Family Demands Research Articles

Towards home-school partnership: parents’ perspectives on school-based parent activities in childcare centres in Hong Kong

ABSTRACT Childcare centres are increasingly recognised as educational institutions, and the current study examined parent’s perspectives on school-based parent activities provided by childcare centres. Through surveying 266 parents, we found that both structured activities (e.g., training workshops) and unstructured activities (e.g., parent-child tours) could meet parents’ needs. Activities that benefited parents practically and allowed them to cope with work and family demands were more attractive. How to deal with children’s emotions was the most needed topic. Finally, parents’ interest and participation varied depending on demographics and their children’s in-care history. Practical implications for centre supervisors, policymakers and parents are discussed.

THE LINK BETWEEN WORK RESOURCES AND THE FULFILMENT OF FAMILY DEMANDS: MEDIATION ANALYSIS

This study aims to analyze the relationship between work resources and the fulfilment of family demands and to test the mediation effect of work-family enrichment self-efficacy on this relationship. Previous studies focus more on the antecedents and outcomes of work-family enrichment, while the psychological mechanism of work-family enrichment stays under research. The Work-home resources model was used to looked deeper in the mechanism. A convenience sample of 233 Lithuanian employees participated in the study (85.4 per cent of women; average age 39.63 years). The scales of work resources and the scale of fulfilment of family needs have been developed on the basis of the Work-home resources model. In addition, a work-family enrichment self-efficacy scale and demographic questions were used. The results showed positive correlations between all variables tested. Work resources predict a higher level of work-family self-efficacy and the fulfilment of family demands. Meanwhile, the results showed a significant mediation effect. Study revealed that work-family enrichment self-efficacy is an important mediator that helps to better understand the mechanism of work-family enrichment.

Mindfulness matters: unravelling its influence on job demands and emotional exhaustion in remote work

Purpose The study aims to investigate the impact of job demands-client-front demands (JDCF) and job demands-office-front demands (JDOF) and family demands (FD) on the perceived competency of work from home (PCWFH) and emotional exhaustion (EE) of remote workers. The study also investigates the impact of mindfulness as a moderator. Design/methodology/approach To study the variables, a quantitative survey of 675 remote workers and an interview of 30 remote workers was conducted. The data analysis showed that JDCF, JDOF and FD significantly and negatively affect PCWFH. PCWFH also had a negative impact on EE, supporting the detrimental effect of poor perceived competence on increasing EEs. Findings The finding emphasises the value of a supportive work environment and mindfulness training sessions in dealing with the difficulties of remote work. The study concluded that respondents with mindfulness training better manage their emotions to produce better work results. Practical implications Managers should include mindfulness practice in their daily routine to enhance their performance and manage EE in remote work. Originality/value In augmenting mindfulness literature, this study provides insight into how managers can leverage on mindfulness practice to improve performance.

The Future of Long-Term-Care

Background: Aging populations worldwide are grappling with the challenge of long-term care for the disabled elderly, particularly in countries like China that are aging before they become affluent. The number of disabled elderly in China is sharply increasing, necessitating effective strategies to meet their care needs. Objectives: This study aims to conduct a comprehensive scientometric analysis of research trends, hotspots, and future directions in the field of long-term care for disabled elderly individuals in China using CiteSpace software. Methods: Employing CiteSpace 6.2.R1, this study analyzed 1,914 relevant publications from 1999 to 2024 in the Web of Science and CNKI databases. Keyword analysis, clustering, and visualization were performed using CiteSpace software to identify key themes and trends. Results: The analysis indicates an overall upward trend in publications since 1999, with a significant increase between 2013 and 2017. High-frequency keywords mainly include influencing factors, integration of medical and nursing care, and service quality. Research hotspots include family caregiving, health status, demand factors, and mental health. Conclusions: This study reveals the research trends, hotspots, and future directions in the field of long-term care for disabled elderly individuals in China. It shows a rapid increase in research quantity over time. High-frequency keyword analysis identified ongoing topics of interest such as influencing factors, integration of healthcare, and service quality. Keyword clustering analysis revealed that research hotspots are concentrated in areas such as family caregiving, health status, demand factors and mental health, with each field containing rich research content. Main Contribution to Evidence-Based Practice: This study uses CiteSpace visualization analysis software and bibliometric methods to organize and analyze existing literature, clarifying the research status, hotspots, and trends in the field. This information is intended to help scholars, practitioners, and policymakers better understand the progress in this area and provide a reference for future in-depth research.

