Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Antonella Guido, Elisa Marconi, Laura Peruzzi, Nicola Dinapoli, Gianpiero Tamburrini, Giorgio Attina, Mario Balducci, Vincenzo Valentini, Antonio Ruggiero, Daniela Pia Rosaria Chieffo
Summary: This study aimed to investigate the psychological impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on parents of pediatric cancer patients, revealing high levels of anxiety and stress among parents. The study also found positive correlations between psychological trauma and perceived stress, as well as between stress and children's quality of life.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Critical Care Medicine
Mekela Whyte-Nesfield, Daniel Kaplan, Peter S. Eldridge, Jiaxiang Gai, William Cuddy, Karli Breeden, Nadia Ansari, Pamela Siller, Jenna M. Mennella, Toah A. Nkromah, Meghan Youtz, Neal Thomas, Simon Li
Summary: This prospective observational cohort study aimed to analyze parental traumatic stress up to 30 months after pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) discharge. The study found that longer PICU stay, parents' concerns for child's ongoing injury, and decreased household income were associated with increased odds of developing parental posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These findings will inform the development of targeted interventions.
PEDIATRIC CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE
(2023)
Article
Neurosciences
Lei Li, Nanfang Pan, Lianqing Zhang, Su Lui, Xiaoqi Huang, Xin Xu, Song Wang, Du Lei, Lingjiang Li, Graham J. Kemp, Qiyong Gong
Summary: The study investigated hippocampal subfield volumes in traumatized children with and without PTSD, finding significant reductions in volume in the right presubiculum and hippocampal tail in patients, which were important contributors to group discrimination. These findings suggest that hippocampal subfield volumes may be useful in discriminating traumatized children with and without PTSD.
SOCIAL COGNITIVE AND AFFECTIVE NEUROSCIENCE
(2021)
Article
Public, Environmental & Occupational Health
Jaimie L. Gradus, Sandro Galea
Summary: The DSM-5 defines trauma as an event involving actual or threatened death, serious injury, or sexual violence. However, the strict distinction between traumatic and less severe stressful events is not helpful for public health. Public health should focus on all individuals experiencing distressing stress and trauma reactions, rather than just those with the most severe experiences.
AMERICAN JOURNAL OF EPIDEMIOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Janette Yung, Erin Takemoto, James Cone, Jiehui Li
Summary: By assessing the change in 9/11-related PTSD symptoms following cancer diagnosis in a cohort of individuals exposed to the World Trade Center Health Registry, it was observed that there was a significant reduction in the rate of change in PTSD symptoms among male rescue/recovery workers. However, no significant difference in rate of change was observed among females. Future research is needed to understand the underlying mechanism behind these findings.
Article
Oncology
Sebastian B. B. Bon, Roel H. P. Wouters, Janna A. Hol, Marjolijn C. J. Jongmans, Marry M. van den Heuvel-Eibrink, Martha A. Grootenhuis
Summary: This qualitative study examines the motives, knowledge, and views of families regarding germline genetic sequencing in pediatric oncology. The findings suggest that while most families have positive experiences with sequencing, there is room for improvement in the timing of consent and parents' understanding of genetic concepts.
Review
Criminology & Penology
Shefaly Shorey, Phyllis Zhi En Wong
Summary: This review explores and understands the traumatic childbirth experiences of parents. Through a systematic review of qualitative studies, an overarching theme and subthemes were identified, highlighting the emotional fluctuations, factors contributing to trauma, struggles, and coping mechanisms of parents.
TRAUMA VIOLENCE & ABUSE
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Cecilia Bartholdson, Ulrika Kreicbergs, Josefin Sveen, Malin Lovgren, Lilian Pohlkamp
Summary: This study examines the reports from a Swedish population-based survey conducted in 2016 on 135 mothers and 97 fathers who had lost a child to cancer 1-5 years earlier regarding the communication about their child's illness. The majority of parents expressed a desire to be informed when their child's illness becomes incurable.
