Family Dysfunction Research Articles

Exploring the impact of pediatric OCD on family impairment: A consideration of parent, sibling, and affected-child perspectives

BackgroundPrevious studies have examined the perspectives of both affected children/adolescents and their parents on family functioning impacts of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). While siblings play an integral role within the family system, their perspectives have been largely overlooked in the literature. This study examined sibling, parent, and child perspectives of family functioning in pediatric OCD and assessed demographic and clinical factors associated with family functioning. MethodsParticipating families were identified from a larger research registry of 398 patients referred between 2012 and 2020 to the Provincial OCD Program. A total of 185 families who provided data on family functioning from the perspectives of OCD-affected children, siblings and parents were included for study. All family members completed the OCD Family Functioning scale. ResultsThe extent of perceived impairment differed by family member type, with parents reporting the greatest impacts, followed by OCD-affected children, and then siblings. Predictors of OCD-imposed family dysfunction included family accommodation from all perspectives, clinician-reported child OCD severity, and family blame from parent perspectives. LimitationsData are cross-sectional, and we cannot conclude that the observed associations reflect causal effects. Missing data were evident and differed by variable item and family member type. ConclusionsBy providing sibling perspectives within the same family unit, this study expands upon previous findings that accommodation predicts family impairment from parent and child perspectives. Our study highlights factors relevant to family-based interventions in the treatment of pediatric OCD. Clinicians should be aware of the ongoing impacts OCD has on all family members.

Sociological Analysis of Family Factors in Adolescent Internet Addiction

Objective: To explore the relationship between family factors and adolescents’ Internet addiction, and to propose corresponding measures to solve the problem. Methods: 141 adolescents were surveyed online using Young’s Internet addiction questionnaire, APGAR family function analysis and other questionnaires. Results: 68 adolescents (48%) had internet addiction. The findings showed that inharmonious relationships with parents, lack of parental companionship, lack of equal communication with parents, inappropriate parental education, and family dysfunction were risk factors for adolescents’ Internet addiction. Conclusion: Internet addiction is an important problem affecting children’s lifelong development, in which family factors play a key role.

A replication and extension of adverse and benevolent childhood experiences along with contemporaneous social support and sociodemographic stress for perinatal mental health problems.

This study replicated and extended Narayan and colleagues' (2018) original benevolent childhood experiences (BCEs) study. We examined associations between adverse and positive childhood experiences and mental health problems in a second sample of low-income, ethnically diverse pregnant individuals (replication). We also examined effects of childhood experiences on perinatal mental health problems while accounting for contemporaneous support and stress (extension). Participants were 175 pregnant individuals (M = 28.07 years, SD = 5.68, range = 18-40; 38.9% White, 25.7% Latina, 16.6% Black, 12.0% biracial/multiracial, 6.8% other) who completed standardized instruments on BCEs, childhood maltreatment and exposure to family dysfunction, sociodemographic stress, and perinatal depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. They completed the Five-Minute Speech Sample at pregnancy and postpartum to assess social support from the other biological parent. Higher family dysfunction predicted higher prenatal depression symptoms, while higher BCEs and prenatal social support predicted lower prenatal PTSD symptoms. Prenatal depression and prenatal PTSD symptoms were the most robust predictors of postnatal depression and PTSD symptoms, respectively, although higher postnatal social support also predicted lower postnatal PTSD symptoms. Findings replicated many patterns found in the original BCEs study and indicated that contemporaneous experiences are also associated with perinatal mental health problems.

The Global Impact of Multisystemic Vulnerabilities on Criminal Variety: A Cross-Continental Study in Young Adults.

Previous research has shown a robust association between different childhood and adolescent vulnerabilities and youth offending. However, these investigations have primarily focused on youths from high-income Western countries. Consequently, the generalizability of these findings to better inform global justice policies remains uncertain. This study aimed to address this gap by examining the relationship between individual, familial, and contextual vulnerabilities and criminal versatility during young adulthood, accounting for sociodemographic factors and cross-national differences. Data were derived from a diverse sample of 4,182 young adults (67% female; mean age = 18.96; SD = 0.81) residing in 10 countries across 5 continents who participated in the International Study of Pro/Antisocial Behavior in Young Adults. The Psychosocial and Family Vulnerability Questionnaire and the Adverse Childhood Experiences questionnaire were used to assess social and family adversity, and past-year criminal diversity was measured with the Criminal Variety Index. Results indicate that child maltreatment, substance abuse, and delinquent peers are global risk factors for criminal variety. Moreover, they are independent across males and females and among youths living in countries that are ranked differently on the Human Development Index (HDI). In addition, some childhood vulnerabilities showed different predictive ability across sexes (e.g., school failure), and across countries ranked differently on the HDI (e.g., family dysfunction). These findings suggest that certain childhood factors contribute to criminal behavior through transcultural mechanisms. Moreover, they highlight the importance of developing evidence-based policies that focus on transcultural risk factors to globally prevent criminal behavior.

