Family Social Support Research Articles

Family Resilience in Patients With Schizophrenia: Potential Influencing Factors and Mediating Effect.

To identify the determinants of family resilience in the recovery of individuals with schizophrenia using Walsh's family resilience framework. A cross-sectional study. In Northeast China, 403 patients diagnosed with schizophrenia were enrolled for this study, assessing family resilience, family communication, social support, illness knowledge, hope and family functioning. Regression analyses were conducted using SPSS 27.0, and mediation effects were examined using Mplus 7.0. Logistic regression showed that female gender and having a sibling as a caregiver were negatively associated with family resilience, while a higher educational level was positively associated. Mediation analysis showed that family functioning and hope levels mediated the impact of family communication, social support and disease knowledge on family resilience, confirming their crucial roles. Family functioning and hope are central in mediating the relationships between family communication, social support, illness knowledge and family resilience in families dealing with schizophrenia. The findings of this study enable psychiatric nurses and policymakers to devise intervention strategies that enhance family resilience among patients with schizophrenia, thereby facilitating their recovery and well-being. No patient or public engagement.

Conceptualizing social support in families of children with special needs

Purpose: Families usually try to organize the family environment and reach out to resources that can meet their child's needs. Successful resource utilization is important for families in dealing with the daily challenges and demands of caring for a child with special needs. In particular, social support influences the successful adaptation of these families. The concept of social support is increasingly being used to understand families and their functioning, and this research contributes to the evolving process of adaptation. Method: This study used systematic literature review design. The article search was carried out from January- March 2022 for the literature on parenting styles for children with special needs. Result: The results mentioned that one or all of the family members experienced adjustments in their work, i.e. shortened working hours, quit their job, or quit their job. The various adjustments that must be made often lead to various disturbances and stress for parents. The stress experienced by parents is also related to the heavy responsibilities of caring for and raising children. Parents' reactions vary. There are parents who cope realistically, resisting, feeling sorry for themselves. When facing significant stressors, families will go through certain processes that allow them to survive and adapt until they can become a harmonious family. Conclusion: This social support can be emotional, assistance, or informational because it can have an effect on children with special needs so that they do not have to worry about their own weaknesses. Children with special needs that they do not feel different from normal children. This shows that one of the family functions is working very well.

Disability trajectories individuals with spinal cord injury in mainland China: do psychosocial resources and diseases factors predict trajectories?

Observational cohort study. To identify classes of disability trajectories from 1 month post-injury (acute hospital) to 6 months post-injury (individuals with SCI individuals who stay in rehabilitation setting or back in the community), and to investigate whether psychosocial resources and disease factors can predict disability trajectory. Spinal surgery in three Class III hospitals. Hospitals in China are divided into three classes (Class I, II and III). All the participants were submitted to WHO Disability Assessment Schedule (WHO-DAS 2.0) at three times; and personal data anamnesis, level of hope, level of PTSD, level of social support were recorded at first time. All the data collected by the master's students who participated in this study. Two disability trajectories were identified using the latent class growth model: the continuous high disability group (N = 196, 93.3%) and the low starting point stabilization group (N = 14, 6.7%). Complete injury(ASIA-A) with SCI and more depression in the stable condition after SCI surgery were more likely to be classified as having higher disability than those with a lower disability trajectory. Occupation, annual family income, hope, social support, and Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) cannot predict individuals belonging to trajectory classes. These findings emphasize the importance of ASIA and depression in the early recovery stage after SCI and support the opinion that strengthening psychological nursing and rehabilitation management at an early stage after SCI will benefit individuals with a lower disability trajectory.