Review
Psychology, Clinical
Jessica M. M. Capaldi, Julia Shabanian, Laurel B. B. Finster, Arash Asher, Jeffrey C. C. Wertheimer, Bradley J. J. Zebrack, Celina H. H. Shirazipour
Summary: This systematic scoping review explores interventions targeting the negative effects of PTSS/PTSD and the positive effects of PTG among cancer survivors. The majority of the reviewed articles utilized interventions such as psychotherapy, mindfulness, physical activity, and psilocybin-assisted therapy to promote PTG. The findings highlight the need for mechanistic considerations, better representation of cancer survivors in trials, and potential facilitators of intervention efficacy for future research and practice.
HEALTH PSYCHOLOGY REVIEW
(2023)
Article
Psychiatry
Tadesse Tarik Tamir, Selam Fisiha Kassa, Daniel Ayelegne Gebeyehu
Summary: This study investigated the prevalence and associated factors of PTSD among pediatric patients with physical trauma in Ethiopia. The results showed that 22.03% of pediatric patients with physical trauma had PTSD. Female gender, age of 8 to 10 years old, having a chronic medical illness, experiencing severe pain, and low social support were associated with PTSD.
Article
Nursing
Zhenhong Liang, Lijuan Wu, Fuqin Tang, Shumei Gong, Xiaohong Liu
Summary: This study aimed to evaluate the potential influencing factors of acute stress disorder (ASD) in patients with accidental traumatic fractures and found that age, gender, injury severity, pain intensity, personality type, and coping ability were risk factors for ASD. Early intervention and nursing measures should be taken to reduce the occurrence of ASD.
Article
Psychology, Multidisciplinary
Mariana Rangel Maciel, Vinicius Fernando Calsavara, Cecilia Zylberstajn, Marcelo Feijo Mello, Bruno Messina Coimbra, Andrea Feijo Mello
Summary: Contrary to expectations, attachment avoidance increased in women with acute PTSD following sexual assault, with higher levels observed in those with higher PTSD symptoms and from races other than White. This indicates changes in interpersonal relationships beyond PTSD symptoms.
FRONTIERS IN PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Genetics & Heredity
D. Roorda, A. F. W. van der Steeg, M. van Dijk, J. P. M. Derikx, R. R. Gorter, J. Rotteveel, J. B. van Goudoever, L. W. E. van Heurn, J. Oosterlaan, L. Haverman
Summary: This study investigated distress and symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in parents of patients with congenital gastrointestinal malformation (CGIM) and found that mothers were more likely to experience PTSD compared to fathers. A longer duration of hospital stay for the child was associated with more severe symptoms of PTSD.
ORPHANET JOURNAL OF RARE DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Hronn Hardardottir, Thor Aspelund, Jianwei Zhu, Katja Fall, Arna Hauksdottir, Fang Fang, Donghao Lu, Christer Janson, Steinn Jonsson, Heiddis Valdimarsdottir, Unnur A. Valdimarsdottir
Summary: A high proportion of patients with newly diagnosed lung cancer experience high levels of acute traumatic stress of potential clinical significance. Efforts to improve doctor-patient and family communication may mitigate the risk of these adverse symptoms.
SUPPORTIVE CARE IN CANCER
(2022)
Article
Medicine, General & Internal
Lisa A. Brenner, Jeri E. Forster, Jaimie L. Gradus, Trisha A. Hostetter, Claire A. Hoffmire, Colin G. Walsh, Mary Jo Larson, Kelly A. Stearns-Yoder, Rachel Sayko Adams
Summary: This study aimed to identify the associations of military-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) with suicide and new-onset mental health conditions. The findings showed that soldiers with a history of TBI had higher rates of new-onset mental health conditions and were at greater risk of suicide. These results highlight the need for increased efforts to address the cumulative risk associated with multiple military-related exposures.
Article
Cardiac & Cardiovascular Systems
Linda G. McWhorter, Jennifer Christofferson, Trent Neely, Aimee K. Hildenbrand, Melissa A. Alderfer, Amy Randall, Anne E. Kazak, Erica Sood
Summary: The study explored the relationships between parental post-traumatic stress symptoms, overprotective parenting, and child emotional/behavioral problems in families of children with critical CHD. It found that overprotective parenting fully mediated the association between parental post-traumatic stress symptoms and child emotional/behavioral problems. Both parental post-traumatic stress symptoms and overprotective parenting were identified as modifiable risk factors for poor child outcomes.
