Long-term effects of childhood single-parent family structure on brain connectivity and psychological well-being.

The high and increasing proportion of single-parent families is considered a risk factor associated with various childhood trauma experiences. Consequently, concerns have been raised regarding the potential long-term effects of the childhood single-parent family structure. In this study, we employed advanced magnetic resonance imaging technology, including morphometric similarity mapping, functional connectivity density, and network-based analysis, to investigate brain connectivity and behavioral differences among young adults who were raised in single-parent families. Our study also aimed to explore the relationship between these differences and childhood trauma experiences. The results showed that individuals who grew up in single-parent families exhibited higher levels of anxiety, depression, and harm-avoidant personality. The multimodal MRI analysis further showed differences in regional and network-based connectivity properties in the single-parent family group, including increased functional connectivity density in the left inferior parietal lobule, enhanced cortical structural connectivity between the left isthmus cingulate cortex and peri-calcarine cortex, and an increase in temporal functional connectivity. Moreover, elevated levels of anxiety and depression, along with heightened functional connectivity density in the left inferior parietal lobule and increased temporal functional connectivity, were found to be correlated with a greater number of childhood trauma experiences. Through analyzing multiple data patterns, our study provides objective neuropsychobiological evidence for the enduring impact of childhood single-parent family structure on psychiatric vulnerability in adulthood.

Family Income and Child Depression: The Chain Mediating Effect of Parental Involvement, Children's Self-Esteem, and Group Differences.

Family income is an important factor that affects depression in children and can indirectly be associated with children's development through family and individual factors. However, few studies have examined the mechanism of multiple risk factors. Therefore, this study focused on the relationship between family income and child depression, as well as the chain mediating the roles of parental involvement and children's self-esteem both in single-parent families and intact families. A total of 1355 primary school students completed questionnaires that assessed family income, parental involvement, children's self-esteem, and depression. The results showed that family income influenced child depression through both the mediating roles of parental involvement and children's self-esteem and the chain mediating role of parental involvement and children's self-esteem. Meanwhile, family income only influenced child depression through chain mediation in single-parent families. The group differences in the mechanism of depression provide a reference for empirical research on depression intervention in children from different family structures.

Intergenerational transmission of parental child-rearing gender-role attitudes and its influence on gender roles in single-parent families.

BACKGROUND: The development of children's gender roles in single-parent families is worthy of attention. It may be affected by family members' gender roles and parental child-rearing gender-role attitudes (PCGA). PCGA will form a consistent or inconsistent intergenerational relationship between parents and children. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the intergenerational similarities in gender roles and PCGA. Also, the intergenerational transmission of parental child-rearing gender-role attitudes (ITPCGA) in single-parent families, and the impact of various family factors on children's gender roles were comprehensively considered. METHOD: Participants were 550 single-parent parent-adolescent dyads. The Gender-role Scale and the Parental Child-rearing Gender-role Attitude Scale were used to evaluate participants' gender-role and PCGA. Chi-square tests and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the intergenerational similarities in gender roles and PCGA, and the influencing family factors of ITPCGA and children's gender roles. RESULTS: The intergenerational similarities of gender role types and PCGA types existed. Both parents' gender roles and family gender pairs affected ITPCGA, father-daughter families and parents' undifferentiated and sex-typed gender roles significantly predicted undesirable ITPCGA. Family gender pair, parent's gender roles and ITPCGA types affected children's gender roles. Undesirable ITPCGA significantly predicted children's undifferentiated gender roles; father-daughter families and mother-son families, parents' undifferentiated and sex-typed gender roles significantly predicted children's sex-typed gender roles, and mother-son families and parents' reversed gender roles significantly predicted children's reversed gender role. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the effects of single-parent family gender pairs and parents' gender roles on ITPCGA, which influences the development of children's gender roles.

A study of the mechanism for intergenerational transmission of gender roles in single-parent families.

