ABSTRACT Objective Single-Session Interventions (SSIs) offer a new approach to increase access to evidence-based care. This review aimed to systematically evaluate the effectiveness and acceptability of SSIs for parents of CYP with mental health conditions. Method Systematic searches were conducted on three databases. Studies of any design were included if they investigated the effectiveness or acceptability of SSIs. There were three primary outcomes: parental mental health, parenting practices and acceptability. Quality of studies was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. Data was narratively synthesised. Results Ten studies were included, comprising 1872 participants. SSIs were either parent or family-focused, which targeted parent mental health or parenting practices. Four studies found that SSIs significantly improved parental mental health, and the two strongest methodological studies reported significant improvements in parenting practices. All studies found that parents perceived SSIs as mostly acceptable. The quality of included studies was highly variable. Discussion Overall, this review provides preliminary evidence for the effectiveness and acceptability of SSIs for parents of children with a mental health condition. However, methodologically rigorous studies are necessary to inform whether SSIs should be implemented into clinical practice. Future research should conduct RCTs to compare SSIs to existing parenting interventions using validated outcome measures.

Abstract Background Play provides an important foundation for a healthy childhood but longitudinal data exploring how play experiences relate to children's mental health over time is scarce. In this study, data on preschool‐aged children's activities and mental health during Covid‐19 related restrictions was used to explore how where (inside/outside) and with whom children played related to internalising and externalising problems over time. Methods UK based parents/carers ( n = 1028) of preschool‐aged children (2–5 years) completed an online survey at four time points between April and July 2020. The survey asked how much time in the previous week their child had spent: Playing inside; Playing outside; Playing alone; Playing with a parent; Playing with another child in their household; and their child's mental health (Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire internalising and externalising scales). Four hierarchical linear regression analyses were conducted to examine associations between where children play (inside/outside) and (1) internalising and (2) externalising symptoms, and with whom children play (with parent, other child, alone) and (3) internalising and (4) externalising symptoms. Effects of linear and quadratic time, and interactions between play and time were examined. Parent mental health, parent education, contact with nature and physical activity were included as covariates. Results Both inside and outside play was associated with less severe internalising problems (beta = −0.23 [SE = 0.10]; beta −0.54 [SE = 0.19]) and, in statistical interaction with time, less time playing inside was associated with a stronger improvement in externalising problems over time (beta = 0.77 [SE = 0.23]). Further, more time playing with other children was associated with less severe internalising problems (beta = −0.50 [SE = 0.13]) whereas playing alone was associated with more severe internalising problems (beta = 0.28 [SE = 0.10]). Conclusion Varied play opportunities are related to young children's mental health. Even during a pandemic response, children should be given opportunity to play with other children and play outdoors wherever possible.

Vaccine hesitancy remains a significant public health challenge, even in countries with high vaccination coverage, such as Italy. Understanding the sociodemographic, informational, and psychological characteristics associated with hesitancy is essential for designing effective, targeted interventions. To describe and compare the sociodemographic, behavioral, informational, and psychological profiles of vaccine-hesitant and non-hesitant Italian parents. A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2024 and February 2025 using an anonymous online survey distributed through social media and parenting websites. Eligible participants were parents or legal guardians of children aged 0-18 years, residing in Italy. Vaccine hesitancy was assessed using the Parent Attitudes about Childhood Vaccines short form (PACV-5), alongside validated measures of health literacy (HLS-EU-Q6), vaccine literacy (HLVa-IT), adult vaccine hesitancy (aVHS), vaccine confidence (VCI), and parental health locus of control (PHLOC). Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed to examine the differences between hesitant and non-hesitant parents. Of the 308 participants, 13% were classified as vaccine-hesitant. Hesitancy was significantly associated with lower educational attainment, absence of a health care background, reliance on television and health assistants for vaccine information, lower health and vaccine literacy, lower vaccine confidence, and higher scores in the Fate subscale of the Chance domain and the Child subscale of the Internal domain of the Health Locus. A total of 89.94% of parents reported full adherence to vaccination schedules, yet hesitant parents were more likely to partially vaccinate their children and express selective vaccination intentions. Discrepancies between past vaccination behavior and future intentions were observed, suggesting that hesitancy is dynamic and potentially unstable. Vaccine hesitancy among Italian parents is associated with low health literacy and confidence levels, distinct health beliefs, and specific information-seeking patterns. These findings suggest public health efforts should include trust-building approaches that address cognitive skills, fatalistic beliefs, and preferred communication channels. Longitudinal research is necessary to monitor changes in parental attitudes and to guide adaptive intervention strategies.

