and their families, especially the mental health of their parents. While existing literature has focused on the direct implications for individuals with ASD, the psychological toll on caregivers is often overlooked. This study explores the relationship between children's social communication challenges due to ASD and the subsequent mental health outcomes in their parents, specifically depression and anxiety levels. Using a correlational design, the research involved 400 parents of children with ASD aged 4-18 from various urban centers in Turkey. Data were collected using the Social Communication Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Beck Anxiety Inventory to assess children's social communication deficits and parents' psychological states. Spearman’s correlation coefficients and subgroup analyses evaluated the relationships between the severity of children's social communication problems and parental depression and anxiety levels. The findings revealed a strong correlation between the severity of social communication deficiencies in children with ASD and heightened levels of depression and anxiety among their parents. Spearman’s correlation coefficients showed significant negative correlations, with r=-0.218 for depression and r=-0.263 for anxiety. Parents of children with more severe communication deficits reported higher psychological distress. This pattern was consistent across different demographic subgroups. The study's unique contribution lies in its quantitative confirmation of these relationships within a Turkish urban population, underscoring the need for holistic, family-centered approaches in ASD management.

Comparison of depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and resilience in parents faced with abortion in Iran: a longitudinal study

BackgroundAbortion could impact the mental well-being of parents. Resilience also has a significant effect on the mental health of the family as a factor in coping with abortion. This study aimed to compare depression, anxiety, perceived stress, and resilience in parents after abortion.MethodsThe present longitudinal study was performed on 200 hospitalized women and their spouses in the post-partum department of Shiraz hospitals in 2023. The instruments used in this study included questionnaires of fertility and demographic characteristics, hospital depression and anxiety (HADS), Connor’s resilience, and Cohen’s perceived stress. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25.ResultsThe mean age of the fathers was 35.37 ± 4.99 and that of mothers was 31.35 ± 6.23. The scores of parents’ anxiety, depression, and perceived stress in the first 24 h after facing abortion were in the highest possible state and decreased in 12 weeks, and their resilience also increased. In all three time periods, the mean scores of the fathers’ anxiety, depression, and perceived stress were lower than those of the mothers, but the mean score of resilience was always higher in fathers. Fathers´ age and mothers’ age, mothers’ age at the time of marriage, fathers’ job, number of children, gender of the last child (boy or girl), and unwanted pregnancy were among the predicting variables of anxiety, depression, perceived stress, and resilience of both parents faced with abortion.ConclusionAlthough mental disorders in fathers were fewer than mothers compared to post-abortion resilience, identifying and managing these issues promptly is crucial for enhancing post-abortion mental well-being in both parents. How parents navigate the challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and abortion can significantly impact the couple’s health.

An open pilot of GROW, a responsive parenting intervention for young children with brain injuries: preliminary efficacy

Purpose Families experience stress and burden following their child’s traumatic brain injury (TBI). Parenting styles are related to parent stress and child behavior problems and executive dysfunction. Parent-child interactions are shown to be a promising intervention target. We aimed to examine the preliminary efficacy of Gaining Real life skills Over the Web (GROW) in improving responsive parenting and reducing parent stress and depression in parents of children ages 0-4 who experienced TBI. Method Participants (n = 11) were parents of children four years old or younger, at the time of enrollment, and previously hospitalized overnight for TBI. Parent-reported measures included the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Parenting Stress Inventory—Short Form, and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System. Recordings of parent-child interactions were coded using the Play and Learning Strategies coding scheme. Study hypotheses were analyzed using independent samples t-tests, chi square analyses, and linear mixed models. Results Parental warmth (t=-3.64, p = 0.001, d=.97), responsiveness (t=-2.09, p = 0.047, d = 0.70), and verbal stimulation (t=-2.30, p = 0.029, d = 0.75) increased significantly from pretreatment to posttreatment. Improvements in parental warmth were maintained 3 months posttreatment (t=-3.15, p = 0.004, d = 1.16). There were no significant changes in depression, parental stress, or quality of life. Conclusions Results provide preliminary support for the efficacy of GROW in improving responsive parenting for children following early TBI. Future directions include tailoring GROW to better fit the needs of families and testing the utility through a randomized control trial.

The relationships between perceived parental rearing, social support, PTSD, and depression in people living with HIV in China: a cross-sectional study

ABSTRACT Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and depression are two major psychological disorders that affect the mental health of people living with HIV (PLWH). The occurrence of PTSD and depression may be linked to perceptions of parental rearing styles in childhood. However, little is known about the relationship between perceived parental rearing styles, and PTSD and depression in the PLWH population. This study investigated 300 PLWH and explored the relationship between perceived parental rearing style, social support, PTSD, and depression. The results indicated that perceived paternal and maternal warmth were negatively associated with PTSD. Perceived maternal warmth and overprotection were negatively associated with depression. Social support acted as a mediator between perceived parental warmth, PTSD, and depression. Therefore, it is necessary to focus on patients who feel they experienced a lack of parental warmth during childhood and provide psychological care and support, which may help reduce the risk of developing PTSD and depression.