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Hsieh HF, Mistry R, Kleinsasser MJ, Puntambekar N, Gupta PC, Raghunathan T, McCarthy W, Córdova D, Maharjan G, Desai MB, Narake S, Pednekar MS. Family functioning within the context of families with adolescent children in urban India. FAMILY PROCESS 2023; 62:287-301. [PMID: 35638112 PMCID: PMC11106806 DOI: 10.1111/famp.12784] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Research on family functioning within given cultural contexts is needed. This study aims to describe salient dimensions of family functioning in two urban contexts in India and to examine differences in family functioning by sociodemographic groups. We measured differences in family functioning using cross-sectional survey questionnaire data collected from 13 to 15-year-old adolescents and one of their parents/primary caregivers in Mumbai (n = 843) and Kolkata (n = 913) during 2019-2020. We drew a multi-stage sample representative of neighborhoods and households in both cities. We assessed a multi-dimensional family functioning latent factor that included parent-reported measures (parent-adolescent communication, family cohesion, and parent monitoring of peers) and adolescent-reported measures (parent support, family cohesion, and parent supervision). Our results support an overall measure of family functioning manifested by multiple dimensions for parent- and adolescent-reported data. Families with male adolescents had worse adolescent-reported family functioning in Mumbai and parent-reported family functioning in Kolkata. Higher socioeconomic status was associated with better parent-reported family functioning in both cities and better adolescent-reported family functioning in Kolkata. Muslim religious identification in Kolkata and the Hindi native language in both cities were associated with better adolescent-reported family functioning. Our findings indicate heterogeneity in family functioning across demographic and social-cultural groups within the two urban contexts of India. This study may inform the development of culturally congruent prevention interventions for families with adolescents in India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsing-Fang Hsieh
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Ritesh Mistry
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | | | | | - Prakash C. Gupta
- Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Trivellore Raghunathan
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Survey Research Center, Institute for Social Research, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - William McCarthy
- Department of Health Policy and Management, University of California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - David Córdova
- School of Social Work, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Gaurab Maharjan
- Department of Health Behavior and Health Education, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Maruti B. Desai
- Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health, Navi Mumbai, India
| | - Sameer Narake
- Healis Sekhsaria Institute for Public Health, Navi Mumbai, India
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Lee WK, Joo YS. Examining family processes linked to adolescent problem behaviors in single-mother families: The moderating role of school connectedness. Front Psychol 2022; 13:937698. [PMID: 36225694 PMCID: PMC9549365 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2022.937698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Previous research has shown that adolescents in single-mother households are at heightened risk for adjustment problems. However, limited studies have investigated the mechanisms leading to adolescent problem behaviors in single-mother households. To address this research gap, this study applied the Family Stress Model to examine how single mothers’ material hardship is linked to adolescent problem behaviors, focusing on the mediating roles of mothers’ depression and mother-adolescent closeness. The moderating role of adolescent school connectedness in the relationships between mother-adolescent closeness and school connectedness and between mothers’ depression and school connectedness was also investigated. Materials and methods The study analyzed data from 1,384 adolescents and their single mothers who participated in the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study at Wave 6. The associations between study variables were analyzed using structural equation modeling by decomposing the direct, indirect, and total effects of material hardship on adolescent problem behaviors. School connectedness’s interactions with mother-adolescent closeness and mothers’ depression were also examined. Results Results showed a significant indirect relationship between material hardship and adolescent problem behaviors through sequential mediation of mothers’ depression and mother-adolescent closeness. Mothers’ depression also significantly mediated the relationship between material hardship and problem behaviors. Lastly, school connectedness moderated the relationship between mother-adolescent closeness and adolescents’ internalizing behaviors. The association between mother-adolescent closeness and adolescents’ internalizing behavior was weaker for adolescents with higher levels of school connectedness. Conclusion The results indicate the important indirect effect of economic strain on adolescents’ problems behaviors in single-mother households, which has been less emphasized compared to the effects in earlier childhood. High rates of material hardship and adolescent problem behaviors in single-mother families call for multifaceted interventions focusing on family processes and protective factors, including school environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Woon Kyung Lee