The effectiveness of mobile app-based interventions to improve parental mental health: a meta-analysis.

Health anxiety by proxy (HAP) refers to parents' worries about their child's health. Research into HAP is in its infancy, but it is known that the children of those with HAP and the broader family system are affected by these elevated health concerns. This study aimed to explore factors associated with HAP in parents of children with cancer, and parents of 'well' children, particularly parental health anxiety (HA), social support, and illness characteristics. Cross-sectional online questionnaire design using social media and NHS paediatric oncology services to recruit parents of children with cancer (n=41) and parents of 'well' children (n=79). HAP (but not HA) was significantly higher in parents of children with cancer than those with 'well' children (p < .001). HAP was negatively associated with social support in parents of 'well' children only (p=.002), but both groups demonstrated a positive association between social support and HA (p=.006). Both HA (B=.588; p < .001) and health status of child (B=-30.281; p < .001) were significant independent predictors of HAP (controlling for interactions between group and variables) in a hierarchical regression. Parents of children with cancer have higher rates of HAP (but not HA), with HAP associated with lower levels of social support in both groups. Parental HA and child health status are key to understanding HAP. Further research is needed to establish underlying mechanisms and vulnerability to HAP to inform development of effective interventions for this group.

Background Exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) is essential for infant health. Parental postpartum depression (PPD) may play a crucial role in shaping maternal intention and behavior to breastfeeding. This study, grounded in the ABC model of behavior theory, aimed to examine the direct and indirect pathways linking maternal and paternal PPD with EBF intention and practice. Methods A total of 273 couples attending postpartum health check-ups were invited to complete structured questionnaires with assistance from trained interviewers. Symptoms of PPD in both mothers and fathers were assessed using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS). Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine the associations between parental PPD and intention and practice related to EBF. Path analysis was further employed to identify potential pathways linking parental PPD, maternal intention to EBF, and EBF practice. Direct and indirect effects were estimated within the path model using the weighted least squares mean and variance adjusted (WLSMV) estimator. Standardized path coefficients ( β ) were reported for all effects. Results Among 273 couples, 41.0% of mothers and 28.5% of fathers screened positive for PPD. Although most mothers (93.4%) showed a positive intention to EBF, only 52.4% practiced it. Maternal depression was associated with a less positive intention to EBF (adjusted OR = 0.20, 95% CI: 0.06–0.64). Path analysis further revealed that paternal PPD indirectly influenced maternal intention through maternal PPD ( β indirect = −0.177, p = 0.001), while maternal PPD exerted an indirect effect on EBF practice through intention ( β indirect = −0.189, p = 0.038). These findings highlight a family-level psychological pathway linking parental mental health to breastfeeding behaviors. Conclusion A substantial gap was found between willingness and actual practice of EBF. Both maternal and paternal postpartum depression were directly and indirectly associated with breastfeeding intention and practice. Early identification and intervention for parental depression are essential to promote exclusive breastfeeding.

Association between parental depression during offspring adolescence and offspring depression from adolescence to early adulthood: A prospective cohort study in China.

