Search Results (149)

Some studies have shown that the identities of asexual individuals can be devalued and invalidated through processes of dehumanization. However, research examining dehumanization and attitudes toward asexual parents remains scarce. Drawing on the dual model of dehumanization, this experimental study aimed to investigate the denial of traits associated with human nature (HN; denial of basic human emotions) and human uniqueness (HU; denial of a rational mind), as well as perceptions of parenting competence and warmth attributed to different maternal targets. It was hypothesized that asexual mothers would be judged more negatively on the HN dimension, but not on the HU dimension, compared to allosexual mothers. Furthermore, it was hypothesized that perceived behavior toward children, assessed in terms of warmth, would be associated with the denial of HN (but not HU) for asexual mothers. The study involved 298 participants (M_age = 35.97, SD = 15.04), who read one of three scenarios that were identical except for the sexual orientation of the mother: (1) heterosexual allosexual mother; (2) lesbian allosexual mother; and (3) asexual mother. Participants were then asked to evaluate the target with dehumanization measures and perceived parenting behaviors. Results showed that the asexual mother was perceived more negatively than all other targets across all variables. Moreover, parallel mediation analyses revealed that the perception of a lack of warmth in the asexual mother (compared to the other targets) was mediated by the denial of HN, but not HU. In contrast, both HN and HU were found to mediate judgments of parental competence. These findings provide initial evidence of stigma faced by asexual parents, highlighting the need for further research into the attitudes directed toward them. Full article

Theory of Mind (ToM) is a construct that includes a range of connected abilities linked to the understanding of others’ mental states. During the last three decades, ToM development has been studied extensively in deaf and hard of hearing (DHH) individuals and performances compared to the typically hearing (TH) population. Given the advances in the early diagnosis of deafness, interventions, and hearing devices over this period, variations in task performance among DHH participants might have been reduced. The current systematic review aims to synthesize all studies of ToM in DHH individuals and answer the following question: Do DHH individuals (Population), compared to a control sample of TH and/or among themselves (Comparator), in an assessment of ToM (Intervention), have differentiated results (Outcome)? After a search of the literature, 97 papers were included. We found that, in general, TH participants outperformed their DHH peers in ToM measures; however, there was a wide range of results. Explanations for this variability included the quality of early interactions and early exposure to both signed and spoken language. The review also indicates that the understanding of false belief was the most studied component within ToM, while other components, such as understanding intention and irony, require further research. Implications of these findings for clinical practice are discussed. Full article

Phubbing, a relatively new phenomenon in the field of digital risks, refers to the act of ignoring someone in favor of focusing on a smartphone during face-to-face interactions. Parental phubbing, a specific form of this behavior, is a prevalent negative parenting practice that can affect parent–child relationships and child development. However, the impact of parental phubbing on the emotional and behavioral development of preschool children remains unclear. This study aims to explore the relationship between parental phubbing and preschoolers’ behavioral problems, as well as test whether parents’ mindful attention awareness (MAA) acts as a mediator between them. Method: A questionnaire was administered to 138 Italian parents (mean age = 38.5, SD = 6.2) of 138 kindergarten preschoolers (mean age = 3.9, SD = 1.03). Questionnaires included the Generic Scale of Phubbing (GSP), the Mindful Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ). Results: Analyses revealed a significant negative correlation between the MAAS and SDQ total scores, a positive correlation between the GSP total score and the SDQ total score, and a negative correlation between the GSP total score and the MAAS total score. The mediation analysis did not show a direct effect of GSP on SDQ, suggesting that parental phubbing did not directly predict children’s behavioral difficulties. Nevertheless, the indirect effect measured by bootstrapping was significant, indicating that parental MAA fully mediated the relationship between parental phubbing and preschoolers’ problematic behaviors. Conclusions: Although further research is needed, parental mindfulness may influence phubbing behaviors in parents providing valuable insights for early interventions aimed at reducing problem behaviors in young children. Full article

