Longitudinal Perceptions of Supportiveness from Biological Fathers and Maternal Mental Health Problems

2009 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah O. Meadows
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Biological Fathers

The Association Between Perceptions of Social Support and Maternal Mental Health: A Cumulative Perspective

2010 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 181-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sarah O. Meadows
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Romantic Relationship ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
The Family ◽  
Married Mothers ◽  
Biological Fathers ◽  
Time Invariant ◽  
The Relationship

The question of how to best measure family processes so that longitudinal experiences within the family are accurately captured has become an important issue for family scholars. Using the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study ( N = 2,158), this article focuses on the association between trajectories of perceived supportiveness from biological fathers and mothers’ mental health problems 5 years after a birth. The relationship status between mothers and biological fathers is significantly related to her perceptions of his supportiveness, with married mothers reporting the highest levels of supportiveness followed by mothers in cohabiting unions, romantic non-coresidential unions, and, finally, mothers not in a romantic relationship. Controlling for both time-varying and time-invariant maternal and relationship characteristics, a positive slope of perceived supportiveness from biological fathers is associated with fewer subsequent mental health problems 5 years after the birth. The discussion calls attention to alternate modeling strategies for longitudinal family experiences.

scholarly journals Maternal mental health and childhood injury: evidence from the UK Millennium Cohort Study

2018 ◽  
Vol 104 (3) ◽  
pp. 268-274 ◽  
Author(s):  
Steven Hope ◽  
Jessica Deighton ◽  
Nadia Micali ◽  
Catherine Law
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Cohort Study ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Millennium Cohort Study ◽  
Childhood Injury ◽  
Explanatory Factors ◽  
Uk Millennium Cohort Study ◽  
The Uk

ObjectiveWe assessed whether maternal mental health problems increased rates for child injury during the preschool years and mid-childhood, and the extent to which associations could be accounted for by a range of potential explanatory factors.DesignWe analysed the UK Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally representative sample with data collected throughout childhood. Multinomial regression was used to investigate whether two measures of maternal mental health (diagnosed depression/anxiety and psychological distress) were associated with subsequent childhood injury. Models adjusted for sociodemographics, parenting and child externalising behaviours.Main outcome measureMaternal report of unintentional injuries (none, 1, 2+) recorded at three data collection periods (3–5 years; 5–7 years; 7–11 years).ResultsThe analytic sample comprised n=9240 families who participated 3–11 years with complete data on exposures and outcomes (multiply imputing missing covariates). Exposure to maternal mental health problems was associated with increased rates of subsequent childhood injuries. Associations attenuated after adjustment for potential explanatory factors, although they remained elevated. For example, high maternal distress was associated with injuries 3–5 years (adjusted relative risk ratio (aRRR): 1 injury=1.18, 95% CI 0.86 to 1.61; 2+ injuries=2.22, 95% CI 1.22 to 4.02); injuries 5–7 years (aRRR: 1 injury=1.31, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.76; 2+ injuries=1.84, 95% CI 1.09 to 3.09); and injuries 7–11 years (aRRR: 1 injury=1.03, 95% CI 0.81 to 1.31; 2+ injuries=1.33, 95% CI 0.97 to 1.81).ConclusionsChildren exposed to mothers with mental health problems had higher rates of childhood injury than those not exposed. If further investigation of this association suggests causality then it will be important to test measures that address mothers’ mental health issues with a view to reducing injuries among their children.

scholarly journals Maternal mental health and infant emotional reactivity: a 20-year two-cohort study of preconception and perinatal exposures

2019 ◽  
Vol 50 (5) ◽  
pp. 827-837 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elizabeth Spry ◽  
Margarita Moreno-Betancur ◽  
Denise Becker ◽  
Helena Romaniuk ◽  
John B. Carlin ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Emotional Reactivity ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Prior Exposure ◽  
Differential Sensitivity ◽  
Perinatal Mental Health ◽  
Pregnancy And Postpartum

