Parental Separation Research Articles

Understanding the Impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences on Non-suicidal Self-Injury in Youth: A Systematic Review.

Non-suicidal self-injury (NSSI), defined as a deliberate destruction of one's own body without a suicidal intent, is a global public health issue. Adverse childhood events (ACEs) have been shown to be associated with various mental illnesses; however, to date the impact of such events on NSSI in youth has not been reviewed. We conducted a systematic review, searched 5 databases for published articles evaluating ACE and NSSI in youth less than or equal to 21 years of age. After screening 247 articles, we included 21 unique articles in this systematic review. Increasing ACE score, physical, sexual or emotional abuse, parental neglect and substance use, parental separation or dysfunctional family, and death of a close family member had statistically significant correlation with NSSI. Non-suicidal self-injury is an impairing diagnosis with far reaching psychiatric manifestations and repercussions. Practitioners having high clinical suspicion for ACEs in youth with NSSI must intervene early by administering the ACEs questionnaire. Effective treatment of NSSI in those with ACEs with psychotherapy significantly improves outcomes and prevents suicide in youth.

Consecințele divorțului părinților asupra personalității copiilor

This article delves into the psychological literature concerning divorce and its impact on the personality development of preadolescents aged 9-12. Researchers in this field emphasize the significant role of family and socio-cultural environments in shaping a child’s personality, considering personality as a system embedded within a matrix of socio-cultural systems. The Millon Pre-Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MPACI) test was employed to identify personality disorders among preadolescents affected by parental separation. The underlying hypothesis posits that preadolescents with divorced parents would exhibit personality disorders, and significant differences would emerge in the personality patterns between preadolescents from divorced families and those from intact families. Statistical analysis of the results corroborated this hypothesis, shedding light on the nuanced effects of divorce on preadolescent personality development.

Preoperative Anxiolytic and Sedative Effects of Intranasal Remimazolam and Dexmedetomidine: A Randomized Controlled Clinical Study in Children Undergoing General Surgeries.

Remimazolam, anultra-short-acting and fast-metabolized sedative, has only been sporadically investigated in children. This study was performed to determine the beneficial effects of intranasal remimazolam or dexmedetomidine on preoperative anxiety in children undergoing general surgeries. Ninety children were randomly and equally assigned to Group R (intranasal remimazolam 1.5mg kg-1), Group D (intranasal dexmedetomidine 2 mcg kg-1), and Group C (intranasal distilled water). The primary outcomes were the preoperative anxiety scores using the modified Yale preoperative anxiety scale (m-Ypas). The secondary outcomes included the cooperation behaviour of intranasal drug application, preoperative sedation levels, parental separation anxiety scores (PSAS), and mask acceptance scores (MAS). Group R showed a significant low anxiety at 10 min after intranasal premedication (vs group C, P=0.010; vs group D, P = 0.002) and at anaesthesia induction (vs group C, P = 0.004). Group D showed a significantly low anxiety score only prior to anaesthesia induction (vs group C, P = 0.005). Most children in group R achieved mild sedation at 10 min (vs group C, P < 0.001; vs group D, P < 0.001), with a few progressing to deep sedation afterwards, while group D tended toward deep sedation. Compared to Group C, patients in Group R performed significantly better on the MAS (P = 0.014) and PSAS (P = 0.008). However, remimazolam did cause poor cooperation behavior to the intranasal application due to its mucosal irritation (vs group C, P = 0.001; vs group D, P = 0.010). Both intranasal remimazolam and dexmedetomidine can effectively alleviate preoperative anxiety in children. While intranasal remimazolam has a rapid onset, it produces only mild sedation and causes substantial nasal irritation. NCT04720963, January 22, 2021, ClinicalTrials.Gov.

