The Impact of Early Childhood Life Adversity on Peripubertal Accelerated Epigenetic Aging and Psychopathology.

OBJECTIVE: To examine longitudinal associations between early life threat and deprivation on epigenetic age acceleration at ages 9 and 15 years, and to examine associations of age acceleration on later internalizing and externalizing symptoms. METHOD: The study examines a large (n = 2,039) and racially diverse (Black/African American = 44%, Latino = 18%, White = 5%) sample from a national dataset. Epigenetic age acceleration was estimated using the pediatric buccal epigenetic clock. Early life threat and deprivation were measured using composites from the Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scale and county-level violent and property crime rate data. Internalizing and externalizing symptoms came from parent-reported Child Behavior Checklist. Path analysis models examined associations of threat and deprivation at age 3 years on epigenetic age acceleration at ages 9 and 15. Experiences of threat were further broken down into threat experienced in the home and in the community. RESULTS: Home threat experienced at age 3 years predicted age acceleration at 9 and 15, and community threat experienced at 3 predicted age acceleration at 15, but not at 9. Deprivation was not a significant predictor of accelerated aging. Age acceleration at age 9 predicted externalizing, but not internalizing, symptoms at age 15. Community threat had a direct effect on externalizing. No association emerged with internalizing. CONCLUSION: Findings revealed that threat, not deprivation, was predictive of age acceleration, demonstrating support for this pattern longitudinally, using an epigenetic clock that is accurate in children. The findings provide critical nuance to the examination of threat, and highlight associated risks and possible intervention points for externalizing symptoms.

Telehealth Parenting Program and Salivary Epigenetic Biomarkers in Preschool Children With Developmental Delay: NIMHD Social Epigenomics Program.

Importance: Children with developmental delays are at a heightened risk of experiencing mental health challenges, and this risk is exacerbated among racially minoritized children who face disproportionate adversity. Understanding the impact of parenting interventions on biological markers associated with these risks is crucial for mitigating long-term health disparities. Objective: To examine the effect of 20 weeks of an internet-based parent-child interaction training (iPCIT) program on biomarkers associated with aging and chronic inflammation among preschoolers with developmental delay at 12-month follow-up. Design, Setting, and Participants: An observational secondary analysis of data from a randomized clinical trial conducted from March 17, 2016, to December 15, 2020, to assess changes in salivary DNA methylation (DNAm)-derived biomarkers following iPCIT intervention. Participants were recruited from 3 Part C early intervention sites in a large southeastern US city. Eligible participants included children recruited within 3 months of their third birthday who had a Child Behavior Checklist Externalizing Problems T score greater than 60 and provided saliva in at least 1 study wave. Data analysis was conducted May 2023 to April 2024. Intervention: Participants received either iPCIT (a telehealth therapeutic intervention focused on enhancing the parent-child relationship and addressing behavioral challenges in young children) or referrals as usual. Main Outcomes and Measures: DNAm at the 12-month follow-up was assessed using the Infinium HumanMethylationEPIC Bead Chip Assay to derive biomarkers DunedinPACE, C-reactive protein (CRP), and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Analyses were intent-to-treat and used path analysis. Results: A total of 71 children (mean [SD] age, 36.27 [0.61] months 51 male [71.8%] and 20 female [28.2%]) were analyzed, of whom 34 received iPCIT and 37 received referrals as usual. The iPCIT group had a slower pace of aging (ß = 0.26; 95% CI, 0.06 to 0.50; P = .03) and less DNAm-derived CRP (ß = 0.27; 95% CI, 0.05 to 0.49; P = .01) relative to the control condition at the 12-month follow-up. These associations remained significant after accounting for baseline DNAm score, child demographics, and symptom severity, and were independent of predicted buccal epithelial cell proportion for both DunedinPACE and CRP. There was no association with DNAm-derived IL-6 (ß = 0.14; 95% CI, -0.08 to 0.36; P = .21). Conclusions and Relevance: In this study of a parenting intervention, iPCIT, the association of intervention with decreased molecular markers of inflammation and biological aging suggests their potential to modify aspects of the biological embedding of stress. Understanding the systemic biological impact of such interventions offers insights into addressing health disparities and promoting resilience among vulnerable populations. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03260816.

Rare de novo damaging DNA variants are enriched in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and implicate risk genes.

