Editorial

4 pages, 175 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Understanding Family Risk and Protective Factors That Shape Child Development

by Susan Yoon

Children 2022, 9(9), 1344; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9091344 - 02 Sep 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2160

Understanding the various family characteristics and contextual factors that shape children’s health and developmental outcomes is important for promoting optimal child development [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Risk and Protective Factors and Child Development)

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10 pages, 444 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Association between Parents’ Relationship, Emotion-Regulation Strategies, and Psychotic-like Experiences in Adolescents

by Chenyu Zhan, Ziyu Mao, Xudong Zhao and Jingyu Shi

Children 2022, 9(6), 815; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9060815 - 31 May 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1782

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the association between the psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) and emotion-regulation (ER) strategies of adolescents and their parents’ relationship, and we hypothesized that the parents’ relationship moderates the link between ER strategies and PLEs. We recruited a total of 2708 [...] Read more.

This study aimed to examine the association between the psychotic-like experiences (PLEs) and emotion-regulation (ER) strategies of adolescents and their parents’ relationship, and we hypothesized that the parents’ relationship moderates the link between ER strategies and PLEs. We recruited a total of 2708 first-year college students (1659 males and 1049 females) aged 15–20 years (mean = 17.9). Participants completed assessments of PLEs, their use of ER strategies, and reported their parents’ relationship as harmonious, conflicting, or divorced. Regression analyses indicated that the lower the use of the emotion-reappraisal strategy, the greater the use of the emotion-suppression strategy and that parental conflict or divorce predicted the number of PLEs endorsed and the level of distress from the PLEs. The parents’ relationship moderated the association between ER strategies and distress from PLEs. Among those who reported parental conflict or divorce, their lower use of the reappraisal strategy predicted their experiencing higher levels of distress from their PLEs. This study suggested the direct and interactive influence of the parents’ relationship and ER strategies on the presence of PLEs and PLE-related distress levels among adolescents, which may represent potential intervention targets. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Risk and Protective Factors and Child Development)

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20 pages, 2782 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Risks and Protective Factors of Hispanic Families and Their Young Children during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Natasha Cabrera, Minxuan He, Yu Chen and Stephanie M. Reich

Children 2022, 9(6), 792; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9060792 - 27 May 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2696

Abstract

This study examines the risk-related factors during the pandemic and protective factors that might reduce its effects on family functioning in a sample of 161 low-income Hispanic parents in the United States, recruited from an ongoing longitudinal intervention study. They were surveyed about [...] Read more.

This study examines the risk-related factors during the pandemic and protective factors that might reduce its effects on family functioning in a sample of 161 low-income Hispanic parents in the United States, recruited from an ongoing longitudinal intervention study. They were surveyed about family functioning six months into the pandemic. We focused on the associations between social (e.g., exposure to the virus) and economic (e.g., job loss) pandemic-related risks on parental stress, parenting, and children’s socioemotional problems and skills, as well as the degree to which coparenting support, parents’ positivity, economic support, and access to services and information mitigated (protected) the negative effects of these stressors on family functioning. We found that increases in economic risk were associated with more child competence skills, whereas increases in social risk were associated with less parental engagement. Positivity and economic support moderated the effects of economic risk on parental stress and engagement. These findings show that to intervene effectively with low-income Hispanic families, we need to strengthen and support the resources for coping with adversity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Risk and Protective Factors and Child Development)

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20 pages, 317 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Same Behaviors, Different Outcomes: Mothers’ and Fathers’ Observed Challenging Behaviors Measured Using a New Coding System Relate Differentially to Children’s Social-Emotional Development

by Eric L. Olofson and Sarah J. Schoppe-Sullivan

Children 2022, 9(5), 675; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9050675 - 06 May 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2352

Abstract

This study used a newly developed coding system for measuring the quality of parenting behavior to examine associations with children’s social-emotional development. The Risky Interaction Support and Challenge Scale (RISCS) measures the extent to which parents engage in behaviors that present physical and [...] Read more.

