family dynamics

Abstract Less effective emotion regulation abilities during childhood represent a significant factor of risk for healthy child development. However, despite much research into less skilled emotion regulation abilities, findings about the outcomes of emotion regulation ability trajectories in adolescence are inconsistent. This may reflect methodological challenges in undertaking prospective longitudinal research, or a lack of clarity about factors that influence developmental outcomes. Therefore, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the prospective relation between early childhood (ages 3–6) emotion regulation abilities and adolescent outcomes (ages 13–16). Peer reviewed prospective longitudinal research studies published in English since 2015 were included in the review if they examined emotion regulation abilities in early childhood; assessed subsequent outcomes in adolescence; and examined risk, protective, or promotive factors associated with emotion trajectories. Statistical analyses utilized random effects models and reported pooled effect sizes within groups. Of 27,490 records identified, 16 studies were included in the systematic review, and 10 in the meta-analysis. Early emotion regulation abilities that were less adaptive predicted subsequent less adaptive regulation, psychiatric difficulties, academic concerns, and social challenges in adolescence. Risk and promotive factors for early childhood emotion regulation abilities included pregnancy-related factors, parental mental health, socioeconomic status, child characteristics, cognitive and behavioral traits, and family dynamics. This highlighted the complex interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. There was conflicting evidence about sex, suicidality, and externalizing behaviors, and quantitative analyses revealed high heterogeneity among the studies. The findings offer insights about the identification of youth at risk, and the development of targeted clinical interventions to enhance adolescent developmental outcomes.

The present study aimed to analyze parental grief and coping in response to children’s school failure within high-demand parenting. A qualitative, descriptive approach with a narrative design was used. Case-type sampling was used to select mothers and fathers characterized by exercising parenting centered on high demands and expectations. Information was obtained through interviews and analyzed using Thematic Analysis, allowing the identification of six themes: parental involvement in schoolwork, maternal centrality in parenting and education, idealization of filial success, maternal vicarious success, intolerance of the loss of excellence, and resistance to grief over filial failure. It was concluded that some mothers perceive their children’s performance as their own success or failure and that high expectations were associated with anger, frustration, sadness, and disappointment in response to unexpected results, as well as with difficulties in accepting grief over the loss of the idealized image of the son.

Pre-adolescence 9-12 years is a critical developmental period characterized by rapid biological, emotional, cognitive, and social changes that influence future mental health and well-being. Indian pre-adolescents increasingly encounter academic pressure, changing family dynamics, peer challenges, and extensive digital exposure, creating potential risks to emotional adjustment. Resilience, defined as the ability to adapt positively to adversity and recover from challenging experiences, is an important protective factor during this formative stage. This article aims to examine the determinants and dimensions of resilience among Indian pre-adolescents and to propose a culturally relevant, integrated framework for promoting resilience across biological, psychological, social, and digital domains. This article highlights key factors that strengthen resilience, including emotional regulation, self-esteem, self-compassion, problem-solving skills, supportive parenting, positive school environments, healthy peer relationships, and community connectedness. Digital resilience is also emphasized, encompassing safe technology use, digital literacy, responsible online behavior, and adaptive coping with cyberbullying, online risks, and excessive screen exposure. Based on existing evidence and contextual insights, the integrated pre-adolescent resilience model (IPARM) is proposed, integrating biological, psychological, social, and digital dimensions. Resilience promotion strategies are discussed at individual, family, school, community, and healthcare levels, with nurses and other health professionals playing an important role in early identification of vulnerable children, mental health promotion, and implementation of resilience-building interventions. Strengthening resilience during pre-adolescence represents a valuable preventive mental health strategy. A holistic and culturally responsive approach can foster emotional competence, psychological well-being, adaptability, and healthy development, enabling Indian children to navigate contemporary challenges and develop into confident and resilient individuals.