The development and validation of the family coping expectations scale: socialized responses to adverse life experiences and their associations with personal and relational wellness

Purpose: To determine the relationship between family coping and resources and family adjustment and parental stress in the acute phase of the NICU experience.Design: Correlational study based on the Resiliency Model of Family Stress, Adjustment, and Adaptation. Main study instruments included the State Anxiety scale of the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, the Family Inventory of Resources for Management, the Family Crisis Oriented Personal Evaluation Scales, and the General Functioning subscale of the McMaster Family Assessment Device.Sample: Data collected from 124 mother and father pairs within two to four days of their infant’s admission to the NICU.Main Outcome Variables: Family adjustment and parental stress.Results: Adequate resources were more strongly related to positive adjustment and decreased stress than were either coping or being a first-time parent. The relationships among the variables were generally the same for both parents. Mothers utilized more coping strategies than did fathers.Practice Recommendations: Families with limited resources should be identified early to facilitate their adjustment to the NICU.

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Family Life Experiences and the Abusive Consumption of Tramadol by Adolescents

Psychology and Mental Health Care ◽

10.31579/2637-8892/061 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 3 (4) ◽

pp. 01-07

Author(s):

NDJE NDJE MIREILLE ◽

LONGCHI Gladys NAHLELA

Keyword(s):

Family Life ◽

Sequential Analysis ◽

Life Experiences ◽

Structured Interview ◽

Major Influence ◽

Emotional Needs ◽

The Family ◽

Interview Guide ◽

Practical Information ◽

Harmful Effects

There are increasing worries in many countries worldwide especially in Cameroon as concern the abusive consumption of tramadol and its addictive effects. Experiences within the family have a major influence on the wellbeing of its members, be it child, adolescent or adult. This is what spurred us to question other factors which have harmful effects on those abusing tramadol. This article aims to find how adolescents who have the necessary requirements for an adapted development seek satisfaction in abusive tramadol consumption. The objective was to understand the meaning adolescents who abusively consumes tramadol associate to their family life experiences and also bring out practical information on how adolescent’s emotional needs are met. We conducted a clinical study on three adolescents who abusively consume tramadol at the Psychiatric unit of Jamot Hospital Yaounde. Data was collected using semi- structured interview guide. Data collected was analyzed using thematic content and sequential analysis. The results were interpreted mainly based on the attachment theory which has shown that family life experiences are the association and negative interpretations of events experienced by these adolescents. These experiences have engendered a lacking state which the adolescents try to overcome by abusively consuming tramadol. Finding also indicated that family life experiences lead to the difficulties in managing negative counter-transference reactions which interferes with their ability to provide secured based. Perspectives for this research highlighted the lack of research exploring the rate of tramadol abusive consumption in the rural area and the end comparing their prevalence rates.

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“A Life in Paradox”: Experiences of Young Adult Stroke Survivors

10.31235/osf.io/7hdej ◽

2019 ◽

Author(s):

Rudolf Cymorr Kirby Palogan Martinez ◽

Migliore H. Macuja ◽

Paul Remson Manzo ◽

Sarah J. Bujawe

Keyword(s):

Young Adults ◽

Conflict Resolution ◽

Young Adult ◽

Family Involvement ◽

Life Experiences ◽

Phenomenological Approach ◽

Levels Of Analysis ◽

Individual Experience ◽

Stroke Survivors ◽

The Family

This study, rooted on phenomenological approach, explored the experiences of post-stoke young adults. Seven (7) participants were gathered as co-researchers and were selected thoroughly based on the following criteria: 1) They are Filipino who had stroke at the age of 15-35 and 2) They are able and willing to articulate, participate, and share their life experiences. Further, the experiences of the participants were gathered and enhanced through the following methods: 1) Interview, and 2) Storytelling. Subsequently, three levels of analysis were done ensuing the process developed by Martinez (2013), grounded on interpretative phenomenology. Through the process of reflective analysis, three themes have emerged and are as follows: (a) “Sometimes, what is forbidden is pleasurable”: Dilemma of Needs and Wants(b) “I accepted it... my family is still accepting it”: Centrality and Ambiguity of the Family(c) “I become feeble but stronger”: Resilience in VulnerabilityThe themes represent a recurring pattern among the lives of the co-researchers from having the desire to change their old ways and habits but acting otherwise. Further, these patterns are reflected in the positionality of their family as both a burden that reminds them that they have a disease yet serves as the main reason they continue to fight. This also mirrors how they view stroke as something that defeated them but in the process taught them resilience in life. The insight of a “life in paradox”, then serves as the central essence of the study.Insights from the study suggest that the experience of the co-researchers is more than an individual experience of conflict resolution but a phenomenon of family’s contextualization. Studies that explore compliance among post stroke young adult as well as family involvement in rehabilitation is then suggested.