This study used a newly developed coding system for measuring the quality of parenting behavior to examine associations with children’s social-emotional development. The Risky Interaction Support and Challenge Scale (RISCS) measures the extent to which parents engage in behaviors that present physical and regulatory challenges to children, as well as parents’ tendency to allow children to pursue action goals autonomously. These behaviors were observed while parents (n = 57 fathers; n = 55 mothers; n = 50 pairs) interacted with their 1-year-olds who played on a structure that included a slide, a small climbing wall, and a tunnel. Trained raters reliably used the RISCS to measure several dimensions of parent behaviors related to children’s exploration, and all but one of the dimensions captured adequate variability in parent behavior. Although mothers and fathers did not differ in any of the dimensions, the associations between parent behavior and children’s social-emotional development did not overlap. Fathers who engaged in greater autonomy allowance and lower overprotection had toddlers with lower levels of internalizing behavior, whereas mothers who challenged children’s regulatory competence had toddlers with lower levels of externalizing behavior and greater competence. We discuss the implications of the findings for the literature on attachment theory and father-child relationships. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Risk and Protective Factors and Child Development)

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23 pages, 763 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Peer Status as a Potential Risk or Protective Factor: A Latent Profile Analysis on Peer Status and Its Association with Internalizing Symptoms in Adolescents with and without Parental Physical Abuse Experience

by Céline A. Favre, Dilan Aksoy, Clarissa Janousch and Ariana Garrote

Children 2022, 9(5), 599; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9050599 - 22 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2279

Abstract

Research has well established that parental physical abuse experiences can lead to devastating consequences for adolescents, with peer relationships acting as both protective and risk factors. With the person-centered latent profile analysis (LPA), we analyzed questionnaire data from a cross-sectional study in 2020 [...] Read more.

Research has well established that parental physical abuse experiences can lead to devastating consequences for adolescents, with peer relationships acting as both protective and risk factors. With the person-centered latent profile analysis (LPA), we analyzed questionnaire data from a cross-sectional study in 2020 composed of a sample of 1959 seventh-grade high school students from Switzerland. This study investigated and compared peer-status profiles combining peer acceptance and peer popularity for adolescents with and without parental physical abuse experiences. We conducted a multinomial logistic regression analysis to investigate further depression, anxiety, and dissociation as predictors of profile membership. With LPA, we identified three distinct profiles for adolescents within the subgroup with experiences of parental physical abuse (n = 344), namely liked, liked-popular, and rejected-unpopular. Within the subgroup of adolescents without parental physical abuse experiences (n = 1565), LPA revealed four profiles, namely liked, liked-popular, rejected-unpopular, and average. For adolescents with parental physical abuse experiences, higher levels of dissociation significantly indicated they were more likely to belong to the rejected-unpopular group than belong to the liked group. Anxious students without experiences of parental physical abuse were more likely to belong to the rejected-unpopular and liked profiles than belong to the liked-popular and average profiles. These findings clearly argue for a deeper understanding of the role of parental physical abuse when analyzing the relationship between dissociation and anxiety and peer status. Operationalizing peer status with the four individual dimensions of likeability, rejection, popularity, and unpopularity was valuable in that the role of peer rejection with respect to different internalizing symptoms became apparent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Risk and Protective Factors and Child Development)

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26 pages, 943 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Thriving despite Parental Physical Abuse in Adolescence: A Two-Wave Latent Transition Analysis on Hedonic and Eudaimonic Violence-Resilience Outcome Indicators

by Wassilis Kassis, Dilan Aksoy, Céline Anne Favre, Clarissa Janousch and Sibylle Talmon-Gros Artz

Children 2022, 9(4), 553; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9040553 - 13 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1948

Abstract

Internationally, about 25% of all children experience physical abuse by their parents. Despite the numerous odds against them, about 30% of adolescents who have experienced even the most serious forms of physical abuse by their parents escape the vicious family violence cycle. In [...] Read more.

Internationally, about 25% of all children experience physical abuse by their parents. Despite the numerous odds against them, about 30% of adolescents who have experienced even the most serious forms of physical abuse by their parents escape the vicious family violence cycle. In this study, we analyzed longitudinally the data from a sample of N = 1767 seventh-grade high school students in Switzerland on physical abuse by their parents. We did this by conducting an online questionnaire twice within the school year. We found that in our sample, about 30% of the participating adolescents’ parents had physically abused them. We considered violence resilience a multi-systemic construct that included the absence of psychopathology on one hand and both forms of well-being (psychological and subjective) on the other. Our latent construct included both feeling good (hedonic indicators, such as high levels of self-esteem and low levels of depression/anxiety and dissociation) and doing well (eudaimonic indicators, such as high levels of self-determination and self-efficacy as well as low levels of aggression toward peers). By applying a person-oriented analytical approach via latent transition analysis with a sub-sample of students who experienced physical abuse (n_w2 = 523), we identified and compared longitudinally four distinct violence-resilience patterns and their respective trajectories. By applying to the field of resilience, one of the most compelling insights of well-being research (Deci & Ryan, 2001), we identified violence resilience as a complex, multidimensional latent construct that concerns hedonic and eudaimonic well-being and is not solely based on terms of psychopathology. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Risk and Protective Factors and Child Development)