Research demonstrates the important role of genetic factors in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). DNA sequencing of families provides a powerful approach for identifying de novo (spontaneous) variants, leading to the discovery of hundreds of clinically informative risk genes for other childhood neurodevelopmental disorders. This approach has yet to be extensively leveraged in ADHD. We conduct whole-exome DNA sequencing in 152 families, comprising a child with ADHD and both biological parents, and demonstrate a significant enrichment of rare and ultra-rare de novo gene-damaging mutations in ADHD cases compared to unaffected controls. Combining these results with a large independent case-control DNA sequencing cohort (3206 ADHD cases and 5002 controls), we identify lysine demethylase 5B (KDM5B) as a high-confidence risk gene for ADHD and estimate that 1057 genes contribute to ADHD risk. Using our list of genes harboring ultra-rare de novo damaging variants, we show that these genes overlap with previously reported risk genes for other neuropsychiatric conditions and are enriched in several canonical biological pathways, suggesting early neurodevelopmental underpinnings of ADHD. This work provides insight into the biology of ADHD and demonstrates the discovery potential of DNA sequencing in larger parent-child trio cohorts.

Family-centered profiles of mindful parenting: Longitudinal associations with negative parenting and youth emotional and behavioral problems.

There has been great interest in analyzing the potential of mindful parenting in promoting family well-being. Studies indicated that there is a lack of research on the predictive relationship between parenting practice and youth emotional and behavioral problems analyzed from a multi-informant perspective. This study evaluates the family-centered profiles of mothers and fathers' mindful parenting and negative parenting and youth problems associated with those profiles. A total of 441 youths (aged 9-14 years), along with their parents, answered self-report questionnaires in a three-wave longitudinal study conducted over 1 year. A latent profile analysis was performed to examine the mindful parenting profiles and to identify their associations with youth emotional and behavioral problems and negative parenting as outcomes. The results of latent profile analyses supported a three-profile solution: low mindful parenting family (35%), high maternal mindful parenting family (24%), and average mindful parenting family (41%). The low mindful parenting family profile showed the highest scores on negative parenting and youth emotional and behavioral problems. The high maternal mindful parenting family profile had the lowest scores on youth negative outcomes but demonstrated similar levels to those of the average mindful parenting family profile regarding negative parenting. Our findings highlight the importance of analyzing specific family profiles that help to develop personalized interventions with optimized treatments regarding family cohesion and environment.

The role of sleep in prospective associations between parent reported youth screen media activity and behavioral health.

BACKGROUND: Screen media activity (SMA) can negatively affect youth behavioral health. Sleep may mediate this association but has not been previously explored. We examined whether sleep mediated the association between SMA and youth behavioral health among a community sample. METHOD: Parents completed questions about their child (N = 564) ages 3-17 at Wave 1, Wave 2 (4-8 months later), and Wave 3 (12 months later). Path analyses were conducted to examine links between Wave 1 SMA and Wave 3 behavioral health problems (i.e., internalizing, externalizing, attention, peer problems) through Wave 2 sleep disturbance and duration. RESULTS: SMA was significantly associated with greater sleep disturbance, ß = .11, 95% CI [.01, .21] and shorter sleep duration, ß = -.16 [-.25, -.06], and greater sleep disturbance was associated with worse youth behavioral health across internalizing, ß = .14 [.04, .24], externalizing, B = .23 [.12, .33], attention, ß = .24 [.15, .34], and peer problems, ß = .25 [.15, .35]. Longer sleep duration was associated with more externalizing, ß = .13 [.04, .21], and attention problems, ß = .12 [.02, .22], and fewer peer problems, ß = -.09 [-.17, -.01], but not with internalizing problems. Lastly, there was a direct effect of SMA on peer problems, ß = -.15 [-.23, -.06] such that higher SMA that does not impact sleep may have a positive impact on reducing peer problems. CONCLUSIONS: Sleep (i.e., disturbances and shorter duration) may partially account for the small associations observed between SMA and worse behavioral health in youth. To continue expanding our understanding, future research should utilize more diverse representative samples, use objective measures of SMA and sleep, and examine other relevant aspects of SMA, including content, device type, and timing of use.

Parenting Practices May Buffer the Impact of Adversity on Epigenetic Age Acceleration Among Young Children With Developmental Delays.

