Family Relationships Research Articles

Promoting Health for a vulnerable Family with Relationship Challenges. Exploring the Community Nurse's Role

Background: In today's dynamic social landscape, families often encounter a myriad of challenges that can impact their overall health and well-being. Among these challenges, relationship difficulties within the family unit stand out as a significant concern, with potential repercussions for the physical, emotional, and psychological health of its members. Aim: This case study article delves into the intricate dynamics of promoting health within a vulnerable family facing significant relationship challenges. The focus of this study is to explore the pivotal role of the community nurse in addressing the unique needs of such families. Materials and Methods: A qualitative research approach was employed to comprehensively investigate the experiences of a vulnerable family navigating relationship challenges. Data collection involved in-depth interviews, direct observations, and document analysis. Thematic analysis was used to extract meaningful patterns and insights from the collected data. Results: The findings underscored the crucial influence of the community nurse in fostering the health and well-being of the vulnerable family. Through tailored interventions, collaborative support, and sensitive communication, the community nurse played a pivotal role in addressing the family's relationship challenges and promoting their overall health. Conclusions: This study sheds light on the significance of the community nurse's involvement in enhancing the health outcomes of families facing relationship challenges. The role of the community nurse emerges as an essential component in fostering resilience and facilitating positive changes within the family unit.

Teaching Assistants, Respected Enough to Teach, but Not Enough to Be Paid Accordingly

In this article, we examine the role and responsibilities of teaching assistants (TAs) in primary schools in England. A survey exploring the health and wellbeing of educators received 244 responses, with 70 TAs eager to share their experiences. While literature indicates that expectations placed upon TAs are often unclear and fluid, our data suggests that this vagueness can be exploited by leaders. In response to our survey, a picture emerges where the responsibilities of TAs increased exponentially during the pandemic and have not lessened since. In a role that is very poorly paid and can be relatively unsupported, the inevitable impact of this is a significant increase in stress and anxiety. This stress not only impacts TAs' mental health and wellbeing but also affects their family relationships. In this article we call for a review of this role at school level, and for consideration to be given to clearer pay scales and job descriptions. We advise schools to consider actions that create a more respectful school culture, where the skills, knowledge and wellbeing of TAs is valued on a par with their teaching colleagues.

The Impact of Family Relationship on Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) Concentrations in Individuals Residing in Pune, India

The Impact of Family Relationship on Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D (25OHD) Concentrations in Individuals Residing in Pune, India

The who, when, and why of pacifier use.

Social and familial consequences of pacifier use remain poorly understood. The present study attempts to shed more light on the characteristics of parents using pacifiers with their infants and to explore how pacifier use affects perceptions of infant emotionality, maternal stress, and parental efficacy. The study sample consisted of 428 mothers (range: 17-49 years) of infants (0-36 months) who completed a comprehensive questionnaire assessing infant and parent characteristics as well as parenting practices and pacifier use. We compared attitudes toward pacifiers, parenting stress, children's levels of reactivity and self-regulation, and maternal efficacy among Pacifier Users, Never-Users, and families that Tried-Pacifiers. The reported results reveal benefits of pacifier use for the family relationships, namely reduced parenting stress (p = 0.018), better parent-child dynamics (p < 0.001), and more positive perceptions of child's affectivity (p = 0.006), which are all important aspects of infant development. Our findings highlight developmental benefits of pacifier use, a practice that is known to have both positive and negative long-term consequences for healthy child development. It is, therefore, important for health professionals to have discussions about the pros and cons of pacifier use with parents. The study provides novel insights into how and why mothers use pacifiers and into the psychological consequences of this practice. We found pacifier use is associated with less maternal stress, better mother-child dynamics, and more positive perceptions of child's affectivity. Our findings document developmental benefits of pacifier use adding a new perspective to the debate on pacifiers. Doctors, health visitors, pediatric nurses, and midwives may consider this evidence when advising parents on pacifier use.

