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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 -
Journal of Abnormal Child Psychology Feb 2018Children who live in the context of maternal incarceration (MI) are exposed to both general environmental risk and incarceration-specific risk increasing the probability...
Children who live in the context of maternal incarceration (MI) are exposed to both general environmental risk and incarceration-specific risk increasing the probability of their developing externalizing and internalizing behaviors problems. Little research has examined the socio-emotional mechanisms that account for the psychological effects of MI. This research examined children's anger and sadness regulation as mediators between environmental and incarceration-specific risk and psychological functioning. Participants were 117 children (60% Black; 52% boys; M age = 9.85 years, SD = 1.65 years), their incarcerated mother, and current caregiver. All informants completed questionnaires assessing children's anger and sadness regulation as well as externalizing and internalizing behaviors. Mothers and caregivers provided information concerning children's exposure to environmental risk and all three reporters provided information on incarceration-specific risk experiences (ISRE). Structural equation modeling was used to test indirect effects of risk variables (ISRE, environmental) on psychological functioning (externalizing, internalizing behaviors) via emotion regulation (anger, sadness). Gender, age, and race were covariates. The analyses revealed significant indirect effects of incarceration-specific risk on both externalizing and internalizing behavior problems via anger regulation but not via sadness regulation. The findings highlight the centrality of emotion regulation as a mechanism that helps explain the negative psychological outcomes experienced by children exposed to ISRE with implications for preventive interventions.
Topics: Adult; Aged; Anger; Child; Child Behavior; Emotional Adjustment; Female; Humans; Male; Maternal Deprivation; Middle Aged; Mothers; Prisoners; Risk; Sadness; Self-Control; Young Adult
PubMed: 28188560
DOI: 10.1007/s10802-017-0275-8 -
Development and Psychopathology Oct 2017We examined whether adolescents' genetic sensitivity, measured by a polygenic index score, moderated the longitudinal associations between parenting and adolescents'...
We examined whether adolescents' genetic sensitivity, measured by a polygenic index score, moderated the longitudinal associations between parenting and adolescents' psychological adjustment. The sample included 323 mothers, fathers, and adolescents (177 female, 146 male; Time 1 [T1] average age = 12.61 years, SD = 0.54 years; Time 2 [T2] average age = 13.59 years, SD = 0.59 years). Parents' warmth and hostility were rated by trained, independent observers using videotapes of family discussions. Adolescents reported their symptoms of anxiety, depressed mood, and hostility at T1 and T2. The results from autoregressive linear regression models showed that adolescents' genetic sensitivity moderated associations between observations of both mothers' and fathers' T1 parenting and adolescents' T2 composite maladjustment, depression, anxiety, and hostility. Compared to adolescents with low genetic sensitivity, adolescents with high genetic sensitivity had worse adjustment outcomes when parenting was low on warmth and high on hostility. When parenting was characterized by high warmth and low hostility, adolescents with high genetic sensitivity had better adjustment outcomes than their counterparts with low genetic sensitivity. The results support the differential susceptibility model and highlight the complex ways that genes and environment interact to influence development.
Topics: Adolescent; Adolescent Behavior; Child; Depression; Emotional Adjustment; Female; Hostility; Humans; Male; Parent-Child Relations; Parenting
PubMed: 28027713
DOI: 10.1017/S0954579416001310 -
Revista Latino-americana de Enfermagem 2024the aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between death distress, psychological adjustment, optimism, pessimism and perceived stress among nurses working...
OBJECTIVE
the aim of this study is to investigate the relationship between death distress, psychological adjustment, optimism, pessimism and perceived stress among nurses working during the COVID-19 pandemic.
METHOD
this study was designed as cross-sectional/cohort. The population of the study involved 408 nurses from Northern Cyprus, which are registered as full members of the Nurse Council. The sample comprised 214 nurses, who volunteered to participate in the study. The study data was collected using a web-based online survey (Demographic form, the Coronavirus Stress Measure, The Optimism and Pessimism Questionnaire, The Brief Adjustment Scale-6, The Death Distress Scale).
RESULTS
the results indicated that perceived stress significantly and negatively predicted optimism (β = -0.21, p < 0.001) and pessimism (β = 0.38, p < 0.001). Perceived stress had significant and positive predictive effects on psychological adjustment (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) and death distress (β = 0.17, p < 0.01). Further analysis results revealed that pessimism mediates the association of stress with psychological adjustment and death distress; however, optimism only mediates the effect of stress on psychological adjustment among nurses.
CONCLUSION
a low level of pessimism is effective in strengthening nurses' psychological adjustment skills againt perceived stress and death distress. Nurses should consider behavioral strategies to help reduce the level of pessimism during periods such as pandemics.
