Well-being Of Family Members Research Articles

Women’s Empowerment to Improve Nutritional Status in Children: A Systematic Review

Women's empowerment considered vital in child nutrition and being considered important throughout the first 1000 days of life. Inadequate access to food and child feeding practices are the root causes of nutritional problems in children. Mothers play an essential role in parenting, particularly when it comes to child feeding. However, there are no systematic review available in regarding the correlation between women's empowerment and child nutrition. The aims of this study is to review the correlation between women's empowerment and nutritional status in children, more research should use a longitudinal study design to conduct pathway and lifecycle analysis in appropriate populations to clarify the relationship between women's empowerment and nutritional status in children.
 We included English materials published between Science Direct, Pubmed, Research Gate and Google Scholar was used to find studies related to women's empowerment and children's nutritional status between 2016- 2021. 1025 studies were generated using tittle and abstract. We scanned the whole text of 538 of them, as well as 25 other research that the authors were aware of. Only 8 papers met our criteria for inclusion. Within three categories of empowerment, information was extracted and synthesized: resources, agency, and achievement. Accessing and distributing resources for household childcare is a challenge. Agency is a process of women's empowerment that includes mobility, decision-making, authority, motivation, skill, knowledge, and mother's role, all of which can help mothers improve their children's nutrition. The well-being of family members, nutritional status, and anthropometric rise as age progresses are all benefits of women's empowerment.
 Women's empowerment was found to be connected with nutritional status WAZ, HAZ, WHZ, and child anthropometry in general, however the data were inconsistent. These inconsistencies were most likely caused by population features, situations, or methods/ conceptualizations of women's empowerment, as well as the specific domains researched. This study also found that different categories of women's empowerment may have varied relationships with child nutrition. Future study should focus on harmonizing definitions of women's empowerment, as well as determining which essential dimensions it should contain and how it should be quantified. In order to determine which policies and programs enhance women's empowerment and, as a result, foster child nutritional well-being, rigorous evaluation work is also required.

MENGUNGKAP REALITAS DAN SOLUSI TERHADAP KEKERASAN DALAM RUMAH TANGGA

Domestic violence is a pressing social phenomenon that needs to be exposed and addressed. While every family dreams of building a harmonious and loving environment, reality shows that many families experience discomfort, pressure, and sadness due to violence. This violence can take various forms such as physical, psychological, sexual, emotional, or neglect, creating an unhealthy atmosphere and threatening the well-being of family members. Domestic violence is influenced by various factors, both within and outside the family, and can occur individually or collectively. In this era of open information, a culture of violence can easily spread unchecked, negatively impacting the comfort of living within a household. However, the most serious consequences of this violence are on the growth and development of children. Those exposed to violence tend to face obstacles in their natural growth and academic achievements. Therefore, a psychological and educational approach to handling cases of domestic violence is crucial. Both curative and preventive approaches need to be applied to ensure the optimal growth of children. This research aims to uncover domestic violence, highlight triggering factors, and offer solutions that can be adopted to break the framework of this violence, enabling every family to live in peace and love.

A Multifamily Group Curriculum for Family Members of Individuals with Substance Use Disorders: Updates, Perceptions, and Outcomes

ABSTRACT Substance use disorders (SUDS) are highly prevalent chronic health conditions that have dire impacts on the health and wellbeing of not only the individual with an SUD, but on their family members as well. This is important as the family is often one of the most important support groups for an individual seeking recovery from an SUD. The present study provides an update regarding a previously published and implemented multifamily group curriculum (MFGC) for family members of those with an SUD. More specifically, changes to the curriculum are highlighted, and results from data analyses on important factors associated with individual and family member recovery are shared and discussed. There is evidence of this updated MFGC continuing to be an effective intervention for family members with a loved-one seeking recovery from an SUD; however, greater and more long-term support for family members is still needed. Additionally, results of this study showed that change in important factors associated with family member wellbeing and family recovery is associated with relapse status of the loved-one seeking recovery from a SUD at a follow-up time point.

