Healthy Family Functioning Research Articles

Children With Cerebral Palsy And Family Functioning In Greece And Italy

ABSTRACT Cerebral palsy (CP) is a serious disorder that affects a person’s life, their parents, and the entire family. CP’s impact on the family is long term, complex, and multifactorial. This study explored family functioning in families raising children with CP in Greece and Italy. A total of 120 married parents participated in the study: 60 mothers and 60 fathers who had biological children with CP. All families were nuclear. A self-report questionnaire, a semi-structured interview, and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES-III) were used for data collection. Results highlighted that parents had a different comprehension of CP, presenting a variety of positive and negative family characteristics. The existence of CP in families was reported primarily as a full and ongoing engagement. Parents, in both countries, perceived the real and ideal functioning of their families as balanced. This represents healthy family functioning, according to the revised edition of the Olson Circumplex Model. Findings suggested parents had distinct notions about CP and a variety of views on family functioning, which were estimated to be functional.

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 < 0.001) and indirectly affected the mediating role of patients' self‐efficacy and confrontation coping style (r = 0.119, p < 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.

Self-neglect as a mediator between family functioning and healthy aging in older adults living alone in rural China: A cross-sectional study

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the mediating role of self-neglect among older adults in the relationship between family functioning and healthy aging. MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted between June and September 2023, involving 255 older adults living alone in rural China. The healthy ageing, self-neglect, and family functioning was assessed using the Healthy Aging Instrument;the Elderly Self-neglect Assessment (Rural);and Family Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection, and Resolve (APGAR) scale. ResultsPositive correlations were found between family functioning and healthy aging (r = 0.363, p < 0.05). Moreover, self-neglect was identified as a significant mediator, explaining 40.84 % of the total effect. ConclusionAmong older adults living alone in rural China, family functioning is significantly associated with healthy aging, with self-neglect mediating this relationship. These findings suggest that community-based interventions aimed at improving family functioning and addressing self-neglect behaviors might be beneficial for promoting healthy aging in this population.

Factors Affecting Academic Resilience During Crises: Cases of Secondary School Students in Phuket, Thailand

Academic resilience is crucial in today&amp;rsquo;s crisis-prone society. This qualitative study explored the factors that shaped academic resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic to strengthen the global literature on resilience and postpandemic policy and practice in education. This study adopted a multiple-case study design, with the application of replication logic and data collection via semistructured interviews. The case studies featured interviews with three academically resilient students in Phuket and nine relevant informants, including parents, homeroom teachers, and local stakeholders. These interviews covered various factors surrounding personal qualities, families, peer groups, schools and teachers, communities and cultures, and the pandemic. Through thematic analysis, seven overarching themes emerged from the data: (1) achievement-oriented characteristics, (2) high aspirations, (3) COVID-19-driven adaptability, (4) self-directed learning in the use of online resources, (5) healthy family functioning, (6) role models, and (7) social support in the context of a giving culture.

Psychosocial difficulties as a predictor of overall functioning in individuals with schizophrenia: a case-control study

IntroductionDifficulties in emotional, cognitive, behavioral, and social functions are considered important factors of global functioning in schizophrenia.ObjectivesA better understanding of difficulties in the mentioned facets might lead to the development of better-adjusted treatment approaches for individuals with schizophrenia, as well as impacting to reduction and elimination of stigma in Bosnia and Herzegovina’s wider social context in relation to difficulties spanning the daily life of individuals with schizophrenia.MethodsThirty- one patients with schizophrenia (SCH), and 30 healthy controls (HC) participated in our study. The Adult Self-Report (ASR), Achenbach’s scale for adults (ASEBA- Achenbach System of Empirically Based Assessment), and World Health Organization, Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 (WHODAS 2.0) tests were administered.ResultsGroups differed in age, education, employment status, marital status, friendships existence, and disability existence. According to the regression equations, thought problems predicted Getting around; withdrawn predicted Getting along with people and Life activities- Household, School/Work in the group of individuals with schizophrenia.ConclusionsOur study revealed the role of different facets of difficulties in the prediction of global functioning in SCH. These findings might directly point to the importance of eliminating stigmatizing beliefs in a wider social context, developing techniques for improving the social support segment, focusing on healthy family functioning, as well as investigating job presence and perceived quality of life.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

Independent predictors of family resilience in patients with ischemic stroke: A cross-sectional survey

