The Mediating Role of Parenting Style in the Relationship between Parents' Openness to Different Ways of Thinking and Child Anxiety.

The quality of parent-child relationships plays a significant role in the development of child anxiety, especially regarding aspects of parental control, intrusive behavior, and a lack of warmth. Nevertheless, the underlying mechanisms of these parenting behaviors that are associated with the risk of child anxiety have yet to be revealed. The present study aims to examine the contribution of a cognitive aspect of parenting, i.e., openness to different ways of thinking, to the development of child anxiety through its impact on parenting style. A sample of 300 Israeli parents (72% women) over the age of 18 (M = 38.8, SD = 6.2), with at least one child over the age of 6 (M = 13.3, SD = 5.5 of oldest child), was recruited through social media platforms. Participants provided demographic information and filled out self-reported questionnaires dealing with child anxiety (using the Child Behavior Checklist), openness to different ways of thinking (using the Interpersonal Reactivity Index), and parenting style (using the Parental Behavior Inventory). The analysis confirmed the mediation role of hostile/coercive parenting style in the association between parental openness to different ways of thinking and child anxiety. However, the association between supportive/engaged parenting and child anxiety was non-significant. Apparently, openness to different ways of thinking allows for parents to consolidate parenting that does not resort to coercive and hostile behaviors, control, obedience, and severe strictness. As a result, the child develops self-regulation and coping mechanisms that reduce the risk for developing anxiety.

Parental Self-Efficacy Among Israeli Older Adults.

Parental self-efficacy (PSE) is a central aspect of parenting research. Although parenting continues in older ages, few studies have focused on PSE among older adults. In line with the parenting determinant model, the study examined the associations between psychological distress, social support, loneliness, and PSE in older age.The study used a quantitative cross-sectional survey, including 362 Israeli parents age 65 years and above. Participants were asked to complete questionnaires of psychological distress, social support, loneliness, PSE, and background information.Results revealed that higher PSE was associated with lower psychological distress, higher social support, and a lower sense of loneliness in older adults. The research model explained 36.9 per cent of the variance in PSE among older adults.Mental state and social conditions are important for PSE of older adults; therefore, professionals should ensure the availability of diverse solutions to enable, maintain, and promote well-being through social and familial engagement in this population.

Adjustment Disorder in the Face of COVID-19 Outbreak: The Impact of Death Anxiety, Media Exposure, Fear of Contagion and Hypochondriasis Symptoms.

Based on the theoretical view of Terror Management Theory, the current research examines whether higher levels of death anxiety symptoms, in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak, increase the extent to which participants are exposed to information regarding the spread of the pandemic, as well as the fear of contagion and symptoms of hypochondriasis, which all in turn increase symptoms of adjustment disorder. A total number of 302 participants filled out self-report questionnaires regarding death anxiety, adjustment disorder, the extent of exposure to information regarding COVID-19, fear of contagion, hypochondriasis, and demographic information. Structural Equation Modeling analysis indicated a very good fit of the theoretical model with the data, confirming the mediation effect of exposure to information, fear of contagion, and symptoms of hypochondriasis on the association between death anxiety and adjustment disorder symptoms. Implications for practice are discussed.

"I'll Be There": Informal and Formal Support Systems and Mothers' Psychological Distress during NICU Hospitalization.

Mothers of infants hospitalized in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) are at a high risk for psychological distress, which is of concern to health and social professionals due to the negative implications for mothers and infants. A model for explaining maternal psychological distress, consisting of intolerance to uncertainty and support from informal (spouse, family, and friends) and formal (medical staff) systems was examined. Data was collected from one of the largest NICUs in Israel; 129 mothers of 215 preterm infants completed self-report questionnaires regarding their background variables, intolerance to uncertainty, perceived informal support and perceived medical staff support. The NICU's medical staff provided indicators for the infants of participating mothers. A hierarchical multiple regression analysis was conducted. The examined model explained 29.2% of the variance in maternal psychological distress. Intolerance of uncertainty positively predicted psychological distress. Informal support, and in particular, spousal support negatively predicted psychological distress above and beyond intolerance of uncertainty. Medical staff support negatively predicted psychological distress above and beyond intolerance to uncertainty and informal support. Our findings suggest that maternal psychological distress is reduced through a family-centered care approach in NICUs. Medical professionals and social services should develop further solutions for addressing preterm mothers' need for certainty and support.

