Dont cry, sweetheart: Moment-to-moment responses to toddler negative affect for mothers with and without depression.

Background: Stunting remains a significant health concern, both nationally and globally. One of the factors contributing to stunting is early marriage. This not only impacts the physical condition of the mother and child, but also impacts the mother’s mental health, especially in caring for stunted toddlers. Objective: This study aims to explore the subjective experiences of mothers who married at an early age and understand the mental health impacts they experience in caring for stunted children in Tanjung Gunung in 2025. Method: This study employed a qualitative approach using a phenomenological design. The total number of participants was six, consisting of four mothers who were involved in early marriage, one village head, and one head of the community health center (Puskesmas). Results: The results of this study revealed seven main themes that collectively describe the experiences of mothers who entered marriage at an early age. Theme 1: Reasons for early marriage show that such marriages often occur due to accidental circumstances, economic factors, and the influence of love at a young age. Theme 2: changes in roles after marriage highlights the rapid transition young women face as they take on responsibilities as wives and mothers. Theme 3: challenges after marriage, identifies economic hardship as the main difficulty in managing household needs. Theme 4: pressure from psychological and emotional problems, indicates that mothers often experience stress and emotional strain due to limited coping abilities and a lack of support. Theme 5: child development and growth, reveals that children of young mothers are more prone to malnutrition and stunting. Theme 6: social support in dealing with mothers’ mental health emphasizes the crucial role of emotional and family support in maintaining mental well-being. Theme 7: The meaning of early marriage for mothers shows that some mothers feel regret, while others find hope and personal growth from their experience. Overall, these themes illustrate that early marriage presents both social and emotional challenges, affecting the personal, psychological, and family aspects of young mothers’ lives. Conclusion: Early marriage has complex impacts on the lives of young mothers, encompassing psychological, social, and economic aspects. Young women who marry at an early age experience rapid role transitions, emotional pressure, and challenges in meeting family needs while supporting their children’s growth and development. However, some of them can find positive meaning and hope through these experiences. Therefore, this study emphasizes the importance of psychosocial support, reproductive health education, and economic empowerment for adolescents and young mothers as both preventive and curative measures to minimize the negative effects of early marriage.

This article explores how older workers experience inclusion and exclusion in two large Australian public sector organisations with strong diversity and inclusion (D&I) agendas. Applying detailed qualitative analysis and drawing on the concepts of the ideal worker and structured ambivalence, it examines how older employees navigate workplaces that promote inclusion while marginalising ageing workers. Participants benefited from certain policies but also encountered persistent age-based stereotypes that framed them as less capable and productive, based on chrononormative expectations and assumptions about older workers’ cognitive and physical capacities. These contradictions produced structured ambivalence – simultaneous experiences of inclusion and exclusion shaped by conflicting institutional norms. Consequently, the ideal worker norm, while more flexible for some groups, such as mothers of young children, remains stubborn for older workers, who may conceal their age or downplay their needs to maintain a viable worker identity. The findings call for age-inclusive D&I frameworks.

Cross-cohort employment differences among U.S. mothers of young children: The role of nonparental childcare

ABSTRACT It has been considered more or less evident that the youngest children should live with their mothers following parental separation. In Norway and a few other countries where equal parenting has been a cultural ideal, political ambition and a legal reality for some time, this seems to be changing. In this paper we explore the experiences of separated mothers of infants (0–12 months), toddlers (1–3) and young children (4–6) who had been the primary caregivers of the child before the separation, but where fathers claimed or expressed a wish for joint physical custody. We show that the mothers adapt to such wishes or claims, either voluntarily or by force. Our findings, we argue, reflect both a reduction and an expansion of motherhood: reduction as the equal status of mothers and fathers promoted through joint physical custody is achieved at the expense of the mothers and expansion as mothers are expected to ‘step aside’ and support the post-separated father in becoming equally involved in the child’s life. The study gives insight into the emotional costs joint physical custody may involve for mothers of young children – costs which should be given more consideration in political and academic debates about joint physical custody in the future.

Lead (Pb) exposure is a major global health concern, particularly for young children, yet awareness of the risks is low. Pb-based paint remains a significant source of exposure in many low- and middle-income countries, despite existing regulations. We investigate whether personalized information on lead in paint can increase awareness and encourage preventive behaviors. As part of a pilot study in Abidjan, Ivory Coast, painted surfaces in pregnant women’s homes were tested using a low-cost Pb detection kit, followed by confirmatory testing with an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) device. Among the final sample of 153 women, those living in homes that tested positive for Pb were 33-35 percentage points more likely to acknowledge their exposure risk. This increased awareness led to self-reported behavioral changes among mothers of young children, including a higher likelihood of preventing children from ingesting paint chips and washing their hands more frequently. We find no impact on self-reported home-cleaning or renovation behaviors. Our findings highlight the potential of personalized information to drive behavioral change in environmental health.