The divorce rate in China is rising yearly, and the concept of marriage is changing, triggering many social topics related to single parents. Among them, gender-awareness education for children in single-parent families is particularly worthy of attention, as there has been insufficient exploration of how parents transfer their gender role concepts to their children. This study conducted in-depth interviews with 58 single parents and children from 29 families in Suzhou and constructed the mechanism for intergenerational transmission of gender roles in single-parent families based on grounded theory. It found that single parents' gender stereotypes, the starting point of the intergenerational transmission mechanism, have been diluted. It affords them a more enlightened attitude towards child-rearing style, and they expect more equality in the gender role of their offspring. However, in some parents' actual parenting process, when the children's sexualization behaviours exceed their acceptance range, they will communicate with children in an authoritative and didactic way to "correct" the children's behaviour. In addition to direct verbal instruction, parents' expectations of their children's gender roles will be implicitly conveyed through various parent-child interactions in daily life to affect the formation of their children's gender roles. In the intergenerational transmission of gender roles, external people (such as grandparents, teachers and peer groups) have horizontal socialisation effects on children to modify or strengthen the results of gender education from their parents. Under the comprehensive influence of the above factors, the children's gender roles are finally determined. These studies expand previous theories and studies and have significant theoretical and practical implications.

[The feminization of precariousness, a growing feature]. / La féminisation de la précarité, une particularité grandissante.

Precariousness (social, health, professional, financial, energy, etc.) affects women more than men. This has consequences for their access to healthcare. Raising awareness of gender inequalities and mobilizing actors to fight against them, make visible the levers to fight against the increase of women's precariousness.

Moderators of Food Insecurity and Diet Quality in Pairs of Mothers and Their Children.

Research has suggested that maternal diet and characteristics may influence the diet of offspring during childhood. The present cross-sectional study aimed to assess the influence of distinct maternal characteristics and the diet quality of mothers on the prevalence of household food insecurity (FI) and the diet quality of children. A total of 179 mother-child pairs were recruited from two primary schools in the metropolitan area of Thessaloniki. The children were aged between 10 and 12 years old. Diet quality was assessed as the level of adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), with the use of the KIDMED for the children and the MedDietScore for the mothers. The household FI and the social and demographic characteristics of the mothers were also recorded, and anthropometric measures of both the mothers and their children were collected. Approximately » (26.3%) of the pairs reported some degree of FI, with a greater prevalence (64.7%) within single-mother families. Moreover, FI affected the level of maternal MD adherence (p = 0.011). On the other hand, FI was decreased in households with a greater maternal educational level (OR: 0.25; 95% CI: 0.10-0.63) and conjugal family status (OR: 0.15; 95% CI: 0.87-0.52). Maternal adherence to the MD was inversely related to the respective adherence of their offspring (OR: 0.93; 95% CI: 0.86-0.997), suggesting that during periods of financial constraints, maternal diet quality is compromised at the expense of affording a better diet for the minors in the family.

Association between a single mother family and childhood undervaccination, and mediating effect of household income: a nationwide, prospective birth cohort from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS).

BACKGROUND: Although childhood undervaccination among single mother families is a concern for child healthcare, their association is still under debate. This study aimed to investigate the association between maternal marital status and the risk of childhood undervaccination and determine the mediating effect of household income. METHODS: We utilised prospective birth cohort from the Japan Environment and Children's Study (JECS). Of 104,062 foetal records (children) from 97,413 mothers, 82,462 that included mothers recruited between 2011 and 2014, were analysed. Childhood undervaccination was defined as not having been vaccinated with at least one routine vaccine. A log-binomial regression analysis was used to estimate the risk ratio (RR) for the association between maternal marital status and the risk of childhood undervaccination. A causal mediation analysis was further performed to investigate the proportion of the association mediated by household income. RESULTS: Among 82,462 children, 3188 and 79,274 had unmarried and married mothers, respectively. Childhood undervaccination was observed in 1053 (33.0%) and 16,901 (21.3%) children of unmarried and married mothers, respectively. Maternal marital status was associated with a higher risk of childhood undervaccination (adjusted risk ratio [aRR], 1.34; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.27 to 1.41). Compared with married and older mothers, both unmarried and older (aRR, 1.54; 95% CI, 1.35 to 1.77) and unmarried and younger (aRR, 1.66; 95% CI, 1.54 to 1.79) mothers were associated with a higher risk of childhood undervaccination. The causal mediation analysis showed that the proportion mediated by household income was 10.5% (95% CI, 9.9 to 11.0%). CONCLUSIONS: This nationwide, prospective, large-scale birth cohort study found that a household with a single mother was associated with an increased risk of childhood undervaccination, and 10% of this association was explained by household income. These findings underscore the importance of improving the social environment among single mother families, including not only poverty but also working conditions.

