Significant Life Events Research Articles

Transactional Relations between Child Functioning and Parenting Stress in the First Years of Life: A Longitudinal Study among Psychosocially Burdened Families

Introduction: Previous research reported transactional relations between child functioning and parenting stress. There is limited evidence whether a transactional developmental model also fits children below the age of 12 months, especially in psychosocially burdened families. This study aims to test the fit of a transactional model during the first 3 years of life and examines whether the model differs between families with low and high psychosocial burden. Methods: A total of 302 psychosocially burdened families were observed over 3 years at age 4, 12, 24, and 36 months. Child behavioral problems and parenting stress were assessed via self-report while psychosocial burden was assessed via external rating at baseline. Cross-lagged panel analysis was used to investigate the fit of a transactional model. Results: A transactional model fitted the data significantly better (Δχ² = 81.87, p < 0.001) than an autoregressive model reaching acceptable to good fit indices (CFI = 0.96, RMSEA = 0.09). The model indicated moderate stability within and reciprocal effects between child behavioral problems and parenting stress from age 12 to 36 months. From age 4 to 12 months, parenting stress predicted child behavioral problems but not vice-versa. Model fit indices and transactional relations did not substantially differ between families with low and high psychosocial burden, except for child effects on parenting stress during the first year of life, which were only evident in higher burdened families. Conclusion: Transactional relations among child and parent variables are evident in the first 3 years of life. Child effects in the first year of life may be restricted to highly psychosocially burdened families. Future research may focus on potential mediating variables such as parental sensitivity or contextual variables like significant life events. Targeted prevention strategies should be adapted to the level of psychosocial burden to account for the differing transactional relations.

The association of childhood abuse and neglect with tattoos and piercings in the population: evidence from a representative community survey

BackgroundTattoos and piercings are becoming increasingly popular in many countries around the world. Individuals seeking such body modifications have reported diverse psychological motives. Besides purely superficial considerations, tattoos and piercings can also have a deep, personal meaning. For example, they can mark and support the emotional processing of significant life events, including formative experiences from early childhood. However, there is a lack of studies that examine the links of tattoos and piercings with experiences of childhood abuse and neglect in large, population-based samples.MethodsWe investigated the association of reports of childhood abuse and neglect with the acquisition of body modifications (tattoos and piercings) within a representative German community sample. Survey participants (N = 1060; ages 14–44 years) were questioned whether they had tattoos and piercings and filled out the 28-item Childhood Trauma Questionnaire Short Form (CTQ-SF).ResultsTattoos and piercings were more common among individuals who reported childhood abuse and neglect. The proportion of participants with tattoos and piercings increased as a function of the severity of all assessed types of abuse and neglect (emotional, physical, and sexual abuse; emotional and physical neglect). In logistic regression analyses which included the covariates age, gender, education, and income, the sum of significant kinds of childhood abuse and neglect was positively related to having tattoos and/or piercings (OR = 1.37 [95% CI 1.19–1.58]).ConclusionsThe results corroborate previous research indicating that body modifications could have special significance for individuals who have survived adversity, in particular interpersonal trauma at the hands of caregivers. These findings could inform screening procedures and low-threshold access to psychotherapeutic care.

Commentary: Infant Mortality Among African Americans, Using Life Course Perspective to Encourage Transformation.

Commentary: Infant Mortality Among African Americans, Using Life Course Perspective to Encourage Transformation.

Employment with the Northwest Territories Aquatics Program: A Significant Life Event?

For over 60 years, the Northwest Territories Aquatics Program (NWTAP) has employed university students from southern Canada with little to no exposure to northern Canada to run seasonal swimming pools and waterfronts in isolated northern communities. In this article, we examine the impact that working for this program had on nine former employees’ lives and whether or not working for the NWTAP could be categorized as a significant life experience. We used thematic analysis of the data from retrospective semi-structured interviews and open-ended questionnaires and identified four themes: (1) employment by the NWTAP enhanced the employees’ self-confidence, independence, and self-efficacy; (2) employees gained knowledge about Indigenous cultures in the Northwest Territories; (3) employees developed enhanced sensitivity to social issues in northern communities; and (4) the experience of working for the NWTAP strongly influenced participants’ career paths. Our analysis indicated that working for the NWTAP was a significant life experience.