Post-Separation Parenting Apps in the Context of Family Violence: Harm Minimisation versus Harm Facilitation

Post-separation parenting apps are designed for separated parents to use as a dedicated space for child-related communication and organisation. Their enhanced record-keeping features often lead to recommendations for their use within the context of family law and they are likely to appeal to victim/survivors of family violence. However, concerns have also been raised about their potential misuse by perpetrating parents. Using responses to an online survey about post-separation parenting apps, this study explores the tension between the harms and benefits of app use under these circumstances. Data were examined from 33 mothers who reported experiencing family violence via parenting apps. Comparative methods were used to contrast those who endorsed beneficial outcomes from app use with those whose outcomes were detrimental (net-benefit case group [n = 24] vs net-detriment case group [n = 9], respectively). Overall, mothers in the net-benefit case group reported a shorter time since separation (M = 3 years) and fewer experiences of app misuse by the other parent. For these mothers, apps worked to minimise harmful perpetrator conduct by deterring and/or capturing abusive behaviours and affording containment and boundary setting around interactions. By contrast, those in the net-detriment case group were separated longer (M = 6.9 years) and reported a higher incidence of app misuse and fear. These participants experienced a range of app-facilitated harms centred on perpetrators’ false narratives and manipulation. These results suggests that while post-separation parenting apps may be useful harm-minimisation tools for many victim/survivors of post-separation family violence, they are not a panacea for parenting communication in all such contexts – particularly where there is entrenched coercive control.

A Comparative Study of Parent and Child Perspectives on Using the Intranasal Mucosal Atomization Device for Behavior Management in Pediatric Dental Sedation.

Background Dental anxiety in children often necessitates sedation for effective treatment. Different methods of sedation have proved to be beneficial. However, intranasalsedation provides a needleless, rapid drug delivery method that bypasses hepatic metabolism. Intranasal sedative drugs can be delivered using a mucosal atomization device (MAD). This study aimed to find the opinions, beliefs, and existing knowledge of parents and children regarding intranasal sedation and the method of drug delivery through MAD. Materials and methods The study comprised 50 parents, aged 20 to 50, who came in with a single child, aged five to nineyears. In separate rooms, parents and kids were each shown a video about the use of the intranasal sedation technique with MAD as a pharmaceutical help during routine dental procedures. After the video presentation, each participant was required to complete a pretested self-made questionnaire with 21 questions and multiple-choice options. The chi-square test was used in the statistical analysis of the completed questionnaires (P < 0.05). Paired t-test was used for behavior assessment of the children before and after intranasal sedation. Results A significant correlation between parental socioeconomic status and acceptance of intranasal sedation was observed. Parents with higher education levels exhibited a greater level of acceptance (P = 0.000). Parents whose children had prior dental experiences were more likely to view intranasal sedation as a safe option (P = 0.038). Additionally, a significant proportion of previously sedated children expressed willingness to undergo treatment using intranasal sedation. Evaluation of children's behavior before and after treatment revealed a notable improvement, indicating the effectiveness of intranasal sedation (P = 0.000). Conclusion The study thoroughly investigated how parents and children view intranasal sedation via MAD. It revealed a positive perception of safety and trust among parents regarding this method for pediatric dental procedures.

The Anticipatory, Short-Term, and Long-Term Effects of Parental Separation and Parental Death on Adolescent Delinquency

Studies investigating the role of single-parent families in adolescent delinquency have seldom differentiated between types of single-parent families. Furthermore, they have typically assumed that parental disruption is a discrete event marking an abrupt change between dual-parenthood and single-parenthood. Using Dutch longitudinal population register data, we estimated fixed-effects panel models to assess (1) whether the event of parental disruption, either by parental separation or by parental death, increases subsequent adolescent delinquency and (2) whether parental disruption, either by parental separation or by parental death, has anticipatory, immediate, or delayed effects on adolescent delinquency. Our results showed that both parental separation and parental death seem to boost adolescent delinquency, and we found no difference between these types of single-parent families. However, when distinguishing between anticipatory, short-term, and long-term effects, we found a short-term increase in adolescent delinquency after a parental separation and an anticipatory reduction in adolescent delinquency before a parental death. Future research should pay more attention to diversity in the composition of single-parent families, as well as to the anticipatory, short-term, and long-term consequences.