AbstractBackgroundMaternal mental health during pregnancy and postpartum predicts later emotional and behavioural problems in children. Even though most perinatal mental health problems begin before pregnancy, the consequences of preconception maternal mental health for children's early emotional development have not been prospectively studied.MethodsWe used data from two prospective Australian intergenerational cohorts, with 756 women assessed repeatedly for mental health problems before pregnancy between age 13 and 29 years, and during pregnancy and at 1 year postpartum for 1231 subsequent pregnancies. Offspring infant emotional reactivity, an early indicator of differential sensitivity denoting increased risk of emotional problems under adversity, was assessed at 1 year postpartum.ResultsThirty-seven percent of infants born to mothers with persistent preconception mental health problems were categorised as high in emotional reactivity, compared to 23% born to mothers without preconception history (adjusted OR 2.1, 95% CI 1.4–3.1). Ante- and postnatal maternal depressive symptoms were similarly associated with infant emotional reactivity, but these perinatal associations reduced somewhat after adjustment for prior exposure. Causal mediation analysis further showed that 88% of the preconception risk was a direct effect, not mediated by perinatal exposure.ConclusionsMaternal preconception mental health problems predict infant emotional reactivity, independently of maternal perinatal mental health; while associations between perinatal depressive symptoms and infant reactivity are partially explained by prior exposure. Findings suggest that processes shaping early vulnerability for later mental disorders arise well before conception. There is an emerging case for expanding developmental theories and trialling preventive interventions in the years before pregnancy.

scholarly journals Postnatal Mental Health, Breastfeeding Beliefs, and Breastfeeding Practices in Rural China

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qi Jiang ◽  
Evelyn Zhang ◽  
Nourya Cohen ◽  
Mika Ohtori ◽  
Sabrina Zhu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Self Efficacy ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Rural China ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Symptoms Of Depression ◽  
Stress Symptoms ◽  
Breastfeeding Practices ◽  
Breastfeeding Attitude

Abstract Background The importance of breastfeeding in low- and middle- income countries is well recognized, yet the importance of postnatal mental health on breastfeeding practices and beliefs in these settings has been understudied. This study investigates the associations between maternal mental health problems and breastfeeding beliefs as well as practices in rural China. Methods Cross-sectional data were collected from 742 mothers of infants under six months old in rural Sichuan Province, China. Surveys collected data on maternal mental health problems (depression, anxiety, and stress symptoms), breastfeeding beliefs (attitudes and self-efficacy), and breastfeeding practices. Ordinary least squares regression, multiple logistic regression and heterogeneous effect analyses were used to determine the associations between maternal mental health and breastfeeding outcomes. Results Among all respondents, 13% showed symptoms of depression, 16% anxiety, and 9% stress. The prevalence of full breastfeeding was 59.3%. Breastfeeding attitude was significantly associated with symptoms of depression (p = 0.023) and breastfeeding self-efficacy with symptoms of depression (p = 0.001) and symptoms of stress (p = 0.020). However, there were no significant associations between symptoms of mental health problems and full breastfeeding. The heterogeneous effects analyses revealed that full breastfeeding was negatively associated with stress symptoms when the infant was from a high-income family (p = 0.011). In addition, full breastfeeding was negatively associated with the father having a higher education level (p = 0.026, p = 0.048, and p = 0.020) and the infant being older than 2 months old (p = 0.000, p = 0.000, p = 0.00), regardless of maternal mental health problem symptoms. Conclusion Symptoms of maternal mental health problems are significantly associated with breastfeeding attitude and self-efficacy, yet has less of an association with breastfeeding practices. To improve breastfeeding practices, interventions need a multi-dimensional approach that should not only focus on improving maternal mental well-being but also consider demographic background characteristics.

Problems of feeding, sleeping and excessive crying in infancy: a general population study

2019 ◽  
Vol 104 (11) ◽  
pp. 1034-1041 ◽  
Author(s):  
Anne Lise Olsen ◽  
Janni Ammitzbøll ◽  
Else Marie Olsen ◽  
Anne Mette Skovgaard
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Parent Child Relationship ◽  
Relationship Problems ◽  
General Population Study ◽  
Child Relationship ◽  
Excessive Crying ◽  
Parent Child

