Family Life Education Research Articles

Las competencias de los formadores en el Programa de Competencia Familiar , un programa de educación familiar basado en la evidencia

Los programas de educación familiar trabajan con las habilidades parentales, comunicativas, relacionales y organizativas para fomentar el cambio social positivo. Se trata de unos programas donde el rol de los formadores es clave para implicar y motivar a las familias en los procesos de aprendizaje. En el presente artículo se investigan las características de los formadores, para identificar los factores de éxito de su trabajo durante las implementaciones. Se han llevado a cabo entrevistas y grupos de discusión con diferentes formadores del Programa de Competencia Familiar, una experiencia de trabajo socioeducativo con familias. Los resultados apuntan la importancia de las habilidades específicas con padres y con hijos, el rol de la experiencia y el peso de las habilidades comunicativas y de gestión del grupo. Las principales conclusiones señalan que los formadores, a través de la participación en el programa, valoran la necesidad de mejorar su formación y entrenamiento, así como también reconocen el efecto positivo del trabajo en equipo.

Initial Coparenting Patterns and Postdivorce Parent Education Programming: A Latent Class Analysis

ABSTRACTMany judges now require divorcing or legally separating parents with children under age 18 to attend parent education programs (PEPs). Evaluations of these programs have shown their effectiveness, although these have often not been rigorous. Individuals display different patterns of coparenting following divorce, yet researchers have not empirically assessed participants’ coparenting patterns prior to participation in PEPs. Using data from participants in a PEP class (N = 1,540), we describe participants’ coparenting patterns prior to participating in PEP and consider pre–posttest differences in parenting and coparenting outcomes for each coparenting pattern. Results from this evaluation suggest a need for a more tailored approach to parent education programming and have broader implications for family life education.

In the Event of Death: Lesbian Families' Plans to Preserve Stepparent–Child Relationships

AbstractObjectiveThis study explores the plans women in same‐sex stepfamilies make to preserve stepparent–child relationships in the event of an origin parent's death.BackgroundThe incomplete institutionalization of stepparent–child relationships leaves them legally vulnerable, and this vulnerability may be compounded for lesbian stepparent families given that existing policies (such as second‐parent or joint adoption) are not accessible to them.MethodThis study is based on in‐depth phone interviews with 39 birth, adoptive, and stepparents residing in 17 states. All were raising children from previous relationships and did so for at least one year before study participation. Some grounded theory strategies were adopted to code the transcribed data.ResultsFindings indicate that three approaches were used: (a) relying solely and informally on family members, (b) outlining in‐the‐event‐of‐death wishes in wills for extended family to follow, and (c) assuming that the children were old enough to choose for themselves.ConclusionFindings suggest that existing family policies leave stepparent–child relationships legally vulnerable in the event of the origin parent's death.ImplicationsThe three plans participants articulated may promote division rather than unify a support network for children at a time when they are most needing stability. Family life educators can play a key role in mitigating these divisions by teaching families tools to foster harmonious coparenting relationships among multiple parents.

가족생활교육으로서의 재무교육의 현황 및 과제 - 지역 건강가정지원센터의 프로그램을 중심으로 -

The purpose of this study was to emphasize the household financial education as a part of family life education, especially when provided at local community level; it also examines diverse measures by which to deliver such education. To this end, the current study focuses on the education programs of a healthy family support center, which has been established as a representative transmission system. The current status of its operations was examined, and practical measures by which to stimulate the delivery of financial education within that center were derived. In more detail, previous studies inside and outside of Korea were examined, and the current status of financial education included in the area of family life education was assessed; as a result of these assessments, the definition and objectives of financial education as family life education were adjusted. The limits of financial education that has been delivered thus far were reviewed, with the aim of proposing measures by which to sufficiently stimulate the delivery of financial education programs-programs that ultimately reflect the healthy family philosophy. This study proposes four specific measures by which to stimulate financial education. The first is the application of ‘life cycle perspectives’ to educational terms. The second is the activation of financial education programs that involve the family unit as educational subjects. Third, the delivery of lectures which related to the financing and nurturing of program coordinators was proposed. The fourth is drawing a connection between online and offline education in terms of effectively applying teaching methods. Ultimately, the results of this study can be used as basic data to inform the planning, development, and operational stages of financial education programs within family life education, which can be performed in healthy family support centers in the future.