Understanding influences on physical activity participation by older adults: A qualitative study of community-dwelling older adults from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study, UK.

BackgroundThe health benefits of physical activity (PA) participation in later life are widely recognised. Understanding factors that can influence the participation of community-dwelling older adults in PA is crucial in an ageing society. This will be paramount in aiding the design of future interventions to effectively promote PA in this population. The main aim of this qualitative study was to explore influences on PA among community-dwelling older people, and the secondary aim was to explore gender differences.MethodsQualitative data were collected in 2014 by conducting focus group discussions using a semi-structured discussion guide with older people resident in Hertfordshire, UK. Discussions were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim and transcripts analysed thematically.ResultsNinety-two participants were recruited to the study (47% women; 74–83 years) and a total of 11 focus groups were conducted. Findings indicated six themes that appeared to affect older adults’ participation in PA: past life experiences; significant life events; getting older; PA environment; psychological/personal factors; and social capital. Overall, the findings emphasised the role of modifiable factors, namely psychological factors (such as self-efficacy, motivation, outcome expectancy) and social factors (such as social support and social engagement). These factors exerted their own influence on physical activity participation, but also appeared to mediate the effect of other largely non-modifiable background and ageing-related factors on participants’ engagement with PA in later life.ConclusionIn view of these findings, intervention designers could usefully work with behavioural scientists for insight as to how to enhance psychological and social factors in older adults. Our data suggest that interventions that aim to build self-efficacy, motivation and social networks have the potential to indirectly promote PA participation in older adults. This would be best achieved by developing physical activity interventions through working with participants in an empowering and engaging way.

Student well-being during dedicated preparation for USMLE Step 1 and COMLEX Level 1 exams

BackgroundNearly all U.S. medical students engage in a 4–8 week period of intense preparation for their first-level licensure exams, termed a “dedicated preparation period” (DPP). It is widely assumed that student well-being is harmed during DPPs, but evidence is limited. This study characterized students’ physical, intellectual, emotional, and social well-being during DPPs.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional survey sent electronically to all second-year students at four U.S. medical schools after each school’s respective DPP for USMLE Step 1 or COMLEX Level 1 in 2019. Survey items assessed DPP characteristics, cost of resources, and perceived financial strain as predictors for 18 outcomes measured by items with Likert-type response options. Open-ended responses on DPPs’ influence underwent thematic analysis.ResultsA total of 314/750 (42%) students completed surveys. DPPs lasted a median of 7 weeks (IQR 6–8 weeks), and students spent 70 h/week (IQR 56–80 h/week) studying. A total of 62 (20%) reported experiencing a significant life event that impacted their ability to study during their DPPs. Most reported 2 outcomes improved: medical knowledge base (95%) and confidence in ability to care for patients (56%). Most reported 9 outcomes worsened, including overall quality of life (72%), feeling burned out (77%), and personal anxiety (81%). A total of 25% reported paying for preparation materials strained their finances. Greater perceived financial strain was associated with worsening 11 outcomes, with reported amount spent associated with worsening 2 outcomes. Themes from student descriptions of how DPPs for first-level exams influenced them included (1) opportunity for synthesis of medical knowledge, (2) exercise of endurance and self-discipline required for professional practice, (3) dissonance among exam preparation resource content, formal curriculum, and professional values, (4) isolation, deprivation, and anguish from competing for the highest possible score, and (5) effects on well-being after DPPs.ConclusionsDPPs are currently experienced by many students as a period of personal and social deprivation, which may be worsened by perceived financial stress more than the amount of money they spend on preparation materials. DPPs should be considered as a target for reform as medical educators attempt to prevent student suffering and enhance their well-being.