- Department of Child Development and Intervention, Ewha Womans University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young Sun Joo
- School of Social Welfare, Myongji University, Seoul, South Korea
- *Correspondence: Young Sun Joo,
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Wang D, Xie R, Ding W, Li X, Li W. The reciprocal relationship between perceived Interparental conflict and internalizing and externalizing problem behaviors among left-behind children in China. CURRENT PSYCHOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12144-022-02761-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Heradstveit O, Haugland S, Hysing M, Stormark KM, Sivertsen B, Bøe T. Physical inactivity, non-participation in sports and socioeconomic status: a large population-based study among Norwegian adolescents. BMC Public Health 2020; 20:1010. [PMID: 32590961 PMCID: PMC7318733 DOI: 10.1186/s12889-020-09141-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Physical activity in adolescence is found to promote both immediate and long-term health, as well as school- and work performance. Previous studies suggest that parental socioeconomic status (SES) may influence the level of activity, although the results are inconsistent. The objective of this study was to examine the overall level of low physical activity/sports participation and the associations with parental SES and adolescent school program in a population-based study of older adolescents. Methods The youth@hordalandy study, a large population-based study in Hordaland county, Norway, conducted in 2012, included 10,257 adolescents aged 16–19 years (53% girls). Physical activity was examined by self-reported overall activity, and participation in organized team- and individual sports. Predictor variables were parental SES measured by youth self-reports of family economic well-being, parental education and work affiliation and self-reported current high school program (vocational versus general studies). Age, ethnicity, and family structure were included as covariates. Results Girls who reported lower parental education had small, but significant higher risk for physical inactivity and non-participation in individual sports compared with their counterparts who reported higher family education (RRs ranging from 1.04 to 1.12, p < 0.01). There were some, but inconsistent, evidence of an increased risk for physical inactivity and non-participation in sports among those (and particularly boys) with lower family economic well-being. Parental work status was largely unrelated with physical inactivity/non-participation in sports. Adolescents in vocational studies had a small but significantly increased risk of physical inactivity and non-participation in sports compared with individuals in general studies (RRs ranging from 1.03 to 1.05, all p < 0.05). Conclusions We found some evidence of a social gradient for lower physical inactivity and non-participation in sports for adolescents. Although effect sizes were small, vocational studies was the most robust correlate for physical inactivity/non-participation in sports among the SES-variables, while the corresponding associations with parental education and family economic well-being differed by gender.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ove Heradstveit
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Nygårdsgaten 112, 5008, Bergen, Norway. .,Center for Alcohol & Drug Research, Stavanger University Hospital, Stavanger, Norway.
| | - Siren Haugland
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Nygårdsgaten 112, 5008, Bergen, Norway
| | - Mari Hysing
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Nygårdsgaten 112, 5008, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Psychosocial Sciences, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Kjell Morten Stormark
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Nygårdsgaten 112, 5008, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Health Promotion and Development, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Børge Sivertsen
- Department of Health Promotion, Norwegian Institute of Public Health, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Research & Innovation, Helse Fonna HF, Haugesund, Norway.,Department of Mental Health, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Tormod Bøe
- Regional Centre for Child and Youth Mental Health and Child Welfare, NORCE Norwegian Research Centre, Nygårdsgaten 112, 5008, Bergen, Norway.,Department of Psychosocial Sciences, Faculty of Psychology, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