Triggering factors affecting primary school children in Lebanon: A pilot cross-sectional study

Purpose: Academic pressures, the fear of failure, social expectations, and high expectations from parents or teachers can all contribute to performance-related stress or anxiety in children. This study aims to assess the triggers encountered by primary schoolchildren and examine the interrelatedness between them and the characteristics of the students. Methods: A pilot cross-sectional study targeted primary school children over two months. Two pharmacists and a psychologist collected data using a standardized survey. Students were asked to assess their social (10 statements), behavioral (10 statements), environmental (10 statements), and academic (16 statements) triggers. Results: Environmental triggers had the highest score (4.92 (1.92)), followed by behavioral triggers (4.21 (1.70)). Social triggers were the least reported (3.52 (1.59)). After adjusting for covariates, age, sex, and grade did not affect the academic triggers of the students (p &gt; 0.05), while having divorced or separated parents significantly increased these triggers (B = 0.22; p = 0.025). The social triggers and stressors significantly decreased (B = −0.28; p = 0.003) per grade increase. In contrast, having divorced parents significantly increased these scores (B = 0.21; p = 0.025). Environmental triggers significantly decreased per increase of one year in age (B = −0.23; p = 0.013), with the same pattern observed for the overall trigger scores (B = −0.28; p = 0.003). Conclusion: Promoting open communication, creating an inclusive environment establishing achievable academic goals, and regular follow-up with students can be effective strategies to reduce school triggers among those at high risk.

Adverse childhood experiences among black sexually minoritized men and Black transgender women in Chicago

BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACE) are important predictors of mental health outcomes in adulthood. However, commonly used ACE measures such as the Behavioural Risk Factor Surveillance System (BRFSS) have not been validated among Black sexually minoritized men (SMM) nor transgender women (TW), whom are known to have higher rates of ACE and poorer mental health outcomes. Assessing the psychometric properties of the measure is important for health equity research, as measurements that are not valid for some populations will render uninterpretable results.MethodsData are drawn from the Neighborhoods and Networks (N2) study, a longitudinal cohort of Black SMM and TW living in Southern Chicago. We conducted confirmatory factor analysis, correlation analysis and a two-parameter Item Response Theory (IRT) on the BRFSS ACE measure, an 11-item measure with 8 domains of ACE.ResultsOne hundred forty seven participants (85% cisgender male) completed the BRFSS ACE measurement in the N2 study with age ranges from 16–34. The cohort were from a low socioeconomic background: about 40% of the cohort were housing insecure and made than $10,000 or less annually. They also have a high number of ACEs; 34% had endorsed 4 or more ACE domains. The three-factor structure fit the BRFSS ACE measure best; the measurement consisted of three subscales: of “Household Dysfunction”, “Emotional / Physical”, and “Sexual Abuse” (CFI = 0.975, TLI = 0.967, and RMSEA = 0.051). When the 8 domains of ACE were summed to one score, the total score was is correlated with depressive symptoms and anxiety scores, establishing concurrent validity. Item Response Theory model indicated that the “parental separation” domain had a low discrimination (slope) parameter, suggesting that this domain does not distinguish well between those with and without high ACE.ConclusionsThe BRFFS ACE measure had adequate reliability, a well-replicated structure and some moderate evidence of concurrent validity among Black SMM and TW. The parental separation domain does not discriminate between those with high and low ACE experiences in this population. With changing population demographics and trends in marriage, further examination of this item beyond the current study is warranted to improve health equity research for all.

Development of an intervention to support parents receiving treatment in psychiatric inpatient hospital using participatory design methods.

