Mother-adolescent Dyads Research Articles

Gestational organophosphate esters (OPEs) and executive function in adolescence: The HOME Study

BackgroundEvidence from toxicological studies indicate organophosphate esters (OPEs) are neurotoxic, but few epidemiological studies investigated associations between gestational OPEs and executive function. ObjectiveTo examine the associations between gestational concentrations of OPE urinary metabolites and executive function at 12 years MethodsWe used data from 223 mother-adolescent dyads from the Health Outcomes of Measures of the Environment (HOME) Study. Women provided spot urine samples at 16 weeks gestation, 26 weeks gestation, and at delivery for quantification of bis(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate, bis-2-chloroethyl phosphate (BCEP), diphenyl phosphate (DPHP), and di-n-butyl phosphate (DNBP). Executive function was assessed at age 12 years using the parent- and self-report Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF2). Covariate-adjusted associations between specific gravity-corrected OPEs and BRIEF2 scores were estimated using multiple informant models. Bayesian Kernel Machine Regression (BKMR) was used to assess the impact of all OPEs simultaneously. ResultsParent- and self-report BRIEF2 indices and composite scores were weakly to moderately correlated (rs=0.32-0.41). A natural-log unit increase in BCEP at 26 weeks was associated with approximately a 1-point increase on the self-report Cognitive Regulation Index [CRI] (95% CI 0.4, 2.3), the Emotion Regulation Index [ERI] (95% CI 0.3, 2.2), and the Global Executive Composite [GEC] (95% CI 0.4, 2.2), indicating poorer performance. Higher DPHP at 16 weeks was associated with lower parent-report GEC score (β=-1.1, 95% CI -2.3, -0.003). BKMR identified BCEP and DNBP at 26 weeks as important contributors to CRI and ERI, respectively. ConclusionOPE metabolites during gestational development, particularly BCEP, may influence adolescent executive function. However, since the FDR p-values failed to reach statistical significance, additional studies would benefit from using larger cohorts.

Posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms in mothers and adolescents after the Wenchuan earthquake: A cross-sectional and longitudinal network analysis

ObjectiveThis study used network analysis to investigate the cross-sectional and longitudinal network between PTSD symptoms within mother-adolescent dyads at 12 and 18 months after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake. MethodsThe sample was from the Wenchuan Earthquake Adolescent Health Cohort. 399 mother-adolescent dyads completed the Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Self-Rating Scale at 12 and 18 months after the earthquake. We assessed central symptoms (those with the most significant influence on other symptoms) and bridge symptoms (symptoms connecting different communities) in contemporary networks (i.e., cross-sectional networks). Subsequently, cross-lagged panel network analyses (CLPN) were performed to estimate longitudinal relationships among symptoms between dyads. ResultsIn the contemporary networks, symptoms such as “intrusive thoughts” of both dyads and “flashbacks” of adolescents were central, indicating that they are crucial in maintaining the network of PTSD symptoms. Additional symptoms such as maternal “difficulty in concentration” and dyads’ “pessimism and disappointment” should also be considered because of their central roles. Moreover, the temporary network did not directly replicate the contemporary networks, with adolescents’ “nightmares” at 12 months having a high influence on other PTSD symptoms at 18 months. LimitationsSelf-reported tools other than clinical diagnoses were used to collect data. ConclusionsThese symptom-level associations at cross-sectional and longitudinal networks extend our understanding of PTSD symptoms among mother-adolescent dyads by pointing to specific key symptoms of PTSD that may drive the co-occurrence of PTSD among dyads. Recognizing these symptoms is imperative for the development of targeted interventions and treatments aimed at addressing comorbid PTSD in mother-adolescent dyads.

Adjustment trade-offs and negative emotion reciprocation in adolescent-mother dyads during COVID-19

Adjustment trade-offs and negative emotion reciprocation in adolescent-mother dyads during COVID-19

Language use in depressed and non-depressed mothers and their adolescent offspring