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Rawatlal N, Pillay BJ, Kliewer W. Socioeconomic status, family-related variables, and caregiver–adolescent attachment. SOUTH AFRICAN JOURNAL OF PSYCHOLOGY 2015. [DOI: 10.1177/0081246315588906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Associations between financial disadvantage, family structure, and indicators of the caregiver–adolescent relationship and family functioning were examined in a sample of 206 families recruited from low socioeconomic status (SES) communities in Durban, South Africa. Participants included a maternal caregiver and an adolescent (65.5% female) from each family; adolescents were in Grade 7 ( n = 175) or Grade 10 ( n = 31). Data were collected via home interviews. The sample was diverse in terms of race. One-fifth of the sample reported a household income of R1500 or less; two-thirds of the sample earned R5000 per month or less. Median level of caregiver education was Grades 9–11. Just under half (45.1%) of the adolescents lived with both parents. Indicators of SES were household income and maternal education. Since financial resources and family structure are associated, a series of regression analyses with household income, parental education, and family structure as the predictors were used to examine associations with adolescent- and parent-reported family functioning and with youth reports of caregiver support and attachment. In the models predicting adolescent attachment, income was the only unique predictor, with higher household incomes associated with less anxious attachment relationships. For the model predicting perceived support from mother, maternal education was the only unique predictor. Higher maternal education was associated with more perceived support. The models predicting support from father, or parent- or adolescent-rated family functioning were not significant. These data contribute to our understanding of linkages between structural indicators and family relationships.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nishola Rawatlal
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Basil J Pillay
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
| | - Wendy Kliewer
- Department of Behavioural Medicine, University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
- Department of Psychology, Virginia Commonwealth University, USA
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Ruiz RJ, Pickler RH, Marti CN, Jallo N. Family cohesion, acculturation, maternal cortisol, and preterm birth in Mexican-American women. Int J Womens Health 2013; 5:243-52. [PMID: 23696717 PMCID: PMC3658537 DOI: 10.2147/ijwh.s42268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective To examine the potential moderating effects of family cohesion and acculturation on the physiological stress response (cortisol) as a predictor of preterm birth (PTB) in pregnant Mexican-American women. Methods The sample included 470 participants; 33 had preterm births. All participants were self-identified as Mexican-American. In this cross-sectional study, family cohesion was measured by a self-report questionnaire. Acculturation was measured by self-report questionnaire as well as by years in the United States and country of birth. Stress was measured by serum cortisol. All measures were obtained at 22–24 weeks gestation. Additional data including history of PTB were obtained from the health record. Data analysis was primarily conducted using logistic regression. Results The relationship between stress and PTB was predicted by family cohesion (estimate/ standard error [E/SE] = −2.46, P = 0.014) and acculturation (E/SE = 2.56, P = 0.011). In addition, there was an interaction between family cohesion and history of previous PTB (E/SE = −2.12, P = 0.035). Conclusion Results indicate that the impact of cortisol on PTB is predicted by acculturation and family cohesion such that higher levels of cortisol in conjunction with higher levels of acculturation and lower levels of family cohesion are associated with increased risk of PTB. In addition, low family cohesion in combination with a history of PTB was associated with higher levels of PTB. Assessment of family cohesion, including problem solving, adherence to family decisions, family shared space, and activity, should be included as part of prenatal assessment for risk of PTB. Subsequently, interventions that focus on improving the individual’s response to an imbalance in family functioning are needed. In addition, prenatal assessment of level of acculturation may also identify those who are at risk for PTB.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Jeanne Ruiz
- College of Nursing, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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Abstract
Poverty-related developmental-risk theories dominate accounts of uneven levels of household functioning and effects on children. But immigrant parents may sustain norms and practices-stemming from heritage culture, selective migration, and social support-that buffer economic exigencies. Comparable levels of social-emotional functioning in homes of foreign-born Latino mothers were observed relative to native-born Whites, despite sharp social-class disparities, but learning activities were much weaker, drawing on a national sample of mothers with children aging from 9 to 48months (n=5,300). Asian-heritage mothers reported weaker social functioning-greater martial conflict and depression-yet stronger learning practices. Mothers' migration history, ethnicity, and social support helped to explain levels of functioning, after taking into account multiple indicators of class and poverty.
