High Levels Of Family Support Research Articles

Family as a Pathway to Suicidal Behaviors Through Depression Symptoms and Internalized Homophobia.

Research consistently highlights how systemic and social factors can adversely impact mental health, and the potential buffering effects of family support, yet raced sexual minorities are vastly underrepresented among these studies. As rates of suicide increase among Black people and remain high among men and those in gender and sexually diverse communities, this study sought to examine to relationships between family dynamics and suicidality among young Black men who have sex with men (MSM) in young adulthood. We used an online survey to conduct a logistic regression to examine family factors (family support, open family communication, other adult support, and other adult value), depression symptoms, and internalized homophobia on suicide attempts. The conceptualization of the study's design and interpretation of the results were informed by minority stress theory and the phenomenological variant of ecological systems theory. The results indicate that higher levels of family support and open family communication were associated with lower levels of suicidality. Implications for future research and applications for healthcare providers and human services professionals who support young Black MSM in emerging adulthood are discussed.

What Counteracts Problematic Social Media Use in Adolescence? A Cross-National Observational Study

PurposeSocial media use has increased rapidly during the past decade, raising concerns about adolescents who display problematic social media use (PSMU), as indicated by addiction-like symptoms (e.g., preoccupation, tolerance). We aimed to assess the extent to which an individual resource (health literacy), and social resources (friend support and family support), moderated the association between a range of individual characteristics (gender, age, family affluence, and depressive feelings) and PSMU; also the association between PSMU and health outcomes (self-rated health, life satisfaction, and sleep difficulties), both cross-nationally and nationally. MethodsOur sample included 22,226 adolescents from six European countries. We used data from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children cross-sectional survey (2017/2018). Random-effects models and moderator analyses were applied. ResultsSix moderations were found, with the resources moderating the association between individual characteristics and PSMU. One moderation emerged cross-nationally, namely that a higher level of family support was associated with a lower likelihood of PSMU, especially among adolescents who did not have frequent depressive feelings. In addition, five national moderations were identified. For example, a higher level of health literacy was associated with a lower likelihood of PSMU among Finnish girls. The resources were also found to moderate the association between PSMU and health outcomes, with two moderations emerging cross-nationally. For instance, a higher level of family support was related to higher self-rated health, especially among problematic users. In addition, nine national moderations were identified; these included a higher level of health literacy being associated with having less sleep difficulties, especially among problematic users in Germany. DiscussionIn adolescence, health literacy, family support, and friend support have the potential to moderate the association between individual characteristics and PSMU, and between PSMU and health outcomes, cross-nationally and nationally. We recommend the use of universal and targeted interventions to promote individual and social resources to counteract PSMU.

Occupational Hazards in Corrections: The Impact of Violence and Suicide Exposures on Officers’ Emotional and Psychological Health

Correction officers work in an occupational context where they are often exposed to violence; however, prior research assessing the relationship between violence exposure and officers’ mental health has been limited. The current study sought to better understand the impact of direct and indirect exposure to violence and suicide on psychological health outcomes. Analyzing data from a random sample of 317 correction officers in Massachusetts, findings indicate that personally knowing other officers who died by suicide is associated with greater anger, anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Increased strain-based work–family conflict and departmental discipline were also associated with elevated symptomatology. However, other types of violence exposures, including being assaulted, witnessing staff assaults, and suicides among the incarcerated population, did not predict any outcomes. Furthermore, family support did not serve as a stress buffer for officers exposed to violence, but higher levels of family support were associated with decreased PTSD.

Factors determining family and social support among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in East Khasi Hills, Meghalaya: a cross-sectional study.

Family support plays a vital role in the outcome of individuals with tuberculosis (TB). To determine the family and social support among individuals with pulmonary TB during treatment. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 237 pulmonary TB patients currently in the continuous phase of treatment. Bivariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to determine the association and predictors for family and social support. P-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant. The mean age of the respondents was 31.97±12.51years, and a majority (58.2%) of the respondents with TB disease were 18 to 38years old, and 59.9% were males. Around 49.7% of the pulmonary TB patients received a high level of family support, whereas 73% received a high level of social support. The determinants like age, average monthly income, the educational level of the head of the family and the occupational level of both the patients and the head of the family are associated with family support. This study recommends a coordinated strategy to treat TB that involves not only professional services but also the vital social support network of family and community that is required throughout therapy.

