- New
- Research Article
- 10.1111/fare.70063
- Dec 30, 2025
- Family Relations
- Rachel J Herman + 8 more
ABSTRACT Background Societal inequities place some groups of expectant parents, such as those who experience discrimination based on race and class, at greater risk for prenatal depression and stress. Objective The goal of this pilot trial was to assess the feasibility and efficacy of an intervention to reduce depressive symptoms and stress (self‐reported and physiological) among families with low‐income during early pregnancy. Method Participants included 46 dyads, 24 of whom were assigned to the PREParing for Parenthood (PREP) intervention group and 22 to the usual care group. PREP consisted of six psychoeducational group sessions during pregnancy taught by paraprofessionals in a community setting. Interviews were completed at baseline, post‐intervention, and 6 to 8 weeks postpartum to assess for symptoms of depression (Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale), perceived stress (Perceived Stress Scale), and physiological stress via salivary cortisol. Indicators of intervention feasibility were also collected. Results Results revealed a decrease in depressive symptoms (Cohen's d = .53) and self‐reported stress (Cohen's d = .62) for mothers in the intervention group compared with the control group. Intervention group mothers also had lower physiological stress post‐intervention compared with the control group. No effects were observed for partners. Most participants attended at least five of six intervention sessions and reported high satisfaction with the intervention. Conclusion and Implications The accessible nature of the PREP program makes it a promising intervention to reduce perinatal maternal mental health inequities. Findings contribute to the field of family science by developing and testing one of the first prevention programs to take a family systems approach to promoting mental health during early pregnancy.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1111/fare.70081
- Dec 30, 2025
- Family Relations
- Xiaojun Yang + 2 more
Abstract Objective This study examined how gender attitudes and women's intra‐household decision‐making power interact to shape fertility intentions in China, focusing on the mechanisms that may mitigate the negative link between egalitarian gender attitudes and fertility intentions. Background China continues to face an extremely low fertility rate despite the relaxation of family planning policies. Progressive gender attitudes among women contrast with persistent traditional household roles, creating a gap between gender ideals and lived realities. Method Using data from the 2017 China General Social Survey, the study analyzed a sample of 669 married women of childbearing age. A four‐step hierarchical linear regression model was used to incorporate control variables, gender attitudes, decision‐making power, and their interaction. Results Egalitarian gender attitudes were significantly associated with lower fertility intentions. However, this negative relationship was weakened when women had greater decision‐making power within the household. The moderating effect was especially pronounced among urban, highly educated, employed women, as well as those who do more housework and those under 42 years old. Conclusion The study highlights that progressive gender attitudes are linked to lower fertility intentions in China. Yet, increased household empowerment can buffer this negative relationship, highlighting the importance of aligning gender ideals with everyday practices. Implications Enhancing women's decision‐making power within households could help bridge the gap between progressive gender ideals and reality, thus boosting fertility intentions. Fertility‐boosting policies should aim to further reduce this gap and promote women's autonomy in family matters.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1111/fare.70080
- Dec 29, 2025
- Family Relations
- Anat Vass
Abstract Background Revenge cognitions and behaviors are common responses following intimate partner violence (IPV) victimization, yet little is known about how survivors, particularly from religious minority communities, process these responses during recovery. Objective This study investigated how Jewish women IPV survivors conceptualize and navigate revenge‐related responses in the aftermath of IPV. Method Using a descriptive phenomenological‐psychological approach, data were collected through in‐depth interviews and focus groups with 79 Jewish Canadian women (aged 24–64) who had experienced IPV. Results Thematic analysis revealed three patterns: (a) First, “revenge—between thinking, planning, and acting,” capturing retaliatory cognitions; (b) second, “silence—the ultimate revenge,” demonstrating nonengagement as empowerment as a psychological coping strategy; and (c) third, “true winning has nothing to do with revenge,” highlighting transformation toward self‐focused recovery. Although revenge thoughts were acknowledged as inherent to early healing stages, findings showed these typically evolved toward constructive healing paths when supported by culturally informed approaches. Conclusion Findings demonstrate that although revenge cognitions are common in early recovery from IPV, Jewish women survivors typically progress toward nonretaliatory coping strategies. Implications Results emphasize the importance of culturally informed therapeutic approaches that acknowledge and support this transformation process.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1111/fare.70077
- Dec 23, 2025
- Family Relations
- Mónica Villanueva‐Villar + 1 more
