Family Triads Research Articles

Understanding Family Resilience in Young-Onset Dementia: A Multiple Case Study.

Through the lens of family resilience, exploring the experiences of families in adapting to young-onset dementia. Qualitative multiple case study. This study examined the family as a single unit of analysis, focusing on a triad including a person with young-onset dementia, their spouse and their adult child. Three family triads were included. Data collection took place between April 20 and July 4, 2023, in South Korea. Data analysis involved a two-stage process, consisting of a directed content analysis based on the family resilience framework within cases, followed by a cross-case analysis to identify themes and unique patterns across cases. The study identified six key themes: (1) Stressors due to a young-onset dementia diagnosis, (2) perception of the young-onset dementia diagnosis, (3) degree of emotional connection, (4) coping approach to young-onset dementia, (5) availability and utilisation of external resources and (6) patterns of adaptation. Furthermore, our research uncovered the interplay between themes, and how adaptations patterns of families formed either resilient or non-resilient. Our triadic approach uncovered hidden family dynamics, emphasising family-centred care. This study provides insights into unique challenges and diverse adaptation processes, suggesting tailored interventions. This study emphasises the importance of family-centred care in young-onset dementia, recognising all family members as crucial clients. Also, we suggest that healthcare professionals should develop tailored treatment plans that reflect the unique needs of each family. This study presents the unique experiences of young-onset dementia families, laying the foundation for developing effective support strategies that reflect these insights. Additionally, we emphasise the utilisation of external resources and their existence, providing a comprehensive research direction. Our research follows the EQUATOR guidelines, specifically adhering to the COREQ guidelines. No Patient or Public Contribution.

Fatherhood in the context of preterm birth: A narrative review of contemporary research evidence

AbstractLong focused on maternal roles in infancy, research is now exploring fathers' contributions to child development. Current public policy emphasizes early prevention and intervention for child and parent well‐being, especially for at‐risk infants such as those born prematurely. A literature review was conducted following the approach of a narrative review, to examine fatherhood in the context of preterm birth, highlighting the stress and emotional vulnerability experienced by fathers of preterm infants. Promoting early paternal presence and involvement in infant care helps fathers cope with this emotionally challenging experience. Despite limited data on premature fatherhood, fathers are active partners in dyadic interactions and play a significant role in their infant's neonatal intensive care unit journey and family dynamics. The discussion underscores the importance of father‐focused interventions and the paternal contribution to child development, framed within the authors' proposed integrative and developmental model of the family triad.

Examining stress in adolescents' daily lives: Feasibility of triadic paradigms.

How adolescents and their parents cope with adolescent stress is relevant for child well-being. (In)congruencies between parent and child perceptions of child stress may be important sources of information for understanding family functioning. However, research assessing the occurrence of stressful events in adolescents' daily lives from the perspective of both adolescents and their parents is lacking, likely because this type of research comes with numerous challenges. Therefore, this pilot study examined the feasibility of two different paradigms, daily diary and the experience sampling method (ESM), for triadic (child-mother-father) assessment of adolescent stress in daily life. Twenty family triads participated either in the diary paradigm (receiving one survey per day) or the ESM paradigm (receiving multiple surveys per day). Results indicated that both paradigms seemed doable to participants in terms of experienced burden, and individual compliance to the paradigms was sufficient. The absolute number of reported stressors was similar across paradigms. In addition, both paradigms captured convergence and divergence in the family members' reports of adolescent stress and between- and within-family differences therein. However, diary participants experienced lower burden and missed relatively less assessments (higher individual and triadic compliance) than ESM participants, suggesting higher data quality. In all, these findings suggest that although both paradigms may be feasible, a diary paradigm may be preferred to capture triadic family reports of adolescent stress. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Combined maternal KIR2DL4 and fetal HLA-G polymorphisms were associated with preeclampsia in a Han Chinese population.

