Poor Parent-child Relationships Research Articles

The Relationship Between Religious Beliefs and Related Factors and Psychiatric Symptoms in Adolescents: A Cross-Sectional Secondary Analysis of Data From NIPHEAC, 2020.

This study aimed to explore the psychiatric symptoms and associated risk and protective factors among religious adolescents after 2-month home confinement against coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) in China. 11,603 Chinese adolescents in grades 7-9 were recruited in this survey. An online survey was designed to collect the data. Participants were measured using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 Scale. Religious adolescents showed significantly more severe depressive and anxiety symptoms compared to non-religious. 249 (2.2%) reported COVID-19 exposure. Logistic regression analysis revealed that religiosity was a risk factor for the symptoms of depression (p=0.001) and anxiety (p<0.001). Moreover, among those adolescents with religious beliefs, psychological resilience was protective in preventing depressive and anxiety symptoms. At the same time, emotional abuse, emotional neglect, and a poor parent-child relationship were risk factors. Our finding indicates that religious adolescents easily develop depressive and anxiety symptoms, compared to non-religious adolescents. Moreover, those with emotional abuse, emotional abuse, and poor parent-child relationships are more likely to suffer from mental distress and should pay more attention to cope with their mental health.

Good parent-child relationship protects against alcohol use in maltreated adolescent females carrying the MAOA-uVNTR susceptibility allele.

Risk-allele carriers of a Monoamine oxidase A (MAOA) gene, short-allele (MAOA-S) in males and long-allele (MAOA-L) in females, in the presence of a negative environment, are associated with alcohol misuse. Whether MAOA-S/L alleles also present susceptibility to a positive environment to mitigate the risk of alcohol misuse is unknown. Thus, we assessed the association of the three-way interaction of MAOA, maltreatment, and positive parent-child relationship with alcohol consumption among adolescents. This prospective study included 1416 adolescents (females: 59.88%) aged 16 - 19 years from Sweden, enrolled in the "Survey of Adolescent Life in Västmanland" in 2012. Adolescents self-reported alcohol consumption, maltreatment by a family (FM) or non-family member (NFM), parent-child relationship, and left saliva for MAOA genotyping. We observed sex-dependent results. Females carrying MAOA-L with FM or NFM and a good parent-child relationship reported lower alcohol consumption than those with an average or poor parent-child relationship. In males, the interactions were not significant. Results suggest MAOA-L in females, conventionally regarded as a "risk", is a "plasticity" allele as it is differentially susceptible to negative and positive environments. Results highlight the importance of a good parent-child relationship in mitigating the risk of alcohol misuse in maltreated individuals carrying genetic risk. However, the interactions were not significant after adjusting to several environmental and behavioural covariates, especially parent's alcohol use, negative parent-child relationship, and nicotine use (smoking and/or snus), suggesting predictor and outcome intersection. Future studies and frameworks for preventive strategies should consider these covariates together with alcohol consumption. More studies with larger sample sizes are needed to replicate the findings.

From Nurture to Deviance: A Study on Parenting Style and Juvenile Delinquency

ABSTRACT Drawing on data and quantitative analysis from the 2019 Recidivism Survey conducted by the Ministry of Justice in China, this study unveils a significant correlation between parenting styles, parent-child relationships, and juvenile delinquency. Negative parenting practices can lead to increased anxiety or a lack of self-control, especially in scenarios characterized by inadequate parental supervision. This shortfall in self-regulation is directly associated with a surge in criminal behavior among adolescents, thereby elevating the risk of engaging in delinquent activities. Furthermore, poor parent-child relationships exacerbate the adverse effects of insufficient parental oversight on juvenile misconduct. Youths with diminished social and emotional bonds to their parents are more susceptible to diverging from societal norms and participating in delinquent behaviors. Therefore, effective intervention strategies aimed at curbing juvenile delinquency should focus on improving parental supervision and guidance while simultaneously nurturing positive parent-child relationships.