Interventions that combine parenting support with parental mental health components hold promise for enhancing child and family well-being. Yet, few integrate robust mental health strategies or draw on formative research to ensure contextual and cultural relevance. We conducted qualitative research in Ghana to explore local experiences of parenting and parental mental health to inform the development of a multi-component intervention. We conducted 31 in-depth interviews and 6 focus group discussions with 83 parents, nonparental caregivers, and community members across three districts in southern Ghana. Reflexive thematic analysis was used to identify key patterns. Participants highlighted facilitators and barriers to engagement in positive parenting practices and supporting mental health. Maintaining a positive couple’s relationship, financial stability, awareness of appropriate disciplinary methods, and participation in religious and social gatherings facilitated positive parenting. Barriers included financial difficulties, limited time with children due to work, and lack of paternal involvement. Supporting parental mental health was facilitated by religious engagement, financial stability, and strong social support, whereas financial difficulties, social isolation, rigid gender norms, and lack of access to mental health services were barriers. All parents and nonparental caregivers expressed interest in attending a parenting and mental health support program, highlighting the need for community-based support. Our results highlight the need for culturally relevant multi-component strategies that reflect local needs. Findings will inform the design of a multi-component parenting and parental mental health intervention to improve child and family well-being.

Fibromyalgia and its psychosocial determinants in mothers of children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder: A controlled cross-sectional study.

An estimated half a million UK primary care consultations are due to middle ear infections annually. In children, ear infections are one of the most common reasons for antibiotic use. To describe parents' experiences and actions for their child's ear infection symptoms. Online survey with parents of children aged 10 years or younger who had suspected ear infection symptoms in the previous 12 months in England. Data were collected retrospectively and through self-report. Multivariable logistic regression explored association of variables with consulting and reported prescription of antibiotics. 503 parents participated. Most parents perceived their child's symptoms as mild (25.8%) or moderate (64.6%). Consulting healthcare was the most reported action (90%); 74% consulted within 1-2 days. Perceived severity and duration of symptoms were associated with consulting. Parents were concerned about serious illness and the need for treatment. Other factors associated with consulting were missing work (AOR 4.8, 95% CI: 1.6 - 14.8), childcare impacts (AOR 3.1, 95% CI: 1.0 - 9.5) and fluid in child's ear (AOR 3.9, 95% CI: 1.48 - 10.5). Of consultors (454/503), 55.7% reported receiving an antibiotic. Of all parents (503), 36% believed children always require antibiotics for ear infections. Most parents consult for their child's ear infection symptoms and are prompted by impacts on daily life and perceptions of risk and treatment needs. There are knowledge gaps, which if addressed, may help to reduce primary care consultations and antibiotic use by supporting parents to manage self-limiting ear infections in children.

The family stress model (FSM) posits that socioeconomic status affects child developmental outcomes through parental mental health and parenting practices. Although the FSM has been validated in various contexts, there is limited research on its applicability across diverse family structures in the United States. This study uses multigroup structural equation modeling to test the FSM across three family types: biologically connected/adopted two-parent families (T-B/A), stepfamilies (ST), and single-parent families (SP) among a representative sample of children in the United States (N = 28,234; Mage = 12.5 years; 13,671 females and 14,563 males). The results show that family structure moderates three of the nine pathways in the FSM. Specifically, the association between socioeconomic status and parental mental health and the association between parental aggravation and children's grades are stronger in T-B/A families than in ST and SP families. The association between parental aggravation and children's mental health is similar between T-B/A families and ST but weaker for SP families. The remaining associations in the FSM are consistent across the three family structures. Overall, these findings confirm the theoretical utility of the FSM across common family structures and also highlight the need to incorporate family structure-related variables, such as stressors unique to ST and SP families. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Background: This study aims to determine parents' cyberchondria and health literacy levels and examine how these levels affect parents' behaviors regarding their own and their children's health. Method: This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted between January 1, 2023, and June 30, 2023. Survey forms were used, and the surveys were filled out face to face. Results: 619 parents participated in the study. The parents' Cyberchondria Severity Scale (CSS) score was 71.51±22.46 (medium-high), and the Turkish Health Literacy Scale (THLS-32) score was 21.37±6.60 (insufficient); 92.2% of the parents stated that they diagnosed themselves and 91.1% of their children via the Internet, 14.2% of parents and 12% of their children stopped taking their medication due to information they read on the Internet. Conclusion: Parental internet use for health purposes is very high. Inadequate health literacy and high levels of cyberchondria increase the risk of making wrong health decisions. Health professionals should prioritize efforts to increase parents' health literacy and reduce the severity of cyberchondria.