Objective: This cross-sectional study examined assumptions about the role of parenting qualities in predicting child problems. Background: Children with ADHD often experience distress, partially linked to less adaptive parenting practices. Our working assumptions are that: parental mindfulness, insecure parent attachment styles, and parental child rejection have a significant impact upon the severity of child problems and therefore should be addressed in parental training. Methods: A total of 122 Israeli parents (55 fathers (Mage = 43.8; SD = 4.01) and 67 mothers (Mage = 41.6; SD = 4.59)) of 75 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) (Mage = 8.4; SD = 1.56) completed self-report measures: the Experience of Close Relationships scale (ECR), the Mindfulness Attention Awareness Scale (MAAS), the Parental Acceptance–Rejection Questionnaire (PARQ), and Achenbach Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, Pearson correlations, and structural equation modeling (SEM). Results: The key finding was that a latent ‘parental rejection/non-warmth’ factor mediated the relationship between (a) parents’ anxious attachment and child behavior problems, and (b) parental mindfulness and child problems. Parental rejection emerged as the strongest predictor of child difficulties. Conclusions: Parental training for parents of children with ADHD should prioritize reducing rejection while also addressing mindfulness and anxious attachment style to promote child well-being. Clinical Trial Registration: Group training for parents whose children suffer from ADHD and comorbidity using a behavioral-dynamic approach (SPBT). Registered at Veeva Vault. Full article

There are many different perspectives on what the spiritual aspect of education entails, as well as how it should be addressed in a professional context. Spirituality has been defined as a central aspect of children’s overall development in Denmark since the Primary School Act of 1993, but at the same time public schools in Denmark are secular institutions not affiliated with any particular faith and a non-confessional spiritual education. This article addresses the concept of spiritual education of children in a Danish post-secular context by presenting and discussing different studies, knowledge, and definitions on children’s spirituality, as well as spiritual education of children and spiritual care for children. We point to the importance of the concept of “dannelse” or “bildung”, Hans-Georg Gadamer’s concept of “the basic movement of spirit”, and Hannah Arendt’s concepts related to “the life of the mind”, and thus what is meant by spiritual education. We conclude how educators, parents, and healthcare professionals should facilitate spiritual education through the perspective of “dannelse”, and we present a model for doing so through spiritual dialogue and relationships. Full article

The Jukes: A study in crime, pauperism, disease, and heredity became one of the most well-known eugenic family studies. The study was first published in 1877, based on the research of R.L. Dugdale, and then reexamined by Arthur Estabrook with the support of the Eugenics Record Office in 1916. Taken together, the Juke family studies were used as evidence that generations of moral degenerates and criminals emerged when the ‘feeble-minded’ were allowed to ‘propagate’. This article reviews the story of the Jukes, including their true identities, and concludes that Dugdale did not adequately investigate the parents of the Juke sisters. Instead, he concocted a ‘family’ that lived in a location where relationships were complex. The research that followed only compounded these errors, as the political agenda of eugenics overrode scientific knowledge and ignored the poor quality of the original data. Full article

This study, employing an interpretative qualitative method, explored the childhood experiences of 34 gifted adults aged 26–50, aiming to understand how these early encounters shaped their lives. Themes emerged from semi-structured interviews, encompassing the gifted adult today, childhood experiences, ‘my second childhood’, and giftedness from a mature perspective. The majority expressed a connection with like-minded individuals and a desire to work with those who stimulate creativity and learning. While pull-out programs enriched knowledge and skills, the label “gifted” often led to social and emotional challenges, particularly in regular school settings. The participants highlighted supportive family environments and unique relationships with parents and grandparents. Many believed their talents, often rooted in genetics or upbringing, extended beyond measurable tests. Notably, respondents expressed a sense of unfulfilled giftedness in adulthood. The findings contribute to understanding giftedness theoretically and provide practical insights for education ministries, educators, and families in designing programs for gifted individuals. Full article