Maternal parenting stress and social-emotional problems of Chinese preschoolers: The role of the mother-child relationship and maternal adverse childhood experiences

BackgroundPrevious research suggests that maternal parenting stress is a significant predictor of social-emotional problems in children. However, little is known regarding the mother-child relationship and the effect of maternal adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on this association. MethodsThree waves of longitudinal panel data were collected from 2893 Chinese preschoolers with a follow-up interval of 6 months. The mothers of preschoolers were asked to complete anonymous questionnaires concerning demographic variables, maternal ACEs and parenting stress in Wave 1, mother-child relationships in Wave 2, and children's social-emotional problems in Wave 3. The parallel mediation model was conducted to analyze the mediating role of three dimensions of mother-child relationships, and the moderation model was conducted to examine the moderating role of maternal ACEs. ResultsThe results showed that maternal parenting stress predicted children's social-emotional problems directly or indirectly through the mother-child relationship, with an intimate mother-child relationship mediating this main effect negatively but a conflicted and dependent mother-child relationship mediating this main effect positively. In addition, moderating results indicated that the main effect of maternal parenting stress on children's social-emotional problems was more marked among participants with at least one maternal ACEs than those without maternal ACEs. Furthermore, the moderating effect was only detected in children whose mothers had a high school education or less. LimitationsThe subjectivity of mothers' reports may somewhat reduce the credibility due to the possible overestimation or underestimation of children's social-emotional problems. ConclusionThese findings provide new evidence for the effects of maternal parenting stress on children's social-emotional development and highlight the need for more attention to children with mothers having ACE exposure, lower educational level and poor parent-child relationships.

The family dynamics of children on the streets of Ibadan, Southwest Nigeria.

Children roaming the streets estimated at 1 in 10 by a 2021 United Nation Children's Funds (UNICEF) report is a growing problem, in cities of lower- and middle-income African countries. Studies of street children with no family ties abound, but there is a paucity of studies on children on the street who exist within families and return home daily. We explored the family dynamics of children on the streets of Ibadan, emphasising family structure, resources and relationships. Using an exploratory design based on a qualitative approach 53 participants were interviewed, including children on the streets, parental figures, child-welfare officers and street shop owners. Participants were selected from streets in the five urban local government areas of Ibadan, Nigeria. Recorded data were transcribed, and framework analysis was performed. The family dynamics included family structural problems, poor family resources and poor parent-child relationships. The family structural problems included: broken homes, large families and ambivalence around polygamy as subthemes. Family resources comprised: poor economic resources, poor social resources, educational challenges, cultural ambivalence and spiritual backdrops. The family relationships patterns included: poor adaptability, economic-oriented partnership, poor growth support, poor emotional connection and poor family bonding. The dynamics driving a family's choice for child streetism in Ibadan, mostly to hawk, are devaluation of family life, parenting irresponsibility, and poor filial relationship, underscored by economic constraints and socio-cultural decadence. The results of this research buttress the need for family-level interventions to forestall the escalating phenomenon of child streetism in Ibadan, Nigeria.Contribution:This research highlights the family dynamics of children on the streets, and buttresses family-level interventions are necessary to forestall escalating child-streetism in Ibadan, Nigeria.

Intimate partner violence victimisation and its association with maternal parenting (the 2015 Pelotas [Brazil] Birth Cohort): a prospective cohort study

