Perceived Child Vulnerability Research Articles

The association between overprotective parenting, parental perceptions of child vulnerability and growth and development of children with congenital heart disease

Abstract Background Congenital Heart Disease (CHD) is the most prevalent childhood birth defect, leading to health concerns in growth and development post-surgery. Parents mostly shoulder the responsibility for post-hospitalization care. The chronic nature of caring for a child with CHD induces significant stress, fostering perceptions of the child as highly vulnerable and resulting in overprotective behaviors. These behaviors could restrict the child's developmental opportunities, affecting overall growth and development. Purpose The purpose was to investigate the association between parental perceptions of child vulnerability, overprotective parenting, and growth and development of children with CHD. Methods The study employed a cross-sectional, comparative design. The total sample included 186 [93 CHD and 93 healthy controls] parents and their child aged 1-5 years. Data on parenting practices were gathered using the Child Vulnerability Scale and Parental Protection Scale. Child development was examined using the Ages and Stages Questionnaire-3. Growth and other clinical variables were gathered from the medical records. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, correlational and mediation analyses. Results CHD parents exhibited higher overprotective parenting (p=0.008) and perceived their child as more vulnerable (p<0.001) than healthy controls. In CHD, parental perception of child vulnerability was associated with worse gross motor (p=0.010) and problem-solving development (p=0.011), while among the controls, overprotective parenting was negatively associated with height (p=0.027) and weight (p=0.003). The path analyses revealed direct effects but no mediating or moderating effects of perceived child vulnerability and overprotectiveness on growth and development of the child with CHD. Higher parental perceptions of child vulnerability were associated with lower height (b1= -0.253, 95% CI: -0.397 to -0.087) and weight (a2= -0.098, 95% CI: -0.195 to 0.003). The higher the parental stress, the greater the perceptions of child vulnerability were (d1= 0.108, 95% CI: 0.058 to 0.160) and the worse communication skills of the child (cʹ2= -0.250, 95% CI: -0.422 to 0.091). Higher education level of the parents was associated with less perceptions of child vulnerability (d1= -1.562, 95% CI: -2.753 to -0.623), better fine motor development (c2=6.948, 95% CI: 4.137 to 9.552) and less overprotective parenting (f1=-1.874, 95% CI: -3.186 to -0.499). Higher perceptions of child vulnerability were associated with lower personal-social development (b1= -0.378, 95% CI: -0.803 to 0.046). Top of Form. Conclusion Healthcare providers should consider the diverse parental and child factors identified to initiate interventions aimed at parenting practices, realistic perceptions of their child’s condition, and reducing parental stress to optimize growth and development in children with CHD.

Factors Influencing Parents' Decision to Immunize Children

Immunization has an important role as a preventive measure for various disease risks. Immunization is carried out to strengthen the body's defense system so that it is immune to attacks from various causes of disease. However, some mothers as parents have their own concerns about having their children immunized. The aim of this research is to determine the factors that influence parents' decisions to immunize their children. The method used in this research is literature review with a qualitative approach. The data analysis used is Miller and Hubber analysis, namely by data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The research results show that maternal education and knowledge, family support, support from immunization officers, social media and the internet, and perceptions of child vulnerability. The research results show that maternal education and knowledge, family support, support from immunization officers, social media and the internet, as well as perceptions of children's vulnerabilities are factors that can influence parents' decisions to immunize their children

Parenting Deaf Children: Exploring Relationships Between Resolution of Diagnosis, Parenting Styles and Morale, and Perceived Child Vulnerability