Being family via WeChat: Children's interpretation of long‐distance family relationships

AbstractThis study explores how left‐behind children in rural China maintain long‐distance family relationships through WeChat, highlighting the significant role of social media during family separation. It underscores the importance of considering children's voices in understanding family relationships in the digital age. Drawing on online workshops and interviews with 41 participants, the research examines how Chinese left‐behind children use WeChat to facilitate parental engagement and manage their emotions. It also investigates the challenges children face in online communication and their perspectives on grandparental involvement. This article argues that children's agency is situated within structural conditions shaped by a confluence of factors, including technological affordances, unique familial contexts, and socio‐economic inequalities. This situatedness fosters creativity, compromises, and adaptations in ‘being family’ at a distance.

Adolescent resilience in the face of COVID-19 stressors: the role of trauma and protective factors.

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced unique stressors that posed significant threats to adolescent mental health. However, limited research has examined the impact of trauma exposure on vulnerability to subsequent stressor-related mental health outcomes in adolescents. Furthermore, it is unclear whether there are protective factors that promote resilience against the negative impacts of COVID-19 stressors in adolescents with prior trauma exposure. This preregistered study aimed to investigate the impact of trauma on COVID-19 stressor-related mental health difficulties in adolescents, in addition to the role of protective factors. Aims were investigated in a sample of 9696 adolescents (mean age 12.85 ± 0.88 years) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development Study. Linear mixed-effects models were employed to examine (a) the associations of early trauma exposure (exposed v. non-exposed), COVID-19 stressors, and perceived stress, sadness, and positive affect levels during the pandemic period in the US, and (b) the role of protective factors (physical activity, parental support, and improvements in family and peer relationships) in these associations. There was a positive association between COVID-19 stressors and sadness, which was enhanced in trauma-exposed adolescents. Improvements in family and peer relationships mitigated the association between COVID-19 stressors and poor mental health outcomes, regardless of prior traumatic experience. These findings support the hypothesis that prior trauma elevates risk of mental health difficulties in the face of future stressors. Results underscore the protective role of enhanced social relationships as targets for early prevention and intervention in those experiencing acute stressors, regardless of prior traumatic experiences.

Explanatory models of illicit drug use in adolescents: A qualitative study from India.

Illicit drug use is a growing concern in India, with a high treatment gap of 73%. Explanatory models can provide valuable insights into the patient's conception of disease and inform help-seeking, treatment, and recovery. Of the studies that examine adolescent drug misuse in India, none have developed a socio-cultural explanatory model. The aim of our study was to develop an explanatory model to better understand the causal beliefs, social context, and self-perception of illicit drug misuse amongst adolescents in India. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 23 adolescents seeking treatment for drug use disorders and 25 healthcare providers recruited across three sites in India. Thematic analysis was used to analyse data. Most adolescent participants reported using multiple drugs, often in combination with cannabis. Frequent usage was reported i.e., daily at multiple times. Causes of initiation and continued use were peer influence, curiosity and pleasure, psychosocial stressors, family conditions, and systemic risk factors (e.g. socioeconomic instability). Drugs were acquired from various sources, including fellow users and pharmacies. Adolescent participants perceived negative impacts of drug use on physical and mental health, family relationships, and everyday functioning. Our findings on common reasons of drug use initiation, importance of peer relationships in continuation of use, impact of use on various aspects of life and the relationship of illicit drug use with socioeconomic status are consistent with previous research done in India on the subject. Understanding how adolescents and caregivers perceive drug use can help inform patient-clinician rapport, improve treatment compliance and understand intervention effectiveness. Such an explanatory model holds crucial implications for shaping interventions and clinical approaches to address adolescent drug use in India.

