Perceived mental health in parents of children with rare congenital surgical diseases: a double ABCX model considering gender

Background Previous research has supported the utility of the Double ABCX model of family adaptation for parents in various diseases. Nonetheless, it remains unclear how raising a child with rare congenital surgical diseases impacts the mental health of both mothers and fathers. Methods The potential predictors of maternal and paternal mental health in a German sample of 210 parents of children with rare congenital surgical diseases were investigated. Parents were investigated cross-sectionally utilizing standardized psychometric questionnaires that assessed factors attributed to parental adaptation within the Double ABCX model. Results Stressor pile-up, family functioning, perceived stress, and mental health were positively associated with mothers and fathers. However, further analyses revealed that family functioning, social support, and perceived stress fully mediated the positive association between stressor pile-up and mental health in mothers, but not fathers. Conclusion Our findings suggest that parental adaptation to a rare congenital surgical disease in their children may be improved by increased intra- and extrafamilial resources and decreased perceived family-related stress in mothers, but not fathers. Our results may help to identify gender-specific factors that may guide clinicians and future interventions.

Predictors of Quality of Life Among an International Sample of Mothers of Children 12 and Under With Corpus Callosum Disorders

Previous research supports application of the Double ABCX model of family adaptation of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and other pervasive developmental disorders. This is the first study to consider processes of adaptation among parents of children with agenesis of the corpus callosum (ACC). Using a quantitative cross-sectional design, an international sample of 266 mothers of children, aged 12 or under, with ACC completed an online survey. Parental reports of stress, resources, coping, and sense of coherence were evaluated as predictors of four subdimensions of parental quality of life for 178 mothers. In general, findings support the Double ABCX model as a viable approach to understanding processes that are related to quality of life among this group of mothers.

Exploring the Predictors of Family Outcomes of Early Intervention for Children on the Autism Spectrum: An Australian Cohort Study

Family outcomes of early intervention (EI) for autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have received limited research attention to date. This study explored potential predictors of family outcomes and EI perceived helpfulness on the Family Outcomes Survey–Revised, utilizing an adapted double ABCX framework. Participants were 97 mothers of children aged 4 to 5 years ( M = 60.47 months; SD = 6.62; 87.6% male) participating in the Longitudinal Study of Australian Students with Autism (LASA). Parent and family factors were significant predictors, whereas child characteristics were largely nonsignificant beyond variance explained by parent and family factors. Findings highlight the importance of parent and family factors when considering family outcomes of EI and whether parents perceive benefits from their engagement with EI services. Overall, a shift in the focus of EI outcome evaluation is indicated, which views parents and families as meaningful to overall optimal EI outcomes.

Experiences of Inner-City Fathers of Children With Chronic Illness

We aim to explore the experiences of fathers from inner-city families caring for children affected by chronic health conditions or disabilities. A systematic scoping review was conducted using the Arskey and O’Malley framework. Fourteen of the 5114 articles were included in the full review and were qualitatively evaluated in terms of stressors, resources, perception, coping, and adaptation according to the Double ABCX model. Stressors included financial strain and health care access barriers. Resources ranging from immediate to extended family members depended on ethnicity. Fathers’ perceptions of their primary caregiver roles depended on ethnicity in the context of cultural gender norms. While inner-city fathers desired information about their children’s health, some were uncomfortable asking physicians. They had a higher risk for coping difficulties and maladaptation, including depression. We highlight a need for pediatricians to advocate for additional resources to provide comprehensive care for inner-city fathers caring for their children with chronic health conditions or disabilities.

STRES KELUARGA: MODEL DAN PENGUKURANNYA

Family is the smallest unit in the community that has a very strong influence into our life. If the family experiences stress, it will affect the system in the family itself. Dr. Thomas H. Holmes and Dr. Richard H. Rahe give a definition of stress -a complicated condition or situation which can endanger people and has exceeded the resources of the individual to cope. Furthermore, they also develop a stress measuring scale called "Social Readjusment Rating Scale". Family stress model was then developed with more complex explanation by McCubbin and Patterson (1980), known as the Model T double ABCX.