2024 Arizona Psychology Undergraduate Research Conference (AZPURC) Posters
Don’t Forget About Mom and Dad! A Qualitative Systematic Review of the Mental Health Needs of Parents Raising Children with Neuromuscular Conditions
Isabella J. Andrade, Laney A. Karpel, Arbella S. Kasim, Vijaya M. Nadiwada-Hofer, BS, Sun-Kyung Lee, PhD, Joanna J. Kim, PhD
References
Buchanan, D. C., LaBarbera, C. J., Roelofs, R., & Olson, W. (1979). Reactions of families to children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy. General Hospital Psychiatry, 1(3), 262–269. https://doi.org/10.1016/0163-8343(79)90028-8
Deenen, J. C. W., Horlings, C. G. C., Verschuuren, J. J. G. M., Verbeek, A. L. M., & van Engelen, B. G. M. (2015). The Epidemiology of Neuromuscular Disorders: A Comprehensive Overview of the Literature. Journal of Neuromuscular Diseases, 2(1), 73–85.
Masefield, S. C., Prady, S. L., Sheldon, T. A., Small, N., Jarvis, S., & Pickett, K. E. (2020). The Caregiver Health Effects of Caring for Young Children with Developmental Disabilities: A Meta-analysis. Maternal and Child Health Journal, 24(5), 561–574. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10995-020-02896-5
Obeidat, H. M., Al Hadid, L. A., AL-Sagarat, A. Y., & Khrisat, M. (2021). Lived Experience of Jordanian Parents Having a Child with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy. Journal of Pediatric Nursing, 57, 5–10. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pedn.2020.11.001
P. V., A. H., & Kotian, S. (2022). A Systematic Review and Research Agenda on Mental Wellbeing of the Caregivers of Intellectually Disabled Children. International Journal of Management, Technology, and Social Sciences, 335–353. https://doi.org/10.47992/IJMTS.2581.6012.0194
Samson, A., Tomiak, E., Dimillo, J., Lavigne, R., Miles, S., Choquette, M., Chakraborty, P., & Jacob, P. (2009). The lived experience of hope among parents of a child with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Perceiving the human being beyond the illness. Chronic Illness, 5(2), 103–114. https://doi.org/10.1177/1742395309104343
Slaná, M., Hromková, M., Letovancová, K., & Vidová, K. (2018). Everything has changed. Reflection of parenting children with Duchenne muscular dystrophy: Pensée Plurielle, n° 48(2), 133–143. https://doi.org/10.3917/pp.048.0133
Abstract
Neuromuscular diseases, such as Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Spinal Muscular Atrophy, and Mitochondrial Disease, affect approximately 15 million people globally. Parents of children with neuromuscular diseases have a unique set of demands to raise their child with complex medical needs to be independent, autonomous adults. Yet, most of what is known about the experiences of parents raising a child with a disability is based on parents of children with an intellectual disability. The experiences of parenting a child with a physical disability or neuromuscular disease are largely unknown. This systematic review synthesized the literature on parents’ psychological experience of having a child with a neuromuscular disease to generate empirically-informed recommendations for supporting parents of children with a neuromuscular disease. Included studies focused on mental health outcomes for parents of children with neuromuscular diseases. From 1,880 records, we identified 27 (n = 26 studies). Twenty-two studies featured quantitative analyses but were low-quality. Four studies had strong qualitative methods. The present study summarizes the findings across identified qualitative studies. Preliminary results suggest that parenting a child with a neuromuscular disorder is associated with heightened parental (di)stress, caregiver burden, depression, and anxiety symptoms. Additionally, included studies suggest that these outcomes can be mitigated through greater access to mental health resources, preventive measures and active intervention, and greater awareness among medical professionals. Finally, with additional infrastructure and funding for evidence-based interventions for parents of children with neuromuscular diseases, we will be much better equipped to meet the needs of these families.
Exploring Barriers to Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Completion: The Impact of Residence and Number of Trauma Types
Maya Swift, Vijaya M. Nandiwada-Hofer, B.S., Joanna J. Kim, Ph.D., Sun-Kyung Lee, Ph.D., Sydni Basha, M.S., Abigail Gewirtz, Ph.D.