Autolesiones en jóvenes universitarios sobrevivientes del suicidio

Self-injurious behaviors often arise as an attempt to regulate emotions and temporarily alleviate emotional and social pain, potentially leading to suicidal attempts over time—a complex phenomenon that demands a profound and diverse understanding of intense emotional distress and an urgent need for help and support. Thus, this article aimed to explore self-injurious experiences in survivors of suicide attempts during university years through a systematic review methodology using the PRISMA protocol, identifying and critically evaluating the quality of 24 studies spanning a period from 2003 to 2024, using keywords such as self-injury, non-suicidal self-injury, university students, adolescents, young adults, and others in databases like Web of Science, Redalyc, and Dialnet. It was found that self-injurious experiences in university students include cuts, burns, blows, pinches, falls, bites, scratches, and more, resulting from depression, anxiety, stress, impulsivity, emotional dysregulation, avoidant coping styles, psychoactive substance use, bullying, academic pressure, history of violence, existential void, fatalistic attitudes, low self-esteem, cognitive rumination, family dysfunction, negative sexual experiences, and more. The above reveals that these experiences require specialized management that includes institutional and family care and support protocols, encompassing emotional, social, and personal factors, which implies the creation of early intervention programs, continuous psychological support, and awareness campaigns to reduce the stigma associated with self-injury and suicide.

DEPRESSION AND SUICIDE FROM A PHENOMENOLOGICAL-EXISTENTIAL AND PERSON-CENTERED PERSPECTIVE: An integrative review

This study aims to conduct an integrative and qualitative review of scientific productions on depression and suicide according to Existential Phenomenology and Person-Centered Approach. Data collection was carried out in the Scielo, Pepsic, ResearchGate, and CAPES Periodicals databases. 13 articles that correlate the descriptors used and meet the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected. The results show that, from the existential phenomenological perspective, depression and suicide are seen as multifaceted phenomena that take into account subjectivity, the search for meaning, and human authenticity. The authors discuss that what leads a person to suicide is existential anguish caused by factors such as a technicist society, the incessant search for happiness, social stigma, individualism, fragile relationships, dysfunctional families, and the prioritization of medicalization over care. The most cited authors supporting the studies found are Heidegger, Sartre, and Carl Rogers, who bring both similarities and differences. Studies relating depression and suicide to the Person-Centered Approach assert that these phenomena occur due to a distortion of the self, causing anguish and existential pain, as the idealized self-image and the real lived experience are distinct. It is encouraged to produce more articles that bring a humanistic perspective on depression and suicide in life stages beyond adolescence, such as old age and childhood. Additionally, it encourages the production of more studies focusing on the Person-Centered Approach, as well as empirical studies with case analyses.

Teologi Trauma: Trauma Pada Anak Dampak Dari Perceraian Orangtua

Divorce is rarely seen as a way out of various household problems. Divorce is not the right solution to resolve the conflict; of course, a divorce can hurt others, especially the child; the divorce of parents can cause trauma to the child. In fact, the wounds that a child may have suffered will probably continue to carry it to adulthood; The impact on each child may vary, depending on the child's age at the time of the parents' divorce, the circumstances of the divorce, and the personality of the child. When a divorce occurs within a family, the child is the primary victim who is most affected by the negative impact of the divorce; The purpose of this writing is to explain that divorce is a phenomenon of social change taking place in today's society; divorce results in damage to relationships between family members that do not support the growth and development of the child; divorces cause family dysfunction; divorcing creates an emotional distance between the child and the parent; and divorce can also result in trauma to the child. The author uses a qualitative method to analyze this research problem using interviews and literature.

