Family Resilience and Psychological Responses to COVID-19: A Study of Concordance and Dyadic Effects in Singapore Households.

The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly disrupted the lives of children and their caregivers. Recent research has examined the impact of the pandemic on child and caregiver functioning but there is a paucity of work examining the impact of the pandemic on the broader family system. The current study examined family resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic across three aims: Aim 1 tested whether meaning, control, and emotion systems form a unitary family adaption factor, Aim 2 evaluated a concurrent model of family resilience, and Aim 3 examined whether parent gender and vaccination status moderated paths in the final model. A nationally representative sample of U.S. parents (N = 796; 51.8% fathers, M age = 38.87 years, 60.3% Non-Hispanic White) completed a cross-sectional survey about themselves and one child (5–16 years old) between February-April 2021, including measures of COVID-19 family risk and protective factors, pre-existing family health vulnerabilities, race, COVID-19 stressors, and family adaptation. Confirmatory Factor Analysis demonstrated that the meaning (i.e., family making meaning of COVID-19), control (i.e., stability in routines), and emotional (i.e., family support) facets of family adaptation are unique but related. A path model revealed that there were concurrent effects from COVID-19 exposure, pre-existing vulnerabilities, and racial diversity status to the family protective, vulnerability, and adaptation variables. Additionally, parent COVID-19 vaccination status altered the association between pre-existing family health vulnerabilities and the family protective factor. Overall, results underscore the importance of examining pre-existing and concurrent risk and protective factors for family resilience during a stressful, global, and far-reaching event.

This study aims to investigate adolescent suicide triggered by problems in Korean schools, by focusing on four dimensions of suicide: depression, suicidal ideation, plan, and attempts. Data were collected from 664 middle- and high-school students in Korea, and structural equation modeling analyses were utilized. The results reveal that academic stress and school violence, as risk factors, are related to adolescent suicide. Academic stress increases depression, suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt, but decreases family and academic resilience. School violence also increases depression, suicidal ideation, plan, and attempt, but decreases only family resilience. As protective factors, family and ego resilience influence the four dimensions of suicide. While family resilience decreases all of the four dimensions in suicide significantly, ego resilience decreases depression and suicidal ideation, but has no effect on suicidal plan and attempts. This implies that the function of ego resilience as a protective factor becomes relatively weaker for the more acute dimensions, such as suicidal plan and attempts. In addition, family resilience can be a key protective factor for all of the four dimensions of suicide.

The psychological impact of quarantine due to COVID-19: A systematic review of risk, protective factors and interventions using socio-ecological model framework

The purpose of this study, which was guided by the Family Resilience Model, was twofold: (1) to assess the risk and protective factors related to adaptation and resilience in families of children with spina bifida (SB) in South Korea and (2) to examine predictors of family adaptation and resilience. This is a descriptive study using survey methodology. Data were collected from 203 parents of children with SB between June 2013 and February 2014 at the SB clinic in South Korea and analyzed using stepwise linear regression. The best predictors of family adaptation and resilience in children with SB included one risk factor (parental depression) and four protective factors (parental health, family cohesion, family communication skills, and supportive friends/relatives). These five factors explained 39.7% of the total variance in family functioning (an indicator of family adaptation and resilience; F = 26.43, p < .001). Findings suggest that nursing interventions designed to strengthen protective factors and reduce risk factors are likely to promote adaptation and resilience in families of children with SB.