Background: Externalizing, internalizing and social problems are frequent comorbidities for children with ADHD. This study explored the effects of methylphenidate versus a child and parents’ parallel mindfulness program (MYmind) on children’s internalizing, externalizing and social problems. Data came from our RCT investigating treatment effects on the primary outcome of children’s ADHD symptoms. Methods: Children followed their ascribed course of treatment for 4 months: 46 children were in the mindfulness group and 42 in the medication group. Multilevel modeling analyzed the responses of four informants (mothers, fathers, children and teachers) across three follow-up points: short-term (2 months), medium-term (4 months) and long-term (10 months). Results: Both treatment groups improved from the baseline across all outcomes. No differences were found between groups on improvement of mindful awareness as reported by children at any time point. At the short-term follow-up, children in the medication group showed greater reductions as compared to those in the mindfulness group on internalizing problems (as observed by mothers), externalizing problems (mothers; fathers) and social problems (mothers; teachers). At the medium-term follow-up, children in the medication group still showed larger reductions in externalizing problems as observed by fathers, but on all other outcomes, informants’ reports did not differ between groups. At the long-term follow-up, none of the informants reported any differences between treatment groups in effects on internalizing, externalizing or social problems. Conclusions: Given the observations of similar improvements at short-, medium- and long-term, mindfulness might be a viable option for families of children with ADHD who are seeking an alternative to medication to reduce comorbid externalizing, internalizing and/or social problems. Full article

Background/Objectives: There is scientific evidence showing that body- and/or body weight-related blaming, guilting, and shaming continue to be both promoted and tolerated in many societal contexts, including schools and healthcare settings. A deeply ingrained belief still prevails among many individuals that inducing these negative emotions can serve as a motivator for children and adolescents to engage in obesity treatment. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to examine these emotions (blame, guilt, shame) in relation to body weight and their impact on psychological functioning within the pediatric population affected by overweight and obesity. Methods: Articles were searched up using PubMed and Web of Science in June 2023 and March 2025. The search was conducted without limiting the years of publication. The inclusion criteria included the following: (1) pediatric samples, (2) full text available, and (3) original research articles. Articles were excluded if they were editorials, letters, replies from authors, review articles, and articles without a full text. Results: The initial search returned 199 results. A total of 16 articles were included in the study. Analysis of the collected records revealed associations between body- or weight-related blame, guilt, and shame and various aspects of psychological functioning in the pediatric population such as (a) interpersonal context (e.g., social stigma, bullying, teasing history, social connectedness, weight-related language used by parents in conversations with children and adolescents; (b) intrapsychic context—relationship with eating and food (e.g., binge eating, dietary restraint, emotional eating, and the risk of developing eating disorders); (c) intrapsychic context—self-perception (e.g., self-esteem, feelings of worthlessness, self-compassion, self-efficacy, perceived control); (d) intrapsychic context—emotional functioning (e.g., emotional distress, anxiety, depression, emotion regulation strategies); and (e) intrapsychic context—additional psychological factors (e.g., mindfulness, quality of life, willingness to seek help, and motivation for both help-seeking and sustaining successful lifestyle changes). Conclusions: Understanding the dynamics of body- and/or weight-related blame, guilt, and shame among children and adolescents with overweight and obesity is essential for developing effective support systems that enhance their well-being and psychological resilience in both the prevention and treatment of obesity. Further research is needed to explore the relationships between body- and weight-related blame, guilt, and shame and psychological functioning in pediatric populations with overweight and obesity, including the dynamics of child–parent–healthcare provider interactions, the context of parenting skills and attitudes that support the child during obesity treatment, the long-term consequences of body- and weight-related blame, guilt, and shame, the relationship between healthcare providers’ tendencies to engage in body- and weight-related shaming or blaming and their communication skills and mental well-being (e.g., levels of professional burnout, emotion regulation skills, and personality traits), as well as the influence of social media on body- and weight-related shame, guilt, and blame. Full article