Randomized Clinical Trial Comparing Dialogical Family Guidance with Ordinary Clinical Treatment for Families with a Child with Neurodevelopmental Disorders

ObjectivesPrevious studies have highlighted the need to offer targeted interventions to strengthen the wellbeing of family members in families with children with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD). Interventions for this target group require research and development. The purpose of this study was to test a new family intervention: Dialogical Family Guidance (DFG).MethodsFamilies of children with NDD were randomized into an intervention group that was delivered DFG and a comparison group provided with ordinary clinical treatment. The Family Functioning, Family Health and Social Support (FAFHES) and the DFG instrument were used to collect data at baseline and after 3 months. Repeated measure analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used as an analytical strategy.ResultsThere was a significant within-subjects effect of time on family health and social support, indicating that family health and social support increased in both groups over time. There was also a significant between-subjects effect of group and interaction between time and group on social support, indicating that social support increased more in the intervention group than in the control group. Managing in daily life and the relationship between parents were associated with family functioning and family health.ConclusionDFG can strengthen parental experiences of social support. Managing in daily life, relationship between parents, practical guidance, psychoeducation, dialogue, and receiving positive feedback on parenting were strengthening factors during DFG. However, the results of this study must be considered as only preliminary, as they relate only to parental perceptions of the intervention effects.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov NCT04892992 (retrospectively registered).

Improving infectious TB education for foreign-born patients and family members

Objective: In low tuberculosis (TB) incidence countries, linguistic and cultural dissonance between families experiencing infectious TB and TB health care providers is a barrier to effective communication and successful treatment. The purpose of this research was to explore infectious TB education and counselling from the perspective of patients and family members who are foreign-born. Design/Setting: One component of a multiphase, qualitative case study conducted in Calgary, a large city in western Canada. Method: Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, chart review and field notes and analysed thematically. Eight families were represented in the 6 patient and 13 family member participants who had recently experienced infectious TB. Results: Three themes were generated from the data: ‘learning about TB from many sources’, ‘reassurance and connection’ and ‘missing information’. Participants described learning about TB in different ways, feeling reassured once they knew more and sharing information with others. Overall, participants expressed satisfaction with education and counselling received. However, there were indications that communication problems had occurred. Participants asked questions during the interview, described areas of lingering confusion and shared TB-related behaviours incongruent with medical understanding. Knowledge gaps often increased isolation. Conclusion: Gaps in infectious TB education and counselling have negative impacts on patient and family member well-being. Education and counselling can be improved using multiple modes of communication, proactively addressing common misperceptions and reducing barriers to patient participation. Improvements could empower families to better manage their own experience and share accurate TB information with their communities.

Effectiveness of Compassion-Focused Therapy on Metacognitive Beliefs, Forgiveness, and Psychological Well-Being of Women Applying for Divorce

Background and Objective: Divorce is one of the most stressful events leading to emotional distress and behavioral problems that affect the metacognitive beliefs and psychological well-being of family members. This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of compassion-focused therapy (CFT) on metacognitive beliefs, forgiveness, and psychological well-being of women applying for divorce in Shahr-e Ray, Iran, between 2018 and 2019. Materials and Methods: This study followed a pretest-posttest design with a control group. The study population included all women applying for divorce in Shahar-e Ray city of Iran, from whom 28 applicants were selected using the convenience sampling method. The study population was randomly assigned to two groups of experiment (n=14) and control (n=14). The CFT was applied for eight sessions to the participants in the experimental group who were further divided into two groups. Women in the control group were put on the waiting list and did not receive any intervention. The tools used in this study consisted of Wells’ Metacognitive Beliefs Questionnaire (MCQ-30), Pollard’s Family Forgiveness Scale, and Ryff’s Scale of Psychological Well-being, which was administered to the participants in the pre-and post-test phases. The data were analyzed using SPSS software (Version 16) through descriptive statistics and analysis of covariance. Results: The results indicate that there is a significant difference between the experimental and control groups in terms of metacognitive beliefs variables, family forgiveness, and psychological well-being scales (P<0.001). Conclusions: CFT is a third-wave psychological therapy that improve acceptance of unpleasant emotions, thoughts, metacognitive beliefs, forgiveness, and psychological well-being of women applying for a divorce.