Family and Spousal Support Are Associated with Higher Levels of Maternal Functioning in a Study of Iranian Postpartum Women

Postpartum maternal functioning is a multidimensional concept defined as how a woman manages her daily activities and emotional health after giving birth. This study aimed to determine the predictors of postpartum maternal functioning. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 564 women within one to four months after giving birth (with registered medical records in health centers of Tabriz, Iran) from 2020-2021. The participants were selected based on the cluster sampling method, and data were collected using a standard questionnaire inclusive of sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics, obstetric history, and Barkin Index of Maternal Functioning (BIMF). The adjusted general linear model was employed to estimate the effect of each independent variable (sociodemographic and obstetric characteristics) on the dependent variable (maternal functioning). The mean total score of maternal functioning was 93.1 (±SD = 14.8) out of 120. Based on the adjusted generalized linear model (GLM), "spouse support" and "family support" were strong predictors of maternal functioning. The total score of maternal functioning in women with moderate (B: -4.44; 95% CI: -7.71 to -1.17; p < 0.001) and low (B: -4.77; 95% CI: -8.90 to -1.47; p < 0.001) spousal support was significantly lower compared to women who received a high level of spousal support. Additionally, this score in women with moderate (B: -5.22; 95% CI: -8.56 to -1.87; p < 0.001) and low (B: -3.90; 95% CI: -7.31 to -0.48; p < 0.001) family support was significantly lower compared to women who received a high level of family support. Study results suggest that receiving support from both a spouse and family members can improve maternal functioning.

Povezanost različitih domena društvenog kapitala s rizikom psihičkih poremećaja kod srednjoškolskih učenika u Kini

Social capital has been shown to have positive effects on multiple health outcomes among young people. Studies suggest that social capital is an important predictor of health and wellbeing of children and adolescents, including their mental health. This research examined the correlation between different domains of social capital – in the family, in the neighborhood, and at school – and the level of psychological distress among high school students in China. A cross-sectional survey among 501 high school students (217 males and 284 females), aged 15–19 years old, was carried out in the 2020–2021 school year. Logistic regression was used to examine the association of family, neighborhood, and school social capital with the risk of high psychological distress, measured by the Kessler–6 scale. The findings in this study suggest that young people with a higher level of family support, higher level of neighborhood trust and higher level of teacher-student interpersonal trust are less likely to report high psychological distress. Social connectedness within the family, neighborhood and school thus appear to be important factors influencing mood among young people.

The relationship between parental support and exposure to being bullied: Family belonging as a mediator

We explored the mediating effect of family belonging in the relationship between parental support and exposure to being bullied among students in Grades 3–6 in China. Participants were 457 students at five primary and middle schools in Shandong Province, China, who completed the Child Bullying Questionnaire, the Parental Support Questionnaire, and the Family Belonging Scale. The results show that parental support and family belonging were negatively associated with exposure to being bullied, and that parental support and family belonging were significantly and positively correlated. The relationship between parental support and exposure to being bullied was mediated by family belonging. Our findings indicate that higher levels of family support and family belonging can help reduce exposure to being bullied.

The Influence of Family Factors on The Mental Health of Medical Students and Suggestions

The Mental health of medical students is of great importance, but medical students are faced with interpersonal confusion, lack of self-confidence, reverse psychology, anxiety and depression, Internet addiction, and other prominent problems, The mental health problems of medical students are closely related to their family economic conditions, family structure, parent's education level, especially the parent-child relationship, including the parenting style of the family. Parents should realize the importance of family mental health education, create a good family environment, provide a high level of family support, and work together with the school and society to maintain the healthy growth of medical students.

The association between social capital indicators and psychological distress in Catalan adolescents.

