Africa Knowledge Hub for Children

OtherCrossref4 Nov 2023

Child and Adolescent Time Use and Well-Being: A Study of Current Debates and Empirical Evidence

The way children and adolescents use their time in daily activities is critical for their present and future well-being. This study discusses current scholarship on children’s and adolescents’ time use by examining (1) how child and adolescent daily activity patterns matter for well-being outcomes; (2) how child and adolescent time use differs by demographic and socioeconomic factors; (3) what role national contexts play in shaping different time-use patterns among children and adolescents. The study discusses evidence across different high-income countries by analysing research addressing six types of activities (i.e., family activities; educational activities; screen-based activities; physical activities; sleep; and unpaid domestic work) and considering variations across five key demographic factors (i.e., parental work characteristics; socioeconomic background; family structure; gender; and ethnicity/race). The paper concludes with a discussion of the main findings from this literature and with recommendations of future research in the field of child and adolescent time use.

Pablo Gracia

DevelopmentSurvivalRead at source

OtherCrossref1 Jan 2026

Child Health and Functional Well-Being in Changing Social Contexts

Child health is not defined by diagnoses but by how children function in daily life. Social disruption has reshaped sleep, activity, and participation, producing diffuse, overlapping difficulties that resist traditional categories. This review advances a functional, biopsychosocial lens, arguing that clinical success lies in restoring everyday participation rather than labeling disease.

Maria Noel Arana, Romina Alejandra Torres, Sandra Susana Arroyo Giuliani

DevelopmentParticipationRead at source

Peer-reviewed articleCrossref25 Sept 2025

The use of Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) in child well-being research: a scoping review of research on child well-being research and interventions

Abstract Background Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) is a method for examining configurational causality by identifying pathways that lead to an outcome of interest. There is a growing body of literature that uses QCA to measure child well-being due to its ability to generate evidence of causality for complex social phenomena. This scoping review examines how QCA studies are being employed to investigate child well-being and assesses the potential of QCA as a method to produce intervention-focused evidence and to contribute to future methodological development to address the complexity of child well-being. Method We systematically searched Embase, PsyINFO, MEDLINE, Social Policy and Practice, Global Health, Econlit, Scopus and Web of Science for peer-reviewed studies that had used QCA methods in child well-being studies. We searched studies published in English up until 2023. Systematic reviews and meta-analyses using QCA were excluded due to insufficient methodological detail for inclusion in our analysis. We followed the PRISMA-ScR flowchart and guidelines for study screening to ensure a systematic selection process. Data extraction was undertaken to capture information of most relevance to QCA best practice. Data were analysed using a basic qualitative content analysis approach. Results The search identified 626 papers, of which 28 met our inclusion criteria. Dimensions of well-being included: psychological/mental health (n = 9); physical health (n = 2); language development under education (n = 1); socio-emotional health (n = 7); physical and psychological/mental health (n = 3), psychological/mental health and education (n = 1); and multi-dimensional health (n = 3). Two studies stated explicitly that they used well-being concepts—subjective well-being and psychological well-being. Most studies (n = 23) were predominantly in high income countries (HIC). Commonly reported strengths of QCA were the capacity to a) describe various pathways or combinations of pathways to the same outcome (equifinality); and b) examine conjunctural causation (combination of absent/present conditions), known as ‘causal complexity’. Weaknesses related to a) generalisability of the data; and b) the number of causal conditions that can be included in the analysis. Our findings suggest that QCA can be effectively used alongside traditional analyses to provide a more nuanced understanding. Conclusion QCA is a promising method with potential to address complexity when assessing the different dimensions of child well-being. More comprehensive guidelines are now available that offer good practices to enhance the quality of the QCA research. To build greater confidence using this method, scholars are recommended to adhere to these good practices to establish the highest levels of transparency of the analysis.

Aye Thiri Kyaw, Meghna Ranganathan, Cathy Zimmerman et al.

