The aim of this research was to establish what black adults' perceptions are of factors that contribute to healthy family functioning. Qualitative research was conducted. Random sampling was used to obtain eighteen black participants between the ages of 20 and 50. These participants responded in writing to the following open ended question: "What factors do you think contribute to healthy family functioning?" Semi-structured interviews were also conducted with the eight participants who presented with the richest data. Analysis of the data yielded 10 prevalent themes and eleven other themes. The 10 prevalent themes were: respect, love, communication, family time/spending time together, trust, understanding, discipline, availability for each other, boundaries and religion. The other eleven themes were: personal space, responsibility, hierarchy, family rules, conflict handling, morality, roles, maturity, intelligence, culture and forgiveness. The above mentioned 21 themes were grouped in seven broad categories, namely communication, conflict handling, affectionate involvement, family rules, boundaries, religion and other dimensions. All these themes were compared to existing research results. It appeared that themes of this study correspond with many dimensions of family functioning as indicated by family therapy models and existing research. Participants also indicated new dimensions not mentioned by the existing literature. Recommendations were made concerning future research. / Thesis (M.A. (Clinical Psychology))--North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2005.

Adoecimento crônico envolve afeto e aproximação entre pacientes e familiares, podendo ser impactados diante da necessidade do cuidado. A rotina e dinâmica do sistema familiar sofrem alterações, apontando a necessidade de clarificar a compreensão sobre os processos familiares e pessoais desencadeados pelo adoecimento crônico que ameaça a continuidade da vida. O objetivo geral desse estudo é avaliar funcionamento familiar e espiritualidade relacionada à qualidade de vida de pessoas com doenças crônicas ameaçadoras a continuidade da vida (DCACV) e seus familiares, verificando possíveis associações destas variáveis com saúde mental e qualidade de vida. Amostra foi composta por grupo de 100 pacientes (GP) portadores de (DCACV), acompanhados em um hospital geral e 100 familiares (GF), pareados com o paciente. Aplicou-se Questionário de informações sociodemográficas e familiares; Escala de Avaliação da Coesão e Adaptabilidade Familiar-versão IV (FACES-IV); Questionário para religiosidade, espiritualidade e crenças pessoais relacionadas à qualidade de vida (WHOQOL-SRPB); Questionário para avaliação de qualidade de vida (WHOQOL-breve); Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck (BAI) e Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI-II). Os instrumentos foram aplicados no hospital, quando da consulta ou internação; entrevistados em locais separados, na mesma data. Realizou-se análise estatística descritiva dos resultados, teste t comparando os dois grupos e teste de correlação de Pearson para associações entre variáveis. Amostra predominantemente mulheres (51%-GP e 79%- GF), sem companheiro, residindo com família, católicos, classes B e C. Idade média GP 63,6 anos (+14,85) e GF 48,9 anos (+ 14,25). GP 51% apresentaram sintomas de ansiedade e 31% de depressão, GF 45% ansiedade e 23% depressão. Observou-se diferenças significativas nos grupos em qualidade de vida nos domínios social (t=5,296;p<0,001), ambiental (t=4,038;p<0,001) e resultado global (t=3,919;p<0,001), com melhores resultados para GP. Os grupos se diferenciaram quanto a funcionamento familiar nas subescalas Emaranhada (t=2,357;p=0,019), rígida (t=4,469;p<0,001), com resultados melhores para GF, comunicação (t=2,724;p=0,007) e satisfação (t=3,407;p=0,001), melhor para GP. Espiritualidade, na faceta Admiração (t=2,246;p=0,026), com resultado menor para GP. Observou-se correlações entre ansiedade, depressão e diferentes domínios de qualidade de vida tanto para funcionamento familiar quanto espiritualidade. As correlações entre funcionamento familiar e espiritualidade, no GP foram significativas entre algumas subescalas, porém fracas (r<0,40). As facetas, conexão, força e paz, referentes à espiritualidade, se correlacionaram com todas as subescalas de funcionamento familiar, exceto emaranhada (que não se correlacionou com nenhuma faceta), correlações com caótica foram negativas. A subescala satisfação familiar apresentou correlação positiva com todas facetas de espiritualidade. Resultados apontam que DCACV afeta funcionamento familiar e qualidade de vida, incluindo espiritualidade, e é possível que a doença aproxime as relações familiares, favorecendo ao funcionamento, apesar do processo de adaptação tanto pelo paciente quanto familiar. Quanto à espiritualidade, a presença da DCACV parece afetar a capacidade da pessoa de olhar ao redor buscando inspiração para a vida. Viver torna-se o momento presente, uma vez que o adoecimento pode abreviar a vida. Resultados evidenciaram que maior espiritualidade relacionada à qualidade de vida