Intimate partner violence (IPV) is highly prevalent in low-income and middle-income countries and has been a major obstacle towards reaching global health targets for women and children. We aimed to investigate cross-sectional and longitudinal associations between IPV victimisation and maternal parenting practices of young children in a population-based birth cohort study in Brazil. The 2015 Pelotas Birth Cohort is an ongoing, prospective cohort, including all hospital births occurring between Jan 1 and Dec 31, 2015, in the city of Pelotas, Brazil. When children were aged 4 years, mothers reported on emotional, physical, and sexual IPV victimisation in the past 12 months. Parenting outcomes were assessed through filming the mother and child in interactive tasks at age 4 years and maternal interviews at ages 4 years and 6-7 years. Interactive tasks were filmed at the Centre for Epidemiological Research facilities. Directly observed outcomes included negative (eg, coercive) and positive (eg, sensitivity and reciprocity) parenting interactions independently coded by a team of psychologists. Self-reported parenting was measured using the subscales on quality of parent-child relationship, positive encouragement, parental consistency, and coercive behaviour of the Parenting and Family Adjustment Scales questionnaire. Unadjusted and adjusted linear regression analyses were performed to assess the associations. Of the 4275 livebirths enrolled in the cohort, 3730 mother-child dyads were included in our analytical sample at age 4 years and 3292 at age 6-7 years. After adjusting for all potential confounders, emotional IPV and physical or sexual IPV were associated with the following self-reported parenting outcomes: poor parent-child relationship quality (emotional IPV: p=0·011), lower parental consistency (emotional IPV: p<0·001, physical or sexual IPV: p=0·0053), and more coercive behaviour (emotional IPV: p<0·001, physical or sexual IPV: p=0·0071) at age 4 years. Associations were not observed for self-reported positive encouragement and filmed parenting outcomes in fully adjusted models. Longitudinally, IPV at age 4 years predicted similar outcomes when children were aged 6-7 years. In this large cohort study, maternal IPV victimisation was consistently associated with poorer parent-child relationship, decreased parental consistency, and increased harsh parenting reported by mothers of young children. As well as initiatives to prevent IPV, parenting interventions focused on supporting the capacity of caregivers to provide nurturing care delivered at key stages early in the life course are crucial. Wellcome Trust. For the Portuguese translation of the abstract see Supplementary Materials section.

The relationship between parent-child relationship and peer victimization: a multiple mediation model through peer relationship and depression.

Peer victimization is a highly prevalent worldwide issue with cross-cultural characteristics. Parent-child relationship and peer victimization is known to be interrelated, but how they influence each other remains unclear. This study explored the mechanisms of peer victimization related to parent-child relationship. A total of 58,756 fourth grade students aged 10-12 years (10.83 ± 0.83, 54.4% males) from China completed four questionnaires. A multiple mediator model was tested, in which the two variables influenced each other through the mediating factors of peer relationship and depression. Peer victimization was indirectly negatively impacted by parent-child relationship through two chain mediating factors of peer relationship and depression: (1) the mediational path through peer relationship with an effect size of 44.66%; (2) the mediational path through depression with an effect size of 21.64%; and (3) the mediational path through peer relationship and depression with an effect size of 18.08%. The total mediational effect size was 84.11%. The effect size through peer relationship is the strongest among the three mediation paths, suggesting that peer relationship is the key determinant in breaking the link between parent-child relationship and victimization. Poor parent-child and peer relationships may be risk factors eliciting peer victimization. Compared to internalizing behaviors (e.g., depression), low-quality interpersonal relationships maybe the root cause of the formation and maintenance of victimization. Thus, intervention programs against bullying should pay more attention on children's contextual factors, especially their relationships with their families and peers, among children at an early age.

Association of parent-child relationship quality and problematic mobile phone use with non-suicidal self-injury among adolescents

BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury behavior (NSSI) is a common mental health threat among adolescents. Poor parent-child relationship (PCR) and problematic mobile phone use (PMPU) are risk factors for NSSI. We aimed to explore the impact of PCR quality, PMPU, and their interaction effects on NSSI among adolescents in China, as well as the sex difference.MethodA survey was conducted among school students in 4 provinces in China between 2017 and 2018. The study included 14,500 valid participants. The students’ general demographic characteristics was collected, and further data on PCR quality, PMPU, and NSSI were obtained through self-rated questionnaire. Chi-square test, binomial logistic regression models, and the Andersson Excel were used for data analysis.ResultsThe 12-month prevalence of NSSI was 27.3%. Lower PCR quality and PMPU were significantly associated with NSSI, respectively. The low PCR + yes PMPU group had the greatest association with NSSI, followed by the high PCR + yes PMPU group, low PCR + no PMPU group. Moreover, in low father-child relationship + yes PMPU group, females had a higher risk of NSSI than males; in high mother-child relationship + yes PMPU group, females had a higher risk of NSSI than males. Additive interaction analysis indicated that mother-child relationship quality and PMPU were associated with increased risks of NSSI, in the subgroup of males.ConclusionsThe findings underline the importance of simultaneously studying the quality of PCR and PMPU for a comprehensive understanding of NSSI behavior, and especially highlights the significance of maternal relationship quality.