DevelopmentRead at source

Peer-reviewed articleCrossref14 Oct 2025

Seven-Year Outcomes in ASD: Associations with Parental Well-Being, Empathy, and Child Functioning

Introduction: The present study was conducted with objective of investigating long-term outcomes in individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) during childhood. Investigation focused on current symptom severity and social functioning, and it examined role of parental psychological well-being, empathy, and parent-child relationship. Methods: A total of 64 subjects who had previously been diagnosed with ASD were subject of a re-evaluation seven years after their initial diagnosis. Participants were divided into two groups: those who retained their ASD diagnosis (n=53) and those who no longer met diagnostic criteria (n=11). The clinical assessments comprised CARS, ABC, SRS, and ASSP for participants, and BSI, FAST, EQ, and PCRS for their parents. Multiple linear regression and correlation analyses were used to examine associations between autism symptom severity, social skills, and parental variables. Results: Greater autism severity was associated with lower social skills, reduced parental empathy, and higher parental psychopathology. Parental empathy (EQ) and positive dimension of parent-child relationship (PCRS) were significantly higher in loss of ASD group. Parental empathy (EQ) and child social functioning (ASSP) positively predicted quality of parent-child relationship (PCRS). Higher parental psychiatric symptoms (BSI) and lower child social functioning significantly predicted greater autism severity (CARS). Conclusions: The severity of autism and an individual’s social functioning are closely interlinked, with child characteristics having strong predictive power. Parental mental health and empathy have been shown to have a significant impact on the developmental outcomes and relational dynamics of their children.

Elif Tortop, Fevzi Tuna Ocakoğlu, Sezen Kose

DevelopmentRead at source

Peer-reviewed articleCrossref3 Nov 2020

COVID‐19 and worsening parent‐child well‐being

It's not surprising that more than a quarter of parents have reported worsening of their mental health, and 14.3% worsening of their children's behavioral health. These changes, reported in Pediatrics, compared March 2020 to June 2020.

Alison Knopf

DevelopmentRead at source

OtherCrossref21 Feb 2025

The Importance of Psychological Well-Being for Women: Ways to Cope with Stress and Postnatal Depression

Psychological well-being is essential for women’s health, affecting various aspects of life, including social roles, work-life balance, and maternal responsibilities. This chapter highlights its importance, addressing factors such as societal expectations, biological differences, and life events like pregnancy and motherhood. Women’s mental health is increasingly recognized in public health due to its broad implications. Emphasis is placed on stress and postnatal depression, exploring their biological, social, and cultural foundations and their influence on mental health. Postpartum depression, a significant condition with far-reaching effects on both the mother and her family, is discussed extensively, including its causes, symptoms, and impact on family dynamics. The importance of prevention, early intervention, and treatment is also examined. Coping strategies for stress and postpartum depression, such as psychosocial interventions, social support mechanisms, and group therapies, are explored as crucial elements in mental health recovery. Additionally, the integration of biological treatments, including antidepressants and hormonal therapies, with psychosocial methods is reviewed to optimize outcomes. This chapter also underscores the role of social support networks and societal awareness in addressing postpartum depression, advocating for policy development and community-based solutions. Lastly, it examines the long-term impacts on maternal mental health and mother-child relationships, emphasizing the need for sustainable mental health strategies. This analysis aims to promote awareness, prevention, and treatment of women’s mental health issues, with a focus on postpartum depression.

Ibrahim Dag, Vasfiye Bayram Deger

SurvivalDevelopmentRead at source

Peer-reviewed articleCrossref1 Jan 2026

The Erosion of the Immigrant Paradox: Acculturation, Gender, and Child Well-being in the Child Welfare System

Objective: This study examines the ”immigrant paradox” in child well-being among 3,298 children involved in the U.S. child welfare system, comparing outcomes for those with U.S.-born versus foreign-born caregivers. It further investigates how acculturation factors and gender shape behavioral problems, violence exposure, and trauma in immigrant families.,Methods: Using longitudinal data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being III (2017–2022), reports from children, caregivers, and caseworkers across 61 counties were analyzed. Logistic regression models, adjusted for demographic and risk factors, assessed disparities in well-being and the moderating effects of acculturation.,Results: Children of U.S.-born caregivers were more than twice as likely to exhibit behavioral problems (OR = 2.21, 95% CI = 1.12–4.36) and externalizing issues (OR = 2.69, 95% CI = 1.31–5.53). However, a clear ”erosion of protection” emerged as acculturation increased: each additional year in the U.S. raised the odds of violence exposure by 5%. Girls in immigrant families faced 4.76 times higher odds of trauma than their U.S.-born counterparts (OR = 4.76, 95% CI = 1.04–25.00), and linguistic isolation was associated with 3.45 times higher odds of internalizing problems.,Conclusions: Immigrant families appear to enter child welfare with cultural protective factors that weaken over time and differ by gender. Findings underscore the need for gender-responsive, culturally and linguistically informed child welfare interventions that address the unique traumatic pressures experienced by immigrant girls and the compounding effects of long-term U.S. residency.

