Circle of Care

Abstract

In the contemporary family, which is increasingly shaped by multicultural influences, parents rarely are the sole caretakers of their children. To improve understanding of family dynamics, researchers must redefine caregiving networks to include multiple caregivers, such as extended family members. This study explored the influences of caregiving networks on youth depression by examining who youths perceived as caretakers, how many caretakers were in their networks, the youths’ connectedness with adults in their network, and harmony of relationships among adults within the network. Data from an ethnically diverse, urban sample of 180 middle school youths revealed participation of multiple caregivers for all groups, but ethnic differences existed in network composition. These differences in network composition are discussed within a socio-cultural context, considering how positive relationships with specific caregivers may buffer future depression. Longitudinal analyses confirmed the importance of positive relationships with caregiving networks for youth of color when predicting future depression.

Toward More Accurate Measures of Family Structure: Accounting for Sibling Complexity

“…Today, empirical support exists for more expansive family networks among families of color. For instance, studies have found that Black and Hispanic children are more deeply embedded in their extended families than White children, spending more time with extended family members and receiving from them greater emotional and practical support (Cross, 2020;Margolis et al, 2014). There are clear benefits of adopting pedi-focal definitions of family, particularly in complex family structures.…”

Examining inter-family differences in intra-family (parent–adolescent) dynamics using grid-sequence analysis.

“…Among these three subgroups, the “stable disconnected” group had the highest levels of adolescent-reported behavior problems and depression. This subgroup may be the highest risk in terms of promoting adolescent disengagement from the family, placing adolescents at risk for feelings of isolation, and may provide greater opportunity for engaging in problem behaviors without adequate parental guidance and supervision (Dishion et al, 2004; Fosco et al, 2012; Margolis et al, 2016). It is less clear whether these subgroups reflect different family “types” or a developmental progression (e.g., parent disengages first, then both).…”

“…Parent-adolescent connectedness – feelings of closeness, trust, and support – is a protective factor against substance use, antisocial behavior, depression, suicidal ideation, and poor self-esteem (Ackard, Neumark-Sztainer, Story, & Perry, 2006; Fosco, Stormshak, Dishion, & Winter, 2012; Margolis, Fosco, & Stormshak, 2016). Adolescents who are more connected to their parents are more likely to seek out guidance as they navigate difficulties (e.g., with peers or at school; Ackard et al, 2006); however adolescents who feel less connected with their parents may disengage from the family and become isolated and depressed, or engage in problem behavior while away from home and unsupervised (Fosco & LoBraico, in press).…”

Communication Technology Use by Caregivers of Adolescents With Mental Health Issues: Systematic Review

“…The caregiver landscape can be successfully supported through tailored solutions by acknowledging their unique challenges. Caregivers are largely invisible and are mostly underappreciated resources in community health services [ 2 , 3 ]. Caregivers are vital partners who contribute to health care provisioning in communities.…”

“…Regardless of this important contribution to health care delivery, caregivers receive minimal support from governments [ 7 , 8 ]. Globally, caregivers share a myriad of ongoing challenges and obstacles that are burdensome [ 2 , 9 ], often leading to unmet physical, psychological, and financial needs [ 10 , 11 ].…”