Working Family Caregiver Well-Being: Work Impact, Workplace Supports, and Family Discord

A recent study by our team showed that family discord about care provision among multiple family caregivers was a significant predictor of caregiver burden, anxiety, depression, and activity restrictions. This study examined the combined effects of family discord, work impacts (missed work, caregiving affects work), and workplace supports (flexible hours, caregiver benefits) on caregiver well-being. We conducted a secondary analysis using cross-sectional survey data from the Western Pennsylvania Family Caregiving Project 2017-2018. Participants were family caregivers who worked outside the home and shared older adult (i.e. over age 50) caregiving responsibilities with family (n=364, mean age: 52.59 years, female: 71.7%, White: 79.7%, cared for a parent: 69.5%, mean work hours/week: 37.30). Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted testing for main effects of family discord, work impacts, and workplace supports; and interactions between discord and work impacts/workplace supports. The presence of family discord negatively impacted all caregiver well-being outcomes (p<0.05). Having more work impacts increased the risk for anxiety (p<0.04), activity restrictions (p<0.01) and burden (p<0.01). No main effects were found for workplace support. Moderating effects were found, such that anxiety was high when family discord and work impacts were higher (p=0.025). Additionally, more activity restrictions occurred when caregivers had low workplace support and higher family discord (p=0.020). Results suggest having less family discord, more workplace support, and less negative work impacts may improve caregiver well-being. Future work is needed to determine which work supports are most beneficial to this population and how family discord and negative work impacts can be reduced.

Older Adults and Family Discord or Violence During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of a Canada-Wide Survey

Child abuse and intimate partner violence rates are known to increase during and in the aftermath of disasters. Research on elder abuse during disasters, including the current pandemic, is limited. As part of an online survey that explored older Canadians’ current experiences and future care plans during the COVID-19 pandemic, we aimed to determine the prevalence, contributing factors and potential outcomes of frequent family discord involving physical violence (FFD/PV) as a proxy for elder abuse. The survey was conducted between Aug 10 and Oct 10, 2021. Respondents (n=4380) were recruited using social media, direct email, Facebook advertising and with the assistance of 85 local community, regional and national organizations. The sub-sample reporting FFD/PV (n=76, 1.8%) was compared with other survey respondents regarding socio-demographic characteristics, negative and positive emotions, difficulty accessing basic needs, food, health care and support. Respondents experiencing FFD/PV were found to be significantly younger and less educated and were more likely to be non-white and not working than other respondents. The subgroup sustaining FFD/PV reported significantly higher rates of feeling depressed, lonely, isolated, anxious, sad, and judged/shamed and felt less happy, relaxed and accepted in their community. They also reported higher rates of challenges in accessing basic material needs such as food, support, medical care, mental health treatment and experienced more changes in life routines. Although only a small percentage reported FFD/PV, our results highlight a disturbing pattern that merits serious attention of adult protection agencies, seniors' advocates and disaster response organizations.

Analysis of the Actual Situation of Suicide Among Firefighting Officials

This study analyzed the various methods of and reasons for committing suicide among 90 firefighters within a 10 year period (2010-2019). The study discovered that: the suicide rate per 100,000 people has gradually decreased in the general public and police, while the number of suicides among firefighters continues to increase; the suicide rate arranged in increasing order by province, was Gyeonggi < Seoul < Jeonnam < Gyeongbuk < Busan whereas the suicide rate in terms of the number of staff followed the order of Jeonnam < Ulsan < Chungbuk < Gyeonggi < Seoul; the highest suicide rates were found among firefighters in the Sobangjang (fire sergeant) position, who were in their 40s, and who had served fewer than 10 years; the reasons for committing suicide were family discord, depression, hopelessness, debt, and job stress in that order; those in their 20s and 50s committed suicide due to depression while family discord appeared to be the cause for those in their 30s and 40s. To prevent firefighters from committing suicide, we need to initiate a dedicated psychological counseling organization, run a firefighters’ suicide prevention program at the fire academy, and strengthen the psychological autopsy for firefighters’ suicide and statistics management, etc.

Risk Factors of Suicide in Zanjan Population

Background: Few studies have examined the risk factors among Iranians attempting suicide. Objectives: The present study aimed to explore the risk factors of suicide among patients admitted to hospitals due to suicide attempts. Patients and Methods: Suicidal participants (N = 200, 104 males and 96 females, aged 18 to 40) were recruited via judgmental sampling method, and non-suicidal participants (n = 300, 166 males and 134 females, aged from 18 to 40) were selected via a convincing sampling method. They completed a battery of questionnaires on family strength, religious identification, substance use, hopelessness, depression, sexual, emotional, and physical abuse, impulsive aggression, neuroticism, suicidal ideation, family discord, stressful life events, and anxiety. Results: The current use of cigarettes/hookah, lifetime non-prescribed medication use, suicidal ideation (suicidal thoughts/tendencies), and depression significantly predicted suicide attempts. In addition, lower levels of religious belief were significantly associated with a higher likelihood of attempting suicide. Conclusions: Suicide prevention programs should explore the efficacy of treating individuals with substance abuse disorders, depression, and suicidal thoughts/tendencies for the reduction of suicide attempts. Furthermore, family, media, and school-based programs to internalize religious values would be valuable components of prevention programs for suicide in Iran.

