Showing papers in "Family Relations in 1985"

Burden and coping strategies of caregivers to Alzheimer's patients.

Abstract: The investigators of this project examined several coping strategies used by caregivers of Alzheimer's disease patients and the relationship of those strategies to the caregivers' subjective sense of burden. Two hundred forty subjects were surveyed. Differences in burden scores were not significantly affected by caregivers' age, sex, income, education, or patient residence (i.e., community dwellings, institutions). However, burden scores were significantly related to caregivers' health status. Also burden scores were not significantly related to presence of confidant or support group membership. Three internal coping strategies (confidence in problem-solving, reframing the problem, and passivity) and two external coping strategies (spiritual support and extended family) were found to be significantly related to caregiver burden scores. Implications for future research and intervention programs are discussed.

Work/Family Role Strain among Employed Parents.

Abstract: The determinants of work/family role strain are explored with the use of an inductive multivariate model of job tension among employed parents. The analysis was based on questionnaire data obtained from 468 working parents in a medium-sized Southeastern metropolitan county in 1979. Three broad categories of independent variables were examined as possible sources of job tension: individual-level, familylevel and work-related variables. It was found that work-related variables, as a group, have the greatest impact on job tension. The paper addresses several policy implications of the findings.

The Grandparent/Grandchild Relationship: Family Resource in an Era of Voluntary Bonds.

Abstract: As a result of basic demographic changes, the grandparent/grandchild relationship has the potential for spanning three to four decades of life. In light of this newly emerging family phenomenon the present article reviews the grandparent/grandchild relationship relative to the older adult, the middle generation, and the grandchild. The role of grandparents as a potential family resource is discussed and implications for family life programming are suggested.

Battered Women and Their Families: intervention strategies and treatment programs

Abstract: Designed to provide in-depth guidelines for the most effective interventions in Family Violence, the volume explains the procedures used in a number of innovative programs. Highlighted by explicit and often dramatic case material, the editor points to the need for therapeutic attention to all family members. The reader will also find the implications for practice gleaned from the latest research on battered women. Completely revised and updated, this volume focuses on short-term treatment and intervention, as well as working with special populations that include multicultural groups and oppressed/vulnerable populations. Dr. Roberts also addresses domestic violence in health care settings. Any practitioner in the field of domestic violence-experienced or in training should consider this essential reading.

Courtship Violence Experienced by Abused Wives: Similarities in Patterns of Abuse

Abstract: The relationship between courtship violence and later spouse abuse was investigated. Subjects were 82 women clients at domestic violence shelters across the state of Michigan whose histories were examined with regard to physical violence during childhood, courtship and marriage in an attempt to discern patterns of experience. Findings demonstrate a remarkable similarity between courtship and marital violence. The existence of relationship violence rather than courtship or spouse abuse as separate phenomena is suggested.

A longitudinal study of battered children of battered wives.

Abstract: Twenty-seven battered women with children under 18 who had sought help at a shelter were interviewed about violence and abuse to their children by themselves and the men involved using a modified Conflict Tactics Scale (CTS). Twenty-one of these women were reinterviewed 6 months later. Longitudinal comparisons indicated that the total group of children were abused less after the woman's stay at the shelter, but a significant proportion maintained patterns of violence and abuse. Most of the reduction resulted from women no longer living with abusive men. Discussion focuses on implications for intervention at a shelter.

Courtship Violence and Sex-Typing.

Abstract: The 1970's might reasonably be described as the decade in which social science "discovered" domestic violence (e.g., wife abuse). The magnitude of the problem was given sharp definition by Straus, Gelles and Steinmetz (1980) who reported that in a representative sample of 2,143 American households, one in six would be the setting for violence between husband and wife. Yet, the burgeoning literature in this area has consisted largely of anecdotal information about abused women, paralleled by a striking paucity of data about the men who abuse them (Bernard & Bernard, 1984; Ponzetti, Cate & Koval, 1982; Walker, 1979). The 1980's saw a shift in emphasis which, incidentally, shows promise of helping to overcome what has been a chronic problem with data collection in this area. Makepeace (1981) reported on what has come to be known as "courtship violence" using 202 college students as his subject pool. He found an incidence of violence in this population that is comparable to that reported for married couples by Straus et al. (1980). While his results were of interest in their own right, his study also indicated that college students, traditional subjects for social science research, could reasonably be utilized for research on violence

Grandfathers and Grandchildren: Patterns of Association, Helping, and Psychological Closeness.