Preeclampsia is the main cause of maternal and infant mortality and morbidity during pregnancy. Killer cell immunoglobulin-like receptor 2DL4 (KIR2DL4) and human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) play crucial roles in immune tolerance at the maternal-fetal interface. In this case‒control study, 154 maternal-fetal pairs were recruited, including 74 pairs with preeclampsia (56 of 74 pairs from family triads) and 80 pairs with a normal pregnancy (78 of 80 pairs from family triads). SNaPshot technology was used to detect genetic polymorphisms for 7 TagSNPs in the KIR2DL4 and HLA-G genes. Among the fetal HLA-G gene polymorphisms, rs9380142 (A vs. G: OR = 2.802, 95% CI = 1.761-4.458) and rs1063320 (G vs. C: OR = 1.807, 95% CI = 1.144-2.852) differed between the preeclampsia group and the control group. The transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) suggested that the differences in the rs9380142G/A polymorphism in foetuses between preeclampsia triads and control triads were due to differences in transmission from the parents (P = 0.001). There was no significant difference in the distribution of maternal KIR2DL4 alleles or genotype frequency between the preeclampsia group and the control group. Gene‒gene interaction analysis revealed that the combined genotypes of maternal rs649216-CC and fetal rs9380142-GG, maternal rs1051456-CG/GG and fetal rs9380142-GG, maternal rs34785252-CC and fetal rs9380142-AA/GA, and maternal rs34785252-CC/AA and fetal rs9380142-GG were associated with a significantly lower risk of preeclampsia. Therefore, this study suggested that the combination of maternal KIR2DL4 and fetal HLA-G polymorphisms was associated with preeclampsia in a Han Chinese population.

Latent profiles of dyadic parent–child interaction and associations with triadic family interaction in early childhood

AbstractObjectiveThis longitudinal study examined latent profiles of parent–child interaction and their associations with triadic family interaction.BackgroundA child's development is significantly influenced by early family relationships. Family systems theory emphasizes the interrelations between family subsystems, such as parent–child and parent–parent relationships, as well as the family as a whole. However, few studies have examined the relationship between each parent–child dyad and triadic family interaction.MethodFathers and mothers were separately videotaped interacting with their child (n = 120) at 4 and 18 months and assessed using the Parent–Child Early Relational Assessment. Triadic family interaction was evaluated at 18 months using the Family Alliance Assessment Scale within a Lausanne Trilogue Play setting.ResultsFour latent profiles of parent–child interaction were identified. Dyadic interaction that was characterized by reciprocity, positive affect, and low negativity was associated with higher family coordination. However, interaction characterized by a lack of reciprocity, negativity, and dyadic tension was related to less coordinated triadic family interaction.ConclusionsWell‐functioning parent–child interaction contributes to higher‐quality triadic family interaction. In contrast, challenges in early father–child interaction, including emotional distance, a lack of positive paternal involvement, and limited mutual engagement, are linked to lower‐quality triadic family interaction.ImplicationsThis study highlights the importance of supporting early parent–child relationships to promote well‐functioning and coordinated triadic family interaction, and the inclusion of fathers in interventions aiming to improve family dynamics.

A mixed-methods exploration of autonomy-supportive parenting, confidence, and natural mentoring relationships among Black adolescents.

The current study examined whether autonomy-supportive parenting practices may be associated with Black adolescents' quantity of natural mentors (i.e., adults from youths' everyday lives who youth go to for support and guidance) via adolescents' confidence. This study employed survey data from 216 Black youth and qualitative interviews from a subsample of youth (n = 25), their primary caregivers (n = 25), and one nonparental adult relative with whom the youth reported feeling close (n = 25). Comparative analyses were then completed among a subset of 10 family triads corresponding to youth from the qualitative subsample who had the highest (n = 5) and the lowest (n = 5) scores on a survey measure of adolescents' confidence. Study findings suggest that Black adolescents' confidence may be an explanatory link in the association between autonomy-supportive parenting practices among primary caregivers and Black adolescents' quantity of natural mentoring relationships. Moreover, we found that a range of autonomy-supportive parenting practices may be associated with youth confidence, which may, in turn, inform how Black adolescents engage with adults in their social networks.

Understanding parental secure base support across youth sport contexts in Sweden

The notion of secure base explains how a child can grow and become independent through access to a significant other (i.e., parent) who is available, encouraging, and noninterfering. The purpose of the current study was to develop an understanding of parental secure base support within the context of youth sport in Sweden, with a specific focus on: (a) what parental behaviors constitute a secure base, and (b) how these behaviors differ across contexts (at home before and after sport, at practice and during competitions). An interpretive descriptive methodology (Thorne, 2016) was used. Interviews were conducted with 13 family triads (children aged 12–15 years) and 1 dyad living in Sweden. Analysis was conducted to illuminate associations, patterns, and relationships within the sample. Analysis led to the development of nine categories of parental behaviors that were perceived to underpin a secure base. Availability was seen to comprise physical presence and support provision, being responsive, and developing positive mental representations. Encouragement encompassed demonstrating that sport participation is valued, motivating to explore sporting endeavors, and reinforcing and rewarding persistence in sports. Interference was described as unrequested interference, requested interference, and intentionally constrained involvement. Additionally, influencing factors such as communication, family structure and culture, were identified. The findings provide an empirical illustration for several behaviors that have been perceived as positive in previous literature, as well as highlighting numerous further complexities, particularly as it relates to interference.

