Browsing by Author "Li, Lijun"

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    Disentangling family processes at multiple levels of analysis: data from a parenting program for military families
    (2022-06) Li, Lijun
    Depression is the most common psychopathology worldwide. It has genetic underpinnings and leads to dysfunction and maladjustment in many aspects of life. Military personnel have elevated risk for depression after combat exposure, which can be a source of stress for both the civilian spouse and the children. However, the role of depression influencing family dynamics and child development outcomes has been rarely examined in the post deployment population. ADAPT is a parenting training program designed for post deployment families. Its effectiveness has been demonstrated in increasing effective parenting practices and reducing overall distress; however, no research has explored whether an individual's genotype modifies the effectiveness of ADAPT. Study 1 investigated the association between parental depression, parental locus of control, and child negative emotionality utilizing a cross-lagged panel model. Results showed a consistent negative association between earlier child negative emotionality and later parental locus of control, and a negative association between earlier parental locus of control and later parental depression. These associations were significant for mothers only. Study 2 examined the effects of ADAPT in improving parental locus of control directly and reducing parental depression indirectly through the promotion of parental locus of control. Specifically, the role of genes was examined in moderated mediation models and a biologically informed baseline targeted moderated mediator model. The direct intervention effects in promoting parental locus of control and the indirect intervention effects in reducing parental depression were confirmed; however, these effects were not modified by parents’ genotype. The current dissertation highlighted the role of parental depression in influencing family functions in military families. It also demonstrated that ADAPT is a promising training program to reduce the risk and distress in post deployment families. The limitations, future directions, and implications are discussed.
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    Perception of COVID-19 on the Employment and well-being Among Young Adults
    (2021) Li, Lijun; Serido, Joyce; Sorgente, Angela; Fonseca, Gabriela; Lanz, Margherita; Lep, Žan; Vosylis, Rimantas
    During emerging adulthood (EA, 18-30 years old), individuals are expected to become financially self-sufficient, and the most common pathway is through employment. Many EAs were struggling to secure stable employment. As a result, EAs are taking longer to become financially self-sufficient and many continue to rely on family financial support in the third decade of life. The economic impact of COVID-19 restrictions on employment made it even more difficult for EAs. Specifically, many young workers lost their job, meanwhile some others are still employed but had significant income loss. The current study examined the impact of job loss and income loss due to COVID-19 on EAs worldwide by collecting data from 2,282 participants across six countries. Guided by the stress appraisal theory and life course theory, we conceptualized COVID-19 as a turning point, which created stressors such as job loss and income loss that disrupted the lives of EAs. We found that stressors such as job loss and income loss are associated with psychological well-being as well as general and future financial well-being. Specifically, this association was mediated by EAs’ primary appraisal, which was indicated by whether they perceived the pandemic as an opportunity or misfortune.