Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “family functioning”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 163 records · Page 9Linked to original sources
PubMed1992

Social relationships and health: the relative roles of family functioning and social support.

The associations between social relationships and health have been examined using two major research traditions. Using a social epidemiological approach, much research has shown the beneficial effect of social supports on health and health behaviors. Family interaction research, which has grown out of a more clinical tradition, has shown the complex effects of family functioning on health, particularly mental health. No studies have examined the relative power of these two approaches in explicating the connections between social relationships and health. We hypothesized that social relationships (social support and family functioning) would exert direct and indirect (through depressive symptoms) effects on health behaviors. We also hypothesized that the effects of social relationships on health would be more powerfully explicated by family functioning than by social support. We mailed a pilot survey to a random sample of patients attending a family practice center, including questions on depressive symptoms, cardiovascular health behaviors, demographics, social support using the ISEL scale, and family functioning using the FEICS scale. FEICS is a self-report questionnaire designed to assess family emotional involvement and criticism, the media elements of family expressed emotion. Eighty-three useable responses were obtained. Regression analyses and structural modelling showed both direct and indirect statistically significant paths from social relationships to health behaviors. Family criticism was directly associated (standardized coefficient = 0.29) with depressive symptoms, and family emotional involvement was directly associated with both depressive symptoms (coefficient = 0.35) and healthy cardiovascular behaviors (coefficient = 0.32). The results support the primacy of family functioning factors in understanding the associations among social relationships, mental health, and health behaviors. The contrasting relationships between emotional involvement and depressive symptoms on the one hand and emotional involvement and health behaviors on the other suggest the need for a more complex model to understand the connections between social relationships and health.

Adult↗
PubMed1998

Family functioning and social support in the adaptation of caregivers of children with sickle cell syndromes.

OBJECTIVE: To examine moderating effects of family functioning and social support on the relationship of child-related stressors to caregivers' psychological adaptation in a sample of caregivers of children with a chronic illness. METHOD: Participants were 67 caregivers of children and adolescents with sickle cell syndromes. We conducted MANOVAs and subsequent effect size calculations to determine if family functioning would buffer the effects of caring for difficult-to-manage children with this illness. RESULTS: Findings supported a moderator effect of family functioning on the association of children's externalizing behavioral problems to caregivers' symptoms of hostility. Greater levels of cohesive and adaptive family functioning buffered the potential detrimental effects of caring for children perceived as hard to manage. No significant associations were obtained between measures of caregivers' psychological adaptation and the severity of their children's disease. CONCLUSIONS: We make recommendations for family systems interventions, particularly for caregivers of children with behavior problems.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2002

Family functioning and peer affiliation in children of fathers with antisocial personality disorder and substance dependence: associations with problem behaviors.

OBJECTIVE: Family functioning and peer influences are theoretically linked to child psychopathology. This study quantified the functional status of families with fathers with substance dependence with or without comorbid antisocial personality disorder and evaluated the peer environments of preadolescent offspring. The authors examined associations between the child's psychopathology, paternal substance dependence/antisocial personality disorder status, and measures of family and peer environments. METHOD: Families with the presence or absence of paternal substance dependence were subdivided into those with and without paternal antisocial personality disorder. Grouped families were contrasted on measures of family functioning, the child's peer affiliation, and the child's problem behaviors. Regression analysis determined the influence of these factors on the child's psychopathology. RESULTS: Families with paternal substance dependence functioned worse than normal comparison families. However, families with paternal substance dependence and antisocial personality disorder (N=34) did not differ markedly from those with substance dependence without antisocial personality disorder (N=84). The children of fathers with both substance dependence and antisocial personality disorder had greater affiliation with deviant peers than those with substance dependence without antisocial personality disorder and comparison families (N=104). CONCLUSIONS: Children of fathers with substance dependence and antisocial personality disorder demonstrated higher externalizing and internalizing psychopathology than those with substance dependence but not antisocial personality disorder and those without either condition. Paternal substance dependence/antisocial personality disorder status and the child's affiliation with deviant peers were most robustly associated with the child's psychopathology. Research is needed to develop interventions that effectively address parental risk and healthy peer relations.

Antisocial Personality Disorder↗
PubMed1983

Circumplex model of family function in practice.