ObjectiveTo study regulatory problems (RPs) of feeding, sleeping and excessive crying in infancy, and explore the influence of maternal mental health problems and parent–child relationship problems.Design and settingData were collected in the general child health surveillance delivered to infant families by community health nurses (CHNs). Information on CHNs’ assessments and conclusions were obtained on 2598 infants and merged with data from national registers. Descriptive statistics and logistic regression models were used to study RPs in early and late infancy, and the influences due to child, family and parent–child relationship problems.ResultsCombined RPs (C-RPs), defined as two or more simultaneous problems of feeding, sleeping or excessive crying, was identified in 2.9% and 8.6% of the population between age 2–6 and 8–11 months, respectively. Low maternal schooling and immigrant parents were associated with an increased risk of late C-RPs, but RPs in early infancy stand out as the main predictor of late C-RPs OR 3.4 (95% CI 1.8 to 6.6), and the effect of early maternal mental health problems and parent–child relationship problems seem to be mediated by early C-RPs.ConclusionsCombined problems of feeding, sleeping or excessive crying may exist throughout infancy independently of exposures to maternal mental health problems and parent–child relationship problems. The results indicate that infants with RPs exceeding age 2 months need special attention, in clinical as well as community settings. Suggested intervention includes specific guidance to the parents to help them understand and regulate their infant’s sensitivity and reactions.

scholarly journals Mental Health Problems during Pregnancy and the Postpartum Period: A Multicenter Knowledge Assessment Survey among Healthcare Providers

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Patabendige ◽  
S. R. Athulathmudali ◽  
S. K. Chandrasinghe
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Sri Lanka ◽  
Postpartum Period ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Tertiary Care ◽  
Healthcare Providers ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Questionnaire Response

Background. Mental illness related to pregnancy can have long-lasting consequences. Healthcare providers are often the most frequent medical contact with the potential for early detection of these. Objectives were to study the awareness regarding mental health problems during pregnancy and the postpartum period among healthcare providers. Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out with healthcare providers including the nursing staff, midwifery staff, and medical officers working at obstetric wards in three tertiary care hospitals in Sri Lanka. A self-administered questionnaire assessed staff experience with mothers having mental problems, knowledge on mental health problems related to pregnancy, and knowledge about risk factors, common symptoms, and possible consequences on a five-point Likert scale from “Strongly Agree” to “Strongly Disagree.” Results. A total of 300 staff were approached and invited to participate. Only 152 responded to the questionnaire (response rate of 50.1%). Mean (SD) age was 35.8 (9.7) years and mean (SD) years of experience was 10.1 (9.1) years. Age more than 35 years of healthcare providers is associated with statistically significant (p=0.02) average knowledge scores on the consequences of maternal mental health problems. The symptom of “excessively worrying about baby’s health” had the lowest score across all three categories with an average of 34.2%. Only 42.8% have ever heard of EPDS. Overall awareness and knowledge about risk factors, symptoms, and consequences regarding pregnancy-related maternal mental health problems are generally good among the healthcare providers studied. However, some of the few aspects are not satisfactory. Health education of pregnant women, promoting regular in-service training sessions, improvement of infrastructure, and involvement of family members from the antenatal period were discussed by the majority. Conclusion. Despite good overall awareness and knowledge, application into practice with the utilization of validated assessments is poor. This may probably explain why Sri Lanka has a high prevalence of postpartum depression suggesting urgent attention.

scholarly journals Exploring causal pathways of child behavior and maternal mental health in families with a child with congenital heart disease: a longitudinal study

2013 ◽  
Vol 44 (16) ◽  
pp. 3421-3433 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. A. Landolt ◽  
E. Ystrom ◽  
K. Stene-Larsen ◽  
H. Holmstrøm ◽  
M. E. Vollrath
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Risk Factors ◽  
Congenital Heart ◽  
Structural Model ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Causal Pathways ◽  
Specific Factors ◽  
The Individual

Background.A congenital heart defect (CHD) can increase the risk of mental health problems in affected children and their parents. The extent to which risk factors for these problems are shared in families or are specific to the individual family member is unclear.Method.Prospective data from the Norwegian Mother and Child Cohort Study (MoBa; n = 93 009) were linked with a nationwide CHD registry, and 408 children with CHD were identified. Mothers' reports on child internalizing problems and their own distress were assessed by questionnaires at child ages 6, 18 and 36 months. A structural model was applied to distinguish between familial (shared) factors and individual-specific factors for mental health problems.Results.CHD was a substantial risk factor for problems in children and their mothers at all time points. CHD contributed on average 31% and 39% to the variance in children's and mothers' problems respectively. Both shared familial and individual-specific factors unique to CHD families contributed to risk for mental health problems. Whereas individual-specific risk factors contributed to the stability of problems in mothers, the effect of these factors lasted only a short time in children. Mutual influences over time were found between the mother's and the child's mental health at 18 and 36 months.Conclusions.The burden of CHD in a child is shared between family members but is also specific to the individual. This study points to a need for both an individual and a family-based approach to provide psychological support to children with CHD and their parents.

