Families Encounter Research Articles

“Livonia is just all racism”: locating black families’ racial and spatial experiences, school choices, and educational agency in metropolitan Detroit

ABSTRACT Focusing on the metropolitan Detroit region, this paper examines how seven Black families’ racial and spatial subjectivities influenced their suburban school and community choices, and more broadly their acts of educational agency. Using a critical phenomenological approach, key findings show that families’ lived experiences of race and racism in the region, along with the increased presence and support of Black students, families, and educators in select suburban schools influenced their choices and efforts to make suburban schools aligned with their educational and communal priorities, revealing the dual nature in which Black families navigate unjust U.S. education landscapes. Implications address the ongoing challenges Black families encounter in U.S. regional education landscapes and the need for more just approaches that honor Black families’ educational agency and placemaking in local contexts.

The Relationship Between Acculturative Stress, Integration Strategy, Parenting Self-Efficacy, and Multicultural Youth's Perceived Parental Support in South Korea

Over the past decades, ethnically and racially diverse populations have constantly increased in South Korea. In their acculturation, a number of multicultural families encounter acculturative stress, which can negatively influence their individual as well as relational well-being. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the association between acculturative stress of multicultural parents ( n = 2,249) and parental support perceived by multicultural youth ( n = 2,271) in South Korea. Additionally, the authors examined the potential mediating effect of parental self-efficacy moderated by parental acculturation on the association between parental acculturative stress and perceived parental support. Moderated mediation analysis was conducted to test the association between multicultural mothers’ acculturative stress and their youth's perceived level of parental support with the mediating effect of multicultural mothers’ parenting self-efficacy level moderated by integration strategy. The moderation analysis identified a significant buffering effect of achieving an integrated level of acculturation on multicultural parents’ acculturative stress and parenting self-efficacy. In addition, parenting self-efficacy significantly mediated the link between multicultural parents’ acculturative stress and multicultural youth's perceived level of parental support. Implications and future directions for mental health professionals, educators, and researchers were discussed.

Experiences And Preferences Of People With Stroke And Caregivers, Around Supports Provided At The Transition from Hospital to Home

Abstract Background Transitioning home from organised stroke services poses many challenges for people with stroke (PWS) and their caregivers (CGs), requiring them to navigate through complex uncertainties. There are gaps in our understanding of appropriate support interventions for managing the transition home. In this qualitative study, we explored the perspectives of PWS and their CGs regarding their support experiences and preferences during this period. Methods Between November 2022 and March 2023, and within six months of hospital discharge, audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews were conducted with PWS and their CGs. All interviews were transcribed, imported into NVivo software, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis. Results Sixteen interviews were conducted, nine with PWS and seven with CGs. Four themes relevant to their collective experiences and preferences were identified: (i) Need for tailored information-sharing, at the right time, and in the right setting; (ii) The importance of emotional support; (iii) Left in limbo, (iv) Inequity of access. Experiences depict issues such as insufficient information-sharing, communication gaps, and fragmented and inequitable care; while a multi-faceted approach is desired to ease anxiety and uncertainty, minimise delays, and optimise recovery and participation during transition. Conclusion Our findings highlight that regardless of the discharge route, and even with formal support systems in place, PWS and families encounter challenges during the transition period. There is a need for more personalised and timely information-sharing to support individuals and caregivers effectively. A multi-faceted approach is recommended to alleviate anxiety, reduce delays, and provide equitable care for all involved.

Navigating and Resisting Educational Systems: The Experiences of Latinx Families in Rural Oregon.

This study explores the experiences of Latinx parents in rural Oregon from the perspectives of Latinx parents, Latinx students, and community practitioners to understand the barriers Latinx families encounter and how they leverage their community cultural wealth to address these barriers within the context of initiatives implemented by the district. This qualitative study is guided by the following questions: What barriers do Latinx families encounter in rural schools, and how do parents leverage their community cultural wealth to address these barriers? Findings indicate that even when families were engaged in initiatives (e.g., dual language immersion programs) implemented by the district to create a welcoming environment, Latinx parents continued to encounter multiple systemic barriers (e.g., immigration laws) and leveraged multiple forms of community cultural wealth (e.g., linguistic capital) to navigate these barriers. Our findings reveal the complex dynamics at play in rural school communities serving Latinx families.

"I Know How to Get Around Your 'No'": A Follow-Up of the FACES Psychoeducational Intervention.