Being a parent, emotional stability, and adjustment disorder symptoms in the face of COVID-19.

Objective: The current study examines the correlation between emotional stability and symptoms related to adjustment to the stresses related to the pandemic for parents and nonparents at the initial stage of the COVID-19 outbreak in Israel. Background: At the early stage of the COVID-19 outbreak, governments prohibited public gatherings and demanded social distancing. These challenges may be especially difficult for individuals with low levels of emotional stability as adaptation difficulties may lead to stress-related outcomes, such as adjustment disorder symptoms. Additionally, in the face of a significant external threat and the demand for intensive joint familial time at home, the parental role becomes especially salient. Methods: Two hundred forty-four Israeli adults filled in self-reported e-version questionnaires regarding emotional stability, adjustment disorder symptoms, and background variables. A cross-sectional design was used to examine the association between emotional stability and adjustment disorder symptoms, as well as the potential moderation by parenting status. Results: The findings revealed that the levels of emotional stability were negatively correlated with adjustment disorder symptoms, while being a parent mitigated this correlation. This correlation was nonsignificant among parents. Conclusion and Implications: It appears that the identity salience of parental role in the current stressful situation and its associated strain may have overcome the advantage of emotional stability. The identity of being a parent has the potential to dismiss it. Here, the social role emerges as more forcible than the personality trait. Recommendations for practice are discussed.

Personal resources associated with peripartum depression among mothers of NICU hospitalised preterm infants.

OBJECTIVE: The high prevalence of peripartum depression (PPD) among mothers of preterm infants concerns health professionals due to its implications for mothers' and infants' health. A model for explaining PPD, consisting of four personal resources was examined: locus of control, intolerance to uncertainty, maternal self-efficacy, and quality of the couple relationship. DESIGN: In one of the largest Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) in Israel, 129 mothers of 215 preterm infants completed self-report questionnaires regarding their background variables, locus of control, intolerance to uncertainty, maternal self-efficacy and quality of couple relationship. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: PPD symptoms and high risk for diagnosing clinical PPD. RESULTS: The examined personal resources explained 43.9% of the variance in PPD symptoms. Intolerance to uncertainty was positively associated with PPD symptoms, while internal locus of control, high levels of maternal self-efficacy, and high quality of couple relationships were found to be negatively associated with PPD symptoms. Additionally, these variables predicted the likelihood for clinical PPD. CONCLUSION: The findings indicate a potential likelihood of reducing PPD through healthcare professional interventions, by strengthening personal resources. Associations between personal resources and PPD are discussed in light of the transactional theory of coping.

Contemporary parenting and its association with parents' well-being in the face of COVID-19: The mediating role of guilt.

This study examines the association between the contemporary role of parenting and the well-being of its agent-the parent. In particular, I focus on parental feelings of guilt as a mechanism underlying the association between parenting styles and difficulties to adjust to changing circumstances, in the face of COVID-19. The sample was recruited through social networks and included 382 Israeli parents, mostly educated mothers (ages 23-57, average education 16.4 years) who reported being the primary caregiver in a committed relationship. All participants filled out online self-report questionnaires that addressed their parenting style, parental guilt feelings, and difficulties to adjust in the face of COVID-19. The analysis of these questionnaires indicated a significant direct association between hostile/coercive parenting and adjustment difficulties, and an indirect significant association between engaged/supportive parenting and adjustment difficulties through parental guilt feelings. These findings are discussed in light of the Conservation of Resources Theory and in light of parental contemporary social imperatives. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2022 APA, all rights reserved).

Death Anxiety and Loneliness among Older Adults: Role of Parental Self-Efficacy.

