Family Structure Research Articles

"I am adhering to HIV treatment so that I can live to support her": A qualitative study of upward intergenerational support in South Africa.

Intergenerational family care, which was upended by the HIV epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), may return to a pre-HIV era arrangement as access to antiretroviral therapy (ART) expands and treated adults can once again provide support for older household members. Empirical research has demonstrated positive 'spillover effects' of ART uptake from treated adults to younger generations, yet much less is known about the nature and breadth of such effects to older generations. This study explores the role and lived experiences among adults who take up ART and those of an older generation with whom they live. We conducted a qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews (n = 46) embedded in the Agincourt Health and Demographic Surveillance System (HDSS) in rural South Africa, between July and September 2022. We purposefully sampled two respondent categories: (i) young or middle-aged adults on ART (aged 18-59 years old); and (ii) older adults (aged ≥60 years old) who were affiliated with a young or middle-aged adult on ART. We used thematic content analysis to extract, code, and categorise relevant text by types of upward spillover effects from ART in younger adults to older adults. Quantitative data was extracted from the existing Agincourt HDSS database and matched to qualitative interview data based on Clinic link unique identifiers of study participants. Mean age was 41 years among young or middle-aged adults (n = 29) and 72 years among older adults (n = 17). Among younger adults, time on ART ranged from five months to more than 21 years. Both young or middle-aged adults on ART and older adults reported positive spillover effects for older adults across five main tiers: caregiving, financial support, physical and mental health, living arrangements and household relationships, and stigma and reputation. Spillover challenges included financial costs and caregiving responsibilities following ART initiation of young or middle-aged adults, although these additional caregiving responsibilities were generally not perceived as particularly burdensome. ART is likely to benefit older adults in South Africa whose families are affected by HIV. This study identified a wide range of perceived spillover effects from ART in younger adults to older adults, including improvements to upward intergenerational support. These qualitative findings offer a guide to researchers, policymakers, and donors to capitalise on the broader societal effects of a large-scale health intervention to further support family structures and meet the needs of a growing older population.

Navigating the road home: Challenges hindering the reintegration of street children with their families in Harare, Zimbabwe

The reintegration of street children with their families in Harare, Zimbabwe, is a significant social issue that is characterised by numerous challenges. Therefore, this research paper aims to identify the challenges that hinder the successful reintegration of street children with their families in Harare, using the bioecological model as a theoretical lens. A qualitative research approach, underpinned by a phenomenological research design, was employed with a purposefully selected sample of ten social development officers who are directly involved in working with street children. Data was obtained through semi-structured interviews conducted with the social development officers. The data was analysed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed various challenges, such as rejection and discrimination, economic hardship, disintegrated family structures, and lack of trust. Based on the findings, the study recommends the need to strengthen and expand support services that offer counselling, mediation, and practical assistance to families and children to ensure an effective reintegration process. Additionally, the study recommends the implementation of programmes that focus on poverty alleviation and economic empowerment for families. Moreover, social development officers should be capacitated with dispute resolution and cognitive restructuring skills to change the thinking patterns of members of the original families. Developing and prioritising sensitisation programmes to raise awareness about the issues faced by reintegrated street children and their families is also recommended.

Starostniki na podeželju v 19. stoletju

Based on individual case studies and employing discourse analysis in Carniola, this study endeavours to transcend the existing theories that predominantly place the rural elderly within multigenerational familial structures. By delving into the intricacies of property transfer, the employment possibilities of individuals lacking assets, marital strategies, obstacles and dynamics, and the provision of care for elderly family members in rural areas, a nuanced understanding emerges. The present research reveals diverse strategies, identities, and configurations in the lifestyles and livelihoods of the rural elderly, which extend beyond conventional family-centric perspectives. By emphasising the intricate interplay of property dynamics, survival strategies, and communal solidarity, this article sheds light on the multifaceted life of the elderly in the countryside.