When parents of dependent children are treated in psychiatric inpatient hospital, it typically involves separation of parent and child for the duration of treatment, which can be highly distressing to the dyad and can result in disruption to the parent-child relationship. Parents who have experienced hospitalisation have expressed a desire for their parenting identity to be recognized and appropriately engaged with during their treatment. This recognition includes provision of interventions which support them as parents to limit the impact of their mental health on their children. The current study, the first of its kind known to have taken place, details a collaborative intervention development project for parents receiving inpatient care. The current study, the first of its kind known to have taken place, details a collaborative intervention development project for parents receiving inpatient care. This project involved the adaptation and extension of a prior parenting-focused course for parents high in anxiety to meet the needs of parents being treated in inpatient settings. In the first two stages of the three-phase project, patients, carers and mental health practitioners contributed to the revision and delivery plan for the course including developing new content for the intervention. In the final stage, which took the form of a participatory evaluation, the intervention was delivered to 11 parents receiving inpatient treatment who then provided extensive feedback. A series of iterative adaptations to the intervention were made in response to this feedback alongside stakeholder input. The final intervention comprises five modules focused on exploring the experience of parents alongside specific learning and skills orientated toward boosting their connection with their children during hospitalisation and in readiness for discharge. Preliminary feedback from patients and ward staff has been positive and the process of delivering the project on inpatient wards was associated with no increase in negative clinical outcomes. The successful development of a targeted intervention within inpatient psychiatric units offers a signal that parents treated in this setting welcome the opportunity to be supported in their parenting role. As the first known UK intervention of its kind to be developed in partnership with patients, ward staff and management, it is specifically tailored to the context and needs of this group with the potential to be delivered by a range of health professionals in this setting.

Life narratives of individuals with psychosis in ethnic minority and migrant communities in Canada and the Netherlands

AbstractBackground Increased psychosis risk has long been reported for some migrant and ethnic minority populations, a finding has been replicated in different parts of the world, with risk seeming to persist for further generations. Several explanations such as genetic liability or selective migration, higher cannabis-use or higher exposure to neurodevelopmental risk factors were considered unlikely explanations. Rather, exposure to adversity experiences found to be a determinant of psychotic disorders, such as parental separation, social and economic disadvantage, discrimination, social exclusion and marginalization. Additionally, migrants often live in cities, where high population density, low social cohesion and social fragmentation and deprivation, combined with lack of green space and urban stress increase the psychosis risk. Although previous research work has emphasized the quantitative exploration of social-environmental determinants of psychosis, qualitative studies allow for the generation of innovative, rich and nuanced understandings about a given phenomenon, being an ideal approach in face of complex social dynamics and contexts. Concretely, the associations are established, however, the underlying mechanisms and experiences remain largely unknown. This study aims to address several research gaps identified in research on the issues of psychosis, socio-environmental determinants of mental health, migration and ethnicity, and inequalities by exploring the life narratives and experiences of service-users with first psychosis with distinct ethnic, racial and migrant backgrounds.Methods Participants aged between 18 and 35 years old, who have been diagnosed with a first psychosis are recruited in Montreal, Canada, and in the Netherlands. The aim is to recruit at least 20-25 individuals from each site, but recruitment is still ongoing. Qualitative interviews of about an hour are being held, and transcripts will be analyzed with Nvivo, software for qualitative data. Categories and clusters will be formed from the narratives, resulting in common themes that are important to the patients, in their understanding of the development of their psychosis, and the help they have received.ResultsPreliminary data show that the patients have predominantly African or (Eastern)European background, moved around a lot, and experiences inequities. Help and care were not always available for them, not always beneficial. Participants experiences a lot of isolation and deplacement, together with socio-economic disadvantages. Common themes as to by which mechanisms these aspects play a role will further be explored.DiscussionThese findings will be discussed in light of the quantitative data already existing. Implications for prevention and interventions will be discussed.Disclosure of InterestNone Declared