BackgroundGlobally, China bears the highest stroke burden, emphasizing the paramount importance of comprehending the influencing factors on family resilience among patients with ischemic stroke to promote their physical and mental well-being, as well as enhance the quality of their life. This understanding can concurrently assist healthcare professionals in formulating interventions aimed at fostering healthy family functioning. ObjectiveTo investigate the level of family resilience in patients with ischemic stroke and its predictive factors. MethodsA total of 310 inpatients with ischemic stroke were recruited from three tertiary general hospitals in China between May and November 2021. The study employed a range of instruments for data collection, including the General data questionnaire, Family Resilience Rating Scale, Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, Perceived Social Support Scale and Connor-Davidsion Re-silience Scale. Data analysis was conducted using SPSS 22.0 statistical software. Non-parametric tests, Spearman analysis, and multiple stepwise regression were employed to investigate the predictive variables of family resilience. ResultsA total of 303 patients successfully completed the investigation, yielding an efficacy rate of 97.74 %. The total scores for family resilience spanned from 87 to 245, with a median (P25, P75) of 187 (160, 200). The highest scores were observed in the dimension of dilemma interpretation, while the lowest scores were recorded in the dimension of social support. Family relationship (β = 0.459, P<0.001), positive coping (β = 0.182, P<0.001), out-of-family support(β = 0.156, P<0.001), in-family support (β = 0.147, P = 0.002), and optimism (β = 0.108, P = 0.013) were found to be predictive factors of family resilience. ConclusionPatients with high family resilience demonstrated superior family relationship, effective positive coping strategies, increased support within and outside the family, and a more optimistic attitude; these factors independently predict family resilience.

Development and Validation of Brief Family Intervention for Young Adults with Substance Use Disorder: A Qualitative Study.

Substance abuse is more prevalent in young adults, putting them at risk for chronic use and early onset of dependence on substances. A well-documented relationship exists between substance use and poor family functioning. Traditional family intervention approaches are time-consuming. To develop a brief family intervention for parents of young adults with substance use disorder. A qualitative research design was used. Extensive literature searches and key informant interviews (face to face) with young adults (n = 5), their parents (n = 5), and mental health professionals (n = 5) were conducted. The interviews were audio recorded. A thematic analysis was conducted using Braun and Clarke's six-step approach, and intervention strategies were identified by examining the themes. In addition, experts were consulted to ensure the content validity of the BFI. The BFI program combines psychoeducation and behavioral techniques for parents. BFI involves seven sessions with parents, 45-60 min each, over one week. The BFI sessions consisted of (1) Engagement and Assessment, (2) Healthy Family Functioning, (3) Psychoeducation, (4) Relapse Prevention, (5) Communication Skill Training, (6) Problem-Solving Skill Training, and (7) Parental Monitoring and Supervision. Considering all stakeholders' perspectives, the BFI manual for young adults with substance use disorder has been developed. However, additional research is required to evaluate its feasibility and effectiveness.

Housing hardship and maternal mental health among renter households with young children

Maternal mental health is crucial to healthy family functioning and child well-being. Housing hardship may increase risk for mood disorders among mothers of young children in renter households. The present study used latent class analysis to investigate manifestations of housing hardship during the postpartum year in a sample of renter mothers in the United States (N = 2,329), as well as whether housing hardship types were associated with subsequent maternal depression and anxiety. The majority of mothers were relatively stably housed (“Stable”), one in six made do with governmental rental assistance (“Rent-Assisted”), and more than one in ten struggled to afford or maintain stable housing (“Cost-Burdened” or “Housing Insecure”). The most severe housing hardship was associated with the greatest depression risk, whereas the best determinant of anxiety risk was whether rent was paid each month; mothers whose rent was paid with government assistance did not differ on anxiety risk compared to those who paid their rent independently. Findings suggest that different types of housing hardship are linked with distinct mental health sequelae. Widely available housing assistance may reduce cost burden and prevent displacement, with the potential to reduce mental disorder among low-income mothers of young children.