melhor a funcionalidade familiar, reafirmando que DCACV afeta igualmente paciente e familiar, pois foram observadas mais semelhanças que diferenças entre os dois grupos / Becoming chronically sick involves affection and closeness between patients and family and may be impacted due to the care needed. Routine and family dynamics are changed, pointing to the necessity to understand the personal and family processes triggered by the disease that threatens life. The general goal of this study was to assess family functioning and spirituality relative to quality of life among people with chronical life-threatening diseases (CLTD) and their family and identify possible links between these variables and quality of life and mental health. The sample was composed of 100 patients (GP), all of whom with CLTD, followed up in a hospital, and 100 relatives (GF) paired with the patient. The Sociodemographic and Family Information Questionnaire, Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale (FACES-IV), Questionnaire on Religiousness, Spirituality and Personal Beliefs Relative to Quality of Life (WHOQOL-SRPB), Quality of life Assessment Questionnaire (WHOQOL-brief), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) were all instruments used in the hospital upon visits or admission. Patients were surveyed in separate rooms on the same date. A descriptive statistical analysis of results, t Test comparing both groups, and the Pearson Correlation Test for links between variables were conducted. Predominantly female sample (51%-GP e 79%-GF), without a partner, residing with family, catholic, B and C classes, average age GP 63,6 years (+14,85) and GF 48,9 years (+ 14,25). GP: 51% showed anxiety symptoms and 31% depression symptoms; GF: 45% anxiety and 23% depression. Significant differences were seen between the groups relative to quality of life in the social, environmental and global results realms: (t=5,296; p<0,001), (t=4,038; p<0,001) (t=3,919; p<0,001) respectively, with better results for GP. Groups also showed differences regarding family functioning in the Enmeshed (t=2,357;p=0,019), and Rigid (t=4,469;p<0,001) subscales, with better results for GF; communication (t=2,724;p=0,007) and satisfaction (t=3,407;p=0,001),with better results for GP; Spirituality, in the Admiration facet, (t=2,246;p=0,026), with lower results for GP. There were correlations between anxiety, depression and different domains of quality of life both for Family functioning and spirituality. Correlations between family functioning and spirituality in GP were significant between some subscales, though weak (r<0,40). The facets, connection, strength, and peace, regarding spirituality correlated with all subscales of family functioning, except Enmeshed, which did not correlate with any facet. Correlations with Chaotic were negative. Subscale Family Satisfaction showed positive correlation with all facets of spirituality. Results showed that CLTD\'s affect family functioning and quality of life, including spirituality, possibly making family relationships closer and improving family functioning, in spite of the adaptation process. Regarding spirituality, existing CLTD\'s seemed to affect one\'s ability to look around seeking inspiration to live. Living becomes the present moment, since becoming sick may shorten life span. Results evidenced that the higher spirituality related to quality of life was, the better were family functioning, emphasizing that CLTD\'s affect patients and family equally, since more similarities than differences were identified between the groups

While there has been extensive research on the quality of life for people with disabilities, very little research has been conducted on the way in which families impact the quality of life of these individuals. This study focused on how family dynamics impact the quality of life for people with disabilities who are clients of state vocational rehabilitation agencies. Specifically, family flexibility and cohesion, as well as family resilience, were the independent variables; quality of life was the dependent variable. It was found that family functioning and family resilience play an important role in the quality of life for people with disabilities. There was a strong relationship between family functioning and quality of life, in addition to family resilience and quality of life. Ten life domains were used to examine quality of life: physical health, mental health, work/education, leisure activities, relationship with significant other, family relationships, social relationships, financial situation, independence/autonomy, and religious/spiritual expression. For each domain, the participant was asked four questions on the importance, control, satisfaction, and impact of disability. Family functioning and family resilience significantly correlated with all of the 10 life domains on most of the four factors. Family dynamics account for 36% of the variance of quality of life. Family dynamics significantly impact the quality of life for people with disabilities and therefore should be taken into consideration in the rehabilitation process.

