Family Environment and Pediatric Major Depressive Disorder

Background: The risks for depression broadly include biological and environmental factors. Furthermore, having a family member suffering from major depression is also likely to have consequences for the family environment. Further research aimed at understanding the effects of having a child with major depression on family interaction patterns is warranted. Methods: We studied 31 families with an 8- to 17-year-old child (mean age +/- SD = 12.9 +/- 2.7 years) who met the DSM-IV criteria for major depressive disorder (MDD) and 34 families with no mentally ill children (mean age 8 SD = 12.6 +/- 2.9 years) or parents. Children and their parents were assessed with the K-SADS-PL (Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia - Present and Lifetime Version) interview. Parents completed the Moos Family Environment Scale (FES) to assess their perceptions of current family functioning. Data were analyzed using the nonparametric Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test. Results: Families of MDD children showed significantly different patterns of family functioning on FES subscales representing relationships and personal growth dimensions. The families with MDD children showed higher levels of conflict (p < 0.001) and lower levels of cohesion (p < 0.001), expressiveness (p = 0.003) and active-recreational orientation (p = 0.02) compared to the families without mentally ill children. Conclusion: Families with MDD children show a lower degree of commitment, provide less support to one another, provide less encouragement to express feelings and have more conflicts compared to families with no mentally ill children or parents. Interventions aimed at improving family dynamics may be beneficial to MDD children and their families. Copyright (C) 2010 S. Karger AG, Basel

Parent-Child Interaction and Children's Self-Concept

This study is designed to investigate the relationships between marital communication, the quality of parents' ability to assist their children in joint problem-solving, and children's independent mastery attempts and perceived competence at problem-solving, and behavioral indicators of self-esteem. Couples' skill at regulating their own and their children's negative affect within the marital and parent-child family subsystems is hypothesized to predict the quality of their assistance, or scaffolding behavior, to their children during joint problem-solving. Further, the quality of parental scaffolding behavior is expected to predict children's independent mastery attempts, levels of perceived competence at problemsolving, and behavioral indicators of self-esteem. Families for the study will be those with children between 3 1/2 to six years of age recruited from subjects participating in a longitudinal study of communication in marriage being conducted at the Denver Center for Marital and Family Studies. Families will participate in three interaction tasks designed to tap parental scaffolding behavior during problemsolving with their children. Children will be administered self-report measures to tap their perceived competence at such problem-solving as those in the interaction tasks and parents will complete a questionnaire tapping the behavioral indicators of their child's self-esteem. Family interaction data will be coded with the use of a microanalytic coding system developed by this study, the Parent-Child Interaction Coding System. Marital communication data at three time points, premaritally, during the transition to parenthood , and concurrently, will be obtained from couples' interactions from the longitudinal study. The clinical significance of this study includes implications for training couples how to effectively regulate negative affect and offer their children sensitive assistance during joint problem-solving.

Um olhar sobre a surdez: uma história de vida

Dissertação de mestrado em Educação Especial (área de especialização em Intervenção Precoce)

La consultation systémique: une interface entre recherche et clinique

Le but de la consultation systémique est l'évaluation des interactions familiales à des fins cliniques aussi bien qu'à des fins de recherche, avec mise en lumière des ressources aussi bien que des difficultés de la famille. Elle est soit demandée spontanément par les parents soit par le(s) thérapeute(s) qui sui(ven)t la famille. Lors d'une première rencontre, nous proposons d'une part à la famille de faire des jeux familiaux standardisés que nous filmons et d'autre part de poser les questions qui motivent les parents ou thérapeute(s) à nous consulter. Lors d'une deuxième rencontre, un visionnement des films avec la famille (et les thérapeutes) permet une discussion ainsi que l'élaboration de réponses aux questions posées. Après une description de la pratique de la consultation systémique, avec ses objectifs et ses principes, les situations utilisées dans ce contexte sont présentées (comme le Lausanne Trilogue Play). Enfin, une vignette clinique en illustre la richesse et l'utilité, aussi bien pour la recherche que pour la clinique. The aim of the systems consultation is to assess the family interaction in order to enlighten, in a clinical perspective, the resources as well as the difficulties of the family. The family itself or a therapist may request it. During the first session, we propose to the family, on the one hand, to play standardized games which are recorded and, on the other hand, to ask the questions they (or the therapist/s) may have. During the second session, a video feedback takes place to discuss and elaborate on the questions. After a description of the practice of the systems consultation, including aims and principles, the observational situations used in this context will be presented (e.g. the Lausanne Trilogue Play). Finally a case illustration will show its richness and usefulness for research as well as for clinical purposes, in particular as a bridge between research and clinical domains.

