Family Ties Research Articles

Chronic stress, social support, and symptoms at midlife. Is there a buffering effect?

This study was designed to examine associations among measures of stress, social support, and symptoms at midlife. Specifically, the study examined whether support buffered against the negative effects of stress on severity of symptoms grouped via factor analyses into emotional instability, vaso-somatic symptoms, mood disturbances, and aches and pains. We used cross-sectional data from n = 119 women aged 40-55 in Nagaland, India. Midlife symptoms were measured with the help of questionnaires, and factor analysis was used to identify latent factors. Stress and social support were measured by Perceived Stress Scale and Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support, respectively. Chronic stress was measured by fingernail cortisol. After adjusting for menopausal status, tobacco use, body mass index, and socioeconomic status, cortisol level was positively associated with emotional instability (p < 0.01), vaso-somatic symptom score (p < 0.05), and total symptoms at midlife (p < 0.05). Familial support was negatively associated with emotional instability (p < 0.05) and total symptoms at midlife (p < 0.05). However, no significant associations were observed with spousal or friend support. Although no significant interactions between stress, social support, and symptoms at midlife were observed, spousal support when stratified as high and low support using the means, perceived stress and vaso-somatic symptoms indicated an interaction. Cortisol level and support from family were independently associated with symptoms at midlife. The study highlights the importance of family ties and support for navigating the stressors of everyday life among women in Nagaland.

Using technology in family relationships lived apart

In the wake of war and displacement, families like Oksana’s and Anna’s have found solace and connection through the use of digital technology. This article explores the experiences of Oksana and Anna, a Ukrainian woman aged 51 and her 23-year-old daughter who currently live in Edinburgh, separated from Oksana’s husband (Anna’s father), extended family and friends due to the war in Ukraine. Through a narrative lens, Oksana shares her reliance on communication tools such as Telegram, WhatsApp, and Facetime to bridge the physical distance between loved ones. The family’s daily rituals, from shared dinners over video calls to collaborative board games, highlight the importance of maintaining familial bonds amidst adversity. Additionally, the article sheds light on the broader societal context, comparing the prevalence of digital communication practices in Ukraine versus Scotland. The narrative also touches upon the profound impact of technology on healthcare management, particularly in supporting Maria, Oksana’s daughter, who battles diabetes. Lastly, Anna reflects on the emotional complexities of maintaining family ties amidst war, emphasizing the significance of technology in preserving connection and providing a lifeline to loved ones in times of distress. Through stories about air raid alerts and family group chats, Anna underscores the resilience and adaptability of Ukrainian families facing adversity.

Culturally sensitive patient-centered healthcare: a focus on health behavior modification in low and middle-income nations—insights from Indonesia

Patient-centered, culturally sensitive healthcare acknowledges the profound impact of cultural beliefs on health behaviors and outcomes, particularly vital in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Within Indonesia, distinct cultural factors are pivotal in empowering patients, necessitating their integration into healthcare practices. For example, the cultural concept of gotong royong, emphasizing communal collaboration, presents an opportunity to foster community support networks among patients. Moreover, honoring familial ties and involving family members in decision-making enhances patient empowerment. Acknowledging and incorporating spiritual and religious beliefs, which are deeply rooted in Indonesian culture, into healthcare interventions further augments patient empowerment and well-being. In LMICs, including Indonesia, achieving patient empowerment demands implementing critical strategies. Community-based interventions harness local resources and engage the community to drive health behavior change. Culturally sensitive communication bridges the gap between healthcare providers and patients, respecting language nuances and cultural norms. Patient education fosters a comprehensive understanding of health conditions, thereby encouraging active involvement in decision-making. Tailored behavior modification techniques, aligned with cultural beliefs and practices, support the adoption of healthier behaviors among patients. This review emphasizes the pivotal role of patient-centered, culturally sensitive healthcare in LMICs, particularly in Indonesia. It delves into strategies to promote health behavior change within these unique contexts, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity and patient-centered care. The discourse also explores the cultural landscape impacting healthcare, acknowledging the challenges faced in delivering comprehensive healthcare services within these diverse cultural contexts. Additionally, it outlines innovative approaches and success stories in implementing patient-centered care, highlighting how cultural factors intersect with healthcare outcomes. By advocating for integrating culture-specific patient empowerment practices into healthcare methodologies, this article underscores the potential for improved health outcomes, heightened patient engagement, and the delivery of culturally relevant services within LMICs.