The Sources of Happiness in Preadolescence and Adolescence: A Multi-Method and Multi-Informant Perspective

Research on happiness in preadolescence and adolescence has been limited regarding the sources of happiness. The present study aims to explore such sources in preadolescents and adolescents through a multi-method and multi-informant approach. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 77 family triads: children (age range: 11–19; M = 13.90, SD = 2.70; 61% female), mothers (M = 47.50, SD = 4.35), and fathers (M = 50.53, SD = 5.30). The triads were asked to define happiness from children’s perspective, describe what makes children happy, and indicate children’s levels of happiness. Using quantitative data, preadolescents exhibited higher individual happiness levels than adolescents, and fathers reported higher levels of children’s happiness than mothers. Through Thematic Analysis, five primary sources of happiness emerged: Social relationships, Family relationships, Personal interests, Achievement, and Entertainment. Social relationships was the most recurring theme across the narratives of both preadolescents/adolescents and parents. The second most recurring theme was Personal interests for preadolescents/adolescents and Family relationships for parents. Parents notably more frequently mentioned Achievement than children. Males displayed a higher propensity to report the Entertainment theme than females, while females reported the Family relationships and Social relationships themes more frequently. Preadolescents exhibited a higher occurrence of the Entertainment and Family relationships themes than adolescents. Regarding the concordance of themes between children and their parents, low overall levels of agreement were observed, all below 40%. The highest levels of concordance were found between mothers and fathers rather than between parents and children. The results could provide valuable insights to parents and educators on how to help youth promote their happiness.

Positive, negative, and ambivalent dyads and triads with family and friends: A personal network study on how they are associated with young adults’ well-being

Although negative ties may cause stress and harm well-being, they are also considered fundamental in close and ongoing relationships. This study distinguishes positive, negative, and – when characterized by both valences – ambivalent ties. Analyzing almost 10,000 personal networks from the Swiss CH-X study shows that: (1) ambivalence among family members is more prevalent than among non-family members, (2) ambivalent family dyads or triads are not negatively associated with well-being, and (3) certain balanced family triads are associated with higher well-being and an unbalanced non-family triad is associated with lower well-being. These results suggest that conflicts are not necessarily detrimental to young adults’ well-being.

Utilization of Adolescent Information and Counseling Centers (PIK-R) on Knowledge, Attitudes and Behaviors About Premarital Sex in Nursing Study Program Students Mulawarman University Faculty of Medicine Samarinda City

Background: Youth PIK is a place for reproductive health services for adolescents developed by the government in the GenRe program, which is managed by and for adolescents. This PIK youth service provides benefits by providing information and counseling services on maturing marriage age, eight family functions, TRIAD KRR (sexuality, HIV and AIDS, and NAFZA), life skills (life skills), gender and advocacy skills, and IEC. Utilization of the Adolescent Counseling Information Center is greatly influenced by the level of knowledge, reflection of adolescent attitudes, motivation from the surrounding environment, peer support, and teacher support so that the incidence of premarital sex behavior, which is bad for adolescents, can be reduced.Objective: to identify the relationship between the utilization of information and youth health centers (PIK-R) towards adolescents in terms of knowledge level, attitudes, and premarital sexual behavior. This research is also expected to bring benefits to PIK-KRR organizational managers in the campus environment by directing activities that can become part of PIK-KRR activities to improve their functions.Methods: This research is a descriptive correlation study using a cross-sectional research design and a quantitative approach with a sample of 175 respondents. The data analysis used was the Chi-Square statistical test and the Spearman test to see the strength of the relationship.Results: In the Chi-Square analysis, the results show that there is a relationship between the PIK-R utilization variables and the level of knowledge (ρ- value 0.031 < 0.05) with the category of weak relationship strength (correlation coefficient = 0.163 in the range between 0.10-0, 29) and the relationship is unidirectional. The results of the analysis of the relationship between the utilization of PIK-R variables and attitude show that there is a relationship (ρ -value 0.034 < 0.05) with the category of strength of the weak relationship (correlation coefficient = 0.160 is in the range 0.10-0.29) and the relationship is unidirectional. The results of the analysis of PIK-R utilization and premarital sex behavior showed that there was a relationship (ρ -value 0.025 < 0.05), but the relationship was not in the same direction because the correlation was negative (-0.169).Conclusion: There is a relationship between the variable utilization of information centers and youth counseling (PIK-R) and the variables of knowledge, attitude, and behavior of premarital sex in adolescents.