CARDIOLOGY IN THE YOUNG
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Sonia Morales, Sedigheh Mirzaei Salehabadi, Deokumar Srivastava, Todd M. Gibson, Wendy M. Leisenring, Melissa A. Alderfer, E. Anne Lown, Lonnie K. Zeltzer, Gregory T. Armstrong, Kevin R. Krull, David Buchbinder
Summary: The study found that concerns about future health and cancer risk among siblings of childhood cancer survivors have decreased in recent decades, but there are still at-risk subgroups. Routine screening and monitoring of at-risk siblings of childhood cancer survivors may be beneficial for early intervention and support.
JOURNAL OF CANCER SURVIVORSHIP
(2022)
Article
Oncology
Phoebe Brosnan, Kathryn A. Davis, Marcella Mazzenga, Anjali R. Oberoi, Christina M. Sharkey, David Buchbinder, Melissa A. Alderfer, Kristin A. Long
Summary: This study revealed that barriers to providing sibling services exist at multiple levels, and these barriers frequently interact with each other, maintaining a cycle where limited service provision leads to underutilization of services and underprioritization of siblings, ultimately resulting in siblings being off the radar and further limiting service provision for them. Addressing these barriers at the health care system and oncology center levels may be crucial in ensuring that siblings receive necessary psychosocial assessment and support.
PEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER
(2022)
Article
Pediatrics
Sarah E. Wawrzynski, Melissa A. Alderfer, Whitney Kvistad, Lauri Linder, Maija Reblin, Jia-Wen Guo, Kristin G. Cloyes
Summary: This study examined the social networks and sources of support for siblings of children with cancer. The findings revealed that mothers, fathers, close friends, and siblings (with or without cancer) were the most commonly reported sources of support. Friends and siblings provided validation and companionship, while parents offered instrumental and informational supports. This study provides foundational knowledge for improving support for siblings of children with cancer.
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Marie L. Chardon, Kimberly L. Klages, Naomi E. Joffe, Ahna L. H. Pai
Summary: Medication adherence is suboptimal in pediatric hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT) population due to various medication barriers. This study explored caregiver-perceived medication barriers throughout the course of pediatric HCT and found that barriers exist throughout the treatment process and vary by treatment stage. The findings emphasize the importance of assessing medication barriers during HCT treatment and suggest the need for interventions to address specific medication barriers during the post-HCT outpatient period.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Paul T. Enlow, Thao-Ly T. Phan, Amanda M. Lewis, Aimee K. Hildenbrand, Erica Sood, Kimberly S. Canter, Gaby Vega, Melissa A. Alderfer, Anne E. Kazak
Summary: The study found that CEFIS is a psychometrically sound measure of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on family and caregiver functioning, and may be useful in identifying families in need of psychological supports.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Lisa A. Schwartz, Amanda M. Lewis, Melissa A. Alderfer, Gabriela Vega, Lamia P. Barakat, Sara King-Dowling, Alexandra M. Psihogios, Kimberly S. Canter, Lori Crosby, Kamyar Arasteh, Paul Enlow, Aimee K. Hildenbrand, Nancy Kassam-Adams, Ahna Pai, Thao-Ly Phan, Julia Price, Corinna L. Schultz, Erica Sood, Jordan Wood, Anne Kazak
Summary: This study aimed to understand the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on adolescents and young adults and developed the CEFIS-AYA scale specifically for this population. The results showed that the pandemic had a slightly negative impact on AYAs, with various factors contributing to their exposure and the resulting impact, and there were differences in scores based on gender and age.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Clinical
Amy C. Lang, Paulina S. Lim, Samantha A. Everhart, Nina G. Linneman, W. Hobart Davies, Melissa A. Alderfer
Summary: The objective of this project was to provide guidance for psychology researchers on ethical challenges in qualitative research aimed at improving pediatric clinical care. By conducting semistructured interviews with 6 pediatric psychologists, the researchers identified six broad areas of ethical considerations. The findings aligned with the APA Ethics Code and reflected the importance of competence, human relations, privacy and confidentiality, and research and publication. Recommendations were made to aid in study planning and emphasized the value of qualitative pediatric clinical care research.
