Family Communication Skills Research Articles

The Impact of Family Communication on Adolescent Satisfaction with Family Life Across Different Family Structures

The Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems is one of the most widely used approaches in family studies. This model assumes that family communication is an important element in achieving positive family functioning because it allows family members to alter their levels of flexibility and cohesion. While this theoretical approach has been widely used and tested there are still some gaps in the empirical evidence on the universality of its assumptions. Considering that adolescents today live in a wide variety of families, that are very diverse according to their structures, it is important from an ethical standpoint to test the universality of any theoretical framework that is used in family interventions. This study therefore sought to investigate whether there are differences in satisfaction with family life and family communication in families with different structures and whether family communication is an important correlate of satisfaction with family life in all types of families, using data from a study of adolescents from Zagreb, Croatia (N = 4 821). Linear regression was used to evaluate the association of family satisfaction (dependent variable) with family communication and parental marital status (predictor variables) with the additional inclusion of interaction effects between family communication and parental marital status. The results of this study have shown that adolescents are generally satisfied with their family life and that there are differences in perceived family satisfaction and family communication between adolescents regarding the marital status of their parents. The results presented in this paper support the main hypothesis that in families with adolescents, family communication is strongly associated with family satisfaction, independently of parental marital status. The findings suggest that interventions aimed at improving family communication skills inadolescent families could benefit all families with adolescents.

Family Functioning and Strengths in Families of Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder in Saudi Arabia

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between family functioning and strengths in the context of parents of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in Saudi Arabia. A total of 300 parents of a child with ASD completed a self-report questionnaire, the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scales (FACES IV), Family Communication Scale (FCS), Family Satisfaction Scale (FSS), and Family Strengths Scale, to measure different balanced and unbalanced aspects of family cohesion and flexibility, family communication skills, extent of satisfaction with family functioning, and the accord and pride facets of family strength. The data were analyzed using independent sample t-test, F-test, and ANOVA. The severity of child's ASD symptoms and age of the child when diagnosed with ASD had a significant effect on a family's cohesion and flexibility, communication, and accord. The parents’ years of marriage and annual income also had a significant effect on cohesion, flexibility, communication, and family strengths. Contributions of the study, limitations, and implications for future research and practice are provided.

Wives’ Opinions on the Extent to which their Husbands Consider the Family Prophetic Communication Skills: A Field Study

Objectives: The study aimed to survey wives' opinion about the extent to which their husbands consider the skills of family prophetic communication in their married life.
 Methods: The study followed the descriptive approach in a field survey style, through a questionnaire tool that was built based on extrapolation of family communication skills in the Prophetic Sunnah, and the conclusions of previous studies on these skills. The tool was applied to a sample of wives in Irbid governorate during the academic year 2020/2021, with a percentage of 5% of the study population.
 Results: The results of the study showed that men employ verbal prophetic skills in family communication with their wives whenever the wife is younger. There is also a clear effect of the factor of the duration of marriage, and the relationship between them is inverse, the shorter the period of marriage, the higher the consideration for skills. The nature of the husband’s work is related to the extent to which the husbands take these skills into consideration, clearly and in a positive relationship. The results indicate that spouses who hold a scientific level (higher studies) are the most appreciative and consider the precautionary measures that prevent the occurrence of marital problems before they occur.
 Conclusions: The study recommends the need to take care of the Prophet's skills in family communication, disseminate them by including them in the study curricula, mosque discourse, family reform institutions, and radio and television media programs, and others.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of Technology-Enhanced Family-Focused Therapy for Youth in the Early Stages of Mood Disorders

