Understanding mental health dynamics within households with an extended psychopathology network perspective
This project aims to explore the multivariate dynamics of family mental health using longitudinal data from the UK Understanding Society study. By employing extended psychopathology network analysis, we will examine how mental health symptoms in different family members – specifically among parents, children, and siblings – interconnect and change over time. We will look at key symptoms playing a central or bridging role within the network.
The study will also integrate critical background and environmental factors to uncover the complex interplay between these factors and understand their influence on mental health outcomes. Key factors associated with mental health include: (1) demographic factors such as ethnicity, age, and gender of each family member, (2) family background factors such as socioeconomic status (SES), parental education, and employment, (3) family functioning and relationship factors, including family relationships, sibling bullying, and parenting styles.
Our research will make a significant contribution to the understanding of family mental health by identifying key symptoms and dominant persons that drive mental health dynamics across different developmental stages, and what factors predict these dynamics. This knowledge will help provide crucial insight into the development of prevention and intervention programmes, particularly in the context of reducing mental health challenges in children and adolescents, and their parents. From a policy perspective, the findings of this project could inform the development of family-centred mental health interventions and policies.
Read more about Zhaotian’s work on her ResearchGate profile.