PARTICULARITĂȚI ALE TULBURĂRILOR DE PERSONALITATE LA PREADOLESCENȚII CARE PROVIN DIN FAMILIILE DIVORȚATE

The association between family tensions caused by transitions in parental separation and the effects of the child's adjustment to changes in separation has also been established in numerous studies. The aim of this study was to identify personality disorders in preadolescents living in divorced families compared to those in harmonious, non-divorced families, to facilitate the structuring of psychological interventions oriented/focused on ameliorating these disorders. The sample included 125 children with divorced parents and 103 children from organized families (N = 228 respondents). Self-reported data were collected using the Millon Pre-Adolescent Clinical Inventory (MPACI), authors Theodore Millon, Ph.D., DSc, Carrie Millon, Ph.D., Robert Tringone, Ph.D., Seth Grossman, PsyD. and Hierarchical Personality Inventory for Children (HiPIC), authors I. Mervielde, Ph.D. Filip de Fruyt, Ph.D to capture trends in preadolescent personality traits in the context of divorce. The results obtained on personality characteristics of children from divorced families showed significantly differentiated scores on emerging personality patterns compared to the results reported by children from non-divorced families. Specifically, both on the MPACI, the preadolescents showed impaired psychological development in general, an imbalance in the emerging personality pattern (consistent presence of Conformist,Inhibited, Unstable patterns) and on the HiPIC with respect to Emotional Stability, Extraversion, Imagination and Conscientiousness. Our results help to complete the theoretical and practical bases of psychological science with information on the specific disorders that can be caused in children exposed, directly or indirectly, to conflict situations between their divorced parents.

A Status Hukum Wali yang Dianggap Mafqud Bagi Anak yang Orang Tuanya Bercerai

Background. Requests for a guardian judge due to the guardian's nasab mafqud often occur with children whose parents are divorced, often found when a divorce occurs, one of the parents does not get custody of their child, does not care about their obligations to their child, as if they have disappeared without giving any news, especially visiting. to provide a living, and his whereabouts are unknown after the separation of the child's parents' relationship. Which ultimately makes it difficult for the child to carry out the marriage because the guardian is hampered by mafqud. Aim. This research aims to understand the implementation process of determining guardian judges as a result of mafqud in the Gudo Religious Affairs Office and how the proof of guardian mafqud carried out by the Gudo District KUA is viewed from an Islamic legal perspective and a positive legal perspective. Methods. This type of research is field research which is descriptive in nature using a phenomenological approach. Primary data sources were obtained through interviews and documentation from Gudo District KUA officials and supported by secondary data in the form of written literature or scientific works. Results. The results of this research explain that in determining the guardian of the judge because the guardian of the nasab is mafqud, the KUA officials refer to the procedures contained in Minister of Religion Regulation Number 20 of 2019. However, in proving the guardian of mafqud only with the testimony of the village head and there is no need for a judge's decision, in this case there is a lack of synchronization with the laws and regulations. -Existing invitations in Indonesia need to be improved.

Adverse Childhood Experiences, Religious Coping, and Congregational Support among Black Clergy and Religious Leaders

Limited studies have empirically investigated the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among Black clergy and religious leaders despite their status as helping professionals who are implicated in times of crisis. In light of cultural considerations that position African American churches as trusted institutions linking local communities of color with various social services, African American religious leaders are particularly implicated during crisis situations such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Accordingly, the present study investigates the relationships between adverse childhood experiences, religious coping, and social support from one’s congregation among a sample of Black religious leaders within Christian churches. Compared to a national sample of Black Americans, we observed significantly higher prevalence rates for four forms of adverse childhood experiences: emotional neglect, parental separation or divorce, mental illness in the household, and an incarcerated family member. The results from two moderated moderation statistical models indicated that higher adverse childhood experiences predicted greater endorsement of PTSD symptoms and that negative religious coping strengthened this relationship. Furthermore, this moderation effect was itself moderated by greater perceived emotional support from one’s congregation, such that greater support mitigated this moderation effect. Conversely, we also found that positive religious coping has the potential to compensate for the lack of emotional support from the congregation. Implications for caring for clergy and religious leaders both within the church and in seminaries are provided.