A qualitative look at bed net access and use in Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Nigeria, and Rwanda following piloted distributions of dual-active ingredient insecticide-treated nets

BackgroundUniversal coverage with insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) is important for malaria control and elimination. The emergence and intensification of insecticide resistance threatens progress made through the deployment of these interventions and has required the development of newer, more expensive ITN types. Understanding malaria prevention behaviour, including barriers and facilitators to net access and use, can support effective decision-making for the promotion and distribution of ITNs.MethodsIn-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted in 3 to 4 villages per district, in 13 districts across Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Nigeria and Rwanda from 2019 to 2022. Interviews were conducted in the local language, translated and transcribed in English, French or Portuguese. Transcripts were coded and analysed using Nvivo and ATLAS.ti.ResultsITNs were obtained from mass distribution campaigns, antenatal care and immunization visits, and purchased on the private market in some locations. While there were divergent perspectives in whether the number of distributed nets were adequate, participants consistently expressed concerns of bias, discrimination, and a lack of transparency with the distribution process. ITNs were frequently used alongside other malaria prevention methods. The primary motivation for use was malaria prevention. While some participants reported using nets nightly throughout the year, other participants reported seasonal use, both due to the perceived higher density of mosquitoes and discomfort of sleeping under a net in the increased heat. Other barriers to consistent net use included activities that take place away from the home, sleeping patterns and arrangements, and sensitivity to the insecticides on the nets.ConclusionsITNs remain an important malaria control intervention. To ensure adequate and increased net access, distribution campaigns should consider family structures, available sleeping spaces, and other bed sharing preferences when identifying the number of nets needed for distribution. In addition, campaigns should allow for multiple options for net distribution points and timing to accommodate households remote to health services. Continuous distribution channels and complimentary distribution through the private sector could help fill gaps in coverage. Solutions are needed for outdoor malaria transmission, including alternative designs for ITNs, and improving access to complementary personal protective measures.

The Influence of Childhood Family Experiences on Women's Attitudes towards Marriage and Relationships

This article aims to explore the influence of childhood family experiences on women's attitudes towards marriage and relationships. Through literature review and surveys based on examples, it analyzes the shaping of women's attitudes towards marriage and relationships by analyzing the family environment and the quality of parental marriage, as well as their influencing mechanisms. The research findings indicate that the family environment has a significant impact on attitudes towards marriage and relationships, with factors such as family structure and the quality of parental marriage closely related to women's attitudes towards marriage and relationships. Parents' marriage serves as a role model in shaping women's attitudes towards marriage and relationships, and family emotions play a crucial role in the transmission of attitudes towards marriage and relationships. This study supports the hypothesis of the influence of childhood family experiences on women's attitudes towards marriage and relationships, further confirming the importance of childhood family experiences in shaping individual attitudes towards marriage and relationships. The results of this study contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms behind the formation of women's attitudes towards marriage and relationships, providing a theoretical basis for promoting healthy marital and relationship outcomes.

The Impact of Changes in Rural Family Structure on Agricultural Productivity and Efficiency: Evidence from Rice Farmers in China

Over the past three decades, China has shifted from a relatively immobile society to one where rural migrant workers are dispersed throughout urban areas, resulting in significant changes in rural family structure. Previous studies have tended to approach migrant workers as homogeneous groups within families. In contrast, our attention turns to the diversity among individuals and the complex interactions within families. Based on a survey of rice farmers in five provinces of China, this study aims to explore the heterogeneous impact of changes in rural family structure on the single-factor (i.e., land, labor, and capital) productivity and technical efficiency (TE) of rice production. Methodologically, we calculated the productivity indicator through the Cobb–Douglas production function. Following this, a one-step stochastic frontier approach (SFA) was employed to assess the production frontier and estimate inefficiency. To address self-selection bias in family migration behavior, we applied the propensity score matching method (PSM). The results reveal that significant outcomes are observed only with certain types of changes in rural family structure. The production decisions of rural families are influenced by the migration regions of their family members. Compared to non-migrating families (NM), families with couples’ joint migration outside the province show higher single-factor productivity and TE. We used multiple approaches to examine the results and came to similar conclusions. Therefore, enhancing social security measures and employment opportunities for migrant workers, with specific attention to supporting migrant couples, can have a positive impact on sustainable urban and rural development, as well as food security.