According to the WHO, globally, one in seven adolescents experiences a mental disorder, being in a detrimental situation toward educational achievement, social cohesion, future health and life chances. Calls to identify risk and resilience factors to develop effective preventive actions have been made. Following a systemic approach, we conducted a cross-sectional study on the relationship between social capital and psychological distress in a sample of Catalan adolescents in Barcelona, taking into account a range of other relevant aspects at different levels influencing mental health, including gender, age, migrant status, family background, lifestyle factors, body mass index, and self-rated health. Data were collected through validated questionnaires in December 2016 from 646 of 14- to 18-year-old adolescents from three public and private high schools in Barcelona (Spain). Data analysis included descriptive analysis, a correlational study and logistic regression to obtain the odds ratio for social capital indicators to be associated with psychological distress. Our results suggest that reporting higher levels of family support and higher levels of teacher-student trust reduce the likelihood of suffering psychological distress. Higher levels of neighborhood informal control were associated with mental health, but a possible detrimental effect cannot be ruled out. Being a girl, reporting low self-rated health or higher media use was also associated with higher likelihood of psychological distress. Current results may encourage interventions that focus on social capital as a means to reduce psychological distress and foster well-being in youth.

Mortality and life expectancy trends in Spain by pension income level for male pensioners in the general regime retiring at the statutory age, 2005–2018

BackgroundResearch has generally found a significant inverse relationship in mortality risk across socioeconomic (SE) groups. This paper focuses on Spain, a country for which there continues to be very little evidence available concerning retirement pensioners. We draw on the Continuous Sample of Working Lives (CSWL) to investigate disparities in SE mortality among retired men aged 65 and above over the longest possible period covered by this data source: 2005–2018. We use the initial pension income (PI) level as our single indicator of the SE status of the retired population.MethodsThe mortality gradient by income is quantified in two ways: via an indicator referred to as “relative mortality”, and by estimating changes in total life expectancy (LE) by PI level at ages 65 and 75 over time. We show that, should the information provided by the relative mortality ratio not be completely clear, a second indicator needs to be introduced to give a broad picture of the true extent of inequality in mortality.ResultsThe first indicator reveals that, for the period covered and for all age groups, the differences in death rates across PI levels widens over time. At older age groups, these differences across PI levels diminish. The second indicator shows that disparities in LE at ages 65 and 75 between pensioners in the lowest and highest income groups are relatively small, although slightly higher than previously reported for Spain. This gap in LE widens over time, from 1.49 to 2.54 years and from 0.71 to 1.40 years respectively for pensioners aged 65 and 75. These differences are statistically significant.ConclusionsAlong with other behavioral and structural aspects, a combination of factors such as the design of the pension system, the universality and quality of the health system, and high levels of family support could explain why LE inequalities for retired Spanish men are relatively small. To establish the reasons for this increased inequality in LE, more research needs to be carried out. An analysis of all Spanish social security records instead of just a sample would provide us with more information.

Psychoeducational programs for relatives of patients with dementia

In the last decade, dementia has been recognized as one of the four major medical and social problems of modern humanity. This is explained by the fact that the number of old and elderly people is steadily growing every year. This population is prone to both the development of the disease itself and to increase the duration of the disease. This contingent also has a large number of people with disabilities. A comprehensive clinical, psychopathological and psychodiagnostic examination of 97 relatives of patients with dementia (56 women and 41 men) was conducted. Against the background of the psychoeducational program in the families of patients there was a positive dynamics of family functioning — the predominance of adequate attitude of relatives to the disease. There was a high level of family support, which was characterized by a positive attitude of family members to the need and opportunity for emotional and social support of the patient, willingness to cooperate and constructively solve new problems in everyday life, recognizing the limits of their capabilities without illusions and unjustified expectations.

