Family functioning in families of children with anxiety disorders.

The authors examined maternal and paternal reports of family functioning and their relationship with child outcomes as well as the association between anxiety and depression in family members and family functioning. Results reveal that maternal and paternal reports of family functioning were both significantly associated with worse child outcomes, including child anxiety disorder (AD) severity, anxiety symptoms, and child global functioning. Maternal and paternal anxiety and depression predicted worse family functioning, whereas child report of anxiety and depression did not. Parents of children with ADs reported significantly worse family functioning and behavior control, but only fathers reported worse problem solving and affective involvement compared with fathers of children with no psychological disorders. Findings from this study suggest that paternal as well as maternal anxiety and depression play a role in worse family functioning in children with ADs and that unhealthier family functioning is associated with worse child outcomes in this population.     

Introduction to Behavioural Family Therapy for families with young children

This paper presents some suggestions for the implementation of Behavioural Family Therapy for families with young children. It attempts to bridge the gap between clinical research and practice by emphasizing the process of therapy delivery rather than the specific content of the behavioural approach. Suggestions for teaching behaviour management skills, contracting and the effective use of rewards and punishments are given. The common mistakes made by those working with Behavioural Family Therapy are addressed, and suggestions for working with single-parent families are given.     

A computerized scoring procedure for the Kvebaek Family Sculpture Technique applied to families of children with rheumatic diseases.

A new computer-based quantification procedure was applied to data obtained from administering the Kvebaek Family Sculpture Technique (KFST) to 92 mothers of children with recent onset of rheumatic symptoms (median = 7 months). Four family configuration types (close, hierarchical, unspecified, and skewed) were defined on the basis of distance and structural parameters of the configuration. The types differed with regard to the childhood environment of the mother, chronic family difficulties, and the psychosocial functioning of the primary patient. Comparisons of the families of the mothers that did (n = 23) and did not (n = 69) wish a change of family configuration showed that the families of the mothers who wished change differed with regard to configuration types, distance variables, and psychosocial characteristics. The results are discussed in the context of structural family-systems theory. The computerized scoring procedure opens new possibilities for research about various family members' perspectives and assessment of changes in family configurations during therapy or over time.     

Family functioning within the context of families with adolescent children in urban India

Research on family functioning within given cultural contexts is needed. This study aims to describe salient dimensions of family functioning in two urban contexts in India and to examine differences in family functioning by sociodemographic groups. We measured differences in family functioning using cross-sectional survey questionnaire data collected from 13 to 15-year-old adolescents and one of their parents/primary caregivers in Mumbai (n = 843) and Kolkata (n = 913) during 2019–2020. We drew a multi-stage sample representative of neighborhoods and households in both cities. We assessed a multi-dimensional family functioning latent factor that included parent-reported measures (parent–adolescent communication, family cohesion, and parent monitoring of peers) and adolescent-reported measures (parent support, family cohesion, and parent supervision). Our results support an overall measure of family functioning manifested by multiple dimensions for parent- and adolescent-reported data. Families with male adolescents had worse adolescent-reported family functioning in Mumbai and parent-reported family functioning in Kolkata. Higher socioeconomic status was associated with better parent-reported family functioning in both cities and better adolescent-reported family functioning in Kolkata. Muslim religious identification in Kolkata and the Hindi native language in both cities were associated with better adolescent-reported family functioning. Our findings indicate heterogeneity in family functioning across demographic and social-cultural groups within the two urban contexts of India. This study may inform the development of culturally congruent prevention interventions for families with adolescents in India.     

The Family Impact of Pain Scale: Preliminary Validation

A new questionnaire, the Family Impact of Pain Scale (FIPS), was designed in order to assess the effects of chronic pain on the significant other and family of the chronic pain patient. The FIPS is a 10-item self-report questionnaire examining the effect of pain on domestic duties, social functioning and communication within the family. It was administered to 177 chronic pain patients in two different samples to investigate its psychometric properties. Internal reliability (α = .94) and test–retest reliability (r = 0.79) were high. Exploratory factor analysis suggested a two-factor solution, relating to physical limitations and difficulties with communication. Construct validity was confirmed by significant Pearson correlations with pain intensity, pain distress, mood and the use of pain coping skills (r = −0.22–0.74, all at p < .05). Outcome data also showed that the measure is sensitive to the effects of a cognitive behavioural pain management intervention.     