An application of the Biobehavioral Family Model: Examining the impact of maternal depression on child asthma mediated by insecure attachment and child depression.

OBJECTIVE: Child asthma disparities are prevalent in socio-economically stressed single-parent families. Stress impacts childhood asthma mediated by immune and autonomic pathways, but specific family stress pathways are not well established. This study tests the hypothesis, derived from a version of the Biobehavioral Family Model, that single parent maternal depression impacts child asthma mediated by insecure attachment and child depression. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, children with asthma (age 7-17 years old) from a socio-economically disadvantaged population and their single parent mothers (N = 202) were assessed for depression and attachment security. Child asthma disease activity was assessed by symptom report and lung function tests. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to test a model in which caregiver depression impacts child asthma disease activity mediated by insecure attachment and child depression. RESULTS: SEM results indicated that maternal depression statistically predicted child depression (ß = 0.21, p < 0.01) and insecure mother-child attachment (ß = 0.17, p < 0.05). In addition, insecure attachment statistically predicted child depression (ß = 0.50, p < 0.001). Child depression mediated the adverse effects of maternal depression and insecure attachment on child asthma disease activity (ß = 0.43, p < 0.01). There was no direct effect of insecure attachment on child asthma. CONCLUSION: In single-parent families, maternal depression may impact child asthma disease activity, mediated serially by insecure attachment and child depression. Longitudinal and/or intervention studies are needed to establish a causal effect. These findings suggest that caregiver depression and parent-child relationships may be important targets for family intervention. These interventions may help improve child asthma outcomes and reduce health disparities.

Fatores que afetam os índices antropométricos infantis: um enfoque nas famílias monoparentais femininas / Factors that influence children`s anthropometric indices: a focus on female single-parent families

Resumo Nas últimas décadas aconteceram várias alterações no padrão de organização das famílias, como mudanças no tamanho, estrutura e composição. Dentre os novos arranjos familiares, destaca-se o crescimento de famílias monoparentais femininas. Este arranjo tende a se encontrar em situação de maior vulnerabilidade social em relação a outros arranjos. Diante disso, este estudo buscou analisar a relação entre o arranjo monoparental feminino e o estado nutricional de crianças menores de cinco anos, com dados da Pesquisa de Orçamentos Familiares (POF/IBGE) de 2008-2009. Para isso, estimaram-se duas equações para análise de índices antropométricos, tendo como variáveis dependentes o escore z da "altura para idade" e o escore z do "peso para altura". Os resultados mostraram que, controlando para outras variáveis importantes como renda, escolaridade e características domiciliares, pertencer ao arranjo "monoparental feminino" teve efeito positivo sobre o escore z da "altura para idade" quando comparado ao arranjo "casal com filhos", indicando que a presença da mãe, sem o cônjuge, contribui para melhorar esse indicador de saúde de longo prazo.