Socioeconomic status and the perceived social support in mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder: the SOLACE-Brasil study

Objectives The socioeconomic status of families with children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can significantly impact the perception of social support. This study aimed to determine the perceived social support in mothers of children with ASD and to identify the sociodemographic variables associated with low perceived social support. Methods The SOLACE-Brasil study is a web-based cross-sectional survey that enrolled 1,924 mothers of children with ASD. Data were collected by distributing the online form on social media in a snowball fashion. Perceived social support was measured using the Multidimensional Scale of Perceived Social Support (MSPSS). Results The average score for perceived social support was 46.7 ± 16.3, with 24.9% of respondents reporting low perceived social support. Higher family income was associated with a lower chance of having low social support, independent of other confounding variables (OR: 0.54 95%CI: 0.34–0.85). Additionally, unemployment was independently associated with low social support (OR: 1.49 95%CI: 1.13–1.96). Divorced mothers and those with more than one child with ASD were more likely to report low perceived social support. Conclusions Assessing socioeconomic status is crucial for improving the perceived social support of families with children with ASD. Governmental policies should guarantee a minimum income and employment programs to support these families.

Informal social support for families with children with an intellectual disability in Karachi, Pakistan: A qualitative exploratory study design

BackgroundIntellectual disability (ID) is a developmental disorder that causes considerably below-average intellectual performance and adaptive behaviour. In the context of the present study, families raising a child with ID are reported to experience multiple challenges that appear not to be well documented in Pakistan. Methods and proceduresPakistan, which was conducted in Karachi, Pakistan, followed participatory action research, in which the researcher and participants examined their existing experiences of informal social support and then created, implemented, and evaluated actions to strengthen this informal social support. A total of five families (n = 25) participated in the study. These participating families comprise parents, siblings, and significant others, i.e., aunts, uncles, and grandparents, living with the child with ID. Families with children with ID were selected through a school for children with ID who are under 12 years old. This qualitative action research was conducted in two distinct parts, i.e., a) exploratory part and b) action part. This paper presents the findings of the first exploratory part of the study. AimThe exploratory phase aimed to explore and examine the experiences and challenges families may experience with informal social support while caring for a child with an intellectual disability in Karachi, Pakistan. FindingsParents often sacrifice their personal needs and aspirations for their children, leading to decreased tolerance and anxiety. Lack of communication, support, and assistance from family members is another significant issue. Stigmatisation and discrimination from school, relatives, and friends can cause depression and distress. The study emphasises the need for a unified and coordinated approach to support and care. Religious beliefs, siblings, and close friends provide comfort and well-being. When parents manage to connect with similar families, they have the opportunity to express a collective commitment to caregiving. ConclusionTo strengthen the situation, families propose enhancing intimacy and competency within homes and taking action at the governmental level. Governments must provide appropriate services, such as nurses supporting families, support groups, and religious traditions, to promote acceptance and holistic development for intellectually disabled children.

Family Resilience In Households Of Children With Disabilities: A Comprehensive Analysis

Despite the diversity of results from scientific research on family resilience in households with disabled children, systematic mapping of these findings is still limited. Therefore, this article aims to thoroughly map the existing literature on this subject, elucidating previous research dynamics and laying the groundwork for future studies. Using a scoping review approach, we sourced literature from Google Scholar, focusing on publications from the past decade (2013-2023). We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews (PRISMA) guidelines for literature selection, culminating in the review of 22 studies. The analysis focuses on three main themes: social support for families with disabled children, strategies and mechanisms for building resilience within these families, and various aspects of resilience in these contexts. Critical stakeholders in fostering family resilience include parents, partners, and family members serving as caregivers. The implications of these findings and opportunities for future research are discussed further.

Experiences of family caregivers of patients with end-of-life cancer during the transition from hospital to home palliative care: a qualitative study

BackgroundThe transition of family caregivers of patients with end-of-Life cancer receiving palliative care from hospital to home is a complex and challenging process. This phase of care involves not only the physical and psychological health of the patient but also the role adaptation and emotional support of the family caregivers. To gain a deeper understanding of the various experiences and feelings during this process, we conducted a qualitative study.MethodsThis study employed a descriptive phenomenological research method. The interviews focused on the specific experiences, challenges faced, support received, and coping strategies of family caregivers of patients with end-of-life cancer during the transition from hospital to home palliative care. All data were treated with strict confidentiality, and recordings and transcriptions were made with the participants’ consent.ResultsA total of 15 family caregivers participated. Four main themes and nine sub-themes were identified: complex transition process (anxiety about uncertainty, resistance to transition), discontinuity in care (insufficient discharge guidance, lack of continuous communication mechanisms), post-discharge continuous care needs (need for home care knowledge and skills, social and emotional support, grief counselling and death education), and personal growth and gains (enhanced coping ability, increased psychological resilience).ConclusionFamily caregivers face numerous emotional, cognitive, practical, and social support challenges during the transition from hospital to home care. To improve the caregiving experience and quality of life, appropriate training and support should be provided to better meet the caregivers’ needs.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and Perceived Social Support Among Iraqi and Syrian Immigrant and Refugee Adolescents in Türkiye