Establishing a Placement Index for behaviorally disturbed children using the Hand Test.

Hand Test variables were evaluated to see if they would empirically discern varying levels of behavioral and social maladjustment in severely behaviorally handicapped children. Hand Test protocols of 6- to 18-year-old students (N = 100) were gathered. Twenty protocols from each of three levels of special education placement were obtained in addition to 40 protocols of students enrolled in regular educational classrooms. A stepwise discriminant analysis yielded both pathology (PATH) and aggression (AGG) as significant discriminators (p less than .05). Cutoff scores and a weighted equation consisting of nine variables was derived using proper placement in group setting as the criteria. The assignment of children to correct placement levels was 64% or 79%, depending on the stringency of criteria. These findings reinforce the utility of the Hand Test as a valuable tool in the psychologist's testing armament for assisting with placement decisions and support the strength of integrating multiple variables to aid with these decisions. Replication of this study for the purpose of cross-validation of the Placement Index is strongly encouraged.     

The Babcock Story Recall of behaviorally disordered children scoring high or low on extraversion.

Short-term memory for a meaningful story was studied in 47 learning disordered boys and 34 girls aged 5 through 10 yr. 11 mo. High and low scores on Extraversion predicted differences in mean scores on verbatim Immediate and Delayed Recall of the Babcock Story.     

Pyramidal training for families of children with problem behavior

The pyramidal training model was extended to multiple family members of children with behavior disorders. Three primary caregivers were taught to implement individualized treatments for problem behavior. They were then taught how to use various instructional strategies (e.g., prompting, feedback) to teach 2 other family members to implement the treatment. Results showed that pyramidal training was effective in increasing caregiver implementation of treatments across three families.     

Impact of Family Efficacy Beliefs on Quality of Family Functioning and Satisfaction with Family Life

The present study tested with 142 families a structural model of the interplay of perceived dyadic and collective forms of efficacy within the interdependent family system, and how these different forms of efficacy are structurally related to quality of family functioning and satisfaction with family life. Dyadic parent–child efficacy, dyadic spousal efficacy, and filial efficacy were linked to family satisfaction through the mediating impact of collective family efficacy. A high sense of collective family efficacy was accompanied by open family communication and candid disclosure by adolescents of their activities outside the home. Collective family efficacy contributed to parents' and adolescents' satisfaction with their family life both directly and through its impact on quality of family functioning. An alternative structural model in which quality of family functioning affects the different forms of perceived family efficacy and family satisfaction provided a poorer fit to the data.     

A web-based family problem-solving intervention for families of children with traumatic brain injury.

We developed a Web-based intervention for pediatric traumatic brain injury (TBI) and examined its feasibility for participants with limited computer experience. Six families, including parents, siblings, and children with TBI, were given computers, Web cameras, and high-speed Internet access. Weekly videoconferences with the therapist were conducted after participants completed on-line interactive experiences on problem solving, communication, and TBI-specific behavior management. Families were assigned to videoconference with NetMeeting (iBOT cameras) or ViaVideo. Participants ranked the Web site and videoconferences as moderately to very easy to use. ViaVideo participants rated videoconferencing significantly more favorably relative to face-to-face meetings than did NetMeeting participants. Both the Web site and videoconferencing were rated as very helpful. All families demonstrated improved outcomes on one or more target behaviors, including increased understanding of the injury and improved parent-child relationships. All parents and siblings and all but 1 child with TBI said they would recommend the program to others. We conclude that a face-to-face intervention can be successfully adapted to the Web for families with varied computer experience.     

Grandparents' support for families who have children with disabilities

This study was designed to assess the levels of support provided by grandparents for families who had grandchildren with disabilities. A questionnaire survey of parents was used to assess the levels of practical, financial and emotional support they received from the children's grandparents. Parents were also questioned about their satisfaction with this support. Overall levels of support were low but most parents were nevertheless generally satisfied with the support they had received. However, a quarter of the grandparents were considered to have added to the parent's problems and almost a third of the parents expressed a wish for more support from grandparents.     

