African American Fathers’ Race-Related Discussions with Their Children: Associations with Racial Identity Beliefs and Sociodemographic Factors Abstract Objectives Studies have highlighted that, for African American men, race-related and sociodemographic contexts are inextricably bound and have profound effects across the life course. These context and related experiences, individually and collectively, are critical social determinants of their parenting practices. The current study examined African American fathers’ racial identity beliefs in relation to their ethnic-racial socialization practices. Further, this investigation examines this association within the context of sociodemographic factors (i.e., age; education level; residential status). Methods Data were collected from 174 African American fathers (M = 32.2; SD = 8.24; Range = 23–62 years of age) of adolescents (M = 12.6; SD = 2.20; Range = 8–18 years of age) residing in a mid-sized, urban city in the Southeastern region of the United States. Participants completed survey questionnaires regarding their parenting ideologies, sociocontextual experiences and parenting practices. Results Regression analyses revealed that racial identity dimensions (centrality; public regard; private regard) and sociodemographic factors were directly associated with multiple ethnic-racial socialization domains. Also, the relationship between fathers’ perceptions of others’ views about African Americans (public regard) and ethnic-racial socialization was moderated by residential status. Conclusions Findings suggest that, African American fathers’ public regard beliefs, in combination with sociodemographic factors, shape race-related discussions with their children. Overall, results suggest that the public lens of fatherhood is further heightened by African American fathers’ sociodemographic landscape.

Adolescents’ Conflict Resolution with Their Parents and Best Friends: Links to Life Satisfaction Abstract Objective The present study aimed to compare the frequency with which adolescents’ used different conflict resolution styles in their three close relationships (mother, father and best friend); to examine the associations among adolescents’ conflict resolution styles in these relationships and the links between conflict resolution styles and life satisfaction. Methods The participants were adolescents (N = 854; aged 11–19 years), from six secondary schools in a metropolitan city in Turkey, who completed self-report questionnaires. Results In conflicts with their parents, adolescents used constructive styles (problem solving and compliance) more often than dysfunctional styles (withdrawal and conflict engagement). Problem solving was the most frequently used strategy in conflicts with a best friend, followed by conflict engagement, withdrawal, and compliance. Path analysis indicated a strong association between the strategies used to resolve conflicts with parents and with one’s best friend, χ2 = 6.45, df = 6, p = 0.38, CFI/TLI = 1/0.999, RMSEA = 0.007. Across all three relationships problem solving was positively linked to life satisfaction, whereas withdrawal and conflict engagement were negatively linked to life satisfaction, χ2 = 25.234, df = 24, p = 0.39, CFI/TLI = 0.999/0.999, RMSEA = 0.006. Conclusion There were similarities and differences in the conflict resolution strategies used in the different relationships, which provide support for the social problem solving model as well as for the contextual view of conflict resolution. The findings also underline the importance of constructive conflict resolution to the wellbeing of adolescents and point to the importance of conflict resolution training.

A Dynamic Systems Approach to Understanding Mindfulness in Interpersonal Relationships Abstract Objectives Major components of mindfulness, such as the development of empathy and compassion and the sharing of experience between people, necessitate a consideration of interpersonal relationships. The purpose of this paper is to review the literature on interpersonal mindfulness to-date and present a new way to conceptualize and measure mindfulness as it is cultivated and developed in interpersonal relationships. Methods We reviewed empirical literature on mindfulness in relationships and current conceptualizations and measures of mindfulness. Specifically, we focused attention on mindfulness in parenting and how cultivation of mindfulness impacts the parent–child interactions. Results Empirical investigations of mindfulness have largely centered on the intrapersonal and have rarely involved both intra- and interpersonal components of human experience. Further, although mindfulness is thought to involve the moment-to-moment awareness of human experience as it unfolds over time, empirical studies rarely measure mindfulness as a dynamic construct. Conclusions We suggest that dynamic systems theory can provide a useful framework in understanding how mindfulness both organizes and is organized by interpersonal interactions. We discuss several ways in which dynamic systems theory can inform the conceptualization of mindfulness as a process that takes place both within and between individuals. Finally, we present examples of how fine-grained and time-varying methods rooted in dynamic systems theory and currently utilized in human development research can be applied to understanding how mindfulness is manifested within close interpersonal relationships.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions for Adolescents with Mental Health Conditions: A Systematic Review of the Research Literature Abstract Objectives Although research investigating Mindfulness-based interventions (MBIs) for adults has increased exponentially, the evidence of the effects of MBIs on adolescents with mental health problems is only beginning to emerge. Our aim is to systematically review the current state of the MBI research literature across the range of mental health conditions in adolescents, and to identify some key research questions yet unanswered. Methods MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Scopus were searched, as well as the references of retrieved articles. Of 754 articles, 17 met the inclusion criteria. Of these, only a few studies implemented a manualized intervention for adolescents, five featured interventions adapted from the classical Mindfulness models (MBSR and MBCT), while the remaining studies used a combination between these models while incorporating also other components. In terms of research design, only three of the studies were RCTs, seven pilot studies, five design studies and the rest were feasibility studies. Moreover, only three of the seventeen studies used validated measures of mindfulness in gauging the impact of the interventions. Results We identified the following four categories of mental health conditions in studies of MBIs among adolescents: Neurodevelopmental and Behavioral Disorders; Mood and Anxiety Disorders; Substance Abuse Disorders, and Heterogeneous Disorders. Conclusions The evidence so far suggests that MBIs are both feasible and well accepted, although study populations and methods varied so much that precise estimates of impact on clinical outcomes needs further research. Guided by our systematic review, we summarize ways to adapt MBIs for adolescents with mental health problems.

