Childhood maltreatment is a key risk factor for conduct disorder (CD), and the “ecophenotype hypothesis” suggests that maltreatment-related versus non-maltreatment-related CD are neurobiologically distinct. This may explain inconsistent findings in previous structural connectivity studies of CD. We tested this hypothesis by comparing youth with CD with (CD/+) versus without (CD/−) childhood physical or sexual abuse in white-matter microstructure. Diffusion tensor imaging data were collected from 100 CD and 169 control participants aged 9–18 years. Using Tract-Based Spatial Statistics, we compared the CD and control groups in fractional anisotropy, and axial, radial and mean diffusivity, then compared the CD/+ (n = 39) and CD/− (n = 61) subgroups and controls. The combined CD group had higher fractional anisotropy in the corpus callosum than controls. When divided by abuse history, only the CD/− subgroup exhibited higher corpus callosum fractional anisotropy than controls; the CD/+ subgroup did not differ from controls. Comparing the CD subgroups, the CD/+ subgroup displayed higher superior longitudinal fasciculus axial diffusivity than the CD/− subgroup. Notably, sex-stratified analyses yielded different findings in all-male and all-female samples. Findings support the ecophenotype hypothesis, demonstrating microstructural differences between the CD/+ and CD/− subgroups and emphasizing the importance of considering abuse/maltreatment (and sex) in future studies.

There is increasing evidence that resilience in youth may have a neurobiological basis. However, the existing literature lacks a consistent way of operationalizing resilience, often relying on arbitrary judgments or narrow definitions (e.g., not developing PTSD) to classify individuals as resilient. Therefore, this study used data-driven, continuous resilience scores based on adversity and psychopathology to investigate associations between resilience and brain structure in youth. Structural MRI data from 298 youth aged 9–18 years (Mage = 13.51; 51% female) who participated in the European multisite FemNAT-CD study were preprocessed using SPM12 and analyzed using voxel-based morphometry. Resilience scores were derived by regressing data on adversity exposure against current/lifetime psychopathology and quantifying each individual’s distance from the regression line. General linear models tested for associations between resilience and gray matter volume (GMV) and examined whether associations between resilience and GMV differed by sex. Resilience was positively correlated with GMV in the right inferior frontal and medial frontal gyri. Sex-by-resilience interactions were observed in the middle temporal and middle frontal gyri. These findings demonstrate that resilience in youth is associated with volume in brain regions implicated in executive functioning, emotion regulation, and attention. Our results also provide evidence for sex differences in the neurobiology of resilience.

Public representations of long-term residential care (LTRC) facilities have received limited focus in Canada, although literature from other countries indicates that public perceptions of LTRC tend to be negative, particularly in contexts that prioritize aging and dying in place. Using Manitoba as the study context, we investigate a question of broad relevance to the Canadian perspective; specifically, what are current public perceptions of the role and function of long-term care in the context of a changing health care system? Through critical discourse analysis, we identify four overarching discourses dominating public perceptions of LTRC: the problem of public aging, LTRC as an imperfect solution to the problem, LTRC as ambiguous social spaces, and LTRC as a last resort option. Building on prior theoretical work, we suggest that public perceptions of LTRC are informed by neoliberal discourses that privilege individual responsibility and problematize public care.

While research on men's mental health is increasing, it has not typically focused on the intersections between ageing, masculinity and mental health in a rural context. Given the significant increase not only in our global ageing population, but also our growing awareness of mental health problems in the general population, understanding men as they grow older in relation to mental health is a notable gap in research. In this paper, the authors explore the ageing experiences of male participants over 50 with self-identified mental health problems in rural Manitoba. We draw on semi-structured qualitative interviews from a larger project which focused on the diversity of rural men's perceptions, experiences and expressions of mental health and wellness. Specifically, we explore how these men reflect on their mental health and wellness. Participants in the study described their experiences as a cumulative process of making meaning, developing strategies, resources and a more positive sense of self – but sometimes also simply for survival. Men's sense of time over time – looking back and reflecting on the present and the future – appears to be a critical resource and a positive coping strategy for these men associated with ageing. The main themes include sustaining relationships; work, retirement and volunteering; and reflections on physical and emotional health. Our paper concludes with a discussion of the implications for new research on ageing men's mental health in a rural context.