Handling Editor: Monica AndersenA global perspective of parent engagement with digital sleep health interventions for young children: A scoping review.

Exploring the Effects of Nurse-Led Health Education on Parental Knowledge and Child Health Outcomes in Congenital Heart Surgery: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Mental health of mothers of children with cancer treated in Pediatric Oncology at the mother and child hospital in Ivory Coast

Abstract Parental mentalization has been identified as a key mechanism in attachment transmission (Sharp &amp; Fonagy, 2008; Van IJzendoorn &amp; Bakermans‐Kranenburg, 2019). With a community sample of 63 mothers of infants, this study examined associations between adult attachment state of mind (using the Adult Attachment Interview), parental mental health and parental mentalizing: both self‐reported parental reflective functioning (PRFQ; Luyten et al., 2017) and observed and representational mind‐mindedness (Meins &amp; Fernyhough, 2015). Results revealed an association between parent attachment and psychological distress and an association between parent attachment and mentalizing. Support for psychological distress moderating the relationship between attachment and mentalizing was also found for parents’ non‐attuned mind‐mindedness, and the PRFQ measures of interest and curiosity. These findings align with existing research underscoring the role of parental mentalizing in the transmission of attachment and highlight the potential vulnerability of parental mentalization capacities to fluctuations in mental health, even among individuals with autonomous attachment representations.

In January 2025, the nightly census revealed that over 120,000 people were staying in New York City (NYC) shelters, including more than 41,000 children, of whom almost half were aged 0–5 years. Children under five years old (under-5s) experiencing homelessness are especially vulnerable because the first five years of life are a critical period for child growth, including approximately 90% of brain development. Furthermore, under-5s experiencing homelessness have a higher risk for multiple adverse childhood experiences, developing chronic health conditions, and recurrent homelessness across the life course. Data available for under-5s experiencing homelessness is generally lacking, and what is available is of notably poor quality in the United States, leaving a wide evidence gap and an inability to determine the actual needs of this population. This proposed protocol employs community-based participatory research and was co-developed with families with under-5s who have lived experience of homelessness in NYC shelters. The aim is to determine what barriers exist in the physical and social environments to optimizing health and wellbeing (e.g., milestones, child mental health, parental mental health, safety) among under-5s living in NYC shelters. Using a sequential mixed-methods design, we propose to address a gap in the current literature by conducting an assets- and deficits-based health needs assessment comprising a quantitative survey and qualitative semi-structured interviews. In the long term, our objective is to enhance the quality and quantity of data for this vulnerable population, thereby laying the groundwork for the future co-development of a comprehensive, optimized intervention addressing the needs of under-5s experiencing homelessness.

Trauma-focused cognitive behavior therapy (TF-CBT) is the gold standard treatment for traumatized children and their parents that shows robust positive impacts for children. However, it is not clear how parents may benefit from the therapy. This systematic review synthesizes the current evidence relating to the impact of TF-CBT for parenting and parent mental health. APA PsycInfo, Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were systematically searched, and empirical articles were eligible for inclusion if they evaluated TF-CBT delivered to a child and their parent and reported at least one mental health or parenting outcome for the participating parent. Narrative synthesis was conducted on 10 studies, published across 14 eligible articles. Small-to-medium positive effects were evident for both parenting and parent mental health, including improved depression, posttraumatic stress symptoms and cognitions, emotional reactivity, and lower distress. These findings are promising but emerging, as the evidence base is currently small. Given the reciprocal relationship between child and parent mental health and the potential negative impact of child trauma on both parent mental health and parenting, improving parent outcomes can help meet the dual aim of supporting parents and enabling them to help their child recover. Further research is required to understand which parents benefit from TF-CBT, the process by which they benefit, and how this relates to child outcomes. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2026 APA, all rights reserved).