Abstract: The present study analyzed data from 99 grandfathers living in a rural transitional area with regard to patterns of association and helping and levels of affect. The data showed the grandfather role to be of little relative importance as seen through low levels of interaction and priority as a role. This was despite the fact that older men had relatively high expectations for assistance from grandchildren in times of need. Geographical proximity was the factor most consistently related to the grandfathergrandchild relationship. The data suggest the low instrumental value of grandfathergrandchild roles and the areas in which they possibly may be strengthened.

The Not-So-Empty-Nest: The Return of the Fledgling Adult

Abstract: Adult children are returning home in increasing numbers. These "fledgling adults" are responding to traditional problems of unemployment and financial need, but more subtle factors such as dependence, protection needs and parental happiness appear to be involved in long-term stays in the parental household. Combined surveys identify factors for successful living arrangements, and areas of conflict and dissatisfaction. Issues of special interest to marriage and family therapists are discussed with suggestions for future research.

Critical Factors Affecting Family Compliance with Home Treatment for Children with Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract: The author of this investigation focused on 72 two-parent families who had one or more children with cystic fibrosis living at home to determine what critical family factors are associated with the family's ability to comply with prescribed home treatment. Using the FAAR Model to conceptualize and operationalize the critical variables of demands, resources, family definition, and coping, it was possible to explain 51% of the observed variability in family compliance. These findings indicate the value of focusing on psychosocial family factors in the delivery of health care services and point to the need for further empirical studies for validation of the important role the family has in the health of its members.

Mature and teenage mothers infant growth expectations and use of child development information sources.

Abstract: A home interview and Parent Expectation Scale are used with a group of mature mothers and a group of teenage mothers to assess their knowledge or expectations about infant growth and development and to determine the sources they used or would use to obtain needed child development information. The results suggest that: 1) mothers education age and type of occupation affect both their expectations for infant development and the sources they use to obtain information; 2) a range of sources are used by most mothers to gather information with mature mothers relying most heavily on books and magazines while teenage mothers rely most heavily on family; and 3) there is a substantial body of knowledge about infant development that these mothers regardless of familial characteristics do not possess. If educators and child development specialists wish to provide parents with information they must consider carefully specific characteristics of the target audience. The heavy use of mother and grandmother for child development information by teenage mothers suggests a need for an intergenerational study to compare the knowledge base of grandmothers mothers and teenage mothers.

Problem Areas in Stepfamilies: Cohesion, Adaptability, and the Stepfather-Adolescent Relationship.

Abstract: In this study 28 stepfamilies were compared with 28 first-marriage families on family functioning and the quality of the stepfather-adolescent relationship. As hypothesized, ratings by the mother, father or stepfather, and adolescent indicated lower family cohesion and adaptability and lower quality in the male parent-adolescent relationship in stepfamilies. Quality of the mother-adolescent relationship and marital satisfaction did not differ by family type. Length of remarriage, amount and quality of contact with the biological father, and adolescent gender were not related to stepfamily functioning. Implications of these findings are discussed.

Attitudes of Adolescent Males toward Adolescent Pregnancy and Fatherhood.

Abstract: The role of the male in adolescent pregnancy decision making is often ignored This paper explores the etiology of teenage pregnancy and the views of teenage males towards adolescent fatherhood Male willingness to participate in pregnancy decision making is evaluated It is the hypothesized that a males willingness to cooperate may depend on his acceptance of his partners decision Adolescent males in the Kitchener Waterloo area of Ontario Canda were surveyed by questionnaire Data from 74 respondents was used and derived from a group of 222 adolescent males who accompanied their partners to a birth control clinic 15 from a hospital abortion clinic 12 from a social services agency 22 from a community college; the remainder were partners of women from a local maternity home Respondents were unanimous in their desire to be told of a pregnancy while less than 8% felt inclined to break off the relationship on this basis They were almost unanimous in their willingness to begin decision making and slightly less than unanimous in their willingness to discuss pregnancy termination In casual dating relationships 64% preferred the continuation of pregnancy in contrast to 86% for those involved in serious dating relationships The majority of those surveyed were willing to cooperate with a physician even if they disagreed with the decision The small and nonrandom sample prevents the use of this study as an accurate barometer of attitudes in the general adolescent male population While acceptance of pregnancy continuation was high the willingness to give emotional and financial support was significant only for those males not involved in pregnancy Thus even while males support the resolution to keep and care for a baby they do not intent to be involved in that care Those employed a larger number of hours were more willing to participate in the process in both casual and serious relationships possibly due to their greater financial ability to support a decision Most males reported more positive feelings about participation when they agreed with the resolution

Changes in the Organization of Men's Lives: 1960-1980.