Death anxiety and loneliness are major issues for older people. The present study aimed to broaden the understanding of factors that are linked with increased loneliness in old age by examining the association between death anxiety and loneliness, and the role of an unexplored variable among older adults, namely, parental self-efficacy. A convenience sample of 362 Israeli parents over the age of 65 was recruited through means of social media. Participants completed self-reported questionnaires, which included background characteristics, death anxiety, parental self-efficacy, and loneliness measures. The findings showed that death anxiety was positively associated with loneliness among older adults. The findings also confirmed that parental self-efficacy moderated this association in this population. We concluded that the combination of death anxiety and low parental self-efficacy identified a group of older adults that are at higher risk of developing increased loneliness levels. Mental health professionals should consider intergenerational relationships as a fundamental component of older adults' daily lives, focusing on parental self-efficacy in old age, as this appears to be a resilience resource.

Psychometric evaluation of the Adjustment Disorder New Module-20 (ADNM-20): A multi-study analysis.

The Adjustment Disorder New Module (ADNM) is a self-report instrument for assessing Adjustment disorder (AjD), but uncertainties remain in evaluating factor structure and psychometric properties of ADNM in previous studies. Three studies were conducted to examine the factor structure, psychometrics properties, and clinical utility of the 20-item version of ADNM (ADNM-20) and 4-item version (ADNM-4) among samples of Hong Kong Chinese (N = 1,415). Confirmatory factor analysis demonstrated good model fitness with a bifactor model. Statistical indices indicated unidimensionality of AjD. The model-based reliability showed that the total score of ADNM-20 should be used in scoring and interpretation for capturing the construct of AjD. ADNM-4 model demonstrated full invariance between women and men and partial invariance between age groups. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed a cutoff score of 10 for probable AjD. The prevalence of probable AjD was 20.5 % excluding cases with probable depression among a population-representative sample of Hong Kong Chinese amid civil unrest in Hong Kong in July 2019. Cutoff scores of ADNM-20 (49) and ADNM-4 (9) were established for clinically significant common psychiatric conditions, namely PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Both ADNM-20 and ADNM-4 were reliable and valid to assess probable AjD. Implications for clinical research and practice are discussed.

Naturalistic Study of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Among Israeli Civilians Exposed to Wartime Attacks.

OBJECTIVE: Civilians who survive wartime attacks commonly experience substantial psychological distress, including acute stress reactions (ASRs) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The authors sought to determine the level of Israeli civilian exposure to wartime attacks, prevalence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and physical injuries, and associated medical costs over a 7-year period. METHODS: Data from the National Insurance Institute of Israel on civilian survivors of wartime attacks in the 2009-2015 period were retrospectively examined. RESULTS: Overall, 11,476 civilians were affected by 243 wartime attacks during the study period. Of these individuals, 7,561 (65.9%) received early intervention (EI) psychological treatment for ASRs, 1,332 (11.6%) were subsequently adjudicated as having a disability (all causes), and 519 (4.5%) were adjudicated as disabled by PTSD through the end of 2016. Individuals who received immediate ASR treatment were less likely to be disabled by PTSD (p=0.001). Among those without physical injuries, the EI was associated with decreased PTSD disability (2.6% of those receiving the EI developed PTSD, whereas 7.2% of those who did not receive the EI developed PTSD); however, for those with physical injuries, the PTSD rate was higher among those who received the EI (30.4%) than among those who did not receive the EI (5.2%). Individuals having a disability other than PTSD incurred higher medical costs ($7,153 in 2016 U.S. dollars) than individuals with PTSD ($1,960). CONCLUSIONS: An approach of providing case management, medical care, behavioral health screening, and EI for ASRs in the wake of wartime attacks on civilians minimized long-term PTSD-related disability.

Optimism as a mediator of the association between social support and peripartum depression among mothers of neonatal intensive care unit hospitalized preterm infants.