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23 pages, 1458 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Understanding the Mechanisms through Which Family Risk Affects Adolescent Mental Health: A Model of Multisystemic Resilience in Context

by Margherita Cameranesi, Linda Theron, Jan Höltge, Philip Jefferies and Michael Ungar

Children 2022, 9(4), 546; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9040546 - 12 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2760

Abstract

There is substantial evidence that exposure to family adversity significantly and negatively impacts positive adolescent development by placing adolescents at increased risk of experiencing developmental difficulties, including conduct problems. Although the mechanisms responsible for these effects are still largely unknown, a novel line [...] Read more.

There is substantial evidence that exposure to family adversity significantly and negatively impacts positive adolescent development by placing adolescents at increased risk of experiencing developmental difficulties, including conduct problems. Although the mechanisms responsible for these effects are still largely unknown, a novel line of inquiry in the resilience field conceptualizes positive adaptation, following exposure to atypical adversity, as resulting from complex interactions of systems at multiple ecological levels. The purpose of the present analysis was to apply this multisystemic resilience framework to the study of positive adaptation following exposure to family adversity in a sample of Canadian adolescents (n = 230; mean age 16.16, SD = 1.38) and South African adolescents (n = 421; mean age = 15.97, SD = 1.19) living in economically volatile communities dependent on the oil and gas industry. Cross-sectional survey data were used to investigate the mechanisms through which family adversity exercises its impact on adolescent conduct problems by accounting for their caregiving, peer, and community resources. Results of two moderated mediation analyses showed that family adversity impacts adolescent externalizing mental health negatively, via disrupted caregiving, when other resources are also considered. For the Canadian adolescents, these negative impacts were protectively moderated by peer support, but not moderated by appreciation for community traditions. In contrast, peer support showed no significant protective effect for the South African sample, while a strong appreciation for community traditions was positively and significantly associated with conduct difficulties. Contextual dynamics (e.g., social unrest) provide a plausible explanation for the discrepant results and bring attention to the importance of theorizing resilience in context. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Risk and Protective Factors and Child Development)

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15 pages, 438 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Individual and Contextual Risk and Protective Factors for Suicidal Thoughts and Behaviors among Black Adolescents with Arrest Histories

by Camille R. Quinn, Erinn B. Duprey, Donte T. Boyd, Raven Lynch, Micah Mitchell, Andrew Ross, Elizabeth D. Handley and Catherine Cerulli

Children 2022, 9(4), 522; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9040522 - 06 Apr 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2646

Abstract

Black adolescents in the United States have experienced an increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). Since Black adolescents are overrepresented in the youth punishment system, more research is needed to investigate correlates of STBs for this population. The purpose of this paper [...] Read more.

Black adolescents in the United States have experienced an increase in suicidal thoughts and behaviors (STBs). Since Black adolescents are overrepresented in the youth punishment system, more research is needed to investigate correlates of STBs for this population. The purpose of this paper is to explore and establish correlates of individual, family, and community risk and protective factors and their relationship to lifetime STBs in a national sample of Black youth with arrest histories. Guided by an intersectional eco-behavioral lens, we investigated individual, family and contextual risk and protective factors for STBs among a national sample of justice-involved Black youth aged 12–17 with a history of arrest (n = 513). We used logistic regression models to test risk and protective factors for STBs. Among the sample, 9.78% endorsed suicidal ideation, and 7.17% endorsed a previous suicide attempt. Further, gender (female) and depression severity were risk factors for STBs, while positive parenting and religiosity were protective factors for STBs. School engagement was associated with lower levels of suicidal ideation. The findings suggest suicide prevention and intervention efforts should identify developmentally salient risk and protective factors to reduce mental health burden associated with STBs and concurrent alleged law-breaking activity of Black youth. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Risk and Protective Factors and Child Development)