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Is parental socio-economic status related to the initiation of substance abuse by young people in an English city? An event history analysis. Soc Sci Med 2012; 74:1053-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2011.12.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2011] [Revised: 11/25/2011] [Accepted: 12/08/2011] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Liles RG, Juhnke GA. Adolescent Diabetic Control: Using the Process-Person-Context-Time Model. JOURNAL OF COUNSELING AND DEVELOPMENT 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/j.1556-6678.2008.tb00628.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
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10
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Arnold A, Lewis J, Maximovich A, Ickovics J, Kershaw T. Antecedents and consequences of caregiving structure on young mothers and their infants. Matern Child Health J 2011; 15:1037-45. [PMID: 20680671 PMCID: PMC3061973 DOI: 10.1007/s10995-010-0650-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
This study describes the multigenerational caregiving structure of infants born to young women, the prenatal predictors of caregiving structure, and the effects of caregiving structure on the health of young mothers and their infants 6 months postpartum. The sample consisted of 784 young mothers involved in a longitudinal study in two U.S. cities. Women were classified into eight caregiving structure groups based on the mother's report of herself as a caregiver and her selection of the baby's father and/or grandparents as caregivers. ANCOVA analyses identified predictors and 6 month postpartum outcomes of caregiving structure. Planned comparisons explored the relationships among caregiving structure groups. A majority of women reported caregiving structures other than herself and the father as caregivers (87.1%). Grandparents were indicated as caregivers by most women (62.2%). Postpartum caregiving groups differed on prenatal social support, self-esteem, attachment avoidance and anxiety, relationship status, and living with the baby's father. While mother's self esteem significantly predicted father involvement, there were no differences on predictors between when the mother and father were caregivers, versus when the mother and grandparents were caregivers. Differences existed between groups on mother and child outcomes, including parenting stress, distress, and child dysfunction. Women reported significantly less parenting stress, child dysfunction, and negative child emotions when she and the father were caregivers, versus when she and grandparents were caregivers. The family system and the intergenerational dynamics within a multigenerational caregiving structure are critical to the health and well-being of both mothers and their children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Arnold
- Yale School of Public Health, PO Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Jessica Lewis
- Yale School of Public Health, PO Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | | | | | - Trace Kershaw
- Yale School of Public Health, PO Box 208034, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
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Samek DR, Rueter MA. Associations between Family Communication Patterns, Sibling Closeness, and Adoptive Status. JOURNAL OF MARRIAGE AND THE FAMILY 2011; 73:1015-1031. [PMID: 21984844 PMCID: PMC3185380 DOI: 10.1111/j.1741-3737.2011.00865.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2023]
Abstract
Previous research has demonstrated the protective effect of family and sibling closeness on child adjustment, but fewer studies have investigated how closeness is promoted within families. Guided by Family Communication Patterns Theory, we tested the association between family communication and sibling emotional and behavioral closeness, and whether adoptive status moderated this relationship. Participating families included 616 adoptive and non-adoptive families with two adolescent children. Hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling. Sibling closeness was highest in families that emphasized both conversation and conformity and lowest in families that emphasized only conversation or neither conversation nor conformity. Emotional and behavioral closeness were differentially associated with adoption status, sibling age, and sibling gender. Few moderating effects of adoption status were found. Post hoc analyses showed moderating effects of sibling gender composition.
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Greeff AP, Lawrence J. Indications of Resilience Factors in Families Who have Lost a Home in a Shack Fire. JOURNAL OF COMMUNITY & APPLIED SOCIAL PSYCHOLOGY 2011. [DOI: 10.1002/casp.1108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Abraham P Greeff
- Department of Psychology; Stellenbosch University; Stellenbosch; South Africa
| | - Jennilee Lawrence
- Department of Psychology; Stellenbosch University; Stellenbosch; South Africa
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Zeiders KH, Roosa MW, Tein JY. Family structure and family processes in Mexican-American families. FAMILY PROCESS 2011; 50:77-91. [PMID: 21361925 PMCID: PMC3077030 DOI: 10.1111/j.1545-5300.2010.01347.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Despite increases in single-parent families among Mexican Americans, few studies have examined the association of family structure and family adjustment. Utilizing a diverse sample of 738 Mexican-American families (21.7% single parent), the current study examined differences across family structure on early adolescent outcomes, family functioning, and parent-child relationship variables. Results revealed that early adolescents in single-parent families reported greater school misconduct, conduct disorder/oppositional deviant disorder, and major depressive disorder symptoms, and greater parent-child conflict than their counterparts in 2-parent families. Single-parent mothers reported greater economic hardship, depression, and family stress. Family stress and parent-child conflict emerged as significant mediators of the association between family structure and early adolescent outcomes, suggesting important processes linking Mexican-American single-parent families and adolescent adjustment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharine H Zeiders
- School of Social and Family Dynamics, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ 85287, USA.