Couple conjugal et couple co-parental: quelle articulation lors de la transition à la parentalité ?

La venue d'un premier enfant implique d'importants remaniements. Le couple conjugal est mis à rude épreuve et la littérature anglo-saxonne fait état d'une baisse de la satisfaction conjugale durant la période de transition à la parentalité. De plus, au couple conjugal s'ajoutent le couple co-parental (relations entre les parents à propos de leur enfant) et les dyades parentales (parent/enfant). L'articulation entre les sous-systèmes conjugal, co-parental et parental va varier d'une famille à l'autre : prépondérance du parental ou du conjugal, présence d'un co-parentage soutenant ou non, etc. La baisse de la satisfaction conjugale lors de la transition à la parentalité est confirmée dans une étude réalisée en Suisse et présentée dans cet article. Des vignettes cliniques de jeux familiaux illustrent ensuite les différentes articulations possibles du conjugal, du co-parental et du familial. The birth of a first child implies important reorganizations. The marital relationship is under stress and Anglo-Saxon literature shows that there is a decrease of the marital satisfaction during the transition to parenthood. Moreover, when partners become parents, coparenting (relationship between the parents regarding their child) and parental dyads (parent-infant) are added to the marital relationship. The articulation between the conjugal, coparental and parental sub-systems varies from one family to the other : preponderance of the parental or the conjugal subsystem, presence of a supportive co-parenting or not, etc. The decrease of the marital satisfaction during the transition to parenthood is confirmed in a Swiss study and described in this article. Descriptions of family games illustrate then the different possible articulations of the conjugal, coparental and parental subsystems.

Trabalho e família: um estudo da interação de papéis com secretários executivos

The balance between the demands of two important spheres of human life, work and family, has become a challenge due to the pressures of the contemporary that is expanding around the difficulties of reconciling these two comínios. In this sense, this research aimed to understand the work-family interaction in the perception of executive secretaries. The analysis approach used was qualitative research, by worrying about a reality that can not be quantified due to the subjectivity of his goal. The data collection technique used was the semistructured interview to twenty executive secretaries, servants of a Federal Institution of Higher Education. For the understanding and interpretation of the data, we used the technique of content analysis. The results of both analyzes identified the existence of conflict as enrichment in this interaction. The time was identified as the largest generator of conflict work. The overload, relationship stress and conflict emerged as elements common to both domains. As main implications of labor disputes, were revealed: problamas health for secretaries and stress. As main implications of family conflicts emerged: motivation for work, lower performance and lack of concentration. The attempt at balance was identified as the strategy most used by secretaries to minimize work-family conflict. The work-family enrichment was seen as resources that contribute to improving the lives of the secretary in both domains. The opportunity to add knowledge was highlighted as enriching element of work and family values ​​as elements enriching family. The support and experience emerged as enrichment items common to both domains. Regarding the implications of enrichment resulting from the interaction of work and family, the more perceived by respondents were: increased knowledge and skills, material and psychological benefits, improved quality of life and personal and professional fulfillment. From the perception of executive secretaries, work and family spheres of human life are essential and complementary, and that help is contrary, however, this relationship is the primary management of conflicts, ie, how the individual sees and manages the negative side of the work-family

Razão e Fé: estudo do grupo de oração como prática complementar na promoção à saúde