Perceived stress moderates the relationship between family support and family quality of life among parents of children living with intellectual and developmental disabilities

AbstractIn Nigeria, the prevalence of intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) is relatively high, and there is no harmonized national policy to subsidize care and to assist families in caring for their children living with IDD. Thus, the increased stress seems to affect psychological and physiological health and puts social and economic pressures on families managing the care needs of their children living with IDD. A high level of family support has been shown to positively affect the family quality of life (FQOL) of individuals with IDD and their family members. Perceived stress may affect the quality of life of parents of children with IDD. What is not clear is how perceived stress can moderate the relationship between family support and FQOL. The present study examined whether perceived stress moderates the relationship between family support and quality of life (FQOL) among 129 parents of children living with IDD. These participants were selected from a daycare school located in Enugu state, Nigeria. They consisted of 95 women and 34 men who were within the age range of 30–55 years, with a M age of 40.16 years and a SD of 9.11. Three sets of instruments were employed for data collection. The results of moderated regression analysis revealed that family support positively predicted FQOL. Perceived stress negatively predicted FQOL. Similarly, perceived stress moderated the relationship between family support and FQOL. Our findings highlight the importance interventions that target stress as a risk factor that may lead to low FQOL and family support as a protective factor that decreases the negative effect of perceived stress on FQOL. Creating interventions and policies that support adequate family support for parents caring for children with IDD may promote their FQOL.

Exclusive Breastfeeding: Barrier analysis amongst Omani mothers.

This study aimed to examine individual barriers and supports to exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) and identify potential policy and programmatic interventions in Oman, where less than a quarter of Omani infants under six months are exclusively breastfed. A cross-sectional barrier analysis (BA) was carried out among a purposive sample of Omani women who were selected and interviewed by trained enumerators in health clinics in various parts of the country. A BA tool, adapted for the Omani context, covered 12 common determinants of behaviour adoption using open-ended questions regarding participants' perceptions about EBF including positive and negative consequences, self-efficacy and social norms. Qualitative analysis involved coding and tabulating as well as thematic analysis. This study included a total of 45 'doers' (who exclusively breastfed their infants) and 52 'non-doers' (who did not). Mothers reported that motivations for EBF include the perception that it leads to healthier children and is easy to do, readily available and therefore convenient, as well as that there is an high level of family support for breastfeeding. Barriers included perceived milk insufficiency and mother's employment. To achieve the EBF target of 50% for 2025, public health action should focus on emphasising the benefits and convenience of EBF and building women's confidence in their ability to produce sufficient milk. These efforts will require increasing the knowledge and skills of community and healthcare workers and establishing monitoring mechanisms. Extended paid maternity leave and supportive workplace policies are necessary to encourage working women to exclusively breastfeed.

Exploring Problem Areas of Elderly Patients with Diabetes and the Support Provided by Their Family

Objective: Diabetes increases problems in emotional areas particularly among the elderly patients by aggravating negative emotions such as loss, anxiety and fear and makes these patients need higher level of family support. This study aims at exploring problematic areas of the elderly diabetic patients and their family support levels.&#x0D; Methods: The data of this descriptive study were collected by the researcher by conducting a face to face interview with 218 elderly diabetic patients who presented to Endocrine Polyclinics of State Hospital between October 2015 and October 2016. To collect the data, “Patient Information Form”, “Problem Areas in Diabetes Scale (PAID)” and “Hensarling’s Diabetes Family Support Scale (HDFSS)” were used.&#x0D; Results: Although problem areas among the patients were found to be fewer than expected; it was found that there were significant differences between problem areas and “sex, diabetes time, treatment type, length of oral antidiabetic medicine use and insulin use, development of diabetes-related complication and hospitalization due to these complications in the recent year” (p

The Association Between Daily Concealment and Affect Among Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents: The Moderating Role of Family and Peer Support