The concurrent criterion-related validity of the Family Profile (FAMPRO) was investigated using the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales II (FACES II), the Self-Report Family Inventory (SFI), and the Family Assessment Device (FAD) as criterion measures . Further analysis was conducted through a principal component factor analysis with a varimax rotation and correlations with a Family Satisfaction Scale. The Family Profile is an easy-to-administer, -score, and -interpret instrument designed for use in family life education. It is a 35-item instrument that measures seven areas of family functioning: Family Fun, Family Decisions, Family Pride, Family Values, Family Caring, Family Communication, and Family Confidence. The total scores of the Family Profile had strong correlations with the total scores of the three criterion instruments. Additionally, the individual constructs of the Family Profile showed moderate to strong relationships with the corresponding subscales found in the criterion instruments. Factor analysis of the FAMPRO with this sample indicated that the most important factor explaining the largest portion of the variance is the ability of family members to display positive regard to one another in an open and warm manner. The Family Satisfaction Scale created for this project was moderately to strongly correlated with all of the Family Profile's Subscales. The sample used for this study was taken from undergraduate Family and Human Development classes at Utah State University and had a total N of 194. This nonrandom sample was mostly young, single, and female. The religious preference for 80% of the sample was Mormon (LDS). While the sample limits generalization of the results, these preliminary results provide sufficient evidence to warrant further research using the Family Profile. Because the FAMPRO is easy to use and interpret, it holds promise as an effective tool for family life educators and clinicians alike.

Therapeutic Assessment (TA), a semi-structured form of collaborative assessment that combines psychological assessment with individual and family therapy techniques, has emerged as an innovative and promising short-term family systems intervention for children and their families and potentially with adolescents. The goal for the study was to explore the utility of TA with adolescents (TA-A) as an effective short-term family intervention for adolescents. The study used an interrupted time-series design to follow three adolescents as they took part in a TA-A with their families. Participants were adolescents who presented with behavioral, emotional, and/or interpersonal difficulties. They were referred by either a local community mental health clinic or practitioners in private practice who believed they and their families would benefit from a TA-A. Participants completed daily measures of family functioning before, during, and after the TA-A. Additionally, the participants completed longer standardized repeated measures of family functioning and were interviewed about their experience of TA-A throughout the different phases of the TA-A. Simulation Modeling Analysis (SMA) revealed that none of the participants reported improvements on daily measures of family functioning. However, repeated measures revealed improvements in family functioning for all participants either at the conclusion of the TA-A and/or at Follow-up. Qualitatively, all three participants provided various levels of feedback about the positive impact of TA-A on their family. Themes across the cases, as well as limitations and future direction, are discussed. / text

This thesis used FIT Science (Fletcher & Stead, 2000) as a framework to study different aspects of family functioning. FIT variables measure the cognitive and behavioural characteristics of a person that mediate interpretations of events and attempts at coping with constraints. The research sought to examine whether scores on FIT variables explain differences in perceptions of family functioning and outcomes such as individual stress levels. In the first questionnaire study, members of the general population (N=235) completed The FIT Profiler (Fletcher, 1999), which measures scores on FIT variables, and the Family Assessment Device (Epstein, Baldwin & Bishop, 1983), which measures family functioning across six dimensions. The study found that higher scores on FIT variables were associated with more positive experiences of the family. A similar pattern of results was observed in study two involving participants (N=52) with Autistic Spectrum Conditions (ASCs). The results of the studies suggested that FIT Science is a useful framework to study family functioning in diverse contexts. Study three compared the stress and perceptions of family functioning of mothers of typically developing children (n=55), and children with ASCs (n=33). Mothers scoring high on FIT variables had better perceptions of family functioning, were less anxious and depressed, and also coped better with the demands of parenting. Studies four and five explored whether FIT Science also offers a useful framework for promoting changes in family functioning and individual well being. Study four reported a randomized control trial of a FIT-­‐Do Something Different (FIT-­‐DSD) intervention, which was administered to mothers (n=13) of children with ASCs. The FIT-­‐DSD intervention aimed at expanding behavioural flexibility and disrupting constraining habits. Study five reported a qualitative follow-­‐up of the intervention group in study four. 17 The results of studies four and five suggested that the FIT-­‐DSD intervention was a useful and novel tool to help mothers across a number of domains of family life. Relative to a wait-­‐list control group (n=11), the intervention group reported moderate to large improvements in their levels of parenting stress, depression, relationship satisfaction and scores on the cognitive FIT variable Self-­‐responsibility. Qualitative investigation also suggested that the intervention helped mothers develop feelings of control, self-­‐esteem and self-­‐efficacy. The thesis suggests that FIT Science offers a fruitful framework with which to study and intervene with family functioning. Further research seeking to explore the use of FIT Science as a vehicle for family change is recommended. This may help promote better physical and psychological health for individuals struggling with their environmental and self-­‐generated constraints.

Adoecimento crônico envolve afeto e aproximação entre pacientes e familiares, podendo ser impactados diante da necessidade do cuidado. A rotina e dinâmica do sistema familiar sofrem alterações, apontando a necessidade de clarificar a compreensão sobre os processos familiares e pessoais desencadeados pelo adoecimento crônico que ameaça a continuidade da vida. O objetivo geral desse estudo é avaliar funcionamento familiar e espiritualidade relacionada à qualidade de vida de pessoas com doenças crônicas ameaçadoras a continuidade da vida (DCACV) e seus familiares, verificando possíveis associações destas variáveis com saúde mental e qualidade de vida. Amostra foi composta por grupo de 100 pacientes (GP) portadores de (DCACV), acompanhados em um hospital geral e 100 familiares (GF), pareados com o paciente. Aplicou-se Questionário de informações sociodemográficas e familiares; Escala de Avaliação da Coesão e Adaptabilidade Familiar-versão IV (FACES-IV); Questionário para religiosidade, espiritualidade e crenças pessoais relacionadas à qualidade de vida (WHOQOL-SRPB); Questionário para avaliação de qualidade de vida (WHOQOL-breve); Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck (BAI) e Inventário de Depressão de Beck (BDI-II). Os instrumentos foram aplicados no hospital, quando da consulta ou internação; entrevistados em locais separados, na mesma data. Realizou-se análise estatística descritiva dos resultados, teste t comparando os dois grupos e teste de correlação de Pearson para associações entre variáveis. Amostra predominantemente mulheres (51%-GP e 79%- GF), sem companheiro, residindo com família, católicos, classes B e C. Idade média GP 63,6 anos (+14,85) e GF 48,9 anos (+ 14,25). GP 51% apresentaram sintomas de ansiedade e 31% de depressão, GF 45% ansiedade e 23% depressão. Observou-se diferenças significativas nos grupos em qualidade de vida nos domínios social (t=5,296;p<0,001), ambiental (t=4,038;p<0,001) e resultado global (t=3,919;p<0,001), com melhores resultados para GP. Os grupos se diferenciaram quanto a funcionamento familiar nas subescalas Emaranhada (t=2,357;p=0,019), rígida (t=4,469;p<0,001), com resultados melhores para GF, comunicação (t=2,724;p=0,007) e satisfação (t=3,407;p=0,001), melhor para GP. Espiritualidade, na faceta Admiração (t=2,246;p=0,026), com resultado menor para GP. Observou-se correlações entre ansiedade, depressão e diferentes domínios de qualidade de vida tanto para funcionamento familiar quanto espiritualidade. As correlações entre funcionamento familiar e espiritualidade, no GP foram significativas entre algumas subescalas, porém fracas (r<0,40). As facetas, conexão, força e paz, referentes à espiritualidade, se