A Sibling's Intuition: The Role of Sibling Approval for Romantic Relationships

Research has shown that family and peer relationships have an impact on the stability and quality of one's romantic relationships. According to family systems theory, family dyads are likely to impact the stability of romantic dyads within a system. Yet, little is known if and how one's sibling will impact the development and maintenance of that relationship. Therefore, the goal of this study is to understand how approval of a sibling's romantic relationship impacts the quality of that relationship. Participants ( N = 168) and their siblings ( N = 118) were recruited to participate in an online survey, which included questions regarding their current and previous romantic relationships, if applicable, their relationship with their sibling, and their approval of their sibling's previous and/or current relationship(s). Data was analyzed using moderation analyses and actor–partner interdependence models. Although regression results showed no effects of sibling approval for relationship quality for either current or past relationships, the path analyses revealed that when participants approved their siblings’ relationship, the satisfaction increased, but when the siblings approved of the participant's relationship, the satisfaction trended downward. Path analyses also showed that approval did not predict the satisfaction of either participant's or sibling's last relationship. In both models, sibling and participant approval significantly predicted each other. Last, sibling closeness was not found to moderate any of these relationships. These results show that sibling approval plays a role in romantic relationships, but the impacts vary depending on relationship context.

Self-Attainment or Self-Delusion? A Study of Eugene O’neill’s Long Day’s Journey into Night

This paper sets out to prove that characters in Eugene O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey into Night assert themselves, and in the process, disintegrate the family and disrupt social cohesion. It is based on the assumption that O’Neill’s characters in this play cannot attain the self without family and societal disintegration. It seems that self-fulfilment and family/social cohesion cannot be achieved simultaneously these characters tend to pay attention to one of these values at a time. Individual frustration precedes instability in the family and societal relationships. The theories adopted as appropriate tools for this paper are Psychoanalytical theory and Deconstruction. This choice is guided by the major preoccupation in the paper. Psychoanalysis helps in analyzing the psychical state of characters in the play before, during, and after the quest. Meanwhile, Deconstruction facilitates the examination of the indeterminacy of the characters’ quest for the self in O’Neill’s Long Day’s Journey into Night. One of O’Neill’s major concerns is human relationships, especially marriage, and the challenges that usually characterize these relationships. Characters’ quest to assert themselves while, intentionally or not, ignoring their family and social responsibilities leads to individualism and self-destruction. O’Neill advocates the harmonization of self questing with unity in the family and social cohesion if self-fulfilment will be achieved.

Substance use among Latinx youth: The roles of sociocultural influences, family factors, and childhood adversity.

Substance use among youth is associated with adverse consequences and may increase vulnerability to addiction and psychiatric disorders later in life. Sociocultural factors such as discrimination have been associated with substance use, while positive cultural resources, such as enculturation and familism, have demonstrated protective outcomes. However, few studies have highlighted how family factors influence substance use among Latinx youth during their transition from adolescence to young adulthood. This study used longitudinal data to explore the associations between sociocultural factors, family factors, childhood adversity, and substance use among Latinx youth. The data were from a longitudinal study of acculturation and substance use among Latinx youth in Southern California (n = 1257, 52.1% female, mixed socioeconomic status). The average age was 14.5 (SD = 0.39). Data collection began in 2005 and ended in 2016. Hierarchical regression models showed that discrimination was associated with higher problematic alcohol susceptibility. Childhood adversity was associated with higher odds of tobacco, alcohol, and marijuana use. Parental communication was associated with lower odds of problematic alcohol and marijuana use. To promote youth well-being, preventive efforts should prioritize reducing childhood adversity and discrimination, while fostering positive family relationships. Overall, our findings suggest the need for interventions targeting various systemic levels to effectively address substance use among Latinx youth.

A new genus and species of Peleopodidae Hodges, 1974 (Insecta: Lepidoptera) from South-East Asia

Paraxenoacria gen. nov., a new genus belonging to the family Peleopodidae is described to accommodate a new species Paraxenoacria spinosa sp. nov. from Bangladesh. This genus is peculiar and clearly distinct from the other genera of this family and others of the related families on the basis of external morphology as well as genitalia features of males such as having downwardly curved digitiform projections in the tegumen and distinct shape of the valva. Additionally, analysis of observations from different citizen science platforms reveals that this newly described genus is distributed throughout South-East Asia up to Malaysia. The biological aspects of this new species are also provided. The genus is tentatively being placed within the subfamily Acriinae due to its close resemblance to the genus Acria Stephens, 1834 pending further comprehensive taxonomic study.

Family resources, resilience beliefs, and parental adaptation: A moderated mediation analysis.

