The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the mood and family relationships of runners.

Introduction: The aim of this study was to analyze the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on the mood of amateur runners and on their relationships with their partners and families. Methods: Adult runners 18 years or older (N = 260) completed an online survey that included demographic information, standardized psychological assessments of Exercise Dependence (EDS-R) and mood (POMS), and, to measure relationship functioning, either the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) if they did not have children, or the Basic Family Evaluation Questionnaire (CERFB), measuring conjugal and parental relationships. Participants also answered questions about their exercise habits and the coping strategies they adopted during lockdown. Results: The results suggest that runners who saw the largest reductions in time spent exercising during lockdown tended to feel significantly less energetic (p < 0.05) and friendly (p < 0.01). In addition, they recorded significantly lower scores in marital satisfaction with their peers (p < 0.05). The runners with a higher degree of dependence on physical exercise registered significantly higher levels of depression, tension and anger than non-dependent runners (p < 0.001). Runners whose partners were physically active and did not have children had significantly higher scores marital satisfaction than runners whose partners were not physically active and had children (p < 0.05). Discussion: These findings seem to indicate that the psychological approach to athletes in the context of crises such as the pandemic should consider not only individual aspects, but also include the family perspective.

Assessing family relations in borderline personality disorder: A relational approach.

The aims of the current study are to describe the basic family relationships, parental bonding patterns, and dyadic adjustment of families with offspring diagnosed with borderline personality disorder (BPD) and to explore the correlations between these variables related to family relations and BPD symptomatology. The sample consisted of 194 participants, including parents from the control (N = 76) and clinical group (N = 76), and patients with BPD (N = 42). All progenitors completed a measure of family relations, parental bonding, and dyadic adjustment. Patients completed a measure of parental bonding and borderline symptomatology. The results showed significant differences between both groups in marital and parental functioning, marital satisfaction, dyadic adjustment, and care. Correlations among family variables and BPD symptomatology were also found. In summary, findings underscore the significance of comprehending the complexity of family relationships in BPD while advocating for a relational perspective when examining the family dynamics.

Malestar psicológico, ajuste diádico y dinámica familiar tras el diagnóstico prenatal de cardiopatía congénita / Psychological distress, dyadic adjustment and family dynamics after prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease

Introducción: Las cardiopatías congénitas (CC) se encuentran entre las enfermedades congénitas más frecuentes. Cuando se informa a los padres y las madres del diagnóstico de una CC durante el embarazo, tienen que afrontar una serie de cambios psicológicos a nivel individual e interpersonal. El objetivo del estudio es evaluar el impacto psicológico que produce en los padres el diagnóstico de una CC en el periodo prenatal. La muestra incluyó 214 participantes, madres y sus parejas (grupo de casos: 57 gestantes con fetos diagnosticados de CC y sus parejas; grupo control: 50 gestantes y sus parejas). Método: Administración del BSI-18, el DAS y el FACES-III tras el diagnóstico prenatal. Resultados: Muchos progenitores (alrededor del 83,6%) pasaron por fases de choque emocional y negación tras recibir el diagnóstico de una enfermedad que necesitaban afrontar y aceptar. A nivel individual, el 35,1% de los padres y el 47,4% de las madres tuvieron puntuaciones significativas en el malestar psicológico. A nivel de la pareja, tanto los padres (77%) como las madres (82,4%) presentaron un ajuste diádico idealizado. Por último, el 43,9% de los padres y el 42,2% de las madres reflejaron una dinámica familiar moderada. Conclusión: Los resultados ilustran la complejidad de la etapa inicial que atravesaban las parejas participantes. (AU)

Introduction: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most frequent congenital diseases. When expectant fathers and mothers are informed of a CHD during pregnancy, they have to confront a series of individual and interpersonal psychological changes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the psychological impact of a prenatal diagnosis of CHD on expectant parents. The sample included 214 participants, mothers and their partners (case group, 57 pregnant women carrying a foetus with CHD and their partners; and control group, 50 pregnant women and their partners). Method: Administration of BSI-18, DAS and FACES-III following prenatal diagnosis. Results: Many parents (approximately 83.6%) went through stages of shock and denial in response to the diagnosis of disease that they had to confront and accept. At the individual level, 35.1% of fathers and 47.4% mothers had clinically significant scores of psychological distress. At the couple level, both fathers (77%) and mothers (82.4%) had expressed an idealized dyadic adjustment. Lastly, the perception of the family dynamic by 43.9% of fathers and 42.2% of mothers was in the mid-range. Conclusion: The results highlight the complexity of the initial stage that these couples were going through. (AU)

Exploring the psychological impact of COVID-19 on adolescents with borderline personality disorder and their mothers: A focus group study.

