by Kit-ling Lau. / Includes questionnaire in Chinese. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1995. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 112-126). / Acknowledgments --- p.i / Abstract --- p.ii / Table of content --- p.iv / List of Tables --- p.vii / List of Figures --- p.viii / Chapter Chapter One --- Introduction / Chapter 1.1 --- Background of the study / Chapter 1.1.1 --- Juvenile delinquency in Hong Kong --- p.1 / Chapter 1.1.2 --- Juvenile delinquency and family relationship in Hong Kong --- p.4 / Chapter 1.2 --- The purpose of the study --- p.5 / Chapter 1.3 --- The significance of the study --- p.6 / Chapter Chapter Two --- Literature Review / Chapter 2.1 --- Adolescent delinquent behavior / Chapter 2.1.1 --- Definition of juvenile delinquent behavior --- p.8 / Chapter 2.1.2 --- Measuring juvenile delinquent behavior --- p.9 / Chapter 2.2 --- Family relationship and delinquent behavior / Chapter 2.2.1 --- Social control theory --- p.12 / Chapter 2.2.2 --- Coercion theory --- p.17 / Chapter 2.2.3 --- Summary --- p.21 / Chapter 2.3 --- Self-concept / Chapter 2.3.1 --- Definition and conceptualization of self-concept --- p.22 / Chapter 2.3.3 --- Structure and content of self-concept --- p.23 / Chapter 2.4 --- Family relationship and adolescent self-concept / Chapter 2.4.1 --- Symbolic interaction theory --- p.27 / Chapter 2.4.2 --- Different family relationship variables and adolescent self-concept --- p.29 / Chapter 2.4.3 --- Relation between family relationship and different self-concept domains --- p.33 / Chapter 2.4.4 --- Summary --- p.34 / Chapter 2.5 --- Adolescent self-concept and delinquent behavior / Chapter 2.5.1 --- Containment theory and early self-concept theory in delinquency study --- p.36 / Chapter 2.5.2 --- Kaplan's self-derogation theory --- p.37 / Chapter 2.5.3 --- Arguments about the self-derogation theory --- p.38 / Chapter 2.5.4 --- The importance of multidimensional self-concept in delinquency study --- p.41 / Chapter 2.5.5 --- Relation between different self-concept domains and delinquent behavior --- p.42 / Chapter 2.5.6 --- Summary --- p.44 / Chapter 2.6 --- "Family relationship, self-concept, and delinquent behavior" / Chapter 2.6.1 --- Family relationship and self-derogation theory --- p.45 / Chapter 2.6.2 --- An integrated model for delinquency study --- p.46 / Chapter Chapter Three --- Theoretical Framework / Chapter 3.1 --- "Delinquent behavior, family relationship, and self-concept construct" / Chapter 3.1.1 --- Delinquent behavior construct --- p.48 / Chapter 3.1.2 --- Family relationship construct --- p.48 / Chapter 3.1.3 --- Self-concept construct --- p.51 / Chapter 3.2 --- "Relationship among family relationship, self-concept, and delinquent behavior" / Chapter 3.2.1 --- Relationship between family relationship and delinquent behavior --- p.52 / Chapter 3.2.2 --- Relationship between family relationship and self-concept --- p.53 / Chapter 3.2.3 --- Relationship between self-concept and delinquent behavior --- p.54 / Chapter 3.2.4 --- "Relationship among family relationship, self-concept, and delinquent behavior" --- p.55 / Chapter 3.2.5 --- Summary --- p.56 / Chapter Chapter Four --- Research Method / Chapter 4.1 --- Survey instrument / Chapter 4.1.1 --- Family relationship --- p.58 / Chapter 4.1.2 --- Self-concept --- p.60 / Chapter 4.1.3 --- Delinquent behavior --- p.62 / Chapter 4.2 --- Subjects --- p.64 / Chapter 4.3 --- Procedure --- p.64 / Chapter 4.4 --- Research hypotheses --- p.65 / Chapter 4.5 --- Statistical analysis / Chapter 4.5.1 --- Model specification --- p.67 / Chapter 4.5.2 --- "Estimation, evaluation of fit, and modification of the model" --- p.72 / Chapter Chapter Five --- Results / Chapter 5.1 --- Preliminary analysis / Chapter 5.1.1 --- Reliability of the instruments --- p.74 / Chapter 5.1.2 --- Descriptive statistics of the variables --- p.74 / Chapter 5.1.3 --- Gender and grade differences --- p.78 / Chapter 5.1.4 --- Intercorrelation among the variables --- p.81 / Chapter 5.1.5 --- Dimensions of the constructs in exploratory factor analysis --- p.81 / Chapter 5.2 --- Structural equation modeling / Chapter 5.2.1 --- Measurement model --- p.86 / Chapter 5.2.2 --- Structural equation model --- p.91 / Chapter Chapter Six --- Discussion / Chapter 6.1 --- Summary and discussion of findings / Chapter 6.1.1 --- The problem of delinquency among Hong Kong adolescents --- p.99 / Chapter 6.1.2 --- The importance of family relationship in adolescent development --- p.100 / Chapter 6.1.3 --- Problems of the relation between self-concept and delinquent behavior --- p.103 / Chapter 6.2 --- Implications for intervention and prevention of adolescent delinquency --- p.106 / Chapter 6.3 --- Limitations in the study --- p.107 / Chapter 6.4 --- Directions for future research --- p.110 / Bibliography --- p.112 / Appendices / Appendix 1 : Student questionnaire in the study (Chinese version) --- p.127 / Appendix 2 : The covariance matrix of the final integrated model of the study --- p.132