Despite the extensive body of evidence documenting how pandemic-related stressors (e.g., disruptions in daily routine) impact individuals' mental health, research examining family mechanisms through which stressors impact parental stress remains insufficient. The present study aims to address this gap by exploring a moderated mediation model that predicts parental stress resulting from the accumulation of pandemic-related stressors. Specifically, we hypothesized a second-stage moderated mediation model in which family resilience beliefs moderated the second-stage indirect paths through family relationships and marital satisfaction, resulting in conditional indirect effects. Study data were collected from American parents (n = 1386). There was no evidence that family relationships and marital satisfaction mediated the association between stressor pile-up and parent stress. In addition, family resilience beliefs did not significantly impact how marital satisfaction or family relationships affect parental stress. However, marital satisfaction mediated the relationship between stressor pile-up and parental stress across all levels of family resilience beliefs. The findings of this study carry significant implications for post-pandemic family interventions, suggesting the incorporation of resilience belief training and stress management strategies to improve intrafamilial communication.

Gender equality in family relations: legal aspects of protecting the rights of women and men in marriage

Gender equality in family legal relations is one of the main foundations of modern legal and social development. The article is devoted to the systematic analysis of the principle of gender equality in family relations as one of the fundamental tasks of the state and society. This study acquires special importance in the context of global political processes, international obligations of Ukraine and its European choice. The theoretical and practical importance of this issue is decisive for legal principles and the development of national society. Implementation of the principles of gender equality in family relations is important not only from the point of view of justice, but also for ensuring the harmonious development of society in general. The article examines the concept of gender equality in detail and determines its impact on the realization of property rights of participants in family relationships. On the basis of an in-depth analysis of scientific provisions, the legal nature of economic relations of spouses and their importance in the science of family law have been clarified. It is emphasized that family legislation reflects the concept of gender, taking into account all aspects of gender issues. Its purpose is to strengthen the principles of egalitarian democracy in the family, to ensure equal opportunities for the realization of constitutional rights, freedoms and duties of both an individual and a citizen. Legal awareness is defined as the basis of the mechanism for ensuring gender equality in Ukraine. The importance of gender equality for achieving stability and harmony in the family and society in general is emphasized. It has been established that there are problems of low legal awareness of citizens in general and specific problems of gender inequality in the country. It has been studied that gender equality in family relations is becoming more and more relevant and necessary in modern society. The meaning of gender equality as equal recognition of rights and opportunities for men and women in all aspects of family life is considered. Through the analysis of the legal aspects of the protection of the rights of women and men in marriage, highlighting the practical aspects of the realization of these rights and the analysis of socio-cultural influences, the formation and application of gender equality in modern family relations has been studied. It was noted that achieving gender equality in family relationships is a complex process that includes both legal and socio-cultural aspects. In particular, this issue is closely related to the fight against gender stereotypes, which can still affect attitudes towards the roles of men and women in the family. Therefore, the effective provision of gender equality in family legal relations requires not only the improvement of legislation, but also a change in public consciousness.

Modern Family Planning Utilization and Associated Factors among Hiv Women of Reproductive Age Attending at Care and Treatment Clinics (CTC) in Mwanza City,tanzania