Post-Trauma Stress Disorder in Sexual Harassment: A Case Report

Background: Violence or sexual harassment have been increasingly reported in recent years, especially among women. Not only at the global level, but also nationally and locally. Violence in the form of sexual harassment and rape can cause deep trauma to the victim, depression, and other mental disorders. Methods: A case study of sexual harassment that causes post-traumatic stress disorder. Results and discussion: an 18-year-old woman, still in high school, complained of fear after experiencing several times of violence or sexual harassment by both close people and strangers. With a multiaxial approach, the victim is diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. It was confirmed that the victim had severe depression using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale or extreme depression using the Beck Depression Inventory. In this case, several factors were identified such as: being a victim or previous sexual act, conflict, and violence in the family, emotionally unsupportive family environment, poor parent-child relationships, and poverty. Comprehensive management involves a multidisciplinary approach. Pharmacologically, Risperidone was given 1-milligram tablet every 24 hours orally in the morning, and Sertraline 25 milligrams tablet every 24 hours orally at night. Victims also receive psychotherapy, education, and social support. Furthermore, the victim is monitored regularly. Conclusion: Sexual violence or harassment is prone to cause Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, so it requires a multidisciplinary approach and comprehensive management. Starting from taking a history to confirm the diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring.

Challenges regarding sexual health communication with secondary school learners in Limpopo Province: Parents views.

A conversation about sexuality is most likely to encourage healthy and positive sexual practices while reducing risky sexual behaviour among adolescents. Traditionally, sexuality is discussed in hushed tones in proverbs and is reserved for adults. On the other hand, adolescents require to be well informed about their sexuality to assist them to make informed decisions about their sexual behaviour. The study determined parents' views regarding challenges of sexual health communication among secondary school learners in Limpopo Province. A qualitative, exploratory-descriptive, and contextual approach was employed for the study. Fifty-six parents were purposively select, resulting in five focus group discussions that had 8-12 members. One central question was asked, and based on the participants' responses, probing questions asked followed. Data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Trustworthiness and ethical considerations were ensured. Three themes, that is communication concerns, role shifting in imparting sexuality education and poor parent-child relationships and eight sub-themes emerged from the data. Study identified that communication concerns influence parent-child dialogue on sexuality education. Therefore, there is a need to address factors hindering communication like cultural barriers, role shifting in imparting sexuality education, poor parent-child relationships. This study suggests that parents be empowered in dealing with children's sexuality.

Social contexts and cross-national differences in association between adverse childhood experiences and frailty index

Cross-national differences in the health implication of adverse childhood experiences have been documented. The differences may be shaped by macro- and micro-social context. However, previous studies failed to consider the role of micro-level social contexts, where adverse childhood experiences happen, in affecting the cross-national differences. The study aims to estimate the association between adverse childhood experiences and Frailty Index across countries and micro-social contexts, and then reveal how cross-national difference in the association between adverse childhood experiences and Frailty Index were shaped by social contexts. Adulthood information were collected from three waves of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe in 2010, 2013, and 2015, and the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study data from in 2013, 2015 and 2018, respectively. Frailty index was measured based on 35 health measurements. Eleven adversities, including intrafamilial aggression and neglect, family dynamics, and socioeconomic status etc, were extracted from the life history survey of the two datasets, conducted in 2017 and 2014, respectively. Weighted Linear regression models and the smoothing-differencing method were applied. Experiencing three or more adversities was associated with increase in frailty index level in Europe and China. The effect size ranged from 0.015 (95%CI: 0.011–0.019) in China to 0.030 (95%CI: 0.025–0.034) in Germanic countries. Poor parent-child relationship, parental absence/death were ACEs in terms of frail in European countries but not in China. In a context where adversities were moderately likely to happen, the association between experiencing adverse childhood experiences and Frailty Index were greatest. Cross-national differences of adverse childhood experiences effects were most derived from this social context. These findings highlight the importance of micro-social contexts while mitigating early life stress to promote life-course health. Individuals who were moderately likely to experience adversity should be paid special attention in terms of health implication of adverse childhood experiences.