Experience integration: Between the past and the future

This article explores issues of relations between personal experience and internal time (I. Prigozhin). Personal experience is the space where the person can constantly move around the different modes of time. There is continuity of past, present, and future and the person’s ability to move between time modes. The personalization of experience points to its belonging to the personal life history and the necessity of studying time not as movement but as history. It is indicated that the problem of time in the human’s dimension (historicity of time) turns out inextricably linked with the event problem. Eventfulness creates the time asymmetry in the personal internal space leveling the role of initial conditions and circumstances. This allows the event to be considered as element which separates and connects time in the flow of experience at the same time. Experience, in turn, acts as a mechanism through which the event is integrated into practice. The results of the empirical research of person’s movement fixation between past and future in the process of experiencing significant life events are presented. Georgie’s phenomenological psychological approach was used to study the experience practice. The sample consisted of 15 people (M = 24.6 ± 2.22 years). It was found that the depth, detailed description of experiences, the representation of the event meaning for person were related with the freedom of movement between past as well as with the integration and complexity of experience. Freedom of movement and deep practices will speak in favor of integration and complication whereas difficulties with movement and superficial experiences may indicate weak integration. Present contains the experience of past and future and “traces of the past possible future” which was not realized. The idea of the fact that people try to integrate disparate values in the experience, so integration is always local, but in the same time freedom of movement will promote greater integration.

To Assess the Effectiveness of Planned Teaching on Knowledge Regarding Mid-Wife Led Continuity of Care Model (MLCC) on Final Year Nursing Students

Background: In many parts of the world, midwives are the primary providers of care for childbearing women. There are considerable variations in the organisation of midwifery services and in the education and role of midwives. Childbearing women are often faced with different opinions as to which option might be best for them. The midwife‐led continuity model of care is based on the premise that pregnancy and birth are normal life events. Pregnancy and birth are significant life events for women and their families and midwife supports a woman throughout pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period. So, the demand for services that are family friendly, women focused, safe and accessible is increasing.&#x0D; Objectives: 1) To assess the existing knowledge regarding mid-wife led continuity of care model on final year nursing students. 2) To evaluate the effectiveness of planned teaching on knowledge regarding mid-wife led continuity of care model (MLCC) on final year nursing students. 3) To find out the association between knowledge regarding mid-wife led continuity of care model (MLCC) with selected demographic variables.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: In this study, evaluatory research approach and one group pre-test post-test research design was used. The study was conducted at a Selected Nursing College. The sample was collected from final year nursing students (120) by using non-probability convenient sampling technique.&#x0D; Results: In this study the study of the findings shows that 10.83% had good level of knowledge score in pre-test. While in post-test, out of 120 subjects the majority of the subjects and 92.50% had good level of knowledge score. This statistically shows that there is profound level of improvement on knowledge.&#x0D; Conclusion: Hence, this implies that the planned teaching was effective. Also, the study shows that the knowledge scores of final year nursing students is associated with the age in year and course of study. Hence, this means that greater the number of age in years and the course, greater level of knowledge scores. However, gender was not found to be associated.

Recovery capital in the context of homelessness, high levels of alcohol consumption, and adverse significant life events

Homelessness and heavy alcohol consumption are increasing global public health concerns. Homelessness is associated with poorer health outcomes, shorter life expectancy, and health risk behaviours. High levels of alcohol consumption intersect with the cause and effect of homelessness making this an important consideration for research. This is explored through a theoretical lens of recovery capital, referring to the resources required to initiate and maintain recovery, and is applied to both heavy alcohol consumption and homelessness. Life history calendars were utilised alongside semi-structured interviews to explore the impact that adverse life events had on alcohol consumption and living situations with 12 participants in contact with homelessness services in North-West England. The findings consider how social, health, and structural-related adverse life events were both a cause and effect of homelessness and increasing consumption of alcohol, which were further exacerbated by a lack of recovery capital. The authors argue for further consideration relating to the intersection of homelessness and high levels of alcohol consumption in relation to recovery capital. The findings have implications for policy and practice by demonstrating the need for relevant services to help individuals develop and maintain resources that will sustain recovery capital.

