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JAMA Network Open Aug 2022Although infancy is the most rapid period of postnatal growth and development, factors associated with variation in infant traits are not well understood. (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis
IMPORTANCE
Although infancy is the most rapid period of postnatal growth and development, factors associated with variation in infant traits are not well understood.
OBJECTIVE
To synthesize the large twin study literature partitioning phenotypic variance in psychological traits and developmental milestones in infancy into estimates of heritability and shared and nonshared environment.
DATA SOURCES
PubMed, PsycINFO, and references of included publications were searched up to February 11, 2021.
STUDY SELECTION
Peer-reviewed publications using the classical twin design to study psychological traits and developmental milestones from birth to 2 years old were included.
DATA EXTRACTION AND SYNTHESIS
Data were extracted in line with Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and categorized using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health: Children and Youth Version. Data were pooled in 3-level random effects models, incorporating within-cohort variance in outcome measurement and between-cohort variance. Data were analyzed from March 2021 through September 2021.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
The primary outcomes were monozygotic and dizygotic twin correlations. These were used to calculate genetic and shared and nonshared environment estimates.
RESULTS
Among 139 publications that were systematically retrieved, data were available on 79 044 twin pairs (31 053 monozygotic and 47 991 dizygotic pairs), 52 independent samples, and 21 countries. Meta-analyses were conducted on psychological traits and developmental milestones from 106 publications organized into 10 categories of functioning, disability, and health. Moderate to high genetic estimates for 8 categories were found, the highest of which was psychomotor functions (pooled h2, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.25-0.79; P < .001). Several categories of traits had substantial shared environment estimates, the highest being mental functions of language (pooled c2, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.24-0.86; P = .001). All examined categories of traits had moderate or high nonshared environment estimates, the highest of which were emotional functions (pooled e2, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.33-0.50; P < .001) and family relationships (pooled e2, 0.42; 95% CI, 0.30-0.55; P < .001).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
These findings may be an important source of information to guide future gene discovery research, public perspectives on nature and nurture, and clinical insights into the degree to which family history and environments may estimate major domains of infant functioning, disability, and health in psychological traits and developmental milestones.
Topics: Adolescent; Child; Cohort Studies; Forecasting; Humans; Infant; Phenotype; Twins, Dizygotic
PubMed: 35994288
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2022.27887 -
Przeglad Menopauzalny = Menopause Review Mar 2022The paths of medically assisted reproduction represent the most important scientific progress to cope with the inability to achieve spontaneous conception (SC) and to... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
The paths of medically assisted reproduction represent the most important scientific progress to cope with the inability to achieve spontaneous conception (SC) and to reach desired parenthood. Couples undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART) and couples not facing ovulation induction and artificial fertilization show sufficient levels of well-being and psychological adjustment. However, in some cases couples undergoing ART show lower perceived quality of life than couples with SC.Our aim is to investigate the main psychological variables involved in the special risk condition of medically assisted reproduction and how they could direct specific guidelines to enhance mental wellbeing in dealing with infertility.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
In this regard, we performed a systematic review following the PRISMA guidelines. From all the studies included, the considered outcome measures were psychological, social, and relational variables and are presented in a systematic approach.
RESULTS
A total of 14 studies were included in this article, according to our strict inclusion criteria.
CONCLUSIONS
Conflicting results have been proven by this systematic review. Even though all underlined the importance of taking charge of the psychological variables in infertility, few studies monitored and evaluated the effectiveness of these interventions. Moreover, none of the selected studies monitored the evolutionary implications of parental competence on the development of children born from ART.
PubMed: 35388278
DOI: 10.5114/pm.2022.114404 -
Frontiers in Psychology 2023The experiences and changes that come along with old age may lead to a feeling of loneliness, usually followed by negative physical and mental manifestations. In this... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES
The experiences and changes that come along with old age may lead to a feeling of loneliness, usually followed by negative physical and mental manifestations. In this systematic review, we evaluated the existing tools to assess loneliness in older adults.
METHODS
We performed a literature search in the Web of Science, Medline, and PsycINFO, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. After, we examined the psychometric properties of the instruments with a focus on reliability, validity, and main conclusions.
RESULTS
We included 27 articles published between 1996 and 2021.
CONCLUSION
To date, there are few instruments to assess loneliness in older adults. In general, they present adequate psychometric properties, although it is true that some scales show somewhat low levels of reliability and validity.
PubMed: 37179898
DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1101462 -
Molecular Autism Jul 2023Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) is a rare condition diagnosed in children with two or more of the following: hypopituitarism, midline brain abnormalities, and optic nerve... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) is a rare condition diagnosed in children with two or more of the following: hypopituitarism, midline brain abnormalities, and optic nerve hypoplasia. Children with SOD experience varied visual impairment and endocrine dysfunction. Autistic-like behaviours have been reported; however, their nature and prevalence remain to be fully understood. The present systematic review aimed to explore the type and prevalence of neurodevelopmental impairments in children with SOD spectrum conditions.
