Children growing up without both parents or with a single parent may have a risk of acquiring mental illness than children who are living with their biological parents, according to a new study.
The University College London researchers, in their Millennium Cohort study, showed that children that had been with their biological parents had the lowest level of total difficulties for about 12 percent. These include conduct problems, peer problems, emotional problems, and hyperactivity.
Children who are living without their parents or with single parent households had 28 percent difficulties in the above areas while children with "step-families" and "blended" had a 26 percent level of difficulties. The study involves examination of the mental health of 10,448 11- year- old children in the United Kingdom.
"Mental health is somewhat environmental and somewhat genetic, and it plays a huge role in the makeup of families," Dr. Deborah Gilboa said, a family physician and parenting expert. Although she agreed on the new study, she emphasized that it is an association rather than a cause.
She further added that families must not panic about the mental health of their children. "It's important to be cognizant of the dangers so that you can be on the lookout for problems early on," she said. "That way, if you see any signs of trouble, you can grab all the resources you and your child need-financially, psychologically, and educationally-as soon as possible. Early intervention makes a huge difference in mental health."
Meanwhile, Mental Health America shared some protective factors on preventing mental health problems for children. These include a loving relationship with a parent or extended families, positive peer relationship, parent's supportive relationship with his children, good coping skills, interest in and success at school, ability to articulate the children's feelings, healthy engagement with other people, parental employment, positive self-esteem, and support from extended families.