The birth of a preterm infant and the hospitalization in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) add extra functional and emotional demands to the typical transition to motherhood. Therefore, the prevalence of peripartum depression (PPD) among preterm mothers is especially high. As optimism was found to be a mediator of the association between social support and depression, the current study aimed to test this mediation in the population of NICU mothers. A sample of 128 Israeli mothers of 214 NICU hospitalized infants filled out self-report questionnaires regarding background variables, social support, optimism, and PPD symptoms. As hypothesized, optimism was found to partially mediate the association between social support and PPD symptoms among mother of preterm infants. The higher the perceived social support reported, the higher maternal optimism reported, and in turn, the lower PPD symptoms reported. In accordance with the Transactional Stress Theory, social support and optimism reflect maternal secondary appraisals that impact the way mothers of preterm infants cope with the challenging situation of a preterm birth and NICU hospitalization. Healthcare professionals should encourage preterm mothers' use of social support to increase optimism and reduce the risk of developing PPD.

Maternal self-efficacy mediates the association between spousal support and stress among mothers of NICU hospitalized preterm babies.

The mediating effect of maternal self-efficacy on the association between spousal support and stress, among mothers of hospitalized babies in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) is examined. Findings confirmed partial mediation effect implying that professionals may contribute to the reduction of stress levels among preterm mothers.

A cross-country psychiatric screening of ICD-11 disorders specifically associated with stress in Kenya, Nigeria and Ghana.

Background: The Global Forum for Health Research, with the support of the World Health Organization, highlighted the need to prioritize mental health research in Africa. The introduction of revised descriptions of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Adjustment Disorder, along with new diagnoses of Complex PTSD and Prolonged Grief Disorder, in the ICD-11 creates a need for additional national-level epidemiological studies on the prevalence of stress-related disorders. Methods: The prevalence rates of these four ICD-11 stress disorders were assessed in three African countries including Nigeria (N = 1006), Kenya (N = 1018), and Ghana (N = 500). Participants completed disorder-specific measures for each disorder. Findings: Across the entire sample, the current prevalence rate of probable Adjustment Disorder was 8.4% (95% C.I. = 7.4%, 9.6%), probable PTSD was 18.6% (95% C.I. = 17.2, 20.2%), probable Complex PTSD was 15.9% (95% C.I. = 14.5%, 17.4%) and probable Prolonged Grief Disorder was 3.7% (95% C.I. = 3.1%, 4.5%). Interpretation: The results are applicable primarily to well-educated urban and suburban adults in these African countries. Results indicated that Adjustment Disorder, PTSD, and CPTSD are highly prevalent in these three African countries. There is now a pressing need to develop culturally sensitive interventions to enable recovery from these conditions.

Antecedentes: El Foro Mundial por la Investigación en Salud, con el apoyo de la Organización Mundial de la Salud, enfatiza la necesidad de priorizar la investigación en salud mental en África. La introducción de las descripciones revisadas del Trastorno de Estrés Traumático (TEPT) y el Trastorno de Adaptación, en conjunto con nuevos los diagnósticos de TEPT Complejo (TEPT-C) y Trastorno de Duelo Prolongado, en el CIE-11 crea una necesidad por estudios epidemiológicos a nivel nacional adicionales en la prevalencia de los trastornos relacionados con el estrés.Método: Se evaluó la prevalencia de estos cuatro trastornos de estrés del CIE-11 en tres países africanos incluyendo Nigeria (N = 1006), Kenia (N = 1018), y Ghana (N = 500). Los participantes completaron medidas específicas de los trastornos para cada trastorno.Resultados: A lo largo de la muestra completa, la tasa de prevalencia actual del probable Trastorno de Adaptación fue 8,4% (I.C. 95% = 7,4%, 9,6%), probable TEPT fue 18,6% (I.C. 95% = 17,2, 20,2%), probable TEPT-C fue 15,9% (I.C. 95% = 14,5%, 17,4%), y probable Trastorno de Duelo Prolongado fue 3,7% (I.C. 95% = 3,1%, 4,5%).Interpretación: Los resultados son aplicables principalmente a los adultos de zonas sub-urbanas y urbanas con buena educación en estos países africanos. Los resultados indican que el Trastorno de Adaptación, TEPT, y TEPT-C son altamente prevalentes en estos tres países africanos. Existe ahora una necesidad imperante de desarrollar intervenciones sensibles culturalmente para permitir la recuperación de estas condiciones.