Impact of Parenting Practices and Family Functioning on Psychological Adjustment of Adolescents with ADHD: Role of Early Maladaptive Schemas

Aim: The main objective of this study was to measure the impact of early maladaptive schemas (EMSs) in parenting practices, family functioning and psychological adjustment of adolescents with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The study also explored gender differences on study variables and differences based on age group. &#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional research design, including a sample of 100 adolescents (Male=50, Female=50) was selected from different special education institutions, schools and colleges of government and private sector in Islamabad and Rawalpindi. The age of the sample ranged from 12 to 20 years (M=14.73, SD=1.82). The data was collected using Alabama Parenting Questionnaire, Family Assessment Device, Young's Schema Questionnaire, and Personality Assessment Questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Pearson Product Moment, t-test, One-Way ANOVA, and Hayes process macro for mediation analysis.&#x0D; Results: A simple mediation analysis confirmed the significant partial mediation. The indirect effect of healthy family functioning was found to be significant. The direct and indirect effect of positive dimensions of parenting practices was significant. The negative dimensions of parenting practices were also found to have significant direct and indirect effect on psychological adjustment. EMSs significantly partially mediated the relationship between parenting practices, family functioning and psychological adjustment.&#x0D; Conclusion: According to the results, it was concluded that parenting practices and family functioning significantly influence the psychological adjustment of adolescents with ADHD. In addition, the EMSs play a significant role in the psychological adjustment of adolescents with ADHD. Gender differences were found on subscale of inconsistent discipline in parenting practices and subscale of emotional instability in psychological adjustment. Similarly, on EMSs these differences were found on six subscales including emotional deprivation, emotional inhibition, defectiveness/shame, social inhibition, vulnerability to harm, and self-sacrifice of EMSs.&#x0D; Recommendations: The results suggest broader treatment strategies, considering the parents and family of adolescents with ADHD. The finding can also be incorporated with interactive session for children, parents and family members to develop understanding of the nature of problem, related complexities within families and sorting strategies for adolescents with ADHD. Furthermore, in educational set up these finding may help in training workshops for the teachers to improve the understanding of the needs of adolescents with ADHD.

Social History of Bariatric Surgery: Relationship to Patient and Associations with Postoperative Outcomes.

There is limited research about the prevalence of patients initiating metabolic and bariatric surgery (MBS) who also know someone who had MBS, referred to as having a social history of MBS. Evidence about the specific relationship of these individuals to the patient, how having a social history of MBS is associated with patients' choice of surgical procedure, and how having a social history of MBS is associated with patients' postoperative outcomes can be used to inform future preoperative assessments. The objective was to (a) define the number of people patients knew who had MBS and relationship to patient, (b) assess congruence between those who had MBS with patients' procedure selection, and (c) explore associations between social history of MBS and postoperative outcomes. The sample included 123 patients who had MBS in 2021 (83.7% female; 44.7% Sleeve Gastrectomy, 55.3% Gastric Bypass). For up to 5 people, patients provided their relationship and surgical procedure, and completed the Family Assessment Device (FAD). Bivariate analyses assessed congruence in type of procedure, and social history of MBS with complications, readmissions, and %TWL. Three mixed multilevel models were conducted with (1) close friend, (2) coworker, and (3) close family history of MBS including the FAD on change in %TWL over 12 months with surgical procedure as a covariate. Ninety-one percent of patients knew someone who had MBS, average 2.66±1.45. Patients reported a close friend (56.1%), close family member (43.9%), and coworker (19.5%) who had MBS. Patients with a close family member who had MBS and reported healthy vs impaired family functioning had greater %TWL over 12 months (p=0.016). Patients with a close friend who had MBS had less %TWL (p=0.015), and patients with a coworker who had MBS had greater %TWL (p=0.012), which did not change over time. Patients with coworkers or close family members with healthy family functioning with a history of MBS had more weight loss, whereas those with close friends with a history of MBS had less weight loss.

Profiles and predictors of mental health of university students in Hong Kong under the COVID-19 pandemic.

This study investigated the mental health problems of university students in Hong Kong and related sociodemographic and psychosocial predictors under the pandemic. A total of 978 undergraduate students (mean age = 20.69 ± 1.61) completed an online questionnaire measuring sociodemographic factors, psychological morbidity, positive well-being, COVID-19 related stress and self-efficacy, and positive psychosocial attributes. Psychosocial risk factors included psychological morbidity, COVID-19 related stress, and difficulties encountered under the pandemic, whereas protective factors comprised pandemic related self-efficacy, positive psychological attributes, positive environmental factors, need satisfaction and positive perception toward service. Results showed that psychological morbidity in the participants was widespread, and it was related to sociodemographic factors, particularly family financial difficulties. While pandemic related stress positively predicted psychological morbidity and negatively predicted well-being indicators, COVID-19 self-efficacy showed an opposite effect. Besides, positive psychological attributes (resilience, emotional competence, and positive beliefs related to adversity) and environmental factors (healthy family functioning, peer support, and supportive community atmosphere) negatively predicted psychological morbidity and positively predicted well-being. Furthermore, need satisfaction and positive perception toward service were negatively associated with psychological morbidity and positively associated with well-being, while perceived difficulties showed an opposite effect.

