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Science (New York, N.Y.) Oct 2023During pregnancy, physiological adaptations prepare the female body for the challenges of motherhood. Becoming a parent also requires behavioral adaptations. Such...
During pregnancy, physiological adaptations prepare the female body for the challenges of motherhood. Becoming a parent also requires behavioral adaptations. Such adaptations can occur as early as during pregnancy, but how pregnancy hormones remodel parenting circuits to instruct preparatory behavioral changes remains unknown. We found that action of estradiol and progesterone on galanin (Gal)-expressing neurons in the mouse medial preoptic area (MPOA) is critical for pregnancy-induced parental behavior. Whereas estradiol silences MPOA neurons and paradoxically increases their excitability, progesterone permanently rewires this circuit node by promoting dendritic spine formation and recruitment of excitatory synaptic inputs. This MPOA-specific neural remodeling sparsens population activity in vivo and results in persistently stronger, more selective responses to pup stimuli. Pregnancy hormones thus remodel parenting circuits in anticipation of future behavioral need.
Topics: Animals; Female; Mice; Pregnancy; Estradiol; Maternal Behavior; Parenting; Preoptic Area; Progesterone; Models, Animal; Neurons
PubMed: 37797007
DOI: 10.1126/science.adi0576 -
Prevention Science : the Official... May 2024Parenting and family environment have significant impact on child development, including development of executive function, attention, and self-regulation, and may... (Meta-Analysis)
Meta-Analysis Review
All in the Family? A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Parenting and Family Environment as Risk Factors for Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in Children.
Parenting and family environment have significant impact on child development, including development of executive function, attention, and self-regulation, and may affect the risk of developmental disorders including attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). This paper examines the relationship of parenting and family environment factors with ADHD. A systematic review of the literature was conducted in 2014 and identified 52 longitudinal studies. A follow-up search in 2021 identified 7 additional articles, for a total of 59 studies that examined the association of parenting factors with ADHD outcomes: ADHD overall (diagnosis or symptoms), ADHD diagnosis specifically, or presence of the specific ADHD symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity. For parenting factors that were present in three or more studies, pooled effect sizes were calculated separately for dichotomous or continuous ADHD outcomes, accounting for each study's conditional variance. Factors with sufficient information for analysis were parenting interaction quality (sensitivity/warmth, intrusiveness/reactivity, and negativity/harsh discipline), maltreatment (general maltreatment and physical abuse), parental relationship status (divorce, single parenting), parental incarceration, and child media exposure. All factors showed a significant direct association with ADHD outcomes, except sensitivity/warmth which had an inverse association. Parenting factors predicted diagnosis and overall symptoms as well as inattentive and hyperactive symptoms when measured, but multiple factors showed significant heterogeneity across studies. These findings support the possibility that parenting and family environment influences ADHD symptoms and may affect a child's likelihood of being diagnosed with ADHD. Prevention strategies that support parents, such as decreasing parenting challenges and increasing access to parent training in behavior management, may improve children's long-term developmental health.
Topics: Humans; Attention Deficit Disorder with Hyperactivity; Parenting; Child; Risk Factors
PubMed: 35438451
DOI: 10.1007/s11121-022-01358-4 -
Developmental Neuropsychology Aug 2023Parent-youth relationships and parenting are critically important to adolescents' development. The present study examined associations between parenting behaviors (which...
Parent-youth relationships and parenting are critically important to adolescents' development. The present study examined associations between parenting behaviors (which included observed parent emotion expression and negative and positive parenting behaviors during a parent-adolescent interaction) and adolescent brain structure, and sex differences in associations, in 66 12-14 year-olds. The study found that 1) among all adolescents in the sample, greater parent negative emotion expression in parent-youth interactions was associated with greater adolescent gray matter volume (GMV) in the left hippocampus, 2) parent positive emotion expression was not associated with adolescent GMV, 3) several associations differed by sex. These findings suggest that parenting is important for adolescent brain structure and future work should consider this by sex.
Topics: Adolescent; Female; Humans; Male; Parenting; Brain; Parents; Emotions; Adolescent Development
PubMed: 37665378
DOI: 10.1080/87565641.2023.2254872 -
Nursing Open Aug 2023Our aim is to clarify the concept of paternal perinatal depression including its definition, attributes, antecedents and consequences. (Review)
Review
AIM
Our aim is to clarify the concept of paternal perinatal depression including its definition, attributes, antecedents and consequences.
DESIGN
A concept analysis.
METHODS
To obtain relevant evidence, several databases were searched systematically including PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO and the Cochrane Library. Qualitative or quantitative articles published in English that focused on paternal perinatal depression were included. After the literature quality assessment, Walker and Avant's concept analysis strategy was used.
RESULTS
Five defining attributes (i.e. symptoms occur during the partner's pregnancy or 1-year postpartum and last at least 2 weeks, emotional symptoms, somatic symptoms, negative parenting behaviours and 'masked' symptoms), four antecedents (i.e. personal issues, pregnancy-related issues, infant-related issues, social issues) and three consequences (i.e. offspring outcomes, marital relationship, maternal negative emotions) were identified.