Chien-jen Chiang, Miyoun Yang, Maryam Rafieifar et al.

ProtectionDevelopmentUSRead at source

OtherCrossref1 Jan 2024

The Effects of the 2021 Child Tax Credit on Parents’ Psychological Well-Being

Although improving psychological well-being was not the explicit focus of the 2021 expanded Child Tax Credit (CTC), psychological health outcomes may have been affected by the positive income shocks generated by the credit. In this chapter we ask: How did the 2021 expanded CTC affect parents’ psychological well-being? Some studies have found that the CTC led to reductions in parental reports of clinical levels of depression and anxiety and in subclinical depressive and anxiety symptoms. Using similar methods, other studies have found no effect on these same outcomes. Importantly, however, the evidence does not point to the CTC worsening psychological well-being. We conclude that the evidence so far is thin, narrow, and mixed, even when our review is expanded to comparable studies on the impact of income support. Alignment of policy objectives with a broader range of measurement approaches will be important in building a more conclusive evidence base.

Lisa A. Gennetian, Anna Gassman-Pines

USRead at source

Peer-reviewed articleCrossref19 Aug 2025

How the Father-Child Relationship Shapes a Child’s Emotional and Behavioral Well-Being: Key Influencing Factors

Abstract Objectives Fathers provide emotional stability and security, which promotes normal mental development in children. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the father-child relationship on a child's behavioral and emotional well-being and its associated factors in Palestine. Methods This cross-sectional, descriptive, correlational, quantitative, non-experimental study involved a representative sample of fathers who had children aged between 4 and 17 years in Palestine. Data were collected using the Child-Parent Relationship Scale (CPRS) to assess the strength of the father-child relationship and the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) to examine the child’s emotional and behavioral well-being. Results Since a close relationship between a father and a child reflects a child's emotional and behavioral well-being, the results suggest that a father-child relationship impacts a child's emotional and behavioral well-being. Behavioral issues and emotional symptoms worsen in a father-child relationship characterized by conflict. Conclusion It is feasible to undertake a study that discusses the impact of this relationship from the perspective of the child and launches public awareness campaigns that highlight the unique role of fathers, the value of their involvement, and its effects on their children’s safety and emotional and behavioral well-being.

Imad Asmar

DevelopmentPSRead at source

OtherCrossref1 Jan 2023

Minimum Wage, Worker Quality, and Consumer Well-Being: Evidence from the Child Care Market

This paper combines multiple data sources to study the impact of the minimum wage on service quality and consumer well-being within the child care market. Although child care firms increase teacher pay in response to minimum wage reforms, we find no impact on employment levels. Instead, providers respond by implementing a range of other revenue-enhancing and cost-saving practices, such as raising prices, increasing child-to-staff ratios, and serving fewer children in the child care subsidy system. We also find evidence that service quality increases: staff turnover declines, teachers are more likely to make human capital investments, and teacher-child interactions improve. Despite the increase in quality, parents report that they are less satisfied with their child care provider, a result we attribute to the increase in prices.

Jessica Brown, Chris M. Herbst

DevelopmentRead at source

Every report we find, newest first.

How to use the reports

Child and Adolescent Time Use and Well-Being: A Study of Current Debates and Empirical Evidence

Child Health and Functional Well-Being in Changing Social Contexts

The use of Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) in child well-being research: a scoping review of research on child well-being research and interventions

Seven-Year Outcomes in ASD: Associations with Parental Well-Being, Empathy, and Child Functioning

COVID‐19 and worsening parent‐child well‐being

The Importance of Psychological Well-Being for Women: Ways to Cope with Stress and Postnatal Depression

The Erosion of the Immigrant Paradox: Acculturation, Gender, and Child Well-being in the Child Welfare System

The Effects of the 2021 Child Tax Credit on Parents’ Psychological Well-Being

How the Father-Child Relationship Shapes a Child’s Emotional and Behavioral Well-Being: Key Influencing Factors

Minimum Wage, Worker Quality, and Consumer Well-Being: Evidence from the Child Care Market

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