Purpose: Modifiable health factors influence racial disparities in cardiovascular health (CVH), yet the role of psychological health in these disparities remains understudied. This study examines (1) the association between negative and positive psychological health measures and CVH and (2) the racial differences in these associations among US adults. Methods: Aim 1 included adults aged 34–84 from the MIDUS biomarker substudy (n = 1255). Aim 2 included adults aged 28–84 from the MIDUS parent study (N = 4702). Our outcome was CVH, operationalized as the AHA’s Life’s Essential 8 (LE8) total score, behavior, and health factor subscores. Negative psychological health was operationalized as depressive symptoms (CES-D), stress reactivity (from the Multidimensional Personality Questionnaire [MPS]), aggression (from the MPS), pessimism (Life Orientation Test), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), and trait anxiety (Spielberger Trait Anxiety Inventory); positive psychological health was operationalized as psychological well-being (“PWB”; Ryff Well-Being Scale [WBS] and MPS), purpose in life (from the WBS), mindfulness (developed by MIDUS), gratitude (developed by MIDUS), and optimism (Life Orientation Test). Results: In covariate-adjusted models, most negative psychological health factors were negatively associated with LE8 total scores and health behavior subscores. Of those, pessimism was the only factor to demonstrate Black–White differences (Black > White, p < 0.001). Positive psychological health factors were less consistently associated with the LE8 total, health behavior, and health factor subscores in covariate-adjusted models. Of these, PWB (Black > White, p < 0.001), gratitude (Black > White, p < 0.001), and optimism (Black > White, p < 0.001) demonstrated significant differences by race. Conclusions: Black–White differences in LE8 are not largely explained by differences in psychological health. Full article

Although many peers socialize online, there is evidence that adolescents who spend too much time online are lonely, depressed, and anxious. This study incorporates habitual smartphone use as a new way of measuring smartphone engagement, based on the shortcomings of simply measuring ‘hours spent online’. Drawing on a large 2-year longitudinal study, the current research aims to investigate the association between habitual smartphone use and peer attachment among Canadian adolescents. A whole-school approach combined with a convenience sampling method was used to select our sample. A total of 1303 Canadian high school students (Grades 8–12; mage = 14.51 years, SD = 1.17 years; 50.3% females) who completed both waves of data collection were included in this study. A random intercept latent transition analysis (RI-LTA) was utilized to assess the association between habitual smartphone use (absent-minded subscale of the Smartphone Usage Questionnaire) and transition probabilities among profiles of peer attachment (Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment), after adjusting for age, gender, ethnicity, stress, family attachment, school connectedness, and social goals. Three profiles of peer attachment were identified: (Profile 1: weak communication and some alienation; Profile 2: strong communication, strong trust, and weak alienation; Profile 3: okay communication and high alienation). Results of multivariable RI-LTA indicated that increased habitual smartphone use was significantly associated with a heightened probability of transitioning from Profile 2 at Wave 1 to Profile 1 at Wave 2 (odds ratio (OR) = 1.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.003–1.46). Findings indicate that adolescents who are more habituated to their phones may become less attached to their peers over time. This offers insights for caregivers to focus on management and discussing smartphone engagement with adolescents to strengthen their attachment with peers. Full article

Background: Parent–child interactions during mealtime significantly influence social, emotional, and cognitive development in early childhood. Increasing parental use of digital technology has been linked to disruptions in these interactions, a phenomenon termed “technoference,” which is associated with relational conflicts and psychosocial difficulties in children. Feeding interactions are particularly important for fostering attachment and emotional regulation, making them a vital area for studying technology’s effects on parent–child dynamics. Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the impact of parental digital technology use during mealtime on the quality of feeding interactions and child dysregulation symptoms. Two groups were compared: mothers who used devices during mealtime (Technology Group, TG) and mothers who did not (Non-Technology Group, NTG). Methods: Participants included mother–child dyads (TG) and a matched control group (NTG) (Ntot = 174), selected from a broader research project. Mother–child pairs were observed during a 20 min midday meal using the validated Italian Scala di Valutazione dell’Interazione Alimentare (SVIA). The emotional and behavioral functioning of children was assessed with the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL). Statistical analyses included ANOVAs and post hoc tests. Results: The TG group demonstrated significantly higher scores on all SVIA subscales, indicating greater parental affective challenges, conflict, food refusal behaviors, and dyadic distress. Additionally, children in the TG group exhibited more internalizing and externalizing problems, including dysregulation symptoms on the CBCL, compared to the NTG group. Conclusions: Parental technology use during mealtime negatively affects parent–child feeding interactions and increases dysregulation in children. These findings highlight the need for mindful parenting strategies to limit digital distractions and foster healthier family dynamics. Full article