Non-coresident family as a driver of migration change in a crisis: the case of the COVID-19 pandemic

Changes in U.S. migration during the COVID-19 pandemic show that many moved to less populated cities from larger cities, deviating from previous trends. In this study, building on prior work in the literature showing that the abundance of family ties is inversely related to population size, we analyze these migration changes with a focus on the crucial, yet overlooked factor of extended family. Employing two large-scale data sets, census microdata and mobile phone GPS relocation data, we show a collection of empirical results that paints a picture of migration change affected by kin. Namely, we find that people migrated closer to family at higher rates after the COVID-19 pandemic started. Moreover, even controlling for factors such as population density and cost of living, we find that changes in net in-migration tended to be larger and positive in cities with larger proportions of people who can be parents to adult children (our proxy for parental family availability, which is also inversely related to population size). Our study advances the demography-disaster nexus and amplifies ongoing literature highlighting the role of broader kinship systems in large-scale socioeconomic phenomena.

Introducing ‘Ngaruroro’, a New Model for Understanding Māori Wellbeing

Indigenous peoples around the world are revitalising their ancestral beliefs, practices, and languages, including traditional understandings of health and wellbeing. In the Aotearoa (New Zealand) context, a number of ground-breaking Māori health- and wellbeing-related models have emerged, each with their own scope and applications. We sought in our qualitative studies to explore and identify several key sources of wellbeing for Māori individuals. Nine interviews were conducted with members of Māori communities to identify key themes of Māori wellbeing. We performed a Reflexive Thematic Analysis on these data and then conducted a further fifteen interviews to revise, refine, and reposition the previously generated themes. The Ngaruroro model describes wellbeing as the embodied and active process of being well in relation with one’s (1) here tāngata (social and familial ties), (2) te taiao (the environment), and (3) taonga tuku iho (cultural treasures) while doing what one can to make lifestyle choices that are conducive to the health of one’s (4) tinana (body) and (5) wairua (spirit) while cultivating a balanced (6) ngākau (inner-system), fulfilling (7) matea (core needs) and exercising your (8) mana (authority). These themes illustrate that Māori wellbeing is dynamic, interconnected, and holistic.

Social Relations Among Diverse Rural Residents in the Scottish Highlands

This article focuses on the development and the limitations of convivial, instrumental, and intimate family relations among diverse rural residents in the Inner Moray Firth area of the Scottish Highlands. Drawing on 22 semi‐structured interviews with international migrants (EU nationals), internal migrants (UK nationals), and participants who were born there and never left, this article identifies and critically discusses how different types of social relations develop, or not, within and between these groups of rural residents. This article indicates that while all participants experienced convivial relations, these encounters did not always transfer into close, meaningful relations. The instrumental and meaningful relations, however, were more ambivalent in practice and related to internal divisions within rural communities defined along the lines of who is perceived to be “local” or “not local.” The instrumental ties were developed among participants with common interests, similar life stages, and experiences and varied in terms of ethnic and national composition. Similarly, while family ties were crucial for a sense of belonging, their ethnic and national composition differed. By illustrating the complex composition of convivial, instrumental, and family ties in rural Highlands, this article highlights that meaningful social relations supporting social integration should not be understood via social encounters with “local” residents only, but also intimate and instrumental social relations within and between migrant populations.

Family ties and corporate tax avoidance

Family ties and corporate tax avoidance

Benefits of Chinese family caregivers of patients with urostomy: a qualitative study.

