Family Relationships Research Articles

The effect of sociodemographic characteristics and polypharmacy on loneliness and social isolation in community-dwelling older adults

The aim of this study was to assess the impact of sociodemographic factors and polypharmacy on loneliness and social isolation in older adults. This cross-sectional study included 370 older adults with and without polypharmacy. The data were gathered via the Personal Information Form, Loneliness Scale for Elderly, and Lubben Social Network Scale-Revised. A multivariate ANOVA (MANOVA) was conducted to assess the impact of independent variables on the combined dependent variables. Loneliness and social isolation were found higher in older adults with polypharmacy. In addition, loneliness and social isolation are more common in women, individuals with low educational attainment, single individuals, individuals with low income, individuals living in rural areas, individuals with poor family relationships, individuals not living with their families and individuals with chronic diseases. It is thought that the findings of this study will be guiding for all health professionals working in the field of elderly health in interventions to be planned for the elderly population.

Family conflict and less parental monitoring were associated with greater screen time in early adolescence.

The current study investigated the prospective relationships between parental monitoring, family conflict, and screen time across six screen time modalities in early adolescents in the USA. We utilised prospective cohort data of children (ages 10-14 years) from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study (years baseline to Year 2 of follow-up; 2016-2020; N = 10 757). Adjusted coefficients (B) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using mixed-effect models with robust standard errors. A higher parental monitoring score was associated with less total screen time (B = -0.37, 95% CI -0.58, -0.16), with the strongest associations being with video games and YouTube videos. Conversely, a higher family conflict score was associated with more total screen time (B = 0.08, 95% CI 0.03, 0.12), with the strongest associations being with YouTube videos, video games, and watching television shows/movies in Years 1 and 2. The current study found that greater parental monitoring was associated with less screen time, while greater family conflict was linked to more screen time. These results may inform strategies to reduce screen time in adolescence, such as improving communication between parents and their children to strengthen family relationships.

Rapid Evolution of Host Repertoire and Geographic Range in a Young and Diverse Genus of Montane Butterflies.

Evolutionary changes in geographic distribution and larval host plants may promote the rapid diversification of montane insects, but this scenario has been rarely investigated. We studied rapid radiation of the butterfly genus Colias, which has diversified in mountain ecosystems in Eurasia, Africa, and the Americas. Based on a dataset of 150 nuclear protein-coding genetic loci and mitochondrial genomes, we constructed a time-calibrated phylogenetic tree of Colias species with broad taxon sampling. We then inferred their ancestral geographic ranges, historical diversification rates, and the evolution of host use. We found that the most recent common ancestor of Colias was likely geographically widespread and originated ~3.5 Ma. The group subsequently diversified in different regions across the world, often in tandem with geographic expansion events. No aspect of elevation was found to have a direct effect on diversification. The genus underwent a burst of diversification soon after the divergence of the Neotropical lineage, followed by an exponential decline in diversification rate toward the present. The ancestral host repertoire included the legume genera Astragalus and Trifolium but later expanded to include a wide range of Fabaceae genera and plants in more distantly related families, punctuated with periods of host range expansion and contraction. We suggest that the widespread distribution of the ancestor of all extant Colias lineages set the stage for diversification by isolation of populations that locally adapted to the various different environments they encountered, including different host plants. In this scenario, elevation is not the main driver but might have accelerated diversification by isolating populations.

