Search

Background: We examine precursors of child emotional distress during the COVID‐19 pandemic in a prospective intergenerational Australian cohort study. Methods: Parents (N = 549, 60% mothers) of 934 1–9‐year‐old children completed a COVID‐19 specific module in 2020 and/or 2021. Decades prior, a broad range of individual, relational and contextual factors were assessed during parents' own childhood, adolescence and young adulthood (7–8 to 27–28 years old; 1990–2010) and again when their children were 1 year old (2012–2019). Results: After controlling for pre‐pandemic socio‐emotional behaviour problems, COVID‐19 child emotional distress was associated with a range of pre‐pandemic parental life course factors including internalising difficulties, lower conscientiousness, social skills problems, poorer relational health and lower trust and tolerance. Additionally, in the postpartum period, pre‐pandemic parental internalising difficulties, lower parental warmth, lower cooperation and fewer behavioural competencies predicted child COVID‐19 emotional distress. Conclusions: Findings highlight the importance of taking a larger, intergenerational perspective to better equip young populations for future adversities. This involves not only investing in child, adolescent, and young adult emotional and relational health, but also in parents raising young families. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Objective Method Results Conclusion Machine learning (ML) techniques have shown promise for enhancing prediction of clinical outcomes; however, its application to predicting binge eating has been scarcely explored. We applied ML techniques to predict binge eating onset (vs. continued absence) and persistence (vs. remission) over time.Data were used from a larger prospective study of 1106 participants who were assessed on a range of putative risk, maintaining, and protective factors at baseline and 8 months follow‐up. Nine ML models for classification were developed and compared against a generalised linear model (GLM) for predicting onset (n = 334) and persistence (n = 623) outcomes using 39 self‐reported baseline variables as predictors.All models performed poorly at predicting onset (AUC = 0.49–0.61) and persistence (AUC = 0.50–0.59) outcomes, with ML models demonstrating comparable performance to the GLM.We suspect that poor ML performance may have been a result of the limited set of self‐reported baseline predictors used to generate prediction models. Improved predictive accuracy and optimisation of ML models in future research may require consideration of a larger, more disparate set of predictors that also incorporate various data types, such as neuroimaging, physiological, or smartphone sensor data. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Helplines are often the first contact with the alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment system. We examined call data from an AOD helpline in Victoria, Australia, to explore the association between COVID‐19 lockdown measures and frequency of calls. Methods: This was a retrospective analysis of AOD helpline data collected between January 2018 and September 2020, for alcohol, methamphetamine and cannabis use concerns. Linear and logistic regression analyses examined differences in pre‐COVID‐19 (January 2018 to March 2020) and during COVID‐19 (March 2020 to September 2020) caller characteristics, and interrupted time‐series analyses examined changes in frequency of calls relative to lockdown measures. Results: There were 14,340 calls for alcohol (n = 10,196, 71.10%), methamphetamine (n = 2522, 17.59%) and cannabis (n = 1622, 11.31%). Relative to pre‐COVID‐19, during COVID‐19 there was an increase in the rate of change over time in number of alcohol calls (b = 0.39), increase in first‐time alcohol callers (OR = 1.29), and reduction in first‐time methamphetamine callers (OR = 0.80). During COVID‐19, alcohol callers had lower Socio‐Economic Indicators for Areas scores (b = −3.06) and cannabis callers were younger (b = −2.07). During COVID‐19, there were reductions in alcohol calls involving counselling/support (OR = 0.87) and information provision (OR = 0.87), cannabis calls involving information provision (OR = 0.71) and methamphetamine calls involving referral (OR = 0.80). Discussion and conclusions: In the first 6 months of the pandemic, frequency of alcohol‐related calls increased over time, and first‐time alcohol‐related callers increased. The number of calls for cannabis and methamphetamine remained stable. Results suggest the helpline was not used to its full capacity, suggesting a role for further promotion during times of crises. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Trait anger reflects a tendency to feel irritation, annoyance, and rage, and involves a narrowing of cognition and attention. This narrowed scope may impact the capacity to understand the mental states of oneself and others (mentalizing), which for fathers of infants may compromise bonding and caregiving involvement. Here, we investigated the extent to which mentalizing mediated the relationship between father trait anger and both father–infant bonding and father involvement in infant caregiving. Data were from 168 fathers (M = 30.04 years of age, SD = 1.36) of 190 infants (M = 7.58 months of age, SD = 5.06) in the longitudinal Men and Parenting Pathways (MAPP) study. We assessed fathers' preconception trait anger at Wave 1 and their mentalizing 2 years later at Wave 3. At Waves 3, 4, and/or 5, we assessed father–infant bonding and father involvement in infant caregiving when men had an infant younger than 18 months of age. Associations were examined using path analysis. Poorer mentalizing fully mediated the relationship between preconception trait anger and father–infant bonding (total score), but not involvement in infant caregiving. Further, poorer mentalizing fully mediated the relationships between trait anger and each component of the father–infant bond (i.e., patience and tolerance, affection and pride, and pleasure in interactions). Findings suggest that for men high on trait anger, targeted interventions that facilitate mentalizing capacities may help to develop a foundation for a strong father–infant bond. Interventions may be offered on becoming a father (perinatal), or prior to becoming a father (preconception) to prevent future bonding problems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Feelings of shame are linked to increased risk for depression. Little is known about protective factors that may buffer this effect, particularly in men. Using prospective data from a community sample of Australian men, we examine the extent to which shame is associated with depressive symptoms, and the protective role of psychological wellbeing, specifically environmental mastery and purpose in life. Methods: Participants (n = 448) were from the longitudinal Men and Parenting Pathways (MAPP) Study. Measures were the Event Related Shame and Guilt Scale for shame, the DASS-21 for depressive symptoms and Ryff's Scales of Psychological Well-Being for environmental mastery and purpose in life. Linear regressions were used to test associations between shame and depressive symptoms concurrently and 1-year later, and the moderating effects of mastery and purpose in life. Results: Shame was strongly associated with concurrent depressive symptoms (βunadj =.76, p <.001; βadj =.63, p <.001). This effect was weaker in men with high compared to low environmental mastery (β+1 SD =.46, p <.001; β−1 SD =.55, p <.001) and purpose in life (β+1 SD =.48, p <.001; β−1 SD =.62, p <.001). Shame also predicted subsequent depressive symptoms after adjustment for prior depressive symptoms (βunadj =.59, p =.001; βadj =.34, p =.004), although environmental mastery or purpose in life did not moderate these associations. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that promoting a sense of psychological wellbeing in men may confer protective proximal effects in the context of shame, potentially attenuating depression severity. The current study aligns with calls for strength-based approaches to reducing mental health problems in men. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Eating disorder (ED) research has embraced a network perspective of psychopathology, which proposes that psychiatric disorders can be conceptualized as a complex system of interacting symptoms. However, existing intervention studies using the network perspective have failed to find that symptom reductions coincide with reductions in strength of associations among these symptoms. We propose that this may reflect failure of alignment between network theory and study design and analysis. We offer hypotheses for specific symptom associations expected to be disrupted by an app-based intervention, and test sensitivity of a range of statistical metrics for identifying this intervention-induced disruption. Methods Data were analyzed from individuals with recurrent binge eating who participated in a randomized controlled trial of a cognitive-behavioral smartphone application. Participants were categorized into one of three groups: waitlist (n = 155), intervention responder (n = 49), and intervention non-responder (n = 77). Several statistical tests (bivariate associations, network-derived strength statistics, network invariance tests) were compared in ability to identify change in network structure. Results Hypothesized disruption to specific symptom associations was observed through change in bivariate correlations from baseline to post-intervention among the responder group but were not evident from symptom and whole-of-network based network analysis statistics. Effects were masked when the intervention group was assessed together, ignoring heterogeneity in treatment responsiveness. Conclusion Findings are consistent with our contention that study design and analytic approach influence the ability to test network theory predictions with fidelity. We conclude by offering key recommendations for future network theory-driven interventional studies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Internationally, there is growing attention on links between social isolation and mental health problems. Here, we use unique Australian longitudinal data to investigate associations between adult men's (n = 507; age M = 29.90, SD = 1.31) social network investments and