Family caregivers, also known as informal caregivers, are critical for the home care of patients with urostomy. The present study aimed to investigate the benefits of family caregivers in China while taking care of patients with urostomy from a positive perspective. A qualitative research design was adopted, with a thematic analysis. The qualitative research software NVivo was used for data analysis. Twenty-two family caregivers of urostomy patients participated in an in-depth interview for 60-90 min.A qualitative analysis was performed using a thematic approach in accordance with the six-stage thematic analysis process reported by Braun and Clarke (2006). The following four benefits were identified: mastering knowledge and skills, promoting self-growth, establishing close family ties, and changing the way of life. Among these four themes, 11 sub-themes were constructed by coders. This study provides new insights into intervention measures for family caregivers of patients with urostomy, which could play an important role in developing the overall model of family-centered nursing.

시스템 사고 적용 미술 수업 방안 연구

The reclusive loner phenomenon causes problems that lead to social isolation and alienation, and the cause is a lack of social and family ties. This study attempted to propose an art class plan that applied systematic thinking to promote participatory communication between peers of adolescents who communicate only in the digital world and are reluctant to contact others directly. First, the theory of the importance of the educational application of systematic thinking and the effect of promoting communication of social participatory art activities that can apply social problems caused by the increase in adolescents with reclusive loner syndrome was reviewed. Second, through social participatory art activities, an art class plan was developed with the theme of 'Saving the Silent Loner' as a class design. Finally, a method was proposed to go beyond aesthetic empathy to reinterpret the embodied visual image by presenting art works that apply the cycle of analysis and inquiry, a systematic thinking process, as a practice of teaching and learning that encourages cooperative communication and consideration that should be treated as important in adolescence, and using mind maps to promote participatory communication. As a result of the study, it was discovered that art classes applying system thinking are a useful way to approach social problem solving beyond the individual level, such as the reclusive loner phenomenon. Therefore, system thinking should be continuously developed to create cooperative communication and consideration that should be important in adolescence.

Cultural and Historical Differences of Surnames in Chinese, Vietnamese, and English Perspectives

Surnames, functioning as indicators of familial ties within societal frameworks, play a pivotal role in differentiating individuals. They encapsulate the most vibrant, unified, and thought-provoking aspects of humanistic and historical intricacies within traditional cultures, serving as foundational elements that contribute to the manifestation of unique national cultures. Every individual globally possesses a distinct surname and given name.The space Chinese, Vietnamese, and English systems of surnames intricately intertwine with their corresponding national histories, religious beliefs, traditional cultures, and social customs. These systems distinctly reflect the images and evolution of their social histories, the origins and progression of ancient civilizations, the amalgamation and enrichment of Chinese, Vietnamese, and English societies, as well as the transformations and reforms in social norms. Furthermore, they provide valuable insights for delving into the histories and cultures of these nations. Chinese, Vietnamese, and English surnames have undergone evolution within two disparate social environments, enduring extensive periods of historical refinement and accrual. They manifest various cultural idiosyncrasies, emanating distinctive historical allure, spotlighting individual national traits, and revealing diverse valuable orientations and aesthetic standards. This thesis delves into the concepts and connotations of Chinese, Vietnamese, and English surnames. On one hand, it scrutinizes and dissects differences in their formation times, historical origins, developmental trajectories, cultural characteristics, national amalgamation, and cultural connotations. On the other hand, it aims to identify primary factors arising from social reforms, religious beliefs, national psychologies, valuable conceptions, and political and economic elements. The study explores the semantic significance of surnames, uncovering variations in Chinese, Vietnamese, and English histories and cultures while nurturing cross-cultural awareness. The examination of historical and cultural differences in Chinese, Vietnamese, and English surnames proves valuable in acknowledging both shared traits and unique distinctions in cultural customs, facilitating a more profound understanding of societal development. The analysis of these differences in cross-cultural communication is essential, serving as a pivotal means for expanding cultural awareness in Chinese, Vietnamese, and English contexts. Moreover, it plays a pragmatic role in enhancing historical knowledge, broadening traditional culture, fostering mutual understanding, and improving cultural communication.