The recent dramatic resurgence in Israel of family medicine as a medical specialty has stimulated interest in concepts that view family function and dysfunction from the standpoint of family relationships and interaction, and in which the family is seen as a unit rather than as a collection of individuals. One model of family functioning, the circumplex model, is explained. This is based upon two dimensions, cohesion and adaptability. The potential relevance of this model to family medicine in Israel is discussed, along with a brief account of the author's initial steps in developing it for use as a tool in practice.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2007

Factors related to anxiety and depression in women with breast cancer and their husbands: role of alexithymia and family functioning.

GOALS OF WORK: The purpose of this study was to explore alexithymia, family functioning, and other factors that might affect anxiety and depression levels in women with breast cancer and in their husbands. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was undertaken in 46 postsurgical ambulatory women with breast cancer and their husbands. Documented informed consent for the study was obtained from each subject. All subjects completed the Zung self-rating anxiety scale (SAS), the Zung self-rating depression scale (SDS), the 20-item Toronto alexithymia scale (TAS-20), and the family assessment device (FAD). MAIN RESULTS: Multiple regression analysis revealed that a high degree of alexithymia in patients correlated with a high degree of patient anxiety. Patient perceptions of inappropriate affective responsiveness among family members correlated with a high degree of depression. Among husbands, a high degree of anxiety was correlated with their own high level of alexithymia or low level of education, and with the occurrence of adjuvant therapy in their wives. Husband perceptions of inappropriate sharing of roles among family members, their own low education level, and a large number of family members correlated with high degrees of depression among them. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed that alexithymia and family functioning are associated with anxiety and depression, respectively, in both women with breast cancer and in their husbands. Individual traits such as alexithymia and family functioning should be taken into account when we intervene to treat anxiety and depression in breast cancer patients and their husbands.

Affective Symptoms↗
PubMed1995

Family structure, family functioning and adolescent well-being: the transcendent influence of parental style.

This study assessed the association between parental style, family functioning and adolescent well being, contrasting intact families with those of changed configuration. Eight hundred and one grade 10 general level teenagers in 11 high schools of a single educational system were the subjects. Results indicated that the configuration of the family was not the key determinant of effectiveness of family functioning. Instead the style of parenting turned out to be the main determinant of both family functioning and well being of the adolescents. While both "parents" were judged to have contributed to these outcomes cross gender effects were found.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1992

Family functioning as a predictor of progress in substance abuse treatment.

This study tested the hypothesis that the level of family functioning is related to changes in the patient's progress while in treatment. We studied the relation of family functioning, as measured by the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales' (FACES II) dimensions of cohesion and adaptability, to 7 dimensions of the severity of patient drug use, as measured by the Addiction Severity index (ASI). The results indicated that family functioning, the cohesion dimension in particular, predicts severity of patient's dysfunction resulting from drug use and family and psychological problems. In particular, 28% of the variability in the ASI Drug Problems, 52% of the variability in the ASI Family Problems, and 29% of the variability in the ASI Psychological Problems were accounted for by the FACES II cohesion score. Although the study has several limitations, it supports the relevance of family factors in the treatment of drug-addicted patients.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed2005

Gender, partner violence, and perceived family functioning among a sample of Vietnam veterans.

This study examined partner violence and perceived family functioning among a sample of 298 male veterans and their female partners. Partner violent men were higher than partner violent women on measures of partner violence severity, although differences did not reach statistical significance. Among couples experiencing unidirectional violence, female victims of partner violence reported significantly poorer family functioning than male victims of partner violence. Data appear to suggest that the effects of male-perpetrated partner violence on perceived family functioning may be larger than that of female-perpetrated partner violence.

Adult↗
PubMed1995

Symptoms at perimenopausal period: its association with attitudes toward sexuality, life-style, family function, and FSH levels.

We studied the association of symptoms with attitudes toward sexuality, life-style, family functioning, and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in perimenopausal women. We collected data on depression, anxiety, nonspecific index of depression, and the empty nest syndrome in 222 women with a mean age of 47.7 (47.2-48.2, 95% CI) years (102 of them were at menopause). Family functioning was evaluated with the McMaster model, and attitudes toward sexuality with questions about women's opinions on sexuality. Scores of depression were higher in women with more than 1 year of menopause. Attitudes to sexuality was significantly associated with all four symptoms. For family function, affective involvement, control of behavior, the roles of the members in the family, and communication were associated with some symptoms. Serum FSH was associated with body mass index, abdomen/hip ratio, and depression. We concluded that: (1) Attitudes toward sexuality was the main regressor for symptoms; (2) the function of the family is also associated with some symptoms; and (3) FSH levels may be lower in obese menopausal women and higher in women with depression or anxiety.