Raising a deaf child can have significant impacts on parents’ wellbeing, their relationship with the deaf child, and their ability to parent effectively. Using an online survey, this study explored two questions: First, to examine whether hearing parents treat and perceive their deaf and hearing children differently while controlling for parent characteristics (including resolution of diagnosis), specifically in terms of parenting styles and perceived vulnerability. Second, whether hearing parents’ ability to resolve their feelings about their child’s hearing loss diagnosis was related to their parenting morale, and whether they perceived their deaf child as vulnerable. A total of 84 parents with a deaf child aged 5–12 years completed the survey, with 32 of those also reported about a second child without hearing loss in the same age range. They were asked to answer questions from the Reaction to Diagnosis Interview, and to complete several questionnaires addressing parenting morale, child vulnerability, and parenting styles. Findings suggest that unresolved feelings of diagnosis were linked to lower parenting morale and greater perception of child vulnerability. Sibling comparisons indicated that parents also reported a higher perceived child vulnerability score for the deaf child compared to the hearing sibling. No sibling differences were found regarding parenting styles. These findings suggest that the experience of having a deaf child can have a negative impact on hearing parents’ morale and perception of child vulnerability, particularly when parents remain unresolved about the diagnosis, highlighting the need for targeted supports and further research.

Maternal and paternal overprotection of children born preterm: Relations to child and parental factors.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlates of observed overprotective behaviors of mothers and fathers of preterm-born preschoolers. Participants included 85 children born prematurely (gestational age <37 weeks) and their parents, assessed when children were 12, 24, and 42 months old. Observed overprotection was measured through the standardized observation of a parent-child interaction. The examined correlates included parent-reported perception of their protective behavior, parental gender, child neonatal risk, child development, parent-reported perception of child vulnerability, parent-reported psychological distress, and family's socioeconomic disadvantage. Results revealed that the correlation between parent-reported and observed parental overprotection was not significant for mothers and fathers. There was a significant positive association between maternal and paternal observed overprotection and no significant differences between mothers' and fathers' overprotection levels. Lower child developmental level and more socioeconomic disadvantage at child's 12 months of age were significant predictors of observed overprotective behaviors. Findings suggest the importance of targeting parents of preterm-born children with socioeconomic disadvantages and whose children have a lower developmental level for providing support to both mothers and fathers in the development of more adaptive parenting strategies. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Relationship between Parental Capacity and Quality of Life of Children with Cancer

The objectives of this research was to assess the relationship between parental capacity and quality of life of children with cancer. Parental capacity, such as overprotection (OP), perception of child vulnerability (PCV), and parenting stress (PS), can affect the relationship between parents and their children with cancer. It influences children’s emotional, behavioral, and social functions. This research was an analytical cross-sectional research carried out to 74 children in Haji Adam Malik Hospital Medan from November – December 2020. Interviews were conducted to assess children’s quality of life by PedsQL and parental capacity with Kolmogorov Smirnov test. Correlation tests were done by Pearson and Spearman analysis. The mean value of PS was 103.32. The median score of OP was 48 (28 – 68), PCV was 17 (10 – 22), and children’s quality of life was 77.88 (50.55 – 98.15). There was no significant relationship between OP (p = 0.469) and PCV (p = 0.781) with quality of life. However, significant relationship was observed between PS and quality of life (p <0.001) of children with cancer.

Factors That Influence Women’s Symptoms of Postpartum Depression After Discharge of Their Preterm Infants From the NICU

ObjectiveTo examine resourcefulness, perception of child vulnerability, and stress in relation to symptoms of postpartum depression (PPD) in women after discharge of their preterm infants from the NICU. DesignCross-sectional, descriptive, correlational study. SettingAn urban NICU follow-up clinic, a pediatric office in the northeastern United States, and an online NICU parent support group. ParticipantsSeventy-four women who gave birth to preterm infants who were discharged home from the NICU. MethodsThe participants completed a demographic data questionnaire, the Resourcefulness Scale, Child Vulnerability Scale, Perceived Stress Scale, and Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. I examined the relationships among these data using correlational analysis and hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis. ResultsPerception of child vulnerability and stress were predictors of symptoms of PPD; these variables accounted for 9% (p = .001) and 18% (p < .001) of the variation in symptoms of PPD, respectively. Although resourcefulness initially predicted PPD, it was no longer significant when controlling for demographic variables in the final regression analysis. ConclusionsThese results supported previously reported findings on the effects of women’s perceptions of their child’s vulnerability and stress on symptoms of PPD. However, the findings are not consistent with those of previous research regarding the inverse relationship between resourcefulness and symptoms of PPD. Nurses can implement interventions for women regarding perceptions of child vulnerability and stress to decrease symptoms of PPD after their preterm infant’s discharge from the NICU.