A family is a primary institution in the society which has dynamic system, and it frequently proceeds especially when its members face a crisis situation. The family’s efforts and success to rise from crisis situations are known as family resilience. The purpose of writing this article is to get better understanding about family resilience as a whole concept. This article is based on a review of literature and journals obtained from various sources. The investigation is conducted through the official websites of Google Scholar, PROQUEST, Research Gate, SAGE Publisher and Blackwell Publisher. The results of reviewing the literatures reveal that family resilience is a growing concept. As a concept, family resilience can be seen as trait (nature) and process. The trait review says that family resilience is strongly influenced by several protective factors as the primary key that a family can revive after experiencing adversity. The perspective of family resilience as a process explains that family resilience is built by the success of families using coping strategies to cope with the stressors in their lives. Meanwhile, the framework of family resilience is built through the theory of systems in the family which combines ecological and developmental perspectives. These perspectives are used to view family functions in relation to sociocultural contexts and multi-dimensional family life circles. The perspectives are then widely developed in researches on family resilience. Most studies show that there are many factors that drive a family to reach a post-crisis resilience condition. This factor is called a protection factor. Researches are also interested in revealing protection factor and risk factors that cause a family to continuously be in a crisis situation. Very limited researches that have been conducted in developing a cultural dimension are able to describe how a family achieves resilient conditions in a way that is distinctive or indigenous in accordance with the environmental conditions in which the family reside

Purpose This cross-sectional study was designed to examine the impacts of three risk factors (i.e., Trump-era policy stress, incidents of discrimination, and COVID-19 exposure) and two protective factors (i.e., resilience and social support) on mental health status. Methods Data were collected via an online survey with first- and second-generation immigrant adults (n = 447). Hierarchical linear regression was employed to assess the risk and protective factors, in addition to demographic characteristics, on anxiety and depression scores. Results Trump-era policy stress and discrimination predicted higher symptoms of both anxiety and depression. In terms of protective factors, resilience and social support each had a significant inverse relationship with anxiety and depression scores. Conclusion Findings contribute to the knowledge base of risk and protective factors during a stringent immigration policy context and pandemic in the United States. Discussion Implications for practice, research, and policymaking are presented.

The present study examined effects of sociodemographic, risk, and resilience factors on marital, parental, and financial stress early in the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 480 married Palestinians living in Israel, using self-report questionnaires. Descriptive statistics and bivariate correlations were computed. Then, hierarchical multiple regression analyses were conducted to predict each of the three stress measures. Finally, dominance analyses were conducted to compare the contributions of sociodemographic, risk, and resilience factors. The results showed considerable differences between predictors of marital and parental stress and predictors of financial stress. For marital and parental stress, resilience factors mainly family resilience were the strongest predictors, followed by risk factors and then sociodemographic characteristics. For financial stress, risk factors (mainly financial damage and prior stressful life events) were the strongest predictors, followed by sociodemographic characteristics and resilience factors (mainly individual resilience). These results suggest that family and individual resilience reduce marital and parental stress under difficult conditions, including the COVID-19 pandemic. Though resilience has been found to ameliorate financial stress to some extent, it appears that other measures are required to manage stress related to financial difficulties.

Families who care for schizophrenia suffer stress and lose the ability to treat. Family stress can be mediated by resilience. Objective: This study aimed to develop a family resilience model based on family-centred nursing for persons with schizophrenia. This study used a mixed-method cross-sectional approach. The population was a family of caregivers for persons with schizophrenia at Mental Hospital in Surabaya, Indonesia. The respondents were 137 families recruited by simple random sampling. Variables include family factors, risk factors, protective factors, patient factors, family stress, family resilience and family ability to care for persons with schizophrenia. The data were collected using questionnaires and then analysed with partial least squares. The statistical results afforded material for focus group discussions with six families and 10 health workers (psychiatrists, psychologists and nurses) in order to improve the model. The result showed family stress was influenced by family factors (path coefficient=-0.145; t=2.26), risk factors (path coefficient=0.753; t=16.7) and patient factors (path coefficient=0.159; t=3.23). Family resilience is influenced by risk factors (path coefficient=0.316; t=2.60), protective factors (path coefficient=0.176; t=2.22) and family stress (path coefficient=0.298; t=2.54). Family resilience affects the family ability to treat persons with schizophrenia (path coefficient=0.366; t=5.36). The family resilience model increases family capability by 13.4%. The model helps families through stress management by controlling the burden and stigma so that families are able to survive, rise, growing stronger and be better at caring for persons with schizophrenia.