다문화부부의 부부교육 프로그램 요구도에 관한 연구

The purpose of this study was to identify the needs of marriage education programs for multicultural couples based on their socio-demographic characteristics. A total of 816 multicultural families (247 Korean husbands and 569 foreign wives) were recruited through 99 Multicultural Family Support Centers across Korea. Descriptive statistics and multiple regressions were conducted. The program needs that were relatively higher than other areas included the need to develop education on "understanding the culture and language of partner," "increased intimacy of the couple," "multicultural awareness," and "set goals for life." We also found that each participant's gender, foreign wife's country of origin, participant's education level, and marriage duration were significantly related to the needs of marriage education programs. These findings suggest that family life education for multicultural couples should be based on the characteristics of the program participants such as socio-demographic characteristics and family life cycle instead of providing a universal program for all multicultural couples.

Parent ICT use, social capital, and parenting efficacy

The current study investigated how use of various information and communication technologies (ICTs) was related to social capital and parenting efficacy among parents of youth. Specifically, using structural equation modeling we examined direct and indirect associations between ICT use, social capital, and parenting efficacy using data from 431 parents of youth in the U.S. Parents' ICT use was directly associated with their social capital, but the direction of the association differed by ICT. Parenting efficacy was positively associated with parents' social capital. Also, parents’ ICT use was directly and indirectly associated with parenting efficacy. Parents who were using email and checking news and events online frequently were likely to report higher parenting efficacy, but the use of blogs was negatively associated with their parenting efficacy. Results suggest that parent and family life educators can optimize education programs by utilizing different ICTs based on the purpose of the program.

The Changes of the Family Life Education in the National Kindergarten Curriculum

The Changes of the Family Life Education in the National Kindergarten Curriculum

Zajęcia z wychowania do życia w rodzinie jako miejsce uczenia się przez odkrywanie i przeżywanie wartości

Family life education delivered by Polish schools requires well-organised classes to make pupils more multilaterally active. Of particular importance is learning through discovering and experiencing values as it activates pupils, thus allowing to properly implement that part of the curriculum which refers not only to communicating the message, but also to developing skills and social attitudes. It may also contribute to internalising values and upholding them in everyday life. Correctly presented issues encourage pupils to resolve them. Such issues foster active participation in discussions on the value of marriage and family. They show the universal values and stimulate pupils to think creatively and arrive at conclusions about their own attitude towards marriage and family. Learning through discovering and experiencing values during family life education classes requires appropriate methodologies and teaching methods. Teaching aids such as short educational videos, plays and varieties of drama, e.g. sociodrama can prove benefi cial, as they evoke various emotions and lead to discussions on the valuation of marriage and family.

Perception and Attitude to Family Life Education among Parents in Osun State, Nigeria

Perception and Attitude to Family Life Education among Parents in Osun State, Nigeria

The learning effects of using infant simulators in Family Life Education: A study of undergraduate students in Taiwan

The purpose of this study explored the perceptions of undergraduate students who employed simulator infants in Family Life Education. All of the participants (N=156) were undergraduate students majoring in Family Studies programs in Taiwan. The data collection included quantitative reports of proper care scores, questionnaire, and qualitative data from focus group interviews and students’ reflective journals. The results showed that participants realized the responsibilities, challenges and difficulties of caring for babies. They had more discussion and open communication with significant others. Infant simulators could be used in Family Life Education in undergraduate courses, and to provide the opportunity for students at the emerging adulthood to think about the consequences of unwanted pregnancy, commitment of parents, preparedness for being parents, and learning child care skills. The implications of the study indicated that infant simulators may be used in the stage of emerging adulthood and provided for faculty and develop curriculum and multiple teaching strategies in Family Studies.

Sexual behavior of adolescent students in Chandigarh and their perceptions regarding family life education.