School-induced fatigue: Theoretical analysis of the concept of school burnout

School burnout is a set of detrimental symptoms that include emotional exhaustion, cynicism, and reduced personal accomplishment. In children and adolescents it is associated with many physical and mental health problems, including heart diseases, hormonal disorders, disrupted sleep quality, depressive symptoms, and diminished life satisfaction. It corresponds with a higher likelihood of poor academic performance and drop-out rates. The text includes a theoretical analysis of factors corresponding with the development and maintenance of school burnout. The data presented in the literature proves that students dealing with extreme schoolwork overload, accompanied with poor time management, and unrealistic goals, faced with excessive family demands, experiencing disturbances in sleep habits, poor eating habits, and limited or no physical exercise are more prone to develop and sustain symptoms of school burnout. Besides the excessive workload and problems in relationships with parents and peers among risk factors there are usually mentioned feelings of lack of control over things, high demands, and pressure an individual experiences. Protective factors include social support and a positive school atmosphere. Application of knowledge concerning school burnout in real educational settings may result in increase of well-being and resilience of students, and decrease in symptoms of mental problems. It will also help create a meaningful school environment.

Bidirectional Nature of Work Family Conflict: Family Interfering with Work Conflict Among Athletic Trainers in the Collegiate Setting

Introduction: Work-family conflict is bidirectional, yet research has largely only investigated the extent to which work interferes with family conflict (WIFC) and not whether family interferes with work conflict (FIWC). Objective: Investigate FIWC among collegiate athletic trainers. Specifically, we were focused on relationships between gender, marital status, employment status of the athletic trainer’s spouse, and number of children. Methods: Data were collected via a cross-sectional, online survey (Qualtrics). Descriptive statistics were calculated for demographic information; Mann Whitney U analyses were utilized to discover differences between gender, marital status, employment status of spouse, and number of children. Results: 984 (605 women, 370 men, 9 other) collegiate athletic trainers. Cronbach’s alpha resulted in acceptable reliability of the WIFC (.92), the FIWC (.86), and the total WFC scale (.84). Women reported significantly higher FIWC scores than men (U=93539.5, pConclusions: Women athletic trainers reported higher levels of FIWC than men. We found both single and married with children athletic trainers report high levels of FIWC, suggesting both groups experience the challenges of family demands. Interestingly, children did not impact experiences of FIWC.

‘I may have to give up on my career.’ Breadwinners or caregivers? Exploring the complexities of work-family conflict among parents of children with neurodevelopmental disabilities

Objectives The current study attempts to explore the work-family conflict experienced by working parents providing primary care for children with neurodevelopmental disabilities (NDDs) in India. Methods A qualitative research design was utilized. A semi-structured interview of 20 working parents was carried out and was subjected to Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis. Results Based on the responses from the one-on-one interview, it was revealed that working parents experienced overlapping work-related issues, family-related issues, caregiving-related issues, and physical and emotional exhaustion impacting their work, family, and caregiving domains. Conclusions Working parents of children with NDDs experience work-family conflict in which caregiving duties, work responsibilities, and family demands interfere with one another substantially. Based on their responses, a few caregiver-friendly workplace policies were formulated. The present findings would enable policymakers to formulate caregiver-friendly workplace policies to assist family caregivers.

