Search results

Title: Re-Defining Fatherhood: Examining the Multidimensionality of Black Fatherhood and Its Association to Child Misconduct and Father-Child Relationship Quality.
Creator: Armstrong, Joslyn C. (Joslyn Chevette), Rehm, Marsha Lynn, Jackson, Felecia Jordan, Cui, Ming, Kimmes, Jonathan, Harris, Gregory, Florida State University, College of Human...
Show moreArmstrong, Joslyn C. (Joslyn Chevette), Rehm, Marsha Lynn, Jackson, Felecia Jordan, Cui, Ming, Kimmes, Jonathan, Harris, Gregory, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
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Abstract/Description: Black Fatherhood is an understudied area of inquiry within the fatherhood literature. Historically father involvement was examined through three primary dimensions of responsibility, accessibility, and engagement. However, Black father involvement differs in terms of contact, support, and residency in comparison than other racial-ethnic fathers. They face distinct barriers in education, income, incarceration, employment, residency, and depression factors. All of these contextual and...
Show moreBlack Fatherhood is an understudied area of inquiry within the fatherhood literature. Historically father involvement was examined through three primary dimensions of responsibility, accessibility, and engagement. However, Black father involvement differs in terms of contact, support, and residency in comparison than other racial-ethnic fathers. They face distinct barriers in education, income, incarceration, employment, residency, and depression factors. All of these contextual and structural factors have been shown to influence father involvement. Researchers have yet to define father involvement for Black men including structural dimensions. Researchers have begun to examine father involvement from a multi-faceted perspective. Additionally, researchers have begun to include multidimensional conceptual models grounded in theory when measuring fatherhood. Researchers will need to continue to integrate cultural, economic, and social dimensions to Black fatherhood experiences. Thus, the purpose of this dissertation was to explore expanding the definition of father involvement for Black men to include relational and structural dimensions. The conceptual model was guided by both masculinity and feminist theories and the cultural ecological theory. The theories on gender were used to validate the inclusion of defining fatherhood traditionally with the provider role as well as validate that Black fatherhood was marginalized by traditional fatherhood expectations. The cultural ecological theory supported use of a contextual and ecological perspective using the structural dimensions that were culturally specific to Black father experiences. The research questions for the dissertation were: 1) what is the factor structure underling the 30 items of: relational dimensions of accessibility, contact, and responsibility; and structural dimensions of incarceration history, depression, employment, income, education, and residency status?; 2) what is the association between father interaction and financial provider with child misconduct?; and 3) what is the association between father interaction and financial provider with father-child relationship quality? The researcher conducted an exploratory factor analysis to address research question one that suggested a possible four factor structure for the definition of father involvement for Black men. However, the reliability and correlations for the structural dimensions within the father involvement variable were below standard requirements. Thus, according to the results, there was not enough statistical support to validate the need for a multidimensional definition for Black father involvement. Black father involvement was not defined using structural components. However, the results suggested that Black fatherhood could be defined by contextual and structural components, even if there were minimal percentages. Additionally, the relational factors were used to uncover their association with child misconduct and father-child relationship quality. The researcher conducted two multiple regression analysis models to address research questions two and three. Father interaction and financial provider were significant predictors of child misconduct. The covariates of incarceration, employment, education, and income were significantly associated with child misconduct. Then, father interaction and financial provider were significant predictors of father-child relationship quality. Income was significantly associated with father-child relationship quality. Implications for researchers and clinicians were addressed.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: 2019_Spring_Armstrong_fsu_0071E_15017
Format: Thesis

