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Developmental Psychology Jul 2023This study examined the relations between normative developmental changes of familism values and later internalizing and externalizing behaviors in Latinx adolescents...
This study examined the relations between normative developmental changes of familism values and later internalizing and externalizing behaviors in Latinx adolescents from an emerging immigrant community. The sample included 547 Latinx adolescents (55.4% female; baseline = 12.80; = 1.03) residing in the Southeastern United States. Results from latent growth models indicated that higher initial levels of familism values (intercept) and slower declines (slope) in familism values across adolescence predicted lower internalizing and externalizing behaviors at a later time. These associations generalized across adolescent gender (boys and girls) and ethnic background (Mexican-origin vs. other Latinx-origin). This work highlights the impact of variation in normative developmental changes in familism values on adjustment among Latinx adolescents in an emerging immigrant community context. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).
Topics: Male; Humans; Adolescent; Female; Child; Emotional Adjustment; Longitudinal Studies; Ethnicity; Emigrants and Immigrants; Hispanic or Latino
PubMed: 37166864
DOI: 10.1037/dev0001554 -
International Psychogeriatrics May 2016Despite well-documented evidence of the psychological effects of caring for a relative with dementia, little is known about the bereavement experiences of family carers....
BACKGROUND
Despite well-documented evidence of the psychological effects of caring for a relative with dementia, little is known about the bereavement experiences of family carers. The aim of this study was to explore the key psychological changes associated with carers' adjustment to bereavement and "life after care."
METHODS
All carers taking part were recruited from a day care center, providing specialist services to people with dementia. We asked carers to describe the key changes associated with psychological adjustment to bereavement through semi-structured qualitative in-depth interviews. Strategies carers used to cope with and adapt to their new role were also explored. All data were thematically analysed.
RESULTS
Thirty-one carers were interviewed. The most frequent emotional reactions to bereavement were feelings of loneliness, loss, void, sadness, anger, and relief. Most carers were able to adapt to their new role, and engaging in pleasant activities was the most frequent strategy used to cope with loss and "life after care."
CONCLUSIONS
Feelings of loneliness and loss are amongst the key emotional reactions shaping carers' adjustment to bereavement. Most carers are able to adapt to loss; however, a minority experience increased psychological distress after the death of their loved one. A small percentage of carers continues caring for other dependants. Further research is required to identify how carers of people with dementia adapt to bereavement and how this increasing number of individuals can be best supported.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Aged; Bereavement; Caregivers; Dementia; Emotional Adjustment; Female; Humans; Interviews as Topic; Male; Middle Aged; Qualitative Research; Social Support
PubMed: 26648275
DOI: 10.1017/S104161021500201X -
Fertility and Sterility May 2021To study differences by sperm donor type in the psychological adjustment of the U.S. National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study (NLLFS) offspring across three time...
The stability of psychological adjustment among donor-conceived offspring in the U.S. National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study from childhood to adulthood: differences by donor type.
OBJECTIVE
To study differences by sperm donor type in the psychological adjustment of the U.S. National Longitudinal Lesbian Family Study (NLLFS) offspring across three time periods from childhood to adulthood.
DESIGN
U.S.-based prospective cohort study.
SETTING
Paper-and-pencil questionnaires and protected online surveys.
PATIENT(S)
A cohort of 74 offspring conceived by lesbian parents using an anonymous (n = 26), a known (n = 26), or an open-identity (n = 22) sperm donor. Data were reported when offspring were ages 10 (wave 4), 17 (wave 5), and 25 (wave 6).
INTERVENTION(S)
None.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S)
Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist administered to lesbian parents when offspring were ages 10 and 17 and the Achenbach Adult Self-Report administered to offspring at age 25.
RESULT(S)
In both relative and absolute stability, no differences were found in internalizing, externalizing, and total problem behaviors by donor type over 15 years. However, both externalizing and total problem behaviors significantly declined from age 10 to 17 and then increased from age 17 to 25. Irrespective of donor type, among the 74 offspring, the large majority scored continuously within the normal range on internalizing (n = 62, 83.8%), externalizing (n = 62, 83.8%), and total problem behaviors (n = 60, 81.1%).