Black children and their families encounter systemic disadvantages in their journey to and through an autism diagnosis. Black families often experience social and systemic barriers to service use. Providing family-centered, psychoeducational interventions can reduce barriers to service access and utilization for Black families raising autistic children. Fostering Advocacy, Communication, Empowerment, and Support (FACES) has demonstrated preliminary efficacy in strengthening outcomes among Black families, yet little is known about the long-term impact of the intervention. The purpose of this qualitative interview study was to understand the experiences of FACES graduates 16 months after the intervention. Four major themes emerged: (a) strengthened advocacy, (b) strengthened empowerment, (c) systemic barriers, and (d) home and community barriers. We provide implications for research and practice.

Experiences and preferences of people with stroke and caregivers, around supports provided at the transition from hospital to home: a qualitative descriptive study

BackgroundTransitioning home from the structured hospital setting poses challenges for people with stroke (PWS) and their caregivers (CGs), as they navigate through complex uncertainties. There are gaps in our understanding of appropriate support interventions for managing the transition home. In this qualitative study, we explored the perspectives of PWS and their CGs regarding their support experiences and preferences during this period.MethodsBetween November 2022 and March 2023, and within six months of hospital discharge, audio-recorded, semi-structured interviews were conducted with PWS and CGs. All interviews were transcribed, imported into NVivo software, and analysed using reflexive thematic analysis.ResultsSixteen interviews were conducted, nine with PWS and seven with CGs. Four themes relevant to their collective experiences and preferences were identified: (i) Need for tailored information-sharing, at the right time, and in the right setting; (ii) The importance of emotional support; (iii) Left in limbo, (iv) Inequity of access. Experiences depict issues such as insufficient information-sharing, communication gaps, and fragmented and inequitable care; while a multi-faceted approach is desired to ease anxiety and uncertainty, minimise delays, and optimise recovery and participation during transition.ConclusionsOur findings highlight that regardless of the discharge route, and even with formal support systems in place, PWS and families encounter challenges during the transition period. The experiences of support at this transition and the preferences of PWS and CGs during this important period highlights the need for better care co-ordination, early and ongoing emotional support, and equitable access to tailored services and support. Experiences are likely to be improved by implementing a partnership approach with improved collaboration, including joint goal-setting, between PWS, CGs, healthcare professionals and support organisations.

Group social skill training for children on the autism spectrum: an exploratory study of a short-term program in a Chinese outpatient clinic

Objectives Group Social Skill Training (GSST) is a recommended approach for enhancing the social skills of children on the autism spectrum, and it enables therapists to address diverse needs within a single session. However, Chinese families encounter challenges in accessing professional and high-quality GSST training and support services. Notably, outpatient clinic training programs in China often have relatively short durations, yet studies on the effectiveness of short-term GSST for Chinese children are scarce. Methods This study used clinical demonstrations with five children on the autism spectrum aged between 4- to 7-year-olds. The study investigated whether a short-term GSST program effectively improved three social behaviors: initiating a conversation, asking for help, and comforting others. Results The findings revealed three out of the five children’s target social behaviors met the mastery criteria, while the remaining two did not fully meet the criteria still demonstrated clinical improvements. Conclusions This exploratory study showed promising results for supporting the effectiveness of an early short-term GSST program for families of children with autism in China. The findings were discussed in terms of training strategies, and recommendations were proposed for both practical application and future research.

Socioeconomic profile of families with spina bifida children in Turkey

BackgroundSpina bifida’s prevalence and incidence vary across geographical regions with sociodemographic characteristics and socioeconomic status of the populations having a significate influence over its epidemiology. This study aimed to outline the socioeconomic profile of families with spina bifida children, based on sociodemographic characteristics.MethodsBetween August and December 2022, 86 surveys completed by parents of children that underwent spina bifida repair in our institution were included in this analysis. The first part of the survey included questions based on sociodemographic characteristics. The second part of the survey was based on care provided by the families, regular follow-ups, participation in rehabilitation programs, and type of burdens perceived by the caregivers.ResultsA close look at the highest level of parent education showed that more than half of them were only middle school graduates. Occupational status in the perioconceptional period revealed that 77% of mothers were housewives/unemployed. 23% had a history of induced or spontaneous abortion. A high number of consanguine marriages were registered with 58% of the subjects being biologically related. 53% of the spina bifida children came from families with low household income. Only 15% of the spina bifida children had access to physiotherapy and 18% to rehabilitation programs.ConclusionsChildren with spinal dysraphism were more likely to come from families resulted from consanguineous marriages, with at least two children, low level of parent education and household income. Emotional and financial burden perceived by caregivers should be addressed in order to diminish the numerous challenges that this group of families encounter.