This study examined whether children exposed to adversity would exhibit lower epigenetic age acceleration in the context of improved parenting. Children with developmental delays and externalizing behavior problems (N = 62; Mage = 36.26 months; 70.97% boys, 29.03% girls; 71% Latinx, 22.6% Black) were drawn from a larger randomized controlled trial (RCT), which randomized them to receive Internet-delivered parent-child interaction therapy (iPCIT; n = 30) or community referrals as usual (RAU; n = 32). Epigenetic age acceleration was estimated with the pediatric buccal epigenetic clock, using saliva. Adversity was assessed using parent, family, and neighborhood-level cumulative-risk indicators. Adversity interacted with Time 2 (T2) observations of positive and negative-parenting practices to predict epigenetic age acceleration 1.5 years later, regardless of treatment assignment. Children exposed to more adversity displayed lower epigenetic age acceleration when parents evidenced increased positive (b = -0.15, p = .001) and decreased negative (b = -0.12, p = .01) parenting practices.

Development of the Nighttime Parenting Scale: Differentiating nighttime versus general parenting practices and their impact on youth sleep health.

OBJECTIVES: The current study provides a novel method of assessing the impact of nighttime parenting practices on youth sleep health during the sensitive transition from childhood to adolescence (ie., peri-puberty). Specifically, we aimed to advance the measurement of nighttime parenting by developing a conceptually driven questionnaire for use in research and clinical settings. METHOD: A total of 625 parents (67.9% mothers) of peripubertal youth (age M=11.6, SD=1.31) were recruited online and completed self-report questionnaires. The sample was primarily White (67.4%), followed by 16.5% Black, 13.1% Latinx, and 9.6% Asian. Factor structure was examined through four empirically-driven stages (ie, exploratory factor analyses, confirmatory factor analyses, examining internal and test-retest reliability, and indices of validity). Furthermore, the current study sought to validate nighttime parenting as a unique construct by exploring associations with peripubertal youth sleep health. RESULTS: A factor structure consisting of six dimensions of nighttime parenting was established (ie, nighttime supportiveness, hostility, physical control, limit-setting, media monitoring, and co-sleeping behaviors). Furthermore, the current measure demonstrated strong psychometric properties. Finally, the established dimensions were cross-sectionally associated with youth sleep health indices. CONCLUSIONS: This study extends previous research by examining the influence of distinct domains of parenting practices that specifically occur at nighttime and how these differentially relate to youth sleep health. Results suggest that intervention and/or prevention programs targeting sleep should place emphasis on fostering positive parenting at nighttime as a strategy for creating an evening environment that is conducive to optimizing youth sleep health.

Technology-Enhanced BPT for Early-Onset Behavior Disorders: Improved Outcomes for Children With Co-Occurring Internalizing Symptoms.

OBJECTIVE: Early-onset behavior disorders (BDs) are common and costly. The evidence-base for Behavioral Parent Training (BPT), the standard of care for early intervention for BDs in young children, is well-established; yet, common comorbidities such as internalizing symptoms are common and their impact, not well understood. The goal of the current study was to examine the potential for technology to improve BPT effects on observed parenting and child behavior outcomes for families of children recruited for clinically significant problem behavior who also presented with relatively higher internalizing symptoms. METHOD: Families with low incomes (N = 101), who are overrepresented in statistics on early-onset BDs, were randomized to an evidence-based BPT program, Helping the Noncompliant Child (HNC), or Technology-Enhanced HNC (TE-HNC). Children were ages 3 to 8 years (55.4% were boys). Child race included White (64.0%), Black or African American (21.0%), more than one race (14.0%), and Hispanic/Latinx (13.9%). RESULTS: Families in both groups evidenced improvement in internalizing symptoms at posttreatment; however, TE-HNC yielded the greatest improvement in positive parenting and child compliance at posttreatment and follow-up for children with the highest internalizing symptoms at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: TE-HNC resulted in improved parenting and child behavior outcomes for children with elevated levels of co-occurring internalizing symptoms at baseline relative to standard HNC. We posit that these added benefits may be a function of TE-HNC, creating the opportunity for therapists to personalize the treatment model boosting parent skill use with more complex presentations, although a formal test of mediation will be important in future work.

Associations Between Early Life Adversity and Youth Psychobiological Outcomes: Dimensional and Person-Centered Approaches.

