Interviewed 21 farm families following fatal accident. Identified factors involved in bereaved family members becoming more distant from one another: blaming and fear of blame; economic crisis when farm operator is killed; family differences over expression of feelings; preoccupation and emotional flatness of bereavement; and role of kinship…

Examined relationships among family stress, family capabilities, and health status of 53 children diagnosed with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Found that higher levels of family stress and lower levels of family resources were significantly associated with poor metabolic control. Findings suggest that family stress and resources are…

Examines some issues raised in Gavin and Wamboldt's (1992) recent study on Family-of-Origin Scale (FOS). Discusses unresolved concerns regarding validity and utility of FOS and unsubstantiated and potentially misleading claims made by Gavin and Wamboldt. Makes case for conceptual and methodological precision in study of family phenomena.…

Explores individual developmental and family system factors associated with running away. In model presented, ability of youth to successfully individuate is tied to overarching tolerances for autonomy and intimacy that exist within family system. Running away, in this perspective, is viewed as conflict-induced effort on the part of youth to…

Presents a method for examining the Targeted Dysfunctional Behavior (TDB) cycle to help therapists and clients identify many possibilities for bringing about change, especially in the beginning of treatment. Theoretical rationale, stages of the cycle, and model are described with examples. The TDB cycle is outlined. (Author/EMK)

Examines the characteristics of grandmothers who help provide care for their grandchildren, using data from a nationally representative sample (N=2,095). Overall, 43% of grandmothers helped provide care for their grandchildren on a regular basis. Grandmothers' age, living arrangements, number of children, number of grandchildren, education, and…

Identifies the types of formal and informal supports that are used and desired by families parenting children with special medical, behavioral, or developmental needs. Results indicate that informal, agency-linked resources, such as access to family-resource-support specialists and experienced "master" adoptive parents, appear to be…

Interviews with two Cambodian immigrant families over 2 years revealed how they relied on each other more than formal service providers to cope with difficulties. They focused on children's education and safety, insulation of the family from external influences, and interdependence with the immigrant community. (SK)

Investigates the relationship between preference for heavy metal music and vulnerability to suicide among high school students. Results indicate that preference for heavy metal music among adolescents may be sign of increased suicidal vulnerability, but also suggests that the source of the problem may lie more in personal and familial…

Investigates age and gender differences in the relative perception of social support across adulthood. Findings indicate that age and gender do affect the perception of demandingness across different support relationships. Men appear to perceive spousal support as the most positive, while women perceive children's support as the most positive.…

Describes the development of the Ethical Principles and Guidelines for Family Scientists that the National Council on Family Relations Board of Directors unanimously approved. Discusses the importance of ethics education for family professionals, provides suggestions for educators, and delineates the ethical principles and guidelines. (Contains 33…

Research in the field of marriage and family therapy requires many ethical considerations due to the complexity of relationships among family members and the sensitive information involved. The AAMFT Code of Ethics and ethical standards for research attempt to address these concerns. The guidelines cover issues such as risk management, informed…

Grandparents (n=29) attended a course on changes in child rearing. Surveys of the subjects, 29 grandchildren, and 29 parents of the children showed increased satisfaction, greater success, and more effective teaching in family relationships. (SK)

Defines the grandmother-grandchild relationship in light of Montessori theory, focusing on the prepared environment. Recommends having bookshelves for the grandparents' collection of their own favorite children's books, arranging puzzles and other manipulatives around the house, adapting home tasks to include the child, sharing meaningful time…

Developed a measurement model for use in coping research in early adolescence. Results from 359 fifth and sixth graders provided support for measures of children's coping, and a four-factor measurement model incorporating coping efficacy, family support, and the two higher-order factors of productive and nonproductive coping was established. (SLD)