Gaming lounges in India afford socially productive gambling: The moral economy and foundations of play in Udaipur, Rajasthan

AbstractWe use ethnographic observations, interviews, and surveys to illuminate video game‐related gambling in India, where players use as currency decorative in‐game weapon covers referred to as skins. We focus on gaming and gambling related to virtual items acquired in the popular shooter game Counter‐Strike: Global Offensive, and our study unfolds among young adults who play in face‐to‐face centers called gaming lounges or zones. We consider how networks of video game players, themselves influenced by familial and societal demands, form moral economies that regulate why video game items are exchanged and how they are evaluated. Further, we use moral foundations theory to clarify ethical plurality in these settings, with tensions between moral demands shaping how and whether skins exchanges are judged to be socially productive or harmful. We show how gaming lounge owners’ personal values, some religiously informed, render emerging adults who play in these settings less at risk of excessive gambling, which is not tolerated either within close‐knit gaming groups or broader society. Overall, our analysis points to the utility of bringing into dialogue moral economy and moral foundations perspectives to uncover the cultural meanings of linked gaming and gambling in this context.

The Saskatchewan Caregiver Experience Study: Support Priorities of Caregivers of Older Adults.

Population aging is a global phenomenon. Many older adults living with chronic conditions rely on family and friend caregivers. The growing demand for family and friend caregivers underscores the necessity for adequate and effective support services. The Saskatchewan Caregiver Experience Study sought to gather the perspectives of caregivers of older adults and set priorities for caregiver support. An online survey with open-ended questions was employed in this qualitative descriptive study. In this manuscript, we present our findings from the survey question: "What do you think is most important for support in your caregiving role? In other words, what are your top priorities for support?" This survey question received n = 352 responses, evenly distributed across Saskatchewan in urban-large (33%), urban-small/medium (32%), and rural (35%) settings. Support priorities of Saskatchewan caregivers were found to be access to help when they need it; an ear to listen and a shoulder to lean on; assistance in optimizing the care recipient's health; having healthcare professionals that care; and improved policies, legislations, and regulations. Services and interventions that assist caregivers are more likely to be accessed and utilized when caregivers are given the opportunity to identify their own support priorities. This study has the potential to inform health and governmental systems to support caregivers of older adults provincially within Saskatchewan, nationally in Canada, and in a global context.

I Think, Therefore I Am: A Reflection of Family Nurse Practitioners

<p>隨著台灣人口老化和社區醫療照護需求增加，在原本的內外婦兒、精神和麻醉專科護理師外應運而生「家庭專科護理師」，從傳統的急性照護邁向基層照護，更多的在門診、社區、居家、長照、偏鄉離島等場域提供民眾專業健康照護服務。本文從簡介國人健康形態的轉變延伸到對家庭專科護理師的需求、發展與培育，以國立陽明交通大學為例，分享家庭專科護理師養成的核心能力架構，並佐以核心訓練理念，達到：全生命歷程轉銜（從新生兒到老人）、急慢性疾病無縫接軌（照護能力養成）、醫護進階合作、國際領航訓練和無邊界學習擴充（線上虛擬實境），同時配合學生過去的教育背景（有無專科護理師碩士學位）提供完整或是轉銜家庭專科護理師訓練，讓學習更有效率。期待家庭專科護理師不僅僅是第一線的民眾健康照護提供者，更是具有國際觀和科技識能的進階護理專家。</p> <p> </p><p>Taiwan is going to be a super-aged society and has increased needs of primary care providers. There-fore, the demand for family nurse practitioners (FNPs) is expected high and strong in addition to the roles in medical, surgical, women health, pediatric, psychological, and anesthetic areas that nurse practitioners have contributed in Taiwan. FNPs are specialized in providing preventative and primary care to individuals and families across the lifespan in various care settings, including primary care clinics, family medicine practice, urgent care centers, long-term care facilities, home health agencies or in the places where medical services needed. National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University’s FNP master program emphasizes hands-on, real-life care in meeting all core competence requirements across the lifespan from infants to the elderly, from acute illness to chronic diseases, physician-nurses advanced collaborations, international visits and virtual education. We expect that our FNP graduates have the competence and confidence in their clinical practices and leading the advanced nursing prac-tice with global vision and technology skills in the new era</p> <p> </p>

Family Strain, Work Passion Drain: The Impact of Daily Family Demands on Daily Work Passion

Family Strain, Work Passion Drain: The Impact of Daily Family Demands on Daily Work Passion

National family policies and the association between flexible working arrangements and work-to-family conflict across Europe