Family-focused therapy (FFT) is associated with enhanced outcomes in youth with bipolar and depressive disorders, but has not been evaluated in conjunction with mobile health tools. In symptomatic adolescents whose parents had histories of mood disorders, we examined whether the effects of telehealth-based FFT were augmented by mobile health apps that emphasized mood tracking and family coping skills. Participants (aged 13-19 years) had active mood symptoms and a parent with major depressive or bipolar disorder. Participants received 12 sessions in 18 weeks of telehealth FFT, with random assignment to (1) a mobile app (MyCoachConnect, MCC) that enabled mood tracking, reviews of session content, and text reminders to practice mood management and family communication skills (FFT-MCC); or (2) a mobile app that enabled mood tracking only (FFT-Track). Independent evaluators assessed youth every 9 weeks over 6 months on depressive symptoms (primary outcome), anxiety, and psychosocial functioning. Participants (N = 65; mean age 15.8 ± 1.6 years) significantly improved in depressive symptoms over 6 months (F1,170 = 45.02, p < .0001; ή2 = 0.21, 95% CI = 0.11-0.31), but there were no effects of treatment condition or treatment by time interactions on depression scores. When secondary outcome measures were considered, the subgroup of youth with bipolar spectrum disorders showed greater improvements in anxiety and global functioning in FFT-MCC compared with FFT-Track. Youth in the early stages of mood disorder may benefit from FFT enhanced by mobile health apps. Collaborations between researchers and information technologists on mobile app design and user experience may lead to increases in engagement among adolescents. Technology Enhanced Family Treatment; https://clinicaltrials.gov/; NCT03913013.

Internal medicine residents\u2019 perceptions and experiences in palliative care: a qualitative study in the United Arab Emirates

BackgroundPalliative medicine is a newly developing field in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The purpose of this study was to gain a deeper understanding of the experiences of internal medicine residents providing end-of-life care to patients and their families, and how those experiences shape their learning needs.MethodNine focus groups were conducted with internal medicine residents and recent graduates from two large academic health centers in the UAE between 2019 and 2020. Through an iterative process, data were collected and examined using constant comparison to identify themes and explore their relationships.ResultsFifty-two residents and graduates participated. Residents frequently care for terminally ill patients and their families, but lack confidence in their skills and request more structured education and training. Cultural and system related factors also impact palliative care education and patient care. Five main themes and associated subthemes were identified: (1) clinical management of palliative patients, (2) patient and family communication skills, (3) religion, (4) barriers to end-of-life education, and (5) emotional impact of managing dying patients.ConclusionOur findings can help guide program development and curricular changes for internal medicine residents in the region. Structured education in end-of-life care, with a focus on fostering culturally sensitive communication skills and spirituality, can improve resident education and patient care. Clear and transparent policies at the institution level are necessary. Programs are also needed to assist residents in developing effective coping strategies and emotionally navigating experiences with patient death.

Family resilience factors affecting family adaptation of children with cancer: A cross-sectional study.

Pediatric cancer impacts all family members, including parents and siblings, who strive to adjust to a multitude of changes brought about by the illness. Family resilience is an important factor in the successful adaptation of families of children with cancer. Therefore, we aimed to identify risk and protective factors for family resilience at the child, family, and community levels that affect the adaptation of families of children with cancer. This study employed a descriptive survey design, and data were collected from 111 parents of children undergoing treatment for cancer between April and May 2020at a university hospital in South Korea. Based on Patterson's family resilience model, risk factors-severity of child's condition, parental depression, and stigma and discrimination-and protective factors-the child's temperament, family communication skills, and supportive health services-for family adaptation were analyzed using multiple regression analyses. Among family resilience factors affecting the adaptation of families of children with cancer, parental depression (ß=-0.290, p=0.004) and family communication skills (ß=0.403, p<0.001) were identified as risk and protective factors, respectively. These variables accounted for 29.3% of the variance in family adaptation (F=7.503, p<0.001). There is a need to develop strategies such as intervention programs that focus on reducing parental depression and strengthening family communication skills to promote the adaptation of families to pediatric cancer.

Implementation of a skills-based virtual communication curriculum for medical students interested in surgery.