Significant Life Events and Career Sustainability: A Three-Wave Study

Over the last three decades, the professional landscape has changed, and career paths have become more plural, complex, and flexible, as well as less predictable. Consequently, career sustainability has become a major concern. Since the framework of sustainable careers captures the complexities of modern careers, we used it in the present study to understand how various types of significant life events (i.e., negative work events, negative nonwork events, positive work events, and positive nonwork events) hinder or foster career sustainability among 870 professionally active adults in Switzerland using a longitudinal design. We used repeated measures analysis of variance to study changes in health (i.e., self-rated health and stress at work), happiness (i.e., life satisfaction, quality of life, and job satisfaction), and productivity (i.e., employability and career prospects) by the type of significant life events over time, from 1 year before the event (T0) to 1 year after the event (T2). Results indicated that work events are important to consider when studying career sustainability as there is evidence for spillover effects from work to life. Specifically, experiencing positive work events seems to foster career sustainability, and these effects seem to be stronger than the negative effect of negative work or nonwork life events on health, happiness, and productivity.

Monitored but not sufficiently guided – A qualitative descriptive interview study of maternity care experiences and needs in women with chronic medical conditions

ObjectiveTo explore maternity care experiences and needs of women with various types of chronic medical conditions receiving specialised maternity care. Design A qualitative descriptive study. SettingA highly specialised hospital providing maternity care to women with high-risk pregnancies in Copenhagen, Denmark. Participants Fourteen purposefully selected women referred to specialist maternity care at a large tertiary hospital due to one or more chronic medical conditions. MethodsIndividual in-depth interviews (n = 14) were performed between January 2018 and June 2019. Analysed using thematic analysis. ResultsOne overarching theme was identified: Monitored but not sufficiently guided. Three main themes unfolding this overarching theme were: Chronic condition as determining pregnancy care, Childbearing woman as messenger and interpreter, and Feelings of abandonment after giving birth. Key conclusionsAcross various types of chronic medical conditions, women expressed a need for increased continuity in specialised maternity care. Healthcare professionals should help women with chronic medical conditions navigate the healthcare system and interpret complex information. Implications for practicePregnancy should be recognised as a significant life event, even though the childbearing woman is living with a chronic medical condition, and professionals should emphasise the aspects of pregnancy that develop uncomplicated. Information about the anticipated development of chronic medical conditions postpartum and concerns regarding breastfeeding could preferably be addressed during pregnancy. Continuity of care was particularly important to the women and could relieve some of the worrying women experienced during pregnancy.

Insights Into Adolescents' Substance Use in a Low-Middle-Income Country During the COVID-19 Pandemic.

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic and its lockdown have been a significant life event for many individuals, particularly adolescents. The immense psychological pressure could drive risky behavior, e.g., substance use, while lockdown might lead to decreased use. This study aimed to observe the change in substance use among adolescents in Indonesia and the moderating variables to consumption during the COVID-19 lockdown period.Methods: This study utilized an online survey from April 28, 2020 to June 30, 2020. The hyperlink was disseminated to school administrators and parenting groups through social media and direct messages. A total of 2,932 adolescents (17.4 ± 2.24 and 78.7% females) submitted valid responses. The survey was comprised of a sociodemographic section, substance use details, and psychometric sections, including the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT), Cigarette Dependence Scale 12 (CDS-12), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ).Results: Overall, adolescent alcohol use during the pandemic was 5.1%, cigarette smoking was 3.1%, and drug consumption was 0.4%. Over half (53.4%) of alcohol drinkers reported increased drinking, and 33.1% had harmful or dependence-like drinking behavior; in contrast, 44.4% of adolescent smokers disclosed reduced cigarette consumption. Around 37.8% of the drug users indicated increased use. During the pandemic, adolescent alcohol use was associated with higher education [adjusted odds ratio (AOR) = 2.67, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.02–4.86, p = 0.04], higher AUDIT scores (AOR = 1.33, 95% CI 1.25–1.42, p < 0.001), and very low prosocial behavior (AOR = 2.46, 95% CI 1.52–3.88, p < 0.001). Cigarette smoking was correlated with male sex (AOR = 9.56, 95% CI 5.64–16.62, p < 0.001), age (AOR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.14–1.75, p < 0.001), and higher CDS score (AOR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.13–1.20, p < 0.001).Conclusions: Rates of adolescent substance use were significant, with sizeable proportions reporting higher usage. This appeared to occur predominantly in specific demographics and those with a lower protective psychosocial attribute, i.e., prosocial behavior, during the lockdown. These findings should urge the strengthening of adolescent addiction care during and after the pandemic.