Utilizing dyadic and triadic family interviews to better understand the integrated care needs of older adults: Examples from a Canadian study exploring the needs of older adults at risk of admission to long-term care facilities.

Background and purpose: In family sciences, the scientific study of families and close interpersonal relationships, dyadic and triadic interviewing is utilized to gain a more complete understanding of the experiences of families, as well as individuals within families. Family-based methods have been more commonly used in pediatric research, yet they have great utility in older adult integrated care research as well, particularly when older adults experience a decline in their health and family members become more involved in their care. The aim of this presentation is to describe the use of dyadic and triadic interviews as a research method when the research focuses the lives of older adults. 
 Methods: A Canadian study exploring the needs of older adults at risk of admission to long-term care facilities illustrates the use of family-based research methods in an older adult population. In this qualitative study, older adults and their family members were interviewed as individuals, dyads, and triads. 
 Results: Data was collected from 24 participants using family-based methods. The data was analyzed in multiple ways so that the experiences of individuals and groups were more fully understood. Overall, the main problem experienced by at-risk older adults and their family members was uncovered, including breakdowns related to an integrated healthcare system. 
 Conclusion: Reflections on the use of family-based methods with older adults will be presented, including how this data informed integrated care planning in this context. Further, this presentation will highlight how this method compares with focus groups, how and why dyadic and triadic interview data might be analyzed, and how this data can provide robust information to lead to a more informed integrated healthcare system.

PROJECT, PERSUADE, AND PROTECT: ADULT CHILDREN’S PREDICTION OF PARENTS’ HEALTH STATE VALUATIONS

Abstract Serious illness decision making for older adults frequently involves their adult children. Thus, it is important that adult children are familiar with parents’ illness preferences. In this mixed methods analysis (total N = 114), we examined concordance between older adults’ valuations of illness states, their children’s predictions of their valuations, reasoning behind children’s predictions, and children’s reactions to discordance between their predictions and parents’ valuations. Thirty-eight older parents (M age= 75.8) provided valuations for five different illness states. Two adult children (M age= 46.0) independently predicted their parent’s answers. Family triads participated in a semi-structured conversation about their responses. One-way random effects, absolute agreement, average measures intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) showed that average concordance within families was poor for incontinence (ICC = .172, 95% CI [-.497, .572]), dialysis (ICC = .300, 95% CI [-.264, .639]), tube feeding (ICC = .320, 95% CI [-.228, .649]), and chronic pain (ICC = .438, 95% CI [-.015, .710]), and moderate for Alzheimer disease (ICC = .556, 95% CI [.198,.771]). Results from qualitative thematic analysis indicated that children often projected their own values when attempting to predict parents’ valuations. When faced with discordance, many children attempted to persuade parents to change their valuations, while also making assertions to protect the parent’s autonomy. In summary, adult children navigating surrogate or shared decision making may face challenges inferring parent values versus their own and balancing their input with parent autonomy. Future research and interventions in late-life families could target these challenges.

Mexican-origin parent and child reported neighborhood factors and youth substance use.