BackgroundCommunication skills are essential to providing patient-centered care. The need for standardized communication skills training is at the forefront of medical school and residency education. We aimed to design and implement a curriculum teaching virtual communications skills to medical students. The purpose of this report is to describe our experience and to offer guidance for training programs developing similar curricula in the future.MethodsThe curriculum was presented in weekly modules over 5 weeks using Zoom technology. We focused on proven strategies for interacting with patients and other providers, adapted to a virtual platform. Skill levels during role-play were assessed by the Simulated Participants and students observing the simulation using the 14-item, physician specific Communication Assessment Tool (CAT). The primary outcome of the CAT is the percentage of “excellent” for each item ranked both years. Participants provided feedback on what worked well or how the module could be improved in open-ended responses.ResultsTwenty-eight and 25 students registered for the course in Year 1 and Year 2, respectively. Students’ post-session confidence in their ability to perform target skills was statistically higher than their pre-session scores in most sessions. Modules with the lowest pre-session confidence for both years were “Disclosing a Medical Error” and “Responding to Patient Bias.” The mean percentage of students receiving “excellent” scores on individual CAT items ranged from 5 to 73% over the course of both years. Verbal and written feedback in Year 1 provided direction for the curriculum developers to improve the course in Year 2.ConclusionsDeveloping and implementing a new education curriculum is a complex process. We describe an intensive curriculum for medical students as we strive to allow students extra “clinical” time during COVID-related restriction. We believe continued focus on patient and family communication skills will enhance patient care. Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s44186-022-00054-9.

اختبار فعالیة برنامج التدخل المهنی للممارسة العامة فی الخدمة الاجتماعیة و تنمیة مهارة الإتصال الأسری لأسر الأطفال ذوی صعوبات التعلم.

ملخص البحث: تعد الأسرة هي السياق الاجتماعي الأول في تکوين الشخصية الخاصة بالفرد ، فمن خلال الأسرة يتم إشباع حاجات الوالدين والأبناء ، و يميل أولياء الأمور إلى توقع أن يقدم الأطفال ذوى صعوبات التعلم بممارسة سلوکيات غير مرغوبة بالمقارنة بأطفالهم الآخرين الذين لا يعانون من صعوبات التعلم ، وقد أشارت بعض الدراسات إلى أن وجود أطفال ذوى صعوبات تعلم في الأسرة ربما يؤدي إلى تقييد الحياة الاجتماعية للوالدين والحد من أنشطتهم ، وقد يتعرض أولياء الأمور لمستويات منخفضة من الخبرات الحيوية في الأسر التي يوجد بها أطفال ذوى صعوبات التعلم . لذا نؤکد على أهمية وجود البرامج التربوية للآباء والأمهات الذين لديهم أبناء ذوي صعوبات تعلم تلک البرامج القائمة تکون قائمة على تنمية المهارات الوالدية الخاصة بأساليب التنشئة ، وأساليب التعامل مع الأبناء وکيفية إدراک وتناول مشکلاتهم ، کما أن تعلم الوالدين طبيعة مشکلات الطلاب ذوي صعوبات التعلم أمر ضروري نظرا لما يحتاجونه من معاملة خاصة ، ومهارات والدية خاصة يمکن من خلالها جعل هؤلاء الطلاب من الطلاب المتميزين تعليميا واجتماعيا. حيث أن تنمية مهارة الإتصال الأسري لها اهمية کبيرة في حياة الأسر بصفة عامة ، و أسر الاطفال ذوي صعوبات التعلم بصفة خاصة لأنها تعمل على تزويد الأسر بطاقة ، ومعلومات ومهارات، ومعارف حول کيفية التواصل مع الأبناء ذوي صعوبات التعلم على أسس صحيحة علمية قائمة على المعارف والعلم. وهذا ما تسعى إليه الباحثة خلال دراستها الحالية القائمة على التدخل ببرنامج قائم على تنمية مهارات الإتصال الأسري مع الطلاب ذوي صعوبات التعلم. Abstract: The family is the first social context in the formation of the personality of the individual, through the family, the needs of parents and children are satisfied, and parents tend to expect children with learning difficulties to practice undesirable behaviors compared to their other children who do not suffer from learning difficulties. Some studies indicate that the presence of children with learning difficulties in the family may lead to restricting the social life of parents and limiting their activities, and parents may be exposed to low levels of vital experiences in families where there are children with learning difficulties. Therefore, we stress the importance of the existence of educational programs for parents who have children with learning difficulties. Those existing programs are based on developing parenting skills related to methods of upbringing, methods of dealing with children and how to recognize and address their problems. Also, parents’ learning of the nature of the problems of students with learning difficulties is necessary because Because they need special treatment, and special parenting skills through which these students can be made educationally and socially distinguished students. As the development of the family communication skill is of great importance in the lives of families in general, and families of children with learning disabilities in particular, because it works to provide families with a card, information, skills, and knowledge about how to communicate with children with learning difficulties on a sound scientific basis based on knowledge and science. This is what the researcher seeks during her current study, which is based on interfering with a program based on developing family communication skills with students with learning difficulties.