This study determined the levels of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), depression, and perceived social support among 109 Iraqi and 136 Syrian immigrant secondary school students residing in Bolu, Türkiye. The participants, who had previously experienced trauma, were compared with 143 Turkish adolescents. The refugee children had significantly higher scores for both PTSD and depression, and lower scores for social support. While there were no significant gender differences for the three variables, older students had higher PTSD scores. Immigrant students who had lived in Türkiye for four years or longer had lower depression, higher social support, and social support from a special person. Degree of problems with Turkish language had no effect, while those with Turkish friends had significantly higher scores for perceived social support and family social support than those who did not. Surprisingly, students whose families had immigrated for educational reasons had higher PTSD scores and lower family social support scores than those that immigrated due to conflicts. A regression analysis, conducted to predict depression via PTSD and social support, showed that the two variables accounted for 25% of the variance in depression scores.

The Relationship between Family Functioning, Emotional Intelligence, Loneliness, Social Support, and Depressive Symptoms among Undergraduate Students.

The transition from adolescence to college is a significant developmental stage marked by challenges such as high academic pressure, changes in living environments, and social support systems. These challenges can lead to increased rates of depression among college students. This study investigates the relationships between family functioning, emotional intelligence, loneliness, social support, and depressive symptoms in Chinese college students. A cross-sectional design was employed, with data collected via questionnaires from undergraduate students at Xi'an Jiaotong University. Variables such as family functioning, emotional intelligence, loneliness, social support, and depressive symptoms were assessed. Statistical analyses, including correlation and hierarchical regression, were conducted to explore these relationships. The study found a diverse distribution of depressive symptoms among students, with significant gender differences indicating higher depression rates in females. No significant differences were observed across academic disciplines, grades, or between only children and non-only children. Family functioning, emotional intelligence, and social support were negatively correlated with depressive symptoms, while loneliness was positively correlated. Hierarchical regression analysis confirmed that social support significantly moderated the relationship between family functioning and depressive symptoms. Mediation analysis showed that emotional intelligence and loneliness mediated this relationship. The findings highlight the complex interplay between family dynamics, emotional capabilities, social connectedness, and mental health. Enhancing family functioning, emotional intelligence, and social support can effectively reduce depressive symptoms among college students. These results underscore the need for holistic interventions that address multiple aspects of students' social and emotional lives.

Examining Perceptions and Attitudes of Prison Visitation on Behavior Change and Recidivism in Nairobi County, Kenya

This study investigates the impact of prison visitation on perceptions, attitudes, behavior change, and recidivism rates among incarcerated individuals. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, data was gathered through surveys, interviews, and official records from a sample of incarcerated individuals and their visitors. The analysis focused on understanding the role of visitation in shaping attitudes towards rehabilitation and family support and its influence on post-release behavior. Findings reveal a significant correlation between the frequency and quality of visitation and positive behavioral changes among inmates. Inmates who received regular visits reported higher levels of motivation for rehabilitation, improved mental health, and increased feelings of connection with their families and communities. Moreover, visitation played a pivotal role in strengthening family bonds and social support networks, which are crucial factors in successful reintegration post-release. Furthermore, the study explored the perceptions and experiences of both inmates and visitors regarding the visitation process, including logistical challenges, emotional dynamics, and barriers to maintaining contact. Understanding these perspectives is essential for enhancing visitation programs and addressing systemic issues that hinder family engagement in the correctional system. The study also examined recidivism rates among participants and found a notable decrease among those who received frequent and meaningful visitation compared to those who did not. These findings underscore the significance of visitation programs in reducing recidivism and promoting successful reentry into society. In conclusion, this research highlights the importance of fostering supportive relationships through visitation programs to facilitate positive behavior change and reduce recidivism rates among incarcerated individuals. Implementing policies that prioritize and improve access to visitation can contribute to more effective rehabilitation efforts and ultimately lead to safer communities.