ABSTRACTRelational savoring, a prevention/intervention approach that involves reflecting on positive moments of connection with another person, promotes wellbeing in the parenting relationship. In this program, parents savor memories with strong attachment content (including Secure Base or Safe Haven memories), but it is currently unknown whether the benefits of relational savoring differ as a function of memory type. Within a sample of Iranian mothers of children younger than 6, this study examines impacts of RS administered in Persian on closeness to child, parental satisfaction/competence, and maternal caregiving quality. In this randomized controlled trial, 150 mothers from a city in Iran were randomized into three 50‐member groups (relational savoring‐Safe Haven [RS‐Safe Haven]; relational savoring‐Secure Base [RS‐Secure Base]; Control Group). Participants completed assessments at pretest, posttest, and follow‐up (3 months post‐intervention). The two intervention groups (RS‐Safe Haven, RS‐Secure Base) participated in one‐hour group relational savoring sessions that met weekly for four weeks. The Control Group received no intervention. RS interventions significantly improved maternal closeness, parental satisfaction, and maternal sensitivity/availability compared to control, with gains evident at both post‐test and follow‐up. While both RS‐Secure Base and RS‐Safe Haven groups showed comparable improvements on most outcomes, RS‐Secure Base demonstrated stronger effects for parental efficacy, particularly at follow‐up. These findings have important implications for future work with relational savoring, suggesting that savoring both Secure Base and Safe Haven memories can enhance maternal outcomes.

IntroductionDiagnosing a child’s disease is a traumatic event that impacts parents’ psychological well-being and mental health and is associated with burden. This protocol of a longitudinal study aims to observe posttraumatic stress levels in mothers of children with a genetic disease. It will also explore posttraumatic growth in these mothers and identify its key predictors.Materials and methodsThe project is a sequential study that integrates both cross-sectional and longitudinal designs. The study will involve mothers of children aged 0–3 years who have been diagnosed with a genetic disease by a physician specialist before their first birthday. Two measurements will be taken with a 6-month interval between the first and second assessments. The study will use a questionnaire-based approach. The research assessment will be conducted using: the Impact of Event Scale-Revised (IES-R), the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory (PTGI), the Zimbardo Time Perspective Inventory (ZTPI), the Parental Burnout Assessment (PBA), the Kansas Inventory of Parental Perceptions (KIPP), and the Family Resilience Assessment Scale (FRAS).DiscussionThis study may provide valuable insights into how mothers cope with a child’s genetic disease, both from a time perspective and a parental perspective. It could inform the development of targeted support strategies to help mothers manage the challenges of raising a child with a genetic disease, particularly in areas such as crisis intervention or therapy. We hypothesize that improving the mother’s time perspective could improve the mother’s well-being and thus enhance the overall functioning of the family system and support the child’s development.

This article uses 2019 to 2023 Current Population Survey data to examine how U.S. parents’ self-employment entry and exit behaviors changed before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Random-effects model estimates suggest that mothers with young children were more likely to enter self-employment from wage employment and to exit self-employment into unemployment during the pandemic. Mothers with older children did not show these patterns. These findings indicate that the pandemic placed added pressure on mothers of young children, prompting them to seek more flexible work arrangements. Next, transitions from unemployment to self-employment could indicate that parents are reallocating time previously devoted to child care toward financial activities. Unemployed parents with younger children—regardless of gender—were less likely to change employment behavior. Among those with older children, only unemployed fathers were more likely to enter self-employment and take on financial responsibilities. Finally, parents in nonmetropolitan areas were less likely to enter and more likely to exit self-employment compared to those in metropolitan areas. This suggests that they faced greater challenges in launching and maintaining businesses during the pandemic. These findings contribute to the literature by highlighting the importance of spatial context in shaping gendered labor dynamics and household decision-making, particularly during periods of economic recession.