The World Health Organization (WHO) has given special attention to therapeutic procedures other than those practiced in conventional therapy, including homeopathy, phytotherapy, spiritual therapies and prayers, making possible the transition from a mere medicalizating model to a holistic view of the human being. This trend, earmarked in 1978 at the Alma-Ata Conference, questions the ability of technological and specialized medicine to solve the health problems of humankind. In Brazil, the onset of the Brazilian unified health system in 1988, introduced changes in the population s health care model where, within the scope of basic care, emphasis has been given to the Family Health Program since 1994. In this scenery, there is a broad area of complementary practices used in promoting health and preventing and treating diseases to support an understanding of the habits and beliefs underpinning popular practices. The purpose of this study was to analyze the perception users participating in the Peace and Balance group of the Family Health Unit of Nova Cidade, in Natal, Rio Grande do Norte, started in 1999, have of the relationship between the experience of prayer and the changes that may have taken place in their lives after joining the group. It is a case study of descriptive nature and qualitative approach. The data were collected during focus group interviews between January and February 2007, using as tools a questionnaire to describe the research participants and a discussion outline. The theoretical support approached the following: religion and the evolution of thought; complementary health practices; and religion as a complementary health practice. Those interviewed reported, as results of such experience, a reduction in stress and depression, an increase in socialization and self-esteem, improved family interaction, comfort, safety, assurance, improved blood pressure levels and a decrease in the use of antihypertension medication and psychopharmacs. Although most professionals do not consider attention to the religious and spiritual aspects an effective therapeutical complement in health care, its understanding and practice may democratize knowledge and relationships, out of which they can learn how to make health production more effective, strengthening assurance and confidence, and developing and expanding soft technologies aimed at health care promotion and wholeness

A voz da criança institucionalizada: representações sociais de família e abrigo

Pós-graduação em Serviço Social - FCHS

A gestão democrática da educação: expectativas da escola sobre a participação da família

The objective of this study was to verify the importance of family involvement as an element of democratic school management challenging legislation, intellectual discourse and the perspective of school staff. For this purpose, we analyzed the information obtained by means of instrument PDESchool applied in the public schools of a medium-sized city in the state of São Paulo. We found that the school teams identify school / family interaction as an important factor in the work to be developed, although families show little involvement in the management of school units.

Trabalho e família: um estudo da interação de papéis com secretários executivos

The balance between the demands of two important spheres of human life, work and family, has become a challenge due to the pressures of the contemporary that is expanding around the difficulties of reconciling these two comínios. In this sense, this research aimed to understand the work-family interaction in the perception of executive secretaries. The analysis approach used was qualitative research, by worrying about a reality that can not be quantified due to the subjectivity of his goal. The data collection technique used was the semistructured interview to twenty executive secretaries, servants of a Federal Institution of Higher Education. For the understanding and interpretation of the data, we used the technique of content analysis. The results of both analyzes identified the existence of conflict as enrichment in this interaction. The time was identified as the largest generator of conflict work. The overload, relationship stress and conflict emerged as elements common to both domains. As main implications of labor disputes, were revealed: problamas health for secretaries and stress. As main implications of family conflicts emerged: motivation for work, lower performance and lack of concentration. The attempt at balance was identified as the strategy most used by secretaries to minimize work-family conflict. The work-family enrichment was seen as resources that contribute to improving the lives of the secretary in both domains. The opportunity to add knowledge was highlighted as enriching element of work and family values ​​as elements enriching family. The support and experience emerged as enrichment items common to both domains. Regarding the implications of enrichment resulting from the interaction of work and family, the more perceived by respondents were: increased knowledge and skills, material and psychological benefits, improved quality of life and personal and professional fulfillment. From the perception of executive secretaries, work and family spheres of human life are essential and complementary, and that help is contrary, however, this relationship is the primary management of conflicts, ie, how the individual sees and manages the negative side of the work-family