Family structure transitions and educational outcomes: Explaining heterogeneity by parental education in Germany

Recent research has documented that the effect of parental separation on children’s educational outcomes depends on socioeconomic background. Yet, parental separation could lead to a stable single-parent family or to a further transition to a stepfamily. Little is known about how the effect of family structure transitions on educational outcomes depends on the education of parents and stepparents, and there has been limited empirical research into the mechanisms that explain heterogeneity in the effects of family transitions. Using longitudinal data from the German Socio-Economic Panel and models with entropy balancing and sibling fixed effects, I explore the heterogeneous effects of family transitions during early and middle childhood on academic secondary school track attendance, grades and aspirations. I find that family transitions only reduce the academic school track attendance among children of less educated parents living in stepfamilies or with a single mother after parental separation, and among children of highly educated fathers living in single-mother families. The mechanisms that partly explain these effects relate to reduced income and exposure to poverty after parental separation. The findings underscore the importance of considering the stepparent's educational level, indicating that the adverse consequences of parental separation on educational outcomes are mitigated when a highly educated stepfather becomes part of the family. Overall, these findings align more closely with the resource perspective than the family stability perspective.

Mother, father, son and the Italian Law 40/2004. No ‘delete’ key

Assisted reproductive technology (ART) has emerged in recent years as a point of significant innovation in the medical field but is also controversial from a bioethical and legal standpoint. In the Italian context, this matter is regulated by Law 40/2004, which specifically requires that informed consent should be obtained from both members of a couple before proceeding with any ART procedure. This consent is deemed irrevocable at the moment of egg fertilization. Recently, a ruling by the Italian Constitutional Court on this matter elicited controversy. The decision permitted embryo transfer even in a case of parental separation, notwithstanding the father's explicit opposition. The Court emphasized the priority of the woman's psychophysical health over the man's, highlighting the traumatic consequences of interrupting the undertaken path. As a result, both the man's right to self-determination regarding the decision to become a father and the need for informed consent at every stage of medical procedures have been downplayed. Moreover, the extensive utilization of procedures like embryo cryopreservation, with associated parental implications, particularly concerning the time frame and the actuality of informed consent, is posing challenges to the initial application framework of Law 40/2004. The objective of this Commentary is to scrutinize and discuss the issues mentioned above.

Anxiolytic and Sedative Properties of Melatonin Premedication in Pediatrics Undergoing Elective Cardiac Catheterization: A Randomized Placebo Study.

Preoperative anxiety in children has been linked to various postoperative consequences, such as postoperative regressive behavioral issues, extended distress during the recovery period, eating disorders, and bedwetting. The current study aimed to investigate the efficacy of low-dose oral melatonin in alleviating preoperative anxiety among children in the Iraqi population. A randomized, double-blinded comparative study was undertaken, involving children aged four to 14 years scheduled for elective cardiac catheterization under general anesthesia. The study comprised a total of 80 children. The involved individuals were randomly assigned to two groups, each with 40 subjects. Group A received 0.5 mg/kg melatonin as premedication, while Group B received a placebo. The two groups demonstrated similarity in mean age, weight, cardiac disease, and gender distribution. Statistically significant reductions in anxiety scores were observed in the melatonin group compared to the placebo group. Particularly, children administered 0.5 mg/kg melatonin exhibited the most substantial anxiolysis and venipuncture compliance (P < 0.05). Additionally, children who were premedicated with melatonin experienced decreased cognition, maximum sedation, successful parental separation, and psychomotor impairment (P < 0.05). Melatonin demonstrated an effective sedation level without significant side effects, making it a preferred choice due to its efficacy, safety, current availability, and cost-effectiveness compared to other anesthetic agentsused in premedication procedures.

Delaware County, Ohio, domestic relations court programs designed to reduce family conflict and reach agreements

AbstractFamilies experiencing separation and divorce often find it difficult to provide emotional stability for children as the parents struggle with financial, parenting, and relationship decisions. The effect on children can be especially precarious. Adverse childhood experiences, or ACEs, are risk factors that potentially affect children for the rest of their lives. Parental separation and divorce are identified as adverse childhood experiences and the experiences of stress and loss, reduced parental effectiveness, and exposure to parental conflict, among other stressors, may explain some of the negative outcomes often observed in children following divorce. It is essential that public institutions, including courts, are informed about the risks and protective factors associated with ACEs and resolve to mitigate the effects for children and families whom they serve. Domestic Relations Courts are uniquely equipped to address the effects that parental separation and divorce have on children, given the courts' authority to govern the legal divorce and custody process. The Domestic Relations Court in Delaware, Ohio, is committed to assisting families navigate separation and divorce in a way that is in the best interests of all, especially the children. The Court has created four specific programs to help litigants navigate their emotions, create new narratives, and explore solutions to conflict outside of trial. These innovative programs go beyond traditional court practices to treat the spouses and parents as unique individuals, giving them ample opportunities to address traumatic events and be validated for their lived experience. The suite of services includes Settlement Weeks, Neutral Evaluation, Co‐parent Coaching, and Brief Family Assessments. In the subsequent sections, we will delve into each program, exploring their promise for improving outcomes for the public, the litigants, and the court as a whole.