CONCLUSION(S)
The results reassure prospective lesbian parents and provide policy makers and reproductive medicine practitioners with empirical evidence that psychological adjustment in offspring raised by lesbian parents is unrelated to donor type in the long term.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Adolescent; Adult; Adult Children; Child; Child Development; Cohort Studies; Donor Conception; Emotional Adjustment; Family Relations; Female; Homosexuality, Female; Humans; Insemination, Artificial, Heterologous; Longitudinal Studies; Male; Parents; Prospective Studies; Sexual and Gender Minorities; Surveys and Questionnaires; Tissue Donors; United States; Young Adult
PubMed: 33541691
DOI: 10.1016/j.fertnstert.2020.12.012 -
Journal of Pediatric Psychology Oct 2021The current study examined the roles of constructive and dysfunctional problem-solving strategies in the relationships between illness uncertainty and adjustment...
OBJECTIVE
The current study examined the roles of constructive and dysfunctional problem-solving strategies in the relationships between illness uncertainty and adjustment outcomes (i.e., anxious, depressive, and posttraumatic stress symptoms) in caregivers of children newly diagnosed with cancer.
METHODS
Two hundred thirty-eight caregivers of children (0-19 years of age) newly diagnosed with cancer (2-14 weeks since diagnosis) completed measures of illness uncertainty, problem-solving strategies, and symptoms of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress.
RESULTS
A mediation model path analysis assessed constructive and dysfunctional problem-solving strategies as mediators between illness uncertainty and caregiver anxious, depressive, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Dysfunctional problem-solving scores partially mediated the relationships between illness uncertainty and anxious, depressive, and posttraumatic stress symptoms. Constructive problem-solving scores did not mediate these relationships.
CONCLUSIONS
The current findings suggest that illness uncertainty and dysfunctional problem-solving strategies, but not constructive problem-solving strategies, may play a key role in the adjustment of caregivers of children newly diagnosed with cancer. Interventions aimed at managing illness uncertainty and mitigating the impact of dysfunctional problem-solving strategies may promote psychological adjustment.
Topics: Caregivers; Child; Depression; Emotional Adjustment; Humans; Infant; Infant, Newborn; Neoplasms; Uncertainty
PubMed: 34350968
DOI: 10.1093/jpepsy/jsab065 -
Journal of Youth and Adolescence Mar 2024Positive and negative leadership styles may influence classroom norms and be related to the school and psychological adjustment of children in general, and victims in...
Positive and negative leadership styles may influence classroom norms and be related to the school and psychological adjustment of children in general, and victims in particular. This study tested the relation between leadership styles and children's adjustment, and the moderating effects of leadership on the association between self-reported victimization and school and psychological adjustment (self-esteem, social anxiety, and depressive symptoms); and it tested for potential gender differences. Classrooms were classified into those with only positive leaders, only negative leaders, both positive and negative leaders, and without leaders. The sample contained 8748 children (M = 10.05, SD = 1.22; 51.2% girls) from 392 classrooms, in grades three to six, in 98 Dutch schools. Multilevel analysis revealed that, in general, children in negative leader classrooms experienced lower school well-being than children in other classrooms. In positive leader classrooms, male and female victims had lower school well-being. For psychological well-being, female victims had lower self-esteem and more depressive symptoms in positive leader classrooms. Male and female victims in negative leader classrooms did not suffer from additional maladjustment. These results demonstrate that negative leadership styles are related to lower school well-being of all children, whereas victimization in classrooms with positive leaders is negatively related to male and female victims' school well-being and girls' psychological adjustment (depressive symptoms); this is in line with the 'healthy context paradox'.
Topics: Child; Humans; Male; Female; Emotional Adjustment; Peer Group; Schools; Students; Bullying; Crime Victims
PubMed: 38183532
DOI: 10.1007/s10964-023-01937-w -
American Journal of Community Psychology Jun 2022Across two studies, we examined whether racially diverse contexts in combination with creating a third (multiracial) space played a protective role in the association...
