| 1. |
- Bergström, Malin, et al.
(författare)
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Children with two homes: Psychological problems in relation to living arrangements in Nordic 2-to 9-year-olds
- 2019
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Ingår i: Scand J Public Health. - : SAGE Publications. - 1403-4948 .- 1651-1905. ; 47:2, s. 137-145
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim: Joint physical custody, children spending equal time in each parents' respective home after a parental divorce, is particularly common in Nordic compared with other Western countries. Older children have been shown to fare well in this practice but for young children there are few existing studies. The aim of this paper is to study psychological problems in 2- to 9-year-old Nordic children in different family forms. Methods: Total symptom score according to the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire as well as scores showing externalizing problems were compared among 152 children in joint physical custody, 303 in single care and 3207 in nuclear families through multiple linear regression analyses. Results: Children in single care had more psychological symptoms than those in joint physical custody (B = 1.08; 95% CI 0.48 to 1.67) and those in nuclear families had the least reported symptoms (B = -0.53; 95% CI -0.89 to -0.17). Externalizing problems were also lower in nuclear families (B = -0.28, 95% CI -0.52 to -0.04) compared with joint physical custody after adjusting for covariates. Conclusions: Young children with non-cohabiting parents suffered from more psychological problems than those in intact families. Children in joint physical custody had a lower total problem score than those in single care after adjusting for covariates. Longitudinal studies with information on family factors before the separation are needed to inform policy of young children's post-separation living arrangements.
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| 2. |
- Bergström, Malin, et al.
(författare)
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Fifty moves a year: is there an association between joint physical custody and psychosomatic problems in children?
- 2015
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Ingår i: Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. - : BMJ Publishing Group. - 0143-005X .- 1470-2738. ; 69:8, s. 769-774
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background In many Western countries, an increasing number of children with separated parents have joint physical custody, that is, live equally much in their parents respective homes. In Sweden, joint physical custody is particularly common and concerns between 30% and 40% of the children with separated parents. It has been hypothesised that the frequent moves and lack of stability in parenting may be stressful for these children. Methods We used data from a national classroom survey of all sixth and ninth grade students in Sweden (N=147839) to investigate the association between childrens psychosomatic problems and living arrangements. Children in joint physical custody were compared with those living only or mostly with one parent and in nuclear families. We conducted sex-specific linear regression analyses for z-transformed sum scores of psychosomatic problems and adjusted for age, country of origin as well as childrens satisfaction with material resources and relationships to parents. Clustering by school was accounted for by using a two-level random intercept model. Results Children in joint physical custody suffered from less psychosomatic problems than those living mostly or only with one parent but reported more symptoms than those in nuclear families. Satisfaction with their material resources and parent-child relationships was associated with childrens psychosomatic health but could not explain the differences between children in the different living arrangements. Conclusions Children with non-cohabitant parents experience more psychosomatic problems than those in nuclear families. Those in joint physical custody do however report better psychosomatic health than children living mostly or only with one parent. Longitudinal studies with information on family factors before and after the separation are needed to inform policy of childrens postseparation living arrangements.
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| 3. |
- Bergström, Malin, et al.
(författare)
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Importance of living arrangements and coparenting quality for young children's mental health after parental divorce : a cross-sectional parental survey
- 2021
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Ingår i: BMJ Paediatrics Open. - : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd. - 2399-9772. ; 5:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background Parental separation has been associated with adverse child mental health outcomes in the literature. For school-aged children, joint physical custody (JPC), that is, spending equal time in both parents’ homes after a divorce, has been associated with better health and well-being than single care arrangements. Preschool children’s well-being in JPC is less studied. The aim of this study was to investigate the association of living arrangements and coparenting quality with mental health in preschool children after parental separation.Methods This cross-sectional population-based study includes 12 845 three-year-old children in Sweden. Mental health was measured by parental reports of the Strength and Difficulties Questionnaire and coparenting quality with a four-item scale. The living arrangements of the 642 children in non-intact families were categorised into JPC, living mostly with one parent and living only with one parent.Results Linear regression models, adjusted for sociodemographic confounders, showed an association between increased mental health problems and living mostly and only with one parent (B=1.18; 95% CI 0.37 to 2.00, and B=1.20; 95% CI 0.40 to 2.00, respectively), while children in intact families vs JPC did not differ significantly (B=−0.11; 95% CI −0.58 to 0.36). After adjusting the analyses for coparenting quality, differences in child mental health between the post divorce living arrangements were, however, minimal while children in intact families had more mental health problems compared with JPC (B=0.70; 95% CI 0.24 to 1.15). Factorial analysis of covariance revealed that low coparenting quality was more strongly related to mental health problems for children in intact families and JPC compared with children living mostly or only with one parent.Conclusions This study suggests that coparenting quality is a key determinant of mental health in preschool children and thus should be targeted in preventive interventions.