Prematurity and Maladaptive Mealtime Dynamics: the Roles of Maternal Emotional Distress, Eating-Related Cognitions, and Mind-Mindedness.

Premature birth and maternal emotional distress constitute risk factors for feeding disorders. This study examined the roles of maternal cognitions in the link between prematurity, emotional distress and mother-infant maladaptive mealtime dynamics in a sample of 134 families (70 preterm, low medical risk; 64 full-term) followed longitudinally. Specifically, maternal cognitions related to eating and health (perception of child vulnerability and concerns about child's eating) and understanding of mental states (interactional mind-mindedness) were considered. A multiple-mediators model was tested, controlling for infants' weight and breastfeeding history. Although prematurity did not directly predict mealtime dynamics, multiple-mediation analyses revealed indirect pathways: mothers of preterm newborns reported higher emotional distress, which subsequently predicted perception of child vulnerability and concerns about child's eating at 6-months; perception of child vulnerability predicted more conflictual mealtime dynamics, whereas concern about child's eating predicted less reciprocal mealtime dynamics at 12-months. Mind-mindedness at 6-months predicted more reciprocal and less conflictual mealtime dynamics but did not act as a mediator. Implications for understanding pathways from prematurity to feeding disorders are discussed.

Pathways by which Maternal Factors are Associated With Youth Spina Bifida-Related Responsibility.

Achieving condition-related autonomy is an important developmental milestone for youth with spina bifida (SB). However, the transfer of condition-related responsibility to these youth can be delayed due to parent factors. This study aimed to investigate two potential pathways by which maternal factors may be associated with condition-related responsibility among youth with SB: (a) Maternal adjustment → perception of child vulnerability (PPCV) → youth condition-related responsibility; and (b) Maternal PPCV → overprotection → youth condition-related responsibility. Participating youth with SB (N = 140; Mage=11.4 years, range = 8-15 years) were recruited as part of a longitudinal study; data from three time points (each spaced 2 years apart) from the larger study were used. Mothers reported on personal adjustment factors, PPCV, and overprotection. An observational measure of overprotection was also included. Mothers, fathers, and youth with SB reported on youths' degree of responsibility for condition-related tasks. Analyses included age, lesion level, IQ, and the dependent variables at the prior wave as covariates. Bootstrapped mediation analyses revealed that PPCV significantly mediated the relationship between maternal distress and youth responsibility for medical tasks such that higher levels of distress at Time 1 predicted higher levels of PPCV at Time 2 and lower youth medical responsibility at Time 3. Furthermore, self-reported maternal overprotection significantly mediated the relationship between maternal PPCV and youth responsibility for medical tasks. Maternal personal distress, PPCV, and self-reported overprotection are interrelated and affect youth's condition-related responsibility. Interventions for mothers of youth with SB that target these factors may improve both maternal and youth outcomes.

The relationship of child executive functions to parenting capacities in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia survivors