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12 pages, 278 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sources and Types of Social Supports and Their Association with Mental Health Symptoms and Life Satisfaction among Young Adults with a History of Out-of-Home Care

by Rhiannon Evans, Colleen C. Katz, Anthony Fulginiti and Heather Taussig

Children 2022, 9(4), 520; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9040520 - 06 Apr 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2339

Abstract

Young adults with a history of out-of-home care report poorer mental health and life satisfaction compared to non-care-experienced peers. Social support is a known protective factor for mental health. There is limited evidence, however, on the relationship between sources (e.g., family members) and [...] Read more.

Young adults with a history of out-of-home care report poorer mental health and life satisfaction compared to non-care-experienced peers. Social support is a known protective factor for mental health. There is limited evidence, however, on the relationship between sources (e.g., family members) and types (e.g., information) of social support and mental health symptoms and life satisfaction in this population. Reporting cross-sectional survey data from 215 young adults aged 18–22 years with a history of out-of-home care, the current study conducted descriptive, bivariate, and linear regression analysis to examine the different sources and types of support young adults receive and their relation to mental health symptoms and life satisfaction. Participants had high levels of support from family members, friends, and other adults. Most participants had informational support, but less than half had consistent material support. Regression analyses demonstrated that having enough informational and material support were associated with fewer mental health symptoms. Having family support and material support were associated with greater life satisfaction. Further longitudinal research is needed to understand the trajectory between social supports and mental health functioning and life satisfaction. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Risk and Protective Factors and Child Development)

14 pages, 639 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

Supportive Neighborhoods, Family Resilience and Flourishing in Childhood and Adolescence

by Sheila Barnhart, Molly Bode, Michael C. Gearhart and Kathryn Maguire-Jack

Children 2022, 9(4), 495; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9040495 - 01 Apr 2022

Cited by 12 | Viewed by 3377

Abstract

Flourishing is linked with health and well-being in childhood and adulthood. This study applied a promotive factors model to examine how neighborhood assets might benefit child and adolescent flourishing by promoting family resilience. Using data from the combined 2018 and 2019 National Survey [...] Read more.

Flourishing is linked with health and well-being in childhood and adulthood. This study applied a promotive factors model to examine how neighborhood assets might benefit child and adolescent flourishing by promoting family resilience. Using data from the combined 2018 and 2019 National Survey of Children’s Health, structural equation models tested direct and indirect relationships between neighborhood physical environment, neighborhood social cohesion, family resilience, and flourishing among 18,396 children and 24,817 adolescents. After controlling for multiple covariates that may influence flourishing, the models supported that higher levels of neighborhood social cohesion were directly associated with higher levels of flourishing adolescents, and indirectly by positive associations with family resilience for both children and adolescents. No indirect effects between neighborhood physical environments and flourishing were supported by the data for either children or adolescents. However, neighborhood physical environments were positively associated with adolescent flourishing. Understanding social environmental factors that strengthen and enhance child and adolescent flourishing are critical toward designing prevention, intervention, and policy efforts that can build on the existing strengths of families and their communities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Risk and Protective Factors and Child Development)

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11 pages, 248 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Pre-Birth Household Challenges Predict Future Child’s School Readiness and Academic Achievement

by Robyn A. Husa, Jared W. Parrish and Heidi S. Johnson

Children 2022, 9(3), 414; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9030414 - 15 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2380

Abstract

Early developmental success and school readiness strongly influence future skill development, occupational opportunities, and health. Therefore, it is critical to identify and address early determinants of school readiness for supporting children’s overall well-being and success. In this retrospective cohort study, we examined the [...] Read more.