Across two studies, we examined whether racially diverse contexts in combination with creating a third (multiracial) space played a protective role in the association between perceived monoracism and psychological adjustment for multiracial adults. Study 1 participants (N = 263; 77.8% female, M = 32.16 years) were recruited from national multiracial organizations and completed an online cross-sectional survey in 2009. Study 2 participants (N = 1478; 56.2% female, M = 48.89 years) were recruited by the Pew Research Center and completed a nationally representative survey in 2015. Results indicated significant three-way interaction effects on psychological adjustment, with differential effects depending on the types of perceived monoracism. Specifically, when subjective racial diversity was high, creating a third space buffered against the deleterious effects of multiracial discrimination on distress, negative affect, and life satisfaction; while it exacerbated the link between perceived racial ambiguity and negative affect. This study provides empirical evidence for the importance of using an ecological framework when examining multiracial identity and experiences. Results also highlight the need to move beyond conceptualizing and measuring multiracial experiences as dichotomous risks or resiliencies. Rather, we should aim to understand multiracial experiences as either promoting or inhibiting across contexts, time, and individual characteristics.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Cross-Sectional Studies; Emotional Adjustment; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Racial Groups; Social Identification
PubMed: 34723397
DOI: 10.1002/ajcp.12564 -
BMC Public Health Nov 2022Since the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, the number of international students in the United States had been gradually increasing. However, the total numbers...
The impact of changing nonimmigrant visa policies on international students' psychological adjustment and well-being in the United States during the COVID-19 pandemic: a qualitative study.
BACKGROUND
Since the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, the number of international students in the United States had been gradually increasing. However, the total numbers have begun to decrease since 2019-2020 school year due to the Trump administration's policy and COVID-19. Still, little is known about how international students' psychological adjustment and well-being have been affected by changing nonimmigrant visa policy and the COVID-19 pandemic. METHODS: We conducted a total of 34 online semi-structured in-depth interviews with international students from 18 countries of origin studying in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. More than 60% of the participants (21 out of 34) were aged 21 to 25. Among our 34 participants, gender and 18 were male and 16 were female, and 19 were undergraduate students and 15 were master's students. The majority of the participants were first-generation college students (22/34, 64.71%). Verbatim transcription was done for all interviews. NVivo was used for both deductive and inductive approaches to the qualitative analysis.
RESULTS
Overall, the recent political climate negatively impacted participants' psychology of adjustment and well-being. July 6, 2020 Policy Directive for international students caused severe uncertainty about whether they can continue studying in the United States. There were many resources or services needed to overcome this period, such as extended mental and emotional support from the counseling services as well as financial and informational support from the international student office and university. Although international students had the benefit of the university's food assistance program, they were not eligible to receive any external support outside of the university and financial aid at the local and federal levels. Whether maintaining F-1 visa status was one of their major concerns. Due to COVID-19, job opportunities were limited, which made international students difficult to obtain Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and secure a job in the United States within the 90-day unemployment limit of Optical Practical Training (OPT). H-1B visa and permanent residency were other challenges to go through, but participants saw positive perspectives from the Biden administration.
CONCLUSIONS
Uncertain policy changes due to COVID-19 and presidential transitions impacted international students' psychological well-being and adjustment. International students are important populations in the United States who have supported jobs that are high in demand and economically contributed to the United States. It is expected that future policies at various levels support international students' life and improve their health equity and mental health.
Topics: Female; Male; United States; Humans; Emotional Adjustment; COVID-19; Pandemics; Policy; Students
PubMed: 36447205
DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-14698-1 -
Aging & Mental Health Mar 2018The relationship intimacy model of psychosocial adjustment to illness indicates that a patient's willingness to communicate about their illness, as perceived by the...
OBJECTIVES
The relationship intimacy model of psychosocial adjustment to illness indicates that a patient's willingness to communicate about their illness, as perceived by the spouse, is a strong predictor of spouse relational and psychological well-being. Inspired by the relationship intimacy model, the current study examined the psychological adjustment of spouses of individuals with dual-sensory loss (DSL), a disability where interpersonal communication is of particular concern.
METHOD
Surveys were sent to all known individuals and their partners who were 50 years of age or older and were enrolled in services for acquired DSL in Denmark. A total of 65 spouses met the inclusion criteria of which 45 (69%) returned a partner survey.
RESULTS
Results showed a significant association between couples' sensory loss-related communication, relationship satisfaction, perceived support and psychological well-being. Perceived support significantly mediated the association between couples' sensory loss communication and spouse psychological well-being.