Utilization of the Keeping Hope Possible Toolkit with parents of children with life limiting and life threatening illnesses during the COVID-19 pandemic: Exploring pediatric nurses and allied healthcare provider opinions

BackgroundFor families with children diagnosed with complex illnesses, the COVID-19 pandemic added many challenges. In order to mitigate inevitable disruptions in pediatric care settings, caregivers may need added supports and resources. The Keeping Hope Possible (KHP) Toolkit is a self-administered intervention intended to enhance caregiving experiences of parents with a child with multiple needs. However, little is known about effectively disseminating the Toolkit. Purpose and methodsA qualitative, thematic analysis was conducted to explore the opinions and perceptions of pediatric nurses and allied healthcare providers (HCPs) in relation to the dissemination and use of the KHP Toolkit for use by families with complex medical needs. Structured interview data were analyzed from a sample of seven pediatric HCPs working in various care settings in one Canadian province. FindingsFive themes were developed including: Recognising Importance of the KHP Toolkit; Needing Support and Direction; Implementation and Use of the KHP Toolkit; Realizing Important Considerations for Success; and, Emphasizing Connection through Isolated Times. DiscussionParticipants recognized the importance of the KHP Toolkit for parents and extended family in a variety of settings to encourage self-care, daily structure, and connectedness. Thus, pediatric nurses' awareness and openness to the initial dissemination of the Toolkit is essential, and a subsequent interprofessional team approach will ensure consistent reminders and support for families. Application to practiceCareful assessment of family readiness for learning about and using the KHP Toolkit is essential, along with an interprofessional approach to consistent inquiry and support at each family encounter.

Challenges and Outcomes of Chronic Dialysis in Children: A Narrative Review

Chronic dialysis is a life-saving treatment for children with end-stage renal disease (ESRD). However, it comes with difficult challenges, cardiovascular ones being the most significant and fatal. Chronic kidney disease-mineral bone disorder (CKD-MBD) is also a common complication of chronic dialysis, as it has significant effects on growth and cardiovascular health. Infections are also a significant problem for those on chronic dialysis. The cost of dialysis and the lifestyle of Children with CKD are also not optimal, as they have a significantly lower Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) than children with other chronic illnesses. Children on chronic dialysis face several difficult challenges, which differ between peritoneal dialysis (PD) and hemodialysis (HD). Most of these challenges are manageable or preventable. This review article will discuss some of the challenges that children and their families encounter during chronic dialysis strategies to manage these challenges and the outcomes of long-term kidney dialysis.

Psychological aftermath: Exploring the role of the woman as a leader in the Greek monoparental family: Review

Objective: To reassess the social problem of the socially vulnerable group named women leaders of monoparental families in terms of legislation, allowance policy and job benefits, among others. Design: Systematic review. Data sources: 18 electronic and book references as well as high impact journals without geographical restriction up to December 2011 were gathered from International organisations including the EU and OECD. Review methods: A reviewer applied inclusion criteria and extracted data from the latest available reports on monoparental families of Eurostat and OECD. The data came from low-, middle-, and high-income countries. Statistical rates for the proportion of the monoparental families on an international level as well as their possibility of falling below the limit of poverty were employed. Comparison was drawn between two countries under Troika’s surveillance. Results: The search identified 2 scientific researches pertaining to the hardships women as leaders of monoparental families encounter. One was conducted from the Research Center for Equality Issues and the other was published in the journal the Rostrum of Asclepius. All outcomes were self reported. It was found that the most severe problems that women as leaders of monoparental families encounter are health ones, the caring and guarding of their children as well as their professional settlement. Yet, the most vital one is the lack of allowance policy. This approach bears fruits in Ireland. It is mandatory that allowance policy along with implementation of other social structures to form a basis for the support of the monoparental families. Conclusion: Future policy concerning monoparental families must focus on establishing legislation and intervention programs that will assist the woman as a leader of the monoparental family to be assimilated in the society. Allowance policy for the mother/father must be reinforced and not abandoned as it happens nowadays.

Funds of knowledge: Towards an asset‐based approach to refugee education and family engagement in England

AbstractThis paper reports findings from a doctoral study that investigated how young refugees and their families encounter England's education system. All children have the right to education in England; however, there are no specific educational policies for young refugees' education. Their invisibility in policy makes it more challenging for them to access appropriate support and contributes to them being portrayed through a deficit‐based lens. Due to limited school–home partnerships, educators may often be unaware that people with ‘refugee’ and ‘asylum seeker’ statuses face various barriers in and outside of school, further disadvantaging them. In this doctoral research, I drew on the concept of funds of knowledge (FofK) to highlight young refugees' and their families' practices and knowledge(s). I conducted a critical ethnography combined with arts‐based activities to investigate young people's and their families' experiences and perspectives of education. Based on the research findings, I argue that families' FofK can be used as resources for teaching and learning and to help overcome deficit‐based views of young learners. An FofK framework may help schools establish young people's and families' expectations, understand their circumstances in England and build deeper school–home partnerships.