Adult↗
PubMed2003

Family functioning, coping, and psychological adjustment in victims and their families following kidnapping.

This study examines the psychological aftereffects of economic extortive kidnapping on families during captivity, and on kidnapped individuals and family members, 2-4, 5-8, and 9-15 months after the release. Fifty-five kidnapped and released individuals and 158 family members were evaluated through CAPS-DX, SCL90-R, FAD, F-COPES, and a family interview. Captivity was the most stressful period with the highest CAPS and general distress scores. There were no significant differences in psychological distress or in PTSD between the 3 time groups after the release or between kidnapped individuals and their relatives. Correlations among family functioning, coping, and psychological adjustment, during captivity and after the release were analyzed.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Does family functioning affect outcome in children with neurological disorders?

Children with neurological disorders are at increased risk of poor psychological and social adjustment. Medical factors are insufficient to explain the individual variation in outcome, so family variables have been considered. This review evaluates studies which have investigated the effect of family functioning on outcome in children with traumatic brain injuries, epilepsy and other neurological disorders. Methodological problems include the cross-sectional nature of many studies and inadequate control for confounding variables. There is good evidence that family functioning influences behavioural adjustment and adaptive functioning after traumatic brain injury. The role of family functioning in epilepsy and other neurological disorders requires further investigation. The development of effective interventions to improve family functioning may lead to important clinical benefits for children and their families.

Brain Injuries↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Child behavior problems and family functioning as predictors of adherence and glycemic control in economically disadvantaged children with type 1 diabetes: a prospective study.

OBJECTIVE: This prospective study examined how child behavior problems and family functioning predict adherence behavior and glucose regulation (glycemic control) in a sample of economically disadvantaged children. METHODS: Children with type 1 diabetes (N = 116; 58.6% African American) were assessed for externalizing and internalizing behavior problems and family adaptability and cohesion and followed for a mean of 3.8 years. Glycemic control (glycosylated hemoglobin [HbA1c]) was assessed at baseline and follow-up, and adherence was assessed at follow-up. RESULTS: Analyses controlled for baseline HbA1c and years to follow-up. Multivariate analyses indicated that better adherence was predicted by high family cohesion. Better glycemic control was predicted by high family cohesion, the absence of externalizing behavior problems, and the presence of internalizing behavior problems. In addition, tests of moderation indicated that better follow-up glycemic control occurred among girls from high cohesion families and younger children from low adaptability families. Although better adherence predicted better glycemic control, adherence did not mediate the relationships of behavior problems or family functioning with glycemic control. CONCLUSIONS: A child's behavior problems and family functioning may influence both adherence to the diabetes regimen and glycemic control several years later, suggesting the potential value of interventions that address child behavior and family functioning.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1997

The relation of family functioning to adolescent psychological well-being, school adjustment, and problem behavior.

The association between family functioning and adolescent adjustment was examined in 429 Chinese adolescents via children's and parents' reports. The ratings obtained from the different sources indicated that family functioning was significantly related to measures of (a) adolescent psychological well-being (general psychiatric morbidity, life satisfaction, purpose in life, hopelessness, and self-esteem), (b) school adjustment (perceived academic performance and school conduct), and (c) problem behavior (smoking and abusing psychotropic drugs). The findings suggest that there is an intimate link between family functioning and the psychosocial adjustment, particularly the positive mental health, of Chinese adolescents.

Achievement↗
PubMed2000

Effects of parental marital status, income, and family functioning on African American adolescent self-esteem.

This study examined the effects of marital status, family income, and family functioning on African American adolescents' self-esteem. One hundred sixteen adolescents participated, 64% of whom were female. Compared with boys with nonmarried parents, boys with married parents had higher overall self-esteem, even when family income and family functioning were controlled. Parental marital status had no effect on girls' self-esteem. Family functioning was a very strong predictor of self-esteem for both sexes. However, family relational factors were more important to girls' self-esteem, whereas structural and growth factors were more important for boys. It was concluded that African American adolescent boys with nonmarried parents are at risk for developing low self-esteem compared with other African American adolescents, but a more controlled and structured environment may buffer the effects of having nonmarried parents.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1994

[The perception of health, social support and family function in HIV seropositivity].