53 Health Outcomes of Siblings of Children with Chronic Health Conditions: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Abstract Primary Subject area Mental Health Background Chronic childhood health conditions are known to have an impact on the well-being of family members. Parental caregivers face well-defined adverse health outcomes, though less is known about the health impacts on siblings. Objectives To assess clinical health outcomes in siblings of children with chronic health condition(s) compared to siblings of healthy children or normative data. Design/Methods We searched Ovid MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PsycInfo, and CINAHL through June 4, 2020. We included English-language studies that: (1) reported clinically diagnosable mental or physical health outcomes of siblings of children (0-18 years old) diagnosed with any childhood chronic health condition; (2) included a comparison group; and (3) used an experimental or observational study design. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Results We included 28 studies of the 9053 screened, comprising 10 cohort studies and 18 cross-sectional studies. Studies from 11 different countries reported most commonly on siblings of children with disabilities (12 studies), cancer (8 studies), or psychiatric disorders (4 studies). Siblings of children with chronic conditions had greater depression rating scale scores than their comparison groups (standardized mean difference 0.49; 95% CI 0.33-0.65; P < .001 [5 studies]) (Fig. 1), whereas anxiety scores did not differ significantly (standardized mean difference 0.24; 95% CI -0.03-0.52; P = .08 [6 studies]) (Fig. 2). Studies that reported on prevalence of psychiatric diagnoses, rather than rating scale scores, had mixed results, either indicating increased risk (3 studies) or no increased risk (4 studies) among exposed siblings. We did not meta-analyze effects for mortality (3 studies) or physical health outcomes (dental caries [1 study], traumatic brain injury [1 study], sexually transmitted infection [1 study], overweightness/obesity [1 study]) given the limited number of studies and between-study heterogeneity. Included studies were rated as high quality (12 studies) or of moderate quality (16 studies). Conclusion Siblings of children with chronic health conditions may be at an increased risk of depression. Our findings suggest the need for targeted interventions to support the psychological well-being of siblings of children with chronic health conditions.

Life is a rollercoaster: an exploration of a support group for parents and carers of those with children and young people with mental health difficulties

Abstract NHS Digital reported that one in eight children aged 5 to 19-year-old in England were identified with a mental illness, the most prevalent being emotional disorders. A diagnosis of a mental illness has a clear impact on children or young people and can also impact the health and wellbeing of family members, in particular parents and carers. We will share and discuss findings from a co-produced evaluation of a nationally recognized support group, Rollercoaster, a well-established and popular parent support group in the UK, for carers of children and young people with mental health difficulties. We will illustrate “what works” in setting up and running a support group for parents in the UK and more widely. The audience will learn what matters to the parents and carers regarding support and in terms of offering support, and how to effectively run a successful support group. Specifically, the evaluation focused on what principles could be drawn from Rollercoaster, given the wide gap in local services offering targeted support for carers. We therefore created a framework to aid in the development of other, unique support groups designed to meet the needs of their local populations. We carried out a parent/carer survey; interviews with parents/carers, support group workers and wider stakeholders; and observations of support group activities. Applying a “lesson drawing” method, we grouped what participants said around the following areas: 1) specific activities offered by Rollercoaster; 2) people who set up and run a parent/carer support group; 3) how to make a parent/carer support group successful. Engaging a wide range of parents/carers and stakeholders at every stage in the design of activities was seen as paramount. A range of skills are required by different people at various points in setting up and running the group. Success rests on constantly adapting to internal and external developments and having a bedrock of being parent led and professionally supported.