Training Surgical Residents to Communicate with Their Patients: A Scoping Review of the Literature

Effective communication is critical in surgical practice and the Accreditation Council on Graduate Medical Education requires a focus on interpersonal and communication skills. Absent a national communication skills curriculum for surgical residents, individual programs have designed and implemented their own curricula. This scoping review explores communication training in North American surgical residency programs. The review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines, and included articles identified through searches of 6 publication databases conducted on June 25, 2019 and updated on April 2, 2020. Eligible studies described patient or family communication skills education for surgical residents in North America. Published abstracts were excluded. Article abstracts were screened by 2 reviewers. For articles meeting criteria, data on study setting, participants, curriculum design, educational techniques, and skills focus were extracted and analyzed. A total of 2724 articles were identified after removing duplicates; 84 articles were reviewed in full text. Thirty-three met study criteria including 4 from 2006 to 2009 and 29 after 2010. The most common skills education focused on breaking bad news, followed by a range of topics, such as empathy, end of life and/or palliative care discussions, medical error disclosure, shared decision making, and informed consent. Some of the training was part of larger curriculum including team training or professionalism. Over half of the studies involved general surgery learners. The most common form of education included didactics followed by practice with peers or simulated patients. Only half of the programs described curricula involving multiple training sessions which is important for ongoing development and skill reinforcement. Effective communication skills are important, necessary, and increasingly incorporated into surgical training programs. While the literature is expanding, few surgical residency programs have described communication curricula. This review serves as a guide for programs interested in developing their own communication curricula for surgical residents.

Жизнеспособность семьи в стрессогенных ситуациях инвалидности в зарубежных исследованиях

A review of foreign studies reflecting the problems of family resilience in the modern world is presented. Special emphasis is placed on studies of family resilience in stressful situations of disability of family members. It is shown that resilience of families having stressful experience of disability includes: 1) a system of family beliefs based on a positive outlook that contribute both to self-recovery after a traumatic experience and acceptance of their vulnerability; 2) patterns of family reactions to diseases allowing them to find life meaning in caring, and respond effectively to challenges of diseases, use adaptive capabilities to counteract violations, and organize themselves; 3) family communication skills and activity in problem solving; 4) family connectedness and flexibility, effective use of external support from social and non-government organizations. The family resilience construct is considered through closely related concepts of individual, family, and social resilience.

A Comparison of 2 Online Parent Skills Training Interventions for Early Childhood Brain Injury: Improvements in Internalizing and Executive Function Behaviors.

To examine the effectiveness of a web-based parenting intervention (Internet-Based Interacting Together Everyday: Recovery After Childhood TBI [I-InTERACT]) and an abbreviated version (Express) in reducing executive dysfunction and internalizing problems among young children following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Parents of 113 children (ages 3-9 years) who had sustained a TBI were randomized to 1 of 3 treatment groups: I-InTERACT, Express, or an Internet Resource Comparison (IRC) group. Parents who participated in either I-InTERACT or Express completed self-guided web sessions and received live coaching of their parenting skills via videoconferencing with a therapist. I-InTERACT included additional psychoeducation, stress management, and family communication skills (eg, marriage, grief, pain, and sleep). Analyses of covariance were utilized to compare the groups on parent-reported executive function behaviors (ie, Behavior Rating Inventory of Executive Function) and internalizing symptoms (ie, Child Behavior Checklist) at baseline and 6 months. Parents who participated in Express reported significantly lower levels of executive dysfunction than those in I-InTERACT, β = -0.49; t(2, 73) = -2.47, P = .048, and significantly lower levels of withdrawal than those in the IRC group, β = -0.44; t(2, 74) = -2.22, P = .03. The Express group did not significantly differ from the IRC group on executive function behaviors or the I-InTERACT group on internalizing problems, all P > .05. Children with more problems at baseline, families with lower education levels, and parents with more symptoms of depression benefited most. A brief, online parent training intervention may be efficacious in improving executive dysfunction and internalizing problems following early TBI, particularly among children of lower socioeconomic status or with existing behavioral concerns.