Changes in family functioning among primary family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia.

Family functioning, particularly among primary family caregivers for patients with schizophrenia, is a global concern that poses unprecedented challenges. The family unit is a pivotal agent for the preservation of the integrity of individual members. Little attention has been paid to the changes in family functioning and their predictors in primary family caregivers. This study aimed to examine the changes in and the correlates of family functioning in primary family caregivers of individuals with schizophrenia over a 6-month post-discharge period. A prospective, longitudinal study was conducted. A total of 58 primary family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia were recruited from two psychiatric hospitals in Taiwan. Data were collected four times, including 1 week before hospital discharge and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month intervals post-discharge. Demographic and clinical questionnaires, the Affiliate Stigma Scale, the Family Empowerment Scale, and the General Functioning subscale were used to collect data. Generalized Estimating Equations were applied for data analysis. Approximately 59.6%-77.6% of primary family caregivers presented unhealthy family functioning during the 6-month post-discharge period. Significant reductions in family functioning of primary family caregivers were noted in the group with unhealthy family functioning; however, family functioning of primary family caregivers remained unchanged in the group with healthy family functioning over 6 months. Affiliate stigma and family empowerment significantly accounted for the changes in family functioning of primary family caregivers in the groups with unhealthy and healthy family functioning, respectively. This study highlights affiliate stigma and family empowerment as long-term predictors of changes in family functioning for primary family caregivers and as pivotal targets of mental health care. Family-centered interventions with a focus on ameliorating affiliate stigma and enhancing family empowerment are recommended to improve family functioning for primary family caregivers of patients with schizophrenia at different periods after hospital discharge.

The transactional relationship between mother-child attachment, father-child attachment and self-compassion

Recent research indicates that the association between self-compassion and interpersonal relationships might be reciprocal. Many studies suggest that self-compassion originated from early parent-child attachment. As one of the earliest forms of interpersonal relationships, parent-child attachment may be influenced by self-compassion. Our study used a cross-lagged method to explore the reciprocal relationship between parent-child attachment and children's self-compassion. A total of 808 children (Mage = 9.58, SD = 0.95) participated in three follow-up surveys (T1 started in November 2018, T2 in May 2019, T3 in May 2020). The results indicated that there was a reciprocal relationship between mother-child/father-child attachment and self-compassion. Compared to father-child attachment, the reciprocal relationship between mother-child attachment and self-compassion was more stable. Meanwhile, both T1 mother-child and father-child attachment could influence T3 mother-child attachment through T2 children's self-compassion, indicating a dynamic virtuous circle in the family system. Our study provided implications for family education that building positive parent-child relationships was a great start to promoting healthy family functioning.

Family dysfunction is associated with chronic pain in a community-dwelling Japanese population: The Hisayama study.

Poor family functioning has been reported to be associated with the severity of chronic pain in outpatients, but the association has not been fully addressed in general populations. The present study aimed to examine the association between family dysfunction levels and the presence of chronic pain in a community-dwelling Japanese population. A total of 2598 participants aged ≥40 years were classified as having healthy, borderline or unhealthy family functioning. Chronic pain was defined as subjective pain for three months or longer, and further classified by pain intensity, the number of chronic pain sites, pain duration and the extent of pain spread. A logistic regression model was used to compute the odds ratios (ORs) for chronic pain outcomes. The prevalence of chronic pain was 49%. The age- and sex-adjusted prevalence of total and severe chronic pain were increased significantly with increasing family dysfunction levels (all p for trend <0.01). After adjusting for sociodemographic, physical, social and family structure factors, the ORs (95% confidence intervals [CI]) for having chronic pain among borderline and unhealthy groups were 1.20 (1.01-1.44) and 1.43 (1.15-1.79), respectively, as compared with a healthy family function group. The association was stronger among people who were employed and those who were living with their children. In addition, the ORs for severe chronic pain increased significantly with increasing levels of family dysfunction. The family dysfunction level was positively associated with the presence as well as the severity of chronic pain in a community-dwelling population. A biopsychosocial burden due to family relationships could worsen the clinical presentation of pain. Social support or family therapy for dysfunctional families would be a potential initiative for the prevention or management of chronic pain.