scholarly journals Maternal mental health and child well-being in Nigeria: A systematic review

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 205510292110121
Author(s):  
Dung Ezekiel Jidong ◽  
Nusrat Husain ◽  
Tarela J Ike ◽  
Maisha Murshed ◽  
Juliet Y Pwajok ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Child Growth ◽  
Physical Growth ◽  
Culturally Appropriate ◽  
The Impact

Maternal mental health distress has a disease burden of severe adverse effects for both mother and child. This review identified maternal mental health concerns, their impact on child growth and the current practice of maternal healthcare for both mothers and their children in Nigeria. The Population, phenomenon of Interest and Context (PICo) model was adopted to formulate the review strategy, and five databases were searched for published articles between 1999 and 2019. Databases include Scopus, PubMed, ProQuest, Applied Social Science Index and Abstracts and Web of Science. Boolean operators (AND/OR/NOT) helped to ensure rigorous use of search terms which include ‘maternal’, ‘pre/peri/postnatal’, ‘mental health’, ‘mental illness’, ‘disorders’, ‘intervention,’ ‘Nigeria’, ‘child’, ‘infant growth’, and ‘wellbeing’. Thirty-four studies met the inclusion criteria, and extracted data were qualitatively synthesised and analysed thematically. Five themes emerged. These include (i) marital difficulties, (ii) relationship status of the mother, (iii) child’s gender, (iv) mode of child delivery and (v) child growth and development. The review showed a significant paucity of literature on the impact of specific maternal mental health problems on child physical growth and cognitive development. We concluded that culturally appropriate and evidence-based psychological interventions for maternal mental health problems would benefit Nigerian indigenous mothers. Therefore, the study recommends randomised controlled trials that are culturally appropriate and cost-effective for distressed mothers with children.

scholarly journals Familial Mechanisms Linking COVID-19 Lockdown with Mental Health Problems in Singaporean Children and Adolescents

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yue Yu ◽  
Yao Zheng ◽  
Jallene Jia En Chua ◽  
Yang Yang
Keyword(s):  
Mental Health ◽  
Children And Adolescents ◽  
Mental Health Problems ◽  
Maternal Mental Health ◽  
Multilevel Modelling ◽  
Support Service ◽  
Health Problems ◽  
Children’S Mental Health ◽  
Children's Mental Health ◽  
Mediation Analyses

The COVID-19 pandemic and related confinement measures have profound impacts on the mental health of children and adolescents. This study investigated familial mechanisms underlying such impacts by studying the unique case of Singapore, which has undergone a period of local transmission without many restrictions (February–March 2020), followed by a nationwide lockdown (April–May 2020). In June 2020, we collected retrospective reports on everyday activities, social relationships, and mental health of 164 children and adolescents (Mage = 14.3, Range = 7-18, 49% female) across three timepoints: Pre-pandemic, Pre-lockdown, and Lockdown. Parental mental health, parenting values and practices were also collected. Multilevel modelling showed increased mental health problems in children from Pre-pandemic to Pre-lockdown, and from Pre-lockdown to Lockdown. Mediation analyses indicated that the increase in children’s mental health problems from Pre-pandemic to Pre-lockdown was partially explained by a decrease in time spent outdoors, an increase in their conflict with fathers, and an increase in their mothers’ mental health problems, with the last factor being the only significant mediator when all three factors were considered simultaneously. The increase in children’s mental health problems from Pre-lockdown to Lockdown was partially explained by a further increase in their mother’s mental health problems. These findings suggest that lockdown measures issued by authority may lead to further deterioration of children’s mental health beyond the pandemic itself. Multiple personal and familial factors may underlie these deteriorations, among which maternal mental health could be especially influential and should be targeted in family support service and intervention.

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