The Longitudinal Association Between Childhood Abuse and Positive and Negative Family Interactions in Midlife and Older Adults: The Role of Mindfulness Meditation and Gender.

OBJECTIVES: Childhood abuse has been linked to problematic familial relationships in adulthood; however, it remains unclear what factors buffer the association. Mindfulness research has demonstrated promise in improving relationships among adults abused during childhood, but research has focused on couples, with fewer studies examining familial relationships. METHODS: Using a data sample of 2430 adults from the Midlife Development in the United States, the current study examined mindfulness as a moderator of childhood abuse and familial support and strain in adults. RESULTS: Analysis of hierarchical regression revealed that mindfulness was a moderator of childhood abuse and family strain over a 10-year period in women, but not men. However, mindfulness did not moderate childhood abuse and support. DISCUSSION: This examination of mindfulness in the context of familial relationships may help women more successfully manage negative familial interactions. Results indicate mindfulness-based interventions may be helpful in improving familial relationships among adults abused by family members in childhood.

Incorporating Behavioral Health Providers onto Inpatient Medical Teams: A Feasibility Study.

Behavioral health providers (BHPs) have long been incorporated into clinical medical settings, however, they have yet to be included in inpatient hospital settings. Inclusion of BHPs in this setting is logical given the high rates of psychosocial problems experienced by hospitalized patients and because BHPs can effectively treat psychosocial challenges, including mental health disorders and behavioral health difficulties. We worked to determine the feasibility of incorporating BHPs onto the inpatient medical team and to discover if integrating BHPs onto the team could decrease the barriers present in standard consult-liaison models of care. Researchers collected information on patient and provider satisfaction with BHP services and tracked admission diagnosis, reasons for referral, and interventions delivered. Results indicated that the integration of BHPs onto the inpatient team is feasible and reduces numerous barriers. The incorporation of BHPs onto inpatient medical teams can mitigate barriers experienced within the current consult-liaison model.