correlacionaram com todas as subescalas de funcionamento familiar, exceto emaranhada (que não se correlacionou com nenhuma faceta), correlações com caótica foram negativas. A subescala satisfação familiar apresentou correlação positiva com todas facetas de espiritualidade. Resultados apontam que DCACV afeta funcionamento familiar e qualidade de vida, incluindo espiritualidade, e é possível que a doença aproxime as relações familiares, favorecendo ao funcionamento, apesar do processo de adaptação tanto pelo paciente quanto familiar. Quanto à espiritualidade, a presença da DCACV parece afetar a capacidade da pessoa de olhar ao redor buscando inspiração para a vida. Viver torna-se o momento presente, uma vez que o adoecimento pode abreviar a vida. Resultados evidenciaram que maior espiritualidade relacionada à qualidade de vida melhor a funcionalidade familiar, reafirmando que DCACV afeta igualmente paciente e familiar, pois foram observadas mais semelhanças que diferenças entre os dois grupos / Becoming chronically sick involves affection and closeness between patients and family and may be impacted due to the care needed. Routine and family dynamics are changed, pointing to the necessity to understand the personal and family processes triggered by the disease that threatens life. The general goal of this study was to assess family functioning and spirituality relative to quality of life among people with chronical life-threatening diseases (CLTD) and their family and identify possible links between these variables and quality of life and mental health. The sample was composed of 100 patients (GP), all of whom with CLTD, followed up in a hospital, and 100 relatives (GF) paired with the patient. The Sociodemographic and Family Information Questionnaire, Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale (FACES-IV), Questionnaire on Religiousness, Spirituality and Personal Beliefs Relative to Quality of Life (WHOQOL-SRPB), Quality of life Assessment Questionnaire (WHOQOL-brief), Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) were all instruments used in the hospital upon visits or admission. Patients were surveyed in separate rooms on the same date. A descriptive statistical analysis of results, t Test comparing both groups, and the Pearson Correlation Test for links between variables were conducted. Predominantly female sample (51%-GP e 79%-GF), without a partner, residing with family, catholic, B and C classes, average age GP 63,6 years (+14,85) and GF 48,9 years (+ 14,25). GP: 51% showed anxiety symptoms and 31% depression symptoms; GF: 45% anxiety and 23% depression. Significant differences were seen between the groups relative to quality of life in the social, environmental and global results realms: (t=5,296; p<0,001), (t=4,038; p<0,001) (t=3,919; p<0,001) respectively, with better results for GP. Groups also showed differences regarding family functioning in the Enmeshed (t=2,357;p=0,019), and Rigid (t=4,469;p<0,001) subscales, with better results for GF; communication (t=2,724;p=0,007) and satisfaction (t=3,407;p=0,001),with better results for GP; Spirituality, in the Admiration facet, (t=2,246;p=0,026), with lower results for GP. There were correlations between anxiety, depression and different domains of quality of life both for Family functioning and spirituality. Correlations between family functioning and spirituality in GP were significant between some subscales, though weak (r<0,40). The facets, connection, strength, and peace, regarding spirituality correlated with all subscales of family functioning, except Enmeshed, which did not correlate with any facet. Correlations with Chaotic were negative. Subscale Family Satisfaction showed positive correlation with all facets of spirituality. Results showed that CLTD\'s affect family functioning and quality of life, including spirituality, possibly making family relationships closer and improving family functioning, in spite of the adaptation process. Regarding spirituality, existing CLTD\'s seemed to affect one\'s ability to look around seeking inspiration to live. Living becomes the present moment, since becoming sick may shorten life span. Results evidenced that the higher spirituality related to quality of life was, the better were family functioning, emphasizing that CLTD\'s affect patients and family equally, since more similarities than differences were identified between the groups