PurposeThere is a lack of research on the association between identity concealment and mental health among sexual and gender minority (SGM) adolescents and how social support may attenuate this association. Furthermore, research typically neglects the day-to-day variability in concealment experiences of SGM adolescents. Therefore, we examined the association between daily sexual orientation and gender identity concealment and positive and negative affect and the moderating role of family and peer support on this association among SGM adolescents. MethodsA 21-day daily diary study among 94 SGM adolescents (mean [M] age = 16.10, standard deviation [SD] = 1.50; 31.9% gender minority; 44.7% youth of color) was conducted. Multilevel regression analyses tested the association between daily concealment and positive and negative affect and a cross-level interaction was used to assess the moderating effects of social supports. ResultsDaily concealment was associated with higher negative but not with positive affect. Family support was associated with lower daily negative affect but not with positive affect. Peer support was not significantly associated with negative or positive affect. Moderation results indicated that the association between daily concealment and negative affect was significant for adolescents who reported low or average levels of family support but was no longer significant for adolescents who reported high levels of family support. DiscussionDaily identity concealment was positively associated with negative affect and this association was attenuated by family support. Future research and interventions should target families to improve the lives of SGM adolescents and to help reduce and eliminate mental health disparities.

The Effect of Pornography Use Among Adolescents on Violent Sexual Behavior and the Moderating Effect of Family Support

The purpose of this study was to identify the impact of pornography use among adolescents on their subsequent violent sexual behavior, and to ascertain the moderating effect of family support. The study was conducted with a sample of 2,087 Korean middle and high-school students. To analyze the data, a descriptive analysis, a correlation analysis, and a Poisson regression were conducted using SPSS 24.0. A Poisson regression was performed because the dependent variable, violent sexual behavior, was measured by the frequency of occurrence, and most responses were distributed at '0', indicating a non-normal distribution. The results indicated that 8.1% of adolescents admitted to having sexually violent experiences over the past year, with a relatively high rate of sexual harassment. Secondly, 53.3% of adolescents had used pornography over the past couple of years, with the highest percentage of use occurring via the Internet. Finally, pornography use among adolescents had a significant and direct impact on their sexually violent behavior, with family support playing a moderating role. This indicated that, for adolescents with a high level of family support, the impact of pornography usage on sexually violent behavior decreased. Based on these results, we discuss practical and policy interventions to prevent sexually violent behavior by adolescents.

Family Support is Associated with Fewer Adherence Barriers and Greater Intent to Adhere to Oral Medications in Pediatric IBD

PurposeMedication nonadherence is common among adolescents, and family support can enhance adherence. In a sample of youth with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), we aimed to describe barriers to oral medication adherence and intent to adhere. Additionally, we examined the role of family support in influencing adherence barriers and intent to adhere, and assessed if age moderated these relationships. Designs and methodsA secondary analysis of baseline data from an adherence-promotion intervention trial was conducted. Youth reported perceptions of family support, adherence barriers, and intent to adhere via validated measures. ResultsAmong youth (N = 76, ages 11–18), age moderated the impact of family support on total adherence barriers, disease/regimen barriers, social support/self-efficacy barriers, and intent to adhere. At higher levels of family support, younger (Mage = 12.93 years) and mid-age (Mage = 14.68 years) youth reported fewer barriers to adherence and greater intent to adhere. No main effect of family support or evidence of age moderation was found for denial/distrust or peer influences barrier domains. ConclusionsYounger and mid-aged adolescents benefitted from family support in the context of IBD management. Future research should examine whether interventions to enhance family support may enhance youth adherence. Practical implicationsGiven prior findings highlighting the success of nurse-led interventions in promoting adherence in patients with IBD, present findings suggest additional intervention points for nurses working with pediatric IBD populations.

Ethnic density, social support, and loneliness among Chinese immigrants in Philadelphia

Living in more ‘ethnically dense’ areas is thought to promote health, possibly by facilitating social support and a sense of belonging. Because of kin networks and cultural obligations, family relationships may be particularly important for Asian immigrants. Chinese-origin individuals are the largest group of Asian Americans and among the most highly segregated, but the psychosocial benefits of living in Chinese neighborhoods are not established. We examined whether Chinese immigrants in areas of higher ethnic density report more social support from family and friends, and less loneliness. For 606 participants recruited 1/2016-5/2019 throughout the Philadelphia region, residences were linked to American Community Survey 2013-2017 data. Ethnic density, operationalized as percent of Census tract residents who were Chinese, was categorized into quintiles. Family/friend support and loneliness were self-reported, then dichotomized to distinguish high levels of family support, friend support, and loneliness. In logistic regression adjusting for age, sex, and individual- and tract-level socioeconomic characteristics, ethnic density was associated with high family support (odds ratio (OR) 1.85, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.09, 3.11) for highest vs. lowest ethnic density quintile)) and inversely associated with loneliness (OR 0.31, 95% CI 0.12, 0.79, highest vs. lowest quintile). Our findings support the hypothesis that residents of areas with higher ethnic density report more social support from family and less loneliness. Whether these benefits arise from characteristics of the community overall or from the aggregation of individual assets remains to be clarified but has implications for efforts to develop community resources that would benefit all their residents.

