Lecture 4

• Risk factors for mental health problems in childhood

  • Prematurity & serious medical illness

  Infant temperament

  Attachment between infant & caregiver

  Psychopathology in parents

  Maternal depression & maternal substance abuse
• Risk factors for mental health problems in childhood (continued)

  • Marital quality & interactions...exposure to conflict can cause distress & problems in regulating behavior

  Poverty & social class

  Adolescent parenting

  Family violence, physical, emotional or sexual abuse

  Homelessness, disaster & discrimination
• Risk factors for mental health problems in Adolescent

  • Poverty, isolation & accommodation

  School factors relating to performance & attendance

  Adolescent's connectedness to family

  Family violence, peer friendships & nature of peer associations.eg. Delinquent peers

  Increased potential for suicide in families where there is abuse, violence & neglect, history of alcohol, drug abuse, suicide & depression
• Risk factors for mental health problems in early adulthood

  • Early adulthood is a time of greater risk to mental health problems

  Stresses linked to new roles at work & relationships & high expectations contribute to an increase in mental health problems at this time

  This period of chaos & pressure to make good decisions for the future can create risks

  Chaos, confusion & change present significant challenges for young adults

  Suicide risks associated with alcohol & drug abuse & depression also emerge in early adulthood
• Risk factors for mental health problems in middle adulthood

  • For women reproductive experiences of menstruation & menopause, pregnancy, birth or infertility are lifespan markers

  Psychosocial issues for women such as low self-esteem, poor coping skills & self reported stress are prevalent in women experiencing premenstrual syndrome(PMS) & menopause

  Pregnancy, childbirth & infertility cause responses in women...depression, psychosis, post traumatic stress disorder, postpartum depression distress & anxiety

  Life transitions: caring for aging parents, re-evaluating career paths

  Financial constraints & rising living costs contribute to financial problems
• Risk factors for mental health problems in older adulthood

  • May face issues of retirement, loss of physical & mental function, change in family & friendship networks & supports

  Increased rates of depression & anxiety related to loss of spouse, illness

  High rates of suicide due to depression...goes undetected & untreated

  For older women, poor physical health is a significant risk factor for depression
• RISK - INTERNAL

  • Delayed biological development

  Genetic predisposition

  Stress

  Anger

  Fragmented sense of self
• PROTECTIVE - INTERNAL

  • Optimal biological development & wellness

  Education/learning ability

  Temperament

  Positive sense of self/self-esteem

  Resilience
• RISK FACTORS- EXTERNAL

  • Poor childcare

  Ill or stressed family

  Inadequate parenting skills(insensitive/inconsistent)

  Abuse & neglect, poverty

  Violence, poor resources

  Loss & crises

  Stress
• PROTECTIVE FACTORS - EXTERNAL

  • Quality childcare support

  Consistent significant "other"

  Positive relationships

  Supportive school environments

  Positive peer group involvement

  Community networks & resources

  Government support programmes