Abstract In the last decades several alterations have occurred in the dynamics of the organization of families, including changes in size, structure, and composition. Among new family arrangements, the increase in female single-parent families stands out. This structure tends to be in a situation of greater social vulnerability in relation to other arrangements. With this in mind, the scope of this study sought to analyze the relationship between the female single-parent family arrangement and anthropometric measurements of under five-year-old offspring, with data from the 2008-2009 Brazilian household budget survey (POF/IBGE). Two equations for the analysis of anthropometric measurements, with the z-score of "height-for-age" and the z-score of "weight-for-height" as dependent variables, were estimated. The results revealed that, taking other important variables into consideration, such as income, education and domestic characteristics pertaining to the "female single-parent" arrangement, had a positive effect on anthropometric measurements when compared with the "couple with children" arrangement, indicating that in households in which the mother does not have a spouse in residence, children had better long-term health indicators than in households in which the spouse was present.

Improving estimates of Medicaid's effect on poverty: Measures and counterfactuals.

OBJECTIVE: To re-evaluate the effect of Medicaid on poverty using a poverty measure that accounts for health insurance needs and benefits and an evaluation approach that reflects disparities in access to alternative coverage. DATA SOURCES: The Current Population Survey (CPS) for calendar year 2015. STUDY DESIGN: We estimate the effect of losing Medicaid on poverty, combining two previous approaches: (1) A propensity impact, which simulates a no-Medicaid counterfactual incorporating changes to health insurance and medical out-of-pocket spending, using the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM). This measure does not reflect a need for health care access nor how health benefits meet that need. (2) An accounting impact, which assumes that those losing Medicaid remain uninsured and does not incorporate any behavioral changes, using the health-inclusive poverty measure (HIPM). This measure includes a need for health insurance in the threshold and health insurance benefits in resources. DATA COLLECTION/EXTRACTION METHODS: Not applicable. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Using the propensity-matched approach, we attributed a 2.5 percentage point reduction in health-inclusive poverty among those younger than age 65 to the Medicaid program, between the 1.0-point SPM propensity-match impact and the 3.9-point HIPM accounting impact. Medicaid's antipoverty impact and HIPM-SPM differences are greater among those who would become uninsured. HIPM propensity-matched estimates reveal much larger impacts of Medicaid on poverty disparities linked to race/ethnicity and single parenthood than SPM-based propensity estimates. CONCLUSIONS: Both the poverty measure and the method used to estimate the counterfactual make substantial, policy-relevant differences to estimates of Medicaid's impact on poverty. A poverty measure that fails to incorporate health insurance needs and benefits substantially underestimates Medicaid's effect. Failing to consider adjustments in insurance coverage and out-of-pocket spending substantially overestimates Medicaid's effect and underestimates its reduction of disparities.

The adoption process in single-parent families / O processo de adoção na familia monoparental

INTRODUCTION: Social changes that have occurred in recent decades regarding the organization of families and gender roles have legitimized and given visibility to family arrangements that diverge from the traditional model. It is therefore important to study single-parent adoptive families and their specificities. OBJECTIVE: To analyze the adoption process and the arrival of the child in single-parent families. METHODS: Four adoptive mothers and one adoptive father, aged between 31 and 56 years, with children aged zero to five years at adoption were interviewed. The interviews portrayed the motivation and adoption process, the expectation of the arrival of the child, and the experience of single parenthood. The Thematic Analysis framework was adopted to explore the data. RESULTS: The adoption was motivated by the desire to start or expand the family and exercise parenting. The time waiting for the arrival of the child was used for the emotional and financial preparation to receive the new member of the family, and fears and anxieties related to the adoptive process were experienced. The children's adaptation occurred in a short period and it was necessary for the participants to adapt their routine to the new family situation. In all cases, family support was observed. Conclusion: The preparation for adoption benefited the parent-child adaptation process. The participation of the extended family as well as guidance from technical staff were relevant to the families.

