Child Psychiatry Hum Dev [JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Daily-Life Peer Interactions Among Adolescents at Familial High-Risk for Psychosis: An Ecological Momentary Assessment (EMA) Study.
Griffith JM, Gupta T, Silk JS … +2 more , Haas GL, Horton LE
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 May · PMID 42201455 · Publisher ↗
Psychosis risk is associated with impaired social functioning among young people. However, with whom and in what ways social relationships suffer among high-risk youth is not clearly understood. This study evaluated diff...
Psychosis risk is associated with impaired social functioning among young people. However, with whom and in what ways social relationships suffer among high-risk youth is not clearly understood. This study evaluated differences in the odds of engaging in peer interactions, as well as emotional experience during peer interactions, between adolescents at familial high-risk for psychosis (FHR) and low-risk peers. Participants included 19 FHR youth and 24 low-risk controls (ages 13-19). Frequency of peer interactions, as well as negative and positive emotional experience during peer interactions were assessed in daily-life using ecological momentary assessment (EMA; n = 3190 observations). Multilevel models demonstrated that relative to controls, FHR youth reported lower positive emotion during everyday peer interactions. No group differences were observed in odds of peer interactions or negative emotion during peer interactions. Findings indicate that associations positive emotion during peer interactions may be altered in FHR adolescents, with implications for transdiagnostic risk.
Longitudinal Relationship of Childhood Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) Symptoms with Perceived Stress and Job Satisfaction in Adulthood.
Park J, Murray R, Duffy RD … +1 more , Zhou ZE
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 May · PMID 42185721 · Publisher ↗
This study examined whether childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms predict adult occupational well-being and whether work characteristics mediate and condition these associations. Using four w...
This study examined whether childhood attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms predict adult occupational well-being and whether work characteristics mediate and condition these associations. Using four waves of the National Longitudinal Study of Adolescent to Adult Health (Add Health; N = 5,407), we tested longitudinal associations between retrospectively reported childhood inattentive and hyperactive-impulsive symptoms and adult perceived stress and job satisfaction. Job demand and job control were assessed in early adulthood, and outcomes were measured in later adulthood. Path analyses adjusted for demographic and socioeconomic covariates. Childhood inattentive symptoms predicted higher perceived stress in adulthood and were indirectly associated with lower job satisfaction through both lower job control and higher job demand, as well as with higher perceived stress through lower job control. In addition, childhood inattentive symptoms moderated the association between job control and perceived stress. The stress-reducing association of job control was stronger among individuals with higher inattentive symptoms. These findings suggest that job control may be a particularly salient work characteristic for adults with greater attention-related difficulties.
Threshold-Dependent Links Between Attachment Insecurity and Internalizing Symptoms: The Role of Emotion Regulation in Clinical Youth.
Shenaar-Golan V, Yatzkar U, Levkovich I
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 May · PMID 42165983 · Publisher ↗
Insecure attachment has been consistently linked to internalizing symptoms in children and adolescents, yet the mechanisms underlying this association remain insufficiently understood. Emotion regulation difficulties may...
Insecure attachment has been consistently linked to internalizing symptoms in children and adolescents, yet the mechanisms underlying this association remain insufficiently understood. Emotion regulation difficulties may play a key moderating role, influencing how attachment-related vulnerabilities are associated with emotional problems. Using a cross-sectional design, this study investigated whether emotion regulation difficulties moderate the association between attachment insecurity (anxiety and avoidance) toward mothers and fathers and internalizing symptoms. Participants were 550 clinically referred children and adolescents (66% girls, aged 8-18), who completed self-report measures assessing attachment insecurity (ECR-RC), emotion regulation difficulties (DERS), and internalizing symptoms (SDQ). Model-Based Recursive Partitioning (MOB) identified emotion regulation thresholds that moderated attachment-symptom associations. Results showed that emotion regulation difficulties moderated these associations in a threshold- and parent-specific manner. Maternal attachment anxiety was associated with internalizing symptoms among children with moderate to high emotion regulation difficulties (DERS > 84), including those with extreme regulation difficulties (DERS > 123). In contrast, paternal attachment anxiety and avoidance were related only within a narrower emotion regulation range (DERS 68-123), and their associations diminished at higher levels. Maternal attachment avoidance was not significantly associated with internalizing symptoms. These findings underscore the interactive role of parent-specific attachment and emotion regulation in internalizing symptoms and highlight the potential clinical value of tailoring interventions to children's relational and regulatory profiles.