The Complexity of Inheritance: A Comparative Analysis of the Distribution of Inheritance in Islamic Sharia and the Civil Code

The division of inheritance is a complex and important issue in society. This study aims to compare the system of inheritance distribution in Islamic Sharia and the Civil Code. The research method to be used is literature study and document analysis. The main findings of this study are expected to provide a deeper understanding of the differences and similarities between the two legal systems. This research can make a new contribution in highlighting the complexity of heritage in the legal and social context in Indonesia. This study aims to compare the system of inheritance distribution in Islamic Sharia and the Civil Code. The division of inheritance has importance because it is the process of dividing the deceased property for the heirs. However, the process of inheritance distribution is complex because there are differences in the system of inheritance distribution between Islamic Sharia and the Civil Code. Therefore, this study will review these complexities and provide a deeper understanding of the differences in the division of inheritance between the two legal systems.The research methodology used in this study is a comparative research that takes the example of the inheritance distribution system in Islamic Sharia and the Civil Code. Data for this study were collected through a literature study, using documents such as the Qur'an, Hadith, and the Civil Code as primary sources. This study found that the system of inheritance distribution in Islamic Sharia and the Civil Code has significant differences. In Sharia, the main principle is fair and balanced, with categories of heirs including husbands, wives, sons, and daughters. However, in the Civil Code, the main principle is the freedom to manage inheritance, with categories of heirs including husbands, wives, sons, daughters, parents, and siblings. The number of inheritance shares is also calculated based on the differences in those systems. The implication is that the inheritance sharing system can affect individual rights and family relationships, as well as have different social and legal impacts in Indonesia.

Social media affordances of LGBTQIA+ expression and community formation

Faced with offline discrimination, LGBTQIA+ users frequently turn to social media to find role models, build social networks and test out new forms of self-expression. Each platform has its own affordances and governance processes which can, in turn, facilitate or impede self-expression and community growth. Through a survey of 120 LGBTQIA+ participants, this paper considers which social media affordances facilitate the creation and development of LGBTQIA+ identities, support online and offline community formation and peer-to-peer learning, whilst limiting opportunities for online abuse. While previous research has so far largely focused on younger LGBTQIA+ users' experiences on SM, we found that broadening our sample to include older participants can lead to novel reflections on platforms' potential and/or challenges towards expressing one’s queerness online. For example, while users young and old found the visibility of other LGBTQIA+ accounts inspiring, entertaining and reassuring, particularly within previously stigmatised expressions of bisexuality, we found that older participants preferred to be selective about their outness, or sometimes to not be out at all, not simply for fear of harassment or context collapse, but also because of historical factors around family and friend relationships or because their identity experimentation had already happened offline. We also identified contrasting views about outness and the use and visibility of pronouns, reminding us that the online LGBTQIA+ community is not a monolith in its beliefs and practices, particularly when different life stages are considered.

Emotional Earmarking: Insights into Remittances and Emotions from a Mixed Methods Study of Migrant Households in Rural Philippines

Overseas remittances improve the economic conditions and influence the financial behaviors of international migrants’ families that remain in the country of origin. Remittances affect family relationships in the hometown and across transnational borders, but migration research has not yet analyzed these family dynamics through the lens of household finance. Recent studies address the remittance–emotion nexus partially and statically rather than holistically and dynamically, delivering an insufficient understanding of complex and evolving links mediated by the sending, using, and investing of remittances. Built on an existing family financial socialization model, and using mixed methods for case studies in two rural municipalities of the Philippines, this study sets out to determine how emotions come into play as families strive to use remittances productively. A central finding is that migrant households employ what we call emotional earmarking to bring about economic benefits along with concurrent emotional benefits to family relationships. This emotional earmarking can help families (as well as migration and development stakeholders) in the productive use of remittances and the maintenance of family connections despite the physical absence of migrant members.

NORMATIVAS DO AEE NO ESTADO DE SANTA CATARINA:REFLEXO NA EDUCAÇÃO ESPECIAL EM PORTO UNIÃO

This article aims to bring a provocation regarding Specialized Educational Assistance in Santa Catarina and what its impact is in the municipality of Porto União, to achieve this by adopting a qualitative, bibliographic, documentary, exploratory research method. To answer this question, we will work with the following specific objectives to briefly discuss the history of AEE in Brazil; explore current documents related to AEE in the state of Santa Catarina with an emphasis on the school and family relationship, operating spaces and teachers; and relate the regulations explored with the educational reality of AEE in the city of Porto União. We concluded that the research was important, since we were able to realize that even with advances in the perspective of inclusive special education, there is still a long way to go towards achieving effectiveness of this right, especially in schools, in relation to the social aspect, we understand that the research elucidates the importance of knowing a little more about this universe so that, with the collaboration of all rights, they are not neglected.