The relationship between exposure of Palestinian youth to community violence and internalizing and externalizing symptoms: Do gender and social support matter?

BackgroundYouth exposure to community violence (ECV) in the Palestinian society is an alarming problem. Yet, there is serious scarcity of research on its mental health consequences. ObjectivesThe study examined the relationships between youth ECV and internalizing and externalizing symptoms as well as the moderating and mediating effects of gender and support from family and teachers on these relationships. Participants, Setting, and MethodA cross-sectional survey was conducted among a systematic random sample of 1930 Palestinian junior and senior high school pupils (912 boys, 1018 girls, aged 12–19-year- old), using a self-administered questionnaire. ResultsThe results revealed that the more Palestinian youth were exposed to community violence (CV) the more they demonstrated internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Palestinian boys who were victims of CV reported higher levels of externalizing symptoms, while girls reported higher levels of internalizing symptoms. Adolescents with higher levels of family support and teacher support reported lower levels of internalizing and externalizing symptoms. We have also found that gender can moderate the effects of CV victimization on internalizing symptoms and that family support can mediates the relationship between CV victimization and internalizing symptoms and moderate the relationships between ECV (both victimization and witnessing) and externalizing symptoms. ConclusionsThe moderating and mediating effects of gender and social support on the relationship between ECV and mental health consequences are discussed. The implications of the results for future research and for prevention and intervention as well as the strengths and limitations of the study are also discussed.

The psychosocial profile of family caregivers of children with chronic diseases: a cross-sectional study

BackgroundA family caregiver is defined as a person who has a significant emotional bond with the patient; this caregiver is a family member who is a part of the patient’s family life cycle; offers emotional-expressive, instrumental, and tangible support; and provides assistance and comprehensive care during the chronic illness, acute illness, or disability of a child, adult, or elderly person. The objectives of this study were to identify the psychosocial profiles of family caregivers of children with chronic diseases and to establish the relationship between these profiles and sociodemographic variables.MethodsA cross-sectional study was conducted involving 401 family caregivers of children with chronic diseases at the National Institute of Health in Mexico City. The participants responded to the Sociodemographic Variables Questionnaire (Q-SV) for research on family caregivers of children with chronic disease and a battery of 7 instruments that examined anxiety, caregiver burden, family support, depression, resilience, parental stress, and the World Health Organization Well-Being Index.ResultsA hierarchical cluster analysis and its confirmation through a nonhierarchical cluster analysis confirmed two profiles of caregivers of pediatric patients with chronic diseases. Profile 1, called Vulnerability of family caregivers, is characterized by high levels of anxiety, depression, parental stress and caregiver burden, accompanied by low levels of family support, resilience, and well-being. Profile 2, called Adversity of family caregivers, shows an inverse pattern, with high levels of family support, resilience, and well-being and low levels of anxiety, depression, parental stress and caregiver burden. The sociodemographic characteristics are similar for both profiles, with the exception of the caregiver’s family type. Profile 1 shows more single-parent caregivers, while profile 2 includes more caregivers with a nuclear family. However, the type of family did not reach significance for predicting the caregiver’s profile in a bivariate logistic regression model.ConclusionsThe psychosocial profile of family caregivers of children with chronic diseases can be structured according to their psychosocial characteristics. Although no causal factors were detected that define criteria for belonging to one or another profile, the characteristics identified for each indicate the need for specific and differentiated intervention strategies for families facing adversity, risk and vulnerability during a child’s disease.