Articles tagged with Family
A new study analyzing 86,000 Norwegian children found that the association between parental body mass index (BMI) and childhood BMI is largely explained by shared genetics. Genetic effects accounted for an estimated 79% of the statistical association between a mother's BMI and her child's BMI at age 8.
A new study by UCL researchers found that mothers with care proceedings in England are 21 times more likely to die within 10 years compared to other mothers. The study analyzed data from NHS hospitals and family court records, revealing a starkly higher risk of maternal mortality among mothers who experienced care proceedings.
Leading child psychologist Dr. Barish argues that grandparents have a crucial role to play in helping children develop a sense of purpose beyond personal success and in providing emotional support. He recommends practices like volunteering together and frequent family conversations about kindness and understanding.
A US-based longitudinal study found that Black fathers have lower all-cause mortality rates by middle age compared to nonfathers. The association was not observed in White fathers, highlighting racial differences in health outcomes of fathers.
A new Cochrane review finds planned early birth for pregnant women with high blood pressure cuts maternal complications by nearly half and reduces the risk of stillbirth. The practice is found to be safe across both high- and low-income settings, without increasing the likelihood of caesarean section.
Research on the 'Ndrangheta mafia network reveals that matrimonial ties between lesser-known clans play a vital role in maintaining the entire network's resilience. The analysis found that marriages between less influential families are significantly more critical to the network's cohesion.
A new Northwestern University study found that 60% of paternal deaths in Georgia between 2017 and 2022 were preventable, resulting from homicide, accidental injury, suicide, or overdose. The study also revealed that fatherhood appears to be protective for men, with lower death rates among those who are fathers.
A new study by Lee Gettler of the University of Notre Dame found that COVID-19 lockdowns had a limited lasting effect on fathers' involvement in childcare, contrary to initial reports. The 15-year longitudinal data showed no significant change in fathering behaviors before and after the pandemic, with most dads resuming their pre-pande...
A cross-sectional study found no association between longer breastfeeding duration and cognitive performance in unadjusted models, however, a positive correlation emerged after controlling for socioeconomic factors. Longer breastfeeding durations were more common among low-income families, highlighting the need for continued support.
A Swedish study of siblings found that adopted children who grew up in more favourable family environments had lower risks of mental health issues, criminality, and social problems. These benefits extended to the next generation, with adopted children's offspring displaying higher functioning and lower risks.
A new study reveals that electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) can lead to significant negative impacts on standard of living, personal relationships, and even brain damage. Relatives and friends of ECT patients report long-term effects including memory loss, emotional blunting, and loss of independence.
Penn State professor Greg Fosco emphasizes the importance of parental monitoring, autonomy-supportive parenting, and fostering a sense of purpose in teenagers' lives. Research suggests that when adolescents perceive a stable relationship with their parents, their well-being suffers, while having a sense of purpose is linked to lower su...
A web tool called Living Memory Home for Dementia Care Pairs facilitates collaborative reminiscence therapy, reducing feelings of pre-death grief and improving relationship quality. The app promotes well-being and connection between dementia patients and caregivers, leading to better care outcomes.
The Pennington Generation study aims to explore the impact of physical activity, nutrition, and sleep on children's health and growth. The study will examine how these behaviors relate to weight gain and obesity over time.
People aged 50 and over who serve as unpaid family caregivers are more likely to support government-funded care, while non-caregivers prefer family or older adult payment. Concerns about long-term care costs and access persist among caregivers versus non-caregivers.
A new study published in The Lancet Public Health found that community-based parenting programmes like Strengthening Families, Strengthening Communities can improve family wellbeing and reduce health inequalities. Parents who participated reported higher levels of mental wellbeing and improved relationships with their children.
A new study published in JAMA Network Open reveals that fathers' mental health declines over time after the birth of their child, with increased risk of anxiety and substance abuse diagnoses returning to pre-pregnancy levels. However, depression and stress-related disorders continue to rise by over 30% one year after childbirth.
A multicenter randomized clinical trial found no significant differences in cognitive improvement between exercise, intensive pharmacological reduction of cardiovascular risk factors, or both in older adults. The study results challenge current recommendations on lifestyle modifications for dementia prevention.
A study of expectant parents in three countries found that long working hours and traditional motherhood cultures hinder gender-equal parenting. Expectant couples identified the need for positive, culturally appropriate coparenting programs to build team spirit and support each other.