The river of postnatal psychosis: A qualitative study of women's experiences and meanings

ObjectiveThis paper reports findings from a study about women's experience of postpartum psychosis which affects 1-2 women in 1000 in the first four to six weeks following childbirth. Previous research reports many women are relucent to disclose symptoms of mental ill health to healthcare professionals, although they are most likely to discuss symptoms and concerns with a health professional known to them. DesignA qualitative interpretive study using semi-structured interviews. ParticipantsTen women in Australia who had recovered from postpartum psychosis in the last ten years were interviewed. Data analysisData were analysed thematically by three researchers to enhance trustworthiness. ResultsThe women described their overall experience as traumatic and described what they saw as contributing factors such as a previous history of mental illness or a significant life event that was present before or during pregnancy; the women described how they made meaning of the symptoms they experienced, such as a lack of sleep or changes in their thoughts or behaviours; and the difficulties they experienced during recovery. The women also identified novel ways to support themselves and each other as they recovered. Conclusion and implications for practiceMidwives require further education to recognise the symptoms of postpartum psychosis, to ask further probing questions to identify postpartum psychosis in its early stages and to support women as they recover from this illness.

Socioeconomic Inequalities in Mortality After Age 67: The Contribution of Psychological Factors.

Diverging trends of longer lives and increased inequalities in age-at-death invite to updated research on late-life mortality. Earlier studies have identified health behavior, childhood, psychosocial, and material conditions as key determinants of life expectancy, but the role of psychological factors remains a topic of debate. The current study is framed in a life course developmental perspective and assesses the mediating role of secondary control strategies (subjective age) and primary control capacity (perceived control) to socioeconomic (wealth and education) inequality in mortality after age 67. Data are derived from the second wave of the Norwegian Life Course, Ageing and Generation study (N=1,432 and age 67–85). All in all, 366 deaths were observed over a mean follow-up of 9.6years. Perceived control was measured by the Pearlin and Schooler Mastery Scale. SA was measured with proportional discrepancy scores in felt age and ideal age. Stepwise Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were conducted to analyze the relative contribution of SES (education and accumulated wealth), felt age, and ideal age discrepancies and perceived control on 11-year mortality. Findings show that lower levels of wealth and perceived control independently predict increased elderly mortality over an 11-year period. Feeling younger and smaller ideal age discrepancies are positively associated with perceived control, but do not account for additional variability in longevity among older adults. Findings add to the interdisciplinary field of socioeconomic inequalities in elderly mortality and underline the specific importance of structural conditions (wealth) and the continued importance of (perceived) primary control capacity for longevity also after age 67. Future research may assess in more detail how wealth and perceived control complement each other in contributing to healthy aging and longevity, for example, by longitudinal research including the role of significant life events in the second half of life in different welfare state contexts.

The impact of economic and demographic events in the biography of Russians on the level of their life satisfaction

The article examines anticipation and adaptation effects in relation to life satisfaction in case of economic (related to labour market) and demographic events in people’s lives. The author estimates how individuals feel in the vicinity of significant life events and tracks the asymmetry of results for women and men. The calculations are based on panel data from the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey for the period 2004–2019. Using pooled regression and the difference-in-differences approach, the author tests the hypothesis that men are more sensitive to economic events while women are more sensitive to demographic ones. The results indicate that there is no consistent asymmetry of effects for men and women. On average, citizens of Russia tend to anticipate events that will happen to them in the next three years. Generally, Russians do not adapt to new conditions after economic events, however, this does not apply to individual demographic shocks.