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Experiencing and overcoming financial stress in married couples: A study in COVID 19 pandemic era

Revista Amazonia Investiga ◽

10.34069/ai/2021.42.06.12 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (42) ◽

pp. 124-140

Author(s):

Iryna P. Yakymchuk ◽

Serhii M. Olkhovetskyi ◽

Ilona V. Rashkovska ◽

Halyna M. Bevz ◽

Maryna O. Martseniuk

Keyword(s):

Online Survey ◽

Family Cohesion ◽

Family Income ◽

Family System ◽

Coping Behavior ◽

Financial Stress ◽

Married Couples ◽

Well Being ◽

Family Coping ◽

The Family

The article analyzes interaction of spouses in overcoming financial stress. An online survey of 136 married couples was conducted during the lockdown caused by the spread of COVID-19 accompanied by family income losses. Frequency and severity of discussions on financial topics; level of subjective economic well-being, activity of coping strategies, family cohesion and adaptation were measured. Results showed that the discussion of financial topics is a stressor for married couples, accompanied by contradictions and conflicts, but ultimately helps to improve quality of relations between spouses, and also increases the adaptability of the family system in a situation of socio-economic crisis. Subjects of conflicts were defined. Influence of gender roles on financial consciousness and behavior was shown. Wives are more likely to initiate discussions on economic topics and more inclined to economic anxiety, while husbands showed economic optimism. The severity of financial stress correlates with assessments of family cohesion. Correlations between financial well-being and coping behavior of husbands and wives represent the family as an entire open system. Partners are interdependent in overcoming financial stress. Collective family coping is determined by individual reactions of spouses. The efforts of partners can be congruent and complementary.

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Breaking the silence about illness and death: Potential effects of a pilot study of the family talk intervention when a parent with dependent children receives specialized palliative home care

Palliative & Supportive Care ◽

10.1017/s1478951521001322 ◽

2021 ◽

pp. 1-7

Author(s):

Megan Weber Falk ◽

Rakel Eklund ◽

Ulrika Kreicbergs ◽

Anette Alvariza ◽

Malin Lövgren

Keyword(s):

Home Care ◽

Family Relationships ◽

Family Members ◽

Family Coping ◽

Open Communication ◽

Entire Family ◽

Palliative Home Care ◽

Dependent Children ◽

Palliative Care Setting ◽

The Family

Abstract Objective The entire family is affected when a parent is severely ill. Parents often need and appreciate professional support when talking to children about illness and death. The family talk intervention (FTI) is family-centered and intends to promote communication about the illness and its consequences, support parenting to enhance family coping and help family members share experiences with each other to create a shared family history. This study aimed to explore potential effects of FTI in specialized palliative home care, as reported by parents. Method This pre-post test intervention pilot was conducted in specialized palliative home care. A convergent mixed-method design was used to analyze interview and questionnaire data. Twenty families with dependent children were recruited from two specialized palliative home care units in Stockholm, Sweden. Results Parents reported that family communication improved after participation in FTI as family members learned communication strategies that facilitated open sharing of thoughts and feelings. Increased open communication helped family members gain a better understanding of each other's perspectives. Parents reported that relationships with their partner and children had improved as they now shared several strategies for maintaining family relationships. Parents were also less worried following participation in FTI. The ill parents stated that they gained a sense of security and were less worried about the future. Significance of results This study adds to the evidence that FTI may be a useful intervention for families with dependent children and an ill parent in a palliative care setting. This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT03119545.

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The Vortex: Families’ Experiences With Death in the Intensive Care Unit

American Journal of Critical Care ◽

10.4037/ajcc2002.11.3.200 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. 200-209 ◽

Cited By ~ 103

Author(s):

Karin T. Kirchhoff ◽

Lee Walker ◽

Ann Hutton ◽

Vicki Spuhler ◽

Beth Vaughan Cole ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care Unit ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Life Experiences ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Family Members ◽

Terminal Condition ◽

Loved One ◽

The Family ◽

Downward Spiral ◽

Eventual Loss

• Background Lack of communication from healthcare providers contributes to the anxiety and distress reported by patients’ families after a patient’s death in the intensive care unit.• Objective To obtain a detailed picture of the experiences of family members during the hospitalization and death of a loved one in the intensive care unit.• Methods A qualitative study with 4 focus groups was used. All eligible family members from 8 intensive care units were contacted by telephone; 8 members agreed to participate.• Results The experiences of the family members resembled a vortex: a downward spiral of prognoses, difficult decisions, feelings of inadequacy, and eventual loss despite the members’ best efforts, and perhaps no good-byes. Communication, or its lack, was a consistent theme. The participants relied on nurses to keep informed about the patients’ condition and reactions. Although some participants were satisfied with this information, they wished for more detailed explanations of procedures and consequences. Those family members who thought that the best possible outcome had been achieved had had a physician available to them, options for treatment presented and discussed, and family decisions honored.• Conclusions Uncertainty about the prognosis of the patient, decisions that families make before a terminal condition, what to expect during dying, and the extent of a patient’s suffering pervade families’ end-of-life experiences in the intensive care unit. Families’ information about the patient is often lacking or inadequate. The best antidote for families’ uncertainty is effective communication.