The University of Tennessee has launched the Center for Pet Family Well-Being, reflecting its national recognition for advancing research and community-based solutions for pet-inclusive families. The center aims to integrate systems in ways that recognize pets as part of the family and essential to family and community resilience.
A cross-sectional study documents persistent racial disparities in food insecurity over 23 years, with smaller disparities among SNAP-participating households. The study highlights the need for targeted policies to address food insecurity and its intersectional effects.
A new study examines the magnitude of harm inflicted on Colombians through over 740,000 homicides and enforced disappearances during the conflict. The researchers estimate that approximately 7.5% of Colombians lost a close relative, with women being 20% more likely to have been affected.
A new longitudinal study found that children's behavior problems are significantly linked to parental burnout, regardless of partner deployment status. Protecting children's resilience requires bolstering caregivers' emotional resources and external support to avoid burnout's negative impact on family well-being.
A new study found that families prioritize VR features increasing physical activity over educational content, highlighting the need for research-based information on VR's impact on children. Families also emphasize the importance of safety controls to detect bullying or harassment on VR platforms.
A recent study by JAMA Pediatrics reveals stark disparities in birth outcomes by poverty status, with low-income families facing increased risks of low birth weight. The findings underscore the importance of supporting vulnerable populations during pregnancy and birth through evidence-based antipoverty policies.
A study found that consistent routines in the home can reduce the likelihood of children struggling with school transitions, but harsh parenting can undermine these benefits. Parents who demonstrated flexibility in their parenting style were less likely to parent harshly.
Experts like Amber Chandler suggest solutions such as no-tech public spaces, phone-free bedtimes, and hands-on problem-solving to help teenagers cope with unprecedented anxiety. Chandler's book offers evidence-based strategies to nurture belonging in a 'scared new world'.
A new study finds that public policy significantly impacts the desire for parenthood among LGB individuals, with Israel reporting stronger aspirations and lower stigma compared to Poland. Pronatalist attitudes and positive expectations of legislation also play a key role in shaping LGB people's visions of parenthood.
A cohort study reveals that infants from vegan households have similar growth patterns to those from omnivorous households, with a higher risk of early underweight at birth. As the findings suggest, further research is needed to examine the quality of vegan diets and the impact of nutritional counseling during pregnancy and infancy.
A cohort study found that stronger family connections during adolescence can lead to improved social connections in adulthood. The study suggests that increasing family connection may help mitigate the effects of adult social disconnection.
A new study by the University of Bath and Tampere University found that individuals exposed to problem gambling within family or friend networks are more likely to develop their own gambling issues. Strong family relationships significantly reduce this risk, whereas friendships do not provide a comparable protective effect.
Fathers' warmth and developmentally supportive engagement with their babies at 10 months old were associated with better child health markers at age seven. In contrast, mothers' behavior had little predictive value on the child's physical health.
The study reveals parental quality of life is compromised during the premature infant's hospitalization period. A family-centered approach with tailored support from the neonatal intensive care unit and postdischarge period can protect and promote parental well-being.
Adolescents bullied or engaging in bullying face lasting mental, physical and social challenges. The study identified socioeconomic disadvantages, race, physical differences, and pre-existing health conditions as risk factors for bullying.
A new study found that only a quarter of reproductive health experts prescribe self-administered injectable contraceptives, despite its safety and effectiveness. The study identified barriers such as concerns about patient ability, medication availability, and lack of standardized counseling approaches.
A new study reveals the emotional challenges faced by siblings of people with Prader-Willi syndrome, including feelings of stress, loneliness, and sadness. Siblings often take on extra responsibilities at home and struggle to cope with their brother or sister's behavior and hunger.
Regular grandparental care can ease the pressures on parents but may have negative impacts on children's health, with some children showing poorer general health in studies of over 11,000 kids. Grandparental care also benefits parents' satisfaction rates, particularly mothers and fathers.
Behavioral health spending in the US increased significantly between 2017 and 2022, reaching 40% of child health spending. This shift is associated with high family financial burdens due to expanded access to services and supports through insurance coverage and clinician availability.
A new guide published by Oxford University Press provides essential resources for parents of adolescents with autism. The book covers various challenges they face during this critical period, including social connections, puberty, and sexuality. It also offers extensive lists of resources to support these young individuals.