Effect of the Problem-solving on the Mental Well-being of Mothers With Autistic Children

Background: The birth of an exceptional child in a family can decrease the mental well-being of family members. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the family-centered problem-solving intervention on the mental well-being of the mothers of children with autism spectrum disorder. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental research with a pre-test, post-test, follow-up design and a control group. The statistical population of the study included all the mothers of children with autism disorder in Kermanshah City. Using the purposeful sampling method, we selected 30 mothers of autistic children studying at a rehabilitation center and randomly assigned them into the two groups of experimental (n=15) and control (n=15). In this study, the Satisfaction With Life Scale (Diener et al., 1985) and the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (Watson et al., 1988) were used to measure mental well-being. After collecting the pre-test data of the mothers in the experimental group, 10 2-hour sessions (for a month) of family-centered problem-solving programs were administered. Also, the post-test and follow-up phases were executed after the end of the sessions and a 1-month interval, respectively. Finally, the obtained data were analyzed considering the repeated measures design. Results: The results showed a significant difference between the pre-test and post-test scores in the variable studied. However, the post-test and follow-up scores did not significantly differ in the variable studied. Conclusion: The results of this study supported the effectiveness of family-centered problem-solving training intervention on mental well-being and its subscales. Therefore, the family-centered problem-solving training program is of great importance as a preventive program.

Relational dimensions in poor children’s decisions to obtain a mobile phone – the case of Singapore

ABSTRACT Children’s influence on the purchase of mobile phones, particularly among poor children, received little research attention. To study the dilemma children from poor home face between strong desire to be part of the media peer culture within the context of family’s financial distress, and hence, limited access to mobile phones, this paper utilized vignette as a tool to elicit children’s thoughts and considerations in whether to purchase mobile phones. Sixty children from families receiving government financial assistance were interviewed. Relational influence lens stemmed from social relations theory were sensitizing lens used to analyse children’s decision processes. Data analysis revealed three levels of themes in the way children interpreted and strategized their decision, namely: individualistic, dyadic relational and communal relational themes. The findings challenge the notion that immediate gratification dominates the decision-making frame of low-income people. Instead, poor children demonstrate sophisticated abilities to consider the needs at multiple levels of their ecological contexts. Evidence from this study supports the need for conceptual extension of theorizing children beyond individualistic agents but as relational agents in the relational and structural contexts in which they are embedded. IMPACT SUMMARY a. Prior State of Knowledge: Summarize what is known about the topic. Early media research was guided by unidirectional models where mainly parental influence on children was considered. Such research treated parents as agents in media decisions in the family but considered children largely as recipients and outcomes of parental choices. b. Novel Contributions: Summarize the primary contributions the findings make to the field. This paper illustrates the novel lens of utilizing a relational perspective of the children’s agency which adds a nuanced understanding of the ways in which children in low-income contexts, navigate personal desires for mobile device and family needs. c. Practical Implications: The expression of the agency of children from low-income homes warrants researchers and practitioners’ attention because children actively contribute to family resilience and the well-being of family members.

Early and Mid-Term Implications of the COVID-19 Pandemic on the Physical, Behavioral and Mental Health of Healthcare Professionals: The CoPE-HCP Study Protocol.

IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to unprecedented strain to healthcare systems worldwide and posed unique challenges to the healthcare professionals (HCPs) and the general public.ObjectivesThe aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health, behavioral, and physical wellbeing of HCPs in the early and mid-term periods of the pandemic in comparison to non-HCPs. Thus, facilitating and guiding optimum planning and delivery of support to HCPs.Methods and AnalysisAn observational cross-sectional survey and cohort study aiming to enroll over 1050 participants (minimum, 800 HCPs and 250 controls). Study questionnaires will be completed at baseline and after 6-weeks and 4-months. Recruitment initiated July 2020. The study was designed in London, United Kingdom, but open to participants worldwide. Baseline: Questionnaires comprising of validated self-administered screening tools for depression, anxiety, sleep-related issues, wellbeing, and burnout. The questionnaires also explore changes in behavior and physical wellbeing of the participants. In addition, associations of these mental health and behavioral factors with work-related factors and support will be explored. Six-weeks and 4-months follow-up: Follow-up questionnaires will assess change in symptoms of anxiety and depression, sleep disorders, use of alcohol and other substances, behavioral or interpersonal relationship changes. Physical wellbeing will be assessed through the presence of suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection and absence from work. We will also evaluate the impact of variable provision of personal protection equipment (supply and training), extended working hours, and concern for the wellbeing of family members, anxiety levels, and evidence of burnout.Statistical ConsiderationsThe study has 80% power to detect a 10% difference of combined depression and/or anxiety symptoms between the groups using two-sided type 1 error at 0.05 at baseline. Assuming that only 50% of these HCPs agree to be a part of a cohort survey, we will have 80% power to detect around 12% difference in the two groups in reported physical symptoms (20% vs. 32.3%), or prevalence of depression and/or anxiety at the end of the study.EthicsThe study was approved by the Cambridge East, Research Ethics Committee (20/EE/0166).Trial Registration NumberClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04433260.

Psychosocial Interventions to Improve Psychological, Social and Physical Wellbeing in Family Members Affected by an Adult Relative's Substance Use: A Systematic Search and Review of the Evidence.

It is estimated that over 100 million people worldwide are affected by the substance use of a close relative and often experience related adverse health and social outcomes. There is a growing body of literature evaluating psychosocial interventions intended to reduce these adverse outcomes. We searched the international literature, using rigorous systematic methods to search and review the evidence for effective interventions to improve the wellbeing of family members affected by the substance use of an adult relative. We synthesised the evidence narratively by intervention type, in line with the systematic search and review approach. Sixty-five papers (from 58 unique trials) meeting our inclusion criteria were identified. Behavioural interventions delivered conjointly with the substance user and the affected family members were found to be effective in improving the social wellbeing of family members (reducing intimate partner violence, enhancing relationship satisfaction and stability and family functioning). Affected adult family members may derive psychological benefit from an adjacent individually focused therapeutic intervention component. No interventions fully addressed the complex multidimensional adversities experienced by many families affected by substance use. Further research is needed to determine the effect of a multi-component psychosocial intervention, which seeks to support both the substance user and the affected family member.

Psychological distress in North America during COVID-19: The role of pandemic-related stressors.

The COVID-19 pandemic has wreaked havoc on lives around the globe. In addition to the primary threat of infection, widespread secondary stressors associated with the pandemic have included social isolation, financial insecurity, resource scarcity, and occupational difficulties. The current study examined the impact of these disruptions on psychological distress during the initial adjustment phase to the pandemic in North America. A sample of 2463 residents of the US and Canada completed both baseline and follow-up surveys across several weeks between March and May 2020. Those participants perceiving stress related to higher levels of personal threat to health and to the well-being of family members at baseline reported higher levels of depressive symptoms at follow-up, even after controlling for baseline depressive symptoms. In addition, pandemic-related secondary stressors (social isolation, financial insecurity, occupational difficulty, and resource scarcity) were all independently associated with depressive symptoms at follow-up, controlling for both baseline depression and perceived health threats. The results were robust and held up after controlling for demographic factors. Women, young adults, and those who reported lower income were all at higher risk for subsequent depressive symptoms. Findings from the present study can help to identify key groups at risk for mental health problems during the pandemic, and indicate actionable areas for targeted intervention.

The Psychological Well-Being of Single Mothers with School age Children : An Exploratory Study