The current study examined associations between child executive functions and parenting capacities in long-term survivors of childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Participants included 188 parent-child dyads; children were at least 8 years of age, 5 years postdiagnosis of ALL, and previously treated with chemotherapy only. Parents completed the Parental Protection Scale (PPS), Child Vulnerability Scale (CVS), and Decision-Making Questionnaire (DMQ). Children completed measures of executive functioning and general cognitive abilities. Multivariate multiple regression examined associations between child executive functioning and parenting, while controlling for child age, treatment risk, maternal education, and child intelligence quotient. An exploratory aim identified latent profiles of parenting capacities. Higher child cognitive flexibility (β = -0.16, P = .02) and planning abilities (β = -0.16, P = .049) were related to less parental overprotection. No other neurocognitive measures were related to child autonomy in decision making or perceived child vulnerability. For the exploratory aim, we found (a) a large class defined by normative parenting (94.3%) and (b) a small class characterized by higher levels of child vulnerability and overprotection. Class membership was unrelated to executive functioning, but higher maternal education was related to higher odds of class 2 membership (OR = 0.58, P = .04). Results suggest that parents respond to child executive function difficulties with greater overprotection, which may be adaptive but not conducive to the development of independence. Although most parents report normative levels of child vulnerability and overprotection, a small subset demonstrate parenting practices that may place some survivors at risk for adverse outcomes.

Disease-related Parenting Stress in the Post-treatment Phase of Pediatric Cancer

ABSTRACTParenting stress is generally associated with poorer psychological adjustment in caregivers and children with chronic illness. Although parenting stress in pediatric cancer has been previously demonstrated, few studies have investigated this problem when treatments end. The present study aimed to describe disease-related parenting stress in the post-treatment phase of pediatric cancer, and to analyze the role of parents’ age and education, family functioning, and perceived child vulnerability in predicting disease-related parenting stress. The study comprised 56 parents of children with cancer, in the post-treatment phase, who completed a clinical and demographic questionnaire, as well as the Pediatric Inventory for Parents, assessing parenting stress, the Child Perceived Vulnerability Scale, and the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale-Version IV. Results revealed that the level of disease-related parenting stress in the post-treatment phase was still significant. Emotional stress scores were especially high, further showing that parents’ concerns in this phase focus mainly on the long-term impact of the disease and treatments, involving intense feelings of fear and uncertainty. A model with four predictors was tested using regression analysis, which explained 57% of parenting stress variance. More specifically, findings indicated that parental age and education significantly predicted parenting stress, accounting for over one-third of the variance in this outcome. Family functioning and perceived child vulnerability explained an additional 18% of parenting stress. Findings of this study suggest that even when treatment ends, there is still the need for continued support in order to assist parents’ ability to deal with the implications of having a child who had cancer. Importantly, special attention should be given in clinical practice to the family functioning and to parents’ beliefs about their child’s vulnerability.

Exploring predictors of change in behavioral problems over a 1-year period in preterm born preschoolers

ObjectiveAlthough predictors of the prevalence of behavioral problems in preterm-born children have been frequently studied, predictors of behavioral change in these children remain unknown. Therefore, in this study we explore predictors of short-term changes in problem behavior in preterm-born preschoolers, an age period characterized by rapid behavioral change. MethodTwo- to 5-year-old children born with a gestational age <32 weeks and/or birth weight <1500 g were eligible, because of their high risk for behavioral problems. Following screening, 59 children with a t-score ≥60 on either the internal, external or total problem scale of the Child Behavior Checklist were included in the study. Linear mixed modeling was used to investigate predictors of change in behavior over a 1-year period. ResultsHigher levels of parenting stress, parent perceived child vulnerability, and parental hostility towards the child and lower educational levels of the mother significantly predicted increases in externalizing behavior. The higher the age of the child, the more internalizing problems decreased. ConclusionsParenting stress, parent perceived child vulnerability and parental hostility towards the child were the only modifiable predictors of increases in externalizing behavior, whilst no modifiable predictors of internalizing behavior were found. There may be a reciprocal interaction between stress in parents and child externalizing problems. Furthermore, stress and worries may directly influence parents’ reports on behavioral measures, because it could cause them to be concerned by behavior otherwise perceived as normal. Therefore, future interventions for parents of preterm-born children should primarily address parental stress and concerns regarding their child.

Potential Psychosocial Risks of Sequencing Newborns.