their concurrent and subsequent mental health problems. In linear regressions, using generalised estimating equations (GEEs), we examined associations between social network investment (time with friends, network size and various activities with friends) and mental health symptoms (depression, anxiety and stress) across five timepoints. Models were adjusted for waves of outcome and potential confounders. Cross‐sectionally, each social network investment variable, except for drinking with friends, was negatively associated with depressive symptoms. Men's extended friendship network size and sharing a meal with friends were negatively associated with concurrent anxiety and stress. Time spent and physical activity with friends was also negatively associated with concurrent stress. In longitudinal analyses, after adjusting for prior depressive symptoms, only the number of friends in close and extended networks remained protective against depressive symptoms 1 year later. Results did not differ by fatherhood or relationship status. Programs designed to strengthen men's investment in social networks are recommended to reduce men's depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Here, we report new prevalence and temporal stability data for child attachment and parental caregiving behaviour, from infancy (1 year) to preschool (4 years). Methods: Attachment (SSP) and caregiving data (MBQS) were from observations of parents and their infants and preschoolers, who represent the third generation of participants within an Australian longitudinal cohort. Results: At 1 year (n = 314 dyads) and at 4 years (n = 368 dyads), proportions assessed secure were 59% and 71%, respectively. Proportions assessed avoidant were 15% and 11%; ambivalent 9% and 6%, and disorganised 17% and 12%, at 1 and 4 years. Continuity of attachment pattern was highest for the infant secure group. Of dyads initially classified disorganised in infancy, 36% remained so at the preschool assessment. Attachment and caregiving continuities across the infancy–preschool period were highest for the stable secure attachment group and lowest for the stable insecure attachment group. Loss of secure attachment to mother by age 4 years correlated with decreased maternal caregiving sensitivity, and acquisition of secure status by age 4 was associated with increased maternal sensitivity. We found no difference in caregiving sensitivity scores for mothers and fathers for female and male preschool children. Conclusions: The contemporary infant and preschool attachment proportions we report here closely mirror the patterns of those reported in prior decades, with an inclination towards secure base relationships. Our findings alert practitioners anew to the responsiveness of early attachment status to change in caregiving responsiveness and support ongoing investment in early identification of disorganised attachment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Although negative anticipatory emotions are typically seen as risk factors for poorer psychological outcomes over COVID‐19, emotion theorists suggest that this risk may be attenuated if balanced by the experience of positive emotion. Thus, the current study examined whether interactions between positive and negative anticipatory emotions were concurrently associated with psychological distress and greater personal wellbeing/posttraumatic growth (PTG) at three distinct periods (i.e., pre‐lockdown, during lockdown, post‐lockdown), and whether associations varied by these three COVID‐19 time periods. The study utilizes two large longitudinal Australian samples, surveyed in 2020 prior to, during, and after a strict 4‐month lockdown that occurred in Australia. Overall, positive emotions attenuated the adverse psychological outcomes arising from higher levels of negative emotion (i.e., higher psychological distress and lower personal wellbeing). Observed effects varied according to COVID‐19 threat exposure. Specifically, the interaction was significantly associated with psychological distress prior to the lockdown for Sample 2, and during the lockdown for both samples. The interaction was significantly associated with wellbeing (Sample 2) prior to, and during, the lockdown but only marginally associated post‐lockdown. The interaction, however, was not significantly associated with PTG (Sample 1). The results suggest that it is valuable for future research to consider greater emotional complexity (i.e., mixed emotions) over COVID‐19, and other stressors more generally, to encompass a more nuanced understanding of resilience. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: This study assessed the extent to which women's preconception binge drinking, tobacco use and cannabis use, reported prospectively in adolescence and young adulthood, predicted use of these substances during pregnancy and at 1 year postpartum. Methods: Data were pooled from two intergenerational cohort studies: the Australian Temperament Project Generation 3 Study (395 mothers, 691 pregnancies) and the Victorian Intergenerational Health Cohort Study (398 mothers, 609 pregnancies). Alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use were assessed in adolescence (13–18 years), young adulthood (19–29 years) and at ages 29–35 years for those transitioning to parenthood. Exposures were weekly or more frequent preconception binge drinking (5 + drinks in one session), tobacco use and cannabis use. Outcomes were any alcohol, tobacco and cannabis use prior to awareness of the pregnancy, after awareness of pregnancy (up to and including the third trimester pregnancy) and at 1 year postpartum. Results: Frequent preconception binge drinking, tobacco use and cannabis use across both adolescence and young adulthood were strong predictors of continued use post-conception, before and after awareness of the pregnancy and at 1 year postpartum. Substance use limited to young adulthood also predicted continued use post-conception. Conclusions: Persistent alcohol, tobacco use and cannabis use that starts in adolescence has a strong continuity into parenthood. Reducing substance use in the perinatal period requires action well before pregnancy, commencing in adolescence and continuing into the years before conception and throughout the perinatal period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We examined the factor structure of parental sensitivity to infants as assessed by the Mini‐Maternal Behavior Q‐Sort (Mini‐MBQS), a 25‐item short‐form of the original 90‐item MBQS. We aimed to: (1) identify latent factors of the Mini‐MBQS; and (2) validate each factor by testing associations with infant attachment classifications. Data on parent‐infant dyads (n = 313; 222 mothers with 281 children, 29 fathers with 32 children) were drawn from a three‐generation Australian cohort study. Exploratory Factor Analysis and Exploratory Structural Equation Modelling examined the structure of the Mini‐MBQS. Two latent Mini‐MBQS factors were identified, requiring 8 of 25 original items: (1) Attention and Responsiveness and (2) Contingency in Interactions. Infants with insecure attachment classifications had parents with lower sensitivity across both factors relative to infants classified secure. In particular, infants with resistant attachment classifications had parents with notably low Contingency in Interactions scores. Infants with disorganised attachment classifications had parents with the lowest relative sensitivity across both factors, and in these dyads Attention and Responsiveness scores were especially low. Results provide an empirically derived factor structure for the Mini‐MBQS. Two subscales, each with significant infant attachment associations, may improve precision in clinical intervention and research translation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined whether positive development (PD) in adolescence and young adulthood predicts offspring behavior in two Australasian intergenerational cohorts. The Australian Temperament Project Generation 3 Study assessed PD at age 19–28 (years 2002–2010) and behavior in 1165 infants (12–18 months; 608 girls) of 694 Australian‐born parents (age 29–35; 2012–2019; 399 mothers). The Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Parenting Study assessed PD at age 15–18 (years 1987–1991) and behavior in 695 preschoolers (3–5 years; 349 girls) and their New Zealand born parents (age 21–46; 1994–2018; 363 mothers; 89% European ethnicity). In both cohorts, PD before parenthood predicted more positive offspring behavior (βrange =.11–.16) and fewer behavior problems (βrange = −.09 to −.11). Promoting strengths may secure a healthy start to life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective Childhood physical illnesses have been associated with heightened risk for mental health problems in adolescence and young adulthood; however, little is known about the natural history of this relationship. Here, we examine the nature of mental health adjustment to illness from diagnosis in childhood into adolescence and young adult life. Methods Data were drawn from a large population-based cohort. Parents reported whether their child had a physical illness at 5–6 and 7–8 years and whether they believed their child was so sick it was thought they might die. Depression and anxiety symptoms were reported by parents (for children 7–10 years) and self-reports (11–28 years). Results A total of 1,001 (56%) parents reported their child had a physical illness. Of these parents, 143 (8%) believed their child might die. Findings indicated there was some evidence of higher levels of depressive and anxious symptoms across late childhood and into early adolescence for those reporting a physical illness in childhood. A similar pattern was observed for those who were so sick it was thought they might die, although symptoms were elevated to a greater extent. Conclusion Although physical illness in middle childhood is associated with higher levels of depressive and anxious symptoms, by early adolescence, these differences diminish, indicating a process of adaptation that persists into young adulthood. This suggests a potentially sensitive period of adjustment to illness for some, especially for children who it was feared might die. Additional psychosocial assessment and support may be warranted across the "acute" illness period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]