Depression and anxiety are comorbid conditions that are disproportionately high among American Indians (AIs) or Alaska Natives. The purpose of this study was to identify potential risk (e.g., low income, intimate partner violence [IPV], adverse childhood experiences [ACEs]) and protective factors (e.g., family resilience, social and community support) related to symptoms of depression and anxiety among AI adults. As part of larger exploratory sequential mixed-methods research, the study focused on survey data with 127 AI adults from two Southeastern tribes (n = 117 when missing data were removed). We used the following three-stage hierarchical regression to understand factors related to depressive and anxiety symptoms: (a) demographics, including income; (b) ACEs and IPV; and (c) family resilience, along with family and community support. Many participants experienced elevated levels of clinically significant symptoms of depression and anxiety (15% and 20%, respectively). Results indicated lower income was associated with higher depressive and anxiety symptoms. IPV and ACE variables were positively associated with depressive and anxiety symptoms. Family resilience was negatively associated with symptoms of anxiety and depression. Social and community support were associated with symptoms of anxiety. The findings provide strong preliminary support for the role of family protective and promotive factors in offsetting symptoms of anxiety and depression. This is contrary to most models of interventions for anxiety and depression focusing on individual psychotherapy rather than promoting family resilience or involvement. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2020 APA, all rights reserved).