Exploring the Mediating Role of Social Media and Gaming in the Relationship between Adolescents' Feelings of Loneliness, Ostracism and Internalizing and Externalizing symptoms.
Bruneel S, Sjöblom J, Lagerström M … +1 more , Alanko K
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 May · PMID 42159978 · Publisher ↗
Social outsiderhood - particularly loneliness and ostracism - has a significant impact on mental health issues such as internalizing symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety) and externalizing symptoms (e.g., aggression, cond...
Social outsiderhood - particularly loneliness and ostracism - has a significant impact on mental health issues such as internalizing symptoms (e.g., depression, anxiety) and externalizing symptoms (e.g., aggression, conduct problems). Yet, the mechanisms underlying these effects are multifaceted and likely include multiple mediating processes that may either amplify or mitigate the emergence of internalizing and externalizing symptoms. This cross-sectional study examines whether digital behaviors - social media use and gaming - mediate the relationship between school-based loneliness, school-based ostracism, and externalizing and internalizing symptoms in Finnish adolescents. Data were collected from 1,742 secondary school students (mean age 14.9 years; 47.6% male). Results reveal that both social media use and gaming were only weakly correlated with school-based loneliness, school-based ostracism, and mental health outcomes. Mediation analyses demonstrated that neither social media nor gaming robustly mediated the link between social disconnection and externalizing and internalizing symptoms. However, social media use weakly but significantly mediated the ostracism - internalizing symptoms link among girls, and gaming partially mediated the loneliness - internalizing symptoms link among boys. The findings suggest that digital behaviors are not primary explanations for the impact of school-based loneliness and ostracism on adolescent mental health. Future research should utilize longitudinal approaches and other measures of digital engagement to further clarify these relationships and identify alternative mediating processes.
Association Between Harsh Parenting and Behavioral Problems Among Chinese Preschool-Aged Children: A Moderated Mediation Model of Parent-Child Relationship Quality and Sex.
Wang X, Wang X
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 May · PMID 42149397 · Publisher ↗
Previous research has indicated a link between harsh parenting and children's behavioral problems. However, few studies have focused on preschool-aged children and employed large sample sizes to explore the underlying as...
Previous research has indicated a link between harsh parenting and children's behavioral problems. However, few studies have focused on preschool-aged children and employed large sample sizes to explore the underlying associations between harsh parenting and both internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems. The present study conducted with the parent of 7731 preschool children in China. The findings reveal that harsh parenting is positively associated with both internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems in preschool children, while parent-child relationship quality is negatively associated with these problems. Furthermore, after controlling age, internalizing and externalizing behavioral problems respectively, parent-child relationship quality partially mediates this relationship. Moreover, sex moderates the association between harsh parenting and preschoolers' externalizing problems, as well as the relationship between parent-child relationship quality and preschoolers' internalizing problems. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the underlying mechanisms linking harsh parenting to behavioral problems in preschool children and provide practical implications for the prevention and reduction of such problems.
Pre-Pandemic Longitudinal Factors Associated with Mental Health Difficulties in Clinically Anxious Youth During the First 15 Months of the COVID-19 Pandemic.
Chong LJ, Sakmar E, Silverman WK … +1 more , Lebowitz ER
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 May · PMID 42149396 · Publisher ↗
The COVID-19 pandemic had broad influences on youth psychological well-being. Relative to short-term, cross-sectional research in non-clinical samples, fewer studies examined the impact of pre-pandemic factors on longitu...
The COVID-19 pandemic had broad influences on youth psychological well-being. Relative to short-term, cross-sectional research in non-clinical samples, fewer studies examined the impact of pre-pandemic factors on longitudinal mental health consequences in clinical samples. The current study investigated changes in behavioral and emotional difficulties among 54 clinically anxious youth aged 6-17 during the first 15 months of the pandemic, in relation to pre-pandemic anxiety, depression, and family accommodation. Youth and their mothers were evaluated at an anxiety clinic before and during the early pandemic. Multilevel analyses revealed that male youth experienced higher difficulties than females. Youth-reported pre-pandemic anxiety severity predicted youth difficulties during the pandemic, whereas mother-reported pre-pandemic youth depression and family accommodation predicted youth difficulties over time. Overall, youth difficulties remained relatively stable. Findings highlight the importance of prioritizing mental health support for youth with elevated anxiety and depression while addressing family accommodation before and/or during large-scale disasters.