A roadmap for navigating verbally aggressive patient and family encounters

A roadmap for navigating verbally aggressive patient and family encounters

Families, imprisonment and penal power: a radical analysis

This paper is concerned with the exercise of penal power over families affected by imprisonment, and the implications for legitimacy and inclusion. Imprisonment imposes harms upon families, however theories as to how this shapes attitudes towards the justice system and feelings of citizenship are still developing. This paper brings together insights from prison sociology and Lukes’ radical conceptualisation of power to argue that prison rules are the most ‘solid’ dimension of power which families encounter, and therefore it is the day-to-day decisions of officers which are most likely to be challenged. However, by excluding families from decision-making spaces, and shaping beliefs about what actions are possible and desirable, the justice system also exercises power over families in more diffuse ways which, while they provoke less resistance, are just as damaging to citizenship and inclusion.

Acompañar la transexualidad desde la escuela: un estudio cualitativo con las familias

The school must be a safe space that guarantees the inclusion of sexual diversity. Teachers, as well as other possible educational sources, play a key role in this issue. The present study aims to explore the role of the school and other educational agents in the well-being of trans children and adolescents. To this end, 22 life stories written by mothers and fathers of girls and boys who had undergone social transition have been collected and a qualitative analysis has been carried out using MAXQDA software as a tool. For this purpose, three key periods have been considered in the stories: before, during and after having made the transition. Among other aspects, the stories include and value the support that is given to the children by the school, highlighting the role that the families attribute to the teachers as guarantors of their children's wellbeing at school and as facilitators of the transition. The lack of knowledge of child and adolescent transsexuality and the lack of teacher training in this regard, emerge as the main difficulties that these families encounter in the school environment. The role of the peer group and other non-formal contexts such as extracurricular activities are also highlighted as spaces of safety, support and acceptance being cases of rejection and bullying, an exception. The stories show that when the social transition takes place at an earlier age, the rejection and distress at school is lower.

Accompaniment of transsexuality at school: A qualitative study with the families

The school must be a safe space that guarantees the inclusion of sexual diversity. Teachers, as well as other possible educational sources, play a key role in this issue. The present study aims to explore the role of the school and other educational agents in the well-being of trans children and adolescents. To this end, 22 life stories written by mothers and fathers of girls and boys who had undergone social transition have been collected and a qualitative analysis has been carried out using MAXQDA software as a tool. For this purpose, three key periods have been considered in the stories: before, during and after having made the transition. Among other aspects, the stories include and value the support that is given to the children by the school, highlighting the role that the families attribute to the teachers as guarantors of their children's wellbeing at school and as facilitators of the transition. The lack of knowledge of child and adolescent transsexuality and the lack of teacher training in this regard, emerge as the main difficulties that these families encounter in the school environment. The role of the peer group and other non-formal contexts such as extracurricular activities are also highlighted as spaces of safety, support and acceptance being cases of rejection and bullying, an exception. The stories show that when the social transition takes place at an earlier age, the rejection and distress at school is lower.

Looking through the lens: a photovoice study examining access to services for newcomer children

ABSTRACT Purpose Canadian new immigrant families (also known as newcomers) encounter challenges navigating systems when trying to access programmes critical for their children’s healthy development. The purpose of this study is to understand how newcomer families find and use early childhood programmes and services from the perspective of families and early childhood educators (ECEs) working within a settlement organization. Methods Using photovoice methodology, newcomer family members (n = 8) with young children and ECEs (n = 6) participated in a series of virtual workshops to share photos and reflect on their experiences. Results Participants discussed the systemic barriers that obstructed newcomer families’ access to services for young newcomer children. Financial challenges due to unemployment/underemployment, language and cultural differences were emphasized. Despite these barriers and challenges, participants shared how culturally responsive programmes enhanced their connections to programmes and services. Both groups of participants discussed the critical role of social networks in supporting newcomers to use programmes by helping families become aware of available services and assistance with various processes such as registration. Conclusions This research illustrates the lived experiences of newcomer families and identifies opportunities to address inequities, improve early childhood programmes, and enhance families’ access to programmes and services.