Topics: Female; Humans; Infant; Male; Pregnancy; Depression; Depressive Disorder; Fathers; Parenting; Postpartum Period
PubMed: 37147794
DOI: 10.1002/nop2.1797 -
Journal of Research on Adolescence :... Sep 2023Evidence suggests significant interrelations among parent and adolescent sleep (i.e., concordance). However, less is known regarding how parent-adolescent sleep...
Evidence suggests significant interrelations among parent and adolescent sleep (i.e., concordance). However, less is known regarding how parent-adolescent sleep concordance varies as a function of the family context. This study examined daily and average concordance between parent and adolescent sleep and explored adverse parenting and family functioning (e.g., cohesion, flexibility) as potential moderators. One hundred and twenty-four adolescents (M = 12.90) and their parents (93% mothers) wore actigraphy watches assessing sleep duration, efficiency, and midpoint across 1 week. Multilevel models indicated daily (within-family) concordance between parent and adolescent sleep duration and midpoint. Average (between-family) concordance was found for sleep midpoint only. Family flexibility was linked with greater daily concordance in sleep duration and midpoint, whereas adverse parenting predicted discordance in average sleep duration and efficiency.
Topics: Female; Humans; Adolescent; Child; Sleep; Parents; Mothers; Actigraphy; Parenting
PubMed: 36810860
DOI: 10.1111/jora.12842 -
Journal of Pediatric Health Care :... 2023This study aimed to understand the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has on the mental health and well-being of pregnant and parenting adolescents and young adults (AYA) to...
INTRODUCTION
This study aimed to understand the impacts the COVID-19 pandemic has on the mental health and well-being of pregnant and parenting adolescents and young adults (AYA) to identify unique challenges they faced.
METHOD
Pregnant and parenting AYA from a teen and tot program at a safety-net hospital in the northeast participated in semistructured qualitative interviews. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, and coded. Analysis was conducted using modified grounded theory and content analysis.
RESULTS
Fifteen pregnant and parenting AYA participated in interviews. Participants were aged 19-28 years (mean age, 22.6). Participants reported adverse mental health experiences, namely increased loneliness, depression, and anxiety, engagement in preventive measures to protect their children's health, positive attitudes toward telemedicine because of efficiency and safety, delayed attainment of personal and professional goals, and increased attitudes of resilience.
DISCUSSION
Health care professionals should offer expanded screening and support resources to pregnant and parenting AYA during this time.
Topics: Pregnancy; Female; Child; Adolescent; Humans; Young Adult; Adult; Parenting; Mental Health; Pandemics; COVID-19; Qualitative Research
PubMed: 36973102
DOI: 10.1016/j.pedhc.2023.03.002 -
European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Dec 2023Parenting children with conduct problems (CP) is challenging, yet very little research has examined parenting using both quantitative and qualitative methods, from the...
Parenting children with conduct problems (CP) is challenging, yet very little research has examined parenting using both quantitative and qualitative methods, from the perspective of the child and their parent/caregiver, and separately for those with high vs. low levels of callous-unemotional traits (HCU vs. LCU). One hundred and forty-six boys aged 11-16 [Typically developing (TD) n = 31; CP/HCU n = 35; CP/LCU n = 35] and their parents/caregivers completed the Alabama Parenting Questionnaire and provided a written qualitative statement describing their respective experiences of parenting/being parented. Parents/caregivers of CP/HCU boys reported more difficulty with child monitoring and supervision than parents of TD boys. This was echoed in qualitative reports of parents of CP/HCU boys reporting concerns regarding their child's safety. Parents/caregivers of both groups of CP boys reported more inconsistent discipline than parents of TD boys. Parental qualitative descriptions of challenging behavior in CP/HCU boys, and difficulties with setting boundaries and motivating CP/LCU boys, provided further insight to the potential triggers for inconsistent discipline. Qualitative reports from boys with CP indicated that they understood the parenting challenges their parents/caregivers faced. These findings replicate and extend previous work on the associations between parenting and CP. Children with CP/HCU and CP/LCU show some commonalities and differences in their parenting experiences and CP children and their parents/caregivers do not necessarily share all the same perceptions or concerns. CP interventions often involve parent/family engagement and this research highlights the continued importance of examining both parent and child perspectives.
Topics: Male; Humans; Child; Conduct Disorder; Parenting; Problem Behavior; Parents; Caregivers; Emotions; Empathy
PubMed: 36374342
DOI: 10.1007/s00787-022-02109-0 -
Indian Pediatrics Nov 2023Adoption is gaining an increasing acceptance in the society, and is also being researched well globally; yet, the concept of single parent adoption (SPA) is viewed with...
Adoption is gaining an increasing acceptance in the society, and is also being researched well globally; yet, the concept of single parent adoption (SPA) is viewed with scepticism. Although, it is legally possible for prospective parents to proceed with adoption, there are several barriers which have made SPA a lengthy and arduous process. We present a strong case for SPA, in the absence of adequate research, by citing a basic flaw when fighting for SPA. Comparing SPA with a "two-parent model" is not only unreasonable but also unfair as it deprives a single parent of the pleasures of parenting and also denies the child an opportunity of living in a home outside the confines of an orphanage.