Revalidation of Adjustment Disorder-New Module-4 screening of adjustment disorder in a non-clinical sample: Psychometric reevaluation and correlates with other ICD-11 mental disorders.

In line with the new conceptualization of adjustment disorder (AjD) in the 11th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-11), a new 20-item self-report questionnaire was developed and validated - the Adjustment Disorder-New Module (ADNM). However, such a long research tool has the potential to become problematic for use in epidemiological and clinical settings. Therefore, an ultra-brief measure for AjD (ADNM-4) was established and validated in a recent study conducted with a representative national sample. The aim of the present study was to revalidate the ultra-brief ADNM-4 Scale, as well as to reestablish cutoff scores for clinical use. An online survey was conducted with a convenience sample of 484 Israelis aged 18-65 years, who were recruited via social media. Participants filled out self-report questionnaires dealing with diagnostic criteria of stress-related disorders, that is, AjD (the original and ultra-brief modules), prolonged grief disorder, depression, anxiety, and hypochondriasis. Construct, discriminant, and convergent validity were assessed via confirmatory factor analysis and correlation coefficients, while cutoff scores were established through receiver-operating characteristic analysis. The findings confirmed the ultra-brief module's validity. The high fit indices indicated construct validity, and the correlations with the various stress-related disorders indicated good convergent and discriminant validity. Cutoff scores resembled earlier cutoff scores calculated with a representative national sample, indicating a consistent and accurate diagnostic ability. These findings provide additional evidence for the psychometric characteristics of the ADNM-4, which seems to be a suitable brief screening tool for assessing AjD symptoms according to the ICD-11 definition. Therefore, the ADNM-4 is recommended in cases where prompt screening is required, as well as for research purposes.

Subjective traumatic outlook as a screening tool for psychological trauma: Cut-off values and diagnostic criteria.

The Subjective Traumatic Outlook (STO) deals with changes in individuals' perception, following a traumatic event and the difficulties of integrating pre-trauma past memories, inner traumatic memories, and current daily life. Although this short scale has excellent psychometric properties its cut-off scores for potential clinical use have yet to be established. In addition, due to the discrepancy between the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) and the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) in the meaurement of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), the present study aimed at revalidating the STO and establishing cut-off scores for potential clinical use, based on both approaches to measure PTSD and complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD). Three hundred forty-three adults who were recruited through social media apps filled in self-report online questionnaires dealing with subjective perception of psychological trauma, PTSD and CPTSD. Results revalidate the STO as a screening tool for PTSD and CPTSD. We recommend a STO cut-off score of 13 and above when using the ICD-11 PTSD proposed algorithm along the PCL-5 cutoff score and a STO cut-off score of 15 when using the ICD-11 CPTSD proposed algorithm. In light of the present findings, the integration of DSM and ICD approaches is discussed.

Truck attack: Fear of ISIS and reminder of truck attacks in Europe as associated with psychological distress and PTSD symptoms.

Following an ISIS attack, the present study examined the association between psychological distress and severe stress symptoms with vulnerability variables: i.e. Physical proximity to the site of the terror attack, Associative memory of prior events, Danger perception and ISIS anxiety. Using an online survey, 397 adult participants were recruited, Seventy-two hours after an ISIS terror attack, and filled out Psychological distress Patient Health Questionnaire 4 and severe stress symptoms questionnaire as well as physical proximity to the site of the terror attack, associative memory of prior events, danger perception and ISIS anxiety scales. Physical proximity to the site of the terror attack and ISIS anxiety were found to be significantly associated of both psychological distress and severe stress symptoms. Regarding danger perception, only danger perception of terror attacks was associated with both psychological distress and with severe stress symptoms. Lastly, whereas being reminded of the 2014 Jerusalem tractor attack (tapping to association via location) was neither associated with psychological distress nor with severe stress symptom, the reminder of the truck attack in Berlin (tapping into association by recency and similarity) was associated with psychological distress but not with severe stress symptoms. The importance of the findings is discussed.

