Children

Research

10 pages, 848 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Affects and Emotional Styles in the Relationship Between Parents and Preschool Children

by Carolina Facci, Andrea Baroncelli and Enrica Ciucci

Children 2024, 11(11), 1369; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11111369 - 12 Nov 2024

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Background/Objectives: Parent–child relationships represent a key factor for the quality of developmental trajectories and impact on children’s social and emotional competence. Therefore, research has advanced the role of parenting by showing the significance of differentiating between distinctive aspects of a parent’s behaviors. This [...] Read more.

Background/Objectives: Parent–child relationships represent a key factor for the quality of developmental trajectories and impact on children’s social and emotional competence. Therefore, research has advanced the role of parenting by showing the significance of differentiating between distinctive aspects of a parent’s behaviors. This study aims to investigate the role of the feelings experienced in parent–child relationships (e.g., warmth and negative feelings), considering the moderating role of the parental styles toward children’s emotions (e.g., coaching and dismissing). Methods: A total of 136 mothers (M = 38.09 years, SD = 4.51 anni, 48.5% high school degree) with a preschool child (age range 3–5 years) in Central Italy have been involved in a survey during the pandemic period. Results: Multiple regression analyses show that warmth and negative feelings are associated with positive parenting; however, the moderation effect of the dismissing style on both warmth and negative feelings emerged. Conclusions: Despite the characteristics of the data collection period, the results suggest the importance of considering the emotion-related dimensions between parents and their children as they seem to influence parenting behaviors. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: A Post-COVID Era?)

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12 pages, 252 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding Adolescent Mental Health in the COVID-19 Era: A Psychodynamic Approach

by Aslı Akın and Lea Sarrar

Children 2024, 11(7), 772; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11070772 - 26 Jun 2024

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1581

Abstract

Objective: This cross-sectional, case-control study aimed to explore the psychodynamic characteristics that influenced adolescents’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Personality structure impairments, psychodynamic conflicts, defense styles, and mental health issues were examined using the OPD-Structure- and Conflict-Questionnaires, the Defense Style Questionnaire, [...] Read more.

Objective: This cross-sectional, case-control study aimed to explore the psychodynamic characteristics that influenced adolescents’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Personality structure impairments, psychodynamic conflicts, defense styles, and mental health issues were examined using the OPD-Structure- and Conflict-Questionnaires, the Defense Style Questionnaire, and the Patient Health Questionnaire in adolescents before (n = 288) and after (n = 451) the COVID-19 pandemic in Germany. Results: Adolescents with mental health issues exhibited greater impairments in personality structure, more immature defense styles, and higher levels of psychodynamic conflicts both before and after the pandemic onset. Comparisons between pre-pandemic and pandemic samples indicated a lower level of the conflict of taking care of oneself versus being cared for in passive mode among adolescents during the pandemic. In-depth analysis of adolescents with mental health issues from the pandemic group revealed significant associations between personality structure impairments and a maladaptive defense style with somatoform, depressive, anxiety, eating, and alcohol use disorders. Conclusion: The findings provide clinically relevant insights into the psychodynamic factors that contributed to the psychological vulnerability of adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. These insights can guide the development of targeted psychodynamic interventions to support adolescents’ mental health in similar future crises. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: A Post-COVID Era?)

12 pages, 553 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Associations between Lifestyle Habits and Anxiety: A Prospective Study on Adolescents One Year after the Outbreak of the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Laura Pedrini, Serena Meloni, Julia Dawson, Andrea Geviti, Natale Salvatore Bonfiglio, Anna Cattaneo and Roberta Rossi

Children 2024, 11(3), 282; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11030282 - 25 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1403

Abstract

Changes in lifestyle during the pandemic may have predisposed adolescents to vulnerability to poor mental health. This study aims to evaluate these changes and their association with the course of anxiety. A prospective study was conducted with 153 participants (16 years old, 72% [...] Read more.

Changes in lifestyle during the pandemic may have predisposed adolescents to vulnerability to poor mental health. This study aims to evaluate these changes and their association with the course of anxiety. A prospective study was conducted with 153 participants (16 years old, 72% female) who were assessed before the pandemic (T0, November 2019–January 2020) and one year later (T1, April–May 2021). Lifestyle habits (free-time activities, maladaptive behaviors, sleep, screen use) and anxiety were measured. Data concerning experiences related to COVID-19 and family relations during lockdown were collected. A worsening in lifestyle habits and anxiety was found. Of note, the pattern of associations between lifestyle habits and anxiety was quite different in the two time-points, suggesting that the purpose and the impact of some habits may be changed after the pandemic. Regression analyses showed that increases in anxiety were associated with increases in sleep problems, heightened efforts to reduce screen time, and loneliness. Pathway analysis revealed the absence of cross-lagged effects among anxiety, screen use, and sleep, while concurrent associations between variables were found in both the assessments. These results suggest possible long-term effects of the pandemic. Risk-factors associated with the course of anxiety were identified among lifestyle habits, thus contributing to identifying targets for interventions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: A Post-COVID Era?)