Background:With rapidly changing lifestyle and exposure to the Internet and mass media, lifestyle and sexual behavior of adolescent students are also changing rapidly.Objectives:To investigate the sexual behavior of adolescent students and to study misconceptions prevailing among them.Methods:A cross-sectional survey of 1022 adolescent students aged 14–19 years as a part of an Indian Council of Medical Research sponsored survey. Sexual behavior explored by interview method. Logistic regression analysis for finding correlates.Results:Intimate friendship was reported by 19.2% respondents. The sexual behavior included 89% exposure to sex-related material, 74.7% were aware of sexual intercourse. Awareness regarding at least one contraceptive was found among 95.5% (94.5% of condoms and 67.2% of emergency contraception). About 6% respondents reported some sex-related problems and 2.5% of all respondents consulted some doctors for these problems. Awareness of HIV/AIDS was quite high (about 99%), and 96.4% of them were of the opinion that it is spread through sexual intercourse. Knowledge regarding transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through sexual contact was found among 89.2% respondents. Avoidance/abstinence from sex (84.7%), faithful to one partner (81.7), and use of barrier methods (90.3%) was main reported preventive measures for STI's. About 33% want that the discussion about sex should be open and frank, and 69.4% showed the need of sex education in the schools mostly by doctors.Conclusions:Sexual behavior of adolescent students is changing, and awareness about sex acts is also increasing. There is likelihood of indulging in risky behavior by adolescents. Family life education was felt necessary mainly by qualified medical staff.

Perception and Attitude of Adolescent Rural Girls towards STIS/HIV, Safer Sex and Family Life Education

This study made an attempt to assess adolescent girls ’knowledge, perceptions and attitudes towards life skill education and STIs/HIV and safer sex practice.

Assessment of an Integrated Nutrition Communication Approach to Educate the School Going Adolescent Girls Living In Urban Slums of Hyderabad, Telangana State, India

Purpose: Consumption of right diet during the adolescent phase is a critical issue among the adolescent population as their eating behavior is significantly influenced by the peers. Therefore, a study was carried out to educate the School going adolescent girls living in urban slums of Hyderabad, Telangana, India on right nutrition. Methods –The study was carried out in two randomly selected government schools after obtaining approval from the Scientific Advisory Committee (SAC). About 200 girls each from eighth and ninth standards were recruited as study subjects. The age of the participants ranged from 13-15 years. After obtaining baseline data, intervention was carried out on 8 focal themes related to nutrition, health and family life education, by using well designed educational material. Results: A significant increment in the knowledge levels on all the focal themes was observed among the adolescent girls in the experimental school. After completion of the study, considering the ethical issues, the control group was also given education on 8 focal themes. Conclusions and Implications: It was observed that an integrated approach in communication methods such as combining print media like charts, folders with electronic media, using CD alongside interpersonal communication significantly improved the knowledge levels of these girls on nutrition and family-life education.

Family Experiences and Educational Needs of Home Foreclosure Counseling Clients

This research employed ecological theory to explore the experiences and educational needs of homeowners after foreclosure counseling services had ended. Qualitative in‐depth interviews were conducted with 11 adults in four counties in Michigan. The findings revealed a need for educational services that would focus on how to work effectively with mortgage lenders and to recognize the pile‐up of financial stress and strain on family relationships. Also, the findings suggested that programs should assist homeowners in setting financial goals and accessing local resources. These findings can also be utilized by professionals in the areas of personal finance, family life education, and counseling.

Linking Family-of-Origin Experiences and Perpetration of Sexual Coercion: College Males’ Sense of Entitlement

Sexual coercion on college campuses has become of major concern in recent decades. In recent years, researchers and policy makers have called for greater attention to this topic in order to reduce the sexual violence on college campuses. Recent research has examined the impact of family-of-origin experiences on the perpetration of sexual coercion. The current study examines the association between family-of-origin experiences, such as warmth and hostility between parents, inconsistent parenting, and overparenting during childhood, and the perpetration of sexual coercion among emerging adult males while examining feelings of entitlement as a possible mediator. Data from 326 male undergraduate students were analyzed using structural equation modeling. Results show that warmth and hostility between parents has a significant association with parenting behaviors (i.e., overparenting and inconsistent parenting) and that hostility between parents is associated with the perpetration of sexual coercion by the offspring in young adulthood for males. Also, findings suggest that while overparenting and inconsistent parenting during childhood are not directly associated with the perpetration of sexual coercion during emerging adulthood, they are strongly related to feelings of entitlement, which in turn was found to be associated with the perpetration of sexual coercion for males. These results have important implications for family life education, including relationship and parenting education, and for future research.

