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01-07-2018 | Original Contribution

Trajectories of mental health problems in children of parents with mental health problems: results of the BELLA study

Authors: Angela Plass-Christl, Christiane Otto, Fionna Klasen, Silke Wiegand-Grefe, Claus Barkmann, Heike Hölling, Michael Schulte-Markwort, Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer

Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry | Issue 7/2018

Abstract

Children of parents with mental health problems (CPM) have an increased risk for behavioral and psychological problems. This study investigated the age- and gender-specific course as well as predictors of mental health problems in CPM using the longitudinal data (baseline 1- and 2-year follow-ups) of a German general population sample from the BELLA study. Children and adolescents aged 11–17 years (at baseline) who had a parent with mental health problems (n = 325) were analyzed. The mental health problems of the children were assessed by the self-reported version of the strengths and difficulties questionnaire (SDQ). We used individual growth modeling to investigate the age- and gender-specific course, and the effects of risk as well as personal, familial and social protective factors on self-reported mental health problems in CPM. Additionally, data were examined differentiating internalizing and externalizing mental health problems in CPM. Results indicated that female compared to male CPM showed increasing mental health problems with increasing age. Mental health problems in CPM were associated with lower self-efficacy, worse family climate and less social competence over time. Internalizing problems were associated with lower self-efficacy, less social competence and more severe parental mental health problems. Externalizing problems were associated with lower self-efficacy, worse family climate and lower social competence. The main limitations of the study are the short time period (2 years) covered and the report of mental health problems by only one parent. Our findings should be considered in the development of treatment and prevention programs for mental health problems in CPM.

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Title: Trajectories of mental health problems in children of parents with mental health problems: results of the BELLA study
Authors: Angela Plass-Christl
Christiane Otto
Fionna Klasen
Silke Wiegand-Grefe
Claus Barkmann
Heike Hölling
Michael Schulte-Markwort
Ulrike Ravens-Sieberer
Publication date: 01-07-2018
Publisher: Springer Berlin Heidelberg
Published in: European Child & Adolescent Psychiatry / Issue 7/2018
Print ISSN: 1018-8827
Electronic ISSN: 1435-165X
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00787-017-1084-x

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Trajectories of mental health problems in children of parents with mental health problems: results of the BELLA study

Abstract

At a glance: The STEP trials

Springer Medicine

Abstract

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