BACKGROUND
(1) High levels of perceived stress increased higher score of psychological adjustment. (2) Pessimism mediates the association of stress with adjustment and death distress. (3) Optimism only mediates the effect of stress on psychological adjustment among nurses.
Topics: Humans; COVID-19; Cross-Sectional Studies; Optimism; Female; Adult; Male; Pessimism; Middle Aged; Pandemics; Emotional Adjustment; Nurses; Cyprus; Attitude to Death; Adaptation, Psychological; Cohort Studies; Stress, Psychological; Psychological Distress; SARS-CoV-2; Surveys and Questionnaires; Young Adult
PubMed: 38695430
DOI: 10.1590/1518-8345.7068.4173 -
The Cleft Palate-craniofacial Journal :... Apr 2022Research has identified adults born with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) to be at risk of poorer psychological outcomes compared to the general population. This study...
OBJECTIVES
Research has identified adults born with cleft lip and/or palate (CL/P) to be at risk of poorer psychological outcomes compared to the general population. This study investigated factors that may contribute to positive and negative adjustment in adults born with CL/P.
DESIGN
A survey was designed and distributed by the Cleft Lip and Palate Association in collaboration with the Centre for Appearance Research CAR at the University of the West of England (UWE). There were 207 eligible responses (95% completed online) received between July and October 2018. Dependent variables included the Body Esteem Scale for Adolescents and Adults, Harter's Self Perception Profile for Adults (Global Self-Worth, Social Competence, and Intimacy subscales), the Fear of Negative Appearance Evaluation Scale, and the Revised Adult Attachment Scale. Independent variables were the Revised Life Orientation Test, biodemographic data, and self-reported single-item questions.
RESULTS
Factors associated with positive adjustment included reports of a happy childhood, talking about CL/P with family, close friendships, comfort in public spaces, satisfaction with appearance, and a positive life orientation. Psychological distress was associated with a desire for further surgery to improve appearance and/or function.
CONCLUSIONS
Several factors were identified that may influence psychological adjustment in adults with CL/P. Throughout childhood, family-centered practice to support family cohesion and an open dialogue about CL/P is indicated, as is support for young people to develop social confidence. For adults returning to the cleft service, treatment options for appearance and/or functional concerns should be explored, with access to psychological support when indicated. Interventions to increase optimism, resilience, and self-acceptance may also be warranted throughout the life span.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Child; Cleft Lip; Cleft Palate; Emotional Adjustment; Humans; United Kingdom
PubMed: 34235990
DOI: 10.1177/10556656211028494 -
Journal of Youth and Adolescence Aug 2022Although acculturation is considered a mutual process, no measure assesses attitudes toward mutual acculturation. Through a novel four-dimensional measurement, this...
Although acculturation is considered a mutual process, no measure assesses attitudes toward mutual acculturation. Through a novel four-dimensional measurement, this study addresses this research gap by assessing attitudes toward minority and majority acculturation and its relation to psychological adjustment for immigrant-background minority and non-immigrant majority adolescents in public secondary schools in three European countries: in Germany (n = 346, 46% female, M = 12.78 years, range 11-16), Greece (n = 439, 56% female, M = 12.29 years, range 11-20), and Switzerland (n = 375, 47% female, M = 12.67 years, range 11-15). Latent profile analyses led to three distinct acculturation profiles in all three countries: strong and mild mutual integration profiles, where both migrant and majority students are expected to integrate, and a third profile assuming lower responsibility upon the majority. Additionally, those in the strong- and mild-integration profiles reported stronger psychological adjustment than those assuming lower responsibility upon the majority, which held for all students in Switzerland and mostly for those without a migration background in Germany. The findings demonstrate the importance of a mutual acculturation framework for future research. Moreover, as most adolescents fit in with one of the mutual integration patterns, findings stress that no matter their migration background, adolescents favor mutual integration including the expectation on schools to enhance intercultural contact.
Topics: Acculturation; Adaptation, Psychological; Adolescent; Adult; Attitude; Child; Emigrants and Immigrants; Emotional Adjustment; Female; Humans; Male; Young Adult
PubMed: 35384532
DOI: 10.1007/s10964-022-01604-6 -
Journal of the National Cancer Institute Feb 2021
Topics: Breast; Breast Neoplasms; Cancer Survivors; Cardiovascular Diseases; Female; Humans; Survivorship
PubMed: 33057689
DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djaa158 -
Psycho-oncology Dec 2019Little attention has been paid to understanding how engaging in cancer-related interpersonal exchanges via varying modes of communication influences psychological...
OBJECTIVE
Little attention has been paid to understanding how engaging in cancer-related interpersonal exchanges via varying modes of communication influences psychological well-being among young adults with cancer. This study explored the moderating role of communication mode on the relationship of relational processes of disclosure and responsiveness with psychological well-being.