INTRODUCTION: Environmental tobacco smoke (ETS) poses significant health risks globally, particularly for children. This study aimed to determine levels of self-efficacy, knowledge, attitude, and avoidance practices regarding ETS exposure among mothers with children under six and identify factors associated with avoidance practices. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted using the validated Malay SE-KAP-ETS questionnaire among 321 mothers. Higher scores indicated better self-efficacy, knowledge, attitude, and avoidance practices. Multiple linear regression (MLR) analysis was performed to determine associations. RESULTS: Participants had a mean age of 33.4(±5.57), and 67.9% had tertiary education. Mean scores were: self-efficacy 36.41(±9.7), knowledge 38.26(±3.76), attitude 48.58(±3.75), and avoidance practices 28.33(±3.27). MLR revealed that no smokers at home [B=0.700, 95%CI: 0.304, 1.462; p=0.003], higher self-efficacy [B=0.058, 95% CI: 0.028, 0.088; p<0.001], and positive attitudes [B=0.414, 95%CI: 0.336, 0.491; p<0.001] were positively associated with avoidance practices. Conversely, primary and secondary education [B=-0.750, 95% CI: -1.449, -0.051; p<0.035] and self-employment [B=-1.517, 95%CI: -2.584, -0.450; p=0.005] were negative predictors. CONCLUSION: Findings indicate that although ETS knowledge is high among mothers of young children in Selangor, it does not predict avoidance practices. Instead; self-efficacy, attitude, and smoke-free homes are critical determinants, underscoring the need for empowerment-focused interventions, particularly for mothers with primary and secondary education.

Stunting remains a significant health issue in Indonesia and poses a risk of hindering human resource development in the future. Efforts to prevent stunting must be initiated early through enhancing the knowledge of pregnant women and mothers of young children regarding the symptoms, causes, and preventive measures. Health information dissemination activities aim to improve participants' knowledge through leaflets about stunting. The method used was face-to-face health information dissemination, supplemented with leaflets as supporting materials, followed by an evaluation of participants' knowledge. The activity involved 10 pregnant women and mothers of young children in the service area of the Landasan Ulin Timur Health Center. Evaluation results showed an increase in knowledge, as indicated by the average score before and after the health information dissemination, which rose from 80% to 100%. This indicates that leaflets are effective as a health promotion tool to enhance public understanding of stunting. In conclusion, leaflets can serve as a simple, practical, and efficient educational alternative in efforts to prevent stunting in the community. Similar activities are recommended to be conducted continuously with the support of healthcare personnel, ensuring optimal prevention of stunting.

This study aims to analyze the role of Posyandu in increasing mothers' awareness of balanced nutrition in Rowosari Village. Using a descriptive qualitative approach, data were collected through in-depth interviews with 13 informants, consisting of 4 mothers of young children, 8 Posyandu cadres, and 1 midwife. The results of the thematic analysis based on role theory revealed five main indicators: role expectations, role performance, role pressures, role support, and evaluation-innovation. The findings indicate that Posyandu plays a crucial role as a center for community nutrition information and education; however, it faces challenges such as low mother participation, limited Posyandu cadres, insufficient training, and inflexible education schedules. Nevertheless, the cadres demonstrated initiative through practice-based educational innovations and digital approaches. This study emphasizes that the effectiveness of Posyandu is highly dependent on cross-sectoral support, cadre capacity, and contextual and interactive educational approaches.

Objective:Measles is a highly contagious disease with significant morbidity and mortality, particularly among children under five. Despite the availability of an effective vaccine, in 2022, 22 million children worldwide missed their first dose and 11 million missed their second. This study aimed to explore the reasons for measles vaccine refusal and delay among mothers of young children in Yerevan, Armenia, using the constructs from the Health Belief Model and the Theory of Planned Behavior.Methods:Eight mothers of children aged 13–36 months were recruited through convenience and snowball sampling. In-depth interviews examined their beliefs about measles and vaccination, perceived social norms, and sources of information. A thematic analysis was conducted.Results:Although participants generally understood measles’ severity and transmissibility, many believed their children’s natural immunity was sufficient protection. Concerns about vaccine safety and effectiveness were common. Despite reporting no structural barriers and expressing trust in individual healthcare providers, participants exhibited a broader mistrust of health institutions. Social media was a key source of anti-vaccine messaging, while family norms strongly influenced vaccination decisions.Conclusion:The study revealed that vaccine hesitancy among participants was primarily driven by a strong belief in natural immunity, mistrust in health institutions, and the influence of misinformation on social media. To improve vaccine uptake in Armenia and similar contexts, it is essential to rebuild public trust in health authorities and actively counter false information, particularly on social media platforms.

Choking is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality among children, particularly those aged 3 years or younger. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2011, there were approximately 17,537 reported cases of choking, with the majority of these incidents occurring in children aged between 12 to 36 months. In 2013, about 34 children per day were taken to emergency departments due to choking (Pendigrot et al., 2019). Furthermore, in Indonesia, it was reported that around 10% of the 430 infant deaths were caused by choking during breastfeeding (Suartini & Kusniawati, 2020). Given this, the need for effective first aid knowledge, especially among mothers of young children, becomes imperative. This community service activity aimed to empower 27 mothers with toddlers in the village of Bangun Rejo, Tanjung Morawa, Deli Serdang, North Sumatra, on the essential skills for performing first aid in cases of choking. The program was structured in three phases: preparation, implementation, and evaluation. During the implementation, the participants received theoretical lectures, live demonstrations, and informational leaflets on how to perform first aid for choking. Following the training, an evaluation was conducted to assess the mothers' proficiency in performing the procedure. The results showed a promising outcome, with 19 mothers (70.3%) becoming proficient in first aid for choking, while 8 mothers (29.7%) still lacked the necessary skills despite the training. This outcome highlights the importance of continuous education and practice for parents, especially mothers, to ensure that they can act quickly and effectively in emergency situations. This activity is expected to equip mothers with the skills needed to perform first aid for choking as an immediate response before seeking medical assistance, ultimately helping to reduce the risks associated with choking incidents.