Legal nuances of implementation by members of military servicemen’s families the rights to housing and utility benefits

The article notes that the legal aspects of providing housing and utility benefits for family members of military personnel are particularly relevant and sensitive at the same time since this category of persons needs special support from the state in connection with the fact that military personnel, standing on the guard of the security of Ukraine, often sacrifice their health and life, and therefore, as gratitude and compensation from the state of such victims, preferential housing and utility services should be provided both to the military personnel themselves and their family members.&#x0D; The author of the article has proved that after the death of a person discharged from military service who received a disability during military service, the need for additional social protection for dependent family members does not disappear, but rather increases, and therefore the provision of such a benefit can- not be terminated after the death of a person released from military service. In order to maximally protect family members who have lost such a close person, discharged from military service, who became a person with a disability during military service, it should be provided that the provision of benefits provided for in Part 5 of Art. 12 of the Law of Ukraine “On Social and Legal Protection of Military Men and Members of Their Families” [5], family members after the death of a person discharged from military service, who received a disability during military service, are not terminated. This will contribute to legal certainty, which means that it will significantly reduce the likelihood of litigation regarding these issues.&#x0D; The article states that in order to be recognized as having the status of “family member of a service- man”, it is sufficient to have at least one of three conditions: (1) blood (family) ties or marital relations with a serviceman; (2) permanent residence with a serviceman; (3) running a joint household with a serviceman, and not all three together.&#x0D; It was established that the legal constructions “family member of a serviceman” and “family member dependent on a serviceman” are not identical categories. Establishing the circle of dependents of a ser- viceman is not used to provide housing, while housing is provided to a serviceman and members of his family. The content of the specified decision does not give grounds for the conclusion that, for example, an adult daughter who got married automatically ceases to be a member of the plaintiff’s family as a military serviceman. To resolve the issue of whether a child of a serviceman who has reached the age of majority and is married remains a member of his family, it is necessary to clarify the issue of joint residence and management of a joint household.

Stronger family ties vs. less social contact: Use intention of autonomous vehicles in family tourism

Autonomous vehicle-related services, such as Waymo, are now available for tourists, creating a new era of ground transportation in the tourism industry. However, research on autonomous vehicles in tourism literature remains in the beginning stage. To enrich understanding of autonomous vehicles in tourism and to contribute practical insights, this study examines potential users’ assessment, expectancy, and use intention toward autonomous vehicles in family tourism. A total of 439 complete survey responses were collected from car owners in Japan. Results confirmed perceived benefit, effort expectancy, and perceived risk as significant antecedents of both positive (i.e. family ties enhanced by autonomous vehicles) and negative expectancy (i.e. reduced social contact through autonomous vehicles), which influenced use intention toward autonomous vehicles. Additionally, females, those of higher age demographics (50s–60s), and those with larger family sizes (three or more) were more concerned with reduced social contact when evaluating their use intention toward autonomous vehicles.

A genetic survey of patients with familial idiopathic intracranial hypertension residing in a Middle Eastern village: genetic association study

BackgroundThe aim of this study was to determine whether genetic variants are associated with idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH) in a unique village where many of the IIH patients have familial ties, a homogenous population and a high prevalence of consanguinity. Several autosomal recessive disorders are common in this village and its population is considered at a high risk for genetic disorders.MethodsThe samples were genotyped by the Ilumina OmniExpress-24 Kit, and analyzed by the Eagle V2.4 and DASH software package to cluster haplotypes shared between our cohort. Subsequently, we searched for specific haplotypes that were significantly associated with the patient groups.ResultsFourteen patients and 30 controls were included. Samples from 22 female participants (11 patients and 11 controls) were evaluated for haplotype clustering and genome-wide association studies (GWAS). A total of 710,000 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were evaluated. Candidate areas positively associated with IIH included genes located on chromosomes 16, 8 (including the CA5A and BANP genes, p < 0.01), and negatively associated with genes located on chromosomes 1 and 6 (including PBX1, LMX1A, ESR1 genes, p < 0.01).ConclusionsWe discovered new loci possibly associated with IIH by employing a GWAS technique to estimate the associations with haplotypes instead of specific SNPs. This method can in all probability be used in cases where there is a limited amount of samples but strong familial connections. Several loci were identified that might be strong candidates for follow-up studies in other well-phenotypes cohorts.