METHODS
The search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, and PsycInfo. Hand-searching reference lists of included studies was conducted. All peer-reviewed, observational studies assessing behavioural and cognitive impairments or autism spectrum disorder (ASD) symptoms in children (< 18 years) with SOD, optic nerve hypoplasia, and SOD-plus were included. Studies were excluded if they did not report standardised measures of neurodevelopmental impairments or ASD outcomes.
RESULTS
From 2132 screened articles, 20 articles reporting data from a total of 479 children were included in prevalence estimates. Of 14 studies assessing cognitive-developmental outcomes, 175 of 336 (52%) children presented with intellectual disability or developmental delay. A diagnosis of ASD or clinical level of symptoms was observed in 65 of 187 (35%) children across five studies. Only five studies assessed for dysfunction across behavioural, emotional, or social domains and reported impairments in 88 of 184 (48%) of children assessed.
LIMITATIONS
Importantly, high heterogeneity among the samples in relation to their neuroanatomical, endocrine, and optic nerve involvement meant that it was not possible to statistically assess the relative contribution of these confounding factors to the specific neurodevelopmental phenotype. This was further limited by the variation in study designs and behavioural assessments used across the included studies, which may have increased the risk of information bias.
CONCLUSIONS
This systematic review suggests that the prevalence of neurodevelopmental impairments in children within the SOD spectrum may be high. Clinicians should therefore consider including formal assessments of ASD symptoms and neurodevelopmental impairments alongside routine care. There is, additionally, a need for further research to define and validate a standardised battery of tools that accurately identify neurodevelopmental impairments in SOD spectrum conditions, and for research to identify the likely causal mechanisms.
Topics: Humans; Septo-Optic Dysplasia; Autism Spectrum Disorder; Optic Nerve Hypoplasia; Hypopituitarism; Autistic Disorder
PubMed: 37491272
DOI: 10.1186/s13229-023-00559-0 -
Children (Basel, Switzerland) May 2021Father-child play engagement has been linked to a variety of child developmental outcomes. However, the most prevalent types of play and child developmental outcomes... (Review)
Review
Father-child play engagement has been linked to a variety of child developmental outcomes. However, the most prevalent types of play and child developmental outcomes utilised in research remains unclear. The aim of this study was to systematically review the literature on father-child play interactions and the association with child developmental outcomes for children aged 0-10 years. Database searches generated 1622 abstracts that matched the specified search criteria. Abstract screening and full-text review resulted in 39 included publications. The systematic review revealed that while some paternal play behaviours resulted in different impacts across play types, others reported similar impacts. The findings of this review have implications for potential interventions and parenting resources.
PubMed: 34068176
DOI: 10.3390/children8050389 -
International Journal of Developmental... 2023: Within Family Quality of Life (FQoL) research, perceptions of siblings of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the setting of a family are... (Review)
Review
: Within Family Quality of Life (FQoL) research, perceptions of siblings of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in the setting of a family are limited studied. The aim of this systematic review is to find relevant information about quality of life perceptions of siblings of people with IDD. Two main questions guided this review: (1) what are the siblings' perceptions on quality of life in the context of their family? (2) what needs and challenges do siblings have regarding their quality of life as siblings of individuals with IDD? : A systematic search was conducted using Scopus, PsycInfo, ERIC and Web of Science databases, involving keywords and combinations such as Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, Family Quality of Life and siblings. : We identified a total of 48 articles. Analysis showed siblings' diverse perceptions of quality of life and their multiple experiences, needs, desires and concerns. : Results contribute to knowledge about the quality of life and well-being of siblings of all ages. Suggestions for support, interventions and future research are given, such as the necessity of educating local communities regarding siblings' needs, the study of siblings' experiences in different cultural contexts or the importance of conducting research with clear theoretical frameworks and focused on the multiple components that might be influencing siblings' quality of life.
PubMed: 37885836
DOI: 10.1080/20473869.2022.2036919 -
Behaviour Research and Therapy Jul 2016Postnatal depression (PND) confers risk for a range of negative child developmental outcomes, at least in part through its impact on parenting behaviour. Whilst the... (Review)
Review
Postnatal depression (PND) confers risk for a range of negative child developmental outcomes, at least in part through its impact on parenting behaviour. Whilst the behavioural effects of depression on parenting are well established, the cognitive mechanisms that may mediate this effect are less well understood. The current paper proposes that rumination may be a key cognitive mechanism through which parenting is affected in PND, and provides a systematic review of the existing literature on rumination in the context of perinatal depression. The review identifies ten relevant papers. Eight are questionnaire-based studies examining the role of rumination in predicting future depression and/or mother-infant relationship outcomes, such as bonding. Two are experimental studies examining the effects of induced rumination on parenting behaviours. The results of the review are discussed, and remaining questions highlighted. We then present a new theoretical model, developed specifically for the perinatal context, and informed by existing models of rumination and worry. Our cognitive model emphasises the relationship between rumination, cognitive biases and cognitive control, and the impact of these variables on infant cue processing and subsequent parenting responses. The model provides a potential framework for future work in this area, and to guide the development of treatment interventions.
