Clinical observations of families with a member who displays bulimia have suggested that more than one family interaction pattern exist. The purpose of this study was to investigate these clinical observations using three self-report questionnaires: FACES-III, Binge Scale, and a demographic instrument including items regarding three identifiable family types. Data was collected from hospitals who treated persons displaying bulimia and eating disorder treatment centers. A total of 70 women, ages 13 to 39, and both parents of each woman included in the study (Total N = 210).Responses to the FACES-III and certain items on the demographic questionnaire were analyzed using chi-square and one-way ANOVAs with Tukey's follow-up procedure when necessary. Each of the 70 families were identified on the Circumplex Model, but because of methodological concerns only 57 families were used to test most of the hypotheses.Hypothesis One, which stated that more than 50% of the families would be classified as either moderately or extremely dysfunctional, was accepted. Sixty-four percent of the families were labeled moderately or extremely dysfunctional. Hypothesis Two, which claimed that there would be no differences between types of families in terms of the age and birth order of the member displaying bulimia and the number of siblings in the family, was also supported. There were no significant differences found among families with regards to the age and birth order of the daughter or the number of siblings in the family. Hypothesis Three, which asserted that types of families would not differ in terms of the parents' relational status, was accepted as well, but cautiously interpreted. Of the parents, 96.5% were married, while one set was divorced and another separated. Hypothesis Four, which stated that families would differ with respect to their degree of family satisfaction, was also supported. Functional families claimed feeling more satisfied than dysfunctional families. Hypothesis Five, which claimed that types of families would differ in terms of their previous and current level of closeness, was accepted. Dysfunctional, as compared to functional, families reported significantly less family satisfaction previously and currently. Finally, Hypothesis Six, which asserted that types of families would differ with respect to their degree of chaos, perfection, and overprotection, was partially supported. Dysfunctional families claimed to experience greater degrees of chaos and perfection than functional families.Relying on the Circumplex Model of family functioning, results suggest that there are identifiable differences in the family structures of families where one member displays bulimia. Findings from this study may assist therapists when conceptualizing and treating various types of families that are struggling with the interpersonal and emotional effects of bulimia. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

Thesis (D. Min.)--Ashland Theological Seminary, 1998. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 131-137).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary, 1992. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 113-114).

The existing scholarly literature that addresses the transgenerational transmission of family processes fails to answer many questions concerning adults' current relationships with partners and peers. The purpose of the present study was to investigate how adults' perceptions of their family of origin climates affect their own satisfaction with emotionally significant interpersonal relationships and their fear of intimacy in these relationships. Participants were recruited from a mid-western college. A total of 281 participants were tested.The main research question was: What is the nature of the relationship between adults' perceptions of their family of origin climate and their current relationship satisfaction/fear of intimacy. It was hypothesized that adults' perceptions of cohesion, expressiveness, independence, achievement orientation, intellectual-cultural orientation, active-recreational orientation, moral religious emphasis, and organization within their families of origin would be positively related to their satisfaction with their current friendship and partner relationships and negatively related to their fear of intimacy. It was conversely hypothesized that adult's perceptions of conflict and control within their families of origin would be negatively related to their current relationship satisfaction with friends and partners and positively related to their fear of intimacy.Family of origin climate was assessed by the Family Environment Scale which measures 10 aspects of family of origin climate. These are: cohesion, expressiveness, conflict, independent, achievement orientation, intellectual-cultural orientation, activerecreational orientation, moral-religious emphasis, organization, and control. Relationshipsatisfaction was measured in two types of relationships: partner relationship satisfaction with the Relationship Assessment Scale and peer relationship satisfaction with the Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment, Peer Scale. The Fear of Intimacy Scale was utilized to assess participants' anxiety or fear that influences intimacy in a close relationship or at the prospect of a close relationship. Participants also completed a demographic questionnaire.Results of a canonical correlation analysis indicated that perceptions of family of origin climate did not influence current relationship satisfaction or fear of intimacy in adults. Adults' perceptions of their family of origin climates did not influence their current relationship satisfaction and fear of intimacy. Limitations of the current study and recommendations for future research are discussed. / Department of Counseling Psychology and Guidance Services

Thesis (M.C.S.)--Regent College, 1992. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 127-133).

Thesis (M.C.S.)--Regent College, 1992. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 127-133).

Thesis (M.C.S.)--Regent College, 1992. / Abstract and vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 127-133).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Erskine Theological Seminary, 2008. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 131-134).

Thesis (M.S.W.)--Smith College School for Social Work, Northampton, Mass., 2009. / Includes bibliographical references (p. 51-54).

Thesis (D. Min.)--Erskine Theological Seminary, 2008. / Abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 131-134).