CONCLUSION
The current study's findings provide support for a relationship-focused perspective of spousal psychological adjustment in the context of DSL. Further, couples' sensory loss-related communication is presented as a potential intervention target to enhance spouse perceived support and psychological well-being.
Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Cross-Sectional Studies; Deaf-Blind Disorders; Emotional Adjustment; Female; Humans; Interpersonal Relations; Male; Middle Aged; Spouses
PubMed: 27976917
DOI: 10.1080/13607863.2016.1268091 -
School Psychology (Washington, D.C.) Jan 2022The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting infringements of day-to-day life have affected families through school closures and home-learning. Yet,...
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic and the resulting infringements of day-to-day life have affected families through school closures and home-learning. Yet, little research investigated how adolescents and their families could be supported during this time. Our two-wave study had three aims. First, we examined life satisfaction and academic self-efficacy trajectories among ethnic minority and majority adolescents. Second, we considered the role of the home learning environment (learning conditions and parental involvement) in explaining ethnic status group differences. Third, we studied pandemic-related familial factors that contributed to positive home learning environments. The sample comprised 121 ethnic minority ( = 14.04; = 1.25; 53% female) and 105 ethnic majority adolescents ( = 14.36; SD = 1.25; 59% female) in Germany. Results of repeated measures analyses of covariances (ANCOVAs) showed distinct trajectories in adolescents' adjustment (Time × Ethnic status group interaction: η² = .02 for academic self-efficacy and η² = .03 for life satisfaction). Whereas ethnic minority adolescents reported stable academic self-efficacy and a decrease in life satisfaction, ethnic majority adolescents reported stable life satisfaction and an increase in academic self-efficacy. Accounting for learning conditions reduced the differences between minority and majority adolescents to nonsignificance. Parental involvement did not explain these differences, although it was itself important for adjustment outcomes in both groups. Hierarchical regression analyses showed that good student-teacher communication, a positive family climate and fathers' short-time work contributed to the home learning environment. Findings highlight the decisive role of the family context during home-learning and the importance of learning conditions in overcoming educational disparities. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).
Topics: Adolescent; COVID-19; Emotional Adjustment; Ethnicity; Female; Humans; Male; Minority Groups; SARS-CoV-2
PubMed: 34928642
DOI: 10.1037/spq0000489 -
Journal of Family Psychology : JFP :... Feb 2024Adolescence is a unique developmental period marked with significant changes and challenges. As such, maintaining optimal psychological adjustment is crucial for young...
Adolescence is a unique developmental period marked with significant changes and challenges. As such, maintaining optimal psychological adjustment is crucial for young people, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic when their adjustment became more challenging. Self-control is a vital ability assisting individuals to navigate difficulties and stay well-adjusted during turbulent times. While the associations between adolescent self-control and adjustment have been well-documented, parental self-control has been considered to play a more fundamental role in adolescent adjustment. However, this consideration has received scant research. Drawing on the intergenerational transmission model of self-regulation, we examined an understudied yet plausible idea that parental self-control facilitates adolescent adjustment through parents' lower levels of perceived stress/better mindful parenting and adolescents' improved self-control. A two-wave survey study, spanning 1 year apart, was conducted among 426 Chinese adolescents ( = 11.6 years, 53.5% boys) and their parents. Parents rated their self-control, perceived stress, and mindful parenting at T1, while adolescents rated their self-control and adjustment (i.e., psychological difficulties and life satisfaction) at T1 and T2. The results of chain mediation model showed that after controlling for demographic covariates and baseline levels of adolescent self-control and adjustment, T1 self-control facilitated T2 adolescent adjustment through fathers' lower levels of perceived stress and adolescents' improved self-control. By contrast, T1 self-control facilitated T2 adolescent adjustment through mothers' better mindful parenting and adolescents' improved self-control. These findings advance our understanding of how self-control is transmitted from parents to offspring and clarify the processes of how parental self-control facilitates adolescent adjustment. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).
Topics: Male; Female; Humans; Adolescent; Child; Parenting; Emotional Adjustment; Pandemics; Adolescent Behavior; Parents; Parent-Child Relations; Mothers; Self-Control; Stress, Psychological
PubMed: 38032655
DOI: 10.1037/fam0001172