References
Chasson, G. S., Vincent, J. P., & Harris, G. E. (2008). The use of symptom severity measured just before termination to predict child treatment dropout. Journal of Clinical Psychology, 64(7), 891–904. https://doi.org/10.1002/jclp.20494
Cohen, J., Mannarino, A., & Deblinger, E. (2017). The Benefits of Parental Involvement in Treatment. In Treating Trauma and Traumatic Grief in Children and Adolescents (2nd ed., pp. 48–50). The Guilford Press.
Deblinger, E., Cohen, J., Mannarino, A., & Epstein, C. (2007). TF-CBT practice checklist. https://tfcbt.org/tf-cbt-brief-practice-checklist/
Girvin, H., DePanfilis, D., & Daining, C. (2007). Predicting Program Completion Among Families Enrolled in a Child Neglect Preventive Intervention. Research on Social Work Practice, 17(6), 674–685. https://doi-org.ezproxy1.lib.asu.edu/10.1177/1049731507300285
Skar, A.-M. S., Braathu, N., Jensen, T. K., & Ormhaug, S. M. (2022). Predictors of nonresponse and drop-out among children and adolescents receiving TF-CBT: investigation of client-, therapist-, and implementation factors. BMC Health Services Research, 22(1), 1212. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12913-022-08497-y
Thielemann, J. F. B., Kasparik, B., König, J., Unterhitzenberger, J., & Rosner, R. (2022). A systematic review and meta-analysis of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy for children and adolescents. Child Abuse & Neglect, 134. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.chiabu.2022.105899
Abstract
Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) is an evidence-based treatment for children impacted by trauma with decades of support; however, many children do not complete the full course of TF-CBT as designed. Up to 27% of children do not receive the full dose of treatment, limiting treatment effectiveness. Child age, number of traumatic experiences, and foster care are associated with greater dropout across evidence-based treatments overall, yet it remains unknown if these same factors contribute to early termination from TF-CBT specifically (Skar et al., 2022). Given documented barriers including lack of parental involvement, further analysis using TF-CBT data is warranted. Thus, this study sought to identify client characteristics (e.g., residence status, number of trauma types, and demographics) associated with premature dropout or treatment transfer compared with treatment completion. The study used secondary data from a Minnesota statewide implementation of TF-CBT at baseline (N=649). Consistent with the literature, a multinomial logistic regression analysis revelated that children with a greater number of trauma types were significantly more likely to drop out of treatment or have their treatment transferred than complete TF-CBT. Interestingly, children living with parents were more likely to drop out compared to those who experienced a disadvantaged home status (e.g., alone/with peers, foster care centers, homeless, or shelter). Findings suggest that caregiver engagement is essential to child trauma treatment completion and subsequent success. It also points to child housing status as a complex variable that needs unpacking to better understand social and systemic factors that contribute to treatment dropout.
Parenting Behaviors and Adolescent Impulsivity: Understanding Risk Factors
Arbella S. Kasim, Vijaya M. Nandiwada-Hofer, BS, Laney A. Karpel, Joanna J. Kim, PhD, Nancy A. Gonzales, PhD
References
Cross, C. P., Copping, L. T., & Campbell, A. (2011). Sex differences in impulsivity: A meta-analysis. Psychological Bulletin, 137(1), 97–130. https://doi.org/10.1037/a0021591.
Jiménez-Barbero, J. A., Ruiz-Hernández, J. A., Llor-Esteban, B., & Waschgler, K. (2016). Influence of attitudes, impulsivity, and parent styles in adolescents’ externalizing behavior. Journal of Health Psychology, 21(1), 122–131. https://doi.org/10.1177/1359105314523303.