"BECAUSE HE'S MY BABY": HOW MOTHERS EXPLAIN FAVORING THEIR FIRST- AND LAST-BORN CHILDREN IN LATER LIFE

Abstract Past research suggests that adult children’s birth order is an important predictor of mothers’ favoritism in later life. Older mothers are especially likely to favor their last-born children for socioemotional relationship dimensions such as emotional closeness. However, researchers have not examined how children’s birth order affects the reasons underlying these patterns. To address this question, we examine: (1) how older mothers' reasons for favoritism differ by favored children’s birth order, and (2) how these differences help explain mothers' disproportionate likelihood of favoring their last-borns. Qualitative data were collected during in-home interviews with 156 older mothers as part of the Within-Family Differences Study-II. Ninety-two of the mothers chose their last-borns and 64 chose their first-borns as the children to whom they felt most emotionally close. Findings suggest that last-borns were most often favored because they were seen as understanding and empathetic or in greater need of mothers’ attention and support. First-borns were often favored based on birth order and geographical proximity or contact frequency. Birth order itself was mentioned in 17.39% and 23.44% of cases of favoritism toward last-borns and first-borns, respectively. These findings enrich and extend past research on the role of birth order in shaping intergenerational relationships by shedding light on the reasons why last-borns are often mothers’ emotionally closest children. Given that poor parent–child relationship quality is linked to worse physical and psychological health for both adult children and their older parents, findings have important implications for research on family well-being in later life.

Children's mobile-gaming preferences, online risks, and mental health.

This study examined the relationships between children's mobile gaming preferences, online risks, and mental health. Data were obtained from a sample of 2,702 third and fourth grade students from 16 elementary schools in Taiwan and 9 schools in China. A self-administered questionnaire was used. The mental state of the children who participated in the study was assessed using the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ), while mobile gaming addiction was assessed using the short form of the Internet Gaming Disorders Scale (IGDS9-SF). The results showed that about 54% of children played mobile games with others (multi-player), while 31% played mobile games alone, and 15% did not play mobile games. Multiple logistic regression results indicated that behaviors such as participating in multi-player games, playing violent games, a poor parent-child relationship, and living in a rural area were associated with a greater risk of mobile gaming addiction. Involvement in multi-player games, playing violent games, mobile gaming addiction, and exposure to mobile violence/pornography were associated with greater risks of cyber aggression/victimization. Multiple regression results showed that being a multi-player, playing violent games, mobile gaming addiction, exposure to violence/pornography, exposure to cyber aggression/victimization, and having a poor parent-child relationship were associated with emotional and behavioral problems.

PCR1 Comparison of Infant’s CRY/Fuss Report Between Parental Perception and Recording Analysis, and Its Potential Implications on Parental Mental Health

Infant crying judged to be excessive can trigger premature termination of breastfeeding, over-feeding, parental distress/depression, poor parent-child relationships, issues with long-term child development, and may lead to infant abuse. Mothers reporting >20min of inconsolable cry/day also report possible depression (OR= 4.0). Historically, over-reporting of baby’s cry/fuss by parents and tedious work of listening to lengthy recordings for assessment has been an issue experienced by clinicians and researchers. In our pilot study, we aimed to study the parental perception of the baby's crying/fussing episodes via electronic diaries (e-diaries) compared to software-analyzed baby's vocal recordings.

The Impact of School Education on Depressive Symptoms in Chinese Adolescents: a Prospective Longitudinal Study.

There is a growing but limited literature on psychological distress among Chinese students, especially the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, using a longitudinal comparison between in school and at home. This study aimed to assess the psychological status of adolescents in school and related risk and protective factors. We surveyed 13,637 adolescents before the COVID-19 outbreak (T1) and 10,216 after two months of home confinement (T2). The 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) was used to assess depressive symptoms or the severity of depression among the adolescents. In addition, the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire and the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scales were also used to screen for experiences of abuse and neglect and to measure resilience in adolescents. At baseline, 22.34% reported depressive symptoms. At T2, this rate decreased to 14.86%. When adolescents were in school, age (P < .0001), gender (P < .0001), and experience of abuse (P < .0001) were risk factors, while parent-child relationship (P < .0001), and resilience (P < .0001) were protective factors for depressive symptoms. After leaving school, age and physical abuse were no longer risk factors for depression. The negative impact of school education on the mental health of adolescents in China exceeds even the impact of the pandemic and home isolation. The focus should be on those adolescents with abuse experience and poor parent-child relationships to prevent the onset of psychological and psychiatric disorders.