Mixed Response Patterns to a Virtual Reality Intervention targeting Trauma-related Shame in Adolescents after Sexual Abuse: A Single-Case Experimental Design.
Krupljanin N, van der Voort A, Alink LRA … +2 more , Lindauer RRJ, Bergwerff CE
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 May · PMID 42149395 · Publisher ↗
Although trauma-related shame is increasingly recognized as an impactful phenomenon following inter-personal trauma, it appears to be under-addressed in evidence-based trauma treatments in youth. Virtual Reality (VR) tec...
Although trauma-related shame is increasingly recognized as an impactful phenomenon following inter-personal trauma, it appears to be under-addressed in evidence-based trauma treatments in youth. Virtual Reality (VR) technology has potential to act as an adjunct to existing treatments by targeting trauma-related shame. Using a multiple baseline single-case experimental design (SCED), this study aims to test the effectiveness of a novel VR intervention (SHINE-VR) addressing trauma-related shame in adolescents with a history of sexual abuse. The intervention consists of three consecutive modules which include psychoeducation, virtual social sharing and self-compassion tasks. Each module lasts between 15 and 20 min and is followed by a discussion with the administering clinician. Six adolescents (ages 14-17 years) were included. They received SHINE-VR additional to their regular trauma treatment. Direct and indirect shame, self-compassion and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms were measured daily. Individual-level analyses indicated decreases in direct shame for most, and decreases in indirect shame as well as increases in self-compassion for some adolescents, though magnitude varied. The PTSD symptoms stagnated above a clinically relevant cut-off. Across cases, effects suggested small to modest improvements in direct shame but no consistent changes in indirect shame and self-compassion. Given the small sample and the heterogeneity in treatment responses, findings should be interpreted descriptively. The results suggest that SHINE-VR may be a promising addition to existing trauma treatments to decrease direct shame. Future studies should examine, in larger samples and over the full treatment course, whether more in-depth sessions and longer time periods would increase effectiveness.
Momentary Peer Acceptance: An fMRI-EMA Integration Study of Peer Acceptance and Emotions.
Ryan M, Curby TW, Bedillion MF … +2 more , Ansell EB, Chaplin TM
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 May · PMID 42142245 · Publisher ↗
In daily life, experiences of peer acceptance play a crucial role in shaping adolescents' emotional functioning, influencing both positive and negative emotional experiences. While prior research has linked general level...
In daily life, experiences of peer acceptance play a crucial role in shaping adolescents' emotional functioning, influencing both positive and negative emotional experiences. While prior research has linked general levels of peer acceptance to adolescent emotions using survey and laboratory-based measures, little work has examined momentary associations in naturalistic settings or investigated the neural mechanisms that may moderate these relationships. This study integrates ecological momentary assessment (EMA) and functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging (fMRI) to examine momentary associations of peer acceptance in 72 adolescents (ages 14-17) over 28 days. Results showed that momentary experiences of peer acceptance predicted higher positive emotions and lower negative emotions. Additionally, results revealed that adolescents with lower baseline temporoparietal junction (TPJ) and lower baseline anterior cingulate cortex (ACC) activation showed a stronger momentary association between peer acceptance and positive emotion. Baseline neural activation did not moderate the momentary relationship between peer acceptance and negative emotions. These findings support that momentary experiences of peer acceptance impact adolescents' emotions in moments each day and suggests potential neural moderators for positive emotions. Findings have implications for the development of neuroscience-informed momentary peer interventions for adolescents.
Psychometric Properties of the Parent-Rated Anxiety Scale in Spanish Individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
Montoro-Pérez N, Martínez-González AE
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 May · PMID 42142244 · Publisher ↗
The aim of this study is to analyze the psychometric properties of the Parent-Rated Anxiety Scale (PRAS-ASD). A psychometric validation study of the PRAS-ASD was conducted with a sample of 221 individuals with autism spe...