Family and work predictors of parenting role stress among two‐earner families of children with disabilities

Family resources (i.e. household income and spouse support), parenting challenges (i.e. number of children, difficulty finding reliable child care, and child characteristics), work rewards (i.e. work interest) and work demands (i.e. hours and work overload) were tested as predictors of parenting role stress among mothers and fathers in two‐earner families of five‐year old children with disabilities. The two‐level hierarchical model was adapted to assess mothers and fathers as nested within married couples. Both common and unique predictors of maternal and paternal parenting role stress were found. Having fewer children in the family predicted less stress for both parents. Household income and an interaction between child behaviour problems and work interest were significant predictors of maternal parenting role stress. In contrast, greater difficulty in finding reliable child care predicted higher levels of parenting role stress for fathers but not mothers. The policy and research implications of these findings are discussed. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Psychometric Properties of the Family Support Scale with Head Start Families

Social support systems can have either a beneficial or adverse effect when a family faces stress. Hence, support perceived by family members is an important construct. We studied the psychometric properties of the Family Support Scale (FSS) with a sample of 244 low-income families of children in a Head Start program, and we conducted an exploratory factor analysis with the scale. We obtained a 5-factor solution for the FSS when assessing the family support of low-income families. The internal consistency and test-retest reliability were moderately high for the 5 proposed subscales. The factor structure obtained may prove more valid for Head Start families than structures from previous studies, although there is still a need for further psychometric study of the FSS.     

Correlations for Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children--Revised and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence for Iranian children.

This study focused on the relationship between the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children--Revised (WISC--R) and the Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence (WPPSI) given to 40 6-yr.-old Iranian children. Pearson correlations between the WISC--R and the WPPSI IQs and between scaled scores on the corresponding subtests were significant. The comparison of mean IQs and scaled scores indicates that the WISC--R yielded a significantly higher Verbal IQ and higher scores on Information, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Picture Completion than the WPPSI. The mean difference between corresponding Verbal and Full Scale IQs was not significant. These results suggest that scores on the two instruments correlated well for these 6-yr.-old Iranian children and the content on which IQs for the recently restandardized WISC--R and WPPSI are based are related.     

Factors influencing adjustment in the families of autistic children.

This study investigated factors influencing the adjustment of families of 49 autistic children (38 boys, 11 girls) to the stress of raising an autistic child. Analysis indicated that the severity of the child's disorder (stress), mother's social support (resources), and mother's perceived locus of control (perception) were significant factors in family adjustment. In addition, evidence suggested that agency affiliation also was an unexpected, yet important factor.     

Enhancing the effectiveness of self-administered videotape parent training for families with conduct-problem children

Parents of 43 conduct-problem children, aged 3-8 years, were randomly assigned to one of two treatments: an individually self-administered video-tape modeling treatment (IVM) and IVM treatment plus therapist consultation (IVMC). Randomization also included a waiting-list control group (CON). Compared with the control group, both treatment groups of mothers reported significantly fewer child behavior problems, reduced stress levels, and less use of spanking. Home visit data indicated that both treatment groups exhibited significant behavioral changes. There were relatively few differences between the two treatment conditions. However, the IVMC children were significantly less deviant than the IVM children, suggesting that the IVMC (with therapist consultation) treatment was superior to self-administered treatment with no therapist involvement. The added benefits of therapist involvement are discussed.     

Developing profiles of risk for parental abduction of children from a comparison of families victimized by abduction with families litigating custody.

This study systematically compared parents in abducting families with families litigating custody. Findings indicate that risks for parental abduction of children are multidetermined by: (1) a heightened concern about very young children being exposed to neglectful, endangering, or criminal environments by the other parent; (2) unsubstantiated allegations of sexual abuse; (3) heightened distrust of and less respect for law and authority; and (4) a reluctance to seek help from the courts. Abducting families were also predominantly socially and economically disadvantaged: parents were less likely to have been married to one another; they had lower incomes, were more poorly educated, and were disproportionately members of minority racial and ethnic groups. The social policy dilemmas of identifying these differences as risk factors are discussed together with suggestions for risk management.