BackgroundApproximately 10% of mothers experience depression each year, which increases risk for depression in offspring. Currently no research has analysed the linguistic features of depressed mothers and their adolescent offspring during dyadic interactions. We examined the extent to which linguistic features of mothers' and adolescents' speech during dyadic interactional tasks could discriminate depressed from non-depressed mothers. MethodsComputer-assisted linguistic analysis (Linguistic Inquiry and Word Count; LIWC) was applied to transcripts of low-income mother-adolescent dyads (N = 151) performing a lab-based problem-solving interaction task. One-way multivariate analyses were conducted to determine linguistic features hypothesized to be related to maternal depressive status that significantly differed in frequency between depressed and non-depressed mothers and higher and lower risk offspring. Logistic regression analyses were performed to classify between dyads belonging to the two groups. ResultsThe results showed that linguistic features in mothers' and their adolescent offsprings' speech during problem-solving interactions discriminated between maternal depression status. Many, but not all effects, were consistent with those identified in previous research using primarily written text, highlighting the validity and reliability of language behaviour associated with depressive symptomatology across lab-based and natural environmental contexts. LimitationsOur analyses do not enable to ascertain how mothers' language behaviour may have influenced their offspring's communication patterns. We also cannot say how or whether these findings generalize to other contexts or populations. ConclusionThe findings extend the existing literature on linguistic features of depression by indicating that mothers' depression is associated with linguistic behaviour during mother-adolescent interaction.

Emotion regulation strategies and depression in mother-adolescent dyads: An actor-partner interdependence model approach.

Parent-adolescent emotion dynamics have attracted increasing attention in recent years because adolescence is a challenging period for both adolescents and parents. However, how emotions are coconstructed between parents and adolescents is less clear. This study examined whether mothers' and adolescents' emotion regulation strategy was linked with their own and each other's depression using the actor-partner interdependence model (APIM). The participants were 173 mother-adolescent pairs (Mother: Mage = 43.05 years old, SD = 3.78; Adolescent: Mage = 13.00 years old, SD = 0.90). The results showed that the more mothers used cognitive reappraisal, the lower their depression levels were; and the more mothers and adolescents used expressive suppression, the higher their levels of depression were. Additionally, maternal expressive suppression was associated with adolescent depressive symptoms. Moreover, the results revealed that for mothers with higher levels of expressive suppression, their adolescents' usage of expressive suppression was significantly positively related to adolescents' depression, while for those mothers with lower levels of expressive suppression, there was no significant correlation between adolescents' usage of expressive suppression and depression. The findings underscore the significance of recognising the interdependence and interconnected nature of emotions within parent-adolescent relationships for a comprehensive understanding of their emotional well-being.

Language proficiency and ethnic-racial orientation among Latine mother-adolescent dyads.

Language proficiencies have implications for how parents and children can communicate effectively and how culture and heritage can be transferred across generations. Previous research has sought to understand the relationship between parent language (mainstream, heritage) proficiencies and the ethnic-racial orientation of their children, though prior studies have not investigated the relationship between child language proficiencies and parent ethnic-racial orientation. This study examined the actor-partner effects of Latine mother-child dyads (N = 175; youth mean age = 12.86 years) regarding their proficiencies in English and Spanish and their Latine and White orientations. Our results revealed that youth Spanish language proficiency was positively linked to youth White orientation, and youth English proficiency was also positively associated with youth White orientation but only in instances when youth-reported acculturation conflict was lower or average. There were two partner effects observed, with youth English proficiency positively relating to mother's White orientation and mothers' Spanish proficiency being negatively related to youth White orientation. Regarding Latine orientation, both English and Spanish were positively related to greater Latine orientation for both mothers and their children. However, at higher levels of mother-reported acculturation conflict, higher mother English proficiency was related to lower youth Latine orientation. Overall, language proficiencies for Latine mothers and their children contribute to the development of bicultural orientations, though varying degrees of acculturation conflict can have differential impacts on these linkages.

Adolescents' Tsunami Exposure and Mental Health Consequences: Protective Role of Cultural Coping Strategies.

There is a knowledge gap regarding the link between disaster exposure and adolescent mental health problems in developing countries. This study examines the case of Sri Lanka to investigate (a) the immediate and long-term mental health impact of the 2004 tsunami disaster on adolescents and (b) the potential moderating effects of unique cultural and family practices that prevail in Sri Lanka. This study used a random sample of 160 adolescents (ages 12-19) and their mothers who were exposed to the tsunami disaster while living in a southern Sri Lankan village and provided prospective data immediately after the disaster (2005) and three years later (2008). A cross-culturally validated instrument assessed adolescent-mother dyads' tsunami exposure, stressful loss, family cultural rituals and familism, and adolescent mental health. Structural equation modeling analysis showed that exposure and perceptions of tsunami-induced stressful experiences were associated with early and later mental health problems in adolescents. In addition, this study found that unique cultural practices and familism moderated the link between adolescent tsunami exposure, stressful experiences, and levels of PTSD and depressive symptoms. The findings of this study could be utilized to develop prevention and intervention programs that are contextually and culturally valid and empirically supported, which would be more effective for trauma-exposed adolescents in developing countries.