The aim of this study is to analyze the psychometric properties of the Parent-Rated Anxiety Scale (PRAS-ASD). A psychometric validation study of the PRAS-ASD was conducted with a sample of 221 individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), with a mean age of 8.60 years and a standard deviation of 4.76 years. A one-factor model was found to fit the data well. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were high. Significant correlations were obtained between anxiety and related constructs. No significant gender differences were observed in the PRAS-ASD. Differences in anxiety levels were observed between ASD groups with varying degrees of intellectual disability (ID). The PRAS-ASD is a reliable and valid scale for measuring anxiety in the Spanish population with ASD. Future studies should expand the sample, further study anxiety, and evaluate measurement invariance according to age, sex, and severity of ASD and ID.
Teacher-Reported Prevalence of FASD in Kindergarten and Association With Home Problems and Early Intervention in 2010-2015 and 2016-2020.
Hawke R, Reid-Westoby C, Pei J … +1 more , Janus M
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 May · PMID 42126501 · Publisher ↗
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) that can be associated with adverse developmental outcomes. Given that the Canadian FASD diagnostic guidelines were updated in 2016, we aimed...
Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder (NDD) that can be associated with adverse developmental outcomes. Given that the Canadian FASD diagnostic guidelines were updated in 2016, we aimed to determine changes to kindergarten FASD prevalence as well as the association of FASD with home problems and early intervention compared to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other conditions with neurodevelopmental origins (NDO) in the 2010-2015 period versus 2016-2020. Kindergarten teachers reported the medical diagnoses, any home problems, and early intervention attendance for each of their students. Teacher-reported FASD prevalence in kindergarten decreased from 2010-2015 to 2016-2020. In comparison with children with ASD, children with FASD and children with NDO conditions had greater odds of experiencing home problems. Children with FASD and children with NDO conditions were less likely to receive early intervention compared to those with ASD. Diagnosis and family-centred supports should be made accessible to children before school entry.
Domain Generality or Domain Specificity? The Associations Between Family Adversity, Irritability, and Psychopathology in Adolescence.
Ma Y, Ma J, Qiao L … +3 more , Jiang Y, Zhou N, Lin X
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 May · PMID 42113400 · Publisher ↗
The long-standing debate regarding the association between family adversity, irritability, and psychopathology centers on whether it manifests in a domain-general or domain-specific manner. This study seeks to advance th...
The long-standing debate regarding the association between family adversity, irritability, and psychopathology centers on whether it manifests in a domain-general or domain-specific manner. This study seeks to advance the discussion by examining the direct and indirect effects of irritability on the associations between family adversity and psychopathology, with particular attention to individual differences in irritability susceptibility. Data was drawn from a longitudinal study (N = 4,313; 50.3% girl; Mage = 13.17, SD = 1.81), in which irritability, psychopathology, and family adversity were assessed by questionnaires. Adolescents manifested in both domain-general and partially domain-specific ways: some adolescents exhibited both externalizing and internalizing psychopathology under the influence of phasic and tonic irritability, while others displayed externalizing psychopathology specifically associated with phasic irritability, or internalizing psychopathology specifically linked to tonic irritability. Furthermore, family adversity was associated with psychopathology both through a common irritability pathway and specific pathways where particular types of adversity affected specific psychopathology via distinct irritability dimensions. This study provides a preliminary map of the domain-general and domain-specific pathways linking family adversity, irritability, and psychopathology, thereby offering a framework to guide targeted interventions aimed at preventing the progression to externalizing or internalizing psychopathology.
From Disruption to Connection: A Family-Based Practice Model for Enhancing Relationships in Families of Autistic Adolescents.
Trew S, Lawson W
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 May · PMID 42096021 · Publisher ↗
Research examining family relationships in families with autistic members remains limited, and integrative frameworks that translate evidence into family focused practice are scarce. Existing interventions often prioriti...
Research examining family relationships in families with autistic members remains limited, and integrative frameworks that translate evidence into family focused practice are scarce. Existing interventions often prioritise individual symptom management rather than strengthening family relationships and connectedness. This article presents an evidence informed practice model designed to enhance relationships and connectedness in families of autistic adolescents, grounded in systems theory. The model draws on qualitative research with 44 participants from 18 families, including autistic adolescents, parents and siblings. Family relationship experiences and dynamics were explored, with seven key findings informing the conceptual framework and practice model. Disruptive factors such as stress, conflict, caregiver burden and challenges in relating contributed to withdrawal and disconnection, while connective factors including communication, teamwork, routines and shared positive experiences supported bonding. The practice model comprises six elements and is guided by ten principles across family structure, roles, communication and adaptive patterns. This model addresses gaps in holistic family support and offers practitioners evidence informed, family centred strategies that build on strengths while addressing relational challenges.