Family relationships remain one of the most valuable and meaningful human experiences, within and outside of the military, and when loss or conflict occurs, this has profound effects on individuals and society. Furthermore, family support can influence occupational outcomes such as recruitment, retention, and military readiness. Family loyalty to the armed services can be transmitted intergenerationally and can influence public support for the military as an institution. The interplay between the family, the military, and broader society are considered throughout this special issue. This special edition on military families in Contemporary Military Challenges provides informative sociological perspectives on “military families” both in Slovenia and internationally. Each article tackles unique and significant issues related to military families and society. The lens of the socio-ecological model for risk and protective factor research, in combination with an implementation science approach and attention to contextual factors, is what is needed to move forward in supporting military families. Taken together, the articles in this special issue highlight the complexity and importance of military families and the related policy implications. In the field of family science, not enough attention has been given to the implementation of science research. To do this, one needs to consider both current and past policies and how they have affected families at different socio-ecological levels. As a basis for considering policies and research agendas, the historical context of the family and its relationship with the military in Slovenia and internationally is a good start (see article by Jelusic, Jeznic, &amp; Juvan 2020). Research on military families in Slovenian Armed Forces is a relatively young field and of increasing importance given the changes in the last three decades, after becoming an all-voluntary force and the professionalization of the military. The authors detail the organizational and policy changes in Slovenia that have developed concurrently with military family research internationally and at home. The relevance of military families is now more widely recognized, yet barriers to the successful implementation of support programmes remain. The articles by Hess 2020, Jakopic 2020, and Kasearu et al. 2020 provide several examples of support programmes that can strengthen military families and bolster military family readiness. To achieve the best outcomes, the focus needs to not only be on the treatment of problems, but also on the primary prevention of risk factors and promotion of resilient families (e.g. through fostering high-quality intimate relationships). Promoting resilient families requires the provision of support at multiple levels of operation including psychological support, social care, legal counselling, and spiritual care. In addition to contextual perspectives and policy review, another fundamental part of military family research is identifying the risk and protective factors for socio-ecological outcomes through empirical research. Vuga 2020 provides an action plan for current research to identify factors at different socio-ecological levels that affect family behavioural health outcomes. The risk and protective factors which are most associated with outcomes in the Slovenian military context can be targeted in future programmes and policies. This public health based approach has been applied in other countries to inform military leaders about the needs of their armed forces. In our own work with the US military, we employed risk and protective factor models to identify unique modifiable factors in predicting behavioural and family health outcomes, which could be targeted in interventions at the individual, family, professional and community levels. Vuga and her colleagues’ expansion of the socio-ecological research model will be useful for the Slovenian Armed Forces and the results could be informative for other military organizations. Intervention derived from the risk and protective factor models from the MilFam project can then be tested in subsequent studies to ensure effective implementation and change in behavioural health outcomes. The MilFam project will serve as an important step in addressing the needs of military families in Slovenia. Several other relevant considerations for military sociological research are raised in the other articles, including cross-country differences, deployment challenges, and demographic changes impacting the concept of “military families”. The article by Kasearu et al. (2020) compares the concept of military families across three different countries. Whether families are seen as part of the military or separate, as is the case for some other professions, depends on how military service is defined in different countries. In some contexts, emphasis has been placed on policies for service members, and civilian family members are not considered. Although similar policies are common in many professions, there are certainly reasons unique to the military that suggest inclusive policies and programmes for civilian family members not only benefit military families but can also improve military preparedness. In the case of deployment, when policies are in place that do not support the significant other/spouse and children left behind it can lead to psychological distress, financial burdens, and impairment of family functioning. In the digital age, deployed service members are often well-informed about the problems at home and may become frustrated by the lack of policies in place to support military family members while they are deployed. Besides the challenges faced by separations, military families also face unique challenges related to being stationed abroad with their families. The importance of the infrastructure and network to provide informal and formal support for family members as they navigate a new environment is critical in these situations. This includes both tangible and emotional support for family members as they adjust to living in a foreign country. Housing, medical care, schooling, language, and job options for family members are some of the concerns facing families while abroad. Depending on the size of the military infrastructure abroad, these concerns may be supported internally through the military. However, in many cases, sufficient internal support infrastructures may not be available and agreements with host countries can fill some of these gaps. An added complexity is raised in the article by Švab (as well as in Jelušič et al. and Kasearu et al.), in that challenges facing military families not only depends on the military infrastructure and policies, but also on the family structure and dynamics. Jelušič et al. point out how the typical family of service members has evolved over time. Švab describes the dynamics of family structure across Slovenia and their interplay with military organizational needs. Family structure has changed significantly over the past few decades and this poses new challenges for military families. The changing family structures introduce diverse risks factors and areas to target with support programmes. The division of labour and family roles continues to evolve in Slovenia and internationally. There is a growing body of research that documents the relevance of gender and work division in the military context. Support for women service members with children varies from that of their male counterparts, and may require more targeted support programmes. In meeting the needs of diverse military family practices, attention to both formal and informal support networks in research and policy is necessary. Throughout this special issue, specific examples of programmes already offered to support military families are mentioned. It is important, however, that programmes are not just implemented, but that effective programmes are implemented with a sound base of empirical support for their implementation. One example of this is the PREP programme (Preparation and Relationship Enhancement/Education Programme), which is offered in several countries to support intimate partnerships among military couples. This programme has evidence to support its effectiveness in reducing relationship distress over time across numerous studies. This special issue makes it clear how important the military family is to effective professional functioning. Despite the clear importance of military families, they are often not supported sufficiently in various ways (e.g. through policies or evidence-based prevention offers). This not only influences professional outcomes such as job satisfaction, retention, days of missed work, and satisfaction with leadership, it also places families at risk of hardship and psychological distress. This in turn can cycle back into worse professional outcomes. Divorce/separations and living alone (i.e. social isolation) are associated with risks of depression and suicide, along with negative professional outcomes. Support programmes need to address changes in family structure that may be particularly stressful, as well as negative stressors that arise within family structures (e.g. family conflict and violence), which also, in turn, impact professional outcomes. This special issue draws attention to this cycle and will serve as a useful reference to generate further research studies and policies that will benefit the military and its families.