Various stakeholders have issued recommendations regarding the use of genomics in pediatrics. These guidelines are driven in part by concerns about psychosocial risks of disclosing predictive genomic information during childhood. As genomic sequencing becomes more commonly used in pediatric settings, it is important to systematically study the psychosocial impact of genomic sequencing of newborns, including the impact on family dynamics. Through review of the psychological and genetic counseling literature, we identify the following 3 domains of family dynamics that have potential to be impacted by the return of genomic results during the newborn period: perceived child vulnerability, parent-child bonding, and self and partner blame. In this article, we outline the complexity of studying these psychosocial outcomes and our plan to examine them in the BabySeq Project, a randomized controlled trial in both healthy and sick infants, in which the return of genomic information will be compared with standard of care.

Mental health and parenting characteristics of caregivers of children with spina bifida

Within the chronic medical illness literature, associations exist between caring for an affected child and parent mental health. The few studies examining both mothers and fathers provide mixed results. The purpose of this study is to examine associations between caregiver anxiety, depression, and parenting variables in caregivers of youth with SB as these relate to marital status, age, education, household income, work status, and child's severity of SB. The aim of this study is to examine associations between anxiety, depression, and parenting variables in caregivers of youth with spina bifida and how they relate to demographic and disease variables. Exploratory analyses examined the relationship between participation in support activities and depressive and anxious symptomatology and parenting characteristics. Eighty-four primary caregivers (49 mothers) of 51 youth with spina bifida completed measures of depressive and anxious symptomology, parenting stress, parent overprotection, and perceived child vulnerability. There were differences between mothers and fathers on several parenting characteristics; however, these were related more to marital status and employment than to gender of the caretaker per se. In the 33 married/remarried couples for whom both spouses participated, stress for the mothers was correlated with stress for the fathers. This correlation was strongest in the 12 married couples in which the mother works. Higher perceived vulnerability scores were reported in parents of SB patients in the younger age group, especially preschoolers (0-4 years). Parents of children with shunts reported more anxiety, depression and perceived child vulnerability. Both male and female caregivers of younger children reported significantly higher protectiveness scores. Involvement in recreational activities with other families affected by SB was associated with more positive parenting characteristics for mothers. Stress and protectiveness were found to be positively correlated (r > 0.6); depression, anxiety, and perceived vulnerability were not (0.3 < r < -0.3). Overall, mothers reported more stress and anxiety than fathers. Higher perceived vulnerability scores were reported in parents of SB patients in the younger age group, especially preschoolers (0-4 years). Parents of children with shunts reported more anxiety, depression and perceived child vulnerability. Both male and female caregivers of younger children reported significantly higher protectiveness scores compared to caregivers of older children. Involvement in recreational activities with other families affected by SB was associated with more positive parenting characteristics for mothers. There were differences between mothers and fathers on several parenting characteristics; however, these were related more to marital status and employment than to gender of the caretaker per se. Limitations to the current study qualify our results and conclusions. Associations do not prove causation. Our measure of parent protection had a lower Cronbach's alpha score for male caregivers (0.68) than female caregivers (0.83), consistent with an examination of the factor structure of the PPS that found the measure to have a poor factor structure and limited reliability in samples with a chronic medical condition. Anxiety, depression, and parenting characteristics were differentially impacted by variables such as caregiver and child age, shunt status, and employment status/income for parents of youth with SB. Interventions to improve parenting skills and mental health of these caregivers can be designed to target specific needs of parents. Groups such as the Greater Oklahoma Disabled Sports Association (GODSA) offer real-world support to improve the lives of caregivers of SB children, and should be studied further to optimize outcomes for children.

Variants of unknown significance on chromosomal microarray analysis: parental perspectives.

