This paper assumes that the level of personal responsibility of family members for the performance of family tasks and family identity influences the level of function or dysfunction in the family. The more behavior is dysfunctional, the greater the denial of responsibility of family members. (Author)

Is there truth in the stereotype of battered women who enjoy being abused and who have a psychological need for abuse? This study of a grass-roots program providing service to battered women presents thought-provoking data on this and other questions related to causes and consequences of domestic violence. (Author)

The authors focus on familial conflicts and underachievement, specifically as they affect the gifted male child. (SBH)

Examined psychological separation from parents, parental conflict and dominance, and parental symptoms in relation to the problems of college students. Found interpersonal conflict in the family and intrapersonal distress among family members were related. Conflictual dependence of the student on parents and conflict between the parents were…

Presents study comparing preschool-age children of divorce not living in family home (N=4) with children (N=4) remaining in home. Those not in home showed specific discrete longing for it. After divorce the family home may allow the preschool-age child the necessary mental image of access to both his parents despite decreasing family structure.…

Traces changes in social workers' perspectives on the problem of wife abuse. Divides the changes into three time periods: discovering the problem (1976-79); consolidating the perspectives (1980-82); and transforming the problem of wife abuse (1983-84). Concludes increased focus on individual and couple treatment has deflected attention away from…

Studied issues faced by multigenerational families and their implications for family therapy. Major factors in multigenerational households included dependency, sibling relationships, depression, and demanding and egocentric behavior. Factors to consider during family therapy include respite care, age, interdependence, dignity, provision of care,…

Interviews with runaways reveals the following stages of a runaway episode: (1) problematic relationships at home, characterized by violence, power struggles, sibling favoritism, and a lack of love; (2) the fight, which includes a transgression and a parental threat; and (3) running away, where the youth must manage fear and handle logistical…

Integrates family stress theory with empirical farm family research. Using the integration of theory and empirical findings, produces the Farm Family Assessment Instrument, a practical assessment instrument for use by farm crisis counselors who work with families who have lost or are losing their farms. (Author/NB)

Examines reasons why families at all economic levels are becoming increasingly ill-equipped to provide the home setting that schools are designed to complement and augment in preparing the next generation. Indicates which elements are missing from home and community and suggests an approach toward a solution of the problem. (PS)

The author states that home economists interested in the prevention of family problems can collaborate with practitioners who plan and implement marriage preparation programs. She says that home economists have the potential to assist marriage preparation practitioners in needs assessment, the setting of objectives for programs, and devising…

Investigated the association between levels of marital conflict and the self-esteem of children and adolescents. Results indicated the negative effects of conflict tended to be strongest when children's relationships were poor with both parents. However, for young females, conflict was also negatively related to self-esteem when relationships with…

A study of undergraduates at the Pennsylvania State University reveals pluralistic ignorance of parent-youth conflict. Students viewed others as experiencing a greater amount of conflict than existed within their own families. Therefore, friction may be less than is believed and adolescence may not be as rebellious a phase as is generally thought.…

Characteristics of the family environments of mildly retarded, moderately retarded, and severely retarded children (total N=157) were compared. The impact of the retarded child on family adjustment was greatest for families with severely retarded children, but no differences were observed in the impact of the child on marital adjustment.…

Reviews recent statistics which demonstrate how different modern families are from the stereotyped model American nuclear family. Provides suggestions for elementary social studies teachers and includes an annotated bibliography of instructional resources. (JDH)