US Immigration Policy Stressors and Latinx Youth Mental Health

The youth mental health crisis is exacerbated for Latinx adolescents, a group whose families are targets of anti-immigrant rhetoric and policy. To investigate how immigration-related stressors are associated with disruptions in parent-child relationships and, in turn, the mental health symptoms of Latinx adolescents. Data for this prospective cohort study of adolescent-mother dyads were derived from surveys completed at 3 time points spanning 4 years (time 1 [T1] in 2018, time 2 [T2] in 2020, and time 3 [T3] in 2022). Mediation analyses estimated paths from immigration-related stressors to parent-child relationship qualities to mental health symptoms from early to late adolescence. Multivariable and multivariate linear models within a structural equation modeling framework regressed mediators and outcome variables on their own T1 values, offering a scientifically rigorous test of mediation. The setting was a school district in suburban Atlanta, Georgia, and included Latinx adolescents (ages 11-16 years) randomly selected from grade and gender strata. Data were analyzed from June 2023 to March 2024. The primary independent variables were T1 mother reports of anti-immigrant worry and behavioral modification and adolescent reports of family member detention or deportation. Mediating variables were the reports of parental support and parent-child conflict of T2 adolescents. T3 adolescent reports of past 6-month internalizing and externalizing symptoms. A total of 547 Latinx adolescents (mean [SD] age, 13.3 [1.0] years; 303 female [55.4%]; 244 male [44.6%]) were included in this study. Response rates were 65.2% (547 of 839) among contacted parents and 95.3% (547 of 574) among contacted adolescents with parental permission. Four-year retention rates were 67% (366 of 547 adolescents) and 65% (177 of 271 mothers). Structural model results showed that T1 anti-immigrant worry and behavioral modification was associated with T3 increases in externalizing symptoms indirectly through T1 to T2 increases in parent-child conflict (β = 0.03; SE = 0.02; 95% CI, 0-0.08). For girls, T1 family member deportation or detention was associated with T1 to T3 increases in internalizing and externalizing symptoms indirectly through T1 to T2 declines in parental support (internalizing: β = 0.04; SE = 0.02; 95% CI, 0-0.08; externalizing: β = 0.03; SE = 0.02; 95% CI, 0-0.07). Sensitivity analyses supported structural model findings. Results of this cohort study suggest that legislative bodies, the health care system, and educational institutions should implement safeguards to mitigate potential harm conferred by anti-immigrant environments for parent-child relationships and, in turn, Latinx adolescents' mental health.

The effects of gratitude and affection journaling interventions on relationship quality and gratitude for Chinese adolescent – mother dyads

This study examined the effects of journaling-based interventions on perceived relationship quality (i.e., mother-adolescent interactions and conflict) and gratitude among Chinese adolescents (ages 12–14 years) and their mothers ( N = 339 dyads). Mother-adolescent dyads were randomly assigned to one of three conditions (i.e., gratitude, affection, and control), and kept a daily journal on assigned topics for 21 days. Participants’ mother-adolescent relationship quality and level of gratitude were measured before and after the 21-day period. The findings showed that both the gratitude and affection interventions had positive impacts on mother-adolescent relationship quality (i.e., more positive mother-adolescent interactions and less conflict) with a small to medium effect size for adolescents but no impact for mothers. Gratitude did not change from pre-to post-intervention. The current study provides some preliminary support for implementing gratitude and affection interventions with Chinese adolescents to promote relationship quality, but suggests that the intervention works better for adolescents than mothers.

Sexual Passion in Adolescence: Examining Its Transmission Through Mothers

ABSTRACT Sexual passion is an important element of adult romantic relationships, but little is known about how it is developed or expressed during adolescence. From a Self Determination Theory perspective, this study explored the connections between parents’ sexual passion and children’s sexual passion, and whether these links were mediated by parents’ communication about sexuality with their children. Using a diverse sample of 484 mother-adolescent dyads (Mage = 14.48, SD = 1.68, 50% female, 56% White), we specified a path model in a Structural Equation Modeling framework to test hypothesized associations. Results indicated that all three types of parent sexual passion – harmonious, obsessive, and inhibited – were positively associated with children’s sexual passion in the same domains. Additionally, the frequency of parent-child sexual communication partially mediated the transmission of harmonious passion, whereas controlling parent-child sexual communication partially mediated the transmission of obsessive passion. These findings highlight the importance of parents’ sexual relationships in the sexual socialization and development of adolescents. Additionally, helping parents to have more frequent conversations about sex with their children could help facilitate the transmission of harmonious sexual passion.