Preliminary evidence suggests that the stressors associated with the COVID-19 pandemic impacted the entire family system, necessitating a family-wide and culturally sensitive approach to understanding its impact. Little is known regarding the nuanced associations between pandemic stressors and the mental health of parents and youth, particularly among ethnic minority communities. In this study, we examine low income Latine families, who were adversely affected by the pandemic, exploring within-dyad associations between subtypes of pandemic stressors with mental health. Youth (ages 8-17) and their mothers (M age=41.03 years) were followed from pre-pandemic to during the pandemic, completing measures of mental health (e.g., anxiety, depression) and pandemic stress. Findings revealed domain specificity of associations, suggesting that the pandemic was differentially linked with depression and anxiety for youth and mothers. Further, our data revealed evidence of partner effects of mothers' pandemic stressors (previous COVID-19 infection, risk of contracting COVID-19, financial and physical impact) on youth depression, as well as partner effects of youth's and mother's pandemic stressors. Findings reveal a complex pattern of interrelations between youth and mother stress exposure and mental health during this time, providing directions for prevention/intervention efforts for underserved populations during global crises.

Background/Objectives: Childhood obesity remains a major public health issue, particularly in Mediterranean countries such as Greece. Although parental influences on children's weight have been extensively studied, fewer studies have jointly examined parental mental health, feeding practices, sociodemographic factors, and biological stress markers. This study aimed to investigate associations between psychological status, educational level, feeding behaviors, and children's Body Mass Index (BMI) in a Greek sample. A pilot assessment of salivary cortisol was included in evaluating its feasibility as an objective biomarker of parental stress. Subjects and Methods: A total of 103 parent-child dyads participated in this cross-sectional study. Children's BMI was classified using World Health Organization (WHO) growth standards. Parental stress, anxiety, and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Perceived Stress Scale-14 (PSS-14) and the Depression Anxiety Stress Scale-21 (DASS-21) questionnaires. Feeding practices were evaluated with the Comprehensive Feeding Practices Questionnaire (CFPQ). Statistical analyses included Pearson correlations, independent samples t-tests, one-way ANOVA, Mann-Whitney U, and Kruskal-Wallis tests. A subsample provided saliva samples for cortisol analysis to assess feasibility and explore the potential associations with parental stress indicators. Results: Parental BMI showed a strong positive association with child BMI (p = 0.002). Higher parental anxiety (p = 0.002) and depression (p = 0.009) were also associated with increased child BMI. Restrictive (p < 0.001) and emotion-driven (p < 0.001) feeding practices were associated with higher child BMI, whereas monitoring (p = 0.013) and health-promoting feeding practices (p = 0.001) appeared protective. Lower parental education was related to a higher BMI in both parents (p = 0.001) and children (p = 0.002) and to more frequent use of restrictive feeding strategies (p = 0.001). WHO charts identified a greater proportion of children as overweight or obese compared with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria. The analysis showed statistically significant differences between the two classification systems (χ2 (4) = 159.704, p < 0.001), indicating that BMI categorization varies considerably depending on the reference system used. No significant associations were observed with residential environment or salivary cortisol, likely due to the limited size of the pilot biomarker subsample. Conclusions: The findings highlight the combined effect of parental mental health status, educational level, and feeding practices on child BMI within the Greek context. The preliminary inclusion of a biological stress marker provides added value to the existing research in this area. These results underscore the importance of prevention strategies that promote parental psychological wellbeing and responsive feeding practices while addressing socioeconomic disparities to reduce the childhood obesity risk.