Mediators of the relation between maternal depressive symptoms and child internalizing and disruptive behavior disorders. (1/12)
Drawing on a normative sample of 224 youth and their biological mothers, this study tested 4 family variables as potential mediators of the relationship between maternal depressive symptoms in early childhood and child psychological outcomes in preadolescence. The mediators examined included mother-child communication, the quality of the mother-child relationship, maternal social support, and stressful life events in the family. The most parsimonious structural equation model suggested that having a more problematic mother-child relationship mediated disruptive behavior-disordered outcomes for youths, whereas less maternal social support mediated the development of internalizing disorders. Gender and race were tested as moderators, but significant model differences did not emerge between boys and girls or between African American and Caucasian youths. (+info)The relations of effortful control and impulsivity to children's resiliency and adjustment. (2/12)
The unique relations of effortful control and impulsivity to resiliency and adjustment were examined when children were 4.5 to 8 years old, and 2 years later. Parents and teachers reported on all constructs and children's attentional persistence was observed. In concurrent structural equation models, effortful control and impulsivity uniquely and directly predicted resiliency and externalizing problems and indirectly predicted internalizing problems (through resiliency). Teacher-reported anger moderated the relations of effortful control and impulsivity to externalizing problems. In the longitudinal model, all relations held at T2 except for the path from impulsivity to externalizing problems. Evidence of bidirectional effects also was obtained. The results indicate that effortful control and impulsivity are distinct constructs with some unique prediction of resiliency and adjustment. (+info)Psychological adjustment in children and families living with HIV. (3/12)
OBJECTIVE: To assess psychological adjustment in children living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) and their primary caregivers. METHODS: The study protocol included use of standardized questionnaires to assess emotional and behavioral health of 57 children and 54 caregivers (Phase 1). Positive screening led to standardized interviews to assess current psychiatric diagnoses (Phase 2). RESULTS: Of the 16 children who entered Phase 2, 6 (38%) met the criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis. Of the 15 adults who met the screening criteria, 13 completed a computerized psychiatric interview and all 13 (100%) met the criteria for a psychiatric diagnosis. CONCLUSIONS: While important mental health needs were identified in families with HIV, the majority of families did not exhibit mental health disorders. These results might reflect the substantial psychosocial resilience of these families. Further study is needed to determine to what extent the mental health needs of children and their caregivers are being met. In addition, identification of protective factors in resilience and coping in families living with a chronic illness is warranted. (+info)Marital psychological and physical aggression and children's mental and physical health: direct, mediated, and moderated effects. (4/12)
(+info)Effects of multiple maltreatment experiences among psychiatrically hospitalized youth. (5/12)
(+info)The protective effects of religiosity on maladjustment among maltreated and nonmaltreated children. (6/12)
(+info)Emotional, cognitive, and family systems mediators of children's adjustment to interparental conflict. (7/12)
(+info)Children's adjustment problems in families characterized by men's severe violence toward women: does other family violence matter? (8/12)
(+info)Reactive attachment disorders are a group of rare but serious conditions that can occur in children who have not formed healthy attachments with parents or caregivers during their early developmental years. These disorders are considered “reactive” because they develop as a reaction to stressful and traumatic experiences, such as neglect, abuse, or separation from primary caregivers.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5) recognizes two subtypes of reactive attachment disorders:
1. Reactive Attachment Disorder (RAD): This disorder is characterized by markedly disturbed and developmentally inappropriate social relatedness in most contexts. Children with RAD often exhibit a pattern of avoiding or resisting comfort when distressed, as well as difficulty relating to others in a positive, engaged manner. They may also show a lack of preference for caregivers and may not seek them out for comfort or support.
2. Disinhibited Social Engagement Disorder (DSED): This disorder is characterized by a pattern of disinhibited and overly familiar behavior with unfamiliar adults. Children with DSED may approach and interact with strangers in an overly familiar manner, such as climbing into their laps or holding their hands, without any apparent concern for their own safety. They may also struggle to maintain appropriate social boundaries and may have difficulty regulating their emotions and behaviors in social situations.
It is important to note that reactive attachment disorders are not the result of typical changes in a child's behavior due to normal developmental stages or cultural factors. Instead, they represent significant impairments in a child's ability to form healthy attachments and regulate their emotions and behaviors in social situations. Early intervention and treatment, which may include individual, family, and/or group therapy, can help children with reactive attachment disorders develop more adaptive patterns of behavior and improve their overall functioning.