Topics: Child; Humans; Single Parent; Prospective Studies; Parents; Parenting; Parent-Child Relations
PubMed: 37950469
DOI: No ID Found -
JAMA Network Open Oct 2023Limited systematic information on familial factors and perception of the benefits and harms of internet use by youths is available. Much of the current research has been...
IMPORTANCE
Limited systematic information on familial factors and perception of the benefits and harms of internet use by youths is available. Much of the current research has been hampered by small nondiverse samples and limited information on key familial and offspring characteristics.
OBJECTIVE
To characterize parental perceptions and concerns about internet use associated with adolescent development, well-being, safety, family connectedness, and potential for problematic internet use.
DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS
A 20-minute, English-language survey was developed with expert stakeholders using previously validated questionnaires and was conducted online between June 17 and July 5, 2022. Participants included 1005 parents of children and adolescents aged 9 to 15 years drawn from an online digital survey platform and calibrated for representation with post hoc weightings.
MAIN OUTCOMES AND MEASURES
Parent survey responses about family characteristics and internet use were used to compute Internet Addiction Test scores for parents and their offspring, Alabama Parenting Questionnaire scores, and an aggregate family connectedness score.
RESULTS
The survey cohort of 1005 parents included 568 women (56.5%) and 437 men (43.5%) with a mean age (SD) of 39.5 (6.4) years. In terms of race and ethnicity, the most common categories included Black or African American (95 [9.5%]), Latinx or Hispanic (100 [10.0%]), White (602 [59.9%]), and 2 or more races or ethnicities (122 [12.1%]). Respondents endorsed parental concerns that included exposure to harmful content (646 [64.3%]) and online bullying (533 [53.0%]). Two hundred twenty-five parents (22.4%) had specific concerns about internet addiction in their adolescent offspring, and twice as many parents reported specific concerns about internet addiction than substance addiction. However, parents also indicated that internet use improved family connectedness among immediate families (468 [46.6%]) and extended families (568 [56.5%]). Internet Addiction Test scores in adolescent offspring were correlated with parent scores (β = 0.62 [SE = 0.02]; P < .001) and Alabama Parenting Questionnaire-Inconsistent Discipline scores (β = 0.23 [SE = 0.11]; P = .04).
CONCLUSIONS AND RELEVANCE
In this survey study of parent perceptions of internet use among adolescent offspring, parents believed the internet brought families closer yet also expressed concerns. Problematic internet use among youths was correlated with negative parenting styles and parent internet use. This research adds to the literature by suggesting that families, their communities, and industry may have common ground to collaborate on reducing the negative effects of internet use.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Female; Humans; Male; Ethnicity; Internet Use; Parenting; Parents
PubMed: 37883086
DOI: 10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.39851 -
Family Process Dec 2023Adolescent disordered eating and obesity are interrelated and adversely relate to mental and metabolic health. Parental feeding practices have been associated with...
Adolescent disordered eating and obesity are interrelated and adversely relate to mental and metabolic health. Parental feeding practices have been associated with adolescent disordered eating and obesity. Yet, observable interactions related to food parenting have not been well characterized. To address this gap, N = 30 adolescents (M ± SD 14 ± 2 year) at risk for adult obesity due to above-average body mass index (BMI ≥70th percentile) or parental obesity (BMI ≥30 kg/m ) participated in a video-recorded parent-adolescent task to discuss a food/eating-related disagreement. Interactions were coded for individual/dyadic affect/content using the Interactional Dimensions Coding System. We examined associations of interaction qualities with parent-reported food practices, adolescent disordered eating behaviors/attitudes, and insulin resistance. Reported parenting practices were correlated with multiple interaction qualities (p-values <0.05), with the most consistent correspondence between parent-reported pressure to eat (e.g., pressure to eat more healthy foods) and negative aspects of parent-adolescent interactions. Also, after accounting for adolescent age, sex, and BMI-standard score, parent-adolescent interaction qualities were associated with adolescents' disordered eating and insulin resistance. Specifically, greater adolescent problem-solving related to less adolescent global disordered eating, shape, and weight concern (p-values <0.05); adolescent autonomy related to less weight concern (p = 0.03). Better parent communication skills were associated with less adolescent eating concern (p = 0.04), and observed dyadic mutuality related to adolescents' lower insulin resistance (p = 0.03). Parent-adolescent interaction qualities during food/eating-related disagreements show associations with parent-reported food practices and adolescent disordered eating. This method may offer a tool for measuring the qualities of parent-adolescent food/eating-related interactions. A nuanced understanding of conversations about food/eating may inform family-based intervention in youth at-risk for adult obesity.
Topics: Adult; Humans; Adolescent; Parenting; Insulin Resistance; Parents; Obesity; Feeding and Eating Disorders; Parent-Child Relations; Surveys and Questionnaires
PubMed: 36347267
DOI: 10.1111/famp.12829