Structural oppression affects health behaviors through residence in suboptimal neighborhoods and exposure to community violence. Youth and parents report perceptions of neighborhood factors that can affect youth substance use behaviors. Given that Latinx youth report higher levels of perceived community violence than other racial and ethnic groups, it is imperative to examine how youth- and parent-perceived neighborhood-level factors may relate to youth substance use. Data were collected using clinical interviews with family triads (fathers, mothers, and youth) and parent-child dyads (father or mother and youth) enrolled in the Seguimos Avanzando study of 344 Mexican-origin families in Indiana. Neighborhood measures, including perceptions of exposure to violence, neighborhood characteristics, and neighborhood collective efficacy, were included in parent and youth surveys. Self-report measures for past year alcohol and drug use were included in the youth survey only. T-tests were conducted to estimate differences in neighborhood reports among the sample triads. A series of linear regression models were used to estimate the associations between youth-, mother-, and father-reported perceptions of neighborhood factors and youth substance use. Preliminary results indicate that fathers reported higher levels of exposure to violence than mothers [t(163) = 2.33, p = 0.02] and youth [t(173) = 3.61, p < 0.001]. Youth reported lower negative neighborhood characteristics than mothers [t(329) = 6.43, p < 0.001] and fathers [t(169) = 3.73, p < 0.001]. Youth reported significantly better neighborhood collective efficacy than mothers [t(296) = 3.14, p = 0.002], but not statistically different from fathers. Results from the primary analysis showed that youth exposure to violence was positively associated with youth substance use (b = 0.24, SE = 0.06, p < 0.0001), but the youth's neighborhood characteristics and collective efficacy were not significantly associated with youth substance use. None of the parent-reported neighborhood variables were associated with youth substance use. The discrepant findings between parent and youth reports of perceived neighborhood characteristics and substance use have important implications for researchers and community stakeholders, and for developing targeted interventions and prevention strategies. Our study highlights the need to address youth experience of community violence and to prioritize creating safe and inclusive neighborhood environments. Potential strategies include improving community resources, strengthening social support networks, promoting open communication about neighborhood risks, and fostering collaborative efforts to address substance use behaviors.

A Network Study of Family Affect Systems in Daily Life

Adolescence is a time period characterized by extremes in affect and increasing prevalence of mental health problems. Prior studies have illustrated how affect states of adolescents are related to interactions with parents. However, it remains unclear how affect states among family triads, that is adolescents and their parents, are related in daily life. This study investigated affect state dynamics (happy, sad, relaxed, and irritated) of 60 family triads, including 60 adolescents (M age = 15.92, 63.3% females), fathers and mothers (M age = 49.16). The families participated in the RE-PAIR study, where they reported their affect states in four ecological momentary assessments per day for 14 days. First, we used multilevel vector-autoregressive network models to estimate affect dynamics across all families, and for each family individually. Resulting models elucidated how family affect states were related at the same moment, and over time. We identified relations from parents to adolescents and vice versa, while considering family variation in these relations. Second, we evaluated the statistical performance of the network model via a simulation study, varying the percentage missing data, the number of families, and the number of time points. We conclude with substantive and statistical recommendations for future research on family affect dynamics.

Triadic family interactions at 2 years: The role of prenatal marital quality and infants’ attachment configuration with mother and father

ABSTRACT This longitudinal study uncovered prenatal marital antecedents of infants’ attachment configurations with both mother and father at 12-15 months (n = 125). We also examined the contribution of both marital quality and infants’ attachment configurations (secure with both parents, insecure with both parents, secure with mother-insecure with father, and insecure with mother-secure with father) to the quality of triadic (mother-father-toddler) interactions observed two years post-birth. Couples who displayed less negative affectivity and were more emotionally attuned were more likely to have infants securely attached with father and insecurely attached with mother (vs. insecure with both parents) and they engaged in more adaptive family interactions at two years. Also, a secure infant-father attachment relationship forecast more balanced triadic family interactions, regardless of whether the infant-mother attachment was secure or insecure. In contrast, a secure infant-mother attachment relationship was related to less controlling behavior during triadic interactions, regardless of infant-father attachment security.

The association between deficiencies in paternal and maternal reflective functioning and anorexia nervosa symptomatology

BackgroundA large theoretical body of knowledge exists emphasizing the importance of parental mentalizing in the context of anorexia-nervosa (AN). However, the empirical support to these assumptions is still scarce. The aim of the present study was to examine whether parents of patients with AN are characterized by a lower mentalizing ability, and whether it is associated with impaired mentalizing, AN symptomatology and eating disorder (ED) related psychological traits in the daughters.MethodsThirty-two family triads (fathers, mothers, and daughters) of female adolescent and young adult inpatients with AN were compared with thirty-three non-clinical family triads (N = 195). The mentalizing ability of all the participants was assessed using semi-structured interviews and coded using the Reflective Functioning Scale (RFS). Self-report questionnaires were administered to the daughters to evaluate ED symptomatology and ED related psychological traits (e.g., low self-esteem, interpersonal insecurity, emotional dysregulation).ResultsDecreased reflective functioning (RF) levels were found among mothers and fathers of patients with AN compared to their control peers. Examining the entire sample, clinical and non-clinical groups together, showed that both paternal and maternal RF were associated with the daughters' RF and each were found to have a significant and distinct contribution to the daughters' RF. Significant associations were found between lower levels of maternal and paternal RF and increased ED symptoms and ED related psychological traits. The use of a mediation model suggested a serial relationship in which low maternal and paternal RF contributes to the daughters' low RF, which in turn is associated with higher levels of psychological maladjustment, and ultimately contributes to the increased severity of ED symptoms.ConclusionsThe present results provide strong empirical support for theoretical models that suggest that deficits in parental mentalizing may represent important correlates of the presence and severity of ED symptoms in AN. Furthermore, the results highlight the relevance of fathers' mentalizing ability in the context of AN. Finally, clinical and research implications are discussed.