The Impact of Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy on Caregivers of Burn Patients.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy (ICST) on the cognition, quality of life, and family relationships of caregivers of burn patients. A total of 98 caregivers of burn patients were randomly divided into a control group and a study group. The control group received routine interventions, while the study group underwent ICST, focusing on psychological diagnosis, comprehension, communication, and re-education phases. Burn awareness levels, quality of life, social support utilization, and psychological resilience were assessed before and after the intervention. Before intervention, there were no significant differences in burn awareness levels, quality of life, social support utilization, or psychological resilience between the two groups. After the intervention, caregivers in the study group exhibited significantly higher scores in burn awareness levels, quality of life dimensions, social support utilization, and psychological resilience compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Individual Cognitive Stimulation Therapy can improve the burn awareness level, quality of life, and social support utilization of caregivers of burn patients, highlighting its significant clinical implications in enhancing caregiver well-being and patient care.

The Impact of Technology on Family Communication

This study aims to explore the impact of technology on family communication patterns using the Family Communication Patterns Theory approach. Technology, especially digital devices such as mobile phones and social media, has changed the way families communicate, both positively and negatively. This study uses a qualitative method with a case study approach in five families in an urban area to understand how technology affects interpersonal relationships between family members. The results show that families with a high conversation orientation tend to use technology to strengthen emotional connectedness, while families with a high conformity orientation are more cautious in using technology, because they are worried about its impact on traditional values and parental control. Technology is also found to play a role in resolving family conflicts, but in some cases, it causes technoference or disruption in face-to-face communication. In conclusion, technology provides opportunities and challenges in maintaining family relationships, and its use needs to be regulated wisely to avoid negative impacts. This study suggests that families should be more aware of the limitations of technology use and prioritize direct interaction to maintain the quality of interpersonal communication.

Revision of the Aspistomella group of genera (Diptera: Ulidiidae: Pterocallinae: Lipsanini)