Early developmental success and school readiness strongly influence future skill development, occupational opportunities, and health. Therefore, it is critical to identify and address early determinants of school readiness for supporting children’s overall well-being and success. In this retrospective cohort study, we examined the effects of pre-birth household challenges, such as homelessness or experiences of intimate partner violence, on children’s early school readiness. We linked data from the Alaska 2009–2011 Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System (PRAMS) to administrative and education records through 2019. Education records included kindergarten developmental scores, third grade reading assessments, and attendance records. Generalized linear models with Quasi-Poisson distributions for each outcome of interest examined the predictive value of pre-birth household challenges on the risks of not meeting school readiness expectations. We found that experiencing higher numbers of pre-birth household challenges was related to higher risk of the child not meeting developmental and reading proficiency and having chronic absenteeism. These results suggest that it is imperative support systems for pregnant persons and their families be introduced as soon as possible in pre-natal care routines to address current pre-birth household stressors and prevent future challenges. Such early prevention efforts are needed to ensure the best possible developmental start for children. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Risk and Protective Factors and Child Development)

20 pages, 336 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Neglect, Abuse, and Adaptive Functioning: Food Security and Housing Stability as Protective Factors for Adolescents

by Julia M. Kobulsky, Dalhee Yoon, Miguel T. Villodas, Brittany R. Schuler, Rachel Wildfeuer and José N. Reyes III

Children 2022, 9(3), 390; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9030390 - 10 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2241

Abstract

This study addresses gaps in knowledge of protective factors that support adaptive functioning among maltreated adolescents. The sample included 1003 high-risk youths participating in the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (53% female, 56% Black, and 82% living in poverty). Adolescent neglect [...] Read more.

This study addresses gaps in knowledge of protective factors that support adaptive functioning among maltreated adolescents. The sample included 1003 high-risk youths participating in the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (53% female, 56% Black, and 82% living in poverty). Adolescent neglect (Exposure to Risky Situations, Lack of Monitoring, Inattention to Basic Needs, Permitting Misbehavior, Lack of Support) and physical, sexual, and emotional abuse were self-reported at age 16. Age 18 adaptive functioning measures included healthcare receipt (medical, dental, and mental health), self-rated global health, high school graduation or enrollment, prosocial activities, peer relationships (Companionship, Conflict, Satisfaction, and Intimacy), and independent living skills. Previous childhood maltreatment, demographics, and earlier prosocial activities and peer relationships were controls. Structural equation modeling showed that adolescent neglect and abuse were associated with lower adaptive functioning. Multigroup models showed protective effects for food security on the relationships between sexual abuse and self-rated health and between Inadequate Monitoring and Companionship. Housing stability buffered relationships between Inadequate Support and high school graduation or enrollment and between Permitting Misbehavior and independent living skills. Findings imply the need for adolescent-focused prevention, including the promotion of food security and housing stability to support adaptive functioning in maltreated adolescents. However, notable mixed findings show the need for additional research. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Risk and Protective Factors and Child Development)

8 pages, 216 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mothers’ Resilience: Experiences of Intimate Partner Violence Survivors at Work

by Kathryn Showalter, Kathryn Maguire-Jack and Rebecca McCloskey

Children 2022, 9(3), 373; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9030373 - 08 Mar 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2005

Abstract

Mothers who experience intimate partner violence can be resilient in maintaining employment during periods of abuse. The current qualitative study examines mothers’ experiences of abusive workplace disruptions as well as helpful responses from workplaces. Two main research questions are addressed: 1. What ways [...] Read more.

Mothers who experience intimate partner violence can be resilient in maintaining employment during periods of abuse. The current qualitative study examines mothers’ experiences of abusive workplace disruptions as well as helpful responses from workplaces. Two main research questions are addressed: 1. What ways do abusive partners use issues related to children to disrupt mothers’ employment? 2. How do workplaces respond to mothers experiencing IPV? How do mothers show resilience? Mothers (n = 18) receiving services for abuse explained that abusive partners disrupted their work through compromising or withholding childcare, manipulating them through children, and jeopardizing child safety during work hours. However, mothers showed resilience when coworkers extend housing, childcare, and genuine concern for their situations. Implications for researchers, practitioners, and employers of survivors are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Risk and Protective Factors and Child Development)

10 pages, 1003 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Family Bonding, Support, Engagement in Healthcare, on PrEP Stigma among Young Black and Latino Men Who Have Sex with Men: A Path Analysis

by Donte T. Boyd, Gamji M’Rabiu Abubakari, DeAnne Turner, S. Raquel Ramos, Mandy J. Hill and LaRon E. Nelson

Children 2022, 9(3), 330; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9030330 - 01 Mar 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2540

Abstract

This study employs the ecodevelopmental theory to examine the influence of mother and father bonding, family engagement in healthcare, and family support on PrEP stigma among BLMSM. We used a cross-sectional sample from wave five of the Healthy Young Men (HYM) study, with [...] Read more.