Objective: This paper explores how national family policies moderate the association between flexible working arrangements and work-to-family conflict across countries. Background: Although flexible working is provided to enhance work-family integration, studies show that it can in fact increase work-to-family conflict. However, certain policy contexts can help moderate this association by introducing contexts that enable workers to use of flexible working arrangements to better meet their family and other life demands. Method: The paper uses the European Working Conditions Survey of 2015 including data from workers with caring responsibilities from across 30 European countries. It uses a multilevel cross-level interaction model to examine how family policies, such as childcare and parental leave policies, can explain the cross-national variation in the association between flexible working arrangements, that is flexitime, working-time autonomy, and teleworking, and work-to-family conflict. Results: At the European average, flexible working was associated with higher levels of work-to-family conflict for workers, with working-time-autonomy being worse for men’s, and teleworking being worse for women’s conflict levels. In countries with generous childcare policies, flexitime was associated with lower levels of work-to-family conflict, especially for women. However, in countries with long mother’s leave, working-time-autonomy was associated with even higher levels of work-to-family conflict for men. Conclusion: The results of this paper evidence how flexible working arrangements need to be introduced in a more holistic manner with possible reforms of wider range of family policies in order for flexible working to meet worker’s work-family integration demands.

Economic and social determinants of women’s demand for modern family planning methods in Cameroon

Background: In low-income countries, the demand of family planning methods can help to address the imbalance between the population growth rate and the volume of the production of wealth. However, the contraceptive prevalence remains low in resources limited countries. Different strategies have been used to encourage the demand of modern family planning methods. This article examined the economic and social determinants of women’s demand for modern family planning methods in Cameroon. Methods: A cross-sectional study design was used with a two-stage stratified sampling, including 9,633 women of childbearing age. A logistic regression model was used for bivariate and multivariate analysis with a statistically significant level of p<0.05. Results: Women’s demand for modern family planning methods was relatively low (28.8%). Demand for modern family planning methods was significantly associated (p<0.05) with women’s economic and social characteristics, such as age groups (15 to 24 and 35 to 49), level of education (possibly for the spouse too), experiencing domestic violence, professional status, religion, place of residence, income, access to the media and place for antenatal visits, and women living in west, south and south-west, Adamawa, extreme-north, and Littoral regions. However, the women’s demand for modern family planning methods was non-significantly associated (p>0.05) with age between 25 and 34, marital status and women living in east, north and north-west regions. Conclusions: With a view of reducing poverty by controlling the birth rate, decision-makers should strive to improve economic and social conditions and raise women's awareness of how to demand family planning methods.

Work-related smartphone use during off-job hours and work-life conflict: A scoping review.

Over recent decades the use of smartphones for work purposes has burgeoned both within and beyond working hours. The aim of the study was to conduct a scoping review to explore the association between the use of smartphone technology for work purposes in off-job hours with employees' self-reported work-life conflict. Arksey and O'Malley's methodological framework was adopted. Searches were conducted in PsycINFO, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences (IBSS), Academic Search Complete, ProQuest Central, Web of Science, ProQuest Theses, Emerald, Business Source Complete, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Google Scholar. Articles were eligible that reported on a sample of workers, were published in English between 1st January 2012 and 29th November 2023. The review was conducted and reported using a quality assessment checklist and PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews). Data charting and synthesis was undertaken narratively, using the framework approach and thematic analysis. Twenty-three studies were identified, conducted in nine countries. Nineteen studies (83%) showed a significant association between increased use of smartphone for work purposes in off job-hours and increased work-life conflict, with small-to-moderate effect sizes. This relationship was mediated by psychological detachment from work, and communication about family demands with one's supervisor. Moderators either strengthened or attenuated the relationship between use of smartphone for work purposes in off job-hours and increased work-life conflict. Findings suggest that smartphone use during off-job hours is likely to impact negatively on work-life conflict, which has implications for employee wellbeing. Managers could play a key role in clarifying expectations about after-hours availability, reducing job pressure, advocating psychological detachment from work in off-job hours where it is appropriate, and creating a workplace culture where communication about the interplay between work and home life is encouraged. The protocol is registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF) (https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/WFZU6).