Exposure to early life adversity (ELA) is associated with increased externalizing symptoms (e.g., aggression and oppositionality), internalizing symptoms (e.g., withdrawal and anxiety), and biological indicators of accelerated aging (e.g., telomere length) in childhood. However, little is known about how distinct dimensions of ELA, such as threat and deprivation, impact youth psychobiological outcomes. The present study includes data from the Future of Families and Child Wellbeing Study (FFCWS), a large population-based, birth cohort study of majority (approximately 75%) racial and ethnic minority youth born between 1998 and 2000 across 20 large cities in the United States. The present study includes a subset of the original sample (N = 2,483, 51.6% male) who provided genetic data at age 9. First, confirmatory factor analyses were conducted, which revealed four distinct dimensions of ELA (home threat, community threat, neglect, and lack of stimulation) when children were age 3. Second, latent profile analyses identified an eight-profile solution based on unique patterns of the four ELA dimensions. Lastly, latent profiles were used to predict associations with child psychological and biological outcomes at age 9. Results suggest that exposure to specific combinations of ELA is differentially associated with internalizing and externalizing behaviors in childhood, but not with telomere length. Findings have implications for personalized early intervention and prevention efforts aimed at reducing ELA exposure to protect against downstream negative mental health outcomes for diverse youth.

Measurement invariance in the assessment of parenting practices: A cross-cultural comparison of China and the United States.

Assessing parenting practices in a culturally informed manner is critical to clinical practice when working with families. Although many parenting measures have been translated into Chinese, limited evidence for measurement invariance is available. The present study aims to assess the measurement invariance of positive and negative parenting practices across Mandarin-speaking families living in Mainland China and English-speaking families living in the United States. Three thousand seven parents of children ages 6-12 years (770 English-speaking: parent Mage = 35.15 years, SD = 7.96; child Mage = 9.50 years, SD = 4.27; 2,237 Chinese-speaking: parent Mage = 38.46 years, SD = 4.42; child Mage = 9.40 years, SD = 1.78) completed the Multidimensional Assessment of Parenting Scale as a part of two separate research protocols. Multiple-group confirmatory factor analyses (CFAs) were used, and the source of invariance at the factor and item levels was examined. CFA revealed that a seven-factor solution was feasible across both samples, as evidenced by configural and metric invariance. We found a lack of scalar invariance; thus, we constructed a partial scalar invariance model and presented latent means, correlations, and variances of the seven subscales. Item-level parameter estimates and content analyses revealed potentially different item interpretations of the measure. The lack of scalar invariance suggests that researchers should not use mean differences (e.g., from simple t tests) for cross-cultural comparisons using common parenting questionnaires. Instead, we recommend analyzing data utilizing latent variable modeling (e.g., structural equation modeling) and future directions for improving measures as part of larger efforts for promoting inclusive parenting science. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

Assessing parenting in racially and ethnically diverse families: A lack of measurement equivalence.

The present study explored measurement invariance of the Multidimensional Assessment of Parenting Scale (MAPS; Parent & Forehand, 2017) across White, Hispanic, Black, and Asian American parents. Participants included 2,734 parents, 58% of whom were mothers. On average, parents were 36.32 years old (SD = 9.54); the parent sample was 66.9% White non-Hispanic, 10.1% Black, 5.3% Asian, and 17.7% Hispanic regardless of race. Child ages ranged from 3 to 17 years (M = 9.84, SD = 3.71), and 58% were identified as male. Parents completed a demographics questionnaire about themselves and their target child, and the 34-item MAPS. We explored measurement equivalence of the MAPS Broadband Positive and Negative parenting scales using item response theory to identify differential item functioning (DIF). Univariate analyses for Positive and Negative Parenting showed reliability was excellent. Twelve items assessing negative aspects of parenting exhibited bias by race/ethnicity. Specifically, when comparing racial and ethnic groups, three items had nonuniform DIF comparing Black and Asian participants, two items had nonuniform DIF comparing Black and Hispanic participants, and one item showed nonuniform DIF comparing Asian and Hispanic participants. When looking at Positive Parenting, no items showed evidence of DIF. Results from the present study suggest broadband Positive Parenting can be compared across ethnoracial groups, while findings raise concern about assessing Negative Parenting items when examining invariance across race and ethnicity. Findings from the present study imply that racial and ethnic comparisons are potentially invalid. These findings offer guidance for improving parenting assessment for racially/ethnically diverse populations. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2023 APA, all rights reserved).