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Siblings’ Lived Experiences of Having a Brother or Sister With Home Mechanical Ventilation: A Phenomenological Hermeneutical Study

Journal of Family Nursing ◽

10.1177/1074840719863916 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 25 (3) ◽

pp. 469-492 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

Åsa Israelsson-Skogsberg ◽

Agneta Markström ◽

Katja Laakso ◽

Lena Hedén ◽

Berit Lindahl

Keyword(s):

Mechanical Ventilation ◽

Life Experiences ◽

Home Mechanical Ventilation ◽

Life Situation ◽

Number Of Children ◽

The Past ◽

Self Confidence ◽

The Family ◽

The Everyday ◽

Sibling Family

Over the past few decades, there has been an increase in the number of children receiving home mechanical ventilation (HMV), and in many ways, families have taken responsibility for the required advanced homecare, which has placed considerable time demands on the family unit. Little is known about the life situation of the siblings of HMV-assisted children; their own voices and an insider perspective are missing. The aim of this study was to illuminate the everyday life experiences of siblings of HMV-assisted children. Data were obtained via interviews with 10 siblings with a median age of 9 years. Data were analyzed using a phenomenological hermeneutical method inspired by the French philosopher Ricoeur. Four themes emerged, all of which suggest that a complex and profound intertwined sibling bond develops that links the past, present, and future. The findings of this study provide valuable information from an insider’s perspective about the meaning of having an HMV-assisted sibling. Family-focused care with particular attention and support for siblings of HMV-assisted children can encourage the development of internal strengths, self-confidence, and resilience.

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Mental Health in the Family Business: A Conceptual Model and a Research Agenda

Entrepreneurship Theory and Practice ◽

10.1177/1042258719837987 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 44 (1) ◽

pp. 55-80 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Danny Miller ◽

Johan Wiklund ◽

Wei Yu

Keyword(s):

Mental Health ◽

Family Business ◽

Research Agenda ◽

Anecdotal Evidence ◽

Health Issues ◽

Family Coping ◽

Mental Health Issues ◽

The Family ◽

Work Family ◽

Abcx Model

Mental health issues are affecting not only families worldwide but also numerous family businesses. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the uniqueness of the family business may be a double-edged sword generating both benefits and drawbacks for business families dealing with mental disorders. Building on the socioemotional wealth (SEW) perspective of family business, the ABCX model of family coping, and work–family interface literature, we develop a theoretical model to suggest how MDs interact with family and family business resources to influence the dynamics between families and their firms, and the outcomes from those dynamics. A research agenda is then proposed.

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Pet Humanisation and Related Grief: Development and Validation of a Structured Questionnaire Instrument to Evaluate Grief in People Who Have Lost a Companion Dog

Animals ◽

10.3390/ani9110933 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 9 (11) ◽

pp. 933 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Uccheddu ◽

De Cataldo ◽

Albertini ◽

Coren ◽

Da Graça Pereira ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Legal Rights ◽

Research Model ◽

Italian Version ◽

Reliability Indices ◽

The Family ◽

The World ◽

Dog Owners ◽

Development And Validation ◽

Structured Questionnaire

People often develop strong emotional connections with their dogs and consider them to be members of the family. The purpose of this study was to develop a novel validated tool, the Mourning Dog Questionnaire, to recognise and evaluate the mourning process in people who have lost a dog. The research model was based on a grid of five different questionnaires: the Pet Bereavement Questionnaire, the Lexington Attachment to Pets Scale, the Animal-Human Continuity Scale, the Positivity Scale, and the Testoni Death Representation Scale. The Italian version of the survey was posted on social networks. A sample of 369 Italian dog owners filled in the questionnaire (mean age ± SD 42.00 ± 10.70 years). Reliability indices were good for all instruments. The total scores of the five questionnaires correlated with each other. The results from the Mourning Dog Questionnaire support the negative view of life after the death of a pet and people’s tendency to humanise their pet, since dog owners perceived animals no differently from humans in terms of emotions, needs and legal rights. Findings arising from the use of the Mourning Dog Questionnaire will help the implementation of rationality-based strategies to improve the wellbeing, resilience and quality of life of people in the world experiencing the loss of a pet.

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