METHODS
61 young adults with cancer (M = 34.59, SD = 4.82) completed a questionnaire about their most recent cancer-related conversation. Participants reported on communication mode (ie, face-to-face, text message, and phone call) and relational processes of self- and support member- disclosure of thoughts, information, and feelings and how accepted, cared for, and understood they felt within the cancer-related conversation. Cancer adjustment measures included functional well-being and depressive symptoms.
RESULTS
There were no main effects of communication mode or relational processes. However, communication mode did moderate the relationship between relational processes and cancer adjustment. Greater relational processes of disclosure and responsiveness were associated with better functional well-being and lower depressive symptoms only among those who engaged in their most recent cancer-related conversation through technology-related communication and not for those engaged in face-to-face communication.
CONCLUSION
Relational processes that are likely to benefit psychological adjustment after cancer appear to be particularly advantageous over technology-based communication. Young adults commonly report feelings of social isolation and psychological distress after cancer. These findings suggest that technology-related communication holds promise as a way to strengthen support-related communication and protect against distress.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Adult; Communication; Depression; Emotional Adjustment; Emotions; Female; Humans; Information Technology; Interpersonal Relations; Male; Neoplasms; Surveys and Questionnaires; Telephone; Text Messaging; Young Adult
PubMed: 31713288
DOI: 10.1002/pon.5269 -
Human Reproduction (Oxford, England) Mar 2022What are children's perspectives of the quality of their relationships with their parents and their own psychological well-being in families created using egg donation?
STUDY QUESTION
What are children's perspectives of the quality of their relationships with their parents and their own psychological well-being in families created using egg donation?
SUMMARY ANSWER
Children's scores indicated good parent-child relationship quality and high levels of psychological well-being, with children in families created using egg donation rating their relationships with their mothers as higher in warmth/enjoyment than children in a comparison group of families created using IVF.
WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY
Little is known about how children in families created through egg donation view their family relationships and their own psychological well-being. Research with 7-and-10-year-olds in anonymous egg donation families has indicated good parent-child relationship quality from children's perspectives, but studies have not involved younger children or those conceived following identity-release egg donation.
STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION
This study included 50 children who had been born through egg donation and a comparison group of 43 children conceived through IVF with the parents' own gametes. Data were collected between April 2018 and December 2019. The sample forms part of a larger longitudinal study examining family functioning in families created through fertility treatment.
PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS
Children were aged 5 years old and had been born into families with different-sex couple parents. All families were visited at home. Children were administered the Berkeley Puppet Interview, a standardized assessment of parent-child relationship quality and psychological well-being.
MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE
Children in egg donation families rated their relationships with their mothers as higher in warmth and enjoyment than did children in IVF families. No differences were found between the two family types in children's ratings of the father-child relationship, or in children's ratings of their own psychological well-being.
LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION
It is possible that children who did not consent to take part in the research had less positive perceptions of their family and themselves than children who participated.
WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS
The findings are relevant to UK clinics offering identity-release egg donation, to parents who have used egg donation to create their family and to individuals and couples considering their fertility treatment options. That children in egg donation families were more similar than different to children in IVF families in their self-concept and perception of their family relationships should prove reassuring.
STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S)
This research was supported by a Wellcome Trust Collaborative Award [208013/Z/17]. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.
TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER
N/A.
Topics: Adaptation, Psychological; Child, Preschool; Emotional Adjustment; Female; Humans; Longitudinal Studies; Parent-Child Relations; Parents
PubMed: 34928301
DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deab265 -
Nutrients Oct 2021This study aims to identify the relationships between eating habits and psychological adjustment and health perception, and to analyze potential mediating role of...
This study aims to identify the relationships between eating habits and psychological adjustment and health perception, and to analyze potential mediating role of healthy and unhealthy foods in the relationship between adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet) and the psychological constructs and health perception. The sample was selected through stratified random cluster sampling and was composed of 788 university students. The participants responded to a MedDiet adherence screener and food consumption inventory to assess the eating habits, instruments measuring self-esteem, life satisfaction, curiosity and sense of coherence to assess the psychological adjustment, and single item measuring perceived health. The results revealed 41.9% of the participants had a high consumption of vegetables and 85.1% a low consumption of energy drinks, while 29.9% showed a high adherence to the MedDiet which was positively associated to each psychological variable and healthy foods and negatively with unhealthy foods. In conclusion, a higher adherence to the MedDiet, and the consumption of fruits and vegetables is related to higher psychological adjustment and health perception. However, the relationships between MedDiet and the psychological variables and health perception were fully or partially explained because of the consumption of healthy and unhealthy foods.
Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Diagnostic Self Evaluation; Diet, Healthy; Diet, Mediterranean; Emotional Adjustment; Feeding Behavior; Female; Humans; Male; Perception; Principal Component Analysis; Students; Universities; Young Adult
PubMed: 34836022
DOI: 10.3390/nu13113769