Adaptation and Resilience in Families of Children With Spina Bifida in South Korea.

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

Talk the Talk: Implementing a Communication Curriculum for Surgical Residents

The Accreditation Council for Graduate Medical Education milestones provide a framework of specific interpersonal and communication skills that surgical trainees should aim to master. However, training and assessment of resident nontechnical skills remains challenging. We aimed to develop and implement a curriculum incorporating interactive learning principles such as group discussion and simulation-based scenarios to formalize instruction in patient-centered communication skills, and to identify best practices when building such a program. The curriculum is presented in quarterly modules over a 2-year cycle. Using our surgical simulation center for the training, we focused on proven strategies for interacting with patients and other providers. We trained and used former patients as standardized participants (SPs) in communication scenarios. Surgical simulation center in a 900-bed tertiary care hospital. Program learners were general surgery residents (postgraduate year 1-5). Trauma Survivors Network volunteers served as SPs in simulation scenarios. We identified several important lessons: (1) designing and implementing a new curriculum is a challenging process with multiple barriers and complexities; (2) several readily available facilitators can ease the implementation process; (3) with the right approach, learners, faculty, and colleagues are enthusiastic and engaged participants; (4) learners increasingly agree that communication skills can be improved with practice and appreciate the curriculum value; (5) patient SPs can be valuable members of the team; and importantly (6) the culture of patient-physician communication appears to shift with the implementation of such a curriculum. Our approach using Trauma Survivors Network volunteers as SPs could be reproduced in other institutions with similar programs. Faculty enthusiasm and support is strong, and learner participation is active. Continued focus on patient and family communication skills would enhance patient care for institutions providing such education as well as for institutions where residents continue on in fellowships or begin their surgical practice.

A Pilot Study of Palliative Care Provider Self-competence and Priorities for Education in Kenya.

This study explored palliative care provider self-competence and priorities for future education in an inpatient hospice setting in Kenya. Self-competence scores for clinical skills and patient and family communication skills were hypothesized to differ according to provider type. A descriptive, cross-sectional study design was piloted at Kimbilio Hospice, a 26-bed rural, inpatient facility in Kenya. A quantitative survey instrument entitled, "Self assessment of clinical competency and concerns in end-of-life care," was administered to participants. Survey responses were collected from 5 clinical staff, 11 caregivers, and 8 support staff. Data were analyzed using Kruskal-Wallis test to compare between mean scores. Statistically significant differences were found in 5 self-competence variables: performing a basic pain assessment, use of oral opioid analgesics, assessment and management of nausea/vomiting and constipation, and discussing an end-of-life prognosis with a patient's family member (P < .05). Sixteen participants (66%) selected pediatric palliative care as their top priority for future education. The findings support the hypothesis that palliative care providers have varying levels of self-competence. Improving education to build palliative care competencies in adult and pediatric palliative care in sub-Saharan Africa is recommended.

Partnering with Batswana Youth and Families for HIV and AIDS Prevention

Introduction: This qualitative study triangulated data from adolescents, parents, and key informants in Gaborone, Botswana on adolescents’ risks for HIV infection, STIs and pregnancy, the types of relationships they get into, and preventive measures they use to protect themselves against HIV infection. The goal of this qualitative research is to inform adaptation of an intervention originally developed, implemented, and evaluated in the US that was effective in reducing the risk of HIV infection and early pregnancy by delaying initiation of sexual relationships of abstinent adolescents and lowering sexual risk behaviours of adolescents who were already sexually active. The objectives of this study were to conduct in-depth interviews with youth, key informants and parents; determine the behavioural risks that young people face; Assess youth and parents’ attitudes toward providing a risk reduction programme for adolescents and Use the data to adapt an evidence-based programme for Botswana. Methodology: In-depth qualitative interviews with 40 youth, 20 key informants and 40 parents elicited information on the risks and relationships that youth engaged in and their suggestions how their risky behaviours could be minimized or counteracted. Findings: Youth of both sexes engage in risky sexual behaviours that could predispose them to contracting HIV and STI infections or unplanned pregnancies. Risks were associated with use of alcohol and drugs: commonly marijuana, and engaging in unsafe sexual relations. Youth, key informants and parents showed a high level of acceptability for offering a primary prevention intervention program for adolescents. In addition, all groups of participants concurred on the importance of offering a separate program for parents to equip them with skills that can enable to them to guide their adolescents to safely transit into adulthood through education and family communication skills. Other risks confronting adolescents included sexual initiations from either older men or women (sugar daddy and mummy syndrome) in exchange for material and financial gains. Conclusion: Informants endorsed the need for primary prevention programs addressing adolescents and their families to reduce risk behaviours among Batswana youth to provide them with skills and minimise the risk of HIV infection among adolescents.