CLINICAL PRACTICE IN PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Anne Kazak, Alejandra Perez Ramirez, Michele A. Scialla, Melissa A. Alderfer, Carrie Sewell-Roberts, Diane Treadwell-Deering
Summary: This study investigated the psychosocial risks faced by families of children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and adapted an existing assessment tool to provide a promising means of evaluating these risks. The tool, called PAT-ASD, was implemented in a pilot study and showed positive results, although further validation is needed.
JOURNAL OF AUTISM AND DEVELOPMENTAL DISORDERS
(2023)
Article
Psychology, Developmental
Marie L. Chardon, Kimberly L. Klages, Naomi E. Joffe, Ahna L. H. Pai
Summary: This study investigated the caregiver-perceived medication facilitators after hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HCT). Through semi-structured qualitative interviews and demographic questionnaires, 29 caregivers of children who had received an HCT within the past 2 years were studied. The findings suggest that caregivers of children after HCT are highly resourceful and develop independent strategies to assist with medication management. However, despite the presence of facilitators and strategies, caregiver burden associated with medication adherence remains high. Therefore, caregivers may benefit from personalized and multicomponent medication adherence supports provided by multidisciplinary treatment teams, particularly shortly after hospital discharge.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC PSYCHOLOGY
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Meghan E. McGrady, Tyler G. Ketterl, Robin E. Norris, John P. Perentesis, Daniel Pettee, Constance A. Mara, Gabriella Breen, Ahna L. H. Pai
Summary: This multi-site longitudinal observational study examines the relationship between barriers and medication adherence among adolescent and young adult cancer patients. The results show that barriers are associated with nonadherence and could be targeted in interventions. However, individual variability in barriers suggests that personalized approaches are needed for adherence promotion.
PEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Kathryn A. Davis, Phoebe Brosnan, Marcella Mazzenga, David Buchbinder, Melissa A. Alderfer, Christina M. Sharkey, Kristin A. Long
Summary: Although providing sibling psychosocial services is a standard of care in pediatric oncology, the current practices at pediatric cancer centers in the United States do not align with established care recommendations. Sibling-focused psychoeducation, screening, assessment, and support are variable between and within centers, and siblings themselves are often not involved in their own psychosocial care. There is a need for tools and strategies to improve the provision of sibling psychosocial care and to support siblings' psychosocial functioning.
PEDIATRIC BLOOD & CANCER
(2023)
Article
Medicine, Research & Experimental
Danielle R. Hatchimonji, Melissa A. Alderfer, Erin L. Riegel, Robert E. Akins
Summary: The Institutional Development Award (IDeA) programs aim to enhance research infrastructure in regions with limited access to NIH funding. The Mentored Research Development Award (MRDA) is a professional development program embedded in an IDeA-funded center, providing mentorship and support to junior investigators in writing grant applications. The evaluation of outcomes from the first eight years showed that a significant number of MRDA recipients went on to receive NIH funding, highlighting the efficacy of just-in-time grant-writing support in promoting early career clinician-scientists in IDeA state contexts.
JOURNAL OF CLINICAL AND TRANSLATIONAL SCIENCE
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Christina M. Amaro, Melissa A. Alderfer, Cynthia A. Gerhardt, Sarah E. Wawrzynski, Melanie Goldish, Kristin A. Long
Summary: This paper presents a transdisciplinary team science framework, using the Sibling Partnership for Advocacy, Research, and Care in Childhood Cancer (SPARCCC) as an example, to support siblings of youth with cancer. Through collaboration, the team successfully advanced advocacy, research, and support for siblings and generated novel solutions.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY-ONCOLOGY NURSING
(2023)
Article
Oncology
Marie L. Chardon, Kimberly L. Klages, Naomi E. Joffe, Ahna L. H. Pai
Summary: This study investigated caregiver preferences regarding medication adherence support from their child's medical team post-HCT. Findings highlighted the importance of communication and practical medication adherence support, tailored to each family's needs. Caregivers also appreciated tips based on other caregivers' experiences in addressing medication challenges.
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY-ONCOLOGY NURSING
(2023)