Parental Separation: An Exploration on Learner’s Psychosocial well-being

Parental divorce or separation is an extensive issue that may affect children’s emotional, social, and academic well-being. Children who undergo parental separation may encounter a range of emotions, including confusion, sorrow, and rage, as they adjust to alterations in their family structure. Furthermore, they may face challenging loyalty issues, feel conflicted between their parents, and experience guilt for favoring one parent over another. This study utilized a phenomenological approach to investigate the experiences of a junior high school student living in Barangay Glan-Padidu, a rural area within the Municipality of Glan, Sarangani Province, Region XII, Philippines. The collected data revealed the disruption of students' daily routines and the loss of stability and security, resulting in anxiety and tension. These consequences also impacted students' social connections, academic achievements, and ability to develop healthy relationships with peers and adults. This study aimed to demonstrate how parental separation can weaken an individual's self-esteem and alter their perceptions of themselves. Family members with close ties are more likely to address problems both positively and productively. This study suggests that the power of a family stems from its ability to provide its children with a sense of identity, support, and purpose. By respecting and investing in familial relationships, we not only promote children's personal development and happiness but also contribute to a more compassionate and resilient society.

Diverse Early-Life Family Trajectories and Young Children’s Mental Health in the UK

Past research suggests that children from two-parent married families fare better than children from other families on many outcomes. Only fragmented evidence on diverse family trajectories in association with child mental health is available. Using multi-channel sequence analysis and data from the UK Household Longitudinal Study, we jointly capture maternal partnership trajectories and type of father co-residence between birth and age 5. We then assess the association between these family trajectories and child mental health at age 5 and 8 using random effects regression. Children whose trajectories include the entrance of a non-biological father or parental separation have the lowest levels of mental health. However, children of never partnered mothers and those who repartner with the biological father have comparable mental health to children of stably married biological parents. Thus, not all types of family complexity or instability appear to be equally detrimental to children’s mental health.

Parental autonomy support and parental psychological control perceptions: a study with Spanish school-aged children

ABSTRACT Objective The present study examined the antecedents and consequences of perceived parental autonomy support and psychological control. More specifically, we had three aims: a) to investigate the associations between parents’ expectations and beliefs about parenting and perceived parental autonomy support and psychological control; b) to analyse the relationships between the perceived parenting strategies (autonomy support and psychological control) and children’s outcomes: prosocial competence, emotional stability, and verbal and physical aggression and c) to test differences based on parents’ and children’s gender. Method The participants comprised 2,396 parents from Spain (1,164 fathers and 1,232 mothers) with diverse levels of qualification, professional and civil status and 1,325 children (637 boys and 685 girls) aged between 7 and 13 years old. Results Perceive parental autonomy support was positively correlated with children’s prosocial behaviour and competence: being more likely to engage in behaviours to achieve other people’s improvement or well – being. In contrast, perceived parental psychological control was positively correlated with emotional instability, and physical and emotional aggression, that is children will be more likely to develop emotional adjustment problems. Besides, we found a positive association between some negative parenting beliefs and perceived parental psychological control, and we found positive association between some positive parenting beliefs and perceived parental autonomy support. Women scoring significantly higher than men in all associations between parenting beliefs and perceived parenting autonomy support and psychological control. No relationship was found between parental separation anxiety and perceived parental autonomy support or control. Conclusions The results confirmed the importance of the role of parenting practices defined by SDT in children’s development.