Attitude towards People with Intellectual Disabilities (PWID)

History on PWID indicates influence of various psycho-social, biological, religious and educational factors for the existence of stereotypical attitudes towards PWID. Across the world until the mid-80's they were a marginalized group of people who were discriminated from others' who considered themselves as “normal”. But since the early part of the 21st century significant efforts have been reported across countries in integrating and mainstreaming the PWID in the community at large. To attain this challenging milestone attitude plays a very significant role. Families of PWID undergo high levels of stress and emotional reactions resulting from daily care demands, emotional distress, interpersonal difficulties (family discord), financial hardships as well as social isolation which call for intervention not just for the intellectually disabled but also with the family members. Positive attitude among the health and all professionals with humane qualities such as empathy, genuineness, unconditional positive regard towards the PWID leads to positive expectation and better outcome. Interestingly in developing countries stereotypes are based on ignorance and families find it extremely difficult to disclose the presence of Intellectual Disability (ID) as it is considered to be a ‘loss of face'' and is believed to tarnish the family reputation. Hence, families often adopt strategies to hide the existence of a disability, which in turn delays the treatment, and rehabilitation of PWID. Along with parents and family members other stakeholders like siblings and relatives, teachers, educationists, health professionals and general public's attitudes towards them are highly influential factors for their rehabilitation and integration in the mainstream community. Hence, this chapter is an attempt to focus on the importance of attitude that determines the course towards acceptance of PWID. The authors' focus is on the various perceptions towards intellectual disability and the implications of the favorable and unfavorable attitudes towards PWID since the Egyptian era in developed and developing nations. Further, the recommendations provided are for the policymakers and stakeholders to design intervention programs to alter people's attitude towards acceptance and compassion towards PWID. This is believed to help in their rehabilitation, and integration into the society at all levels and thereby reduces the prejudice and discrimination towards them.

COVID-19 Bereavement: Considerations for Families, Psychologists, and Student Trainees

During the peak of COVID-19, inflicted individuals died unexpectedly and in isolation. These circumstances deprived families of opportunities to say goodbye or memorialize the death of their loved one in alignment with their values and cultural heritage (e.g., wakes/vigils, funerals, shiva, washing, shrouding, military honors). Unable to hold hands, have final conversations, or develop treatment plans with providers, bereaved families experienced compounded losses. Concurrent quarantine hindered their engagement in coping strategies. COVID-19 bereavement increases the risk for complicated grief, which escalates the risk of physical and mental health problems, suicide, drug abuse, and family discord (Shear, 2015, 2020). While death, grief, and mourning are normal life experiences, traumatic and sudden death during a global pandemic is a new domain and the voices of those left behind are under-represented in social discourse. Simultaneously, psychologists and trainees quickly became last responders. COVID-19 presented a constellation of clinical challenges. Practitioners provided care during a time of political and racial tension, civil unrest, school closures, health and financial insecurity, and a collective loss of normalcy. Additionally, COVID-19 cast a spotlight on ageist attitudes and critical need for increased representation of older adults in training curricula. These issues echo the call to embrace aging as a valued aspect of diversity, and to strengthen psychology’s workforce in the areas of training, practice, research and advocacy for aging adults (Hoge, et al., 2015). This poster will explore the impact of COVID-19 bereavement on families and practitioners, promote advocacy efforts, and offer tangible training recommendations for psychology programs.

Prevalence and family factors associated with loneliness during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study from South India

Background: Loneliness can affect anyone at any point in their life. It can be detrimental to the wellbeing and quality of life of individuals and communities. In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness is considered as a public health crisis. Hence, the objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of loneliness and family related factors associated with loneliness among general population in south India. Materials and Methods: The study employed a crosssectional online survey design. The data was collected in the first phase of the lockdown in 2020 from adults in Southern India. Socio-demographic profile and family related variables were collected using a semistructured proforma. Loneliness was assessed by UCLA loneliness scale. Results: Of 573 total respondents to the survey, aged between 18-65 years, 43% were male and 57% were female. The overall prevalence of loneliness was 63% (358/573). No significant gender differences were observed in the prevalence of loneliness. Family discord was associated with higher rates of loneliness (p less than 0.01). Other factors associated were younger age and being single. Conclusion: Rates of loneliness during the COVID-19 lockdown were high in Southern India. Findings suggest that interventions should prioritize younger people. Increasing social support and improving interpersonal skills, which in turn would help reduce family discord and may reduce the impact of COVID-19 on loneliness.