Abstract Objective The purpose of this study was to explore how Family Offices (FOs) function as relational and strategic structures designed by business families to preserve their wealth, values, and cohesion across generations. Background Unlike traditional financial institutions, FOs place the family—not just the assets—at the center of their purpose. As business families transition away from direct business management, the FO emerges as an organizational structure to support legacy planning, intergenerational dialogue, and relational continuity. Method Through a systematic bibliometric review of 46 academic articles published between 1980 and 2024, four thematic domains in the FO literature were identified: organization and succession, investment strategies, entrepreneurship and philanthropy, and governance mechanisms. Results Although investment remains a main theme, there is growing scholarly recognition of the FO's role in promoting family unity, educating younger generations, and transmitting values that strengthen identity and purpose. FOs may help families to manage complex emotional, generational, and financial dynamics. They serve not only as wealth management tools, but also as facilitators for intergenerational mentoring, philanthropic engagement, and conflict prevention. Conclusions and Implications Anchored in theories of socioemotional wealth and family systems, this research shows how FOs can align financial decisions with relational well‐being and long‐term cohesion. It contributes a family‐centered perspective to the emerging field of FO studies and offers practical insights for family educators, therapists, and advisors seeking to foster family resilience and continuity in an increasingly complex socioeconomic context.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1111/fare.70100
- Dec 23, 2025
- Family Relations
- Shiying Fang + 3 more
Abstract Objective This study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese Family Strength Measure (CFSM) in families with young children in Hong Kong, and compare the levels of family strengths of families with different socioeconomic statuses. Background Six types of family strengths have been proposed to shape a strong family in China, while little is known about whether the six types of family strengths play important roles in families with young children. Meanwhile, whether the levels of family strengths vary with the socioeconomic status of Chinese families remains unknown. Method 749 families with young children in Hong Kong completed the survey. Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were conducted to examine the psychometric properties of CFSM. One‐way ANOVA was used to compare the levels of family strengths among different socioeconomic groups. Results results showed that the CFSM with the original factor structure still fitted the data best. Moreover, there was a significant relationship between socioeconomic status and the level of enjoyable time together. Conclusion Appreciation, commitment, enjoyment, communication, resilience, and spirituality play important roles in maintaining strong family bonds. The financial situation has a significant impact on family functioning, especially in family time and entertainment. Implications This study provides insights into how to build strong families in the Chinese context.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1111/fare.70089
- Dec 23, 2025
- Family Relations
- Minhae Cho + 6 more
ABSTRACT Objective This qualitative study examined the experiences of individuals who had lost a sibling with a disability through a family resilience framework. Background Sibling relationships in families of individuals with disabilities are complex, with siblings often assuming caregiving roles and experiencing emotional strain. Yet, there has been very little research on sibling relationships when the death of a brother or sister with a disability occurs. Methods Forty‐five individuals who had lost a sibling with a disability were interviewed. Participants were predominantly from the United States (n = 38), with seven international participants from six continents. Most identified as White/European (n = 39), having lost brothers (n = 23), sisters (n = 20), or multiple siblings (n = 2). Results Analysis revealed three primary themes: emphasizing adaptive changes, emotional coping mechanisms, and support networks. Participant narratives aligned with family resilience processes across three domains: belief systems, organizational processes, and communication and problem‐solving processes. Conclusion The findings highlight the unique dynamics of post‐loss sibling relationships in this context and demonstrate how families reconstruct their identities and relationships following such a significant loss. Implications or Recommendations Practitioners should recognize the complex grief experiences unique to losing a sibling with a disability and provide tailored support addressing adaptive changes, emotional coping needs, and support networks.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1111/fare.70066
- Dec 23, 2025
- Family Relations
- Meihua Wang + 3 more
Abstract Objective From the grandparental perspective, this research aimed to identify intergenerational coparenting relationship patterns using multiple dimensions drawn from the dual lenses of solidarity and conflict and to examine associations with grandparents' psychological well‐being. Background Intergenerational coparenting has become prevalent in Chinese families. Existing studies have provided nuanced typologies in multigenerational caregiving in Western contexts. The patterns of intergenerational coparenting in China require further investigation. Method Latent class analysis was conducted using nationally representative data from the China Family Panel Studies, including 1,511 grandparents (mean age = 65.91 years) with grandchildren, comprising 777 males and 734 females. Results Four distinct relationship patterns were found: tight‐knit (50.89%), reciprocal (10.72%), unidirectional supportive but distant (18.2%), and reciprocal but distant (22.19%). Grandparents' health, education levels, and the gender of adult children were related to relationship patterns. Grandparents in a reciprocal relationship type reported the highest life satisfaction, whereas those with a unidirectional supportive but distant relationship type experienced the most severe depressive symptoms. Conclusion Intergenerational coparenting relationship patterns demonstrate characteristics of solidarity, with little evidence of conflict. Implications These findings provide a theoretical basis for building harmonious families among coparenting family members and implementing family policies in China. The regularity of grandparents' daily interactions with their adult children is a critical factor in enhancing their psychological well‐being.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1111/fare.70075