INTRODUÇÃO: AIntrodução: Mudanças sociais ocorridas nas últimas décadas no que tange a organização das famílias e aos papéis de gênero, legitimaram e deram visibilidade a arranjos familiares que divergem do modelo tradicional. Assim, considera-se importante estudar a família monoparental adotiva e suas especificidades. OBJETIVO: Analisar o processo de adoção e a chegada da criança nas famílias monoparentais. MÉTODO: Foram entrevistados quatro mães e um pai, entre 31 e 56 anos, cujos filhos foram adotados com idades entre zero a cinco anos. As entrevistas abordaram a motivação, o processo de adoção, a espera e chegada da criança, e a vivência da monoparentalidade, e foram analisadas com o referencial da Análise Temática. RESULTADO: A motivação para a adoção foi advinda do desejo de constituir ou ampliar a família e exercer a parentalidade. A espera pela criança foi um momento de preparação emocional e financeira para o acolhimento do novo membro e medos e ansiedades relacionados ao processo adotivo foram vivenciados. A adaptação das crianças ocorreu em curto período e foi necessário que os participantes adaptassem sua rotina à nova situação familiar. Em todos os casos foi verificado o acolhimento e apoio da família extensa. CONCLUSÃO: A preparação para a adoção favoreceu o processo de adaptação pais-crianças. A participação da família extensa, bem como as orientações da equipe técnica foram relevantes para as famílias.

Family functioning of single-parent families with children attending a special needs school in Japan.

BACKGROUND: Single-parent families with disabled children are obliged to take special care of children and shoulder excessive burdens. This study aimed to clarify the family functioning of child-rearing single-parent families with children attending special needs schools in Japan. METHODS: Semi-structured interviews were conducted with qualitative content analysis utilized for data analysis. RESULTS: The results of the data analysis clarified nine categories: excessive concentration of family functioning on mothers, and adjustments in the family functioning they perform; creation of a family environment friendly to disabled children and their families; satisfaction with family needs by gaining support from the neighborhood and social resources; anxieties related to children's disabilities; promotion of a better understanding of disability; unavoidable reduction in the amount of time shared by the family; efforts to maintain an infrastructure for health care; selection and effective use of a special needs school; and strengthened bonds between families with disabled children. CONCLUSIONS: Receiving adequate support from the school is of great assistance in enabling families to maintain their family functioning. This demonstrates that, through the use of the time while the child attends a special needs school, the family can accomplish family functioning, contributing to a fulfilling family life.

Revisiting paternal absence: Female alloparental replacement of fathers recovers partner preference formation in female, but not male prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster).

In prairie voles (Microtus ochrogaster), biparental care of offspring is typical, and paternal absence in the pre-weaning development of offspring alters biobehavioral development. We sought to determine whether this altered development is due to the absence of specific paternal qualities or a general reduction in pup-directed care. We compared the biobehavioral development of pups reared under conditions of biparental (BPC), maternal-plus-alloparental (MPA; i.e., mother and older sister), and maternal only (MON) care. Older sisters provided a quantity of care equal to or greater than that of fathers. Growth rate and developmental milestones were unaffected by family composition, with the exception of earlier fur growth in MON conditions. In adulthood, we tested behaviors on an elevated plus maze, spontaneous alloparental care, and partner preference formation. We found no significant differences on the elevated plus maze and only marginal differences in alloparental care. While both female and male MON individuals showed deficits in partner preference formation, MPA females showed typical partner preference formation. However, the alloparental substitution of fathers was not sufficient for the typical development of partner preference formation in males. We conclude that paternal care plays a differentially important role in the social development of female and male prairie vole offspring.

Single-parent status and smoke-free home rules among daily smokers.