Twenty-three species of the genera Aspistomella Hendel, 1909, Polyteloptera Hendel, 1909, and Ulivellia Speiser, 1929 occurring in South America (Colombia, Peru, Bolivia, and Brazil) form a monophyletic lineage sharing certain combinations of plesiomorphies and apomorphies with similar larval biology. The name Aspistomella Hendel, 1909 is a new senior subjective synonym of Paraphyola Hendel, 1909. The group of genera is extended by the addition of six known species, Aspistomella angustifrons (Hendel, 1909) comb. nov., A. crucifera (Hendel, 1909) comb. nov., A. lobioptera Hendel, 1909, A. heteroptera Hendel, 1909, A. lunata (Hendel, 1909) comb. nov., Polyteloptera apotropa Hendel, 1909, and Ulivellia inversa Speiser, 1929, and 17 previously unknown species. Aspistomella duo Kovac, Kameneva &amp; V. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. enderleini Kameneva &amp; V. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. garleppi Kameneva &amp; V. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. obliqua Kameneva, V. Korneyev &amp; Savaris, sp. nov., A. pachitea Kameneva &amp; V. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. quinquincisa Kameneva &amp; V. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. sachavaca Smit &amp; Kameneva, sp. nov., A. schnusei Kameneva &amp; V. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. steyskali Kameneva &amp; S. Korneyev, sp. nov., A. teresensis Araújo, V. Korneyev &amp; Savaris, sp. nov., A. tres Kovac, Kameneva &amp; V. Korneyev, sp. nov., Ulivellia amnoni Smit, sp. nov., U. arcuata Kovac &amp; Kameneva, sp. nov., U. laetitiae Smit, sp. nov., U. pseudinsolita Kameneva &amp; V. Korneyev sp. nov., and U. tenoris Kovac &amp; Kameneva sp. nov. are described. A key to the genera and species is given. Among the Lipsanini, this group of genera is easily recognised by the combination of an enlarged, anteriorly produced epistome (lower part of the face) and a low clypeus (in the other lipsanine genera the clypeus is high and the epistome is not enlarged), which supports its monophyly, and the differentiated short parafrontal setulae and long and strong frontal and interfrontal setae, which is a synapomorphy of a larger monophyletic lineage that also includes Chaetopsis Loew, 1868 and related taxa, as well as Amethysa Macquart, 1835, Euphara Loew, 1868 and their relatives. As far as is known, most species of this larger lineage are associated with various Poaceae plants. The species included here in the Aspistomella group are also associated with neotropical tall grasses: bamboo (Guadua) and wild cane (Gynerium). Aspistomella and Ulivellia larvae inhabit water-filled internode cavities (= “bamboo phytotelmata”) of living bamboo culms of Guadua angustifolia. Newly emerged larvae use tunnels made by lepidopteran borers (Crambidae caterpillars) to penetrate the hard bamboo walls. Aspistomella and Ulivellia larvae are saprophagous and adapted to an aquatic lifestyle. The last instar larvae jump easily and pupate in the soil. The external morphology, cuticular sensilla and cephalopharyngeal skeletons of the third instar larvae of five Aspistomella and Ulivellia species (one with unknown adult stage) were studied by light and scanning electron microscopy. The main features that allow the identification of larvae and puparia are the unique posterior spiracles and the structure of the abdominal creeping welts. The morphological characteristics of Aspistomella and Ulivellia larvae are compared with other Lipsanini and their feeding habits with other ulidiids. An identification key for Aspistomella and Ulivellia is given. The adaptations to life in bamboo phytotelmata found in both neotropical Aspistomella and Ulivellia and in oriental members of the closely related family Tephritidae are discussed.

An asymmetrical partnership: The shifting onus of Hmong heritage language teaching from families to dual‐language programs

AbstractFramed by family language policy (FLP), in conjunction with the Douglas Fir Group's ecological transdisciplinary framework for second language acquisition, this multiple case study investigates the FLPs of two Hmong–American families in relation to a Hmong–English dual‐language program (DLP) where their children are enrolled. Interviews, artifacts, and family‐recorded interactions were utilized to get a full understanding of what factors at the different levels of interaction shaped their FLP. The findings reveal that both sets of parents perceived the relationship between the home and school as a partnership for their children's heritage language development, with the school taking on the onus for Hmong literacy. This resulted in both families’ more secondary role and, thus, home language practices that merely supplement the school content. Importantly, while both sets of parents held similar beliefs regarding the role of the DLP in heritage language maintenance, it was their beliefs in the value of Hmong that led to the different FLPs between the families. The article concludes with limitations and implications for schools interested in wanting to better serve their heritage language learners and families.

The Educational Contradiction between Love and Expectation in Family Education under the Background of Exam-Oriented Education: A Case Study of the Movie “Successor”

Based on the background of exam-oriented education in China, this paper probes into the educational contradiction between love and expectation in family education, and the impact of this contradiction on family members’ mental health and family relations. The family education scene embodied in the movie “Successor” provides a typical case study object. From the perspectives of pedagogy, psychology, and sociology, this paper systematically analyzes the effects of family roles on children’s psychological development and academic achievement. This study analyzes parents’ loving support and excessive expectations for their children’s education. The study found that moderate expectations can stimulate the potential of students, but blind and overloaded expectations may cause students to reverse psychology, and even lead to the breakdown of family relations. The comprehensive analysis of love and expectation in family education provides the theoretical basis and practical guidance for alleviating the family education contradiction under the background of exam-oriented education and provides a new perspective for promoting the optimization and development of the family education model.