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of the coronavirus pandemic on adolescents diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and their mothers. This exploratory study used a qualitative focus group approach. This study's sample group consisted in nine participants: five adolescents diagnosed with BPD and their four mothers. Patients were recruited from a specialized BPD outpatient unit of a university hospital psychiatry department. The results are divided into two main areas, the first regarding the lockdown period and the second examining the period of gradual relaxation of lockdown restrictions. The results show that the adolescents had difficulties in the management of their interpersonal relationships, especially in striking a balance between individual and family space, as well as in communication, cohesion, and family dynamics. During the COVID lockdown, adolescents experienced a stabilization of psychopathological symptoms, but these symptoms worsened when the lockdown restrictions were lifted. Nevertheless, they reported having learned and implemented self-care strategies. The findings are discussed in terms of both individual and family impact, shedding light on some of the challenges precipitated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Psychological distress, dyadic adjustment and family dynamics after prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most frequent congenital diseases. When expectant fathers and mothers are informed of a CHD during pregnancy, they have to confront a series of individual and interpersonal psychological changes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the psychological impact of a prenatal diagnosis of CHD on expectant parents. The sample included 214 participants, mothers and their partners (case group, 57 pregnant women carrying a foetus with CHD and their partners and control group, 50 pregnant women and their partners). METHOD: Administration of the BSI-18, the DAS and FACES-III following prenatal diagnosis. RESULTS: Many parents (approximately 83.6%) went through stages of shock and denial in response to the diagnosis of disease that they had to confront and accept. At the individual level, 35.1% of fathers and 47.4% mothers had clinically significant scores of psychological distress. At the couple level, both fathers (77%) and mothers (82.4%) had expressed an idealized dyadic adjustment. Lastly, the perception of the family dynamic by 43.9% of fathers and 42.2% of mothers was in the mid range. CONCLUSION: The results highlight the complexity of the initial stage that these couples were going through.

[Psychological distress, dyadic adjustment and family dynamics after prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease]. / Malestar psicológico, ajuste diádico y dinámica familiar tras el diagnóstico prenatal de cardiopatía congénita.

INTRODUCTION: Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the most frequent congenital diseases. When expectant fathers and mothers are informed of a CHD during pregnancy, they have to confront a series of individual and interpersonal psychological changes. The aim of the study was to evaluate the psychological impact of a prenatal diagnosis of CHD on expectant parents. The sample included 214 participants, mothers and their partners (case group, 57 pregnant women carrying a foetus with CHD and their partners; and control group, 50 pregnant women and their partners). METHOD: Administration of BSI-18, DAS and FACES-III following prenatal diagnosis. RESULTS: Many parents (approximately 83.6%) went through stages of shock and denial in response to the diagnosis of disease that they had to confront and accept. At the individual level, 35.1% of fathers and 47.4% mothers had clinically significant scores of psychological distress. At the couple level, both fathers (77%) and mothers (82.4%) had expressed an idealized dyadic adjustment. Lastly, the perception of the family dynamic by 43.9% of fathers and 42.2% of mothers was in the mid-range. CONCLUSION: The results highlight the complexity of the initial stage that these couples were going through.

Clinical applicability of the Cuestionario de Evaluación de las Relaciones Familiares Básicas (CERFB) in eating disorders: marital and parental relationships in traditional family structures.

Family interventions occupy a leading po- sition for eating disorders (EDs) among psychological treat- ments. However, the unavailability of family measures spe- cifically validated in such disorders in Spanish population has been documented, to evaluate family dynamics and design appropriate interventions. This study aims to validate the clinical application of the Cuestionario de Evaluación de las Relaciones Familiares Básicas (CERFB; in English, Basic Family Relations Assessment Questionnaire) in EDs.