Potential Risk Factors and Early Experiences to the Development of Social Phobia in Adolescents

This paper explores potential risk factors and underlying experiences associated with the development of social phobia in adolescents, emphasizing the importance of early intervention and treatment. Factors investigated include gender roles, cultural influences, socioeconomic status, parental psychopathology, alcohol use, early memories, and family environment. Gender differences reveal higher rates of social phobia among females, while collectivist cultures and adverse childhood experiences significantly contribute to its prevalence. Dysfunctional family environments are associated with an increased risk and higher persistence of social phobia, particularly due to their influence on childhood experiences. Alcohol use may exacerbate symptoms and lead to higher persistence due to its link to alcohol dependence. Parental psychopathology demonstrates a higher prevalence and co-occurrence with other comorbidities across all ages. Low socioeconomic status and popularity serve as additional risk factors. The paper critiques understudied aspects of these factors and suggests future research directions to enhance understanding and inform effective prevention strategies.

Analisis Anarkisme Remaja dalam Kejahatan Klitih di Kabupaten Bantul: Faktor, Karakteristik, dan Upaya Penegakan Hukum

The phenomenon of street violence that occurs in Bantul Regency, Yogyakarta, namely klitih, is a serious concern for the local community. This research aims to analyze the factors that influence juvenile involvement in crime, characteristics of perpetrators, crime patterns, and efforts to increase the effectiveness of law enforcement in dealing with these problems. The research method used is a normative approach with a qualitative descriptive approach. Secondary data was obtained from various literary sources and related legal documents. The results of the research show that social factors, the search for identity, hereditary school gangs, family, education, environment, as well as the influence of media and technology play a role in teenagers' involvement in klitih. The characteristics of the perpetrators include teenagers aged between 15 and 20 years, low educational background and a dysfunctional family environment. The klitih crime pattern involves acts of violence with the aim of showing courage in front of a peer group. Efforts to increase the effectiveness of law enforcement include improving coordination between law enforcement agencies, increasing security patrols, utilizing technology, and implementing comprehensive rehabilitation programs.

Intervenciones familiares y su impacto en el rendimiento académico de estudiantes en América Latina

The academic performance of students is influenced by a variety of factors, among which family functionality plays a crucial role. Families that maintain good communication, cohesion, and emotional support tend to provide a more conducive environment for the academic success of students. The purpose of this study was to explore how family interventions designed to improve household dynamics can positively impact students' academic performance. To address this topic, an exploratory review of recent studies in Latin America was conducted. The methodology used was a systematic literature review with a qualitative focus. The results showed that family interventions, such as parenting skills workshops and psychological support, significantly improved communication and cohesion within the household, which in turn positively influenced students' grades and academic engagement. Additionally, it was observed that dysfunctional families participating in these programs also experienced improvements, although the results were more limited compared to functional families. The study reaffirms the importance of strengthening family dynamics to enhance academic performance and suggests that educational policies should integrate family programs to ensure a more stable and supportive environment for students.

Longitudinal variation in resilient psychosocial functioning is associated with ongoing cortical myelination and functional reorganization during adolescence

Adolescence is a period of dynamic brain remodeling and susceptibility to psychiatric risk factors, mediated by the protracted consolidation of association cortices. Here, we investigated whether longitudinal variation in adolescents’ resilience to psychosocial stressors during this vulnerable period is associated with ongoing myeloarchitectural maturation and consolidation of functional networks. We used repeated myelin-sensitive Magnetic Transfer (MT) and resting-state functional neuroimaging (n = 141), and captured adversity exposure by adverse life events, dysfunctional family settings, and socio-economic status at two timepoints, one to two years apart. Development toward more resilient psychosocial functioning was associated with increasing myelination in the anterolateral prefrontal cortex, which showed stabilized functional connectivity. Studying depth-specific intracortical MT profiles and the cortex-wide synchronization of myeloarchitectural maturation, we further observed wide-spread myeloarchitectural reconfiguration of association cortices paralleled by attenuated functional reorganization with increasingly resilient outcomes. Together, resilient/susceptible psychosocial functioning showed considerable intra-individual change associated with multi-modal cortical refinement processes at the local and system-level.

Domestication of Information and Communication Technologies into Family Systems: A Conceptual Framework Evaluating Family Health.

As the world undergoes its fourth industrial revolution, digital media are becoming more prevalent in both rural and urban communities. This shift has had a profound impact on our daily lives, transforming the way we live, work, and communicate. Although technology now plays a crucial role in our daily routine, it can lead to interference in human relationships, a phenomenon referred to as technoference. This interference has significant consequences, particularly in parent-child relationships, as it can adversely affect children's emotional and behavioral development and the mental health and overall functioning of parents. Thus, for children to grow up healthy and for families to be harmoniously balanced, all the family subsystems need to be aligned in a healthy manner. This study conceptualizes how family health is affected when technological devices are brought as a subsystem into a family system. The researchers developed a conceptual multidimensional framework based on several interrelated theoretical concepts, and this framework is presented in three sequential frames for better comprehension, to identify how the interference, in particular, impacts the various dimensions of a healthy family system and contributes to dysfunctional family functioning and mental health issues in both parents and children.