Family Adaptation in Families with Autistic Members: A Scoping Review and Thematic Synthesis of Relational Systems, Context, and Development.
Trew S, Russell DH
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 May · PMID 42096020 · Publisher ↗
This scoping review synthesizes empirical research on how autistic family members shape family dynamics across relational subsystems, cultural contexts, and developmental stages. A comprehensive search conducted in Janua...
This scoping review synthesizes empirical research on how autistic family members shape family dynamics across relational subsystems, cultural contexts, and developmental stages. A comprehensive search conducted in January 2025 across five databases using the SPIDER framework yielded 102 studies analysed through convergent integrated three-stage thematic analysis informed by family systems theory. Five interconnected themes emerged: family identity reconstruction and role adaptation; emotional climate and communication patterns; cultural, societal, and structural contexts; pathways to resilience and positive adaptation; and developmental trajectories across the lifespan. These themes were integrated into an interpretive conceptual model in which communication emerged as a cross-cutting relational process, family adaptation unfolded across developmental time, and contextual conditions shaped which adaptive pathways were more or less available. Across studies, adaptive flexibility was a recurring feature of more positively adapting families, and caregiver mental health, especially maternal mental health in a mother-dominated evidence base, appeared closely linked to family emotional climate. A dedicated analysis reinterprets findings through a neurodiversity-informed lens, proposing foundational shifts toward investigating family adaptation with rather than to autism. Critically, autistic perspectives remain largely absent: of the 102 included studies, only five included autistic self-report as a primary data source. Future research must centre autistic voices, employ integrated longitudinal designs, and address structural barriers supporting equitable family systems.
Feasibility, Acceptability, and Preliminary Effectiveness of a Remote Parent Training in Exposure Therapy for Youth Specific Phobia.
Calteaux IG, Hutchinson EC, Neumann DL … +1 more , Farrell LJ
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 May · PMID 42082799 · Publisher ↗
Specific phobias (SPs) in childhood are common, impairing, and treatable, yet access to gold-standard exposure therapy remains limited. Parent-led interventions delivered via telehealth may help overcome these barriers....
Specific phobias (SPs) in childhood are common, impairing, and treatable, yet access to gold-standard exposure therapy remains limited. Parent-led interventions delivered via telehealth may help overcome these barriers. This pilot study examined the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effectiveness of a co-designed, brief, group-based parent-training program in exposure therapy for SP of dogs, delivered via videoconference. Three families (children: M age = 7.33 years, SD = 0.58) completed three parent group videoconference sessions plus two boosters, and outcomes were assessed at post-treatment and at a 1-month follow up. Feasibility was excellent, with 100% retention; acceptability was supported by high satisfaction ratings and positive qualitative feedback. Clinician severity ratings of SP decreased significantly across time-points, parent-rated target symptoms declined, and all children met reliable change at post-treatment and 1-month follow-up based on their primary SP CSR. In regards to diagnostic remission (CSR < 4), rates were 33% at post-treatment, increasing to 67% at 1-month follow-up. Preliminary outcome analyses using non-parametric tests, suggested large effects for increased global functioning (CGAS), decreased parent-reported anxiety (SCAS-P) and child dysfunctional phobic beliefs, with stable child self-report anxiety (SCAS-C). Parent confidence in managing their child's SP improved, but not significantly. Findings support further evaluation of this potentially scalable model in larger controlled trials to determine efficacy.
Prenatal and Postnatal Exposure to Tobacco and Cannabis and Child Aggression at Early School Age: Role of Early Maternal Sensitivity.
Godleski SA, Kelm MR, Eiden RD
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 Apr · PMID 42053872 · Publisher ↗
Prenatal tobacco exposure has been linked to higher child physical aggression; however, limited research examines predictors of both relational and physical aggression beginning in the prenatal period. We tested a concep...