Background/Objectives: The widespread phenomenon of “brain rot”, named the Oxford Word of the Year 2024, refers to the cognitive decline and mental exhaustion experienced by individuals, particularly adolescents and young adults, due to excessive exposure to low-quality online materials, especially on social media. The present study is exploratory and interpretative in nature, aiming to investigate the phenomenon of “brain rot”, with a focus on its key pillars, psychological factors, digital behaviors, and the cognitive impact resulting from the overconsumption of low-quality digital content. Methods: This study employs a rapid review approach, examining research published between 2023 and 2024 across PubMed, Google Scholar, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science. It explores the causes and effects of brain rot, focusing on the overuse of social media, video games, and other digital platforms. Results: The findings reveal that brain rot leads to emotional desensitization, cognitive overload, and a negative self-concept. It is associated with negative behaviors, such as doomscrolling, zombie scrolling, and social media addiction, all linked to psychological distress, anxiety, and depression. These factors impair executive functioning skills, including memory, planning, and decision-making. The pervasive nature of digital media, driven by dopamine-driven feedback loops, exacerbates these effects. Conclusions: The study concludes by offering strategies to prevent brain rot, such as controlling screen time, curating digital content, and engaging in non-digital activities. Given the increasing prevalence of digital engagement, it is essential to explore a variety of strategies, including mindful technology use, to support cognitive health and emotional well-being. The results can guide various stakeholders—policymakers, practitioners, researchers, educators, and parents or caregivers—in addressing the pervasive impact of brain rot and promoting a balanced approach to technology use that fosters cognitive resilience among adolescents and young adults. Full article

It has happened so many times in history: the youth being ignored or sidelined. Such behaviour was and is often motivated by culture. In most cultures, the youth, children, and adolescents are important and loved; however, in society and churches, they are on the sideline, until culture determines their real belonging. The theological departure point of inclusivity has just not been taken yet. In this article will be argued that however natural cultural behaviour might be, to ignore or sideline children and adolescents is to deny our Christian identity as the church of God. In God’s mind, children are included even before they are born. They may be man-and-woman-made, but in fact, they are God-made (Psalm 127 verse 3). They may not even have been part of a man-and-woman-made plan. Coming into being, whether planned or unplanned, does not catch God off-guard. Being is a gift of God, not only to a parent or parents but to the faith community. A theological understanding of our identity as the people of God compels us not and never to ignore or sideline the youth at any stage of life. Full article

Purpose: Ankyloglossia or tongue-tie (TT) occurs when the lingual frenulum is visually altered and accompanied by restricted tongue mobility causing feeding and other difficulties for infants. Pre- and post-operative stimulation techniques are known to be effective in preventing tissue reattachment and ensuring feeding success. The aim of this study was to gather feedback from parents and health professionals for an experimental evidence-based pre- and post-operative care protocol for breastfeeding infants undergoing surgical management for TT. Methods: A qualitative approach was used to evaluate an experimental pre- and post-operative care protocol for infants with TT, through virtual semi-structured interviews with clinicians and parents of children with TT. Five parents and eight current practicing clinicians were interviewed to obtain feedback on the protocol in development. The results were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Four themes were generated from participants: (1) parental confidence and competence, (2) the need for individualized and adaptable instruction; (3) supporting the parent and infant equally; and (4) regular and periodic support and adjustment to protocol. Conclusions: The findings from the qualitative interviews highlighted the importance of fostering parental confidence and education, adaptability and flexibility in care, and clinician reassurance throughout the process. The participants suggested these factors would contribute to greater adherence to care protocols and improved outcomes for both infants and their families. This research emphasizes the importance of providing care that extends beyond logistics of oral stimulation techniques and instead recommends a mindful, family-centered approach that empowers and motivates families throughout the process. Full article