The purpose of this longitudinal study was to evaluate the difference between mother-daughter dyad’s “ideal” and the “real” perceptions of family functioning over time. This study was guided by a synthesis of systems theory and symbolic interactionism. The research questions were: (1) What are the three dimensions of cohesion & adaptability between mother-daughter dyads and (2) How does the dimensions of cohesion & adaptability change over time. The instrument consisted of the Family Adaptability Cohesion Evaluations Scale (FACES III) (Olson, D., Portner, J. & Lavee, Y. 1985). The convenience sample consisted of 44 mothers and daughters (14-17 years) that resided in North East Ohio. The sample consisted of participants in a communication intervention group (32) and a non-intervention group (12). Repeated measures ANOVAs were calculated for each of the 19 items concerned with family functioning. The perception of the “ideal” family was much more positive than the perception of the “real” family on the following perceptions and the ANOVAs were significant: “It is hard to identify the leaders(s) in our family” (Wilks’ Lambda F=119.724; df=1,40; p=.000); “It is hard to tell who does which household chores” (Wilks’ Lambda F=75.170; df=1, 40; p=.000); “Parents and children discuss punishment together” (Wilks’ Lambda F=37.005, df 1, 42; p=.000) and; “When our family gets together for activities, everybody is present” (Wilks’ Lambda F=27.014; df=1, 42; p=.000). Nurses can help families to clearly identify roles; lines of authority; include adolescents in identifying ways of punishment when there are unacceptable behaviors; identify family responsibilities; and include family members in group activities. There needs to be more congruency between the real and ideal dimensions of cohesion and adaptability within families to reduce high risk behaviors such as adolescent pregnancy.
Session #1208 - Family
The 29th Annual MNRS Research Conference (April 1-4, 2005)