Understanding Working Memory and Mathematics Development in Ethnically/Racially Minoritized Children through an Integrative Theory Lens

Limited research on working memory has centered on ethnically/racially minoritized children, thereby limiting researchers’ abilities to draw conclusions about working memory or to provide additional supports in cultivating working memory for these children. Using the Integrative Theory as a lens, the current study explored the predictive benefit of parent academic socialization strategies on the working memory and subsequent mathematics skills of a nationally representative sample of ethnically/racially minoritized children. Using structural equation modeling techniques, a path model including social position; family structure; leisure activities; parent academic socialization strategies; and their association with kindergarten Asian/Asian-American (N = 1211), Black (N = 1927), and Latine (N = 3671) children’s working memory and first-grade mathematics skills were examined. Furthermore, multigroup moderation was used to test for differences between ethnic/racial groups. Connections to social capital theory, community cultural wealth, and culturally relevant interpretations of the study findings are discussed.

“We know what we should be eating, but we don’t always do that.” How and why people eat the way they do: a qualitative study with rural australians

BackgroundThere is evidence that most people are aware of the importance of healthy eating and have a broad understanding regarding types of food that enhance or detract from health. However, greater health literacy does not always result in healthier eating. Andreasen’s Social Marketing Model and Community-Based Social Marketing both posit that, in order to change health behaviours, it is crucial to understand reasons for current behaviours and perceived barriers and benefits to improved behaviours. Limited research has been conducted, however, that explores these issues with general populations. This study aimed to help address this gap in the evidence using a qualitative methodology.MethodsThree group discussions were conducted with a total of 23 participants: (1) young women aged 18–24 with no children; (2) women aged 35–45 with primary school aged children; and (3) men aged 35–50 living with a partner and with pre- or primary school aged children. The discussions took place in a regional centre of Victoria, Australia. Transcriptions were thematically analysed using an inductive descriptive approach and with reference to a recent integrated framework of food choice that identified five key interrelated determinants: food– internal factors; food– external factors; personal-state factors; cognitive factors; and sociocultural factors.ResultsWe found that food choice was complex, with all five determinants evident from the discussions. However, the “Social environment” sub-category of “Food-external factors”, which included family, work, and social structures, and expectations (or perceived expectations) of family members, colleagues, friends, and others, was particularly prominent. Knowledge that one should practice healthy eating, which falls under the “Cognitive factor” category, while seen as an aspiration by most participants, was often viewed as unrealistic, trumped by the need and/or desire for convenience, a combination of Food-external factor: Social environment and Personal-state factor: Psychological components.ConclusionsWe found that decisions regarding what, when, and how much to eat are seen as heavily influenced by factors outside the control of the individual. It appears, therefore, that a key to improving people’s eating behaviours is to make it easy to eat more healthfully, or at least not much harder than eating poorly.

The Negative Effects of Cultural Identity on Preschool Girls in Bong, Lofa, and Nimba Counties of Liberia

This paper probes into the multifaceted issues surrounding violence against women and challenges to girls' education in Liberia. Coomaraswamy's 2002 research underscored the role of cultural behaviors in family structures contributing significantly to violence against women. King and Winthrop's 2015 study explored factors such as poverty, gender norms, and cultural expectations, contributing to discussions on fair educational opportunities. Cunningham et al.'s 2023 research delved into gender disparities across economic, educational, healthcare, and political spheres, employing a women's empowerment perspective. Theoretical frameworks rooted in gender and social norm theories were employed to understand the impact of cultural identity on preschool girls' education in Liberia. The study focused on evaluating negative effects on preschool girls in Bong, Lofa, and Nimba counties, emphasizing the need for targeted interventions to create a supportive environment. Coomaraswamy's 2002 insistence on rejecting the use of cultural considerations to justify violence against girls resonates globally. The study also highlighted disparities in girls' primary school enrollment rates in the region compared to the global average, emphasizing the urgency of addressing educational inequalities. Overall, this paper contributes valuable insights for policymakers, educators, and communities, advocating for positive change in Liberia's educational landscape and women's empowerment.