The Effects of Young Children's Callous-Unemotional Traits on Behaviorally Observed Outcomes in Standard and Technology-Enhanced Behavioral Parent Training.

Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) remains the current standard of care for early onset behavior disorders (BD); however, problem behaviors characterized by relatively high callous unemotional (CU) traits are linked to poorer treatment outcomes, highlighting the need for novel interventions. This study examined the relation of baseline child CU traits to changes in observed parent and child (3 to 8 years old) behavior in 101 families with low-income randomized to either a standard (Helping the Noncompliant Child, HNC) or technology-enhanced BPT program (TE-HNC). Assessments occurred at baseline, post-intervention, and at a three-month follow-up. Treatment group moderated the relation between CU traits and observed parenting behaviors and child compliance. Specifically, higher levels of child CU traits at baseline predicted lower levels of positive parenting at post-intervention and follow-up, and lower levels of child compliance at follow-up but only in the standard program (HNC). This is the first intervention study to behaviorally assess the differential impact of CU traits in standard, relative to technology-enhanced, BPT and suggests the promise of a technology-enhanced treatment model.

Longitudinal Pathways from Parent Internalizing Symptoms to Parent and Youth Emotion Functioning.

The current study utilized mediation analyses to examine how parental symptoms of depression and anxiety impact child emotion regulation (ER) and emotion stability (ES) through parent emotion functioning, parenting, and the coparent relationship. 564 parents of children between 3 and 17 years (Mage = 9.47; 54.4% male) were recruited via Amazon's Mechanical Turk across three time points: baseline (Wave 1), 4 months (Wave 2), 8 months (Wave 3). Mediation results demonstrated that symptoms of parent depression at Wave 1 predicted worse coparent relationships and decreases in parents' ability to identify their own emotions at Wave 2. Symptoms of parental anxiety at Wave 1 predicted decreases in positive parenting and an increased tendency to have negative secondary emotional responses, impulse-control difficulties, and difficulty accessing emotion-regulation strategies at Wave 2. Additionally, symptoms of parental anxiety at Wave 1 directly predicted lower child ER and ES at Wave 3. However, no significant indirect pathways were identified between parent symptoms and child ER and ES. Sensitivity analyses examined the effects of three youth developmental stages (i.e., early and middle childhood and adolescence), as well as parent gender (i.e., mother and father), and found no significant differences across groups. Thus, even at non-clinical levels, parental symptoms of anxiety and depression may negatively impact parenting, parent regulation, and the coparent relationship, while parental anxiety symptoms may contribute to lower child ER and ES.

Genetic versus environmental influences on callous-unemotional traits in preadolescence: The role of parenting and parental psychopathology.

Children with callous-unemotional (CU) traits are at risk for severe conduct problems. While CU traits are moderately heritable, parenting also predicts risk. However, few studies have investigated whether parenting factors (e.g., acceptance, conflict, parental psychopathology) moderate the etiology of CU traits, while accounting for gene-environment correlations. To address this knowledge gap, we used data from 772 twin pairs from the Adolescent Brain and Cognitive Development Study to test bivariate models that explored overlapping etiological influences on CU traits and child reports of their parenting environment. We also used gene-by-environment interaction models to test whether parenting moderated genetic versus environmental influences. There were no overlapping etiological influences on CU traits and parental acceptance, but modest genetic and non-shared environmental overlap between CU traits and family conflict. Parental acceptance and psychopathology moderated non-shared environmental influences, with stronger non-shared environmental influences on CU traits among children who experienced lower parental acceptance and greater parental psychopathology. Family conflict only moderated environmental influences when models did not covary for conduct problems. Parental acceptance and parental psychopathology may be specific environmental protective and risk factors for CU traits, whereas family conflict may represent a general environmental risk factor for both CU traits and conduct problems.

Mindfulness as an Adjunct to Behavior Modification for Elementary-aged Children with ADHD.