Background: In Sub-Saharan Africa HIV/AIDS prevalence remains high and makes it the world’s most severely affected region. The use of family planning helps to prevent unplanned pregnancies among HIV positive women of reproductive age. There is a dearth of evidence on the preferred methods, reasons for use and non-use and discontinuation of the use of family planning among HIV positive women of reproductive age appearing at HIV Care and Treatment Clinics (CTCs) in Mwanza City. Therefore this study was conducted to determine family planning uptake, methods preferred and the reasons for discontinuation of the use of family planning among HIV positive women of reproductive age appearing at HIV Care and Treatment Clinics (CTCs) in Mwanza City. Objective: To determine family planning uptake, methods preferred and reasons for discontinuation among HIV positive women of reproductive age appearing at HIV Care and Treatment Clinics (CTCs) in Mwanza City. Methodology: This is a hospital based cross-sectional study involving 440 HIV positive reproductive age women (18 – 49 years) who were attending Bugando Medical Centre, Sekou Toure Regional Referral Hospital and Buzuruga Health Centre HIV Care and Treatment Clinics was carried out. A structured pre tested questionnaire was used to collect data on socio-demographic characteristics, information on current family planning use, health service related factors, family factors, disclosure and ART status, and factors associated with modern family planning use. Data analysis was done using STATA version 13 according to objectives. Results: A total of 440 participants were enrolled in the study and their median age was 36 [IQR 30 – 42] years. Majority, 246(56.2%) of the participants were aged 35 to 49 years. Majority 279 (63.4%) of women attained primary education. Factor associated with family planning discontinuation were not been counseled on FP(AOR 5.5; 95% CI 2.0 – 15.1; p-value 0.001), Partner has desire of children AOR 0.3; 95% CI 0.1 – 0.8;p-value=0.029), Advanced stage of HIV(AOR13.4; 95% CI 5.1 – 35.0; p-value&lt;0.001 ), Divorced women(AOR 3.2; 95% CI 1.1 – 9.7; p-value=0.038) and women’s age ≥35 years(AOR 6.8; 95% CI 2.2-20.9 p-value=0.001). Conclusion: The overall uptake of modern family planning methods was low. Integration of modern family planning services within the CTCs was low too in all the facilities. Furthermore, the proportions of HIV positive women using dual family planning methods were very low. Factor associated with family planning discontinuation were not been counseled on FP, Partner has desire of children, Advanced stage of HIV, Divorced women and women’s age ≥35 years.

A First-Person Account of Caring for a Parent With Dysphagia.

Research has shown that caregiver burden is compounded by dysphagia experienced by the care recipient. However, little is known about the caregiver perception of the caregiving experience, highlighting both the positive and negative experiences. As such, the purpose of this clinical focus article was to provide a first-person account of an adult caregiver of an aging parent with dysphagia and relate their experiences to current literature to inform clinical practice. The caregiver provided a detailed account of her experiences caring for her father with dysphagia. Her account was analyzed to identify recurring themes in the literature regarding the caregiving experience and to identify gaps in dysphagia-related caregiver support. The caregiver's story is organized into seven main sections: (a) life before dysphagia, (b) dysphagia onset and diagnosis, (c) dysphagia management and support, (d) community support, (e) impact on family relationships, (f) social and emotional health, and (g) current perspectives on the caregiving experience. The challenges associated with caregiving clearly impact the caregiver's overall well-being, but she received abundant support from her family, community-based speech-language pathologist, and caregiver support groups. The caregiver's experiences, while not applicable to every caregiver caring for a loved one with dysphagia, can offer valuable insights to clinicians and other caregivers facing similar situations.

Upgrading fatigue

There are two positions that are difficult to reconcile and compose when it comes to the problem of professional updating: on the one hand, there is the unavoidable need for doctors to consolidate and refine their cultural and technical preparation, acquiring at least the most substantial and most easily transferable part of the knowledge deriving from a progress that never ceases to amaze: on the other hand, the overbearing and wearisome fatigue of a hard daily work commitment makes its harassing presence felt, which does not allow for any breaks and which does not allow room not only for study but also for the same family relationships or for some marginal Iudic activity.

'I can feel sad about it and I can worry, but inside I know everything happens for a reason': personal experiences in the aftermath of the March 15 Christchurch mosque attacks.

On 15 March 2019, a white supremacist gunman sequentially attacked two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, killing 51 people aged from 3 to 77 years and bullet-injuring 40 more. Approximately 250 people survived the atrocity, and many more family and community members have been directly or indirectly affected. To develop an understanding of the personal experiences of some of those affected, including effects on daily life and well-being, in the 18-30 months following the attacks. Qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 21 men and women from September 2020 to August 2021 was performed. Participants were drawn from a larger quantitative study and included injured, bereaved, witnesses, family members and those from the wider Muslim community in Christchurch. Four superordinate themes were identified: being overwhelmed in the midst of chaos; experiencing silent and enduring impact; living similarly, but differently; and gaining meaning and growth. These themes captured ongoing distress inclusive of physical symptoms, family and community relationship dynamics and connectedness, secondary stressors, and diversity in coping and growth. For most, the centrality of Islam as a faith tradition was woven throughout. Consistent with previous literature, post-trauma reactions were pervasive and varied. This appeared to be compounded by secondary stressors in this cohort, such as sociopolitical circumstances, demographic diversity, the COVID-19 pandemic and justice processes. Findings also revealed a strong spiritual thread in the experiences of this minority faith community, shedding light on a complex interaction between recovery and post-traumatic growth.