Family resilience in cancer treatment and key influencing factors: A systematic review

Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with multilevel risk and prognostic factors. Family resilience (FR) has a positive impact on youth ADHD prognosis. Research suggests health care interventions can enhance FR. Family-centered care (FCC), a component of the Medical Home Model often missed in families of youth with ADHD, is 1 possible health care intervention. This secondary analysis examined the relationship between FCC and FR in families of youth with ADHD in the United States. The 2018 National Survey of Children's Health data on families of 6- to 17-year-olds with ADHD were analyzed. A cumulative logistic regression analysis was conducted to model the relationship between FCC and FR as defined by the Family Resilience and Connection Index (FRCI) in families of 6- to 17-year-olds with ADHD. There is a significant association between FCC and FRCI. Although only 13.31% of families of 6- to 17 year-olds with ADHD had an FRCI of 6, the highest measure of FR in this study, families who reported receiving FCC were more likely to have an FRCI 6 when compared with similar families that did not report receiving FCC. Results suggest a positive association between FCC and FRCI in families of youth with ADHD in the United States, supporting FCC as an important health care factor in youth ADHD prognosis and management. Future research may consider measuring the impact of FCC on FRCI in families of youth with ADHD and/or implementation of FCC within youth ADHD health care management.

Family resiliency and family functioning in Non-Hispanic Black and Non-Hispanic White families of preterm infants

Community Violence Intervention (CVI) involves recruiting likely gun violence offenders using street outreach and offering mentorship, social services and other supports to discourage future firearm violence. Grounded in public health, CVI interventions identify an individual’s risk factors and work to enhance protective and buffering factors that can help prevent a client from offending. This paper reviews evaluations of CVI interventions to understand how participants’ risk factors are defined and measured. We used keywords to identify 38 published evaluations of 32 different CVI interventions that recruited community members and used street-outreach as the primary mode of engagement. We then used the PRISMA scoping review methodology to identify categories of risk and protective factors to screen each published evaluation for whether and how they measured participants’ risk, protective and buffering factors at program onset. We found that 56% (18/32) of evaluations included some demographic information about participants and 44% (14/32) provided additional details about their educational or employment status. The criminal justice history was reported in 59% (19/32) and gang or group affiliation in 47% (15/32) of the evaluations we reviewed. The CVI participants’ history related to gun violence was documented in 53% (17/32). Far fewer evaluations documented potential assets, buffering or protective factors of CVI participants: only 16% (5/32) reported on whether any clients were receiving social services at intake and only 6% (2/32) documented any clients’ strengths or protective factors. We also found that no two programs captured the same information about gang, criminal justice, gun violence or social risk factors. Preliminary findings suggest that many CVI programs may not be capturing whether clients face known risk factors for future gun use, and that these programs rarely capture potential protective and buffering factors that might inform program service delivery and potentially enhance the likelihood that interventions will help prevent future gun use. This study aims to support the emerging field of CVI as it works to build evidence that these interventions successfully address the specific needs of urban young people and prevent them from engaging in firearm offending.

There are generally agreed by both professional workers and laymen that the resilience of families is influenced by emotional climate of the family. This study aims to provide an overview of resilience in families with children who have cerebral palsy, who attend YPAC (Foundation for Disabled Children), which is the only centre for cerebral palsy services in Jakarta. Qualitative research was used to analyse a case study featuring three (3) separate families, with each family having two (2) children with cerebral palsy. The result of this study describes the Family Resilience by looking at risk factors and protective factors in families with Cerebral Palsy children and all their limitations. Risk factor is the condition of the informant, who has insufficient and unstable income. On the other hand, family members also receive discrimination regularly, and even experienced physical violence. Meanwhile, protective factor is a source of strength from their personality or values of each member of the family, commitment, and support from the surrounding environments, such as extended family, friendship groups, neighbours, and institutions. Social support becomes a source of strength for the family and keeps their fight with their children with cerebral palsy. Apart from internal factors, their relation to their environment also supports the family’s resilience.