Topics: Depression, Postpartum; Female; Humans; Models, Psychological; Mother-Child Relations; Parenting; Thinking
PubMed: 27203622
DOI: 10.1016/j.brat.2016.05.003 -
International Journal of Environmental... Feb 2017Childhood and adolescence are important developmental phases which influence health and well-being across the life span. Social relationships are fundamental to child... (Review)
Review
Childhood and adolescence are important developmental phases which influence health and well-being across the life span. Social relationships are fundamental to child and adolescent development; yet studies have been limited to children's relationships with other humans. This paper provides an evidence review for the potential associations between pet ownership and emotional; behavioural; cognitive; educational and social developmental outcomes. As the field is in the early stages; a broad set of inclusion criteria was applied. A systematic search of databases and grey literature sources found twenty-two studies meeting selection criteria. The review found evidence for an association between pet ownership and a wide range of emotional health benefits from childhood pet ownership; particularly for self-esteem and loneliness. The findings regarding childhood anxiety and depression were inconclusive. Studies also showed evidence of an association between pet ownership and educational and cognitive benefits; for example, in perspective-taking abilities and intellectual development. Evidence on behavioural development was unclear due to a lack of high quality research. Studies on pet ownership and social development provided evidence for an association with increased social competence; social networks; social interaction and social play behaviour. Overall, pet ownership and the significance of children's bonds with companion animals have been underexplored; there is a shortage of high quality and longitudinal studies in all outcomes. Prospective studies that control for a wide range of confounders are required.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Development; Animals; Anxiety; Child; Child Development; Depression; Humans; Loneliness; Mental Health; Pets; Self Concept
PubMed: 28264460
DOI: 10.3390/ijerph14030234 -
Developmental Medicine and Child... Apr 2017Careful study and accurate description of behaviour are important to understand developmental challenges for individuals with Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS). Here we... (Review)
Review
AIM
Careful study and accurate description of behaviour are important to understand developmental challenges for individuals with Cornelia de Lange syndrome (CdLS). Here we present a systematic review of current understanding of behaviour in CdLS.
METHOD
A systematic search was performed for articles published between January 1946 and December 2015 evaluating autism, self-injury, and/or cognition in CdLS. After study-selection, 43 papers were included. The Cochrane quality criteria were adjusted to assign quality scores to the included studies.
RESULTS
Participants were mostly categorized in the severe/profound developmental level. Methodology and quality were very heterogeneous, as well as reporting occurrence of autism. Self-injurious behaviour was reported in 15 papers. Physical conditions were reported in 21 studies, mostly related to hearing and vision. Only nine studies mentioned details about medication.
INTERPRETATION
Comparison of presented results was hindered by heterogeneous assessment methods. Improving our understanding of behavioural characteristics in CdLS requires more uniform methodology. We propose a criterion standard of instruments that can ideally be used in assessment of behaviour and development. This will improve understanding of behaviour in the context of developmental level and daily functioning.
Topics: Databases, Bibliographic; De Lange Syndrome; Humans; Mental Disorders; Quality of Life
PubMed: 27988966
DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.13361 -
Developmental Medicine and Child... May 2019In an attempt to clarify the debate surrounding the diagnostic validity of childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), we systematically reviewed its characteristics and... (Review)
Review
AIM
In an attempt to clarify the debate surrounding the diagnostic validity of childhood disintegrative disorder (CDD), we systematically reviewed its characteristics and compared it with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).
METHOD
Four databases were searched (PubMed, PsycINFO, Embase, and Web of Science). Included articles had participants with CDD, as defined by symptoms present in the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, Text Revision and the International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision. Comparison groups were those with ASD and ASD with regression. Case studies were excluded.
RESULTS
Twenty articles, comprising 96 participants with CDD (80 males, 16 females), were included. Most studies were cross-sectional. The prevalence of CDD was 1.1 to 9.2 per 100 000, with a mean age at regression of 3 years 2 months (SD 1y 1mo), with a range of 2 years to 7 years. In addition to core CDD symptoms, most had intellectual impairment, anxiety, challenging behaviours, and regressed in toileting skills. Participants with CDD and ASD shared core diagnostic and extra-diagnostic features. However, participants with CDD seemed to have more severe symptoms and a different symptom profile, including apparently typical development before regression, faster regression, more affective symptoms, and more global developmental deficit. Possible genetic and autoimmune neurobiological mechanisms were identified.
INTERPRETATION
There is limited high-quality evidence describing the aetiology and outcomes of CDD. However, given the qualitative and prognostic differences between ASD and CDD, we recommend that future diagnostic criteria should distinguish late-onset regression.
Topics: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Child; Child, Preschool; Humans; Intellectual Disability; Language Disorders; Social Behavior Disorders
PubMed: 30548847
DOI: 10.1111/dmcn.14126