OBJECTIVE: In Canada, the home has become the primary locale in which children are exposed to tobacco smoke. Single parents are less likely than two-parent families to ban smoking at home, but the extent to which this relates to economic inequalities across family structures is unclear. Our objective was to estimate the association between household structure (single- vs. non-single-parent family) and smoke-free home rules, accounting for indicators of economic disadvantage. METHODS: Data were available in a telephone survey conducted in 2011-2012 in Québec, Canada, of 567 daily smokers (mean (SD) age 38.3 (8.1); 56.6% female) who lived with children. Poisson regression models with robust variance were used to determine whether single-parent status was independently associated with living in a smoke-free home after accounting for age, sex, language, household size, age of youngest child, neighbourhood material deprivation, socio-economic status and employment status. RESULTS: Of 122 participants living in a single-parent family, 33 (27%) reported that their home was smoke-free, compared with 250 of 445 participants (56.2%) living in non-single-parent families. Single parents were approximately 40% less likely to live in smoke-free homes than other daily smokers, even after accounting for indicators of economic disadvantage. CONCLUSIONS: Single parents, regardless of income or level of neighbourhood material deprivation, were less likely to report smoke-free home rules. These smokers represent a distinct subgroup that warrants targeted interventions to help them implement such rules by addressing their specific needs against a backdrop of creating more equitable access to the social determinants of health.

Mental health among single mothers in Cyprus: a cross-sectional descriptive correlational study.

BACKGROUND: International literature reveals that single mothers experience increased levels of chronic stress, which is mainly due to economic hardship and reduced levels of social support. Eventually this leads to psychological distress. While most of the studies commonly identify that mental health disorders are common among single mothers compared to their married counterparts, the magnitude of the problem might be even larger since diagnosis-specific tools may mask important levels of distress of milder intensity. This study aims to assess the level of mental distress experienced by single mothers as measured by the GHQ-28, and how it is influenced by socioeconomic factors, as well as the level of perceived social support. METHODS: Between January and March 2012, Greek speaking single mothers who reside in Cyprus were recruited by either personal conduct through Single Mothers' Association (SMA), or by using snowball sampling technic. Mental distress was assessed with the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-28) and perceived social support with the Social Provision Scale (SPS). All scales were completed anonymously and voluntarily by 316 single mothers. Univariable and multivariable associations with socio-demographic characteristics were investigated using chi-square tests and in multivariable backward stepwise logistic regression models respectively. Odds ratio of psychological distress across decreasing levels of social support were estimated in logistic regression models. . RESULTS: As many as 44.6% of the sample appeared to experience psychological distress (GHQ-28 total score ≥ 5). Strong associations with all health assessment tools were observed with variables relating to the lowest monthly family income, the presence of economic difficulties, the higher educational level, the age group 35-44 years and pre-existing illness. Social support as perceived by the mothers displayed a strong negative independent association with psychological distress, even after adjusting confounders. CONCLUSION: This study highlights that single mothers are very likely to experience poor psychological well-being. With a steady rise in the proportion of single-parent families headed by a mother, these findings highlight a significant issue that would adversely affect many women and consequently their children and the community. It also emphasizes the necessity for interventions and strategies at community level in order to support this vulnerable population group.

Randomized Controlled Trial of an Online Problem-Solving Intervention Following Adolescent Traumatic Brain Injury: Family Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: To examine parent and family outcomes of a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing Teen Online Problem-Solving with Family (TOPS-F), Teen Online Problem-Solving-Teen Only (TOPS-TO), or access to Internet resources alone (Internet resource comparison [IRC]). DESIGN: Three-arm RCT. SETTING: Four children's hospitals and 1 general medical center in Ohio and Colorado. PARTICIPANTS: Children and adolescents (N=152), 11-18 years old, hospitalized for complicated mild to severe traumatic brain injury in the previous 18 months. INTERVENTIONS: Intervention groups: TOPS-F, TOPS-TO, and IRC. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE: Parental depression (CES-D), parental psychological distress (SCL-90-GSI), family functioning (FAD-GF), cohesiveness (PARQ), and conflict (IBQ) were assessed pre- and post-treatment. Treatment effects and the moderating effect of the number of parents in the home (single vs 2-parent families). RESULTS: Number of parents moderated treatment effects with effects ranging from trending to statistically significant for depression, family functioning, cohesion, and conflict. Among single parents, TOPS-TO reported better family functioning than TOPS-F and greater cohesion and less conflict than IRC. Among 2-parent families, TOPS-F reported less depression than IRC and less depression and greater cohesion than TOPS-TO. The effect of family composition was also noted within TOPS-TO and TOPS-F. In TOPS-F, 2-parent families reported less depression than single-parent families. In TOPS-TO single parents reported greater cohesion and better family functioning than 2-parent families. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support the TOPS intervention improves family outcomes, with differential effects noted for single vs 2-parent households. The TOPS-TO format appeared more beneficial for single-parent households, while TOPS-F was more beneficial for 2-parent households, highlighting the importance of considering family composition when determining the best treatment modality.