Trabalho e família: um estudo da interação de papéis com secretários executivos

The balance between the demands of two important spheres of human life, work and family, has become a challenge due to the pressures of the contemporary that is expanding around the difficulties of reconciling these two comínios. In this sense, this research aimed to understand the work-family interaction in the perception of executive secretaries. The analysis approach used was qualitative research, by worrying about a reality that can not be quantified due to the subjectivity of his goal. The data collection technique used was the semistructured interview to twenty executive secretaries, servants of a Federal Institution of Higher Education. For the understanding and interpretation of the data, we used the technique of content analysis. The results of both analyzes identified the existence of conflict as enrichment in this interaction. The time was identified as the largest generator of conflict work. The overload, relationship stress and conflict emerged as elements common to both domains. As main implications of labor disputes, were revealed: problamas health for secretaries and stress. As main implications of family conflicts emerged: motivation for work, lower performance and lack of concentration. The attempt at balance was identified as the strategy most used by secretaries to minimize work-family conflict. The work-family enrichment was seen as resources that contribute to improving the lives of the secretary in both domains. The opportunity to add knowledge was highlighted as enriching element of work and family values ​​as elements enriching family. The support and experience emerged as enrichment items common to both domains. Regarding the implications of enrichment resulting from the interaction of work and family, the more perceived by respondents were: increased knowledge and skills, material and psychological benefits, improved quality of life and personal and professional fulfillment. From the perception of executive secretaries, work and family spheres of human life are essential and complementary, and that help is contrary, however, this relationship is the primary management of conflicts, ie, how the individual sees and manages the negative side of the work-family

Estrategias de afrontamiento familiar que los padres utilizan ante las pérdidas afectivas de los niños por separación

El siguiente estudio tiene como objetivo principal describir las estrategias de afrontamiento familiar que los padres utilizan ante las pérdidas afectivas de los niños por separación, con fundamento en el modelo estructural de Salvador Minuchín. En esta investigación participaron cinco familias monoparentales. El enfoque de la investigación es cualitativo; se aplicó la escala F-Copes para identificar cómo la familia maneja sus problemas y afronta las demandas que surgen de la separación o divorcio, seguido de una entrevista semiestructurada, la misma que demostró que cuando surge la separación conyugal trae uno o varios cambios en la estructura familiar y, en la relación entre los subsistemas los individuos modifican sus rutinas y se crea una nueva organización. El estudio muestra cómo las potencialidades de estas familias avanzan tejiendo internamente estrategias adaptativas que regulan el equilibrio emocional y relacional del sistema hacia las vicisitudes o desafíos del ciclo vital y de la vida misma; que para afrontar las pérdidas afectivas, uno de los mecanismos de afrontamiento es la alianza entre hermanos, lo que contribuye a una estrategia funcional permitiendo una relación benéfica con vínculos asertivos. Concluyendo que el contexto que rodea al niño es esencial para el desarrollo de estrategias de afrontamiento durante la infancia y las etapas subsiguientes.

Sun exposure and interaction with family history in risk of melanoma, Queensland, Australia

Sun exposure is the main environmental risk factor for melanoma, but the timing of exposure during life that confers increased risk is controversial. Here we provide the first report of the association between lifetime and age-specific cumulative ultraviolet exposure and cutaneous melanoma in Queensland, Australia, an area of high solar radiation, and examine the association separately for families at high, intermediate and low familial melanoma risk. Subjects were a population-based sample of melanoma cases diagnosed and registered in Queensland between 1982 and 1990 and their relatives. The analysis included 1,263 cases and relatives with confirmed cutaneous melanoma and 3,111 first-degree relatives without melanoma as controls. Data an lifetime residence and sun exposure, family history and other melanoma risk factors were collected by a mailed questionnaire. Using conditional multiple logistic regression with stratification by family, cumulative sun exposure in childhood and in adulthood after age 20 was significantly associated with melanoma, with estimated relative risks of 1.15 per 5,000 minimal erythemal doses (MEDs) from age 5 to 12 years, and 1.52 per 5 MEDs/day from age 20. There was no association with sun exposure in families at high familial melanoma risk. History of nonmelanoma skin cancer (relative risk [RR] = 1.26) and multiple sunburns (RR = 1.31) were significant risk factors. These findings indicate that sun exposure in childhood and in adulthood are important determinants of melanoma but not in those rare families with high melanoma susceptibility, in which genetic factors are likely to be more important. (C) 2002 Wiley-Liss, Inc.