Abstract: Census data from 1960 and 1970 and Current Population Survey data from 1980 are used to study recent changes in the organization of men's lives. Large changes are found, with much less time being spent living in families with children present and more time being spent outside of marriage. These changes are pervasive across educational levels, racial categories, and geographic areas, although the rates of change are not uniform. Several implications of these changes for individuals, families, and society are discussed.

Divorce, Family Health, and Child Adjustment

Abstract: In recognition of the accelerating rate of family disruption and divorce, the authors of this article compared the physical health rating of divorced families with those of intact families. The findings were extracted from a large national study focusing on the impact of divorce on children. It used a random sample of first, third, and fifth grade students. Data were gathered from a vast pool of instruments measuring both school and home variables. Analyses of variance and correlational analyses indicated that marital status was related to health favoring intact family members.

Influences on the Life Satisfaction of Never-Married Men and Women.

Abstract: Social-psychological factors influencing the life-satisfaction of never-married men and women were examined Predictor variables included self-esteem, aspects of social support, and social and emotional loneliness. Regression analyses revealed that emotional loneliness and availability of attachment relationships were influential for the life satisfaction of women. The model for predicting men's life satisfac-

The Fetus: A Growing Member of the Family.

Abstract: Twenty-four expectant parents in the eighth month of pregnancy were interviewed to determine if they noted any patterns in fetal behavior which created for them a sense of their unborn as an individual. The data indicated that both prospective mothers and fathers describe individual characteristics of their fetus in relation to appearance, communication, gender, temperament and sleep/wake cycle. The parental data corresponds to empirical evidence of fetal behavior. Implications for those working with childbearing families and for further study are discussed.

The Needs, Concerns and Coping of Parents of Children with Cystic Fibrosis

Abstract: The authors of this exploratory study examined the perceptions parents of children with cystic fibrosis (CF) have of the impact of CF on family functioning. A sample of 161 mothers and fathers completed the Chronicity Impact and Coping Instrument: Parent Questionnaire (CICI:PQ), an instrument to measure parent perceptions of their concerns, needs, and coping strategies. No significant differences were noted between responses of mothers and fathers. Parents were most concerned about their child's future and making their child comfortable or happy. Over one-half of the parents wanted information about their child's condition and growth and development. Coping stragegies used most often were talking with the nurse and physician, and praying.

What Do Parents Observe about Parenting from Prime Time Television

Abstract: and children's responses to those roles and patterns. Results indicated that relatively large numbers of parenting behaviors were being shown in the programs viewed. Television fathers were somewhat more active as parents than were mothers and both mothers and fathers were portrayed in traditional ways, even though many more nontraditional than traditional family structures were represented. Television children responded differently to performance of parental roles and to child rearing patterns according to sex of the television parent. Several recommendations were made for parent and family life education and further related research based on the findings.

Preparing Parents for Teenagers: A Step in the Prevention of Adolescent Substance Abuse.

Abstract: Children face an important and often difficult transition as they move from childhood to adolescence. For parents the transition can be almost as difficult and, certainly, as formative. How should parents respond when their children begin experimenting with drugs and alcohol? How do parents help their children with school and career decisions? What rules should parents set about dating and parties? This article presents a primary prevention program, Preparing Parents for Teenagers, which is designed to address the unique needs of parents in this transition period. This parent intervention is part of a multifaceted intervention program entitled: Adolescent Drug Abuse: A social-cognitive approach, funded by a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (1980). The program, designed

Mate Selection Processes and Marital Satisfaction.

Abstract: Within a sample of 51 middle-aged wives, a strong correlation was found between length of time spent dating their current spouses and current marital satisfaction. At the same time, correlations between marital satisfaction and age at marriage and number of break-ups during the dating period were not significant. A heterogeneous dispersion of residuals was detected such that those who dated only a short period of time provided a much wider range of responses for marital satisfaction than those who dated a longer time. Thus, a longer period of dating was associated with a higher probability of a happy marriage but did not appear to be a necessary condition. Implications for premarital education are discussed.