A descriptive correlational study investigated the possible relationship between family functioning and the self-concept development of adolescents with cystic fibrosis (CF). Twenty-two adolescents ranging from 13 to 19 years of age and members of their families volunteered to participate. The adolescents completed the Offer Self-image Questionnaire (OSIQ) and the Family Assessment Device (FAD). Thirty-four family members completed the FAD. Mean standard scores for the study population were compared to normative values for the OSIQ and the FAD. The Spearman rho correlation procedure was used to investigate relationships between scales of the two measures. Findings for the self-concept measure (OSIQ) revealed that the mean scores for the adolescents with CF were better than normative values with two exceptions; the mean score was lower than normative values on the Sexual Attitudes Scale for males and females ranging from 13 to 15 years of age and on the Body and Self-image Scale for males 13 to 19 years and females 13 to 15 years of age. On the family functioning measure (FAD) the mean scores for adolescents and their family members were lower than suggested healthy cut off scores (Epstein, Baldwin, & Bishop, 1983) with the exception of a higher score on the Roles Scale. However, scores of the sample were similar to FAD scores generated from a random sample considered by the authors of the FAD to be descriptive of the general family population (Miller, Bishop, Epstein, & Keitner, 1985). A positive relationship between well developed adolescent self-concept and positive family functioning was not indicated; most correlations between the OSIQ and FAD scales were negative. Health care for adolescents with CF should include addressing their sexual and body and self-image concerns and promoting healthy family functioning. Further investigation of self-concept and family functioning for adolescents with CF is warranted. / Applied Science, Faculty of / Nursing, School of / Graduate