Prenatal tobacco exposure has been linked to higher child physical aggression; however, limited research examines predictors of both relational and physical aggression beginning in the prenatal period. We tested a conceptual model that included hypothesized direct and indirect pathways from prenatal substance exposure to early school age aggression via continued postnatal substance exposure throughout infancy and early childhood. We also examined the potential buffering effect of maternal sensitivity across early childhood and the additive effect of combined prenatal and postnatal exposure. The sample included 262 mother-child dyads (140 boys). Results supported the hypothesized paths from prenatal tobacco-cannabis co-exposure to early school age physical aggression and postnatal cannabis exposure to relational aggression. Maternal sensitivity across infancy and toddlerhood was protective in the development of both relational and physical aggression in the context of prenatal tobacco-cannabis co-exposure.
Cross-Lagged Panel Network Analysis Between Internet Addiction and Depression: Gender and Mid-Late Adolescent Differences.
Jin W, Gai J, Sun S … +8 more , Chen W, Wang Y, Luo M, Liu L, Zhang Y, Zhao K, Hong L, Zhang G
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 Apr · PMID 42050296 · Publisher ↗
Although increasing evidence links internet addiction (IA) with depressive symptoms in adolescents, the temporal dynamics between specific symptoms, especially across developmental stages and genders, remains insufficien...
Although increasing evidence links internet addiction (IA) with depressive symptoms in adolescents, the temporal dynamics between specific symptoms, especially across developmental stages and genders, remains insufficiently understood. This study aimed to examine the dynamic longitudinal relations between IA and depression at the symptom level and to characterize how these relations evolve from mid- to late-adolescence. A total of 2,864 Chinese adolescents (49.2% males; aged 12-18 years) participated in this study. Depressive symptoms and IA were assessed using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale and the 8-item Internet Addiction Diagnostic Questionnaire (IAD-DQ-8) scale at two time points. Cross-lagged panel network (CLPN) analysis was conducted to examine longitudinal symptom-to-symptom relations between IA and depression. Across the overall network, escape use (I8), negative affect (D2), and loss of interest (D3) emerged as key bridge nodes. In mid-adolescence, risking friends or opportunities (I6) negatively predicted depressive symptoms, with unsigned In-BEI concentrated on negative affect (D2) and loss of interest (D3). In late-adolescence, concealment of use (I7) and escape use (I8) formed the most prominent pathways, with In-BEI centered on somatic (D1) and interpersonal difficulties (D4). Males showed greater sensitivity to somatic (D1), preoccupation (I1), and escape use (I8), whereas females were more sensitive to interpersonal difficulties (D4), irritability (I4), and concealment of use (I7). Symptom-level links between IA and depression differed by developmental stage and gender. Mid-adolescents showed approach-oriented use driven by reward and mood regulation, suggesting structured management of internet use with diversified offline activities. Late adolescents exhibited escape-driven, distress-regulating use, calling for interventions that address stress sources rather than impose blanket restrictions. For males, enhancing self-control and preventing overuse are key, whereas for females, strengthening real-life interpersonal ties is crucial.
The Application of Bronfenbrenner's Bio-ecological Model in Children and Young People's Mental Health Research: A Rapid Review.
Dimova ED, Roddick K, Hunter SC … +7 more , Delfmann L, Morgan A, McPherson K, Currie C, McAloney-Kocaman K, McCann B, McKendrick JH
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 Apr · PMID 42033592 · Publisher ↗
Concerns over the mental health of children and young people (CYP) continue to grow as rates of poorer mental health increase globally. To gain an understanding of the complex array of determinants of CYP mental health,...
Concerns over the mental health of children and young people (CYP) continue to grow as rates of poorer mental health increase globally. To gain an understanding of the complex array of determinants of CYP mental health, Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model can be used to provide a conceptual framework to organise and analyse evidence, which can then be used to inform mental health policy and interventions. This rapid review brings together the published evidence on the use of Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model to understand and address the mental health of CYP. We searched Web of Science and PsychINFO to identify published studies. We grouped studies based on the system levels (e.g., micro-, macro-) before exploring the ways in which 'interactions' between and within model levels were examined. Thirty-four studies were included, with all studies focusing on micro-level factors and most also considering factors affecting mental health at the individual level. The impact of factors at exo-, macro- and chrono- levels were much less frequently addressed. Among the 34 studies, quantitative, statistical modelling was used to explore interactions between variables within the micro-system in six studies and between variables at different levels in thirteen studies. More than half of the quantitative studies did not examine statistical interactions. Among the qualitative studies, presenting issues were often discussed which could reflect interactions between systems. Existing literature applying Bronfenbrenner's bioecological model to understating CYP's mental health outcomes has focused predominantly on individual and micro level factors. There is a need for research to consider all systems of the model.