The Experiences of Male Partners of Women with Postnatal Mental Health Problems: A Systematic Review and Thematic Synthesis Abstract Objectives This systematic review thematically synthesised qualitative research exploring men’s experiences of their partner’s postnatal mental health problems and their impact on men’s emotional wellbeing, relationships and support needs. Maternal postnatal mental health problems impact women and their infants. Recognition of the role that men play in supporting women’s’ recovery and infants’ development is growing. However, less is known about how maternal postnatal mental health problems affect men and how they wish to be supported. Methods A systematic review of the literature was conducted in January 2018 by searching five electronic databases (PsycINFO, EMBASE, MEDLINE, PubMed and Web of Science). Qualitative research studies published in English exploring men’s experiences of having a partner with postnatal mental health problems were included. Twenty papers met the inclusion criteria and were appraised for methodological quality. Data were thematically synthesised. Results In addition to nineteen subthemes, 5 main themes were identified: (1) Being a father, (2) Being a partner, (3) Experiencing negative emotions, (4) The ways in which men cope and (5) Where support is needed. Conclusions Maternal postnatal mental health problems impacted men’s roles of being a father and a partner and gave rise to negative emotions. Men coped with these experiences in a number of ways, which were both helped and hindered by personal, social and professional factors. Participants’ coping methods were understood in relation to Coping Theory. Recommendations for perinatal mental health professionals included the need for increased public awareness of postnatal mental health.

Evaluating Parents’ and Children’s Assessments of Competence, Health Related Quality of Life and Illness Perception Abstract Objectives Research on participatory medical decision making in children is still scarce. At the same time, there is broad consensus that involving young patients in decision making processes increases their adherence to medical procedures and reduces anxiety. Thus, this cross-sectional study’s objective was to assess mothers’, fathers’, and children’s evaluation of the child’s decisional competence in the context of psychosomatic and psychiatric care and test for possible predictors of competence such as illness perception, health-related quality of life (HrQoL), socioeconomic status, gender, and age. Methods Fifty-four families (mother, father, child triads; total N = 143) completed self-report questionnaires. Age of the children ranged from 6–16 (M = 11.68, SD = 2.74; 43% female), and the majority had a diagnosis of hyperkinetic, depressive or pervasive developmental disorders. 80% of children were German native speakers, and 27–37% of parents had a university degree. Results Findings show that parents rate the consequences of the child’s illness as more severe and report to understand it better than the child. Also, children indicate the proposed age for autonomous decision making as lower (13.55 years) than their parents (15.63, 16.58). Furthermore, age of child, mother, and father, HrQoL, illness coherence, and emotional illness representation emerged as significant predictors of the decisional competence subscales understanding, autonomy, decision making, and attitudes. Conclusions This study demonstrates the importance of considering all parties in shared decision making. Future research is challenged to more comprehensively evaluate contributing factors to achieve a more valid picture of children’s decisional competence.

Implementing the Coping Positively with My Worries Manual: A Pilot Study Abstract Objectives Children with chronic illnesses may experience anxiety related to medical procedures and hospitalization, and they may lack coping strategies for managing this anxiety. The objectives of the current study were to implement a new anxiety management manual for children and use qualitative methods to examine how children personalized strategies from the manual. Parent perceptions of child coping also were examined. Methods Twenty-six children with chronic illnesses and twenty-five parents reviewed an anxiety coping manual focused on cognitive behavioral strategies of distraction, imagination, relaxation, and positive self-talk/thinking. Children reviewed the manuals with an interviewer and then they developed coping menus to reflect how they would use the cognitive and behavioral strategies from the manual. Parents also completed a survey to provide information about their child’s current coping and the strategies from the manual they thought their child was most likely to implement. Qualitative techniques were used to analyze data. Results Findings indicated that children had the ability to personalize coping strategies taught in the anxiety coping manual. Parents felt their children were most likely to use relaxation and distraction strategies. Parents reported that children had some pre-existing coping strategies, similar to those presented in the manual. Conclusions Children were developing personalized strategies for managing their anxiety, including distraction, imagery, relaxation, and positive self-talk. Parents, family members and pets were key support figures. Future research should explore whether children use the strategies over time, as they undergo repeated procedures and hospitalizations.