The significance of family structure on the well-being of family members is a major concept to be discussed in contemporary society. There is an impact on the overall well-being of the families due to the lack of major relationships. Hence, the major consequences that lead to the sole responsibility of children to mothers differ among locality, culture, language, etc. This study explores the psychological well-being of single mothers in relation to their role in the family, the major concepts that impact the psychological well-being, the impact of parenting, and the modes in which the single mothers cope up with the challenges they encounter. This is a qualitative (exploratory) study conducted with nine participants chosen from a convenient method of sampling located in the Kandy District of the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The sample of the research includes three each of widowed, divorced, and separated mothers. The data is thematically analyzed based on the challenges, the economic well-being, and relationship with the family and the society, the ideologies about the current status, society’s stereotypes, autonomy, the satisfaction to the present life, and their future expectations. The results of the study demonstrated that the responsibility of children, the financial crisis, confronting the society, and lack of emotional dependence to be the major challenges of single motherhood. It further stated that most of them had a strong relationship with their children and the family in comparison to the society, they found themselves to be often treated by stereotypes, and that they preferred autonomy in women. The findings of the study demonstrate that the Government should help them with self-employment, assist in the studies of their children, and conduct certain awareness programs to enhance their lives.

Feasibility of an Intervention Study to Support Families When Their Loved One Has Life-sustaining Therapy Withdrawn.

This investigation addressed family member perceptions of preparation for withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment in the intensive care unit. These families are at a high risk for psychosocial and physical sequelae. The quantitative results of this mixed methods study are reported. A control group received usual care and an educational booklet component of the intervention. The experimental group received the above plus exposure to comfort cart items and additional psychological support. Twenty-eight family members enrolled over a 13-month period. Sixty-one percent (10 intervention, 7 control) completed the follow-up. Fourteen family members (82%) recalled the booklet. Some family members reported moderate to severe depression (12.5%), anxiety (12.5%), and stress (12.6%). Satisfaction with care (83.7%-85.2%) and family member well-being (44.1) were within the norm. Short Form-36 physical component score was higher than the norm, and the mental component score was lower than the norm. This study demonstrated feasibility and acceptability of the interventions and follow-up questionnaires when families make the difficult decision to withdraw treatment. Strategies are suggested to strengthen statistical power.

Family accommodation in pediatric body dysmorphic disorder: A qualitative study.

Family accommodation (FA) is significant in a range of disorders, yet it has never been explored in body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). Interviews were conducted with five young people with BDD, five parents, and five clinicians to explore the types, impact, and purpose of FA in BDD. Every participant reported significant FA of BDD, and the types reported were broadly similar to those found in other disorders. Reassurance giving/seeking and engagement in rituals were the two most common forms of FA reported with funding products being the third. Unsurprisingly, the driver for FA was to reduce the young person's distress and risk. Every participant commented on the negative impact FA had, including the financial burden, social implications, emotional well-being of family members, relationships, and conflict within the family, yet all young people also thought there were positive aspects to FA. Findings are discussed in the context of the limitations of this study.

Well-being of families of people with psychosocial disabilites in context of deinstitutionalization

Abstract Background A large part of disabled people have psychosocial disabilities. Importance of their inclusion is stated in many strategic documents. However, this group of people still faces many barriers in societies. Currently, deinstitutionalization is carried out in Lithuania. Well-being of people with psychosocial disabilities and their family members is affected by this process. Thus, we aimed to assess changes in well-being of family members of people with psychosocial disabilities during deinstitutionalization in Lithuania. Methods Data was collected during two stages of deinstitutionalization, in 2016 and 2019. Family members living with people with psychosocial disabilities answered anonymously to questions of Lithuanian psychological well-being scale. Respectively, 334 and 391 adults participated (13.8% of males and 86.2% of females each time). T scores and levels of well-being were calculated and compared according to socio-demographics of respondents and stage of deinstitutionalization. Results Generally, distribution of the participants did not differ by level of overall well-being between the stages of deinstitutionalization (p-value more than 0.05). Differently, place of residence, younger age, higher income and employment were associated with higher well-being. In the second phase, rural, younger, employed and full-time employed respondents had higher estimates of overall well-being (p-value less than 0.05). Also, younger and employed population had higher satisfaction with physical health, income, employment and life in Lithuania (p-value less than 0.05). In most counties of Lithuania, overall well-being of family members of people with psychosocial disabilities was in line with the average level. Conclusions Although distribution of family members of people with psychosocial disabilities by level of overall well-being had not changed from 2016 to 2019, an increase in well-being among rural, younger, employed and those with higher income was observed. Key messages Generally, overal well-being of family members of people with psychosocial disabilities had not changed during the process of deinstitutionalization in Lithuania from 2016 to 2019. Living in rural areas, younger age, higher income and employment were associated with an increase in well-being of family members of people with psychosocial disabilities.