The role of resilience in the association between stressful life events and academic performance in university students

Although there is evidence of the relationship between stress and academic performance, the possible moderating role of resilience in this association has been investigated to a lesser extent. This study aimed to evaluate the role of resilience in the relationship between stressful life events and academic performance in undergraduate university students. The Life Events Questionnaire and the Adult Resilience Scale were administered to 389 undergraduates aged 18-29. Regressions were performed. Results showed that life event stress predicted low academic performance, while resilience predicted better academic performance and lower life event stress. Two resilience factors moderated the impact of stressful life events on academic performance: family cohesion and social support. Correlation and variance values were low but significant. The results suggest that university programs could improve academic performance by promoting greater student resilience and strengthening other significant factors.

The chain mediating effects of self-efficacy and social support on family function and anxiety in male infertility patients.

Infertility, an escalating public health issue, exacerbates psychological distress, especially anxiety, among affected individuals. This study explores the intricate relationships between family function, self-efficacy, and social support in moderating anxiety levels in male infertility patients. Understanding these dynamics offers valuable insights for crafting effective psychological interventions. This study involved 202 male infertility patients through convenience sampling, employing the Self-Efficacy Scale, Social Support Rating Scale, Family Function Scale, and Anxiety Self-Rating Scale for assessment. Structural equation modeling (SEM) with Bootstrap analysis was utilized to explore the relationships among these variables. Analysis of 202 male infertility patients revealed a notable prevalence of anxiety (67.8%), with family function directly and indirectly influencing anxiety levels through self-efficacy and social support. SEM highlighted the mediating roles of self-efficacy and social support between family function and anxiety, demonstrating significant direct (family function on anxiety) and indirect effects (family function to anxiety via social support and self-efficacy). Notably, a chain mediation effect, where family function impacts anxiety through the sequential influence of social support and self-efficacy, accounted for a significant portion of the total effect on anxiety. These findings emphasize the critical role of enhancing family function, self-efficacy, and social support to reduce anxiety among this population. This study underscores the significant impact of family function on the psychological well-being of male infertility patients, with self-efficacy and social support serving as pivotal mediators. Improving these factors could effectively mitigate anxiety, suggesting that interventions targeting family dynamics, self-efficacy enhancement, and social support networks are essential for addressing the psychological distress associated with infertility. Future research should consider these dynamics to develop more comprehensive treatment and intervention strategies aimed at this vulnerable group.

Risk and protective factors associated with health-related quality of life in children and adolescents with ADHD in Germany - Findings from the consortium project INTEGRATE-ADHD.

The health-related quality of life (HRQoL) of individuals living with Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is known to be impaired. Identifying factors that influence HRQoL can provide important information for the development of prevention and intervention programmes for affected children and adolescents. The aim of the present study was to investigate health care-related and psychosocial risk and protective factors for HRQoL in children and adolescents with an administrative ADHD diagnosis. In the consortium project INTEGRATE-ADHD, n = 4,809 parents of children and adolescents aged 7 to 17 years participated in an online survey between October 2021 and August 2022 and answered questions regarding HRQoL (KIDSCREEN-27), health care utilisation, and psychosocial risk and protective factors. Multiple linear regression analyses were conducted to assess the association between these factors and the five HRQoL dimensions of the KIDSCREEN-27. Findings indicate that parental psychopathology and parental burden were risk factors for lower HRQoL in children and adolescents with ADHD. Further, a positive association was found between the five HRQoL dimensions and the psychosocial factors family climate and social support, indicating that these are protective factors. The results highlight the importance of prevention and intervention programmes for individuals with ADHD that consider parental mental health and aim to strengthen resources such as the availability of good family climate and social support.

Resilience of Family Caregivers of People With Dementia in South Korea: A Scoping Review.