Mental health status of unmarried youth living in single parent families: a case study from India.

Background: In South Asian countries like India, family system lays a strong foundation in societies and therefore, the context and consequences of single parent family structures are markedly different from that of the West. In these societies single parenthood is mainly an outcome of untimely death of any one of the parents. Aims: This study tried to examine the influence of parents' survival status on the mental health of youth in India. Methods: "Youth in India: situation and Needs (2006-2007)" survey data was used in the present study. We compared two groups of unmarried young population aged 15-24 y (n = 28 637): one having both parents alive and another having only one parent alive. Bivariate and multivariate techniques were applied to analyze the data. Results: Results revealed that around 11% of the unmarried youth belonged to single parent families. Findings underscored a significant association between parent's survival and mental health of youth; respondents from single parent families were more likely to report metal health problems Moreover, effects of parents' survival were significant on females' mental health rather than males'. Conclusion: Policies must focus on reducing stress of young people growing up in single parent families through enhanced educational and employment opportunities.

The experience of being a mother of a child with autism in the singleparenthood context / La experiencia de ser madre de un hijo con autismo en el contexto de la familia monoparental

Este estudo objetivou conhecer a experiência de ser mãe de um filho com autismo no contexto da monoparetalidade. Foi realizada uma pesquisa qualitativa, na qual participaram quatro mães de filhos com transtorno do espectro autista. Utilizou-se de entrevista semiestruturada. Posteriormente, os dados foram submetidos à análise textual qualitativa. Os resultados revelaram que os sentimentos e desafios são semelhantes aos de mães de filhos com autismo que não vivem no contexto monoparental. Acredita-se que a diferença possa estar na intensidade, isto é, na monoparentalidade, as dificuldades podem ser agravadas pela ausência de um companheiro. Sobre a possibilidade de um novo relacionamento afetivo, quando há, mesmo que remota, não está centrada na necessidade de auxílio nos cuidados com o filho, mas no apoio emocional. Entre os fatores que contribuem para a manutenção da monoparentalidade, destacam-se a priorização do papel materno, a adolescência do filho, além de uma rede de apoio restrita.

This study aimed to learn about the experience of mothering a child with Autism in a single-parent context. Four mothers of children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder were the subjects of a qualitative research. A semi-structured interview was used. Afterwards, the data were submitted to qualitative textual analysis. The results revealed that the feelings and challenges they experience are similar to those from mothers who are not in the single-parent context. It is believed that the difference might be concerning the intensity, that is, in the single-parent context, as the difficulties might be enhanced due to the absence of a partner. About the possibility of a new emotional relationship, when there is one, though remote, it is not centered on the need for help to provide childcare but to gain emotional support. Among the factors that contribute to the maintenance of singleparenting, we can highlight the prioritization of the mother role, the child’s adolescence in addition to a restrict supportive back-up.

El objetivo de este estudio fue conocer la experiencia de ser madre de un niño con autismo en el contexto de familias monoparentales. Fue realizada una investigación cualitativa, en la cual participaron cuatro madres de hijos con trastorno del Espectro Autista. Fueron utilizadas entrevistas semiestructuradas y posteriormente, los datos fueron sometidos al análisis textual cualitativo. Los resultados revelaron que los sentimientos y desafíos son semejantes a los de madres de niños con autismo que no viven en contexto monoparental. Se cree que la diferencia pueda estar en la intensidad, esto es, en la monoparentalidad, las dificultades pueden ser agravadas por la ausencia de un compañero. Sobre la posibilidad de una nueva relación afectiva, cuando existe, aunque sea remota, no está centrada en la necesidad de auxilio en los cuidados con el hijo, pero sí en el apoyo emocional. Entre los factores que pueden contribuir al mantenimiento de la monoparentalidad, destacamos la priorización de la función materna y la adolescencia del niño, además de una red de apoyo restringida.