Psychiatric comorbidities in dermatitis artefacta: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Dermatitis artefacta, also known as factitious or factitial dermatitis, is a rare and difficult-to-treat condition characterized by self-inflicted skin lesions. Despite the well-documented psychological disturbances that characterize this condition, little is known about the relative frequency of specific psychiatric disorders in this patient group. The current systematic review was undertaken to address this gap in our knowledge and was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. The PubMed and Scopus databases were searched using the terms “dermatitis artefacta,” “factitious dermatitis,” and “factitial dermatitis” in combination with “psychiatry,” “psychiatric diagnosis,” “psychiatric disorder,” “mental illness,” “depression,” and “anxiety.” After screening a total of 215 citations, a total of 11 papers were included in the final review. All the included studies were of low to very low quality as per the GRADE guidelines, and there was substantial heterogeneity among them (I2= 50.4). It was observed that 46.2% of patients (95% CI: 35.4–57.4%) with dermatitis artefacta had a comorbid psychiatric disorder, with the most common diagnoses being depression, somatoform disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorder, and intellectual disability. About 20.1% of patients refused a psychiatric evaluation, while 40.9% reported a significant stressful life event. These results suggest that a significant proportion of patients with dermatitis artefacta suffer from psychiatric disorders, which may be related to their self-infliction of lesions either biologically or psychologically. Treatment of these disorders may lead to a partial or complete improvement in their dermatological condition. A sensitive, non-confrontational approach is essential when evaluating these patients to minimize the chances of refusal and improve patient compliance.

Noninvasively measured radial pressure wave analysis provides insight into cardiovascular changes during pregnancy and menopause

ObjectivePregnancy and menopause are significant life events associated with major changes in female hormone levels and changes in cardiovascular health. The role of estrogen in influencing cardiovascular risk is an ongoing research topic. Many studies have provided evidence that radial pressure wave characteristics are an important indicator to consistently and independently predict cardiovascular events. The aim of this study was to investigate if radial pressure wave analysis provided statistical insights into the physiological variations due to pregnancy and menopause. Furthermore, the study investigated how these variations could serve as an indicator for cardiovascular risks. As the radial pulse measurement is non-invasive and speedy, it may be helpful in evaluating cardiovascular changes and risk during these transitions. Materials and methodA total of 702 randomly selected female subjects (90 pregnant and 97 post-menopausal), aged 20–59, enrolled in the study. The visit measured the subject's hemodynamic parameters including heart rate, systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and radial pressure waves. SBP and DBP were evaluated by an automatic blood pressure monitor. Radial pressure wave data were continuously recorded for 12-s using a TD01C pulse measuring instrument. Spectrum analysis of the radial pressure wave was performed to evaluate the first five harmonic components (C1–C5). ResultsA comparison of pregnant women to non-pregnant women showed C3 and C5 were lower. Heart rate C2 and C4 were higher in pregnant women. A comparison of women pre-menopausal and post-menopausal showed no significant difference in SBP or DBP. Menopause significantly changed the C1 and C4 radial pressure wave harmonics. An increase in C1 and a decrease in C4 were observed. Conclusion and discussionThis study provided further clinical evidence to support the hemodynamic model that describes the cardiovascular changes and risks related to the harmonic components of the pulse spectrum. Beyond blood pressure, the effects of menopause on the radial pressure wave, especially on hemodynamic index C4, independent of age and BMI, may explain increased post-menopausal cardiovascular risk. This and past studies collectively suggest that radial pressure wave components may be an indicator of a female body's ability to supply oxygen and nutrients. Harmonic analysis of the radial pressure wave may provide additional insights into the underlying mechanism of the cardiovascular changes over the lifespan of a woman.

Maternal Parenting Stress in the Face of Early Regulatory Disorders in Infancy: A Machine Learning Approach to Identify What Matters Most.