Aplicabilidad clínica del Cuestionario de Evaluación de las Relaciones Familiares Básicas (CERFB) en los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria: relación conyugal y parental en estructuras tradicionales de familia / Clinical applicability of the Cuestionario de Evaluación de las Relaciones Familiares Básicas (CERFB) in eating disorders: marital and parental relationships in traditional family structures

INTRODUCCIÓN: Las intervenciones familiares ocupan una posición destacada entre los tratamientos psicológicos para los trastornos de la conducta alimentaria (TCA). Sin embargo, se ha documentado la falta de cuestionarios de evaluación familiar específicamente validados en dichos trastornos en la población española, para una evaluación de las dinámicas familiares y el diseño de intervenciones apropiadas. El objetivo de este estudio es validar la aplicación clínica del Cuestionario de Evaluación de las Relaciones Familiares Básicas (CERFB) en los TCA. METODOLOGÍA: Ciento sesenta y nueve parejas (N = 338 participantes) con un hijo con un TCA completaron el CERFB y otras medidas familiares. RESULTADOS: Los resultados del AFC confirman la solución bifactorial de la versión original en población general. Asimismo, la invarianza factorial según el género demostró el cumplimiento de la invarianza configuracional y métrica. La validez convergente la determinan las correlaciones significativas entre el CERFB y la Escala de Ajuste Diádico y el Instrumento de Vínculo Parental. La fiabilidad de ambas escalas es satisfactoria: conyugalidad (alfa = .90) y parentalidad (alfa = .76). Se proporcionan datos normativos. CONCLUSIONES: El CERFB deviene la única medida familiar disponible en los TCA para población española, ofreciendo una evaluación más amplia que las medidas existentes al comprender la conyugalidad y la parentalidad

INTRODUCTION: Family interventions occupy a leading position for eating disorders (EDs) among psychological treaments. However, the unavailability of family measures specifically validated in such disorders in Spanish population has been documented, to evaluate family dynamics and design appropriate interventions. This study aims to validate the clinical application of the Cuestionario de Evaluación de las Relaciones Familiares Básicas (CERFB; in English, Basic Family Relations Assessment Questionnaire) in EDs. METHOD: One hundred and sixty-nine couples (N = 338 participants) with a child with an ED completed the CERFB and other family measures. RESULTS: The CFA results support the two-factor solution of the original version for general population. Further-more, measurement invariance across gender results support the configural and metric invariance. Convergent validity is supported by significant correlations between the CERFB and the Dyadic Adjustment Scale and the Parental Bonding Instrument. Reliability is satisfactory for both scales: Marital (Alpha= .90) and Parental (Alpha = .76). Normative data are provided. CONCLUSIONS: The CERFB becomes the only available family measure in EDs for Spanish population offering a broader assessment than existing measures as it comprises both the marital relationship and parenting exercise

A Mixed-method Study of Individual, Couple, and Parental Functioning During the State-regulated COVID-19 Lockdown in Spain.

During the recent COVID-19 outbreak in Spain, we explored the individual and relational well-being of people confined together with their partners and/or children during the first 3 weeks of state-regulated lockdown. Adults 18 years or older (N = 407) completed an online survey that included demographic, household, and employment information along with standardized measures of psychological distress (State-Trait Anxiety and Beck Depression) and relationship functioning-either the Dyadic Adjustment Scale if there were no children in the household or a Basic Family Relations Evaluation Questionnaire (CERFB) measuring conjugal, parental, and coparental functions. Qualitative analyses of responses to an open-ended question about perceived changes in couple or family dynamics during lockdown revealed nine specific themes comprising two overarching categories: relational improvement and deterioration. The overall prevalence of improvement themes (61.7%) exceeded deterioration themes (41.0%), with increased (re)connection and conflict atmosphere cited most often. Quantitative analyses found elevated levels of state anxiety but not trait anxiety or depression during lockdown. Consistent with the qualitative results, couples having no children at home reported high levels of dyadic adjustment, but with children present CERFB parental functioning exceeded conjugal functioning, a pattern sometimes associated with child triangulation into adult conflicts. Although correlates of psychological distress (e.g., unemployment, perceived economic risk) were relatively stable across subgroups, predictors of relationship functioning varied substantially with household/parental status (e.g., telecommuting and employment facilitated conjugal functioning only for couples with children).