Chromosomal microarray is the recommended first-tier genetic test when a child presents with idiopathic developmental delay (DD), intellectual disability (ID), and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Microarray may discover variants of unknown clinical significance (VUS) and been suggested to cause parental stress and anxiety. A retrospective, mixed methods study investigated parental perceptions of chromosomal microarray results that contain VUS. Surveys were sent to parents of children with DD/ID/ASD following a VUS result to seek information regarding parental understanding of the result, perceived value, and perceptions of child vulnerability and parental stress. Parents reported that chromosomal microarray was important for understanding their child's diagnosis and they were satisfied with the information. A majority of parents reported high confidence in their ability to explain a VUS result to others. Of the parents who reported they received support, many reported that the support was from a genetic counselor. Based on these results, VUS results are important to parents of children with DD/ID/ASD and genetic counseling regarding VUS results contributes positively to both parental understanding and support.

Are women's parenting-specific beliefs associated with depressive symptoms in the perinatal period? Development of the rigidity of maternal beliefs scale.

Perinatal depression negatively impacts women, parenting, and children's development. However, not much is known about maternal specific beliefs that may be associated with perinatal depression. We created a new measure that examined the rigidity of perinatal women's beliefs in three major domains suggested to be closely related to mood and behavior: anticipated maternal self-efficacy, perceptions of child vulnerability, and perceptions of societal expectations of mothers (PSEM). A 26-item measure (the Rigidity of Maternal Beliefs Scale, RMBS) was developed and completed by women at two time points, pregnancy (n = 134) and postpartum (n = 113), along with the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale. Exploratory factor analysis (EFA) examined the factor structure of the RMBS and validity and reliability were also tested. The EFA suggested that a four-factor solution was most interpretable, with few items cross-loading, and there were common themes that unified the items in each factor, resulting in a 24-item final measure. Cronbach's alpha confirmed the internal consistency, whereas bivariate correlations revealed the measure had good test-retest reliability, discriminant validity, and convergent validity. Regression analyses established predictive validity of the RMBS for postpartum depressive symptoms. The RMBS may be useful with clinical populations to identify maladaptive or rigid thoughts that could be a focus of intervention. This tool may also be used to guide conversation about motherhood expectations within any context where pregnant women present (e.g., prenatal care, social services), as well as potentially identifying women who are at risk for postpartum depression in clinical contexts.

Brief parenting intervention for parents of NICU graduates: a randomized, clinical trial of Primary Care Triple P

BackgroundPreterm-born or asphyxiated term-born children who received neonatal intensive care show more emotional and behavioral problems than term-born children without a medical condition. It is uncertain whether regular parenting intervention programs to which the parents of these children are usually referred, are effective in reducing child problem behavior in this specific population. Our objective was to investigate whether a regular, brief parenting intervention, Primary Care Triple P, is effective in decreasing emotional and behavioral problems in preterm-born or asphyxiated term-born preschoolers.MethodsFor this pragmatic, open randomized clinical trial, participants were recruited from a cohort of infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of two Dutch hospitals. Children born with a gestational age <32 weeks or birth weight <1500 g and children born at a gestational age 37–42 weeks with perinatal asphyxia were included. After screening for a t-score ≥60 on the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), children were randomly assigned to Primary Care Triple P (n = 34) or a wait-list control group (n = 33). The primary outcome was child emotional and behavioral problems reported by parents on the CBCL, 6 months after the start of the trial.ResultsThere was no effect of the intervention on the CBCL at the trial endpoint (t64 = 0.54, P = .30). On secondary measurements of child problem behavior, parenting style, parenting stress, and parent perceived child vulnerability, groups either did not differ significantly or the intervention group showed more problems. In both the intervention and control group there was a significant decrease in emotional and behavioral problems during the trial.ConclusionsPrimary Care Triple P, a brief parenting intervention, is not effective in reducing child emotional and behavioral problems in preterm-born children or term-born children with perinatal asphyxia.Trial registrationNetherlands National Trial Register (NTR): NTR2179

Parental perceptions of child vulnerability in parents of children with Kawasaki Disease