This study employs the ecodevelopmental theory to examine the influence of mother and father bonding, family engagement in healthcare, and family support on PrEP stigma among BLMSM. We used a cross-sectional sample from wave five of the Healthy Young Men (HYM) study, with a survey sample of 399 participants aged 16–24 years. We conducted two-path analyses to test multiple hypotheses: (1) mother/father bonding is associated with an increase in family engagement in healthcare; (2) family engagement in healthcare is associated with family social support; and (3) family social support is associated with PrEP stigma. Family social support was negatively correlated with PrEP stigma (r = −0.15; p < 0.001). The findings show that families either led by a Black/Latino father or mother have a significant impact on the sexual health-seeking behavior of BLMSM and their perception of HIV and PrEP. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Risk and Protective Factors and Child Development)

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11 pages, 942 KiB

Open AccessEditor’s ChoiceArticle

The Mental Health of Black Youth Affected by Community Violence: Family and School Context as Pathways to Resilience

by Donte T. Boyd, Kristian V. Jones, Camille R. Quinn, Adrian Gale, Ed-Dee G. Williams and Husain Lateef

Children 2022, 9(2), 259; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9020259 - 15 Feb 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 3977

Abstract

Black youth who experience community violence occupy multiple environments with varying levels of influence on how they display resiliency to prevent adverse mental health outcomes. Considering the recent rise of mental health concerns (i.e., increase in suicidal outcomes) among Black youth, along with [...] Read more.

Black youth who experience community violence occupy multiple environments with varying levels of influence on how they display resiliency to prevent adverse mental health outcomes. Considering the recent rise of mental health concerns (i.e., increase in suicidal outcomes) among Black youth, along with the abundance of research illustrating the detrimental impact of community violence, more research is needed to examine how different environmental factors (e.g., family and school) shape how youth protect their mental health while displaying resiliency navigating community violence. The purpose of this study was to examine how family and school contexts predict Black youths’ ability to display resiliency to navigate community violence and prevent adverse mental health outcomes. This study utilized a path analysis to examine the associations between parent relationships, parent bonding, school climate, resilience to adverse community experiences, community violence, and mental health among 548 Black adolescents in Chicago. Findings highlight that parent relationships, parent bonding, and school climate influence the association between resilience to community violence and mental health outcomes among Black youth. Implications for mental health practice and policy among Black youth are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Risk and Protective Factors and Child Development)

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17 pages, 324 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Sociodemographic Factors on Mobile Device Use among Young Children in Putrajaya, Malaysia

by Nur Nabilah Abdullah, Suziyani Mohamed, Kamariah Abu Bakar and Noratiqah Satari

Children 2022, 9(2), 228; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9020228 - 08 Feb 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3467

Abstract

Technology is evolving rapidly around the world, and the use of mobile devices is increasing every day. Today, everyone owns a mobile device, including young children. Parents provide and allow young children to use mobile devices for various purposes. Due to the fact [...] Read more.

Technology is evolving rapidly around the world, and the use of mobile devices is increasing every day. Today, everyone owns a mobile device, including young children. Parents provide and allow young children to use mobile devices for various purposes. Due to the fact of these circumstances, children begin to become comfortable with the use of mobile devices, and they are prone to excessive use. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the influence of sociodemographic factors on excessive mobile device use among young children. Sociodemographic variables, including the child’s gender, the child’s age when starting to use a mobile device, the parent’s educational level, household income, type of application used, and the purpose of giving a mobile device to the child, were selected as predictive factors. A cross-sectional survey study design with a quantitative approach was conducted. A simple random sampling technique was employed, and a total of 364 parents completed the adapted questionnaire, namely, the Problematic Mobile Phone Use Scale (PMPUS). Data were statistically analyzed using descriptive and binary logistic regression analysis. The findings revealed that gender, age of the child when starting to use mobile devices, and purpose of parents providing mobile devices significantly contributed to 77.7% of the variance to make children users with a problem. However, the parent’s educational level, household income, and type of application did not significantly contribute to the problem of mobile device use. Later, this study discusses the research implication, limitation, and recommendation for future research based on the finding. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Risk and Protective Factors and Child Development)

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11 pages, 909 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relative Influence of Family and Neighborhood Factors on Child Maltreatment at Critical Stages of Child Development

by Kathryn Maguire-Jack, Susan Yoon, Yujeong Chang and Sunghyun Hong

Children 2022, 9(2), 163; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9020163 - 27 Jan 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4076

Abstract

This study examines the impact of family and neighborhood factors on physical and psychological abuse across three developmental stages of children: early childhood (age 3), young school age (age 5), and middle childhood (age 9). Data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing [...] Read more.