SURVIVAL STRATEGIES, REMITTANCE MANAGEMENT MODELS, AND MICRO BUSINESSES OF MIGRANT WORKER FAMILIES: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Indonesian Migrant Workers families employ various survival strategies, including saving, debt management, enhancing skills, and utilizing technology. These strategies help them cope with the challenges they face and improve their well-being. In terms of remittance management models, Indonesian Migrant Workers families utilize both formal and informal channels for sending and receiving remittance. They alson engage in micro business, such as culinary ventures, laundry services, and handicrafts, to generate additional income and meet their daily needs. However, Indonesian Migrant Workers families encounter challenges in establishing and sustaining micro business, such as limited capital, restricted market access, and lack of business management skills. To address these challenges, training programs, education, and broader market access are recommended to echance the success of micro businesses. The government plays a crucial role in supporting the well-being of Indonesia Migrant Workers families by implementing policies that facilitate the development of micro businesses and effective remittance management.

Palliative Care Training in Pediatric Nephrology Fellowship: A Cross-Sectional Survey.

Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and their families encounter significant burdens. Integrating primary palliative care (PC), holistic care provided by nephrologists focused on enhancing quality of life through symptom management, stress relief, and high-quality serious illness communication, provides an opportunity to promote flourishing. Incorporation of primary PC education in training is therefore recommended. Yet adult nephrology fellows report inadequate preparation to deliver primary PC. Similar experience of pediatric nephrology fellows is unknown. We sought to describe pediatric nephrology fellows' experience in providing primary PC and PC exposure during training. We administered a cross-sectional web-based survey to pediatric nephrology fellows associated with the American Society of Pediatric Nephrology listserv in May 2021. The survey was adapted from a previously validated instrument and pretested by stakeholder nephrologists and subspecialty PC physicians; queries included institutional and personal PC experience, training, and confidence in primary PC delivery. Data were summarized descriptively. Response rate was 32% (32/101). Respondents were 81% female and 50% white; 87% practiced in an urban setting. Only 1 fellow (3%) completed a PC rotation during fellowship, and 15 respondents (48%) completed a rotation in medical school or residency. Fellows reported substantially more practice conducting kidney biopsies than family meetings; 68% of fellows had performed >10 kidney biopsies, and 3% of fellows had led >10 family meetings. Confidence in navigating challenging communication, addressing psychological distress, or managing physical symptoms associated with CKD was generally low. Fellows with greater exposure to family meetings reported more confidence navigating challenging communication. Fellows endorsed a need for additional training; 97% indicated that training should happen during fellowship. Few pediatric nephrology fellows receive PC education or exposure during training, resulting in low rates of knowledge and confidence in primary PC delivery. Fellows indicate a need and desire for improved PC training.

Challenges in addiction-affected families: a systematic review of qualitative studies

BackgroundThe relative paucity of research on Addiction-Affected Families’ (AAF) issues and the lack of attention given to their difficulties and treatment in interventions and clinical practices indicate that the primary focus consistently revolves around individuals with addictive disorders, even when the treatment process involves their families. However, it is believed that family members endure significant pressures that result in extensive negative consequences on the personal, familial, and social aspects of their lives. Aiming for a better understanding of the challenges and issues that AAF’s experience, this systematic review explored qualitative studies with a focus on the impact of addiction on different aspects of families.MethodsWe searched Research Gate, Scopus, Web of Science, ProQuest, Elsevier, and Google Scholar Databases. We included studies of qualitative design which have investigated the effects of addiction on families. Non-English language studies, medical views, and quantitative approaches were excluded. Participants in the selected studies included parents, children, couples, sisters/brothers, relatives, drug users and specialists. The data from the selected studies were extracted using a standard format for the systematic review of qualitative research (the National Institute of Health and Care Excellence [NICE] 2102a).ResultsA thematic analysis of the findings of the studies identified 5 main themes: 1) initial shock (family encounter, searching for why), 2) family in the fog (social isolation, stigma and label), 3) sequence of disorders (emotional decline, negative behavioral experiences, mental disturbance, physical degeneration, family burden), 4) internal family chaos (instability of relationships, shadow people, erosive confrontation with the drug-using member, a newly emerging member, collapsing system, financial collapse), and 5) self-protection (attracting information, support, and protective sources, coping and adjusting the effects, the emergence of spirituality).ConclusionThis systematic review of qualitative research highlights the various and complex issues which addiction-affected families go through in terms of financial, social, cultural, mental and physical health problems, as a result of which experts of the field are needed to investigate and take measures. The findings can inform policy and practice and the development of interventions aimed to lighten the burdens which addiction-affected families carry.