Sustained Strain: Faculty Work Strain Under COVID-19

The COVID-19 pandemic initially placed college and university instruction into an emergency remote mode. The subsequent periods of the pandemic presented new challenges. This paper examines changes in faculty work lives in the immediate aftermath of the onset of the pandemic and reports on results from surveys of faculty at three selective liberal arts colleges in 2020 and again in 2021. Specifically, we investigate faculty experiences with work strain. Drawing on job demands-resources theory, we develop an analytic framework that examines the effects of status resources (gender, race, and tenure), work domain demands and resources (teaching and research resources, student demands, emotional labor demands, and scholarship demands), and home and family demands (caregiving). Our findings suggest that work strain was elevated in both periods and that only tenure among the status resources predicted less strain. We show that the sources of elevated strain shifted from teaching and research demands in the initial phase of the pandemic to emotional labor demands during the first full academic year of it.

Family expectations and demand for home-based videogaming therapy in children with cerebral palsy in Costa Rica: a mixed methods study

Purpose To understand the expectations and demand for a movement-tracking videogame (Bootle Blast) for home-based, upper limb (UL) rehabilitation among Costa Rican children with cerebral palsy (CP). Methods Data were collected via telephone screening (demand) and child-parent dyads Zoom interviews (expectations). Descriptive statistics and data transformation were used to report on demand success criteria (i.e., recruitment rate, having an appropriate screen and space to play, setting a weekly play time goal (PTG) ≥45 min, identifying one UL therapy goal). The DEPICT model for collaborative qualitative analysis was used in the thematic analysis of interview data. Results Fifteen dyads participated (1.6 ± 1 recruited/month). All had a flat-screen TV in a suitable location to play, were able to set a UL therapy goal, and established PTGs ranging from 45–120 min per week. Identified themes were: 1) Socio-cultural factors heighten demand, 2) Feelings of hope prevail for the intervention, and 3) Collaborative goal setting supports realistic expectations for Bootle Blast. Conclusions Dyads had positive and realistic expectations about implementing the proposed videogaming intervention. This study provides insights on tailoring a family-centered, therapy gaming intervention to improve access to motor rehabilitation for children with CP in rural/remote settings and low-middle income countries.

How to ameliorate employee engagement among government school teachers? Empirical evidence

PurposeThe purpose of this paper is to investigate the impact of three predictors (emotional intelligence, perceived supervisor support and work–life balance) on employee engagement.Design/methodology/approachThe employee engagement and its predictor variables considered have been assessed by a survey using a structured questionnaire. Data were collected for 628 government school teachers of Punjab state of India. SEM using SmartPLS software was used to estimate the relationship between employee engagement and its predictors (emotional intelligence, perceived supervisor support and work–life balance).FindingsThe results reveal that the three predictors (emotional intelligence, perceived supervisor support and work–life balance) have a significant positive impact on employee engagement of the government school teachers.Practical implicationsSchool authorities need to draft teacher-friendly policies so that teachers can stay deeply engrossed in their work and can handle work and family demands. Engaged teachers brim with positive energy, thereby energetically and vigorously preoccupying themselves in their work, leaving no time and space for negative thoughts.Originality/valueThe influence of emotional intelligence, perceived supervisor support and work–life balance on employee engagement of government school teachers is unprecedented. The study also tested the model in a holistic manner. Since the study is based on an Indian sample, it also adds to growing literature on employee engagement in nonwestern countries. The results are of great value to government authorities, school managements, HR managers and policymakers who are seeking to develop practices that enhance employee engagement at workplaces.

Resiliency process in the family after childhood leukaemia diagnosis: A longitudinal qualitative study.