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Skeer M, McCormick MC, Normand SLT, Buka SL, Gilman SE. A prospective study of familial conflict, psychological stress, and the development of substance use disorders in adolescence. Drug Alcohol Depend 2009; 104:65-72. [PMID: 19446409 PMCID: PMC2728005 DOI: 10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2009.03.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2008] [Revised: 03/20/2009] [Accepted: 03/24/2009] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exposure to adverse family environments in childhood can influence the risk trajectory for developing substance use disorders in adolescence. Evidence for this is largely based on cross-sectional studies which have been unable to establish the temporality of this association and investigate underlying pathways. METHODS The sample consisted of 1421 adolescents from the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods, a three wave longitudinal study conducted between 1994 and 2001 that followed children from ages 10 to 22. Logistic regression analyses with multiple imputation were conducted to examine the relation between familial conflict in childhood and substance use disorders in late adolescence and emerging adulthood. We conducted mediational analyses to determine if internalizing and externalizing problems explain this relationship, and we investigated whether external social support mitigates the adverse effects of familial conflict on the development of substance use disorders. RESULTS Familial conflict was significantly associated with the risk of substance use disorders during adolescence (odds ratio: 1.23; 95% CI: 1.02-1.47), and 30% of this effect was due to higher levels of externalizing problems (but not internalizing problems). External social support in childhood did not buffer the effects of familial conflict on substance use disorders during adolescence. CONCLUSION Exposure to familial conflict early in life increases the risk of substance use disorders during late adolescence and emerging adulthood, due partly to higher levels of externalizing problems, but not internalizing problems. Future research is needed to identify additional pathways underlying this association, and the extent to which these pathways are modifiable.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margie Skeer
- Department of Society, Human Development, and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, 677 Huntington Avenue, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Marie C. McCormick
- Department of Society, Human Development, and Health, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Sharon-Lise T. Normand
- Department of Health Care Policy, Harvard Medical School, and Department of Biostatistics, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115
| | - Stephen L. Buka
- Department of Community Health, Brown University, Providence, RI, 02912
| | - Stephen E. Gilman
- Department of Society, Human Development, and Health and Department of Epidemiology, Harvard School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115
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Warren JR, Wagstaff DA, Hecht ML, Elek E. The Effects of Mexican origin family structure on parental monitoring and pre-adolescent substance use expectancies and substance use. JOURNAL OF SUBSTANCE USE 2009; 13:283-292. [PMID: 20703368 DOI: 10.1080/14659890802170745] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Substance use among Mexican origin, low-income youths is a serious, but under-studied problem. This study examines the relationship between the structure of Mexican origin families (i.e. nuclear, single-parent, blended or extended), and the parental monitoring, substance use expectancies, and substance use reported by pre-adolescents. Family structure did not differentiate the substance use prevalence, expectancies or parental monitoring among the 1224 low-income, Mexican-origin fifth grade participants. Parents from all family types demonstrated similar levels of parental monitoring. More importantly, family composition was not related to pre-adolescents' substance use. Other analyses showed that the relationship between substance use and certain demographic variables (e.g. gender, country of birth, language use) did not differ across family structures. The report concludes by discussing possible developmental and resiliency factors in Mexican origin families that would account for these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer R Warren
- Program in Health Disparities Research, Medical School, University of Minnesota
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Clay CM, Ellis MA, Griffin ML, Amodeo M, Fassler IR. Black women and white women: do perceptions of childhood family environment differ? FAMILY PROCESS 2007; 46:243-56. [PMID: 17593888 DOI: 10.1111/j.1545-5300.2007.00207.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Few studies have examined racial differences in perceptions of childhood. Little is known about how Blacks perceive their own families, particularly the family environment that they experienced in childhood. METHODS A community sample of 290 women (55% White, 45% Black) from two-parent families, heterogeneous in age and social class, was examined using a self-administered questionnaire, including the Family Environment Scale (FES), followed by a focused interview. Siblings were used as collateral informants. RESULTS The psychometric properties of the FES showed remarkably little variation by race: The internal scale reliability, correlations between scales, and factor structures were quite similar. Although both White and Black women reported good childhood family environments, Black women when compared with White women rated their families of origin as more cohesive, organized, and expressive, and lower in conflict. Sibling responses corroborated these findings. DISCUSSION This study addresses a gap in the research literature and provides important evidence of strengths in Black family relationships as reported by a community sample of women. The psychometric properties of the FES, found to be strong for families of both races, lends support to our findings and those of other researchers who have used this measure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cassandra M Clay
- Boston University School of Social Work, 264 Bay State Road, Boston, MA 02215, USA.