Mothers' health significantly affects their well-being and that of their families. The early years of motherhood can be tough and impact mental health. This study examined the associations between mothers' self-compassion, social support, and self-care behaviors and their physical and mental well-being. In August 2023, an online cross-sectional survey was conducted among 514 Israeli mothers with children under three. Mothers' physical and mental health was assessed using SF12. Self-compassion was measured by the Self-Compassion Scale (SCS). Social support was evaluated through the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS), and self-care was assessed via the Pittsburgh Enjoyable Activities Test (PEAT). Respondents' average age was 31.5 years. Their self-reported physical health was relatively high, with a mean of 78.36 (SD = 21) on a 0-100 scale (n = 442). Mental health scores were lower, with a mean of 65.88 (SD = 20.28, n = 401). Perceived physical health was higher among Jewish mothers, younger mothers, and those with higher income levels. Additionally, greater social support and self-compassion correlated with better perceived physical health (Adj R2 = 0.11, p < 0.001). For mental health, higher scores were observed among Jewish mothers, younger mothers, and full-time employed mothers. Furthermore, higher social support, self-compassion, and self-care practices were associated with improved perceptions of mental health (Adj R2 = 0.39, p < 0.001). Promoting the well-being of mothers is crucial for their health, their children's well-being, and the family unit. Health professionals working with mothers of young children should emphasize and help promote social support, self-compassion, and self-care activities.

ABSTRACT Relational savoring improves parents’ well-being but has seldom been tested outside of the United States. In Iran, discussing parenting difficulties is taboo, and there is less emphasis on the experience of joy in motherhood. This cultural variation underscores the need to examine the effects of relational savoring, which focuses on heightening positive emotion in the context of parenthood. In this study conducted in Iran, mothers of children ages 5 and under (N = 100) were randomized into the experimental (4 weekly relational savoring sessions) or control group (no intervention). Participants were assessed at pretest, posttest, and 2-month follow-up. Compared to control group mothers, relational savoring mothers had higher closeness to child and availability at post-test and 2-month follow-up. There were no differential impacts on parenting competence and sensitivity/responsiveness. This program can be effective in improving aspects of the mother–child relationship among mothers of young children in Iran.

This study aims to examine the effect of upward social comparison on social media among mothers of young children on marital satisfaction, focusing on the mediating role of parental competence anxiety and the moderating role of materialistic values. An online survey was conducted with 340 mothers of children born between 2018 and 2022. Descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, and moderated mediation analysis were performed using SPSS PROCESS macro. The results are as follows. First, upward social comparison on social media had a direct negative effect on marital satisfaction and an indirect negative effect mediated by parental competence anxiety. Second, materialistic values significantly moderated the relationship between parental competence anxiety and marital satisfaction. Specifically, the negative indirect effect of upward social comparison on marital satisfaction via parental competence anxiety was stronger among mothers with higher levels of materialistic values. These findings suggest that mothers’ experiences on social media may influence not only their individual emotional well-being but also the quality of their intimate relationships. This study offers important implications for designing interventions to support parenting and family well-being in the context of digital media use.

Mental health and psychosocial factors predicting concerns about the COVID-19 vaccine among refugee background and Australian-born women.

Reflection moderates the link between loneliness and eudaimonic well-being in mothers of young children: A COVID-19 pandemic study

Abstract The article explores how the moralization of women mothers in contemporary Brazil reinforces structural inequalities. The analysis focuses on two forms of communication: reprimands and advice directed from experts toward mothers or circulated between mothers of young children in two different social contexts in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Based upon an ethnography carried out in a complex of favelas, the first case study examines how poor and racialized women are reprimanded by public daycare professionals. Based on participant observation in a WhatsApp group of middle‐class parents, the second case study focuses on the advice distributed by parental experts that circulated among these parents in the context of the Covid‐19 pandemic. Through the comparison of reprimands and advice, we suggest that speech acts reveal how expert discourses perform modalities of moralization that not only shape motherhood experiences but also differentiate them according to attributes of class, race, and territory.