The purpose of this study is to examine parent-adolescent relationships as perceived by adolescents and its relationship with adolescents’ adjustment. In order to measure parent-adolescent relationships psychological control, involvement, parental warmth and communication have been used as variables. Furthermore, self-esteem, school adjustment, substance use and depression are used as measures of adolescents’ adjustment outcomes. The study’s cross sectional survey design utilized a stratified random sample with structured questionnaires for the collection of quantitative data involving multiple variables that are examined to detect patterns of association and prediction. The participants comprise 809 adolescents (Males = 427 and Females = 382) from four private and government high schools and the average age of participants is 16.8. The participants were randomly selected from Grade Level 9, 10, 11 and 12. Independent t-test, correlation, and regression analyses are used to analyse the data in this research. The results of the independent sample t-test on the perception of adolescents’ relationship with their parents showed that male adolescents perceive their mothers and fathers as more psychologically controlling than female adolescents. On the other hand, female adolescents perceive their mothers and fathers as warmer; more involved in their schooling; and engage in a more positive communication than do the male adolescents. In addition, the independent sample t-test also shows that male adolescents exhibit more adjustment problems than do female adolescents. Specifically, male adolescents seem to show more substance use behaviour, have lower self-esteem, more school adjustment problems and a higher depression level as compared to female adolescents. The correlation analysis reveals that there is a significant relationship among the four-parent-adolescent relationship and adolescent adjustment variables. The regression analysis also demonstrates that the four-parent-adolescent relation predictor variables account for adolescent adjustment though their contribution to the prediction was varied by the gender of the adolescents’ parents. This research; however, does not consider father-adolescent communication as a significant predictor to adolescent school adjustment and mother-adolescent communication as a significant predictor to adolescent depression. Theoretically, the present findings provide evidence that positive parent-adolescent relationships can be considered as a relevant protective factor for adolescents. For policy consideration, it is suggested that efforts be made to establish quality after school youth programs to engage adolescents in several mentoring activities, and family based coping programs should be established based on the centrality of the family for better family functioning. / Von Krosigk, Beate. / Psychology

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of students' self-concept and their perceptions of family environment in the psychosocial adjustment and academic achievement of accelerated college students in a residential program. A secondary purpose was to investigate the differential role of those factors for students of diverse ethnic backgrounds.

by Kwok Wai Yee, Alice. / Includes questionaire in Chinese. / Thesis (M.Phil.)--Chinese University of Hong Kong, 1994. / Includes bibliographical references (leaves 54-59). / ACKNOWLEDGMENTS --- p.ii / abstract --- p.iii / LIST OF TABLES --- p.v / Chapter CHAPTER ONE: --- INTRODUCTION --- p.1 / Chapter CHAPTER TWO: --- LITERATURE REVIEW --- p.7 / Chapter I. --- Theoretical framework: McMaster Model of Family Functioning --- p.7 / Chapter II. --- Empirical findings of the FAD --- p.12 / Chapter III. --- Cross cultural studies of the FAD --- p.15 / Chapter IV. --- Family Structure and Functioning in traditional Chinese and in Hong Kong --- p.17 / Chapter V. --- The purpose of the present study --- p.21 / Chapter CHAPTER THREE: --- RESEARCH METHODOLOGY --- p.24 / Chapter I. --- Subjects and procedures: --- p.24 / Chapter II. --- Sample Characteristics: --- p.25 / Chapter III. --- Instruments --- p.26 / Chapter IV. --- Method of analysis --- p.28 / Chapter CHAPTER FOUR: --- RESULTS --- p.30 / Chapter I. --- Reliability of the FAD --- p.30 / Chapter II. --- Factor Analyses of the FAD --- p.30 / Chapter III. --- Correlations --- p.41 / Chapter IV --- Regression analyses --- p.43 / Chapter CHAPTER FIVE: --- DISCUSSION --- p.46 / REFERENCES --- p.54 / APPENDIX I --- p.61 / APPENDIX II --- p.65

University of Macau / Faculty of Education

M.A. (Social Work) / In a society where the demands are increasing, it will be expected of the South African family to demonstrate competence and functionality. Disintegration in the family life is causing distress and doubt regarding the role of the family as the keeper of social standards. The Government's concern and the renewed interest of academici, once again focusses the attention on the family. The importance of the functional family must be stressed. In this study the characteristics, functions, the achievement of family goals and the process of development of the white functional family with adolescent children is discussed. The program profile which is presented for the enrichment of the functional family with adolescent children's interactional processes is systematized into eight steps, whereby the family can assess their present functioning by ways of a self initiated assessing index with a numerical value. This assessment can be obtained by tabulating variables towards each other. Depending on the identified need, a program is designed which will promote and enrich enhancement of the existing good relationships within the functional family. It is the responsibility of the program designer to provide this family enrichment program with contents and to see that it focusses on the development of competence rather than on the changing of behavior. It is important that the necessary care is taken for this program to be family-susceptible and that it meets with the requirements of the family and profession.

