Browsing by Author "Buchwald K"

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Centrality statistics of symptom networks of schizophrenia: a systematic review
(Cambridge University Press, 2024-01-04) Buchwald K; Narayanan A; Siegert RJ; Vignes M; Arrowsmith K; Sandham M
The network theory of psychological disorders posits that systems of symptoms cause, or are associated with, the expression of other symptoms. Substantial literature on symptom networks has been published to date, although no systematic review has been conducted exclusively on symptom networks of schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophreniform (people diagnosed with schizophrenia; PDS). This study aims to compare statistics of the symptom network publications on PDS in the last 21 years and identify congruences and discrepancies in the literature. More specifically, we will focus on centrality statistics. Thirty-two studies met the inclusion criteria. The results suggest that cognition, and social, and occupational functioning are central to the network of symptoms. Positive symptoms, particularly delusions were central among participants in many studies that did not include cognitive assessment. Nodes representing cognition were most central in those studies that did. Nodes representing negative symptoms were not as central as items measuring positive symptoms. Some studies that included measures of mood and affect found items or subscales measuring depression were central nodes in the networks. Cognition, and social, and occupational functioning appear to be core symptoms of schizophrenia as they are more central in the networks, compared to variables assessing positive symptoms. This seems consistent despite heterogeneity in the design of the studies.
Factors predicting parenting stress in the autism spectrum disorder context: A network analysis approach
(PLOS, 2025-04-21) Buchwald K; Shepherd D; Siegert RJ; Vignes M; Landon J; Singh AS
Elevated levels of parenting stress have been reported in parents raising an Autistic child. Previous studies have identified a multitude of predictors of parenting stress, including both child-related and parent-related factors, though findings across studies are not always in agreement. In the present study we investigate the determinants of parenting stress using a Network Analysis approach, which is then used to inform a subsequent structural equation model. New Zealand parents (n = 490) of a child diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) provided data on their Autistic child (e.g., ASD core symptoms, problem behaviours) and themselves (i.e., parenting stress). The analysis revealed that both child and parent demographic factors were poor predictors of parenting stress, while the child’s current language and communication ability were correlated with diagnostic age and parenting stress. An earlier diagnostic age, in turn, suggested better behavioural and emotional outcomes for children. Overall, the Network Analysis showed itself to be an informative approach to understanding parenting stress in the ASD context. Findings further advocate for the implementation of ASD-related and language-related interventions as early as possible, and that language delays during early infancy justify prompt clinical assessment.
Using network analysis to identify factors influencing the heath-related quality of life of parents caring for an autistic child
(Elsevier Ltd., 2024-09-01) Shepherd D; Buchwald K; Siegert RJ; Vignes M
BACKGROUND: Raising an autistic child is associated with increased parenting stress relative to raising typically developing children. Increased parenting stress is associated with lower parent wellbeing, which in turn can negatively impact child wellbeing. AIMS: The current study sought to quantify parenting stress and parent health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in the autism context, and further understand the relationship between them by employing a relatively novel statistical method, Network Analysis. METHODS AND PROCEDURES: This cross-sectional study involved 476 parents of an autistic child. Parents completed an online survey requesting information on parent and child characteristics, parent's perceptions of their autistic child's symptoms and problem behaviours, and assessed their parenting stress and HRQOL. OUTCOMES AND RESULTS: Relative to normative data, parent HRQOL was significantly lower in terms of physical health and mental wellbeing. The structure extracted by the Network Analysis indicated that child age and externalising behaviours were the main contributors to parenting stress, and that externalising behaviours, ASD core behavioural symptoms, and parenting stress predicted HRQOL. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Parental responses to child-related factors likely determine parent HRQOL. Findings are discussed in relation to the transactional model, emphasising the importance of both parent and child wellbeing.