To construct a conceptual framework on the process of family resilience during the first year following childhood leukaemia diagnosis. A longitudinal qualitative interview study. A longitudinal qualitative study following a grounded theory methodology was employed. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with parents of children with leukaemia in a general hospital. The participants were recruited through purposive and theoretical sampling and longitudinal engagement was achieved by conducting interviews at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after the leukaemia diagnosis. The core category and categories were saturated following the enrolment of parents of children with leukaemia. Data collection and analyses were performed simultaneously. Sixteen parents of children with leukaemia participated. The core category of 'families living with childhood leukaemia' refers to the process of family resilience during the first year following childhood leukaemia diagnosis, which includes three phases: (1) destruction and resiliency period; (2) adjustment and consolidation period; and (3) growth and planning period. This study explored the dynamic, complex and continuous processes of resilience among families coping with childhood leukaemia during the first year following diagnosis. Further research should design tailored family interventions that characterise the different phases of family resilience, aiming to support family well-being, integrity and functioning. Both families and healthcare professionals must create an enabling environment that supports families coping with difficulties. Understanding the different phases of family resilience allows healthcare professionals to provide holistic care that meets the demands of families with childhood leukaemia. Unique knowledge emerged about the family's resiliency process when facing childhood leukaemia, suggesting a family-led revolution in understanding and managing childhood leukaemia. Therefore, the development of phased, resilience-based family interventions is imperative. This study was reported using the COREQ checklist. Patients contributed via study participation.

Parents' work demands on next day's cortisol awakening response - the moderating role of family-to-work conflict

BackgroundConstant availability, overtime and feeling overwhelmed by work can impact employees' wellbeing and their biological stress responses. Especially working parents often struggle to balance the demands of their work and family life and were found to be distracted from their work due to family responsibilities. The Family-to-Work Conflict (FWC) indicates the extent to which participating in work is made difficult by family demands. Recent studies have found associations between FWC and biological outcomes such as the Cortisol Awakening Response (CAR), a measure of an individual's Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA)-axis activity. This diary study investigates the effect of parental work demands on next day's cortisol response as well as the moderating role of FWC and the mediating role of fatigue. MethodsOver the course of five consecutive days (from Monday to Friday), 168 observations were made on a total of 42 parents. Participants had at least one child and worked a minimum of 20 hours per week. Salivary cortisol samples were obtained immediately, 15 and 30 minutes after awakening each day. Work demands, FWC and fatigue were assessed using standardized questionnaires. Within-person effects were examined using multilevel modeling and mediation analyses. ResultsOur results indicate that there are no main effects of work demands on next day's cortisol response. The multilevel analysis revealed that FWC predicts lower wakening cortisol levels and confirmed FWC as an increasing moderator between work demands and next day's HPA-axis activity. Further, work overload was found to increase fatigue, which in turn leads to higher CAR on the following day. This indicates that fatigue mediates the relationship between work demands and CAR. Our findings add to a growing body of research demonstrating further predictors for HPA-axis activity and emphasise the importance of considering family related demands when investigating biological outcomes for working parents.

Unmet Need for Family Planning Among Women Attending Primary Healthcare in Alahsa, Saudi Arabia.

Enhancing maternal health quality is a concern among researchers globally. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), one factor in women's health and empowerment is the rate of use of various contraceptive techniques. The WHO defines unmet contraceptive need as the discrepancy between a woman's desire to delay or cease childbearing and lack of contraception use to achieve this goal. Our study was designed to measure the unmet need for family planning and contraceptive use among married Saudi women attending primary healthcare centers in Alahsa, Saudi Arabia. A cross-sectional study was carried out using multistage cluster stratified sampling. The study included all married Saudi women aged 18-49 attending primary health centers. A structured questionnaire from the United States Agency for International Development Demographic and Health Surveys Methodology was used. Data analysis was performed using the statistical software IBM SPSS version 29(IBM Corp., Armonk, NY). In all, 430 individuals were included.The participants' ages ranged from 19 to 49 years (33.4 ± 7 years). Among them, 50 (11.6%) were pregnant. Among those who were not pregnant, 268 (62.3%) were using a method of contraception. Based on the definitions adopted in this study, 90 (20.9%) had unmet needs for family planning, and 340 (79.1%) had their needs met. The total demand for family planning was estimated to be 83.2%. The percentage of demand for family planning satisfied by a modern contraceptive method was 46.9%. Although Alahsa has a lower unmet need rate (20%) than other cities in Saudi Arabia, it remains notably higher than the average rate in Northern African and Western Asian countries, which is 10.9%. A number of factors, including nulliparity and having more than two children, were associated with unmet contraceptive needs. The majority of women who did not use contraceptives had concerns about the side effects and inconvenience of use.