Children of parents with a history of depression: The impact of a preventive intervention on youth social problems through reductions in internalizing problems

Abstract

The current investigation examined if changes in youth internalizing problems as a result of a family group cognitive behavioral (FGCB) preventive intervention for families with a parent with a history of depression had a cascade effect on youth social problems over 24 months and the bidirectional nature of these effects. One hundred eighty families with a parent with a history of major depressive disorder (M age = 41.96; 88.9% mothers) and a youth age 9 to 15 years (49.4% females; M age = 11.46) participated. Findings from a panel model indicated that, compared to a minimum intervention condition, the FGCB intervention significantly reduced youth internalizing problems at 12 months that in turn were associated with lower levels of social problems at 18 months. Similarly, the FGCB intervention reduced internalizing problems at 18 months, which were associated with fewer social problems at 24 months. Changes in social problems were not related to reductions in subsequent internalizing problems. The findings suggest that reductions in youth internalizing problems can lead to lower levels of social problems. Youth social problems are difficult to change; therefore, targeting internalizing problems may be an effective way to reduce the social problems of children of parents with a history of depression.

Multifamily prevention approach for children and adolescents of parents with mental disorders

“…distress, prevent future mental health problems in them and improve the care parents with mental disorders receive (Beardslee et al, 1997;Breslend et al, 2019;Compas et al, 2015;Rasing et al, 2013). A systematic review by Tapias et al, (2021) found that 31.25% of interventions aimed at children with parents with a mental illness in the prevention framework were performed in a multifamily format.…”

An intervention to improve the quality of life in children of parents with serious mental illness: the Young SMILES feasibility RCT

“…CAPRI frequently grow up in environments of high family conflict, 54 stress, 55 and maltreatment and neglect, 6,26 all of which amplify risks for impaired social functioning. 56 Several studies demonstrate that CAPRI experience more severe interpersonal difficulties than their peers, including rejection, victimisation and not being liked. 30,31,57 This vulnerable group is reported to show higher levels of internalisation of problems (manifesting as, for example, anxiety, crying, withdrawal or quietness) that make socialisation difficult and can lead to stigmatisation or bullying by other children.…”

“…30,31,57 This vulnerable group is reported to show higher levels of internalisation of problems (manifesting as, for example, anxiety, crying, withdrawal or quietness) that make socialisation difficult and can lead to stigmatisation or bullying by other children. 56,58 In addition, CAPRI suffer socially because of parents' potential inability (or unwillingness) to support their child's engagement in social activities. This may deprive children of opportunities not only to make friends, but also to take part in school/afterschool activities or sports teams that would improve their interpersonal skills.…”

“…This may deprive children of opportunities not only to make friends, but also to take part in school/afterschool activities or sports teams that would improve their interpersonal skills. 56,59,60 CAPRI may assimilate maladaptive social parental behaviours, which influence interactions with their peers outside the home. 61 Higher rates of autism 62 and other neurodevelopmental disorders 63 may also contribute to the social problems that they experience.…”

Developing an Intervention to Improve the Health Related Quality of Life in Children and Young People With Serious Parental Mental Illness

“…Children and young people (CYP) growing up in families affected by parental mental health disorders have an elevated risk of physical health (3–5) and mental ill health (6, 7), attention or educational difficulties (1, 8, 9) and emotional and behavioral problems (10–12). They may be more socially isolated (13), and some will experience neglect (14), family separation (15), or social care involvement (16). Longer term outcomes for these children extend into adulthood and include chronic psychological difficulties, social and occupational dysfunction and substance misuse (17).…”