Less is known about the relationship between conduct disorder (CD), callous–unemotional (CU) traits, and positive and negative parenting in youth compared to early childhood. We combined traditional univariate analyses with a novel machine learning classifier (Angle-based Generalized Matrix Learning Vector Quantization) to classify youth (N = 756; 9–18 years) into typically developing (TD) or CD groups with or without elevated CU traits (CD/HCU, CD/LCU, respectively) using youth- and parent-reports of parenting behavior. At the group level, both CD/HCU and CD/LCU were associated with high negative and low positive parenting relative to TD. However, only positive parenting differed between the CD/HCU and CD/LCU groups. In classification analyses, performance was best when distinguishing CD/HCU from TD groups and poorest when distinguishing CD/HCU from CD/LCU groups. Positive and negative parenting were both relevant when distinguishing CD/HCU from TD, negative parenting was most relevant when distinguishing between CD/LCU and TD, and positive parenting was most relevant when distinguishing CD/HCU from CD/LCU groups. These findings suggest that while positive parenting distinguishes between CD/HCU and CD/LCU, negative parenting is associated with both CD subtypes. These results highlight the importance of considering multiple parenting behaviors in CD with varying levels of CU traits in late childhood/adolescence.

Based on previous community research, we prioritise the need to understand better how experiences and feelings of invisibility could be shaped by relational dynamics, interfacing with service provision, and social forces, with the overarching view of understanding better the experiences of participants living with Parkinson's disease. A photovoice methodology was employed. A discussion of one case study of Bindy and Volta leads to a better understanding of how strong spousal support can significantly alter how one individual experiences and defines living with Parkinson's.

Although participating in community social programming is associated with positive physical and mental health outcomes for older adults, older men participate less often than women. Men's Sheds is a community programme used primarily by older men that originated in Australia and is well established there. The goal of the current study was to explore men's perceptions of the need for Men's Sheds and issues concerning access to them in Canada, a country with a small but growing Men's Sheds movement. We conducted focus groups with 64 men aged 55 years and older, including Men's Sheds members and men from the community who were unfamiliar with this programme, and analysed the data using the framework analytic approach. The data revealed two primary themes concerning: (a) the need for male-focused community programmes, including the sub-themes reducing isolation, forming friendships and engaging in continued learning; and (b) access to programmes, including the sub-themes points of contact, sustaining attendance and barriers. Findings suggest that in order to reduce the likelihood of isolation and increase opportunities for social engagement, exposure to the concept of male-focused programming should begin before retirement age. In addition, such programmes should be mindful of how they are branded and marketed in order to create spaces that are welcoming to new and diverse members.

Community programmes have been shown to provide social and emotional benefits for older adults. The vast majority of community programmes for older adults are either mixed-sex or female-oriented in their activities and composition. As such, there is a scarcity of both opportunities for, and research focusing on older male adults’ participation in community programmes geared towards men. The present study describes the experiences of older male adults throughout their involvement in a male-oriented community programme. Participants described their involvement in the community programme on the basis of their characteristics and experiences that preceded their involvement, the characteristics of their current involvement, and aspects of the programme and their participation that promoted their continued involvement. The findings of this study have potential utility for community organisations aiming to increase the involvement of older men in their programmes. Furthermore, the findings indicate that community programme participation has the potential to promote social engagement and healthy, active ageing among older men.

Little research can be found describing social aspects of aging with human immunodeficiency virus infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) in Canada specifically, despite an overall increase in an aging population and increased numbers of those aging with HIV/AIDS. A systematic literature review was conducted with a selective focus on social aspects related to older adults who are living with or at risk for contracting HIV/AIDS. The primary themes that emerged in the literature are ageism and stigma, gender, mental health, and social supports. Recommendations for future research regarding prevention and education of risks for older adults and programming suitable for a wide range of audiences are presented.

In 2010, approximately 500,000 Canadians suffered from a dementia-related illness. The number of sufferers is estimated to double in about 25 years. Due to this growing demographic, dementia (most frequently caused by Alzheimer’s disease) will increasingly have a significant impact on our aging community and their caregivers. Dementia is associated with challenging behaviours such as agitation, wandering, and aggression. Care providers must find innovative strategies that facilitate the quality of life for this population; moreover, such strategies must value the individual person. Social commitment robots – designed specifically with communication and therapeutic purposes – provide one means towards attaining this goal. This paper describes a study in which Paro (a robotic baby harp seal) was used as part of a summer training program for students. Preliminary conclusions suggest that the integration of social commitment robots may be clinically valuable for older, agitated persons living with dementia in long-term care settings.

Objective: Little attention has been paid in research to the palliative care of those dying with dementia. This literature review summarizes current research in the social sciences, including medical sociology on palliative care in the example of dementia.

Methods: A designated set of search words was applied to a comprehensive set of university-based search engines to ensure that relevant social science research since 200 was included.

Results: Primary themes discussed in the article include person-centered care, grief, agitation, aggression, pain management, care provision, training and education, decision-making, primary settings of care, and spirituality and dignity. Other key gaps in the literature are discussed.

Significance of the results: Given the projected increase within the next 20 years of people dying with dementia (Hanrahan et al., 2001), palliative care for those dying with dementia will become more relevant than ever.