Intergenerational transmission of familial relational dysfunction: A test of a complex mediation model based on Bowen family systems theory

Intergenerational transmission of familial relational dysfunction: A test of a complex mediation model based on Bowen family systems theory

A Review of the Influencing Factors and Development Mechanisms of Non-Suicidal Self-Injury in Adolescents

This paper reviews the influencing factors and pathogenesis of adolescent non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI). NSSI is a major public health problem, and its incidence is increasing year by year, especially among adolescents, with the detection rate of NSSI reaching 28.7%. This paper first introduces the epidemiological characteristics of NSSI and points out that there are significant differences in the incidence of NSSI in different countries and regions. Then, this paper analyzes in detail a variety of influencing factors, mainly including environmental factors (childhood trauma, school bullying, social environment, family dysfunction, etc.), individual factors (mental illness, neurobiological differences, personality traits, inadequate Emotion regulation, etc.) and the interaction between individuals and the environment. This paper also discusses the process of NSSI behavior occurrence, maintenance and termination, and introduces several theoretical models such as empirical avoidance model, four-function model and emotional cascade model. Although some progress has been made in existing studies, the occurrence and development mechanism of NSSI behavior is still unclear in existing studies, and longitudinal studies on long-term changes of NSSI behavior are lacking, and research samples are mostly concentrated in specific groups. Future studies should strengthen the longitudinal tracking of NSSI behavior, expand the diversity of research samples, and deeply explore the mechanism and complexity of NSSI, in order to better understand and intervene this important public health problem.

Family dysfunction and non-suicidal self-injury among Chinese college students: A longitudinal moderated mediation model involving depressive symptoms and self-compassion

Family dysfunction and non-suicidal self-injury among Chinese college students: A longitudinal moderated mediation model involving depressive symptoms and self-compassion

Low neurocognitive performance and problematic contexts: interaction influences in predicting adolescent externalizing behaviors within a community sample

ABSTRACT Research has identified neurocognitive and contextual risk factors of externalizing behaviors. However, fewer studies have examined the interaction among neurocognitive and other risk factors in predicting externalizing behaviors. The goal of the current study was to examine the relation between neurocognitive and contextual factors in predicting externalizing behaviors in a community sample of adolescents. Participants were 84 adolescents, aged 11–17 (M = 13.39, SD = 1.82), recruited as part of a larger study. Separate moderated multiple regression models were utilized in which neurocognitive variables (intellectual functioning, short-term memory/attention, disinhibition) were added as predictors and contextual variables (family dysfunction and parental depression, anxiety, and stress) were added as moderators in step 1, and their interaction was added in step 2. Externalizing behaviors served as criterion variables (hyperactivity/impulsivity and oppositional defiant disorder symptom severity, reactive and proactive aggression). Overall, results suggest that higher levels of problematic contextual factors exacerbate the significant negative associations among neurocognitive functioning and externalizing behaviors. Importantly, this pattern was shown across neurocognitive domains and contextual factors. Findings suggest that contextual factors should be targeted for the treatment or prevention of youth externalizing behaviors, particularly for adolescents with neurocognitive vulnerabilities.

Psychological resilience in the relationship between family function and illness uncertainty among family members of trauma patients in the intensive care unit

BackgroundSevere trauma accounts for a main factor inducing mortality for individuals aged < 45 years in China, which requires admission to intensive care unit (ICU) to receive comprehensive treatment. Family members of patients with unanticipated and life-threatening trauma during their ICU stays often experience psychosocial distress due to illness uncertainty. Previous research has shown that family function and psychological resilience are associated with illness uncertainty, respectively. However, little is known about the current situation and interacting mechanism between family function, psychological resilience, and illness uncertainty of family members for ICU trauma patients. Therefore, this study focused on exploring the current situation and relationships between these three factors in family members for ICU trauma patients.MethodsThe convenience sampling approach was adopted in the present cross-sectional survey, which involved 230 family members for ICU trauma patients from 34 hospitals in Chongqing, China. Related data were extracted with self-reporting questionnaires, which included sociodemographic characteristic questionnaire, the Family Adaptability, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve Scale (APGAR), the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (10-CD-RISC) and the Mishel’s Illness Uncertainty Scale for Family Members (MUIS-FM). Pearson correlation analysis was conducted to examine the correlations between various variables. Additionally, a structural equation model was adopted to assess the mediating effect of psychological resilience on family function and illness uncertainty.ResultsAccording to our results, family members for ICU trauma patients experienced high illness uncertainty with moderate family dysfunction and low psychological resilience. Family function directly affected illness uncertainty and indirectly affected illness uncertainty through psychological resilience in family members of ICU trauma patients.ConclusionsFamily function and psychological resilience are the protective factors for reducing illness uncertainty. Healthcare providers should take effective measures, including family-functioning improvement and resilience-focused interventions, for alleviating illness uncertainty in family members of ICU trauma patients.