Mental health status of adolescents after family confinement during the COVID-19 outbreak in the general population: a longitudinal survey.

Few studies have examined the psychological impact on adolescents of family confinement and infection exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, these surveys lacked follow-up data to determine how the family confinement affects participants’ depression and anxiety. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the psychological status and related risk and protective factors of adolescents after two months of family confinement for preventing COVID-19 in China, and compare them with baseline data. We surveyed teenagers in January 2020 before the COVID-19 outbreak (T1) and after home confinement (T2). We used the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) Scale and the Childhood Trauma Questionnaire (CTQ). 13,637 valid questionnaires were collected at T1, of which 22.34% reported depressive symptoms (PHQ-9 ≥ 10) and 14.42% reported anxiety symptoms (GAD-7 ≥ 10). At T2, the rates decreased to 14.86 and 7.44%, respectively (all P < 0.0001). Of the adolescents, 223 reported potential risk of exposure to COVID-19. We then compared them to the 9639 non-risk adolescents using a propensity score matching analysis. The adolescents with potential exposure risk had higher rates of depression (26.91 vs 15.32%, P = 0.0035) and anxiety (14.80 vs 7.21%, P = 0.01) than risk-free adolescents. Among adolescents with an exposure risk, psychological resilience was protective in preventing depression and anxiety symptoms, while emotional abuse, a poor parent–child relationship were risk factors. Long-term home confinement had minimal psychological impact on adolescents, but COVID-19 infection rates accounted for 50% of the variance in depression and anxiety among adolescents even with low community rates.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00406-022-01459-9.

PARENT-CHILD RELATIONSHIP TO THE COMPETENCE OF GRADE 4 LEARNERS ON DISTANCE LEARNING MODALITY

This study aimed to determine the relationship of the Parent-child relationship to the competence of Grade IV- Learners. The respondents of this study are forty (40) grade 4 learners of San Jose Elementary School in Santa Cruz District, Santa Cruz, Laguna for School Year 2021? 2022. This study found that majority of the parents of the respondents were middle age adult (31-45 years old), female, high school graduate and unemployed. The results implied that the extent of parent-child relationship with regards to loving interaction, listening and empathy and problem solving were very high while the extent of parent-child relationship with regards to parental discipline was high. Majority of learners have a good relationship with their parents. The level of learning environment at home relative to safety is very high as well as in terms of positivity, the learning environment which they are belong is safe and positive. the level of competence of learners in terms of practical skills and written test were very high. The result implied that the extent of parent-child relationship has no implication on the learners? competence. A learner may have a good relationship with their parents yet it will not always guarantee an equally good school performance. However, a poor parent-child relationship will not also mean that a learner will not be able to perform well in school. Also learning environment at home has no significant effect on the competence of learners in terms of practical skills and written test.

Sexual abuse, psychological symptoms and hopelessness among runaway female adolescents in Turkey

ABSTRACT This seminal study from Turkey investigates sexual abuse (SA) victimization, psychological symptoms, and hopelessness in female adolescents with runaway behavior. A total of 76 female adolescent participants aged 15–18 completed the Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI) and Beck Hopelessness Scale (BHS). Among these adolescents, 63.1% (n = 48) were victims of SA, 61.8% (n = 47) had a Global Severity Index (GSI) T-score of 63 or above, and 68.4% (n = 52) had moderate–severe hopelessness. Although there was no significant difference, the SA rate was higher in those who had experienced SA before running away. ‘Intrafamilial relationship problems’ and ‘SA-related factors’ were the most frequently reported reasons for runaway behavior. Victims of SA had significantly higher scores in all BSI subdimensions and global symptom severity than those previously not SA victims. The results suggest that high levels of psychological symptoms, hopelessness, history of SA, and poor parent–child relationships are possible factors that can describe female adolescents who have run away from home. Psychosocial prevention programs involving adolescents and parents are needed to prevent at-risk female adolescents from running away from home.