Sociocultural Factors Influencing Marital Satisfaction in Modern India: A Large-Scale Survey Analysis

This research paper investigates the sociocultural factors influencing marital satisfaction in modern India, focusing on how traditional and emerging sociocultural dynamics shape marital outcomes in the context of rapid societal changes. Utilizing a descriptive, cross-sectional survey design, the study collected data from 2,000 married individuals across various Indian states using structured questionnaires. The methodology included stratified random sampling and data analysis through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to assess the direct and indirect effects of sociocultural variables on marital satisfaction. Key findings indicate that egalitarian gender roles, economic stability, and effective communication significantly enhance marital satisfaction, while urbanization and traditional family structures have complex influences. The study underscores the buffering role of traditional family support against the stresses of modernization. The results highlight the importance of tailoring marital counseling and interventions to regional and cultural specifics, suggesting that policies aimed at enhancing marital satisfaction should consider the broader sociocultural context. These insights are crucial for stakeholders aiming to develop programs that foster healthier marital relationships in a culturally diverse society like India.

Parent–child triangles and family loyalties as psychological arenas of grief manifestation among adults who lost a parent at a young age

The current qualitative interpretative phenomenological study explored the intricate experiences of Israeli adults who lost a parent during childhood and subsequently navigated the challenges of adapting to a stepfamily dynamic. Through semistructured interviews, nine participants revealed three key themes: “Unbreakable Bonds: Loyalty to the Deceased Parent,” illustrating efforts to preserve the original family structure amid changes; “Replacement Bonds: Loyalty to the New Parent,” depicting the loyalty conflicts arising when connecting with a stepparent; and “Harmonic Bonds: Loyalties to All Three Parents,” showcasing instances in which bereaved children successfully maintained connections with their deceased parent while forming meaningful relationships with their stepparent and living biological parent. The study findings informed a model elucidating the dialectical stance family members may adopt in response to such complexities. The model emphasizes the prioritization of orphaned children’s emotional needs in a pyramid-shaped family structure, in which the psychological presence of the deceased parent remains integral.

Learned Women, “Leftover” Women, and “The Third Sex” Women's Learning in the Confucian Tradition and Contemporary China

Abstract This paper investigates women's learning experiences in the Confucian tradition and the social dismay and stigma associated with them. Despite being considered a meta-virtue in the Confucian tradition, learning becomes rather complex when women are the learners. It is viewed by learned women as a curse rather than a blessing in pre-modern China; it is associated with the stigma of “leftover women” and “the third sex” in contemporary China. Based on an examination of works written by women thinkers, I argue that the asymmetry in social recognition for men's and women's learning is rooted in the social and family structure of nei (in) and wai (out), which does not assign sufficient cultural and moral significance to learning achieved in the nei domain nor permit its continuous and accumulative existence. I propose two preliminary steps to rectify the issue of the lack of social and moral recognition of women's learning: first, a reforming of the nei and wai structure to allow assigning more moral, cultural, and normative significance to affairs in the nei domain. Second, re-examine and utilize classical Confucian texts such as the Mencius and later works by women writers to support and guide such reformations.

“Our Kids are Going to Live their Future, Not our Past”: The Family Language Policies of Three Transnational Families

In recent decades, the field of family language policy (FLP) has expanded in breadth to reconceptualize the notion of family structure and the rich variety of motivations of transnational families. In an age spotlighted by the blurring of linguistic and cultural borders, this study was guided by one overarching question: As a parent, would you be willing to compromise the development of your child’s heritage language in exchange for your child increasing their social capital, improving their English language skills, and becoming a global citizen? Interviews were conducted with three sets of highly-educated, multilingual parents who lived abroad for work and to afford their children future linguistic, cultural, and economic opportunities. Results found that as the parents realized these opportunities, the children’s relationship to the parents’ first language and culture deteriorated; however, the parents took these challenges in stride, not losing sight of the skills their children were currently developing. Further, owing to their positive outlook, the parents considered their children’s heritage language attrition as a temporary outcome that the children could ameliorate down the road, should they so choose.