Lifestyle Recommendations for Patients Before and After Thoracic Aortic Surgery: A Framework Analysis

Abstract Background Patients receive many different recommendations after thoracic aortic surgery. Unfortunately, there is much variation in recommendations between different surgical centers. This variation in recommendations creates uncertainty and anxiety in patients. Therefore, we aimed to provide an overview with clear lifestyle recommendations for patients before and after thoracic aortic surgery. Methods Documentary research and a framework analysis were used to analyze brochures, website texts, and health care protocols. These documents consisted of lifestyle recommendations for patients before and after thoracic aortic surgery (direct information) or cardiac surgery (indirect information). An analytical framework was constructed and all lifestyle recommendations for patients before and after thoracic aortic surgery were coded through indexing, charting, and mapping by two researchers (N.K. and H.v.Z.). The first draft with lifestyle recommendations was prepared by two researchers (N.K. and H.v.Z.). Feedback from all authors involved patients and consulted health care professionals was processed in the final draft. Results In total, 170 documents were analyzed. Indexing revealed 414 lifestyle recommendations, which were included in the first draft. Charting, mapping, removal of duplicates, and processing of feedback resulted in a final draft with 52 lifestyle recommendations about behavioral change, body weight, nutrition, cessation of alcohol and drug use, cessation of smoking, wound healing, sedentary behavior and physical activity, mental well-being, and family and close relatives. Conclusion This study provides an overview of clear lifestyle recommendations for patients before and after thoracic aortic surgery. This overview is the first step because follow-up research is needed on which lifestyle recommendations are necessary and evidence-based. The overview of lifestyle recommendations serves as a foundation, after which individual customization can be provided.

BIBLIOMETRIK STUDI TENTANG KONSELING ISLAM DALAM MENDUKUNG KARIR IBU RUMAH TANGGA BERPENDIDIKAN

This research aims to understand the role of Islamic counseling in supporting the careers of educated housewives who play dual roles as mothers and workers. The issue raised is how Islamic counseling helps women face the challenges of balancing career and family life. The research objectives also include how such counseling impacts women's emotional and psychological well-being. The method used is a qualitative approach with bibliometric analysis. Data were collected through a literature search from the Scopus and Google Scholar databases, producing 34 relevant articles based on keywords such as "Islamic counseling," "career," and "housewife." The research results show that Islamic counseling helps women manage multiple roles, reduces stress, and strengthens family relationships. The interesting fact is that this spiritual-based counseling not only helps in the emotional aspect, but also supports balance between career and family. The implication of this research is the importance of Islamic counseling as part of services to help women who play dual roles

Guiding Teenagers to Use Video Games Properly

With the increasing popularity of video games, some problems have arisen. For some people, video games can be said to be “destructive”, causing irreparable harm; For others, however, teenagers’ use of video games has produced some positive results. The purpose of this paper is to study the effects of video games on young people and how the community should guide young people to use video games to achieve positive effects and avoid negative effects. Through the analysis of literature and cases, this paper analyzes the positive and negative effects of electronic games on teenagers from the perspectives of society, psychology, and science, and studies the feasible ways for parents, schools, governments, and other groups to correctly guide teenagers to use electronic games. It is found that electronic games can have different effects on teenagers, both positive and negative, depending on the situation. Overall, the study reported more negative effects than positive ones. Among them, the negative aspects include addiction, affecting academic performance, causing psychological disorders, leading to suicide, affecting family relations, leading to social problems, leading to negative emotions, etc. The positive effects include cultivating prosocial behavior and satisfying psychological needs that are difficult to achieve in real life. To properly guide teenagers to use electronic games, all sectors of society, including parents, schools, and governments, can take some actions to achieve the goal.