Internalizing disorders are prevalent among youth. However, disagreements exist between parents’ and youth’s reports of mental health symptoms. In particular, youth-onset internalizing disorders such as depression and anxiety have been shown to have the highest reporter discrepancies amongst all disorders. In this study we examined what may contribute to these discrepancies by examining the moderating role of family functioning in a sample of 456 parent-adolescent dyads. Results indicated that although discrepancies did exist between parent and adolescent (M age = 14.97 years; SD = 0.33 years) reports of both anxiety and depression, family functioning did not significantly moderate these discrepancies. The results of this study provide further knowledge on the subject of youth mental health by establishing the presence of parent-adolescent report discrepancies.

Researchers are recognizing the importance of examining underlying family functioning in order to understand the varying influences of parental divorce on offspring. The current study investigated the relations among young adults’ attachment styles, their reported family-of-origin functioning and parents’ marital status (divorced or non-divorced), and their current feelings about and attitudes towards marriage, in a sample of 537 young adults, half of whom experienced the divorce of their parents. The results demonstrate that knowledge of divorce status alone does not tell the whole predictive story for a child’s later relational connections and attitudes. In fact, parental marital status may, at times, act as a proxy for lower intimacy, fewer democratic parenting practices, and higher conflict in the family. Family-of-origin functioning, and, in particular, higher levels of intimacy, was the best predictor of the young adult’s secure attachment in close relationships. Although adult children from divorced households did report more negative feelings and opinions of marriage, parents’ marital status, attachment style and family-of-origin functioning variables were all important in explaining their feelings about and attitudes towards marriage. Notably, those with higher levels of attachment avoidance were more likely to express negative feelings and opinions about marriage. It may be that the role of family functioning on attitude towards marriage includes an indirect pathway: Family-of-origin functioning predicts a young adult’s attachment style in close relationships, which, in turn, can have an important influence on their feelings about and attitudes towards the institution of marriage. Ultimately, we document that if a family-of-origin is experienced to be cohesive and close – even if parents do divorce – it appears that young adult children can still feel securely attached in their close relationships and still feel positively towards marriage. Therefore, the “intergenerational transmission of divorce,” is neither automatic nor inevitable and this term should no longer be utilized in the divorce literature. / Graduate

Magister Artium (Human Ecology) - MA(HE) / The research focused on 60 coloured, Afrikaans-speaking men and women residing in Bell ville South who completed a structured questionnaire and open-ended interview questions. Their perceptions held on the influence of male unemployment on family relations with specific reference to gender role perception, relational satisfaction, communication, decision making, finances and labour within the family were investigated. Unemployment of the male partner was found to have no statistically significant differences for the manner in which males and females perceive their gender roles, finances and labour distribution within the family. Statistically significant differences were found for the manner in which males/and females perceive decision-making and communication within the family when the male partner is unemployed. The results revealed that unemployment does not have an influence on role perception and that the respondents uphold a traditional role perception. Decision making was not male dominated, as more egalitarian decision were taken. The respondents expressed combination gender roles with regard to management of finances and appeared to be satisfied with family and partner relations. The minority of respondents who experienced problems with communication attributed this to the consequences of being unemployed. Social agencies need to offer services to empower families to deal with the affects of unemployment on family life to ensure the survival of families during these challenging periods. A multi-disciplinary approach, provided by a team of professionals is the basis for recommendations for proposed support programme development, access and further research.