Emotion Regulation Strategies on Family Functioning among Young Married Couples

This research aims to find the effect of emotion regulation with strategies like cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression toward family functioning in young married couples in Indonesia. The General Functioning of The Family Assessment Device and Emotion Regulation Questionnaire were completed by married young adults aged between 18-25 years old. Multiple regression was used for data analysis. Results showed that emotion regulation significantly influences family functioning in married emerging adulthood. Furthermore, the partial measurement of cognitive reappraisal emotion regulation towards family functioning in a marital relationship in emerging adulthood showed a significant negative influence. Meanwhile, expressive suppression of emotion regulation predicts higher family functioning in married emerging adults. This study also showed that most respondents have healthy family functioning and use cognitive reappraisal in emotional regulation strategies for both genders. Furthermore, demographic data also showed the highest percentage using of expressive suppression among men than women. This research illustrates that individuals could achieve healthy family functioning during the age period of emerging adulthood. In addition, in the context of marital relationships among individuals in the emerging adulthood age period, there are also more adaptive emotion regulation strategies, the use of cognitive reappraisal emotional regulation strategies are better used by married emerging adults for better healthy family functioning in the family.

The Interactive Role of Family Functioning among BMI Status, Physical Activity, and High-Fat Food in Adolescents: Evidence from Shanghai, China.

Objectives: Family functioning (FF), physical activity (PA), and high-fat food consumption (HF) are associated with adolescents being overweight and obese; however, little is known about their interactions. Therefore, this study aimed to examine how they work jointly on adolescent obesity with BMI as the outcome variable. Methods: A cross-sectional survey utilizing a cluster sampling design was conducted. Multinomial logistic regressions, multiplication interaction (MI), and marginal effects (MEs) were tested. Results: Active PA (non-overweight vs. obesity: OR = 2.260, 95% CI [1.318, 3.874]; overweight vs. obesity: OR = 2.096, 95% CI [1.167, 3.766]), healthy HF (non-overweight vs. obesity: OR = 2.048, 95% CI [1.105, 3.796]) and healthy FF (overweight vs. obesity: OR = 2.084, 95% CI [1.099, 3.952]) reduced obesity risk. Overweight students with healthy FF were less likely to become obese regardless of PA (inactive: OR = 2.181, 95% CI [1.114, 4.272]; active: OR = 3.870, 95% CI [1.719, 8.713]) or HF (unhealthy: OR = 4.615, 95% CI [1.049, 20.306]; healthy: OR = 5.116, 95% CI [1.352, 19.362]). The MEs of inactive PA and unhealthy FF were −0.071, 0.035, and 0.036 for non-overweight, overweight, and obese individuals, respectively (p < 0.05); the MEs of HF and healthy FF individuals were −0.267 and 0.198 for non-overweight and obese individuals, respectively (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Unhealthy FF regulated the influence of inactive PA or unhealthy HF on adolescent obesity, altogether leading to a higher risk of obesity.

Unhealthy family functioning is associated with health-related quality of life among military spouse caregivers.

The current study examines health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and family functioning in a sample of spouse caregivers assisting post-9/11 service members and veterans (SMV) following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Participants were 316 spouse (and partner) caregivers of SMVs following a mild, moderate, severe, or penetrating TBI. Caregivers completed the Family Assessment Device General Functioning subscale, 24 HRQOL questionnaires, and the Mayo-Portland Adaptability Inventory (4th ed.; MPAI-4). The sample was divided into two family functioning groups: Healthy Family Functioning (HFF; n = 162) and Unhealthy Family Functioning (UFF; n = 154). Scores on HRQOL measures that generate T scores using normative data were classified as "clinically elevated," using a cutoff of > 60T. Compared with the HFF group, caregivers in the UFF group reported worse scores on all HRQOL measures and worse SMV functional ability on the MPAI-4 Adjustment Index and Anxiety, Depression, and Irritability/Anger/Aggression items (all ps < .001, ds = .41-1.36). A significantly higher proportion of the UFF group had clinically elevated HRQOL scores compared with the HFF group on the majority of measures (Hs = .24-.75). When examining all HRQOL measures simultaneously, the UFF group consistently had a significantly higher cumulative percentage of clinically elevated scores compared with the HFF group (e.g., ≥ 5 clinically elevated scores: UFF = 53.9% vs. HFF = 22.2%; H = .68). Caring for a SMV following TBI with comorbid mental health problems may have negative implications for their family functioning and the caregiver's HRQOL. Family-centered interventions could be beneficial for military families experiencing distress following SMV TBI and mental health comorbidity. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Low-Income Turkish Mothers' Conceptions and Experiences of Family Life.