Compensation for moral harm in violation of the right to disrespect for kinship and family ties

The admissibility of a wider application of compensation for moral harm in violation of family rights in the science of family law is assessed ambiguously. The law provides for such an opportunity only in art. 30 of the Family Code for a conscientious spouse when the marriage is declared invalid.It is necessary to take into account the specifics of family relations, as deeply personal, and the fact that art. 8 of the Family Code does not limit the protection of family rights in the ways specified in the legal norms, allowing the use of other methods. At the same time, in accordance with the provisions of art. 4 of the Family Code, the application of civil legislation to family relations is allowed, if it does not contradict the essence of family relations, which leads to refusals in a claim for compensation for moral harm due to the presence of obstacles to relatives from one of the parents in communicating with the child, due to the fact that the provisions of the current civil and family legislation do not provide for the possibility of his penalties.One of the most important reasons for the negative attitude of the courts to the fundamental permissibility of a wider application of the above-mentioned measure of responsibility in violation of family rights is seen in the absence of developed conditions for an offense that would be the basis for the application of compensation for moral harm, given that such conditions, taking into account the specifics of family relations, differ significantly from the usual conditions of civil liability.Goal. Identification of the criteria of private and family life applied by the European Court of Human Rights, as well as the study of the fundamental possibility of filing a claim for compensation for moral harm caused by the refusal of a parent to provide an opportunity to communicate with a child and participate in his upbringing to a separate parent.Methodology. In the course of the research, methods of generalization, description, analysis, synthesis, formal legal method were used.Results. The necessity of expanding the subject of proof in such a dispute with the inclusion of the following circumstances is justified. The presence of objective obstacles to communication, which can be associated with both the child (illness, unwillingness of the child to communicate with the parent), and with the personality of the parent living separately, communication with which can negatively affect the child. It is necessary to take into account the opinion and interests of the child. It is also necessary to take into account the actions of the parent himself, demanding compensation for moral harm, so if he evades the duties of maintaining his child, we assume the possibility of refusing the claim. Making a decision on compensation for moral harm involves taking into account the fault of the causer and his motives, which should not correspond to the interests of the child.

Young people's mental health: facing revolution aggravated by new technologies

Young people are suffering from depression, anxiety, fatalism and may develop suicidal tendencies. The objective is to follow the paths defined by Dairymple, Lukianoff and Haidt regarding the reality of young people. The causes are not fully understood, however, the solution is to help children develop healthy trajectories to minimize mental disorders or suicidal thoughts and behaviors. We also know that schools are a source of tension and that they need to become healthier environments. We know that we are in the middle of a technological revolution, which, through Automation, affects employment and family income. And finally, the most important thing is the interest and commitment to improving communication and family support, family and community ties, as well as children's ties to school, so that they feel safe and connected.

Perspektif Ekonomi Islam Dalam Praktik Sewa Menyewa Sawah di Desa Kuala Keritang Kec. Keritang Kab. Indragiri Hilir Riau

Leasing is one of the muamalah practices carried out by humans in everyday life. In Islam itself, it is highly recommended for humans to help each other, cooperate, because in reality humans cannot live well without the help of other humans. Rentals are also carried out by the people of Kuala Keritang village to fulfill their living needs. This type of research is a research method using qualitative research which is based on the research process by producing descriptive data in the form of writing and expressions obtained directly in the field. Data collection techniques use observation, interviews and documentation methods. To obtain valid data, researchers used primary data sources and secondary data. The results of this research are that the god-rental agreement in Kuala Keritang Village was carried out verbally, there was no written or other evidence that it was made directly between the rice field owner and the rice field tenant. The rental agreement is carried out when the rice field owner and tenant know each other and there are still family ties. Leasing is done because the tenants do not have land to manage and the rice field owners are no longer able to work on their own fields.