Prevalence and family factors associated with loneliness during COVID-19: A cross-sectional study from South India

Background: Loneliness can affect anyone at any point in their life. It can be detrimental to the wellbeing and quality of life of individuals and communities. In the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, loneliness is considered as a public health crisis. Hence, the objectives of the study were to estimate the prevalence of loneliness and family related factors associated with loneliness among general population in south India. Materials and Methods: The study employed a crosssectional online survey design. The data was collected in the first phase of the lockdown in 2020 from adults in Southern India. Socio-demographic profile and family related variables were collected using a semistructured proforma. Loneliness was assessed by UCLA loneliness scale. Results: Of 573 total respondents to the survey, aged between 18-65 years, 43% were male and 57% were female. The overall prevalence of loneliness was 63% (358/573). No significant gender differences were observed in the prevalence of loneliness. Family discord was associated with higher rates of loneliness (p less than 0.01). Other factors associated were younger age and being single. Conclusion: Rates of loneliness during the COVID-19 lockdown were high in Southern India. Findings suggest that interventions should prioritize younger people. Increasing social support and improving interpersonal skills, which in turn would help reduce family discord and may reduce the impact of COVID-19 on loneliness.

We are in this Together: Retrospective Parentification, Sibling Relationships, and Self-Esteem

Parentification occurs when children provide caregiving for family members that typically exceeds their capacity and developmental stage. Parentification roles and responsibilities are often linked with deleterious outcomes, including robbing children of age-appropriate opportunities, activities, and support. However, in some circumstances, such as caring for a sibling vs. caring for a parent, parentification may engender feelings of self-efficacy, competence, and other positive outcomes. The primary objective of the current study was to explore the possible benefits of parentification. Using an understudied, international population, the current study tested the benefits of parentification in the context of the sibling relationship. Two research questions guided the study: to what extent are perceived benefits of parentification positively associated with self-esteem among a sample of Polish late adolescents? And to what extent does the quality of the sibling relationship mediate the association between perceived benefits of parentification and self-esteem? Results from the current sample showed the quality of sibling relationships partially mediated the relation between parentification and self-esteem. The findings underline the importance of assessing the quality of sibling relationships when an individual or family presenting for clinical services related to past and current family discord and dysfunction. Future research might consider other factors in the sibling relationship, such as personality, that could relate to positive outcomes from parentification.

A Customized Social Network Platform (Kids Helpline Circles) for Delivering Group Counseling to Young People Experiencing Family Discord That Impacts Their Well-Being: Exploratory Study

Background It has often been reported that young people are at high risk of mental health concerns, more so than at any other time in development over their life span. The situational factors that young people report as impacting their well-being are not addressed as often: specifically, family discord. Kids Helpline, a national service in Australia that provides free counseling online and by telephone to young people in distress, report that family discord and well-being issues are one of the major concerns reported by clients. In order to meet the preferences that young people seek when accessing counseling support, Kids Helpline has designed and trialed a custom-built social network platform for group counseling of young people experiencing family discord that impacts their well-being. Objective In this exploratory study, we communicate the findings of Phase 1 of an innovative study in user and online counselor experience. This will lead to an iterative design for a world-first, purpose-built social network that will do the following: (1) increase reach and quality of service by utilizing a digital tool of preference for youth to receive peer-to-peer and counselor-to-peer support in a safe online environment and (2) provide the evidence base to document the best practice for online group counseling in a social network environment. Methods The study utilized a participatory action research design. Young people aged 13-25 years (N=105) with mild-to-moderate depression or anxiety (not high risk) who contacted Kids Helpline were asked if they would like to trial the social networking site (SNS) for peer-to-peer and counselor-to-peer group support. Subjects were grouped into age cohorts of no more than one year above or below their reported age and assigned to groups of no more than 36 participants, in order to create a community of familiarity around age and problems experienced. Each group entered into an 8-week group counseling support program guided by counselors making regular posts and providing topic-specific content for psychoeducation and discussion. Counselors provided a weekly log of events to researchers; at 2-week intervals, subjects provided qualitative and quantitative feedback through open-ended questions and specific psychometric measures. Results Qualitative results provided evidence of user support and benefits of the online group counseling environment. Counselors also reported benefits of the modality of therapy delivery. Psychometric scales did not report significance in changes of mood or affect. Counselors and users suggested improvements to the platform to increase user engagement. Conclusions Phase 1 provided proof of concept for this mode of online counseling delivery. Users and counselors saw value in the model and innovation of the service. Phase 2 will address platform issues with changes to a new social network platform. Phase 2 will focus more broadly on mental health concerns raised by users and permit inclusion of a clinical population of young people experiencing depression and anxiety. Trial Registration Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR) ACTRN12616000518460; https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=370381