The current qualitative study explores women’s conceptions of the normative family and their day-to-day family lives. To that aim, we conducted five focus group interviews in two low-income neighborhoods of Istanbul. The sample included 43 women (42 biological mothers and a grandmother) who had at least one child between ages 3 and 8 in their care. Participants were 35.64 years old on average (SD = 4.74) and were all married. Women had approximately two children (SD = 0.72) whose mean age was 7.92 years old (SD = 3.11). Each focus group was semi-structured, lasted for 1–1.5 h, and included 5–12 participants. Thematic analysis of the focus group interview data, moderator memos, and observer’s notes revealed five defining features of healthy family functioning: cohesion, healthy child, parenting, conflict, control, and family organization. Overall, women prioritized motherhood over their other social identities and idealized the happy family, which contradicted their actual lived experiences in the family system. We discuss how women’s depictions of all family processes revolved around cultural constructs of gender, socio-economic status, and independence/interdependence. The findings of this study shed light on future interventions for low-income women and their families in Turkey.

The Neural Basis of Human Fatherhood: A Unique Biocultural Perspective on Plasticity of Brain and Behavior.

With the growing involvement of fathers in childrearing and the application of neuroscientific tools to research on parenting, there is a need to understand how a father's brain and neurohormonal systems accommodate the transition to parenthood and how such neurobiological changes impact children's mental health, sociality, and family functioning. In this paper, we present a theoretical model on the human father's brain and the neural adaptations that take place when fathers assume an involved role. The neurobiology of fatherhood shows great variability across individuals, societies, and cultures and is shaped to a great extent by bottom-up caregiving experiences and the amount of childrearing responsibilities. Mechanisms of mother-father coparental brain coordination and hormonal correlates of paternal behavior are detailed. Adaptations in the father's brain during pregnancy and across the postpartum year carry long-term implications for children's emotion regulation, stress management, and symptom formation. We propose a new conceptual model of HEALthy Father Brain that describes how a father's brain serves as a source of resilience in the context of family adversity and its capacity to "heal", protect, and foster social brain maturation and functionality in family members via paternal sensitivity, attunement, and support, which, in turn, promote child development and healthy family functioning. Father's brain provides a unique model on neural plasticity as sustained by committed acts of caregiving, thereby affording a novel perspective on the brain basis of human affiliation.

Associations between family functioning during early to mid-childhood and weight status in childhood and adolescence: findings from a Quebec birth cohort.

Impaired family functioning has been associated with obesity in children and adolescents, but few longitudinal studies exist. We examined whether family functioning from early to mid-childhood is associated with overweight and obesity in later childhood and adolescence. We examined data from the Quebec Longitudinal Study of Child Development (QLSCD), a birth cohort (N = 2120), collected between 1998 and 2011. Parent-reported family functioning was assessed at 4 time points between ages 0.5 and 8 years using the McMaster Family Assessment Device with established cut-offs for impaired family functioning. Participants were classified as having experienced: 1) early-childhood impaired functioning, 2) mid-childhood impaired functioning, 3) both early and mid-childhood impaired functioning, or 4) always healthy family functioning. Overweight and obesity were determined at 10- and 13-years using WHO criteria. Covariate adjusted multinomial logistic regressions were fitted to the data to examine associations between longitudinal family functioning groups (using the always healthy functioning as reference category) and the likelihood of having overweight and obesity (vs normal weight) at ages 10 (n = 1251) and 13 years (n = 1226). In the 10- and 13-year sub-samples, respectively 10.2% and 12.5% of participants had experienced both early and mid-childhood impaired family functioning. Participants in this group had an increased likelihood of having obesity (vs normal weight) at age 10 years [OR = 2.63 (95% CI: 1.36; 5.08)] and at age 13 years [OR = 1.94 (95% CI: 0.99; 3.80] compared to those in the always healthy functioning group. No associations were found for other family functioning categories or for overweight status. Approximately one in ten children experienced impaired family functioning throughout early and mid-childhood. Findings suggest a link between impaired functioning across childhood and the development of obesity at 10 years of age and possibly at 13 years of age.