Durante el reciente brote de la COVID-19 en España, analizamos el bienestar individual y relacional de las personas confinadas con sus parejas o hijos durante las primeras tres semanas de confinamiento regulado por el estado. Un grupo de adultos mayores de 18 años (N=407) completó una encuesta con datos demográficos, información sobre la vivienda y el empleo, evaluaciones estandarizadas de distrés psicológico (ansiedad-rasgo y ansiedad-estado, depresión de Beck) y funcionamiento familiar (la Escala de ajuste diádico si no había niños en la vivienda o un Cuestionario básico de evaluación de las relaciones familiares (CERFB) que miden las funciones conyugales, parentales y coparentales. Los análisis cualitativos de las respuestas a una pregunta abierta acerca de los cambios percibidos en la dinámica de pareja o familiar durante el confinamiento revelaron nueve temas específicos que comprenden dos categorías dominantes: la mejora y el deterioro relacional. La prevalencia general de los temas de mejora (61.7 %) excedió los temas de deterioro (41.0 %), y se mencionó con más frecuencia una mayor (re)conexión y un ambiente de conflicto. Los análisis cuantitativos indicaron niveles elevados de ansiedad-estado pero no de ansiedad-rasgo ni de depresión durante el confinamiento. De acuerdo con los resultados cualitativos, las parejas que no tienen hijos en la casa informaron niveles altos de ajuste diádico, pero con los niños presentes, el funcionamiento parental del CERFB excedió el funcionamiento conyugal, un patrón asociado a veces con la triangulación de los niños en los conflictos de los adultos. Aunque las relaciones de distrés psicológico (p. ej.: desempleo, riesgo económico percibido) fueron relativamente estables entre los subgrupos, los predictores del funcionamiento relacional variaron considerablemente con la situación habitacional/parental (p. ej: el teletrabajo y el empleo facilitaron el funcionamiento conyugal solo en el caso de las parejas con niños).

Basic Family Relations, Parental Bonding, and Dyadic Adjustment in Families with a Member with Psychosis.

The aim of the current study is to describe and explore basic family relations, parental bonding, and dyadic adjustment in families with offspring diagnosed with a psychotic disorder. The sample was made up of 120 participants, 60 in the clinical group (GCL) and 60 in the comparison group (GCP). All participants were assessed using the basic family relations evaluation questionnaire (CERFB), the parental bonding instrument (PBI), and the dyadic adjustment scale (DAS). The results showed differences between the clinical and comparison groups in terms of perceptions of basic family relations, dyadic adjustment and parental bonding. The clinical group recorded less favorable results for all of these variables. More specifically, the study observed significant differences between the groups in parental function, overprotection and caring. This study deepens our understanding of how family assessment and relational diagnoses can serve as prevention and intervention tools for families affected by a psychotic disorder.

Measuring Family Relations: Italian Validation of the "Cuestionario de Evaluación de Las Relaciones Familiares Básicas" (CERFB).

OBJECTIVE: In recent years, the gap between research into family therapy and clinical practice in the field has been growing larger. In the Italian context, a major issue concerns the lack of any single instrument that can be used to assess a range of different family functions. In order to fill this research gap, the present paper aims to validate the Italian version of the "Cuestionario de Evaluación de las Relaciones Familiares Básicas" (CERFB), a questionnaire that evaluates family relations by measuring conjugal and parenting functions. This validation will be carried out by testing the instrument's factorial structure, reliability and construct validity using an Italian non-clinical sample. METHOD: For this study, 114 couples as family units (228 participants) were recruited from the general population (mean age: 51.70, SD: 6.04). The 25-item CERFB, the six Domains of FACES IV, the FCS and the FSS were administered. RESULTS: Results from confirmatory factor analysis supported the original two-factor structure regarding conjugal and parenting functions. Furthermore, results supported excellent internal consistency and construct validity with conceptually related family measures. Finally, normative scores were calculated in order to explain clinical results. CONCLUSIONS: The Italian version of the CERFB shows good psychometric properties and can be considered a valid and reliable measure for assessing both conjugal and parenting functions. It can be used in research and for clinical purposes as an innovative instrument applied to prevent risks to the health of children and to carry out and evaluate family interventions.

Family Functioning and Parental Bonding During Childhood in Adults Diagnosed With ADHD.

OBJECTIVE: This work assesses family functioning, parental bonding, and the relationship between the two in adults diagnosed with ADHD. METHOD: The study used a retrospective, ex post facto design and consisted of 100 adult participants, who were distributed into two groups: with and without diagnosis of ADHD. Two family assessment instruments were applied: the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale short spanish version (FACES-20esp)) and the Parental Bonding Instrument (PBI). The diagnosis of ADHD was done by using a semistructured interview for Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV) criteria (Conners' Adult ADHD Diagnostic Interview for DSM-IV [CAADID]). RESULTS: The results showed that higher rigidity and lower emotional connection were significantly associated with ADHD family functioning. Regarding parental bonding, the results showed significant differences only in the care dimension, with the ADHD group reporting lower care than the control group. CONCLUSION: The results suggest that ADHD families present dysfunctional family functioning with a rigid, separated typology, and parental bonding based on control without affection.