Screening of adjustment disorder: Scale based on the ICD-11 and the Adjustment Disorder New Module.

In line with ICD-11 new conceptualization of Adjustment disorder (AjD), a self-report Adjustment Disorder-New Module (ADNM) was developed and validated. Nevertheless, the ADNM-20 is a long research tool and potentially problematic in the use in epidemiological and clinical studies. The present study introduces the brief ADNM-8 and the ultra-brief ADNM-4, examines their validity and establishes cut-off scores for their clinical use. The study used a representative national sample of 1003 Israelis who reported on the ICD-11 stress spectrum ranging from AjD, PTSD, complex PTSD and complicated grief. Construct validity was assessed via confirmatory factor analysis and cut-off scores were established through ROC analysis. The original and brief instruments were highly correlated (r > 0.918 or better). Cronbach's Alpha for the Brief ADNM-8 and the Ultra-Brief ADNM-4 were above 0.800. Correlations with stress related conditions indicated a good convergent and construct validity for both instruments as well. The ultra-brief ADNM-4 was found to have a very good fit with the data. These findings indicate that the brief ADNM-8 and the ultra-brief ADNM-4 can serve as a brief screening tools for assessing AjD symptoms according to the ICD-11 definition.

The perceived risk of pregnancy as a mediator of the association between prenatal depression and depression 5 years after giving birth.

The present study examines a mother's perception of her pregnancy as risking herself and her fetus, as a mediator of the association between depressive symptoms during pregnancy and depressive symptoms 5 years after giving birth, regardless of actual objective risk. 290 Jewish Israeli mothers filled out self-reported questionnaires dealing with objective risk, subjective risk and depressive symptoms. The findings confirmed partial mediation effect, implying a potential negative impact of the preventive efforts usually made, by increasing risk perception with long-term costs for mothers, especially for those who have already developed depressive symptoms.

Social Workers' Perceptions of the Association Between Role Playing Games and Psychopathology.

Whereas role-playing and table-top role-play games (RPGs) have been proven to have potential as therapeutic tools, playing RPGs is often stereotypically associated with social incompetence and psychiatric disorders. Knowledge regarding the stereotype and its implications is very scarce specifically among mental health practitioners. Therefore the present study aimed to narrow this gap in knowledge by examining the perception of Social Workers that are considered to be the forefront of mental health-care, in regard to the association between playing RPGs and mental health. A convenience sample of 130 Social Workers, recruited through social networks (e.g. Facebook, WhatsApp etc.), responded to an on-line survey dealing with their perception of their own knowledge on RPGs, the importance of such knowledge and the association between playing RPGs and mental illness. Results indicated an association between having higher knowledge of RPGs and lower perception of a link between playing RPGs and psychopathology. The study's findings emphasize the false stigma and its potential harmful implication on professionals' practice, especially in the context of intake process and primary diagnostic. The effect of familiarity is also discussed in light of the study's findings. HIGHLIGHTS: • The perception of mental health professionals toward role playing games such as Dungeons and Dragons is understudied. • Social Workers' perception was measured in regard to the connection between use of RPGs and DSM-IV-TR psychopathology. • Greater knowledge of RPGs was found to be associated with lower perception of the connection between use of RPGs and DSM-IV-TR psychopathology.

Evoked Death-Related Thoughts in the Aftermath of Terror Attack: The Associations Between Mortality Salience Effect and Adjustment Disorder.

ICD-11 has provided a revised definition for adjustment disorder (AjD). The current study examined whether mortality salience effect, a possible consequence of a terror attack, may serve as a significant predictor associated with each of the AjD subscales. Using an online survey, 379 adult participants were recruited and filled out self-reported questionnaires dealing with adjustment disorder symptoms as well as mortality salience effect. Findings revealed that mortality salience effect was a significant predictor of all AjD subscales. The importance of mortality salience effect for AjD is discussed in light of terror management theory.