ABSTRACT
Study of fathers has gained significant traction over recent decades. However, the experience for men over the transition to parenthood remains focused on high-socioeconomic and socially advantaged fathers. Researchers have yet to thoroughly investigate how fathers may uniquely experience this transition period with a history of childhood maltreatment, given that childhood abuse is known to impact several components of development and relationship functioning into adulthood. The current study endeavored to fill this gap by evaluating the associations between fathers' childhood experiences of physical and emotional abuse and their relationship functioning over the transition to parenthood in terms of both the couple relationship and social adjustment in relationships with others. Using data from 399 fathers who participated in a randomized control trial during pregnancy, the results from stepwise regressions indicate fathers with a history of emotional abuse experience particular declines in their external relationships (reductions in social support and increases in social stress) from prenatal (Wave 1) to postpartum (Wave 2) reports. However, no significant association emerged between fathers' history of maltreatment and their relationship functioning with their partners. These results underscore the importance of investigating the impact of different types of abuse on men in fatherhood. Moreover, we emphasize the need to study further fathers' social adjustment over the transition to parenthood beyond the couple relationship and broad social support to address the needs of men with a history of maltreatment in their new role as fathers.
ABSTRACT
Parent relationship functioning has a well-documented influence on children's early socioemotional development as early as infancy. Postpartum parenting is also a critically vulnerable period for relationships and often results in relationship decline. We investigated the effects of a rigorous, psycho-educational conflict communication intervention for supporting parents' relationship functioning in terms of self-reported romantic attachment and observed conflict constructiveness. Using latent growth curve models, we evaluated the change in romantic attachment and constructiveness among 202 mother-father couples from 6 to 18 months postpartum. We further tested a comparison of the effects of the Conflict Intervention (CI) versus the control group and the Conflict Intervention paired with an additional parent sensitivity intervention (anyCI) versus the control group. Results indicated romantic attachment and observed constructiveness decreased over the 1-year period; this decline was partially mitigated for fathers participating in the intervention(s), wherein fathers who received the Conflict Intervention showed less decline in observed conflict constructiveness over time. Moreover, compared with those in the control condition, mothers who received the Conflict Intervention reported lower attachment security at 18 months postpartum. These results underscore the importance of including perspectives from both mothers and fathers when investigating intervention effects and considering the impact of combining interventions for parents. RESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS: A randomized control trial of a conflict intervention including mothers and fathers demonstrates protective effects for fathers' constructiveness between 6 and 18 months postpartum but was not protective for mothers. Parenting experience, whether parents were transitioning to parenthood or had older children, did not significantly predict romantic attachment or behavioral constructiveness trajectories. Interparental romantic attachment and constructiveness declined only slightly postpartum. Effects of the intervention were reduced when the intervention was combined with a second intervention.
Subject(s)
Communication , Parents , Female , Humans , Male , Fathers/psychology , Mothers/psychology , Parenting/psychology , Parents/psychology , Postpartum Period/psychologyABSTRACT
BACKGROUND: Necrotizing pneumonia caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus can lead to the formation of pneumatoceles in the lungs. Standard treatment guidelines are not available due to the rarity of pneumatoceles in neonates. CLINICAL FINDINGS: Baby H. required prolonged respiratory support and supplemental oxygen to maintain appropriate oxygen saturation parameters for infants more than 34 weeks' gestation corrected. He was found to have multiple pneumatoceles in both lungs on different radiological modalities. PRIMARY DIAGNOSIS: Baby H. was a former 32.2-week gestation male infant diagnosed with pneumonia caused by necrotizing methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus leading to pneumatocele formation in both lungs. INTERVENTIONS: Baby H. was managed with aggressive antibiotic therapy and then was conservatively managed until he received a tracheostomy tube on day of life (DOL) 75 to prepare for discharge home. OUTCOMES: Baby H. was discharged from the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) on DOL 113 with a tracheostomy tube for prolonged mechanical ventilatory support and a gastrostomy tube for nutrition. Numerous follow-up appointments with specialists have occurred since discharge. PRACTICE RECOMMENDATIONS: While methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus pneumatoceles are uncommon in the NICU setting, it is important for neonatal care providers to be aware of the causes and treatment choices currently available. Although conservative therapy is commonly utilized, it is important that nurses learn other available management strategies such as the ones highlighted in this article to best advocate for their patients.