A new study published by York University found that encouraging couples with young children to plan sex led to increased desire and frequency. The researchers also discovered that planning sex reduced feelings of obligation to have sex, allowing participants to engage in more frequent and satisfying sexual experiences.
Infants develop expectations about parental responsiveness from daily interactions, influencing their perception of the world. Consistent, calm, and supportive responses shape a sense of security, while inconsistent or distant responses lead to uncertainty. The study found that infants' preferences for responsive or unresponsive caregi...
A new electronic application highlights discrepancies between parents and children's views on the child's well-being, providing powerful insight into how children truly cope. This approach has broad implications beyond transplant medicine and may reshape patient-reported outcomes for pediatric chronic illnesses.
Researchers found that everyday routines in early infancy can shape later obesity risk. A new study from Penn State suggests that a handful of routines around feeding, sleep and play during the first two months of an infant's life can be linked to higher weight just a few months later. The EHL tool helps pediatricians identify specific...
Middle-aged Australians are experiencing mounting pressures as they balance work, family, and financial demands, leading to declining life satisfaction and increased stress. Women face sharper declines in wellbeing due to unpaid care and time stress, with one in ten caring for both children and ageing parents.
The study found a positive shift in the prevalence of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) among U.S. children between 2016 and 2023, with an increase in individuals reporting 0 ACEs and a decrease in severe ACEs. This trend suggests a reduction in severe ACEs among specific racial and ethnic groups and low-income families.
A large sample of first-time mothers in the US reported informal human milk sharing, with 1 in 27 participants feeding their infants shared milk. Pediatric practitioners should be aware of this trend and counsel families on risks and recommended risk-reduction strategies.
A new study found that parental emotional support helps protect children from anxiety and distress during wartime. Parents who encouraged open conversations and validated emotions created a safe space strengthening their children's resilience in the face of conflict.
A Norwegian study of over 21,000 adolescents and young adults found that those with persistent parental opioid prescriptions faced more than double the risk of persistent opioid use. The study suggests considering family-based approaches to managing pain conditions in adolescents and young adults.
A new Cochrane review found that immediate skin-to-skin contact between newborns and their mothers significantly improves exclusive breastfeeding rates, optimal body temperature, breathing, and heart rate. The review suggests that skin-to-skin contact should be the global standard of care for all babies after birth.
A new study finds that adverse and positive childhood experiences reported by parents of US teenagers have remained relatively stable over the past eight years. Positive childhood experiences were significantly more common than negative ones, affecting 40-90% of parents, whereas only 35% of adolescents experienced all negative experien...
A meta-analysis found significantly higher treatment failure and major complication rates within a year with nonoperative management among children and adolescents. Pediatricians can now inform shared decision-making with families using up-to-date data.
Researchers found that teens who view their age group positively are more likely to take on family responsibilities and prioritize schoolwork. This positive outlook is linked to improved academic functioning, motivation, and attachment with parents.
A UK study finds that frequent placement changes in foster care increase the risk of mental health problems by more than two-fold. The research highlights the need for early, accessible support and closer collaboration between local authorities and mental health services to address this issue.
A recent survey found that misinformation and disinformation have a significant impact on romantic relationships, leading to increased conflict and tension. The study, conducted by the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, suggests that divisiveness in the public sphere is contributing to the decline of couples' relationships.
A recent study reveals that private club and travel teams in youth sports have surged, with kids from high-educated parents and affluent backgrounds more likely to participate. The shift towards elite sports positions has led to increased costs and commitments for families, exacerbating social inequalities.
A study by Mireka Caselius found that children who moved abroad as kids develop unique skills such as social adaptability and tolerance for stress, making them highly sought-after employees in the global job market. These young adults often pursue careers with an international dimension, reflecting their adaptable nature.
A new study reveals that states ending emergency SNAP benefits during the pandemic led to increased difficulty affording food and household expenses, especially for households with children. This reduction in funding threatens the health and well-being of millions of families reliant on the program.
A recent study found that only 16.5% of military spouses participated in a formal reintegration program after their partner's return from deployment. Informal sources, such as friends and family, were more effective in supporting mental health, social functioning, and marital quality.
Research shows that when parents model their own values and show understanding, teens are more likely to heed warnings about risky behavior. However, authentic parental values do not alone lead teens to stop their risky behaviors, but rather reduce defiance. When parents demonstrate their values in daily life, teens experience their wa...