An Overview of the Obstacles to Gender Equality Processes in Rural and Urban Ghana: A Comparative Analysis

The differential impact of development efforts on women and men has critically brought out the need to take a gender-transformative approach to development processes. Despite the tremendous efforts made, there persist some seemingly impossible obstacles to gender equality. The main objective of this study was to analyze the main obstacles to gender equality in Ghana in rural and urban contexts to inform policy decisions. The study employed a mixed-method approach involving the administration of 400 questionnaires to targeted households together with in-depth interviews and focus group discussions conducted in the Ejisu Juabeng Municipality and Kumasi Metropolitan Assembly. A key finding of the study is that while the impact of religion on gender equality was similarly felt in rural and urban areas, the impact of culture, illiteracy, family ties, and residential orientation were more pronounced in rural areas. Gender equality efforts and interventions must therefore not only be gender-transformative, but location-sensitive.

Marriage Anxiety of University Students in Terms of Family Belonging and Parental Attitude

In today’s modern societies, marriage is less and less preferred by young people. Marriage anxiety is one of the reasons for this. This study examined the correlation between the level of marriage anxiety of university students and two main factors related to it: family belonging and parental attitudes. The sample consisted of 992 university students from public universities in Turkey. It was found that the students with high marriage anxiety had a low sense of belonging to the family and a low level of family affiliation. In addition, the students with high marital anxiety perceived their parents' attention as low and their psychological autonomy was low. It was also found that the attention of parents was perceived as high in students with a high level of family affiliation, that their psychological autonomy was low, and that their level of parental supervision was high. According to the results of multiple linear regression analysis, it was found that family membership status and parental attitude explained 0.5% of the total variance of marriage anxiety. In conclusion, family belonging and parental attitudes are parallel, affecting individuals' marriage anxiety. Parental attitudes seem to reduce / trigger marriage anxiety in university students. 

In Case You Haven't Heard…

Middle‐aged adults in the U.S. tend to report significantly higher levels of loneliness than their European counterparts, possibly due in part to weaker family ties and greater income inequality, according to research published in the journal American Psychologist, an American Psychological Association news release stated. “Our research illustrates that people feel lonelier in some countries than in others during middle age,” said lead author Frank Infurna, Ph.D., an associate professor of psychology at Arizona State University. “It also sheds light on reasons this may be occurring and how governments can address it with better policies.” Considering the increased public health focus in the United States, as evidenced by the U.S. Surgeon General's 2023 advisory on the epidemic of loneliness and isolation, and abroad, as countries such as the United Kingdom and Japan have appointed ministers to address the problem, the researchers explored how loneliness has historically changed over time and how it differs across countries. Infurna and his colleagues examined data from ongoing, nationally representative longitudinal surveys from the United States and 13 European countries, with more than 53,000 participants from three different generations: (the ‘Silent Generation,’ ‘Baby Boomers’ and ‘Generation X.’ Data were collected from 2002 to 2020 and only included responses given when participants were between the ages of 45 and 65.

Psychosocial correlates of flourishing in the late lifespan

BackgroundFlourishing is a primary dimension of psychological well-being that contributes massively to the development of an active, purposeful, and respectful life, full of meaning, values, and personal interests that nurture social ties.AimsThis study primarily intended to examine the contribution of satisfaction with family relations, resilience, metacognitive efficiency, and crystallized intelligence in predicting a flourishing measure in cognitively healthy older adults. Moreover, the impact of gender was investigated on flourishing, satisfaction with family ties, resilience, and metacognitive efficiency.MethodsOne hundred and eighty 65–94-year-old community dwellers were recruited in Sardinia (Italy). Participants self-rated their flourishing, satisfaction with their family connections, psychological hardness (i.e., a dimension of resilience), and cognitive function, whereas global cognitive efficiency and vocabulary were assessed through two internationally validated objective tests.ResultsA hierarchical regression analysis revealed that 30% of the variance in the flourishing condition was explained by satisfaction with family ties, resilience, and metacognitive efficiency. In addition, males exhibited higher flourishing and satisfaction with family ties than females, and the former group also reported being more autonomous and acting proactively to influence its destiny.ConclusionEmotional support and rewarding relations with family members, the ability to face stressful events, and a good perception of one’s cognitive efficiency play a crucial role in promoting flourishing in late adulthood.