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| 4. |
- Bergström, Malin, et al.
(författare)
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Living in two homes-a Swedish national survey of wellbeing in 12 and 15 year olds with joint physical custody
- 2013
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Ingår i: BMC Public Health. - : Springer Science and Business Media LLC. - 1471-2458. ; 13
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background The practice of joint physical custody, where children spend equal time in each parent's home after they separate, is increasing in many countries. It is particularly common in Sweden, where this custody arrangement applies to 30 per cent of children with separated parents. The aim of this study was to examine children's health-related quality of life after parental separation, by comparing children living with both parents in nuclear families to those living in joint physical custody and other forms of domestic arrangements.Methods Data from a national Swedish classroom study of 164,580 children aged 12 and 15-years-old were analysed by two-level linear regression modelling. Z-scores were used to equalise scales for ten dimensions of wellbeing from the KIDSCREEN-52 and the KIDSCREEN-10 Index and analysed for children in joint physical custody in comparison with children living in nuclear families and mostly or only with one parent.Results Living in a nuclear family was positively associated with almost all aspects of wellbeing in comparison to children with separated parents. Children in joint physical custody experienced more positive outcomes, in terms of subjective wellbeing, family life and peer relations, than children living mostly or only with one parent. For the 12-year-olds, beta coefficients for moods and emotions ranged from -0.20 to -0.33 and peer relations from -0.11 to -0.20 for children in joint physical custody and living mostly or only with one parent. The corresponding estimates for the 15-year-olds varied from -0.08 to -0.28 and from -0.03 to -0.13 on these subscales. The 15-year-olds in joint physical custody were more likely than the 12-year-olds to report similar wellbeing levels on most outcomes to the children in nuclear families.Conclusions Children who spent equal time living with both parents after a separation reported better wellbeing than children in predominantly single parent care. This was particularly true for the 15-year-olds, while the reported wellbeing of 12-years-olds was less satisfactory. There is a need for further studies that can account for the pre and post separation context of individual families and the wellbeing of younger age groups in joint physical custody.
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| 5. |
- Bergström, Malin, et al.
(författare)
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Mental health in Swedish children living in joint physical custody and their parents' life satisfaction : A cross-sectional study
- 2014
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Ingår i: Scandinavian Journal of Psychology. - : Wiley. - 0036-5564 .- 1467-9450. ; 55:5, s. 433-439
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- This study compared the psychological symptoms of 129 children in joint physical custody with children in single care and nuclear families, using a nationally representative 2011 survey of 1,297 Swedish children aged between four and 18 years. The outcome measure was the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) and its association with three dimensions of parental life satisfaction was investigated. Linear regression analyses showed higher SDQ-scores for children in joint physical custody (B=1.4, p<0.001) and single care (B=2.2, p<0.001) than in nuclear families, after adjustment for socio-demographic variables. The estimates decreased to 1.1 and 1.3, respectively, after being adjusted for parental life satisfaction (p<0.01). Our findings confirm previous research that showed lower symptom scores for children in nuclear families than children in single care and joint physical custody. Parental life satisfaction should be investigated further as a possible explanation of differences in symptom load between children in different living arrangements.
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| 6. |
- Bergström, Malin, et al.
(författare)
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Narrative review of interventions suitable for well-baby clinics to promote infant attachment security and parents' sensitivity
- 2020
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Ingår i: Acta Paediatrica. - : Wiley. - 0803-5253 .- 1651-2227. ; 109:9, s. 1745-1757
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Aim The aim of this narrative review was to evaluate the evidence for interventions for children's secure attachment relationships and parents' caregiving sensitivity that could potentially be implemented in the context of a well-baby clinic. Methods Literature search on programmes for parental caregiving sensitivity and secure attachment for infants aged 0-24 months. Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published 1995-2018 with interventions starting from one week postpartum, and with a maximum of 12 sessions (plus potential booster session) were included. Results We identified 25 studies, of which 22 studied effects of home-based programmes using video feedback techniques. Positive effects of these interventions in families at risk were found on parental caregiving sensitivity and to a lesser extent also on children's secure or disorganised attachment. The effects of two of these programmes were supported by several RCTs. Three intervention studies based on group and individual psychotherapy showed no significant positive effects. Most of the interventions targeted mothers only. Conclusions The review found some evidence for positive effects of selective interventions with video feedback techniques for children's secure attachment and strong evidence for positive effects on parental caregiving sensitivity. Important knowledge gaps were identified for universal interventions and interventions for fathers and parents with a non-Western background.
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| 7. |
- Bergström, Malin, et al.