An Evaluation of the NAMI Basics Program

This brief report describes results from an evaluation of NAMI Basics, a peer-delivered family education program for family caregivers of children and adolescents with mental illness. Over six classes, family members are given information (e.g. education about mental illness and treatments), skills training (e.g. family communication skills) and advocacy support. We report data from 36 caregivers who completed pre and posttest instruments measuring self-care, empowerment, and family problem-solving and communication skills. Results showed significant improvements in self-care, empowerment, and “incendiary” family communication after participation in the program. Results suggest that NAMI Basics may improve both parental functioning and familial processes. Implications and future directions are discussed.

Families Overcoming Under Stress: Implementing Family-Centered Prevention for Military Families Facing Wartime Deployments and Combat Operational Stress

The toll of multiple and prolonged deployments on families has become clearer in recent years as military families have seen an increase in childhood anxiety, parental psychological distress, and marital discord. Families overcoming under stress (FOCUS), a family-centered evidence-informed resiliency training program developed at University of California, Los Angeles and Harvard Medical School, is being implemented at military installations through an initiative from Navy Bureau of Medicine and Surgery. The research foundation for FOCUS includes evidence-based preventive interventions that were adapted to meet the specific needs of military families facing combat operational stress associated with wartime deployments. Using a family narrative approach, FOCUS includes a customized approach utilizing core intervention components, including psychoeducation, emotional regulation skills, goal setting and problem solving skills, traumatic stress reminder management techniques, and family communication skills. The purpose of this study is to describe the development and implementation of FOCUS for military families. A case example is also presented.

Efficacy of a Self-Administered Home-Based Parent Intervention on Parenting Behaviors for Preventing Adolescent Substance Use.

A growing body of literature suggests that parenting practices characterized by careful monitoring, firm and consistent limit setting, and nurturing communication patterns with children are protective against adolescent substance use and other problem behaviors. Family-based prevention programs that promote these behaviors can be an effective way to prevent adolescent substance use. However, low participation rates remain problematic for many such programs, particularly programs that require parents to attend scheduled meetings outside the home. The purpose of this study was to determine the efficacy of a newly developed substance use prevention program when self-administered at home by parents of middle school students. As part of a randomized trial, 338 parents of middle school students either received the parent prevention program or served as control group participants. Parents completed self-report surveys at home that assessed parenting behaviors at pre-test, post-test, and one-year follow-up time points. A series of mixed model ANCOVAs were conducted, examining the post-test and one-year follow-up means for the parent outcomes, controlling for pre-test levels on these outcomes. Analyses showed that at the post-test assessment, intervention parents reported significant increases relative to controls in appropriate role modeling, disciplinary practices, family communication, and parental monitoring skills. At the one-year follow-up assessment, intervention effects on family communication skills remained significant and effects on parental role modeling were marginally significant. This study shows that a theoretically rich prevention program can be effectively self-administered by parents at home and improve key parenting skills that have been shown to prevent adolescent substance use.

Individualized family communication skills training

Individualized family communication skills training

The Development of an Outreach Strategy in the Jaffa Arab Community

This paper describes the efforts of a team of Arab and Jewish marriage and family counsellors in Israel to design effective intervention strategies for the Arab community in the mixed Arab-Jewish town of Jaffa, Tel Aviv. In the first stage, which combined traditional outreach and the participation of the community's Arab leadership, we strove to overcome both Arab cultural prohibitions against seeking outside help and the population's distrust of Jewish services. When this did not bring the population to make fuller use of the services, we shifted our efforts to bringing the clinic to the public in the form of non-committal, non-consecutive workshops dealing with family communication skills, open to anyone who wished to attend.