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Negy C, Snyder DK. Assessing family-of-origin functioning in Mexican American adults: retrospective application of the family environment scale. Assessment 2007; 13:396-405. [PMID: 17050910 DOI: 10.1177/1073191106289809] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Although both theoretical and empirical literature suggests that individuals' family-of-origin experiences affect subsequent relationship functioning as adults, few studies have examined the appropriateness of family assessment techniques when applied retrospectively for use in either theory development or clinical applications. This study examined psycho-metric characteristics of the Family Environment Scale (FES) when used retrospectively with Mexican Americans to assess their families-of-origin. Findings provided qualified support for the internal consistency of the FES and showed significant mean profile differences for this population across gender and when compared to the normative sample for this measure. Retrospective reports on the FES related to independent measures of family history of distress and, to a lesser extent, with current relationship functioning, providing preliminary support for the criterion-related validity of the FES when adapted for retrospective assessment. Limitations and implications of findings for further research are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Negy
- University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL, USA.
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Milburn NG, Rotheram-Borus MJ, Batterham P, Brumback B, Rosenthal D, Mallett S. Predictors of close family relationships over one year among homeless young people. J Adolesc 2005; 28:263-75. [PMID: 15878047 DOI: 10.1016/j.adolescence.2005.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2005] [Revised: 01/28/2005] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
Abstract
Predictors of perceived family bonds were examined among homeless young people who initially left home one year earlier. Newly homeless young people aged 12-20 years who had recently left home were recruited in Los Angeles County, United States (n = 201) and Melbourne, Australia (n = 124) and followed longitudinally at 3, 6, and 12 months (follow-up rates ranging from 72% to 86% overall). These homeless young people varied substantially in their bonds to their families. Family bonds at one year were predicted in multivariate regression analyses by having significantly fewer problem behaviours when leaving home and decreasing rates of problem behaviours over the next year. Having more emotional support and more instrumental financial support were also significantly associated with greater family bonds one year later. These results suggest that efforts to reunite families may be a viable intervention strategy for newly homeless young people.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norweeta G Milburn
- Department of Psychiatry, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Cecil H, Matson SC. Differences in psychological health and family dysfunction by sexual victimization type in a clinical sample of African American adolescent women. JOURNAL OF SEX RESEARCH 2005; 42:203-214. [PMID: 19817034 DOI: 10.1080/00224490509552275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
We examined levels of sexual victimization among a sample of 249 14- to 19-year-old African American adolescent women. Victimization was common: 32.1% reported having been raped, 33.7% had experienced sexual coercion, and 10.8% reported an attempted rape. Only 23.4% had never been victimized. We investigated whether levels of psychological health and family dysfunction varied as a function of the type of sexual victimization. Girls who had been raped had lower levels of self-esteem and mastery and higher levels of depression compared to girls who reported no sexual victimization. Significantly higher levels of family cohesion and significantly lower levels of family support were reported by girls who had been raped versus girls who reported no sexual victimization. These findings are a starting point for future studies by providing evidence that levels of mental health and family dysfunction vary by the type of sexual victimization experienced.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heather Cecil
- Penn State University-Capital College, Middletown, PA 17057, USA.