- Dec 22, 2025
- Family Relations
- Gaëlle Venard + 5 more
Abstract Objective This study examined how parents of adolescents make sense of their parenting in light of contemporary norms and the meanings they attribute to their coparental coordination. Background Contemporary parenting expectations emphasize meeting both the emotional and physical needs of children, and they are often guided by expert advice and media‐driven recommendations. During adolescence, these norms may also conflict with the developmental need for autonomy, creating potential tensions in the parent–child relationship and in the coordination between coparents. Moreover, they may impact mothers and fathers differently due to prevailing gender roles, affecting how they coordinate and share responsibilities within the coparental relationship. Method Twelve individual interviews of parents of adolescents (six couples) were conducted and analyzed through reflexive thematic analysis within a socioconstructivist framework. Results Three main themes were produced: “endorsement of societal expectations about parental roles,” “the evolving parent–adolescent bonding,” and “gendered teamwork?” Whereas the first and second themes concern how parents make sense of their contemporary parenthood, the third has more to do with coordination within the couple. Conclusion Parents adopt intensive parenting norms while striving to respect adolescents' autonomy. Coordination within the coparental relationship tends to reflect complementary rather than equal roles, which can pose challenges, particularly for mothers. Despite these dynamics, both parents aspire to work as a cohesive team. Implications . This study sheds light on how macro‐level factors, including prescriptive parenting and gender norms, shape coparenting practices during adolescence. It also offers insights for clinicians to better consider the distinct needs and expectations of each gender within the coparental relationship.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1111/fare.70073
- Dec 22, 2025
- Family Relations
- Sarah A Almalki
Abstract Objective To develop a culturally aligned family life education (FLE) framework that fosters family resilience within the context of Saudi Arabian society. Background Despite extensive global research on family resilience, there remains a notable gap in the Saudi Arabian context, where studies have predominantly focused on medical and psychiatric perspectives. Method Using a comprehensive review of existing literature, this study examines family resilience within the context of FLE. Sources include theoretical and empirical studies on family resilience, the current state of FLE in Saudi Arabia, and patterns of intervention and help‐seeking behaviors. The review informs FLE framework aimed at strengthening family resilience in the Saudi context. Results The results highlight key cultural and contextual factors essential for shaping effective FLE programs that support family resilience in Saudi Arabia. Conclusion This framework represents a novel synthesis of Islamic values and FLE approaches, offering a structured pathway to enhance the effectiveness and sustainability of family resilience programs in Saudi Arabia and across the broader Arab and Middle East and North Africa regions. Implications The implications of this study include guiding the development of culturally responsive FLE programs and informing policymakers and practitioners on effective strategies to enhance family resilience in Saudi Arabia.
- New
- Research Article
- 10.1111/fare.70071
- Dec 22, 2025
- Family Relations
- Anastasia Akepu Asongafac + 3 more
ABSTRACT Objective To explore the impact of Type 1 diabetes (T1D) on couples' health, wellbeing and relationship, and their needs. Background Family systems theory suggests that a chronic illness in one family member (e.g., a spouse with T1D), can affect other family members, including the partner. Evidence also suggests that partners of people with T1D (PWT1D) can experience health issues such as sleep disturbances and distress around hypoglycemia, which can influence PWT1D's self‐management, glucose levels, and diabetes outcomes. Methods Underpinned by interpretive phenomenological analysis (IPA) methodology, seven couples living with T1D were recruited to participate in the study. Individual semistructured interviews with PWT1D ( n = 7) and their partners ( n = 7), followed by joint couple interviews ( n = 7), were conducted virtually and analyzed using the IPA technique. Results Couples living with T1D experience relationship challenges related to four themes: acceptance and adjustment, partnership, spontaneity versus planning, and immediate and long‐term fears. They also have unmet support needs resulting from insufficient support from health care professionals. Conclusion We recommend increased partner involvement in self‐management education to improve the health, well‐being, relationship, and needs of couples with T1D. Implications Future research should focus on developing interventions with couples with T1D and other chronic conditions to address their challenges and unmet needs.