Kim, J. J., Perez, V. M., Tein, J.-Y., & Others. (2022). Measurement and Functional Equivalence of a Reduced Version of the UPPS Impulsivity Scale Among Hispanic, Non-Hispanic Black, and Non-Hispanic White Adolescents. Journal of Psychoeducational Assessment, 30(6), 1–11. https://doi.org/10.1177/10731911221129243
Abstract
Impulsivity is characterized by sensation seeking, acting on urgency, and a tendency to act quickly without thoroughly considering consequences. During adolescence, some impulsivity is normative and a part of a critical developmental stage (Steinberg, 2008). Yet, extensive, and heightened impulsivity is also linked with risky behaviors that threaten adolescent health (Cross et al., 2011). The aim of this This study is to investigated how parenting behaviors were related with and how they may predict adolescent impulsivitye behavior and how this may vary based on adolescent among adolescents, with a focus on sex differences. This will heighten the understanding of risk factors that contribute to impulsivity and inform interventions that aim to promote healthier decision-making among adolescents and their mental health. A total of 249 7th grade students and their caregivers completed surveys about their family experiences, adolescent mental health, risk behaviors, and self-regulation behaviors, including impulsivity in the 7th grade Fall semester students and again 18 months later. We examined each dimension of impulsivity as defined by the UPPS scale: urgency, lack of premeditation, lack of perseverance, and sensation seeking. ANOVAs revealed that boys exhibited higher levels of impulsivity across four dimensions at both timepoints. Parenting techniques that may affect impulsivity include positive reinforcement, communication, harsh parenting, negative conflict, monitoring, and mindful parenting. Therefore, each were examined as predictors of impulsivity dimensions. Regression analyses revealed that mother’s harsh parenting predicted decreased adolescent lack of perseverance in 8th grade. However, father’s positive reinforcement predicted decreased adolescent lack of premeditation. Findings highlight how mothering and fathering play different roles on the development of adolescent impulsivity. Future analyses will look at how adolescent sex may influence how parenting influences adolescent impulsivity.
Are we capturing parent-teen communication correctly? Examining the Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale for Measurement Invariance
Laney A. Karpel, Vijaya M Nandiwada-Hofer, BS, Arbella S. Kasim, Isabella J. Andrade, Joanna J. Kim, PhD., Nancy A. Gonzales, PhD.
References
Barnes, H. L., & Olson, D. H. (1985). Parent–adolescent communication and the Circumplex Model. Child Development, 56(2), 438–447. https://doi.org/10.2307/1129732
Hawkins, D. N., Amato, P. R., & King, V. (2006). Parent‐adolescent involvement: The relative influence of parent gender and residence. Journal of Marriage and Family, 68(1), 125-136.
Keijsers, L., & Poulin, F. (2013). Developmental changes in parent–child communication throughout adolescence. Developmental psychology, 49(12), 2301.
Sawyer, S., Azzopardi, P., Dakshitha, W., & Patton, G. (n.d.). The age of adolescence - the lancet child & adolescent health. The Lancet. https://www.thelancet.com/journals/lanchi/article/PIIS2352-4642(18)30022-1/fulltext
Abstract
Parent-adolescent communication is pivotal for promoting family relationships, adolescent mental health, academic achievement, and overall well-being (Sawyer, et al. 2018). Having been cited by 1,760 articles and counting since its inception, the 20-item Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale (PACS) is one of the most widely used measures of communication (Barnes & Olson, 1985). It has been translated into nine languages and used worldwide, but the measurement qualities of the original PACS have not been formally examined in over 40 years. As parent-adolescent communication patterns and norms have changed drastically with social and technological changes, it is time to reexamine the psychometric properties of the PACS. Also, given that adolescent sex is a consistent moderator of the relation between parent-adolescent communication and adolescent outcomes (Zhang et al., 2021), this study sought to establish measurement invariance across sexes. Data was used from a dataset of 516 7th grade students (50% female) who completed surveys about their family experiences. Statistical software SPSS has been used to look at the reliability of the scale for female versus male adolescents and Mplus will be used to run a confirmatory factor analysis for testing the validity of the PACS. If female and male adolescents report on their mothers’ and fathers’ communication in similar ways, then the scale functions similarly for both sexes. However, if the PACS is variant, we must caution researchers on interpreting findings using the PACS. Implications of non-invariance and how that threatens our understanding of recent research using the PACS will be discussed.