An epigenomic shift in amygdala marks the transition from pup-aversive to maternal-like behaviors in alloparenting virgin female mice

In many species, adults will care for young offspring that are not their own, a phenomenon called alloparenting. However, most nonparental adults experience an initial aversion to newborns, which must be overcome before a robust display of parental-like behaviors can begin. To capture neurogenomic events underlying this dramatic behavioral transition, we analyzed brain gene expression and chromatin profiles of virgin female mice co-housed with mothers during pregnancy and after birth. After an initial display of agonistic behaviors and a surge of defense-related gene expression, we observed a dramatic shift in the chromatin landscape specifically in amygdala, accompanied by a dampening of the defense-related genes. This shift coincided with the emergence of behaviors and gene expression classically associated with maternal care. The results reveal the outlines of a neurogenomic program associated with this dramatic aversive-to-affiliative behavioral switch, and suggest molecular networks that may be relevant to human postpartum mental health.

Conferring Kinship: Examining Fictive Kinship Status in a Black Adolescent’s Natural Mentoring Relationship

This case study examines the way an adolescent Black boy extends his kinship network as a part of navigating and demonstrating agency in mentoring relationships with nonparental adults. We purposively selected one participant, Bodos, from the sample of a larger mixed-method study involving youth, aged 12 to 18 years, in the southeastern United States. Drawing on narrative methodology, we used a holistic-content approach to analyze Bodos’ responses to semistructured interviews. Bodos used several narratives to describe his experiences. We offer three findings: (a) Fictive kinship is a positive feature of Black adaptive culture that can be leveraged by Black youth as a tool for creating a distinct relational dynamic with their mentors, (b) adolescent Black boys possess skills and knowledge that both preexist and emerge within positive mentoring relationships, and (c) youth agency and expectations manifest in mentoring relationships to inform and influence those adults’ significance. This case study furthers the field’s understanding of how cultural practices can positively influence relational development and create a unique relational context and experience.

Sexual and Gender Minority Adolescents and Adult Social Support: Affirmation From Adults to Adolescents

Sexual and gender minority adolescents are at increased risk of mental health disorders; yet. little is known about how they cope with minority stressors using social support from adults. The present study examined adolescent reports of adult social support. Using a semistructured life history calendar approach, ethnically diverse sexual and gender minority adolescents (N = 52, aged 14–20 years old, M age = 16.56, SD = 1.66) and conducted a thematic analysis of their responses. A thematic analysis was conducted. The interviews were transcribed and double-coded using a model of social support as a sensitizing framework. Qualitative analyses revealed three themes centered on (a) support from the presence of nonparental adults in schools, (b) validation from adults’ use of proper gender pronouns, and (c) encountering adults who demonstrate a lack of knowledge about sexual and gender minority issues. The present study demonstrates that coping with minority stress can take more subtle forms, both outside the home (or parental context) and in family relationships. These implications are useful for adults working with sexual or gender minority adolescents in social service and educational settings.

Rules of Disengagement: Negative Relationships and Interactions Between Adults and Youth

This study examined the negative adult characteristics and practices that prohibit connection between youth and nonparental adults. Racially/ethnically diverse youth from five community-based out-of-school-time programs participated in focus groups on youth–adult relationships. Analyses revealed that the following adult characteristics and practices prohibited connection: (a) unengaging communication styles, (b) inappropriate behavior, (c) lack of respect, (d) contradictory expectations, and (e) adult-driven approaches. Participants also reported the negative psychological consequences of these practices: (a) decreased self-esteem, (b) decreased motivation, and (c) disconnect from adults. This study provides a unique contribution to the literature on negative youth–adult interactions and has implications for training programs for adults who work with youth to improve relationships and promote positive youth outcomes.

Partners in Parenting: An Overview of the Literature on Parents’ and Nonparental Adults’ Perspectives on Shared Responsibilities in Childrearing

The involvement of nonparental adults (NPAs) in the upbringing of children is widely considered to be important for the well-being of both children and parents. However, there has been no systematic overview of parental and nonparental perspectives toward this involvement. This study presents an overview of the international literature on sharing responsibility between parents and NPAs. A structured search resulted in the inclusion of 49 relevant publications. Limitations of the extant research notwithstanding, some generalizations about shared childrearing can be made. However, many issues relating the taboo of sharing childrearing responsibilities remain poorly understood. To break the taboo, future research should further explore the underlying sensitivities.