When Fathers Are Involved: Examining Relational and Psychosocial Health among Military Families.

Father involvement can promote the psychosocial health of family members (i.e., fathers, mothers, and children). However, the association between father involvement and individual members' psychosocial health may depend on the quality of the marital relationship and the perceptions of the reporting family member. Research with multiple reporters from the same family is needed identify how family members perceive the impact of father involvement on family member well-being. Using a risk and resilience theoretical framework applied to a family systems perspective, the current study examines associations between father involvement, family flexibility, marital quality, and psychosocial health with a sample of 207 military families (including fathers, mothers, and their adolescents). After accounting for military context, a conditional structural equation model was used to examine the associations between fathers' involvement and family members' psychosocial health. Family flexibility was examined as a mediator between these associations and marital quality as a moderator. Findings suggest that when fathers are more involved, both mothers and fathers report less family flexibility, and that family flexibility was positively associated with family member (father, mother, and adolescent) well-being. Further, father involvement was indirectly related to mothers' psychosocial health through family flexibility, and father involvement was directly associated with better psychosocial health for fathers and adolescents. Marital quality moderated these associations for fathers, mothers, and adolescents. Given the combined benefits of father involvement, family flexibility, and positive marital relationships, clinical efforts to provide information to increase knowledge and skills around maintaining a healthy relationship could serve to promote psychosocial health by improving marital quality and family flexibility.

Development and Validation of the Family Relationship Assessment Scale in Korean College Students' Families.

The nature of family relationships is a critical measure for healthcare professionals who work with families. In particular, non-Western cultural groups display a higher level of collectivism that emphasizes relationships between family members. This paper reports the development and psychometric testing of a new scale, the Korean Family Relationship Assessment Scale (FRAS). Using DeVellis' Guidelines in Scale Development, a pool of 40 items was created after a review of the literature, followed by an assessment for content validity by six experts. Both exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were conducted with data from a sample of 217 Korean family triads (father, mother, and college-aged offspring) (N=651). The final evaluation yielded three factors with 15 items: family support, family conflict, and family togetherness. Since the FRAS demonstrated good internal consistency and validity, it would be able to facilitate research on the relationships between family support, conflict, togetherness, and health. Applying this new instrument in theory-based research may contribute to knowledge about the role of the family in the health and well-being of family members within a Korean context. For clinical practice, this culturally sensitive and valid instrument has the potential to measure changes in family relationships after family therapy or interventions.

COVID-19: Wissensstand, Risikowahrnehmung und Umgang mit der Pandemie

IntroductionIn order to stem the spread of an epidemic, widespread adherence to safety measures and their acceptance within the German population are of key importance.This survey examines the levels of knowledge and the perception of risk within the population and analyses implementation and adherence to the recommended and legally mandated safety measures in the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic. MethodsIn March 2020, participants registered on the HeReCa-Online-Panel from Saxony-Anhalt, Berlin and Schleswig Holstein were invited to complete a 65-question survey. Results1048 respondents answered the questionnaire, which amounts to a response of 3.5%. 83% of respondents stated that they felt themselves to be well-informed or very well-informed concerning COVID-19 and the coronavirus. The majority of respondents reported fears for the well-being of family members (60%) or the health of the German population as a whole (45%); 79% reported concerns regarding adverse economic impacts. 79% of respondents have implemented individual protective measures, such as reducing social contacts and maintaining the recommended physical distance in public spaces. Most respondents regarded the government-mandated safety measures as predominantly reasonable and appropriate. ConclusionsIn the early phase of the pandemic, most people kept themselves informed about of COVID-19 and started to take individual measures for risk reduction. Acceptance of governmental measures to stem the spread of the pandemic was high.