The purpose of this study is to examine parent-adolescent relationships as perceived by adolescents and its relationship with adolescents’ adjustment. In order to measure parent-adolescent relationships psychological control, involvement, parental warmth and communication have been used as variables. Furthermore, self-esteem, school adjustment, substance use and depression are used as measures of adolescents’ adjustment outcomes. The study’s cross sectional survey design utilized a stratified random sample with structured questionnaires for the collection of quantitative data involving multiple variables that are examined to detect patterns of association and prediction. The participants comprise 809 adolescents (Males = 427 and Females = 382) from four private and government high schools and the average age of participants is 16.8. The participants were randomly selected from Grade Level 9, 10, 11 and 12. Independent t-test, correlation, and regression analyses are used to analyse the data in this research. The results of the independent sample t-test on the perception of adolescents’ relationship with their parents showed that male adolescents perceive their mothers and fathers as more psychologically controlling than female adolescents. On the other hand, female adolescents perceive their mothers and fathers as warmer; more involved in their schooling; and engage in a more positive communication than do the male adolescents. In addition, the independent sample t-test also shows that male adolescents exhibit more adjustment problems than do female adolescents. Specifically, male adolescents seem to show more substance use behaviour, have lower self-esteem, more school adjustment problems and a higher depression level as compared to female adolescents. The correlation analysis reveals that there is a significant relationship among the four-parent-adolescent relationship and adolescent adjustment variables. The regression analysis also demonstrates that the four-parent-adolescent relation predictor variables account for adolescent adjustment though their contribution to the prediction was varied by the gender of the adolescents’ parents. This research; however, does not consider father-adolescent communication as a significant predictor to adolescent school adjustment and mother-adolescent communication as a significant predictor to adolescent depression. Theoretically, the present findings provide evidence that positive parent-adolescent relationships can be considered as a relevant protective factor for adolescents. For policy consideration, it is suggested that efforts be made to establish quality after school youth programs to engage adolescents in several mentoring activities, and family based coping programs should be established based on the centrality of the family for better family functioning. / Von Krosigk, Beate. / Psychology

How adolescents spend their time is a crucial predictor of their engagement in delinquency. Activities with peers away from direct supervision of adults are of concern as more opportunities and motivation to use marijuana exist in such situations. However, adolescents may vary in their propensity to use marijuana when faced the opportunity. Especially adolescents living with a single parent may have a higher propensity compared to those from two-parent households to use marijuana due to reduced parental monitoring and increased peer attachment. This thesis investigates the moderating effects of family structure on the routine leisure activities and adolescent marijuana use relationship, using data from Monitoring the Future Study 2007, 12th Grade Survey. The results provide partial support for the moderating effects.

This study focused on influential factors affecting the career maturity attitudes of rural high school students with learning disabilities. A variety of variables were studied in each of the following areas: personal demographics, learning disability characteristics, ability/achievement levels, vocational preparation, and family characteristics. Variables from each of the clusters were entered into a variables selection program designed to depict the best combination of variables for use in a multiple regression equation. Through this process the twenty seven original variables were refined into a final combined pool of the eight most powerful variables which impacted upon the student's career maturity attitudes. The eight top contributors were entered into a multiple regression equation to determine their relative contributions to career maturity attitudes. Family appeared to play an important role in the career maturity attitudes of this sample as variables from the family cluster accounted for four of the eight variables selected for the final equation. Two of the those family variables were the family systems constructs of adaptability and cohesion, as measured by the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (FACES II). To gain further insight regarding the impact of family dynamics on the functioning of students with learning disabilities, six stepwise multiple regression equations were also run, one for each scale of the Career Maturity Inventory-Attitude Scale. The results suggested a small but negative relationship exists between perceived family adaptability and career maturity attitudes. Students who perceived their families as less adaptable, or less flexible, tended to demonstrate higher career maturity attitudes. Cohesion, however, demonstrated a positive and stronger relationship, showing closer bonds among family members to be an important element supporting maturity in the student's career attitudes. / Ph. D.