Calculating of Month and Day of Birth Ahead of The Wedding Day in The Javanese Culture: Perspective of Maqashid Al-Syari’ah

Background. Counting the month and day of birth is ritual; respect for traditions and beliefs that have existed for a long time in society; considered as one way to ensure that the couple starts their new life well and receives blessings from God. Aim. Examines the role of Javanese culture in calculating the month and day of birth in relation to the upcoming wedding, as well as its relevance from the perspective of maqashid al-shari’ah. Method. Qualitative approach involving in-depth interviews and participatory observation. Thematic analysis was employed to identify key themes of data and to connect with the theory of maqashid al-shari’ah. Results. The practice carries values aligned with maqashid al-shari’ah, such as the protection of offspring and the formation of harmonious family relationship; provides spiritual and social reinforcement for the Javanese community; fostering mutual respect and strengthening the bonds between individuals and their traditions and beliefs.

Working conditions in surgery and their impact : Results of anational survey

In surgical disciplines poor working conditions and ahigh level of dissatisfaction among surgeons in the various disciplines have been reported. The psychological consequences of these conditions on the surgeons themselves and the effects on their families have so far been inadequately considered. The objective of this national survey of the Professional Association of German Surgery (Berufsverband der Deutschen Chirurgie e. V.) was to determine the current status of working conditions in surgical departments of German hospitals and to demonstrate their psychological and familial effects. In the period January-February 2024 aquestionnaire with 26questions focusing on psychological stress, work-related partnership and family problems as well as addictive behavior was sent to all members of the Berufsverband der Deutschen Chirurgie e. V. and to all German surgical societies. Atotal of 2221 questionnaires could be analyzed. Among the survey participants, bureaucracy (84.4%) and inadequate compensation for overtime (68.1%) were seen as the main stress factors. Alcohol (20.3%), nicotine (8.9%) and medication (8.3%) were cited as ways of managing the workload. Of the surgeons 60% reported anegative impact on their relationship with their partner and 40% on their relationship with their children. The surgeons reported poor working conditions. These have amassive impact on the mental health of surgeons and on their family relationships. Consequently, many surgeons consider leaving the surgical profession. To improve this situation and to make the surgical profession attractive again, adrastic rethinking is needed.

On Freedom-Loving Roosters and Beloved Goats: Animals, Humans, and Iraqi Narrative Prose 1948–1954

Abstract This article explores the relationships between humans and animals in Iraqi prose fiction from the 1940s and 1950s. It argues that Iraqi authors wrote about animals to underline not only the inhumane conditions in the nation’s rural regions but also the inhumanity of urban existence, which was associated with greed, deception, the absence of family and ethical values, and social death. More specifically, the article studies two short stories: ʿAbd al-Malik Nūrī’s (1921–1992) “The South Wind” (“Rīḥ al-janūb”), and Shalōm (Shālūm) Darwīsh’s (1913–1997) “A Convoy from the Countryside” (“Qāfilah min al-rīf”). Both stories suggest that animals have emotions, and in both, the act of urbanization involves a woman’s sacrifice of an animal. The pairing of these two stories accentuates the need for class-based, anti-sectarian and ecocritical readings of Iraqi narrative prose. Reading texts written by Iraqis of various religions liberates such texts from impositions created by nationalists and from their insistence on allegorical meanings. What determines the humans’ fate in these stories is not their religion but rather their environment, their dwelling in southern Iraq, their relation to capital (and lack thereof), their family relations, and the very meaningful roles animals play in their lives.