Maternal Depression, Perceptions, Contextual Stress, And Parenting

The relationship between maternal depression and parenting was explored in three distinct ways: (1) the direct effect of maternal depression, as it is measured proximally and distally to parenting, (2) the moderation of proximal and distal maternal depression by contextual stress, and (3) the mediation of proximal and distal maternal depression by maternal perceptions of child problem behaviour. Two aspects of maternal behaviour were examined: aversive parenting (negative control strategies, negative affect, lack of positive control strategies) and positive affect (positive affect and affection).;A community sample of 95 mother-child dyads participated in 12, 1-hr in-home behavioural observations. Also, mothers completed questionnaires tapping maternal depression, contextual stress, and perceptions of child problem behaviour at intake and at each observation visit. Results failed to support the moderator role of contextual stress and contextual stress was not predictive of aversive parenting or positive affect.;Results supported the maternal depression-aversive parenting link across time; maternal depression was not significantly associated with positive affect. Most notably, support was found for the cognitive mediation of depression by maternal perceptions of child problem behaviour. This was established for distal depression only in the prediction of aversive parenting. In contrast, proximal maternal depression and proximal perceptions of child problem behaviour each contributed to the prediction of aversive parenting. These relations held when controlling for socioeconomic status, suggesting them to be fundamental processes.;These findings are consistent with current theories of parenting, cognitive theories of depression, and current research in parenting and depression. They extend the current theoretical and empirical base of knowledge to sharpen the focus on dysfunctional parenting in current theoretical accounts, thereby highlighting the need to expand our models to account for parental positive affective behaviours. Further, they clarify different process mechanisms for distal and proximal depression in affecting aversive parenting, identifying contemporaneous depression as a direct intervention target. Finally, they provide a focus on maternal ratings of child problem behaviour as a salient influence in aversive parenting, thereby challenging parenting interventions to address such cognitive components. Limitations to the present findings, future directions for research, and further issues for theory, measurement, and clinical practice are discussed

Activated Human T Cells, B Cells, and Monocytes Produce Brain-derived Neurotrophic Factor In Vitro and in Inflammatory Brain Lesions: A Neuroprotective Role of Inflammation?

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) has potent effects on neuronal survival and plasticity during development and after injury. In the nervous system, neurons are considered the major cellular source of BDNF. We demonstrate here that in addition, activated human T cells, B cells, and monocytes secrete bioactive BDNF in vitro. Notably, in T helper (Th)1- and Th2-type CD4+ T cell lines specific for myelin autoantigens such as myelin basic protein or myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, BDNF production is increased upon antigen stimulation. The BDNF secreted by immune cells is bioactive, as it supports neuronal survival in vitro. Using anti-BDNF monoclonal antibody and polyclonal antiserum, BDNF immunoreactivity is demonstrable in inflammatory infiltrates in the brain of patients with acute disseminated encephalitis and multiple sclerosis. The results raise the possibility that in the nervous system, inflammatory infiltrates have a neuroprotective effect, which may limit the success of nonselective immunotherapies

Exploring the feasibility of a mental health application (JoyPopTM) for Indigenous youth

ObjectiveThe purpose of the current study was to explore the acceptability and feasibility of a resilience-focused mobile application, JoyPop™, for use with Indigenous youth.MethodsA Haudenosaunee community-based research advisory committee co-developed the research project, in accordance with OCAP™ principles. Adopting a mixed-method approach, five youths from an immersion school used the JoyPop™ app for four consecutive weeks, as well as completed pre-test questions and weekly usage surveys. Most participants also completed post-test questions and a semi-structured interview. Based on a semi-structured interview protocol, youth responded to questions, and the most common themes were categorized to capture the experience of using the app.ResultsAll youth reported a positive impression, used the app daily, found it easy to navigate, and indicated that they would recommend it to a friend. All features were uniformly positively endorsed. There were features that youth used most often (Deep Breathing, “SquareMoves” game, and Art features) and moderately (Rate My Mood, Journaling, and SleepEase). The social connection feature, Circle of Trust, was least utilized, with youth reporting a preference for in-person problem-solving. The drop-down menu of crisis helplines was not used. Youth recommended more gaming options. In terms of cultural resonance, appreciation for the app's use of water sounds in the SleepEase feature was expressed, as was cultural consistency with the “Good Mind” perspective. Recommendations included additional nature sounds, Indigenous design elements, the inclusion of Native language words, and traditional stories.DiscussionThe JoyPop™ app was positively received by Six Nations youth, and ways to ensure its cultural appropriateness were identified. Moving forward, it is recommended that Indigenous designers create a new version with community design co-creation. Additional research with various groups of Indigenous youth is warranted as a pan-Indigenous approach is not recommended

From adverse childhood experiences to wellbeing: Portfolios of resilience

Resilience has always been present across human history, as we have contended with the wide array of adversities. Resilience research has gained significantly increasing momentum as a core principle of the trauma-informed approach to service. Resilience research supports not only targeting psychopathology symptom reduction, but also recognizing a portfolio of resilience components to harness in youth interventions. The present discussion considers the innovative research work of Hamby and colleagues (2020) in terms of their portfolio of resilience model and current evidence for a dual-factor model of social support (social support seeking and social support receiving). Social support is a frequent intervention component, particularly in developing help-seeking skills, within youth programming. Their findings support this factorial approach that considers the giving-receiving experience, and how the four categories of Interconnected, Rebuffed, Tended, and Isolated may relate to differing resilience profiles. This research raises important questions for future work in terms of the fit between seeking and receiving that places the youth centrally in this consideration. Youths’ journey from trauma to resilience in a way that validates their portfolio of resilience assets, strengths, and potential is central to a trauma-informed approach to youth well-being, as well as how we negotiate youth rights with our developmental, clinical and health responsibilities

Editorial:The Legacy of a Child: Jordan’s Principle

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