Title: The Emotion Regulation Process in Parents: Responding to the Call for Emotion Regulation Skills in Parenting Interventions.
Creator: Wolford, Sarah N. (Sarah Nancy), McWey, Lenore M., Radey, Melissa, Cui, Ming, Rehm, Marsha Lynn, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and...
Show moreWolford, Sarah N. (Sarah Nancy), McWey, Lenore M., Radey, Melissa, Cui, Ming, Rehm, Marsha Lynn, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
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Abstract/Description: Approximately 20% of children in the United States meet criteria for an emotional or behavioral disorder, including internalizing symptoms such as anxiety and depression, and externalizing symptoms such as conduct and oppositional defiance disorders (Ogundele, 2018). Evidence-based parenting interventions are one avenue of treatment designed to reduce symptoms of child emotional and behavioral disorders by promoting positive parenting practices that reduce risk for negative child outcomes....
Show moreApproximately 20% of children in the United States meet criteria for an emotional or behavioral disorder, including internalizing symptoms such as anxiety and depression, and externalizing symptoms such as conduct and oppositional defiance disorders (Ogundele, 2018). Evidence-based parenting interventions are one avenue of treatment designed to reduce symptoms of child emotional and behavioral disorders by promoting positive parenting practices that reduce risk for negative child outcomes. Additional research in the last decade of parenting interventions has also shown that parent psychosocial health (e.g., self-esteem, self-efficacy, anxiety) improved as a result of parent participation in these interventions. These positive, yet unexpected parent outcomes have generated a new body of research focused on the processes (i.e., internal emotions, beliefs) through which these positive changes to parent mental health occurred. Further, parenting intervention researchers have also begun to test core elements of the intervention in order to determine whether behavior-based skills or emotion-focused skills led to these positive parent outcomes. What remains unclear, however, is how these changes occurred. Researchers propose that emotion regulation (ER) skills (e.g., awareness of reactivity; capacity to manage internal distress) may be associated with positive changes to symptoms of parent mental health challenges. However, most parenting programs do not include ER content. Shifting parenting programs to include ER content has the potential to improve parent mental health and reduce symptoms of child emotional and behavioral problems. Only one previous qualitative study (Holtrop, Parra-Cardona & Forgatch, 2014) has examined parent's process of change via shifts in behavior-focused parenting skills after an intervention. Additional research is needed to determine parents' perceptions of an intervention promoting ER skills and the unique role of emotions in reducing mental health symptoms and improving child outcomes. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to assess parent's perceptions on the utility of ER skills, as well as illuminate the skill-building process of implementing an ER task in order to derive implications for ER content inclusion in parenting interventions. Project aims were accomplished through the following research questions: (1) How do parents describe their own emotion regulation process? and, (2) How do parents perceive and process the ER implementation task? The term "process" in the context of this study includes close examination of parent in-depth experiences, perceptions, and actions taken to implement the ER task. Qualitative data were collected from 17 parents (8 fathers and 9 mothers) with 100% of participants completing the pre and post-implementation interviews (34 total interviews). Data were analyzed using grounded theory analysis via open, axial and selective coding to generate empirical evidence for parents use of ER skills. Findings illustrated that parents navigated through three phases amid describing their existing understanding of ER, and developed greater awareness of self and their child as they applied the ER implementation task. These experiences were grouped into three main phases, across pre-implementation and post-implementation contexts: (1) A Priori Knowledge of ER, (2) "It's Definitely Not Common Practice": The ER Learning Process, and (3) "Stop and Think": Developing Awareness and Insight. Across these phases, parents emphasized the importance of ER skills in their own lives, and the meaningful progress made to improve parent-child interactions. Additionally, parents emphasized the cognitive effort in which they engaged in order to attempt regulation (e.g., focused attention, self-monitoring). Results of this study provide additional insight into the utility of ER skills in parenting interventions, and encourage researchers to consider ER skills as a potential mechanism of change.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: 2019_Summer_Wolford_fsu_0071E_15188
Format: Thesis

Title: Dyadic Level Coping and the Effects on Diabetes Management and Control in Couples with One Partner Diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes: A Pilot Study.
Creator: Seibert, Gregory Scott, Fincham, Frank D., McNulty, James, McWey, Lenore M., Cui, Ming, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
Abstract/Description: In an attempt to improve treatment adherence in type 2 diabetes patients, researchers are turning to the couple system as one potential point of intervention. However, due to the lack of knowledge surrounding the role general relationship processes have in influencing diabetes management behaviors, very few couple-based interventions exist. Therefore, the current pilot study assesses the potential importance, and feasibility, of examining dyadic coping processes in the context of diabetes...
Show moreIn an attempt to improve treatment adherence in type 2 diabetes patients, researchers are turning to the couple system as one potential point of intervention. However, due to the lack of knowledge surrounding the role general relationship processes have in influencing diabetes management behaviors, very few couple-based interventions exist. Therefore, the current pilot study assesses the potential importance, and feasibility, of examining dyadic coping processes in the context of diabetes management and support among couples where one partner has type 2 diabetes. Preliminary findings suggest dyadic coping processes of both partners may be important in helping understand how general couple relationship processes can be used as a point of intervention for treating type 2 diabetes. However, a full-scale study is not feasible without adaptations to the current study protocol, measurements, recruitment procedures and funding.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: 2019_Summer_Seibert_fsu_0071E_15271
Format: Thesis