Identification of expectations and encountered problems of the middle-school students participating in the sports activities

In healthy societies, physical education and sport activities carry important roles in raising individuals. Previous scientific researches point out that physical activity is very important in the development process of the children. Therefore, children need to be supported in joining planned and systematic physical education and sport activities in both family and school life, beginning at very young ages. Every possibility should be offered to the children for performing sport activities healthily in the habitat while also taking precautions.The purpose of the study is to identify the expectations of the middle-school students and the problems they encounter when attending sport activities in their family and school lives. The data was collected through a survey developed by the researchers. A descriptive method with the aim of revealing the current situation was used in the study. The population of this study consisted of 2500 students, studying in the 5th, 6th, 7th and 8th grades of the middle-school. Two middle schools from the schools within the Sakarya province were selected through a random selection method. The survey was applied to a total amount of 400 volunteer students that were selected as the sample group and studied in these schools. The SPSS 15.0 for Windows software was used for the data analysis. Frequency analysis was used in order to determine the quantity and percentage distributions of the demographic information of the participants. On the other hand, chi-square analysis was used for the comparison of the problems and expectations related to family and school life in regards to the demographic variables. The level of significance in the chi-square analysis was specified as p<0,05.As a result of the study, in relation to the family and school life, the male students were found to have more problems and expectations regarding the participation in physical education and sport activities, when compared to female students. In addition to this, the students who participated in physical education and sport activities regularly seemed to have bigger expectations and more problems with their families.The problems and expectations of participating students regarding the family and school life were identified and suggestions for possible solutions were presented. The study is hoped to be beneficial for the field.

Framework for Best Practices in Family Life Education: A Case Example

AbstractEvidence‐based programming (EBP) in family life education is in high demand because it has a higher likelihood of achieving desired outcomes than non‐evidence‐based programming. Although EBP can promote program sustainability and fidelity, the implementation of EBP in real‐world settings can be challenging. Practitioners sometimes struggle with identifying the best way to adapt EBP to fit their needs. In this article, the Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) is used to provide an in‐depth case example of adapting and implementing EBP through the lens of Ballard and Taylor's (2012) Framework for Best Practices in Family Life Education. The authors outline framework elements that guided this adaptation, such as consideration of context and culture, program content and format, program design, and the role of the family life educator. Suggestions are provided for employing this framework to overcome barriers to implementation and ultimately increase program sustainability to improve the lives of families.

Predicting Behavioral Health Outcomes Among Low-Income Families: Testing a Socioecological Model of Family Resilience Determinants

Over the past decade, the concept of family resilience among impoverished families has increased as a main focus area for family scholars. Similarly, individual, family, and community-level factors that promote family resilience and their impact on behavioral health outcomes have particularly received increased amounts of attention. To date, however, few empirical studies have simultaneously validated the socioecological determinants of family resilience within multi-dimensional conceptual frameworks. In the current study, we test such a model using a cross-sectional design among 380 women and men with an average age of 35 experiencing poverty as a chronic stressor, the majority of whom are ethnic minorities. Individual, family and community determinants of family resilience are examined for their differential effect on outcomes of physical and mental health, as well as risks for substance abuse. Results from structural equation modeling provide support for the model. Findings suggest that community-level determinants impact health through indirect pathways. In this case, community factors predict family and individual-level determinants, and individual factors then directly predict health. Similarly, the relationship between family-level determinants and health was indirect through individual-level factors. Although, a strong positive relationship was found between individual-level determinants and health, the relationship between individual-level factors and substance abuse was also found to be indirect through health. Methodological limitations and implications for family life education, clinical interventions, policy, and future research that are socioecologically-informed are discussed.

우리나라 가족교육 전문인력의 양성과 관리방안을 위한 기초연구

Family education service for healthy families has increased steadily over the past ten years since the Healthy Family Act was enacted. The Purpose of this study aims to investigate the current state of family education professionals such as family life educators and healthy family specialists, and also suggest a management plan for them. The data used was collected from literature regarding family life educators and healthy family specialists, reports and home pages of Ministry of Gender Equality and Family, Korean Institute for Healthy Family, Healthy Family Support Center in Seoul and Gyeonggi-do, Korean Association of Family Relations, etc. The major suggestions are as follows: 1) empowerment of family education professionals, 2) development of the workplace for family education professionals, 3) development and promotion of various education programs for families, 4) improvement of the capability of family education professionals response to a low fertility-ageing society, 5) collaborative networking between family life educators and healthy family specialists. This study contributes to provide insights on how to train and manage family education professionals.

Media Review

Certified Family Life Educator, Parker and Associates, Excelsior, Minnesota, [email protected] The author declares no conflict of interest.