Background: Childhood adversity is linked to a number of adult health and psychosocial outcomes; however, it is not clear how to best assess and model childhood adversity reported by adolescents with known maltreatment exposure. Objective: This study sought to identify an empirically-supported measurement model of childhood adversity for…

Social systems, like biological systems, sometimes manifest dysfunctions that could be considered forms of "social disease." The author interprets the term "social diseases" as "persistent dysfunctions of social relations" that disrupt the normal functioning of particular elements of society or the entire social…

A questionnaire to 96 spouses of vocational agriculture teachers in West Virginia identified the major benefits and problems experienced by the spouses. The 60 respondents named job security and spouse's range of skills as benefits, work overload without additional compensation as a major problem. (JOW)

This qualitative study identified 4 major themes during interviews with 28 families whose children have dual sensory impairments. Concerns clustered around parental perceptions of a "good life" for their children, and their experiences with fear, frustration, and change. (Author/DB)

Examined functioning and life context of spouses of depressed patients. Remitted and control spouses were comparable in functioning, stressors, and coping with remitted spouses reporting more social and family problems. Nonremitted spouses had significantly more problems than control spouses on most indices. Spouse adaptation was typically…

Discusses principles associated with strength-based approaches to support families of children with disabilities: a philosophy based on family strength; a partnership approach to service; a family-centered agenda; an individualized response to family needs; a comprehensive view of family development; and an assessment of outcomes based on family…

This paper looks at the often troubled development of the White House Conference on Families and at the views of its director, John Carr, on its appropriate topics and objectives. (SJL)

One of the major polarizations in marriages of workaholic husbands is their pursuit of the "Great American Dream" while their wives are left to pursue the "Petty Realities of Life." Couples must learn to negotiate realistic and functional objectives for themselves, without avoiding the issues. (JAC)

Examines the situation of 40 Missouri farm families who were forced out of farming because of financial reasons. Includes family members' experiences with 15 common reactions to stress, sources of help, degree of adjustment to the uniform way of life, and characteristics of families and farms involved in the study. (JHZ)

A survey of 120 families of children with emotional or behavioral disorders found they received more needed support from formal organizations and paid professionals than from informal organizations and unpaid individuals. However, family members were reported as the most helpful for coping with daily challenges. Parents receiving more support…

This paper explores social and psychological issues facing those with acquired hearing loss, including self-identity, dealing with the loss, communication issues, and the impact of hearing impairment on significant others. Strategies and innovative approaches to promoting the well-being of deafened and hard-of-hearing individuals and their…

Financial insecurity can affect family life at all income levels across all races. Hardships resulting from financial insecurity fall most heavily upon women--directly through inferior wages and income opportunities, or indirectly through abusive actions by discontented spouses. Empowering women in the financial arena can stabilize families and…

This study assessed attitudes of parents in 48 families with young children having special needs concerning: (1) social support, (2) family satisfaction, and (3) impact of the special child on the family. Significant differences were found between mothers' and fathers' responses on subscales concerned with time demands, coping, and well-being.…

The use and impact of a $256 monthly cash subsidy by 1,283 Michigan families with children with severe disabilities were examined. Families reported such uses as the purchase of clothing, toys, sitters, special foods, adaptive equipment, and professional services. Families indicated that the subsidy had improved family life, eased financial…

Survey of 1,040 Iowa farm operators found persons most at risk of forced displacement from farming were younger, better educated, large-scale operators who leveraged assets during the 1970's. Analysis linked financial hardship with perceived changes in quality of life, personal/familial stress, and family-life patterns. Discusses implications for…