(författare)
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Preschool children living in joint physical custody arrangements show less psychological symptoms than those living mostly or only with one parent
- 2018
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Ingår i: Acta Paediatrica. - : Wiley. - 0803-5253 .- 1651-2227. ; 107:2, s. 294-300
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- AIM: Joint physical custody (JPC), where children spend about equal time in both parent's homes after parental separation, is increasing. The suitability of this practice for preschool children, with a need for predictability and continuity, has been questioned.METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, we used data on 3656 Swedish children aged three to five years living in intact families, JPC, mostly with one parent or single care. Linear regression analyses were conducted with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire, completed by parents and preschool teachers, as the outcome measure.RESULTS: Children in JPC showed less psychological problems than those living mostly (adjusted B 1.81; 95% CI [0.66 to 2.95]) or only with one parent (adjusted B 1.94; 95% CI [0.75 to 3.13]), in parental reports. In preschool teacher reports, the adjusted Betas were 1.27, 95% CI [0.14 to 2.40] and 1.41, 95% CI [0.24 to 2.58], respectively. In parental reports, children in JPC and those in intact families had similar outcomes, while teachers reported lower unadjusted symptom scores for children in intact families.CONCLUSION: Joint physical custody arrangements were not associated with more psychological symptoms in children aged 3-5, but longitudinal studies are needed to account for potential preseparation differences.
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| 8. |
- Bergström, Malin, et al.
(författare)
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"We also communicate through a book in the diaper bag" - Separated parents' ways to coparent and promote adaptation of their 1-4 year olds in equal joint physical custody
- 2019
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Ingår i: PLOS ONE. - : Public Library of Science (PLoS). - 1932-6203. ; 14:4
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Joint physical custody (JPC) refers to a practice where children with separated parents share their time between the parents' respective homes. Studies on parents' views of JPC for young children are scarce. The aim of this interview study was to explore parents' perceptions on how they experience and practice equally shared JPC for their 1-4 year-olds in Sweden. Forty-six parents (18 fathers and 28 mothers) of 50 children (31 boys and 19 girls) under 5 years of age were interviewed. Parents were recruited through information in the media and represented a broad range of socioeconomic backgrounds, as well as both voluntary and court-ordered custody arrangements. The interviews were semi-structured and analyzed using systematic text condensation. Two themes emerged regarding the research question. In the first theme, Always free, never free, parents described their striving to coparent without a love relationship. While they appreciated the freedom of being a half-time parent, doing things one's own way, they felt constrained by the long-term commitment to live close to and keep discussing child rearing issues with the ex-partner. Good communication was key and lessened parent's feelings of being cut-off from half of the child's life. When JPC was ordered by court or conflicts were intense, parents tried to have less contact and worried when the children were in the other home. The second theme, Is it right, is it good?, included descriptions of how the parents monitored the child's responses to the living arrangement and made changes to optimize their adjustment. Adaptations included visits for the child with the other parent mid-week, shared meals or adapting schedules. In conclusion, these parents worked hard to make JPC work and cause minimal damage to their children. Most parents were pleased with the arrangements with the notable exception of couples experiencing ongoing conflict.
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| 9. |
- Blom, Lisa, et al.
(författare)
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Little All Children in Focus (Little ACF), evaluation of a parental support program for parents of children aged 1–2 years : study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
- 2023
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Ingår i: Trials. - : BioMed Central (BMC). - 1745-6215. ; 24:1
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Tidskriftsartikel (refereegranskat)abstract
- Background: Child health and development can be promoted by strengthening and supporting parents. Research on parental support programs based on positive psychology and a health-promoting approach aimed at all parents, and in particular parents of infants is limited. All Children in Focus (ACF) is a parental support program that has been evaluated in a randomized trial in parents of children 3–12 years. The ACF is based on health promotion aiming to increase parents’ confidence and child’s well-being. In the current study, we will study the effects of a revised version of the ACF called Little ACF adapted to parents with children aged 1–2 years.Methods: The study includes a randomized controlled trial (RCT) taking place at several Child Health Centers (CHCs) in Sweden. The RCT will evaluate the efficacy of Little ACF (intervention) in comparison with four digital lectures about child development and parenting (active control). Parents are recruited at the 10-, 12-, or 18-month visits to CHC by CHC-nurses. Data to assess changes in parental competencies and child socio-emotional development are collected through online questionnaires completed by parents at five time points: baseline, post-intervention, after 6 and 12 months, and when the child is 3 years old.Discussion: The paper describes a study protocol of a randomized controlled trial evaluating the effects of a parental support program during infancy. Several issues related to the methodology and implementation are discussed.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05445141. Registered on 6 July 2022.
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| 10. |
- Fransson, Emma, et al.