Due to rapid increases in the number of Korean people with dementia, dementia has become a priority health issue in South Korea. Likewise, the well-being of family caregivers of people with dementia has also become an issue of concern. However, little is known about the resilience of Korean family caregivers because there is a lack of review studies from a Korean cultural perspective about the resilience of family caregivers of people with dementia. The purpose of this scoping review was to investigate quantitative studies related to resilience theories, measurement instruments, correlates and resilience interventions for family caregivers of people with dementia. This review was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute based on Arksey and O'Malley. Nine databases were searched to retrieve evidence published in English or Korean between January 2000 and September 2022. Studies with a quantitative research design reporting the resilience of family caregivers of people with dementia based on a resilience theory framework were included. A total of 13 studies were included in this review. All studies used either a modified McCubbin and McCubbin's family stress, adjustment and adaptation model or Walsh's family resilience model. All resilience instruments were used without cross-cultural adaptation. Family adaptation, social support, life satisfaction, family (di)stress and caregiver burden were associated with resilience among family caregivers. A few family resilience-enhancing programmes showed a positive effect on caregiver resilience. This review noted that all the resilience measures documented in this study need to test for cultural adaptation in a Korean context. Further research is required to develop and implement family-based, culturally tailored interventions to effectively enhance Korean resilience for family caregivers of people with dementia. Gerontological nurses should include Korean family caregivers in their nursing care and assess whether family caregivers have depression or suicidal thoughts to promote better health outcomes for caregivers and their family members.

A Case Study of Female Clients’ Experiences of Psychotherapy in Islamabad

The current study is based on a qualitative analysis of experiences of five female patients who are under treatment for mental health disorders. The main aim was to highlight the contribution of psychosocial factors in the development of their symptoms and analyze the challenges they face in seeking treatment. Selection of the cases was done using purposive sampling technique and five clients within age range of 25-43 years were selected who had been in psychotherapy for at least ten sessions. Sessions of the clients were recorded by notes taking by the researcher with consent while they took session with their counselor. Thematic analysis of the notes reveals that women suffering from different mental health disorders lack social support from family and friends. Their family issues and social support emerged as significant factors triggering symptoms of anxiety, depression, post- partum depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and schizophrenia. The major challenges in utilizing mental healthcare services includes lack of awareness about mental disorders, stigma and perceived side effects of medications. The study highlights need for gender specific therapeutic interventions taking social and cultural factors into consideration to provide holistic treatment.

The Influence Of Role Conflict, Social Support, And Work Life Balance On Psychological Well-being And Women's Career Development At Hope Christian Education Foundation

This research aims to explore the influence of role conflict, social support, and work-life balance on the psychology well-being and career development of women at Christian College Foundation Hope. The study employs a quantitative approaches using questionnaires, interviews, observations, and literature review methods. Data analysis will be conducted using Partials Least Squares (PLS), which is a component of the Structural Equations Modeling (SEM) framework. The results indicate that family social support has a negative influence on dual-role conflict. Higher family social support is associated with lower levels of dual-role conflict experienced by women, thus minimizing such conflicts and aiding women in focusing more on their career development. Additionally, achieving a balance between life and work is a crucial need for individuals in seeking meaning and quality in their lives. Therefore, social support from both family and work environments is essential for women to pursue their careers without neglecting other roles. The findings of this research are expected to contribute to a better understanding of the dual-role conflicts experienced by working women and their impacts on career development.

From the United States to the United Kingdom: Hope, Blended Family Social Support, and Computer-Mediated Communication Amidst Chronic Illness

ABSTRACT This Defining Moments essay contributes to health communication scholarship regarding the role of religion/spirituality as a coping strategy during severe illness and the realities of providing social support in blended families. It also invites readers to reconsider the capacities and constraints of utilizing technology-mediated communication to provide support within close familial relationships. Finally, this narrative acknowledges the messiness of providing support in the evolving realities of family life and the complexity of “being there” for people we love when we cannot physically be present.