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Laursen B. Conflict Between Mothers and Adolescents in Single-Mother, Blended, and Two-Biological-Parent Families. PARENTING, SCIENCE AND PRACTICE 2005; 5:347-370. [PMID: 19234615 PMCID: PMC2645075 DOI: 10.1207/s15327922par0504_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This investigation was designed to shed light on household structure differences in mother - adolescent conflict. DESIGN: Atotal of 453 early, mid, and late adolescents from 3 ethnic groups completed questionnaires describing the rate and affective intensity of daily conflicts with mothers and fathers in single-mother (divorced or never married), 2-biological-parent, and blended (remarried) families. RESULTS: Compared to sons, daughters reported more disagreements with mothers and more negative affect in disagreements with mothers and fathers. Adolescents reported more total disagreements and more angry disagreements with single mothers than with mothers in 2-biological-parent families; adolescents in blended families fell in between. Reports of conflict with fathers did not differ across 2-biological-parent families and blended families. There were no household structure differences in conflict with parents (mothers and residential fathers combined), indicating that levels of conflict with single mothers are elevated by approximately the same number of disagreements that otherwise fall to fathers in 2-parent households. Potential moderators (adolescent age, ethnicity, and gender, maternal employment, prior marital status of single-mothers, socioeconomic status, and levels of social interaction) did not alter the results. CONCLUSIONS: For adolescents, single parenthood restricts the number of partners available for disagreement but has little bearing on the number or affective tenor of daily disagreements with mothers. In contrast, single parenthood is associated with elevated levels of family discord for mothers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brett Laursen
- Brett Laursen, Department of Psychology, Florida Atlantic University, 2912 College Avenue, Fort Lauderdale FL 33314. E-mail:
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Flouri E, Buchanan A. What predicts good relationships with parents in adolescence and partners in adult life: findings from the 1958 British birth cohort. JOURNAL OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY : JFP : JOURNAL OF THE DIVISION OF FAMILY PSYCHOLOGY OF THE AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION (DIVISION 43) 2002; 16:186-198. [PMID: 12085731 DOI: 10.1037/0893-3200.16.2.186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/23/2023]
Abstract
This study drew on data from the National Child Development Study to explore the role of father involvement and mother involvement at age 7 in father-child and mother-child relations at age 16, and the role of closeness to father and closeness to mother at age 16 in quality of relationship with partner at age 33. Closeness to mother was associated with closeness to father, intact family structure and academic motivation, and closeness to father with closeness to mother, early father involvement, less emotional and behavioral problems in adolescence, male gender and academic motivation. Closeness to father at age 16 was more strongly related to level of father involvement at age 7 for daughters than for sons and to closeness to mother for sons than for daughters. Marital adjustment at age 33 was related to good relationships with siblings, mother, and father at age 16; less current psychological distress; female gender; and educational attainment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Flouri
- Department of Social Policy and Social Work, University of Oxford, 32 Wellington Square, Oxford, OX1 2ER, England.
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Slesnick N, Vasquez C, Bittinger J. Family Functioning, Substance Use and Related Problem Behaviors: Hispanic vs. Anglo Runaway Youths. J Ethn Subst Abuse 2002; 1:83-101. [PMID: 18795144 PMCID: PMC2536491 DOI: 10.1300/j233v01n04_05] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Runaway youths represent a neglected clinical group, and few studies have examined ethnicity differences within this population. Substance use, family functioning and related problem behaviors were examined in a sample of Hispanic and Anglo runaway youths with substance abuse diagnoses (N = 145). Youths, aged 12-17, were recruited from two urban, southwestern runaway shelters. Within single-parent families, Anglo youths reported more marijuana use, and, regardless of family constitution, reported more tobacco use than did Hispanic youths. Overall, Anglo youths reported more externalizing problems and more conflict tactics used in resolving disagreements with their primary caretaker while Hispanic youths reported higher depression and familism scores. Given the differences found between Hispanic and Anglo youths, the findings argue that culturally sensitive interventions for runaway youths and families are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natasha Slesnick
- Natasha Slesnick, Christina Vasquez, and Joyce Bittinger are affiliated with The University of New Mexico Center on Alcoholism, Substance Abuse and Addictions
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