Value changes in gender roles: Perspectives from three generations of Emirati women

Intergenerational value change, influenced by technological advancements, economic development, formal education, and urbanization, becomes especially complex when it occurs during times of rapid change, as in the case of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Through the lens of social change and human development theory, heavily constructed in the Gemeinschaft/Gesellschaft paradigm, this focused ethnography explored the push and pull of traditional boundaries within a collectivist society. Participants in this study (N = 24) were members of eight family triads of grandmothers, mothers, and daughters who represented eight different Emirati tribes from four cities in the UAE. Data were collected during semi-structured interviews using prompts and vignettes and through observation and the generation of field notes. Thematic analysis revealed evidence of cultural value change for gender equity and roles, family connectedness, and family relatedness. The findings underscore the need to support Emirati women as they navigate value change and try to rectify often conflicting role expectations.

Similar minds in the family: COVID‐19 centrality and relationship quality

AbstractWe examined whether perceived similarity in COVID‐19 centrality (i.e., the extent to which one thinks of the pandemic as shaping current and future life) is associated with family relationship quality during the pandemic. Thinking that other family members are similar to oneself regarding the pandemic's centrality may improve the quality of family relationships. We collected data from Turkish family triads (i.e., mother, father, 18–25 years old child) and had 481 participants from 180 families. Participants rated their similarity in COVID‐19 centrality with the other two family members and reported the general and daily quality of their relationship with them (relationship satisfaction, closeness, conflict). We analyzed the data using the Social Relations Model. We found that family members who, on average, perceived more similarity in COVID‐19 centrality reported higher levels in positive attributes of general relationship quality (i.e., satisfaction and closeness). The effects on conflict and daily relationship quality were less conclusive. This research confirms that family members' reactions during the COVID‐19 pandemic are interdependent. Perceiving that other family members are of similar minds about the centrality of the pandemic relates positively to some aspects of relationship quality.

Exploring how cultural and structural elements relate to communal coping for separated Latina/o/x immigrant families

Abstract Family immigration-related separation is incredibly stressful; however, Latina/o/x separated families might engage in communal coping to help mitigate those stressors. Utilizing the extended theoretical model of communal coping, we conducted semi-structured interviews with 20 family triads (i.e., separated parent, separated child, primary caregiver) who were experiencing or had recently experienced immigration-related family separation. We explored cultural and structural elements associated with communally or individually coping, and we considered why family members, all of whom experienced separation stress, might cope differently. Among the different types of family members, gender norms were related to communally coping, relying on extended family for support, and protective buffering. Physical distance, as well as limited technology access and literacy also hindered communal coping. When exploring within-family-triad experiences, three themes were apparent: (a) one-sided communal coping, (b) protective buffering at the cost of one’s own needs, and (c) communal coping impeded by relational strain. Our findings emphasize the importance of considering the multidimensional nature of a stressor (i.e., family separation) when determining whether people are communally coping; how cultural and structural elements relate to coping; and including multiple family members’ perspectives.

Improving Social Interactions for Young Children on the Autism Spectrum Through Parent-Mediated LEGO Play Activities

Given the impact of the global COVID-19 pandemic on children’s schooling and learning, evidence for interventions implemented by parents is urgently needed. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a parent-mediated LEGO intervention on the social interactions of four children on the autism spectrum in China. The intervention involved four sets of two parents engaging with their child in collaborative LEGO construction, with each person assigned a role as Engineer, Supplier, or Builder. Using a multiple probe design across the four family triads, the intervention effectively increased spontaneous social initiations and responses in all four children, and these behaviors were maintained for 6 weeks following the intervention. The effect on inappropriate interactions was not detected; parental prompts increased in initial intervention sessions but decreased over time. Parents implemented the intervention at home with high fidelity. Efficacy of the intervention and potential benefits of virtual parent training are discussed.