Research suggests that psychologically controlling and autonomy-supportive parenting can be described within the Self-Determination Theory’s (SDT) framework. Two studies were conducted to examine (a) the role of parental need frustration as a predictor of parental psychological control, (b) the role of parental need satisfaction as a predictor of parental autonomy support, and (c) the role of parents’ psychological control and autonomy support in the intergenerational transmission of satisfaction and frustration of the psychological basic needs. Study 1 provided evidence, in a sample of 203 Italian coupled parents, that needs frustration and needs satisfaction represent distinct antecedents of psychological control and autonomy support. Study 2, showed that in 135 families, the intergenerational association between parents’ and adolescents’ need frustration was partially mediated by psychological control and autonomy support. Results clearly showed that parents who experienced high level of psychological needs frustration are more likely to use psychological control and in turn to promote a feeling of need frustration in their adolescents; differently, parents who experienced high levels of psychological needs satisfaction tend to exert more autonomy support in their relationship with their children and in turn adolescents tend to perceive higher level of needs satisfaction. These findings are discussed in light of SDT and underline the importance of needs in the parenting context and have implications for interventions.
1 March 2017 in The International Journal of Psychiatry in Medicine
Previous studies have investigated constructs that facilitate adaptation to chronic disease and improve quality of life and constructs that lead to psychopathological complications. The purpose of this research is to investigate the impact of coping and emotional regulation on the quality of life of patients on dialysis. Three questionnaires were administered to 78 patients on dialysis: Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced, Short Form (36), and Cognitive Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Regressions analyses indicated that age, Rumination, Positive Refocusing, Avoidance Strategies, Approach to the Problem, and Transcendent Orientation predicted Physical Health. With regard to Mental Health, the predictors were gender, Self-Blame, Acceptance, Rumination, Positive Reappraisal, Catastrophizing, Avoidance Strategies, and Transcendent Orientation. This study confirms the relationship between emotional regulation, coping, and quality of life. The results highlight the need for total care of the patients, including an assessment of both physical state and psychological functioning in order to promote total well-being.
1 September 2019 in Journal of Psychosomatic Research
The present review investigates the complex associations between children’s affective states, body perceptions, and eating habits, thus providing crucial insights for potential health interventions. Following PRISMA guidelines, three databases were searched for peer-reviewed studies exploring the relationship between eating habits, emotional states, and body image perceptions in a population of children (5 to 11 years old). A total of seven articles were included. Our findings revealed a pattern of associations between negative emotional states, like anxiety and depressive feelings, and maladaptive eating behaviors. Additionally, explicit influences from parental feeding practices, peer pressure, socioeconomic factors, and children’s body perceptions were observed to shape eating habits, with a pronounced tendency among older girls towards dieting and food preoccupation. Our results underline the intertwining nature of age, gender, and emotional states. Furthermore, our findings accentuate the urgency for comprehensive interventions that acknowledge and address the complex interplay of emotional, familial, and socioeconomic factors alongside children’s body image perceptions. The criticality of continued research, particularly ones employing longitudinal designs and diverse demographic samples, is highlighted as we strive to understand and navigate such multifaceted relationships to enhance children’s health and well-being.