Fatigue and Physical Activity: Potential Modifiable Contributors to Parenting Sense of Competence Abstract Objectives Parenting sense of competence, as measured by the Parenting Sense of Competence Scale (PSCS), is defined as one’s levels of satisfaction and self-efficacy experienced in the parenting role. Previous studies have identified significant associations among PSCS scores and a host of parenting characteristics predictive of child outcomes. Existing approaches to improving parenting sense of competence focus on developing parenting knowledge and skills; however, other modifiable contributing factors to parenting sense of competence may exist. We examined associations among fatigue, physical activity, and parenting sense of competence in a community sample of female primary caregivers of young children (N = 137) recruited from a university-based pediatric primary care clinic. Methods Participants completed measures of child disruptive behavior disorders, parent fatigue, and parent physical activity level. Parenting sense of competence was measured with the 16-item PSCS. Results Participants’ mean age was 32 years (SD = 8 years), and most were non-Hispanic (87%) and White (70%). Multiple linear regression analyses revealed significant independent associations of fatigue (β = −0.19, p = 0.02) and physical activity level (β = 0.20 and β = 0.25, p < 0.05) with parenting sense of competence, controlling for child disruptive behaviors, child age, and socioeconomic status. Conclusions In this non-clinical sample of mothers of young children, the significant relationships among fatigue, physical activity level, and parenting sense of competence could suggest potential targets for preventive intervention.

Family Stress Moderates Emotional and Behavioral Symptoms in a Child Partial Hospital Setting Abstract Objective Partial hospitalization programs are an increasingly utilized, multidisciplinary treatment for children with social, emotional, and behavioral needs. Although previous work suggests these programs improve children’s mental health functioning, outcomes research has been limited. This study examines moderators of emotional and behavioral outcomes in children with serious mental illness, with particular focus on demographic (age, race, insurance type, and gender) and family (stressors and supports) factors. Method The study includes 287 children ages 7–13. Children completed standardized questionnaires at admission and discharge including the Behavior Assessment System for Children-2 the Child Depression Inventory 2, and the Screen for Child Anxiety Related Disorders while caregivers completed the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire. Results Results indicate improvements in children’s anxiety, depressive symptoms, psychological adjustment, and emotional symptoms. Furthermore, children with private insurance reported significant decreases in depressive (p < 0.001) and emotional symptoms (p< 0.001) compared to children with state funded insurance. Females reported sharper decreases in depressive symptoms (p< 0.001) compared to males (p= 0.019). Finally, children in families with no stressors in the past month demonstrated sharper declines in depressive symptoms (p< 0.001) compared to children in families with one or more stressors in the past month (p= 0.001). Family support did not moderate these outcomes. Conclusions This study suggests partial hospitalization programs may be effective in improving emotional and behavioral problems. This study suggests family stressors are important to consider and emphasize in treatment.

Shelter Versus Living with Abusive Partner: Differences Among Mothers and Children Exposed to Intimate Partner Violence Abstract Objectives A growing body of literature has examined differences in the mental health and social support of abused women living in shelters compared with women from the community. However, less attention has been given to the differential effects of living in shelters and living with abusive partner in both mothers and children. A cross-sectional study was carried out to examine differences on cortisol awakening response (CAR), depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress symptoms, and social support in a Portuguese sample of women living in shelter compared to women living with abusive partner. Mothers also reported on their children’s internalizing and externalizing symptoms. Methods The sample included 162 mothers and their children (4–10 years of age), of whom 81 were living with the abusive partner and 81 were living in shelters. Results After adjusting for covariates, mothers living in shelters showed better psychological, physiological and social functioning. In contrast, children living in shelters displayed higher levels of internalizing and externalizing symptoms compared with children living at home with their mothers and abusive partners. Conclusions This study suggests that for women, shelter residence may be helpful for mental health and for significant improvements in perceived social support, but for children, the results seem to suggest that they are not benefiting from the time they spend at shelter. Future studies using samples from women in shelters need to evaluate if the services offered are suitable for children’s needs.