Abstracts ingediend voor het Amsterdam Kindersymposium 2013 Parental perceptions of child vulnerability in parents of children with Kawasaki Disease Hedy A. van Oers MSc (1), Carline E. Tacke MD (2), Lotte Haverman MSc (1), Heleen Maurice-Stam PhD (1), Taco W. Kuijpers MD PhD (2), Martha A. Grootenhuis PhD (1) (1) Psychosocial Department, Emma Children’s Hospital, AMC.(2) Department of Pediatric Hematology, Immunology and Rheumatology, Emma Children’s Hospital, AMC. INTRODUCTION Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology that predominant-ly aff ects children <5 years. 25% of untreated patients develops coronary artery aneurysms (CAA). Studies evaluating the long-term impact of the acute KD episode are scarce. The aim of this abstract is to evaluate parental perceptions of child vulnerability (PPCV) in parents of children with a history of KD. METHODS A cross-sectional study was conducted in parents (82% mothers) of 288 KD patients (mean 8.6 years). PPCV was assessed using the Child Vulnerability Scale (CVS). PPCV scores of KD parents were compared to parents of healthy and chronically ill children (Chi2). PPCV scores of parents of KD patients with and without CAA were compared (Chi2) and the correlation between PPCV and time since KD onset was calculated (Spearman’s rho).

Longitudinal Assessment of Maternal Parenting Capacity Variables and Child Adjustment Outcomes in Pediatric Cancer

This preliminary investigation aimed to longitudinally examine parenting capacity variables, namely parental overprotection, perceived child vulnerability, and parenting stress and their relation to child adjustment in mothers of children on treatment for cancer. As part of a larger study, biological mothers (N=22) completed measures of parental overprotection, perceived child vulnerability, parenting stress, and child adjustment at Time 1 and a follow-up time point. Analyses were conducted to determine whether (1) levels of parental overprotection, perceived child vulnerability, and parenting stress declined from Time 1 to follow-up and (2) if Time 1 parenting capacity variables were associated with child adjustment at follow-up. Results revealed that parental overprotection, perceived child vulnerability, and parenting stress declined from Time 1 to follow-up, and levels of parental overprotection, perceived child vulnerability, and parenting stress at Time 1 were significantly related to child adjustment at follow-up. Collectively, the preliminary findings of this study indicate that mothers of children with cancer evidence improved parenting capacity over time. Furthermore, it seems that Time 1 parenting capacity variables are significantly related to later child adjustment.

Parental Perceptions of Child Vulnerability and Parent Stress as Predictors of Pain and Adjustment in Children With Chronic Arthritis

Parental predictors of child psychological adjustment and pain were investigated in 51 children with arthritis. Children rated depressive symptoms, anxiety, and pain. Disease severity was determined by a physician provided active joint count, as well as a physician's global assessment. Parents rated their own depressive symptoms, stress, and perceptions of child vulnerability. Regression analyses indicated that higher parental perceptions of child vulnerability predicted increased child depressive symptoms and anxiety. Parent stress predicted both child anxiety and pain. Thus, the important role parent variables play in child health outcomes was reinforced, thereby strengthening the indication to assess parent functioning when performing clinical evaluations of adjustment to juvenile arthritis.

Parental Overprotection, Perceived Child Vulnerability, and Parenting Stress: A Cross-Illness Comparison

The current study sought to investigate differences in parenting capacity variables across four disease groups. Parents (N = 425), the majority of whom were mothers, of children with either cancer, asthma, Type 1 diabetes, or cystic fibrosis, completed measures of parental overprotection, perceived child vulnerability, and parenting stress. After controlling for significant demographic variables, parents of children with cystic fibrosis and asthma reported higher perceived child vulnerability than parents of children with either diabetes or cancer, while parents of children with asthma and diabetes reported higher parenting stress than parents of children with cancer or cystic fibrosis. No differences between disease groups were found for parental overprotection. The current study provides support for an illness-specific approach to understanding parenting capacity variables in the context of childhood chronic illnesses.