Silent Suicidal Ideation: Low Rates of Disclosure Among Children and Adolescents Who Attempt Suicide.
Matsunari N, Mikami K, Suzuki Y … +9 more , Takase S, Sawaguchi N, Onishi Y, Takahashi Y, Sasaki Y, Tsujii N, Watanabe N, Usami M, Yamamoto K
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 Apr · PMID 42029791 · Publisher ↗
Suicide is the leading cause of death among individuals aged 10–19 years, and youth suicide in Japan is increasing. However, few studies have directly confirmed the actual situation of child and adolescent suicide attemp...
Suicide is the leading cause of death among individuals aged 10–19 years, and youth suicide in Japan is increasing. However, few studies have directly confirmed the actual situation of child and adolescent suicide attempters and their parents immediately after the attempts. We investigated whether children and adolescents disclosed suicidal ideation before their attempts through direct interviews with them and their families shortly after emergency department admission. This study was conducted in the Suicide Attempt Registry section of the “Registry Study of Child and Adolescent Mental Health in Japan” in collaboration with the National Kohnodai Medical Center, Japan Institute for Health Security. Patients aged < 18 years who attempted suicide were transported to the Tokai University Hospital Advanced Emergency Medical Center. Psychiatrists interviewed them and their families or guardians about the backgrounds of the attempts, focusing on whether the attempters had disclosed suicidal ideation to anyone. Overall, 76.0% (73.3% of females and 84.0% of males) of participants had not consulted anyone before their attempt. Additionally, 86.0% (84.0% of females and 92.0% of males) of all patients reported being unable to discuss their suicidal ideation with family members beforehand. While these tendencies were more common among males, no statistically significant gender differences were found. In conclusion, children and adolescents who attempted suicide usually faced challenges in disclosing their suicidal ideation to their close circle, particularly family members. This difficulty since childhood may be considered a psychosocial predisposing factor for suicide. To prevent repeated suicide attempts, it may be necessary to implement strategies that engage both youths and their families, particularly to address youths’ reluctance to openly discuss their problems with those close to them in clinical settings. Additionally, establishing a comprehensive, community‑based system that provides appropriate multidisciplinary support for individuals who have attempted suicide may be indispensable.
Correction: Parental Psychological Distress and Perceived Child Externalizing Behaviors: Examining Mediators and Bidirectional Effects.
Anderson AJ, Rodriguez CM, Henson JM
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 Apr · PMID 42014644 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Bidirectional Relationships Between Parenting Styles and Preschoolers' Sensory Processing Sensitivity.
Lu Y, Liu Q, Wang Z
Child Psychiatry Hum Dev · 2026 Apr · PMID 42010220 · Publisher ↗
This study explored the bidirectional relationship between parenting styles and three specific dimensions of sensory processing sensitivity (SPS; i.e., low sensory threshold, LST; ease of excitation, EOE; and aesthetic s...
This study explored the bidirectional relationship between parenting styles and three specific dimensions of sensory processing sensitivity (SPS; i.e., low sensory threshold, LST; ease of excitation, EOE; and aesthetic sensitivity, AES) in preschoolers using a cross-lagged panel model with one-year intervals. The Chinese versions of the Parenting Style and Dimension Questionnaire (PSDQ-C) and the Highly Sensitive Child Scale (HSC-C) were administered to primary caregivers of 448 Chinese preschoolers (M = 4.62, SD = 0.60 at T1) to assess parenting styles and preschoolers' SPS. The results indicated that authoritative parenting at T1 significantly predicted preschoolers' AES and LST at T2; however, its influence on preschoolers' EOE was not significant. Conversely, EOE at T1 negatively predicted authoritative parenting at T2, but preschoolers' AES and LST at T1 did not significantly predict authoritative parenting at T2. Additionally, authoritarian parenting was not found to be longitudinally related to specific dimensions of SPS. The findings highlight the reciprocal influences between different SPS dimensions and family environments in early childhood.
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