Studied separation, divorce, and the postponement of marriage which have nearly doubled the number of adults who keep up a home without a spouse since 1970. Assesses teenage marriages as particularly unstable. Discusses other variables including children's sex, mother's education level, custody, and remarriage. (Author/JAC)

Developed a program to support adults concerned about their aging parents. Specific objectives were to: develop educational materials, provide a group milieu, and train participants in communications techniques. Results indicated the program had limited positive results in contrast to no, or slightly negative change for the delayed treatment…

Fluctuations in biological processes over time, defined as periodicities, affect all facets of life including family relationships. Periodicities may be a factor in marital and family problems and should be studied by child and family experts. (Author/JAC)

Findings from study of daughters (n=112) in midlife who were caring for their elderly mothers indicated that employment outside of home was related only to increase in physical strain in caregiving. Presence of children in household predicted lower levels of caregiver strain and greater caregiver well-being. (Author/NB)

Reviews the literature on the foster family characteristics that are thought to contribute to the behavioral and emotional problems of foster children. The review is shaped by an understanding of the personal and familial factors associated with children's problem behaviors. Factors include parenting, family home environment, family functioning,…

Reported that parental alcoholism is prognostic of childhood behavior problems, both directly, through genetic and modeling effects, and indirectly, through parental distress and physical problems. It was hypothesized that the heightened rate of behavior problems in children of alcoholics could be traced to the combination of negative interactions…

Describes a format used in 13 parenting groups for White parents of Black children. The purpose of these groups was to help the parents to raise their children with strong, positive Black identities and self-concepts. The purpose, goals, issues of the parents, and the format are outlined. (Author)

Applies social exchange principles to the difficulties of setting up a stepfamily. Discusses obstacles to role adjustment and maintenance of equity among members. Concludes that if the reconstituting family can establish a basis of trust, the stepfamily can merge as a developmental unit toward expansion and commitment. (Author)

Examined factors related to the quality of home environments that 83 teenage mothers provided for their 12-month-old infants. Findings show that teens who fostered supportive environments were less depressed and more empathic, had infants who were heavier at birth, received more support from the father, and lived in relatively safe neighborhoods.…

Explored influences of mobile telework on family life as reported by teleworkers in a large national corporation. Compared this group to office workers within the same company. Teleworkers reported greater work flexibility. Some described positive family influences, whereas others revealed family problems arising from blurred lines between work…

Investigated how 657 fathers' job satisfaction and job stress were related to four domains: individual, parent-child, marital, and child. Results showed that the job affected all four domains. Job stress and job satisfaction were directly related to family functioning. Discusses implications for families with school-age children. (RJM)

Reviews legal issues related to child custody decision making during and following divorce, and abstracts relevant information from all states. Discusses best interests of the child (BIOC) standard, legal standing of third parties litigating with natural parents, rights and responsibilities of noncustodial parents, and the role of alternative…

Improvements in transfer and retention of skills learned in parent education programs were hypothesized to occur if the learning process provided for the "discovery of personal meaning". Data from 28 parents revealed that parents in the personal meaning approach demonstrated more effective learning and retention. Few changes in attitude…

Describes the impact of an experimental parent-group program for parents of psychiatrically hospitalized children on parents' self-esteem, attitudes toward their children, and knowledge regarding childrearing techniques. Found parents rated supportive group functions as having greater personal relevance and therapeutic impact than educative ones.…

Program is based on Family Systems Theory. Families are seen from three to seven sessions for evaluation and counseling. Gears interventions toward mobilizing family resources to having parents take responsibility to negotiate an agreement putting their child's interests first. Makes recommendations to the court. Preliminary results are positive.…