Understanding Parental Secure Base Support Across Youth Sport Contexts in Sweden

The notion of secure base explains how a child can grow and become independent through access to a significant other (i.e., parent) who is available, encouraging, and noninterfering. The purpose of the current study was to develop an understanding of parental secure base support within the context of youth sport in Sweden, with a specific focus on: (a) what parental behaviors constitute a secure base, and (b) how these behaviors differ across contexts (at home before and after sport, at practice and during competitions). An interpretive descriptive methodology (Thorne, 2016) was used. Interviews were conducted with 13 family triads (children aged 12-15 years) and 1 dyad living in Sweden. Analysis was conducted to illuminate associations, patterns, and relationships within the sample. Analysis led to the development of nine categories of parental behaviors that were perceived to underpin a secure base. Availability was seen to comprise physical presence and support provision, being responsive, and developing positive mental representations. Encouragement encompassed demonstrating that sport participation is valued, motivating to explore sporting endeavors, and reinforcing and rewarding persistence in sports. Interference was described as unrequested interference, requested interference, and intentionally constrained involvement. Additionally, influencing factors such as communication, family structure and culture, were identified. The findings provide an empirical illustration for several behaviors that have been perceived as positive in previous literature, as well as highlighting numerous further complexities, particularly as it relates to interference.

PASIFIKA MOVING: A CO-DESIGNED AND CULTURALLY INCLUSIVE PHYSICAL ACTIVITY PROGRAM FOR PASIFIKA COMMUNITIES IN WESTERN SYDNEY

INTRODUCTION & AIMS Pasifika migrant communities in Western Sydney, including Tongan, Samoan, Cook Islander, Fijian, and Māori face significant health disparities including higher rates of obesity, Type two diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Modifiable risk factors including physical inactivity are primary drivers. Previous lifestyle interventions have been unsuccessful due to inadequate community consultation. This study aims to work with Western Sydney’s Pasifika community to design and deliver a sustainable and culturally responsive physical activity program. METHODS The project comprises two phases. Phase A involved 2 co-design workshops or ‘Talanoas’, comprising community leaders, service users, caregivers, Pasifika practitioners, and Academics. Participatory research methods including mixed qualitative and quantitative methods were used to understand barriers, facilitators and preferences for a tailored physical activity program. Phase B, set to commence in 2024 includes the implementation of this program, which will be evaluated for its feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness. RESULTS Phase 1 co-design included consultation with 24 individuals including; Pasifika community members, Pasifika community leaders, service users, Pasifika clinicians, and Academics. Results exposed essential cultural and practical considerations for the physical activity program. Pasifika Mothers were identified as a priority group considering their influential role within family structures and the broader Pasifika community. A focus on community-led, sustainable, accessible, and enjoyable group-based activity was evident. Co-design sessions were rated as highly acceptable. CONCLUSION The study not only lays the foundation for both Pasifika Moving, but also will inform future community health initiatives which target health disparities in under-served and culturally diverse communities. Pasifika Moving is an example of an initiative that is designed by, for, and led by the community. The outcomes from this study have broader implications to improve health equity and enhance the healthcare landscape by developing culturally competent healthcare professionals and services.

From the pitch to personal growth: Investigating self-esteem as a mediator and parental support as a moderator in youth sports in China

This study focuses on the intricate connections among youth sports, personal development, and skill acquisition in contemporary China. Building upon established theoretical frameworks, the study aims to unravel the intricate interplay among various variables. Employing a robust methodology that accounts for mediation and moderation effects and with a sample of 808 individuals representing diverse demographics, the findings shed light on the significant influence of family structure, particularly the prevalence of extended family arrangements, on an individual's character development. Furthermore, the study underscores the pivotal role of personal characteristics, particularly self-esteem, in shaping admirable traits. The research identifies several contributing factors to positive character development, including active participation in sports, parental support, accessibility to sports facilities, positive peer influence, and high self-esteem. Parents play a crucial role in mitigating the adverse effects of peer pressure by offering positive reinforcement and serving as role models. These findings hold important implications for youth development programs, emphasizing the vital role of parents in guiding character development, particularly in the context of peer pressure.