This study examines the impact of family and neighborhood factors on physical and psychological abuse across three developmental stages of children: early childhood (age 3), young school age (age 5), and middle childhood (age 9). Data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study, a longitudinal national cohort study of children from 20 urban U.S. cities, are used. Path analysis is employed to investigate the longitudinal relationships between family and neighborhood context variables and abuse risk, as well as the importance of different factors at key developmental stages. Economic hardship, maternal substance use, intimate partner violence, and exposure to community violence are found to be related to child abuse risk regardless of developmental stage, while maternal depression and neighborhood informal social control are found to have impacts only within certain child development stages. Findings suggest the need for early intervention and prevention strategies that specifically target economic hardship, poverty, intimate partner violence, and exposure to community violence. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Risk and Protective Factors and Child Development)

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12 pages, 742 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Parent Media Use, Parent Attitude on Media, and Parenting Style on Children’s Media Use

by Hye Eun Lee, Ji Young Kim and Changsook Kim

Children 2022, 9(1), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/children9010037 - 01 Jan 2022

Cited by 10 | Viewed by 5778

Abstract

Parents play a vital role in mediating children’s media use, especially at a young age. We examined the link between the media use of younger children and the media use, attitude toward media, and parenting styles of parents. One thousand and twenty parents [...] Read more.

Parents play a vital role in mediating children’s media use, especially at a young age. We examined the link between the media use of younger children and the media use, attitude toward media, and parenting styles of parents. One thousand and twenty parents of children between 4 and 6 years of age completed a questionnaire on their media use, positive and negative attitudes on media, parenting styles, and the media use of their children. Multigroup structural equation modeling was used to analyze the data. The results showed that there was a significant positive relation between the parent’s media time and the child’s daytime and nighttime media use. Additionally, the parent’s positive attitude toward media use was positively related to the child’s daytime media use, but not the child’s nighttime media use, while the parent’s negative attitude toward media was not associated with the child’s daytime and nighttime media use. Further, among the seven parenting styles, material rewards and autonomy were positively associated with the child’s daytime media use. Discipline was negatively related to the child’s nighttime media use, whereas material rewards were positively associated with the child’s nighttime media use. Collectively, the parent’s positive attitude toward media use was the strongest predictor of the child’s daytime media use, and material rewards were the strongest predictor of the child’s nighttime media use. These results can be of significant use to inform policymakers, researchers, and parents regarding the development of parental guidelines on children’s media use. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Risk and Protective Factors and Child Development)

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17 pages, 522 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Patterns of Father Involvement and Child Development among Families with Low Income

by Susan Yoon, Minjung Kim, Junyeong Yang, Joyce Y. Lee, Anika Latelle, Jingyi Wang, Yiran Zhang and Sarah Schoppe-Sullivan

Children 2021, 8(12), 1164; https://doi.org/10.3390/children8121164 - 09 Dec 2021

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3623

Abstract

This study examined patterns of father involvement and their relations with social, behavioral, and cognitive development among low-income children < 5 years. Latent class analysis on data from 2650 fathers (Mage = 29.35 years) in the Supporting Healthy Marriages program revealed four father [...] Read more.

This study examined patterns of father involvement and their relations with social, behavioral, and cognitive development among low-income children < 5 years. Latent class analysis on data from 2650 fathers (Mage = 29.35 years) in the Supporting Healthy Marriages program revealed four father involvement patterns: (1) High positive involvement (48%); (2) engaged but harsh discipline (42%); (3) low cognitive stimulation (8%); and (4) lower involvement (2%). The low cognitive stimulation pattern was associated with greater father- and mother-reported child behavior problems and lower child socioemotional and cognitive functioning. The engaged but harsh discipline pattern was associated with more father-reported child behavior problems. These findings highlight the need for active engagement of fathers in parenting interventions to promote child development. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Family Risk and Protective Factors and Child Development)

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