Examining Child Victims of Incest in Indonesia: Between the Legal System and Family Dysfunction

This study aimed at examining the factors causing incest sexual abuse against children in the context of family dysfunction and the legal system. A qualitative approach was used in conducting this research with a case study method of five families who experienced incest violence. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, participatory observation, and the analysis of relevant documents. The research findings showed that family dysfunction, such as divorce and poverty, as well as a lack of understanding and application of moral and religious values, were the main factors causing incest. In addition, the implementation of the law, which was not yet effective, and the absence of comprehensive prevention efforts had worsened the situation. This study emphasizes the need for enforcement of the legal system, family understanding, and community culture to be better at preventing, helping, and ensuring legal certainty to protect the psychology and future of children from incest sexual violence.

Post‐stroke family resilience is correlated with family functioning among stroke survivors: The mediating role of patient's coping and self‐efficacy

AbstractAimFamily resilience and healthy family functioning are crucial for stroke survivors' rehabilitation. This study aimed to determine the mediating effects of self‐efficacy and confrontation coping on the relationship between family resilience and functioning among patients with first‐episode stroke.DesignA cross‐sectional design was applied.Methods288 patients with first‐episode stroke were recruited from 7 hospitals in Shangqiu and Shanghai, China, from July 2020 to October 2020. A shortened Chinese version of the Family Resilience Assessment Scale, family adaptation, partnership, growth, affection and resolve questionnaire, Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire, and Self‐efficacy for Chronic Disease 6‐item Scale were used to collect the self‐reported data. The relationships among the studied variables were studied using spearman correlation and structural equation model.ResultsThe average level of family functioning among stroke patients was 7.87 (SD = 2.32). About 26.8% (n = 76) of patients reported family dysfunction. The structural equation model showed that family resilience directly affected patients' satisfaction with family functioning (r = 0.406, p &lt; 0.001) and indirectly affected the mediating role of patients' self‐efficacy and confrontation coping style (r = 0.119, p &lt; 0.001). The model was with good fit (χ2/df = 2.128, RMSEA = 0.065, GFI = 0.956, AGFI = 0.919, NFI = 0.949, and TLI = 0.956).ConclusionFamily resilience and functioning among patients with first‐episode stroke are positively associated with the mediating effects of the patients' confrontation coping style and self‐efficacy between family resilience and functioning. The findings indicate that the professionals should pay special attention to families exhibiting poor family resilience or with patients who rarely use confrontation coping styles or with poor self‐efficacy since they are more likely to suffer from low functioning.

Behind Closed Doors: The Hidden Realities of Indian Children Living With Alcohol-Dependent Parents.

The negative impact of Paternal Alcohol Use Disorder (PAUD) on children's psychosocial well-being is an overlooked issue that warrants more global research attention. Alcohol dependence is often seen as a hidden problem with subtle yet harmful effects, especially on the children of those with alcohol dependence. These children often remain invisible due to their loyalty and unwillingness to disclose their dysfunctional family situation. However, in the Indian context, these invisible children receive limited and insufficient support. This study aims to narrate the profound experiences of children growing up with fathers with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), highlighting the challenges of invisibility and the support they receive within the Indian cultural context. The study used a qualitative narrative research design, with a panel of child psychology experts selecting 12 participants aged 11-13 years. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and a semi-structured interview guide. The data collected were transcribed from the local language into English and analyzed using narrative thematic analysis. The study revealed how PAUD negatively influences children's experiences and societal norms surrounding family honour and reputation. It also sheds light on the children's reluctance to seek help due to stigmatization, the circumstances that compel them to disclose their problems, and the support they receive to cope with these challenges. This study highlights the critical need for culturally specific interventions and support mechanisms in India to address the psychosocial challenges faced by children, emphasizing the importance of societal acknowledgment and strategic interventions to alleviate the detrimental impact of parental AUD on child well-being.