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a chronic neurodevelopmental disorder defined by pervasive symptoms of inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. Furthermore, children with ADHD show marked deficits in executive functioning (EF) such as attention, effortful control, and behavior, and are more likely to have poor self-regulatory skills. Current evidence-based interventions for children with ADHD include behavioral treatment (BT), psychopharmacological treatment, and their combination. Many other interventions are often used conjunction with or in lieu of evidence-based treatments for ADHD. One such example is the use of mindfulness-based interventions which have been shown to improve attention, reduce maladaptive behaviors, and increase self-regulatory abilities among children in general education settings. The current study is the first to evaluate the effect of mindfulness intervention in combination with BT on behavior, task-based executive functioning (EF), and mindful awareness in elementary-aged children with ADHD (N = 58). The study took place in a controlled analogue summer program setting (STP) in which children were randomized to receive either the mindfulness intervention in conjunction with BT or to a BT active control condition. Children completed a variety of EF cognitive tasks at baseline and post-treatment. Child behavioral responses were measured as teacher and staff-recorded frequencies of observed behavior. In addition, parent-reported and child self-reported measures on mindful awareness were collected. Overall, there were no beneficial incremental effects of mindfulness when used in combination with intensive BT with regard to observed child behavior, attention and inhibitory control, or mindful awareness.

A randomized controlled trial of technology-enhanced behavioral parent training: sustained parent skill use and child outcomes at follow-up.

BACKGROUND: Early-onset (3-8 years old) disruptive behavior disorders (DBDs) have been linked to a range of psychosocial sequelae in adolescence and beyond, including delinquency, depression, and substance use. Given that low-income families are overrepresented in statistics on early-onset DBDs, prevention and early-intervention targeting this population is a public health imperative. The efficacy of Behavioral Parent Training (BPT) programs such as Helping the Noncompliant Child (HNC) has been called robust; however, given the additional societal and structural barriers faced by low-income families, family engagement and retention barriers can cause effects to wane with time. This study extends preliminary work by examining the potential for a Technology-Enhanced HNC (TE-HNC) program to improve and sustain parent skill proficiency and child outcomes among low-income families. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial with two parallel arms was the design for this study. A total of 101 children (3-8-years-old) with clinically significant problem behaviors from low-income households were randomized to HNC (n = 54) or TE-HNC (n = 47). Participants were assessed at pre-treatment, post-treatment, 3-month, and 6-month follow-ups. Primary outcomes were parent-reported and observed child behavior problems. Secondary outcomes included observed parenting skills use (ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT02191956). RESULTS: Primary analyses used latent curve modeling to examine treatment differences in the trajectory of change during treatment, maintenance of treatment gains, and levels of outcomes at the 6-month follow-up. Both programs yielded improvements in parenting skills and child problems at post-treatment. However, TE-HNC families evidenced greater maintenance of parent-reported and observed child behavior and observed positive parenting skills at the 6-month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Our findings contribute to an ongoing line of work suggesting that technology-enhanced treatment models hold promise for increasing markers of engagement in BPT and sustaining long-term outcomes among low-income families.

Behavioral Parent Training for Preschool ADHD: Family-Centered Profiles Predict Changes in Parenting and Child Outcomes.

OBJECTIVE: Behavioral parent training (BPT) is the first line of treatment for preschool-aged children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD); however, clinically significant improvements are not universal. In the current study, we employ a person-centered approach to create subgroups of families based on the intersection of multiple parent, child, and family pre-treatment factors. Further, we explore the utility of pre-treatment family profiles in predicting post-treatment differences in observed parenting behavior (i.e., behavioral control, parental warmth) and clinically significant change in child ADHD and oppositional symptoms. METHOD: Longitudinal data were collected using observational and parent-, teacher- and clinician-reported assessments from 130 parent-child dyads (Mage= 3.57, range = 3.0- 4.11, 73.8% male, 69.2% White, 25.6% Hispanic) participating in BPT. RESULTS: Findings from the current study suggest three distinct family profiles, which consisted of one profile with high family stress (HFS) as evidenced by elevated symptomatology across parent, child, and family-level domains, a second profile with elevated parental anxiety (PA), and a final profile with elevated parental depression (PD). These family-centered profiles were differentially associated with changes in observed parenting practices. Specifically, the PD profile (39%) demonstrated minimal improvements in behavioral control and warmth following treatment. In contrast, the HFS profile (30%) only improved in behavioral control and the PA profile (31%) improved in both parenting domains following treatment. In addition, marginally significant differences in child oppositional and ADHD symptoms were observed across profiles. CONCLUSIONS: Family-centered approaches may be useful for selecting and implementing interventions.