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12 pages, 524 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Acceptability of a Psychoeducation and Skill-Based Training for Carers and Teachers to Cope with Risky Behaviours in Adolescence

by Ludovica Natali, Valentina Cardi, Marco Lunghi, Rosanna Ferrara, Linda Marconi and Gioia Bottesi

Children 2024, 11(1), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11010038 - 28 Dec 2023

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Abstract

Childhood and adolescence psychopathology is associated with an increased risk of psychological difficulties in adulthood. Early interventions for youth should provide carers and teachers with knowledge and skills to respond to adolescents’ risky behaviours. This study evaluated the acceptability and effectiveness of a [...] Read more.

Childhood and adolescence psychopathology is associated with an increased risk of psychological difficulties in adulthood. Early interventions for youth should provide carers and teachers with knowledge and skills to respond to adolescents’ risky behaviours. This study evaluated the acceptability and effectiveness of a single 3-h workshop, combining psychoeducation and skills training to promote knowledge about, and confidence to address, adolescents’ risky behaviours in carers and teachers of adolescents aged 10–14. Demographics and perceived self-efficacy in the parental or teaching role were collected at baseline using self-report questionnaires. Motivation and confidence to respond to adolescents’ risky behaviours were measured before and after the workshop using motivational rulers. Participants provided written feedback about their experience about the workshop. Twenty-seven carers and 27 teachers attended the workshops. Teachers reported a significant increase in both importance (p = 0.021) and confidence (p < 0.001) to respond to risky behaviours following the workshop. This change was associated with baseline self-efficacy levels (importance: p = 0.011; confidence: p = 0.002). Carers also reported greater confidence to address risky behaviours following the workshop (p = 0.002). Participants found the contents and methods of the workshop highly acceptable. Online and multiple-session workshops might increase reach and effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: A Post-COVID Era?)

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15 pages, 1320 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exploring the Prevalence and Predictors of Anxiety among Lithuanian Adolescents during Times of Crisis: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Laura Šalčiūnaitė-Nikonovė, Monika Žemaitaitytė and Kastytis Šmigelskas

Children 2024, 11(1), 32; https://doi.org/10.3390/children11010032 - 27 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1758

Abstract

Recent events in Europe, like the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 Russo–Ukrainian War (RUW), might have sparked anxiety among adolescents. This study aimed to compare anxiety levels in Lithuanian adolescents post-COVID-19 peak (Study 1, October 2021) and during the onset of the RUW [...] Read more.

Recent events in Europe, like the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2022 Russo–Ukrainian War (RUW), might have sparked anxiety among adolescents. This study aimed to compare anxiety levels in Lithuanian adolescents post-COVID-19 peak (Study 1, October 2021) and during the onset of the RUW (Study 2, April–June 2022). Data from 459 participants in Study 1 and 6637 in Study 2, aged 11–17, were collected through HBSC pilot and national surveys in Lithuania. Self-reported questionnaires assessed anxiety, social media use, stress, loneliness, self-efficacy, and peer support factors. Analysis was conducted using multivariable logistic regressions. Notably, anxiety prevalence in Lithuanian adolescents showed no significant difference between Study 1 and Study 2, stabilizing around 24%. In 2021, stress (OR = 5.89, 95% CI 3.11–11.17), problematic social media use (OR = 4.58, 95% CI 1.89–10.58), and female gender (OR = 2.87, 95% CI 1.58–5.22) significantly predicted anxiety. By 2022, stress (OR = 3.68, 95% CI 3.14–4.30), loneliness (OR = 2.85, 95% CI 2.43–3.35), and lower self-efficacy (OR = 1.40, 95% CI 1.20–1.60) emerged as important predictors. This study enhances our understanding of adolescent anxiety during crises, emphasizing the urgency of addressing multiple factors to manage and support vulnerable youth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: A Post-COVID Era?)

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11 pages, 263 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychiatric Hospitalization for Psychopathological Disorders and Self-Injurious Behaviors in Italian Children and Adolescents during COVID-19

by Maria Pontillo, Deny Menghini, Roberto Averna, Milena Labonia, Giulia Lazzaro, Maria Cristina Tata and Stefano Vicari

Children 2023, 10(12), 1846; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10121846 - 24 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1251

Abstract

The evidence shows that the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased the number of urgent psychiatric consultations for children and adolescents in hospital emergency departments (EDs). However, what needs to be further investigated are the characteristics of psychiatric hospitalization in children and adolescents admitted to [...] Read more.

The evidence shows that the COVID-19 pandemic dramatically increased the number of urgent psychiatric consultations for children and adolescents in hospital emergency departments (EDs). However, what needs to be further investigated are the characteristics of psychiatric hospitalization in children and adolescents admitted to the Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit wards in EDs. Specifically, this retrospective study aimed to examine changes in (i) the number of inpatients and (ii) the distribution of psychopathological disorders and self-injurious behaviors in our Child and Adolescent Neuropsychiatry Unit ward during the COVID-19 lockdown in Italy (March–June 2020; October 2020–January 2021) compared with the same months of previous years. We found a significantly lower number of inpatients during the first four quarantine months than the first four reference months and a higher number of inpatients during the second four quarantine months than the second four reference months. Additionally, we found an increased frequency of mood disorders, non-suicidal self-injurious behavior, and suicidal ideation during the COVID-19 lockdown compared to the reference periods. Our findings underline the need to develop psychological healthcare services for future emergency periods in order to identify and treat psychological distress in children and adolescents early, reducing the risk of psychiatric hospitalization. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: A Post-COVID Era?)