Prevalence and Correlates of Internet Gaming Disorder Among an Advanced Level Student Population from Colombo, Sri Lanka

Background: Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is on the rise in many developing countries owing to the increasing popularity of electronic gaming and technology availability among adolescents. Despite this, the epidemiology of IGD in South Asia remains largely unknown. Hence, we aimed to determine the prevalence and associations of IGD in a Sri Lankan school-going population.&#x0D; Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among Advanced Level students aged 16-18 years, attending four schools in the Colombo Educational Zone. Random Cluster sampling was used to recruit 395 participants who filled a pretested questionnaire exploring gaming habits, motives, and psychosocial factors. English and Sinhala versions of the Internet Gaming Disorder Scale Short-Form (IGDS9-SF) were used and IGD was identified if ?5 items in the scale were endorsed. The Sinhala IGDS9-SF demonstrated acceptable internal consistency reliability and its factorial validity was affirmed via Confirmatory Factor Analysis.&#x0D; Results: 81.5% (n=322) of the sample consisted of gamers, a majority of whom preferred mobile gaming (64.0%) and Multiplayer Battle Royale games (27.0%). The prevalence of IGD was 5.06% (95% CI = 2.90–7.22) and was significantly higher (p&lt;0.05) among males who constituted 52.4% of the sample. Daily weekday gaming for ?6h, low involvement in student societies, poor relationship with parents, Escape motive and Fantasy motive were positively associated, and the Competition motive was negatively associated with IGD in multivariable analyses done using binary logistic regression.&#x0D; Conclusion: The prevalence of IGD was considerably high in our population and is associated with specific motives, poor parent-child relationship, and low extra-curricular involvement.

Specific and cumulative lifetime stressors in the aetiology of major depression: A longitudinal community-based population study.

Early-life stressful circumstances (i.e. childhood maltreatment) coupled with stressful events later in life increase the likelihood of subsequent depression. However, very few studies have been conducted to examine the specific and cumulative effects of these stressors in the development of depression. There is also a paucity of research that simultaneously considers the role of biological factors combined with psychosocial stressors in the aetiology of depression. Guided by the biopsychosocial model proposed by Engel, the present study aims to examine to what extent the experience of stressors across the lifespan is associated with depression while taking into account the role of genetic predispositions. Data analysed were from the Social and Psychiatric Epidemiology Catchment Area of the Southwest of Montreal (ZEPSOM), a large-scale, longitudinal community-based cohort study. A total of 1351 participants with complete information on the lifetime diagnoses of depression over a 10-year follow-up period were included in the study. Stressful events across the lifespan were operationalised as specific, cumulative and latent profiles of stressful experiences. Latent profile analysis (LPA) was used to explore the clustering of studied stressors including childhood maltreatment, poor parent-child relationship, and stressful life events. A polygenetic risk score was calculated for each participant to provide information on genetic liability. Multivariate logistic regression was used to examine the association between specific, cumulative and latent profiles of stressors and subsequent depression. We found that different subtypes of childhood maltreatment, child-parent bonding and stressful life events predicted subsequent depression. Furthermore, a significant association between combined effects of cumulative stressful experiences and depression was found [odds ratio (OR) = 1.20, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.12-1.28]. Three latent profiles of lifetime stressors were identified in the present study and named as 'low-level of stress' (75.1%), 'moderate-level of stress' (6.8%) and 'high-level of stress' (18.1%). Individuals with a 'high-level of stress' had a substantially higher risk of depression (OR = 1.80, 95% CI: 1.08-3.00) than the other two profiles after adjusting for genetic predispositions, socio-demographic characteristics, and health-related factors. While controlling for genetic predispositions, the present study provides robust evidence to support the independent and cumulative as well as compositional effects of early- and later-on lifetime psychosocial stressors in the subsequent development of depression. Consequently, mental illness prevention and mental health promotion should target the occurrence of stressful events as well as build resilience in people so they can better cope with stress when it inevitably occurs.