Objective: Early regulatory disorders (ERD) in infancy are typically associated with high parenting stress (PS). Theoretical and empirical literature suggests a wide range of factors that may contribute to PS related to ERD. The aim of this study was to identify key predictors of maternal PS within a large predictor data set in a sample of N = 135 mothers of infants diagnosed with ERD.Methods: We used machine learning to identify relevant predictors. Maternal PS was assessed with the Parenting Stress Index. The multivariate dataset assessed cross-sectionally consisted of 464 self-reported and clinically rated variables covering mother-reported psychological distress, maternal self-efficacy, parental reflective functioning, socio-demographics, each parent's history of illness, recent significant life events, former miscarriage/abortion, pregnancy, obstetric history, infants' medical history, development, and social environment. Variables were drawn from behavioral diaries on regulatory symptoms and parental co-regulative behavior as well as a clinical interview which was utilized to diagnose ERD and to assess clinically rated regulatory symptoms, quality of parent–infant relationship, organic/biological and psychosocial risks, and social–emotional functioning.Results: The final prediction model identified 11 important variables summing up to the areas maternal self-efficacy, psychological distress (particularly depression and anger-hostility), infant regulatory symptoms (particularly duration of fussing/crying), and age-appropriate physical development. The RMSE (i.e., prediction accuracy) of the final model applied to the test set was 21.72 (R2 = 0.58).Conclusions: This study suggests that among behavioral, environmental, developmental, parent–infant relationship, and mental health variables, a mother's higher self-efficacy, psychological distress symptoms particularly depression and anger symptoms, symptoms in the child particularly fussing/crying symptoms, and age-inappropriate physical development are associated with higher maternal PS. With these factors identified, clinicians may more efficiently assess a mother's PS related to ERD in a low-risk help-seeking sample.

A Life Course Approach to Understanding Volunteering Practices Among Ethnic-Racial Minority Immigrants on the US-Mexico Border

Drawing insights from the life course perspective, this study examined individual and contextual factors that shaped volunteering practices among ethnic-racial minority immigrants across their life course. Using purposive sampling, 40 ethnic-racial minority immigrants at various stages of adulthood (18–65 years old) were recruited from a southwestern U.S. state on the US-Mexico border in 2018 to participate in an in-depth interview to better understand how their personal experiences, ecologies, and life histories influenced their volunteering practices. Grounded Theory Method was used to analyze the data. Overall, the participants’ volunteering propensities were influenced by (1) significant life events that served as turning points that motivated their desire to help, (2) linked lives in connection with their personal and professional life domains, (3) human capital and agency that served as their resources in volunteering and access to volunteering opportunities, and (4) the context that made volunteering conducive.

Identification of factors related to food insecurity and\xa0the implications for social determinants of health screenings

BackgroundFood insecurity and other social determinants of health are increasingly being measured at routine health care visits. Understanding the needs and behaviors of individuals or families who screen positive for food insecurity may inform the types of resources they need. The goal of this research was to identify modifiable characteristics related to endorsement of two food insecurity screener questions to better understand the resources necessary to improve outcomes.MethodsAnalysis was conducted focusing on cross-sectional survey data collected in 2015–2016 from participants (N = 442) living in urban neighborhoods in Ohio with limited access to grocery stores. Food insecurity was assessed by the endorsement of at least one of two items. These were used to categorize participants into two groups: food insecure(N = 252) or food secure (N = 190). Using logistic regression, we estimated the association between several variables and the food insecure classification.ResultsThose that used their own car when shopping for food had lower odds of reporting food insecurity, as did those with affirmative attitudes related to the convenience of shopping for and ease of eating healthy foods. As shopping frequency increased, the odds of food insecurity increased. Food insecurity also increased with experience of a significant life event within the past 12 months. There was an 81% increase in the odds of reporting food insecurity among participants who received Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits compared to those not receiving Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits.ConclusionsAlong with referrals to SNAP, clinicians can further address screening-identified food insecurity through provision of transportation supports and linkages to other social services while collaborating on community initiatives to promote convenient and easy access to healthy foods. The needs and behaviors associated with screens indicating food insecurity also have implications for impacting other SDH, and thus, health outcomes.