Burden and satisfaction with social support in families with a history of problematic substance use or dementia – a comparison

BackgroundLiving in a family with a history of problematic substance use or dementia is a major stressful experience for family members and results often in an impaired health condition. Seeking and receiving social support has been emphasized as a major resource while coping with this stress. However, especially family members of people with problematic substance use often refrain from help-seeking. This paper examines whether (1) family members of problematic substance users are more physically and psychologically distressed than caregivers of people with dementia, and (2) whether and to what extent differences are mediated by satisfaction with perceived professional and private social support.MethodsTwo samples of family members of people with a chronic disease (problematic substance use (n = 221), dementia (n = 322)) completed self-administered questionnaires on burden, quality of life and social support. Physical distress was assessed using the Giessen Subjective Complaints List, psychological distress using the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale and anxiety symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Quality of life was measured using the WHOQOL-BREF, and satisfaction with professional and private social support was assessed using a visual analog scale. Multivariate analyses of variance were performed to compare the two groups on the means of (1) burden ratings and (2) QoL dimensions and followed up by discriminant analyses to explore meaningful variables according to group differences. Parallel mediation analyses were performed to test the mediators private and professional support.ResultsFamily members of problematic substance users score higher on the burden indicators, while they score lower with regard to the quality of life dimensions than caregivers of people with dementia. The difference in burden is mainly explained by the higher scores for exhaustion, stomach discomfort and depression of family members of problematic substance users. Caregivers of people with dementia reported greater satisfaction with perceived social support, either private or professional. Satisfaction with private support was shown to be more important in mediating the impact of stress.ConclusionsFamily members of people with problematic substance use are in great need of tailored support programs and should be explicitly targeted.

Determinants of preparedness in family caregivers of patients with heart failure.

Inadequate preparedness of family caregivers contributes to adverse outcomes of patients with heart failure (HF). However, evidence on caregiver preparedness is limited. This study aims to examine the determinants and potential mechanisms of preparedness in family caregivers of patients with HF. In the cross-sectional study, 298 HF patient-caregiver dyads were recruited from 4 tertiary hospitals in China. Preparedness, uncertainty in illness, family relational quality, social support, and positive aspects of caregiving (PAC) were assessed in family caregivers using self-reported questionnaires. In the path analysis model, uncertainty in illness had an indirect negative effect on preparedness via reduced PAC [indirect effect = -0.020; 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.050 to -0.002]. Whereas, family relational quality had direct (β = 0.266; P < 0.001) and indirect positive effects on preparedness through increased PAC (indirect effect = 0.027; 95% CI, 0.003-0.067). Similarly, social support also had direct (β = 0.184; P = 0.004) and indirect positive effects on preparedness through increased PAC (indirect effect = 0.027; 95% CI, 0.004-0.065). This study highlights that diminishing uncertainty in illness may indirectly improve caregiver preparedness through the enhancement of PAC, while raising family relational quality and social support may improve caregiver preparedness both directly and indirectly by augmenting PAC. These findings provide insightful implications for healthcare professionals in developing tailored interventions to ameliorate preparedness in family caregivers of patients with HF.

Family Environment, Social Support, and Health-Related Quality of Life in Adolescents Following Kidney Transplant.

Kidney transplantation is the treatment of choice for pediatric end-stage renal disease. Transplant recipients often have better neurocognitive, academic, and health-related outcomes. While there is some evidence that health-related quality of life (HRQOL) improves following kidney transplant, other studies have found adolescent transplant recipients report lower overall HRQOL than healthy peers. Current research has focused on individual-level factors affecting adjustment to organ transplant, warranting examination of HRQOL from a systems perspective. Family environment and social support contribute to a system of proximal relationships that are crucial in adolescents' development, making them important factors to study in relation to HRQOL post-transplant. The current study utilized archival data of adolescent renal transplant patients who completed surveys about their family environment, social support, and HRQOL during routine transplant clinic visits. Family cohesion, as well as social support from parents, classmates, and people in school, were positively correlated with HRQOL. Social support from people in school uniquely predicted variance in HRQOL, beyond the contribution of overall family environment after controlling for demographic factors. Relative to comparable adolescent samples, transplant recipients reported more optimal overall family environment, greater social support from teachers, and lower social support from close friends. Psychosocial interventions for adolescent kidney transplant recipients may be enhanced by collaborating with school professionals and further bolstering strengths in the family environment. Kidney transplant recipients may benefit from long-term intervention, as decreased HRQOL appears to persist years post-transplant.