Keeping your coparent in mind: A longitudinal investigation of mindfulness in the family system.

Recent studies have increasingly focused on mindfulness as it relates to interpersonal processes. In particular, cross-sectional research has shown that parents' dispositional mindfulness is associated with increased mindful parenting and coparenting, as well as improved coparenting relationship quality. The current study replicates and extends such work, representing the first longitudinal investigation of mindful coparenting. A sample of 449 parents (60% mothers) of children between the ages of 3 and 17 years were recruited online through Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk) as part of a larger study on the assessment of parenting. Parents reported on their dispositional mindfulness, mindful coparenting, and coparenting relationship quality at three time points across an 8-month period. Results from a cross-lagged panel model using maximum likelihood estimation suggested that higher levels of parental mindfulness at baseline were related with higher levels of mindful coparenting at 4 months, which, in turn, were related to higher quality coparenting relationship at 8 months. Support for this model was found for both mothers and fathers and across all examined child age groups (i.e., early childhood, middle childhood, and adolescence), highlighting the robust nature of these effects. Overall, findings suggest that increasing mindfulness at an individual level can promote meaningful change within a family system, specifically through improvements in coparenting and parent-child interactions.

Los estudios recientes se han centrado cada vez más en la conciencia plena en relación con los procesos interpersonales. En particular, las investigaciones transversales han demostrado que la conciencia plena disposicional de los padres está asociada con una crianza y una cocrianza más conscientes, así como con una mejor calidad de la relación de cocrianza. El presente estudio reproduce y amplía dicho trabajo, y representa la primera investigación longitudinal de cocrianza consciente. Se reunió virtualmente una muestra de 449 padres (el 60 % madres) de niños de entre 3 y 17 años mediante Amazon's Mechanical Turk (MTurk) como parte de un estudio más extenso sobre la evaluación de la crianza. Los padres informaron sobre su conciencia plena disposicional, la cocrianza consciente y la calidad de la relación de cocrianza en tres intervalos de tiempo durante un periodo de ocho meses. Los resultados de un modelo de panel de retardo cruzado utilizando la estimación por máxima verosimilitud indicaron que los niveles más altos de conciencia plena de los padres en el momento basal estuvieron relacionados con niveles más altos de cocrianza consciente a los cuatro meses, los cuales, a su vez, estuvieron relacionados con una relación de cocrianza de mayor calidad a los ocho meses. Se encontró respaldo para este modelo tanto en el caso de las madres como en el de los padres y entre todos los grupos etarios de los niños analizados (p. ej.: primera infancia, segunda infancia, adolescencia). Asimismo, se destacó la índole sólida de estos efectos. En general, los resultados indican que aumentar la conciencia plena a nivel individual puede promover un cambio significativo dentro de un sistema familiar, específicamente mediante mejoras en la cocrianza y en las interacciones entre padres e hijos.

Profiles of Emotion Socialization Across Development and Longitudinal Associations with Youth Psychopathology.

Although there is relative consensus in the literature regarding associations between certain emotion socialization (ES) strategies and youth behavioral health, there is very limited research from a person-centered perspective. To address this gap, the current study examined patterns of ES strategies in families and explored predictors and youth outcomes associated with those patterns. An economically-diverse sample of 229 predominately White mothers and fathers of youth aged 3-12 years was recruited online for a longitudinal study. Latent profile analysis was used to determine the optimal number of family clusters with similar ES profiles. Model fit supported a four-class model, which consisted of an Emotion Coaching profile, characterized by the lowest levels of putatively labeled unsupportive ES practices and the highest levels of putatively labeled supportive ES practices, a Moderate profile characterized by moderate levels of both unsupportive and supportive ES practices, a Limited Engagement profile characterized by low levels of both unsupportive and supportive ES practices, and an Emotion Dismissing profile characterized by the highest levels of unsupportive ES practices and the lowest levels of supportive ES practices. Cross-sectional and longitudinal differences were observed across the ES profiles with regard to demographic and parent emotional competence predictors and youth outcomes. The current study extends the literature on ES by providing evidence on how distinct ES profiles differentially predict youth behavioral health outcomes. Findings also underscore the importance of examining parent emotional competence as a catalyst for adaptive change in the family system.