12 pages, 489 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Multiphasic Personality Assessment in a Case Series of Adolescent Patients with Suicidal Ideation and/or Attempts

by Giulia Cossu, Arianna Vecchio, Marika Orlandi, Erica Casini, Renato Borgatti, Martina Maria Mensi and The Mondino Foundation Suicidality Research Group

Children 2023, 10(11), 1794; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10111794 - 8 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1572

Abstract

Suicide is an important public health issue. To examine the differences in personality characteristics between a group of adolescents with suicidal ideation (SI) and a group with a history of suicidal attempts (SA), we conducted a cross-sectional study. We enrolled 55 adolescents (51 [...] Read more.

Suicide is an important public health issue. To examine the differences in personality characteristics between a group of adolescents with suicidal ideation (SI) and a group with a history of suicidal attempts (SA), we conducted a cross-sectional study. We enrolled 55 adolescents (51 females; 12–18 y.o.) who presented SI and/or SA. Using the Columbia Suicide Severity Rating Scale, we divided the sample into two groups: adolescents with SI and adolescents with SA. All participants filled in the Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory—Adolescent (MMPI-A). Adolescents in the SA group had greater difficulties in social relations, risky behaviors, and more intense suicidal ideation compared to those in the SI group. Adolescents in the SA group scored higher in Omission, in the Lie Scale, the Conduct Problem Scale, the Less Aspirations Scale, the Repression Scale in the MMPI-A, and item 283 of the MAST compared to the other group. The results suggest that using the MMPI-A to assess certain features (e.g., tendency to lie, repression) may be helpful in identifying young people who are at high risk of suicide. However, further research is required to determine the effectiveness of using this instrument. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: A Post-COVID Era?)

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15 pages, 270 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Experiences of Australian School Mental Health Professionals during COVID-19 Lockdowns

by Emily Berger, Grace Mackie, Andrea Reupert, Daliya Greenfeld, Kelly-Ann Allen, Fiona May, Gerald Wurf, Dianne Summers and Zoe Morris

Children 2023, 10(7), 1157; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10071157 - 1 Jul 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1545

Abstract

Young people have emerged as one of the most impacted groups from the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions to daily activities, with disruptions to schooling, social interactions, and connections. Simultaneously, students’ access to school mental health professionals were restricted or modified. The aim [...] Read more.

Young people have emerged as one of the most impacted groups from the COVID-19 pandemic and related restrictions to daily activities, with disruptions to schooling, social interactions, and connections. Simultaneously, students’ access to school mental health professionals were restricted or modified. The aim of this paper was to identify how school mental health professionals supported and addressed the mental health needs of young people during COVID-19 restrictions in Australia. School mental health professionals were surveyed during the 2020 lockdowns using a questionnaire designed by researchers in the United States of America. The innovations school mental health staff adopted to support students during lockdowns and remote learning were presented, including telehealth services, digital resources, and the online training and support they received/provided. The barriers and facilitators to providing counselling and assessment services during lockdowns were identified, including issues with providing psychometric assessments during remote learning, and ethical concerns when delivering remote counselling to students. Recommendations have been included, which address how school mental health professionals could be supported to assess and treat young people during future pandemics and school restrictions. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: A Post-COVID Era?)

15 pages, 351 KiB

Open AccessArticle

School Burnout after COVID-19, Prevalence and Role of Different Risk and Protective Factors in Preteen Students

by Noémie Lacombe, Maryelle Hey, Verena Hofmann, Céline Pagnotta and Myriam Squillaci

Children 2023, 10(5), 823; https://doi.org/10.3390/children10050823 - 30 Apr 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2546

Abstract

Background: Current data show an increase in stress among youth since the COVID-19 pandemic, raising the question of the measures to be put in place to limit it. Aim: The aim of this study is to measure the prevalence of burnout and the [...] Read more.

Background: Current data show an increase in stress among youth since the COVID-19 pandemic, raising the question of the measures to be put in place to limit it. Aim: The aim of this study is to measure the prevalence of burnout and the different risk and protective factors of burnout among students and to compare the mean scores obtained with those collected in a similar sample in 2014. Method: Perceived health, school burnout, and the different risk and protective factors among students were measured by self-reported questionnaires among a sample of 184 students (11–13 years old). Results: The results indicate significantly higher burnout scores than in 2014. Different variables were predictive of school burnout: 1. At the individual level, a low academic achievement in mathematics, somatic symptoms, and the expressed stress; 2. At the interpersonal level, lack of support from peers, teachers, and parents and a negative classroom climate; 3. At the pandemic level, the increased workload related to the consequences of COVID-19. The factors with the greatest impact are confidence in the future, perceived stress, parental supports, and mathematics results. Conclusions: An intervention program targeting these four factors among burned out students would be relevant to set up in order to reduce its prevalence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: A Post-COVID Era?)

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