OBJECTIVE: To discover the perception of health, social support and family function for asymptomatic HIV carriers. DESIGN: This was an observation crossover study, using validated questionnaires. SETTING: Almanjayar and Cartuja Health Centres in Granada. PATIENTS AND OTHER PARTICIPANTS: 58 HIV+ patients belonging to the two basic areas were included. They were selected from the archives of the health centres and from the infectious diseases clinic of the referral hospital. There were an equal number of controls with similar socio-demographic characteristics. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS: The questionnaires used were as follows: GHQ, DUKE-UNC, the family APGAR, which measure health perception, social support and family function, respectively. Of seropositive patients, 58% presented a negative perception of their health, mainly expressed through symptoms of anguish and anxiety; as against 25% of the control group. As to social support, 29% of the HIV+ carriers perceived low levels of support, as against 6.9% of the control group. We found family dysfunction among 46% of seropositive patients, as against 12% of the control group. The Chi squared test was used for the analysis: all the differences were significant. CONCLUSIONS: Patients who are HIV carriers, even when they are asymptomatic, have a poor health perception, which can be attributed to the nature of the illness. The low level of social support detected, linked to the stress involved in being seropositive, may be the origin of the family dysfunction observed in 46% of our sample. We recommend action at individual, family and community levels in order to improve these patients' quality of life, strength their support structures and restore balance to family function.

Adult↗
PubMed2006

Effects of family functioning and self-image on adolescent smoking initiation among Asian-American subgroups.

PURPOSE: This study examined differences in smoking prevalence and differences in associations between family functioning, self-image and adolescent smoking behavior among four Asian-American subgroups. METHODS: Statistical analyses were conducted on responses about their smoking behaviors from 1139 students who self-identified as Chinese-Americans, Filipino-Americans, Korean-Americans, and Vietnamese-Americans. RESULTS: Significant differences in the prevalence of ever-tried smoking and 30-day smoking were found across subgroups, but there were no overall gender differences. Korean-American adolescents reported the highest lifetime smoking and 30-day smoking rates, followed by Vietnamese- and Filipino-Americans. Chinese-Americans reported the lowest smoking rates. There were also differences in the associations between smoking and family functioning and self-image across the four subgroups. High family functioning was inversely associated with smoking for Chinese- and Korean-American adolescents, but not for Filipino- and Vietnamese-Americans. On the other hand, high self-image was associated with decreased risk of smoking for Filipino- and Vietnamese-Americans, but not for the other two subgroups. CONCLUSION: Findings of this study demonstrate that family functioning and self-image varied across Asian-American subgroups. This suggests the need to understand etiological differences between the groups as well as potential implications for prevention cessation programs.

Adolescent↗
PubMedDate not supplied

Impact of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease on family functioning.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to ascertain family dynamics of Finnish patients with severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) on the basis of Barnhill's framework for healthy family functioning. DESIGN AND METHOD: This study used description and comparison and an interview-administered questionnaire and survey. SAMPLE: Participants were patients with COPD and their family members (n = 65) living in the Tampere University Hospital catchment area. The sample consisted of families of home oxygen therapy patients (n = 36) and families of inpatients (n = 29). Families consisted of patients and their family members. INSTRUMENTS: Data were collected from patients by interview-administered questionnaires and from family members by survey. The instrument used was the Family Dynamics Measure 2, operationalized and tested by the American Family Research Group. RESULTS: Families of home oxygen therapy patients experienced significantly more mutuality (P =.03) and made decisions about their illness and life significantly more independently (P =.05) than families of inpatients. Families of home oxygen therapy patients handled change significantly more flexibly (P =.03) than families of inpatients. DISCUSSION: For the most part, families of both patient groups functioned well, but overall family functioning was clearly better in families of home oxygen therapy patients. The sample included some dysfunctional and even severely dysfunctional families. The results of this study cannot be generalized beyond the study sample because of the small sample size, but they provide suggestions for developing the care of patients with COPD and their families.

Adaptation, Psychological↗
PubMed1993

The human/animal bond as a correlate of family functioning.

This study investigated whether selected family characteristics are predictive of family functioning. The intent was to examine whether family cohesion and adaptability could be predicted from the characteristics of family education, income, marital status, and level of pet attachment. A survey research design was used to distribute questionnaires to families in therapy in six southeastern states. Findings indicated that 15% of the variance in family adaptability could be significantly (p < .05) accounted for by the combination of family education, income, marital status, and pet attachment. However, variance in family cohesion could not be significantly accounted for by this combination of variables. Family pet attachment was significantly (p < .05) correlated with both family adaptability and family cohesion. Clinical practice implications of these findings for nurses and other health care professionals are discussed, and recommendations for future studies are identified.

Adaptation, Psychological↗