Affective dynamics in mother-adolescent dyads: links to mental health and relationship quality

ABSTRACT Current research in developmental psychopathology has emphasised how emotion dynamics, such as affective variability, relate to psychosocial functioning. In this brief article, we examined mean differences in mothers’ and adolescents’ affective intensity and lability in positive and negative emotions and explored how these emotion dynamics related to depressive symptoms and mother-adolescent relationship quality. We administered individual surveys each day for one week to mother-adolescent dyads (N = 109) that inquired about positive and negative affective states. Affective intensity was measured by the mean across the week and lability by the standard deviation. Participants also reported on their depressive symptoms and adolescents reported on relationship quality. Results showed that positive affect was more intense and more variable than negative affect, and adolescents experienced more intense negative affective and less intense positive affect than mothers. Greater mother and adolescent negative affect intensity and less maternal positive affect intensity related to more depressive symptoms. Affective intensity in mothers and adolescents and affective lability in mothers related to mother-adolescent relationship quality. These findings extend the growing body of knowledge on individuals’ affective intensity and variability by considering family dynamics.

Generation WhatsApp: inter-brain synchrony during face-to-face and texting communication

Texting has become one of the most prevalent ways to interact socially, particularly among youth; however, the effects of text messaging on social brain functioning are unknown. Guided by the biobehavioral synchrony frame, this pre-registered study utilized hyperscanning EEG to evaluate interbrain synchrony during face-to-face versus texting interactions. Participants included 65 mother-adolescent dyads observed during face-to-face conversation compared to texting from different rooms. Results indicate that both face-to-face and texting communication elicit significant neural synchrony compared to surrogate data, demonstrating for the first time brain-to-brain synchrony during texting. Direct comparison between the two interactions highlighted 8 fronto-temporal interbrain links that were significantly stronger in the face-to-face interaction compared to texting. Our findings suggest that partners co-create a fronto-temporal network of inter-brain connections during live social exchanges. The degree of improvement in the partners' right-frontal-right-frontal connectivity from texting to the live social interaction correlated with greater behavioral synchrony, suggesting that this well-researched neural connection may be specific to face-to-face communication. Our findings suggest that while technology-based communication allows humans to synchronize from afar, face-to-face interactions remain the superior mode of communication for interpersonal connection. We conclude by discussing the potential benefits and drawbacks of the pervasive use of texting, particularly among youth.

Are there reciprocal interplays among Chinese adolescents', fathers', and mothers' depression at the within-family level? A family systems perspective.

Controversy surrounds the reciprocity between adolescent and parental depression. Limited studies rigorously tested the transactional model of depression from a family systems perspective considering the involvement of all family members, particularly in non-Western nations, using advanced modeling approaches that disentangle between- and within-unit (i.e., family) variances (e.g., random intercept cross-lagged panel model [RI-CLPM]). This population-based multi-informant longitudinal study applied RI-CLPM to evaluate the temporal dynamics of the interrelations among adolescent, maternal, and paternal depression in 1,733 Chinese families assessed biannually. Findings from two large independent samples (primary sample [N = 1,733]; replication sample [N = 989]) converged to suggest, in macro timescales: (a) more depressed parents-especially mothers-generally have more depressed adolescents (between-family associations); (b) a family member becoming more depressed than usual co-occurred with other members becoming more depressed than usual in the same wave (within-family cofluctuations), with the mother-adolescent dyads exhibiting greater concordance than the father-adolescent dyads; and (c) a family member becoming more depressed than usual did not prospectively predict other members becoming more depressed than usual (i.e., no within-family reciprocal effects). While patterns of cross-lagged effects were consistently null across contexts, cofluctuations were stronger in rural than urban families and stronger in families with older adolescents. Overall, findings suggest that in macro timescales, the previously identified associations between adolescent and parental depression likely occurred at the trait-like between-family level and state-like within-family cofluctuations. Future studies employing micro timescales (e.g., daily) can complement macro-timescale analysis to provide greater temporal resolution of the within-family interplays of affective symptoms between family members. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Clarifying the relation between mother and adolescent borderline personality disorder symptoms: The roles of maternal and adolescent emotion regulation and maladaptive maternal emotion socialization.