(författare)
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Barn i växelvis boende – en forskningsöversikt
- 2015
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Rapport (övrigt vetenskapligt/konstnärligt)abstract
- Varje år separerar föräldrar till ungefär 50 000 barn i Sverige. Sedan 1980-talet bor en ökande andel av dessa barn växelvis efter separationen. Växelvis boende innebär att barnen flyttar regelbundet mellan sina föräldrars respektive hem och bor ungefär lika mycket hos båda. En högre andel barn bor i växelvis boende i Sverige än i något annat land, ca 35-40 procent av de barn som har särlevande föräldrar, totalt cirka 200 000 barn.Denna rapport har skrivits av forskare i Elvis-projektet på CHESS vid Stockholms Universitet/Karolinska institutet på uppdrag av Socialstyrelsen. Den ger en sammanfattning av den forskningsbaserade kunskapen om hälsa och välbefinnande hos barn i växelvis boende. När det gäller barn under sex år, där kunskapsläget är mest osäkert, ger rapporten en heltäckande bild av den internationella forskningen, inklusive en översikt av den psykologiska teoribildningen på området. För skolbarnen finns det ett ganska stort antal svenska studier och därför har vi här valt att lägga fokus på dessa och endast komplettera med särskilt relevant forskning från andra länder. Att det finns mer forskning kring skolbarn beror delvis på att växelvis boende är vanligare för de åldersgrupperna, men främst på att man lättare kan ta in deras egna åsikter och erfarenheter, medan forskning kring de yngre barnen är mer komplicerad metodologiskt sett, och därför mer resurskrävande.Anknytningsteorins betoning av kvaliteten i interaktionen mellan små barn och deras vårdgivare ger anledning att särskilt skärskåda konsekvenserna av växelvist boende för de yngsta barnen. Resultaten från studierna av barn 0-3 år ger inte en entydig bild av barns välbefinnande och anknytningsrelationer. Flera av de få studierna håller låg vetenskaplig kvalitet och studerar små grupper. En tillräcklig empirisk bas för de yngsta barnen i växelvis boende saknas därmed. Sammantaget visar studierna att föräldrars samarbetsförmåga, sätt att hantera konflikter och lyhördhet för barnets behov spelar större roll än boendeform.I rapporten presenteras tio svenska tvärsnittsstudier av skolbarn från 10 års ålder i stora nationellt eller regionalt representativa surveyundersökningar samt en studie med biologiska data. I en majoritet av studierna rapporteras barn i växelvis boende ha mindre psykisk ohälsa och bättre välbefinnande än jämnåriga som bor med bara en förälder. Detta mönster är likartat hos pojkar och flickor. Tvärsnittsdesignen i samtliga studier gör dock att man bör vara försiktig med alltför definitiva slutsatser, eftersom denna design inte gör det möjligt att fullt ut ta hänsyn till skillnader i bakomliggande faktorer som t ex föräldrars hälsa, sociala situation och kommunikation sinsemellan.Studier pekar på olika faktorer som kan tänkas förklara att barn i växelvis boende överlag verkar ha en större chans till god psykisk hälsa än barn som bor med enbart en förälder. Barn i växelvis boende har genomsnittligt bättre materiella resurser än barn som bor med bara en förälder. Även med god kontroll för socioekonomiska skillnader mellan olika slags familjer visar dock merparten av studierna att skolbarn och tonåringar i växelvis boende mår bättre än de som bor enbart med en förälder, varför det är rimligt att spekulera i andra fördelar med växelvis boende. En möjlig förklaring skulle kunna vara att barn i växelvis boende har tillgång till, och stöd från, båda sina föräldrar. Barn i växelvis boende har också oftare en god relation till båda sina föräldrar än de som bor med enbart eller mest med en förälder.En rad kunskapsluckor identifieras i rapporten. Studier av god metodologisk kvalitet som fokuserar på de yngsta barnen, framför allt 0-3 år, saknas i särskilt hög grad. Longitudinella studier som har förutsättningar att mäta förändringar i psykisk hälsa och välbefinnande före och efter att föräldrar separerar är också mycket angelägna, liksom studier med ett individperspektiv som kan ge vägledning för beslut om boendeform för särskilt sårbara barn när föräldrar separerar. Ökningen av andelen barn som bor växelvis är en av de största förändringarna i barns livsvillkor i Sverige under de senaste åren. Det är också en förändring som är en uppenbart påverkbar faktor i barns liv. Det är således angeläget att resurser görs tillgängliga för att fylla de kunskapsluckor som identifieras.Avslutningsvis kan konstateras att det saknas forskning som kan ge ett definitivt svar på vilka konsekvenser växelvis boende har för barns hälsa och välbefinnande efter att föräldrar separerat. Med denna begränsning är det ändå värt att notera är att inte finns någon studie som tyder på att barns hälsa skulle vara sämre i växelvis boende än i boende med enbart en förälder från 4 års ålder, men att avsaknaden av kunskap om barn 0-3 år gör att några slutsatser inte alls bör dras om denna åldersgrupp.
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