Marriage and Motherhood: Insights on a Crucial Life Course Process from the Perspective of Female Arab-Palestinian Undergraduate Students

Despite changes in women's status in recent decades in Arab-Palestinian society in Israel, marriage and motherhood still play a central role. Moreover, although the increase in the integration rates of young Arab-Palestinian women into the higher education system, as girls belonging to a minority group with traditional structures, they are expected to prioritize family and community expectations over personal aspirations. This study focuses on art projects of female Arab-Palestinian college students in Israel, which serve as a prism for detecting cultural perceptions of pathways to entering adulthood among this population today.These topics are central themes in the projects in question. Working on these projects forced the students to profoundly contemplate their life stage - being engaged or newly married and young mothers. The aim of the study was to decode the artworks in order to explore the students’ feelings and thoughts on a topic rarely considered through the eyes of the young women themselves. The study provides a nuanced examination of the social processes that young educated Arab-Palestinian women experience in the current family structure. By analysing the projects using visual tools from semiotics and art history, along with verbal texts provided by the students, we assert that these projects serve as a crucial avenue for students’ self-expression regarding topics seldom addressed. Even though the projects cannot be understood as critical of traditional gender expectations, we did find some interesting voices of unease regarding them. The move from their parents' home to their new one is widely described as difficult, where sadness and concern about the future are highly noticeable. In addition to accepting the stages of marriage and motherhood with joy and excitement, they also express fear and hesitation. This tension between fulfilling their expected roles and being unsure and hesitant about them exists in the projects. We claim that even if implicit and careful, these signs are important to recognize. However, it seems that higher education has failed to significantly undermine patriarchal and gender expectations.

Calgary assessment model: study of family units with child malnutrition

Calgary assessment model: study of family units with child malnutrition

Detecting inbreeding depression in structured populations

Measuring inbreeding and its consequences on fitness is central for many areas in biology including human genetics and the conservation of endangered species. However, there is no consensus on the best method, neither for quantification of inbreeding itself nor for the model to estimate its effect on specific traits. We simulated traits based on simulated genomes from a large pedigree and empirical whole-genome sequences of human data from populations with various sizes and structures (from the 1,000 Genomes project). We compare the ability of various inbreeding coefficients ([Formula: see text]) to quantify the strength of inbreeding depression: allele-sharing, two versions of the correlation of uniting gametes which differ in the weight they attribute to each locus and two identical-by-descent segments-based estimators. We also compare two models: the standard linear model and a linear mixed model (LMM) including a genetic relatedness matrix (GRM) as random effect to account for the nonindependence of observations. We find LMMs give better results in scenarios with population or family structure. Within the LMM, we compare three different GRMs and show that in homogeneous populations, there is little difference among the different [Formula: see text] and GRM for inbreeding depression quantification. However, as soon as a strong population or family structure is present, the strength of inbreeding depression can be most efficiently estimated only if i) the phenotypes are regressed on [Formula: see text] based on a weighted version of the correlation of uniting gametes, giving more weight to common alleles and ii) with the GRM obtained from an allele-sharing relatedness estimator.

Family resilience and caregiver's well-being across different age groups of children with ADHD in the United States: a cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to investigate the impact of family resilience on caregiver well-being across various age groups of children diagnosed with ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder) groups (0-5, 6-11, and 12-17 years). Utilizing secondary data from the 2022 US National Survey of Child Health, this cross-sectional study involved 2,752 children who were formally diagnosed with ADHD. Statistical analysis included descriptive analysis, Spearman's rank correlation, chi-square tests, and linear regression, conducted using SPSS version 27. The study revealed a moderate positive correlation (r=.35, p<.001) between family resilience and caregiver well-being. Controlling for covariates, family resilience accounted for 25.2%, 21.1%, and 22.1% of caregiver well-being variance in age groups 0-5, 6-11, and 12-17 years, respectively. Additionally, factors like employment status, family structure, and caregiver age showed varying influences on caregiver well-being across these developmental stages. A consistent pattern emerged across these age groups: unemployment and non-traditional family structures were associated with negative impacts on caregiver well-being, whereas older caregiver age positively influenced well-being. This research underscores the importance of age-specific family resilience strategies to improve caregiver well-being and family interactions in ADHD contexts. Investigating these aspects through qualitative studies across various cultures could deepen our understanding of well-being and inform culturally sensitive interventions.