The birth of a child with Down syndrome has the "potential" to have many effects upon the family. Conversely, the way in which individual family members and the family as a whole respond to this situation has the capacity to have a profound impact on the child's development. This "bidirectional" process, in which the child's behavior affects the…

Although the possibility of a suicidal act cannot be predicted from any one variable, a disturbed relationship with parents has been described as one of the most important extrinsic factors contributing to a youth's risk for self-destructive behavior. This study sought to determine if it is possible to discriminate between groups…

The manual is intended as a guide for initiating outreach projects for families of handicapped children. The manual is organized in four parts, covering the following topics: (1) the general organization of a family outreach project; (2) the development, content, administration and scoring of the Family Interview Schedule designed to examine…

To investigate the hypothesis that the degree of disturbance shown by a child is a function of his perception of family adjustment, two groups of 13 families each were studied. Subjects were adolescent patients, normal siblings, parents, and a normal control group of adolescents and parents. Perceptions of the family and ideal family were obtained…

This paper summarizes the existing literature on the importance of the family meal in analyzing family interaction, presents the results of a naturalistic observational study of a normal (nonpathological) family, and identifies the implications of the study for research and therapy. (Author)

Discusses survival roles adopted by children growing up in families where alcohol is abused, relating them to birth order, and emphasizing their maladaptivity for later adult interactions. Presents case studies of two common roles of adult children of alcoholics (ACAs), those of hero and scapegoat, and demonstrates how ACAs interact in a mixed,…

Tremendous social changes have left many grandparents unsure about what type of grandparent role is useful today. This book challenges grandparents to examine traditional grandparent beliefs to see if modifications might enhance their understanding and enjoyment of the role. The book's introductory chapter discusses societal changes influencing…

Proposes an outline for a counseling model which combines individual and ecological approaches to assessment and intervention in a general systems theory, followed by an application of these principles to family assessment and intervention. Case examples illustrate how the ecological systems model is translated into clinical practice. (Author/WAS)

Responses of 1- to 2 1/2-year-old children as bystanders to naturally occurring and simulated expressions of anger and affection by others were recorded by mothers trained as observers. Expressions of anger frequently caused distress in the children. Distress responses were significantly more likely when physical attack occurred. Overt signs of…

This paper puts forth a perspective on the family counseling profession through the analysis of fathering and what can be done as a profession to improve it. (Author)

Examines correlates of marital hostility and husband withdrawal behavior patterns, and their impact on the functioning of mother-child, father-child, and mother-father relationships when children are 5 years old. Describes models linking mothering and fathering to later internalizing and externalizing behavior when children are age 8, identifying…

A study found that parents of 51 boys (aged 5-13) with attention deficit disorder with hyperactivity perceived their family environment as less supportive and more stressful than control groups, with lower levels of interpersonal relationships, more depression, and higher separation/divorce rates. Differences were found in mothers' and fathers'…

Finds that the Reading and Writing Family Constellation Disclosure (measuring family impact on reading and writing abilities) can help teachers assess students on a holistic basis and develop appropriate remediation plans for them, providing particular insights into a student's unresponsiveness to remediation. (SR)

Investigates the characteristics of the intrafamily environment that change the intellectual environment of the children and interact with the factor of birth order. Concludes that the effect of birth order is linked: (1) with the gender configuration of sibling relationships; and (2) with various cognitive and personal characteristics of the…