Training for migrant live-in care workers in Austria: results from an online survey

Abstract Background In Austria, almost 60.000 migrant “24-hour” live-in caregivers work in two- or four-week shifts, travelling between Austria and their countries of origin (mostly Romania, Slovakia, Croatia, Hungary and more) to care for frail older people at home. As opposed to other social and healthcare professions, live-in care workers do not require any formal training at all to be able to work in Austria. Methods With the aim of gaining an in-depth insight into the working conditions of live-in caregivers and with the aim of recording their problems and needs, an online survey including 40 questions was conducted from 15 July to 15 September 2023 in four languages (Slovak, Romanian, Bulgarian and German). The study is part of the MigraCare project which focuses on improving working and living conditions for migrant live in care workers. Results Results show that many live-in caregivers are not fully aware of their job profile: what are nursing and medical tasks they are only allowed to do when delegated by professional healthcare staff? Most respondents have to take on tasks that are outside their job profile. Many state that it is difficult to care for people with dementia. In addition, some caregivers report physical and psychological violence and sexual harassment. Most wish for training possibilities regarding topics like dementia, communication with client and family, legal framework regarding their job in the long-term care sector and others. Conclusions Live-in care workers wish for continuous education activities and for a better relationship with the family relatives and the care recipient. Based on the results of the survey short multilingual training videos have been developed easily accessible on a video platform for live-in care workers. Also, a connection to community nurses has been established in order to improve communication between care recipient, family members and live-in care workers. Key messages • Results from an online survey show that live-in care workers face challenges at work which are partly due to an unclear job profile as well as communication problems with the care recipient. • Results of an online survey show that live-in care workers wish for education and training opportunities (mother tongues) in the field of dementia care, communication with family or legal framework.

Roma mothers of infant children in the health system - a qualitative study

Abstract Background The Roma in Bulgaria constitute the third largest group - 4% of the population. Data on demographic processes by ethnicity are scarce. A national survey in 2003 found significant differences in infant mortality - 9.9‰ for Bulgarian, 18‰ for Turkish, and 28‰ for Roma infants. Poverty among Roma children, risk of poor education, especially for girls, barriers to accessing health services remain high. We aim to reveal the cultural specificity in prenatal behavior and infant care among Roma mothers in the context of the role of the Bulgarian health service. Methods In-depth interviews with Roma mothers of infants up to 1 year were utilized for data collection. To ensure heterogeneity among the interviewees, several “nests” with varying socio-cultural status in the Varna district were identified in advance for participants recruitment. A list of interview themes concerning respondents’ relationships with the public health system with an emphasis on the experiences of mothers was drawn up. Results Ten interviews with mothers having between 1 and 7 children were conducted in 2023. The mothers recounted discriminatory experiences during their interactions with certain health facilities (maternity wards), which act as barriers to accessing and utilizing health services. Maternity and infant counselling services are highly esteemed with favorable influence on child health outcomes. There has been a positive shift away from early marriage and childbirth towards prioritizing education for Roma girls. Mothers prioritize their children, and there is no neglect in their care. Family relations and support are being upgraded, with Roma fathers becoming involved in child care. Respondents express their educational needs and hopes for community-based support to better cope with their roles as mothers. Conclusions Ethno-cultural factors shaping the mother’s role maintain traditional family support, while also reflecting significant modernization that needs societal support. Key messages • A glimpse into people’s experiences of the healthcare system - a clue to its effectiveness. • Тhe ethno-cultural factors in Roma are subject to modernization.

Exploring the dynamics of alcohol use, poverty and the role of social context in Athens, Greece