Despite evidence for the intergenerational transmission of borderline personality disorder (BPD) pathology from mothers to offspring, the factors underlying the relation between mother and child BPD symptoms remain unclear and little is known about the pathways through which maternal BPD symptoms may relate to BPD symptoms in their offspring. One set of factors that warrants consideration in this regard is mother and child emotion regulation (ER) difficulties. In particular, theory and research suggest an indirect relation between mother and child BPD symptoms through maternal ER difficulties (and related maladaptive emotion socialization strategies) and, subsequently, child ER difficulties. Thus, this study used structural equation modeling to examine a model wherein maternal BPD symptoms relate to offspring BPD symptoms in adolescence through maternal ER difficulties (and maladaptive maternal emotion socialization strategies) and, subsequently, adolescent ER difficulties. A nationwide community sample of 200 mother-adolescent dyads completed an online study. Results provided support for the proposed model, revealing both a direct relation between maternal and adolescent BPD symptoms and two indirect relations through (a) maternal and adolescent ER difficulties and (b) maternal ER difficulties, maternal maladaptive emotion socialization strategies, and adolescent ER difficulties. Results highlight the relevance of both mother and adolescent ER difficulties in the relation between mother and offspring BPD pathology, as well as the potential clinical utility of targeting mother and child ER in interventions aimed at preventing the intergenerational transmission of BPD pathology. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Web-Based Delivery of a Family-Based Dating Abuse Prevention Program for Adolescents Exposed to Interparental Violence: Feasibility and Acceptability Study.

Numerous studies have demonstrated that exposure to caregiver intimate partner violence (IPV) can have cascading negative impacts on children that elevate the risk of involvement in dating abuse. This cascade may be prevented by programs that support the development of healthy relationships in children exposed to IPV. This paper describes the results of a study of the web-based adaptation of an evidence-based dating abuse prevention program for IPV-exposed youth and their maternal caregivers. Core information and activities from an evidence-based program, Moms and Teens for Safe Dates, were adapted to create the web-based program (e-MTSD), which comprises 1 module for mothers only and 5 modules for mother-adolescent dyads to complete together. The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of the e-MTSD program and the associated research processes. We also examined the practicability of randomizing mothers to receive SMS text message reminders and an action planning worksheet, which were intended to support engagement in the program. Mothers were recruited through community organizations and social media advertising and were eligible to participate if they had at least one adolescent aged 12 to 16 years of any gender identity who was willing to participate in the program with them, had experienced IPV after their adolescent was born, and were not currently living with an abusive partner. All mothers were asked to complete the program with their adolescent over a 6- to 8-week period. Participants were randomized to receive SMS text message reminders, action planning, or both using a 2×2 factorial design. Research feasibility was assessed by tracking recruitment, randomization, enrollment, and attrition rates. Program feasibility was assessed by tracking program uptake, completion, duration, and technical problems, and acceptability was assessed using web-based surveys. Over a 6-month recruitment period, 101 eligible mother-adolescent dyads were enrolled in the study and were eligible for follow-up. The median age of the adolescent participants was 14 years; 57.4% (58/101) identified as female, 32.7% (33/101) identified as male, and 9.9% (10/101) identified as gender diverse. All but one mother accessed the program website at least once; 87.1% (88/101) completed at least one mother-adolescent program module, and 74.3% (75/101) completed all 6 program modules. Both mothers and adolescents found the program to be highly acceptable; across all program modules, over 90% of mothers and over 80% of adolescents reported that the modules kept their attention, were enjoyable, were easy to do, and provided useful information. Findings suggest the feasibility of web-based delivery and evaluation of the e-MTSD program. Furthermore, average ratings of program acceptability were high. Future research is needed to assess program efficacy and identify the predictors and outcomes of program engagement.

Exploring human papillomavirus vaccination decision making through mother and adolescent dyad interviews.

The purpose of our research was to explore how parents and their adolescent children make decisions about the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, and to inform future interventions that aim to facilitate inclusive decision-making processes. Purposive and snowball sampling strategies targeted parents and their adolescent children (ages = 11-13) in a large city in Australia. We conducted separate and joint semistructured interviews in 2013 with six mother-adolescent dyads (50% female adolescents and 50% male). Interviews were analyzed using a grounded theory approach. Factors that both facilitate and impede decision making emerged, including: background knowledge, values, historical experiences, parenting style, and opinion weights. New interventions, strategies, and tools that are informed by these decision-making factors can be used to aid productive, mutual decision making between parents and adolescents and support adolescent autonomy and self-sufficiency in health decision making. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Change patterns of mother-adolescent perceived parenting and the corresponding trajectories in their internalizing symptoms.