The Differences in Obesity Rates According to Status of Co-Residence with Their Parents in Korean Adolescents: The Implication of the Gender of Single Parent Living with Adolescents

BACKGROUND: Many studies have reported that adolescents living with single parent have a high risk of obesity. However, those studies did not explore the implication of the gender of single parent living with adolescents. This study investigated the differences in obesity rates according to status of co-residence with their parents in Korean adolescents. The family living with single parent was classified into the family living with single father and the family living with single mother. METHODS: This cross-sectional study involved 59,602 adolescents who participated in the 2017 Korea Youth Risk Behavior Web-based Survey. The data on height, weight, status of co-residence with parents, and the other variables were obtained through online questionnaires. RESULTS: In male adolescents, the family living with single mother was related to a high proportion of obesity (odds ratio [OR] 1.24, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.09–1.40) and overweight (OR 1.17, 95% CI 1.03–1.34). However, in female adolescents, the family living with single father was related to a high proportion of obesity (OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.23–1.82). In addition, female adolescents living with neither parent were more likely to be obese (OR 1.47, 95% CI 1.13–1.91) and overweight (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.00–1.70). CONCLUSIONS: This study showed a risk of obesity in adolescents living with single parent differs according to the gender of single parent living with adolescents. Not adolescents living with a same-gender parent, but those living with an opposite-gender parent have a high risk of obesity.

[Comparisons of the influence of raising people's identity on mental health between two-parents family children and single parent family children by propensity score matching].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the difference of mental health( anxiety, depression, loneliness, self-esteem, self-confidence, family life satisfaction) and the role of raising people's identity in happiness relationship between two-parents family children and single parent family children by propensity score matching( PSM). METHODS: Datafrom Social Adaptation Database of National Children 's Study of China. Stratified and population-based cluster random sampling method was used to sample, a total of 23 499 subjects were 6-15 year-old children coming from 31 provinces of 100 districts and counties in mainland China. Then the PSM method was used to match 1203 children from two-parents and single parent family children. The data were analyzed by difference tests, variance analysis and regression analysis. RESULTS: There were significant differences in depression( 4. 46 ± 3. 234 vs. 5. 29 ± 3. 808, P < 0. 001, d =-0. 237), self-esteem( 27. 15 ± 4. 303 vs. 26. 05 ± 4. 838, P < 0. 001, d = 0. 241) and family life satisfaction( 3. 23 ± 0. 570 vs. 3. 02 ± 0. 699, P < 0. 001, d = 0. 333) between two-parents and single parent family children in the condition of non-parental support after PSM. The effect of dependent status on depression, family life satisfaction and well-being was statistically significant for the two-parents family children( ß = 0. 229, ß =-0. 239, P < 0. 05). The simple slope test showed that the negative predictive effect of non-parental group on happiness was higher than that of parental group when depression was the independent variable and well-being was the dependent variable( parental group: simple slope =-0. 393, t =-28. 98, P < 0. 001; non-parental group: simple slope =-0. 321, t =-13. 68, P < 0. 001). The positive predictive effect of parental group on well-being was higher than that of non-parental group when family life satisfaction was the independent variable and well-being was dependent variable( parental group: simple slope = 1. 474, t = 15. 78, P < 0. 001; non-parental group: simple slope = 1. 024, t = 7. 03, P < 0. 001). CONCLUSION: The mental health of two-parents family children is better than that of single parent family children, and children of non-parental supporters have more mental health disparity than that of parental supporters. Their family life satisfaction and depression have a greater sense of effect on happiness for two-parents family children of parental supporter.