Abstract Background A body of research conducted across diverse national context, including the United Kingdom, Russia, Denmark and Norway, shows a robust link between poverty and increased alcohol related harm, even after accounting for different drinking patterns. This paper examines the unexplored relationship between poverty and alcohol use in Athens, Greece, focusing on alcohol’s impact related to the familial and social life of individuals and whether this system is affected by poverty. Methods This is a 2021 cross-sectional study, with 300 adult participants of mean age 45.8. We administered four questionnaires. The participants were equally distributed above and below the poverty threshold, sampled randomly. The latter were beneficiaries of social services. The data analysis established two scoring variables: the level of dysfunction from alcohol use and the level of strength of family ties. We computed their correlation and multiple linear regressions to assess their relationships. Results Individuals not residing in poverty exhibit a higher frequency of alcohol use (81.9%) than their counterparts (57.1%), however, those living in poverty tend to consume greater quantities of alcohol per occasion (p &amp;lt; 0.001) and reported elevated levels of dysfunction within familial and social interactions. Conclusions This study indicates that different consumption patterns are tied to diverse socioeconomic strata, with binge drinking behaviours specifically linked to financial hardship. Also, alcohol related dysfunction and family and social dynamics are affected by poverty. Our findings show that as dysfunction attributed to alcohol use increases, participants socialize less and report lower levels of well-being. In contrast those with balanced family ties and social encounters exhibit the opposite trend. This study warrants further exploration in cities in Southern Europe. Key messages • To mitigate alcohol use, policies empowering social and familial connections are of high importance. • Uncovering poverty as a factor for binge drinking can inform prevention strategies.

New House, New Furniture, New Room: Children’s Pandemic Landscapes of Care in Chile

Standing at the intersection between geographies of care and children’s geographies, we present three ethnographic stories (emerging from three ethnographic studies) through which we argue that, as a result of pandemic confinement in Chile, children’s places within their landscapes of care shifted in a twofold sense: First, given the de-mobilisation and spatial concentration of spaces of care at home, children’s place became closer to adults,’ suspending the usual spatial segregation that separates them. And second, in tandem with this new proximity that we refer to as in-person family relationships, new possibilities for the involvement of children in family care practices emerged. This rearrangement of children’s places within landscapes of care brings to the fore two interrelated aspects of family care from children’s perspective. First, the kind and amount of in-person family time spent in a shared space in “normal” times was not enough from the perspective of children’s needs and interests. And second, even though children are usually seen as subjects of care, they are people who care for others and who are able to take on more caring responsibilities than the ones that they usually are expected to.

A university-based counseling program for perpetrators of family violence in Greece: initial evidence

Abstract Penal mediation is defined in Greek Law 3500/2006 and aims at repairing the harm caused to the victim of family violence and rebuild family relationships. Mediation process starts upon victims’ unreserved consent and perpetrators’ willingness to stop further acts of violence, attend a counseling program and restore any harm/damage caused to the victim. Then the prosecutor ceases the case for 3 years and refers the perpetrator to counseling. If any of the previous conditions are violated during this period the criminal procedure continues at the stage before mediation. A university lab in Crete, Greece (LaHeRS, HMU) offers one of the few in Greece perpetrators’ behavior change programs in collaboration with the Prosecutor’s Office. LaHeRS counseling program consists of a minimum of 24 sessions per offender based on an individual or group approach. Emphasis is placed on perceptions of power and control, anger management, trauma management, emotional expression, and social/communication skills. Each perpetrator is offered 2 sessions (intake/violence documentation and assessment of individual/couples’ needs), 2-3 sessions for psychiatric and risk assessment, 12-15 individual or group counseling sessions (combined with couples’ sessions, as necessary), 2-4 individual social support sessions. Sessions are conducted by trained psychologists and social workers. The current presentation reports on the Intimate partner violence (IPV) cases referred between February 2022 and December 2023. A total of 70 IPV cases attended the program (male n = 65; mean age 43.4; Greek n = 56; urban residence n = 49; children average=1.92). Physical violence was reported in 54 cases and verbal aggression in 43 cases. Four perpetrators had mental health problems and 6 were identified with some form of drug and alcohol misuse. Lack of communication and emotional skills, lack of parent emotional support, gender roles stereotypes and patriarchal attitudes were common among perpetrators. Key messages • It is important for perpetrators’ programs to address the underlying causes of criminal behavior to promote positive changes in perpetrators’ lives. • Effective penal mediation programs require collaboration and partnership between justice agencies, academia and community organizations.