Adolescence is a challenging and sensitive developmental period in which mothers and adolescents may be vulnerable to internalizing symptoms. The current study aimed to understand how patterns of changes in mother-adolescent perceived parenting (i.e., mother-adolescent perceived parenting transition profiles) corresponded with trajectories of mothers' and adolescents' internalizing symptoms from early to late adolescence. The current study utilized a three-wave longitudinal data set of 604 adolescents (54% female, Mage = 12.92, SD = 0.92) and 595 mothers (Mage = 38.89, SD = 5.74) from Mexican-origin immigrant families and adopted mother-adolescent perceived parenting transition profiles from a previous study. Multiple group analyses showed that mother-adolescent dyads who agreed on high levels of positive parenting across the course of adolescence (i.e., Stable Both High) experienced the lowest levels of internalizing symptoms, whereas dyads that showed an inconsistent pattern of mixed profile typologies over time (i.e., Fluctuated) experienced high levels of internalizing symptoms. For mother-adolescent dyads that consistently showed a pattern in which mothers reported more positive parenting compared to their adolescent children (i.e., Stable Mother High), mothers experienced low levels of (and even a decrease in) internalizing symptoms, while adolescents experienced considerably high levels of internalizing symptoms over time. The results for the other two parenting transition profiles (i.e., Change to Both High and Change from Both High) are also discussed. The findings highlight the importance of developing separate adaptive interventions to reduce internalizing symptoms for mothers and children by considering their change patterns of perceived parenting during the course of adolescence. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Patterns of African American parents' educational involvement: associations with adolescents' academic performance and motivational beliefs.

The current study used survey data from 786 African American mother-adolescent (M = 12.29 years; 48% female) dyads to examine profiles of 7th-grade parental educational involvement and their associations with adolescents' 11th-grade academic performance, academic self-concept, and educational aspirations. Using latent profile analyses, four patterns emerged: (a) Low Involvers; (b) Helpers, Low Providers; (c) Providers, Low Helpers; and (d) More Involved Helpers and Providers. The More Involved Helpers and Providers had adolescents with higher grades than the Helpers, Low Providers and the Low Involvers. The Providers, Low Helpers also had adolescents with higher educational aspirations than other profiles except for the More Involved Helpers and Providers. Findings suggest multiple pathways through which African American parents can enhance adolescents' academic outcomes.

Maternal engagement, relational closeness, and adolescent internalizing symptoms: The association of engaged mothering with adolescent depression and anxiety.

Prevalence rates of anxiety and depression have increased among adolescents in recent years. The etiology of these internalizing symptoms is complex, but mothers can play a role in the mental health of their adolescent children. Using data from Year 15 of the fragile families and child well-being study, we analyzed associations between adolescent-reported maternal engagement, mother-adolescent relationship closeness, and adolescent depression and anxiety in a sample of 3146 mother-adolescent dyads. Using structural equation modeling, the four areas of engagement, closeness, anxiety, and depression were all modeled as latent variables to test the associations between these constructs. Higher levels of maternal engagement were significantly associated with higher levels of closeness between mother and adolescent, and higher levels of closeness were significantly associated with adolescents' lower levels of both depression and anxiety. Bootstrapped indirect effects were identified. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Parental Caregiving and Adolescent Attachment as Determinants of Adolescent Self-Improvement: Differences Between Mother– and Father–Child Dyads in Japan

The present study aimed to examine the associations between adolescent attachment styles, parental caregiving styles, and self-improvement in early adolescence. We analyzed data from 385 Japanese mother–adolescent dyads and 201 father–adolescent dyads (mothers’ mean age is 46.48, fathers’ mean age is 48.58, and adolescents’ age ranged from 13 to 15). The results showed that attachment avoidance was negatively associated with adolescent self-improvement in all domains. The negative associations between attachment avoidance for mother and self-improvement in some domains are stronger in mother–daughter dyads than mother–son dyads. Regarding self-improvement in the domain of health, attachment anxiety and caregiving hyperactivation showed an interaction effect in father–adolescent dyads. The findings underscore the differential roles that mother– and father–child relationships play in adolescent development. The results also proposed the importance of examining the interaction between adolescent attachment styles and parental caregiving styles.