Title: Helicopter Parents in the Lives of College Students: A Grounded Theory Approach.
Creator: Allen, Jeffery William, Cui, Ming, Rehm, Marsha Lynn, Randolph, Karen A., Grzywacz, Joseph G., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and...
Show moreAllen, Jeffery William, Cui, Ming, Rehm, Marsha Lynn, Randolph, Karen A., Grzywacz, Joseph G., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
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Abstract/Description: Helicopter parenting continues to be an important issue for social science researchers. Researchers continually seek to understand this phenomenon within the context of the college student population. One of the core issues challenging this body of research is the continued tendency and focus towards understanding helicopter parenting through a quantitative lens while overlooking the theoretical foundation upon which this research is built. Through a grounded theory approach, this qualitative...
Show moreHelicopter parenting continues to be an important issue for social science researchers. Researchers continually seek to understand this phenomenon within the context of the college student population. One of the core issues challenging this body of research is the continued tendency and focus towards understanding helicopter parenting through a quantitative lens while overlooking the theoretical foundation upon which this research is built. Through a grounded theory approach, this qualitative study seeks to begin to build a theoretical foundation through interviews of a sample of 20 college students who have experienced helicopter parenting in their own life. Four distinct types of helicopter parenting were discovered and used to begin to create a substantive theory for this field. The empirical implications of how this theoretical discovery could bolster and unify the field, how these findings could fit within the current research literature, and the practical implications for parents and professionals were also discussed.
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Date Issued: 2019
Identifier: 2019_Fall_Allen_fsu_0071E_15549
Format: Thesis

Title: Family Decisions, Stressors, and Health Challenges among Latino Emancipated Migrant Farmworker Youth: A Mixed-Methods Approach.
Creator: Carlos Chavez, Fiorella Luisa, Gonzales Backen, Melinda Airr, Wagner, Richard K., Cui, Ming, Grzywacz, Joseph G., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department...
Show moreCarlos Chavez, Fiorella Luisa, Gonzales Backen, Melinda Airr, Wagner, Richard K., Cui, Ming, Grzywacz, Joseph G., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
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Abstract/Description: Latinos account for 80% of all farmworkers in the United States (U.S.) (Hernandez, Gabbard, & Carroll, 2016). Based on the latest National Agricultural Workers Survey (NAWS), there are young farmworkers ages 14 to 21 years old who account for 10% of the farmworker population. Youth who come to work in the U.S. by themselves – without their parents – are also known as emancipated migrant youth (EMY; Peoples et al., 2010). These EMY are part of a larger vulnerable community of migrant and...
Show moreLatinos account for 80% of all farmworkers in the United States (U.S.) (Hernandez, Gabbard, & Carroll, 2016). Based on the latest National Agricultural Workers Survey (NAWS), there are young farmworkers ages 14 to 21 years old who account for 10% of the farmworker population. Youth who come to work in the U.S. by themselves – without their parents – are also known as emancipated migrant youth (EMY; Peoples et al., 2010). These EMY are part of a larger vulnerable community of migrant and seasonal immigrant farmworkers (Arcury & Quandt, 2009). EMY are in their great majority males (89%), lack of work authorization (70%) (NAWS, 2016) and are at great risk for negative health outcomes from agricultural work (Cooper et al., 2005). To better understand the individual and the family expectations contributing to Latino youth entrance into the agricultural workforce, and the physical and psychological consequences of that decision, the following two papers addressed the gap in the literature of emancipated migrant youth in the U.S. Paper 1 consisted of two studies; Study 1explores the contributing factors (e.g., cultural values, familial values, and needs) that were included to the decision for youth to come to the United States to perform farm work. Study 2 identifies emancipated migrant youths’ personal choice –that is the level of contribution to the decision to come to the U.S. and work as a farmworker, familism, EMY’s role as provider through financial remittances, and family dependency. Paper 1 followed an exploratory design (Plano Clark et al., 2008; QUAL→quan) whereby the first component of the study (i.e., Study 1) consisted of n = 20 in-depth interviews with emancipated migrant youth that can help understand the decision making process for these youth’s migration to the United States and entrance into the agricultural labor force. These interviews later informed the creation of the culturally appropriate quantitative questionnaire (i.e., Study 2) based on Study 1 findings. Specifically, Study 2 (n = 36) identified the associations between whether EMY contributed to the decision to migrate to the U.S. and live as a farmworkers, familism, frequency of financial remittances, and family financial dependency. Similarly, Paper 2 consisted of two studies; Study 1 explored the work-related experiences of doing farmwork and living in the U.S. by emancipated migrant youth. Study 2 identified the day-to day challenges and stressors of the farmworker lifestyle that impact emancipated migrant youth’s overall health and well-being. Paper 2 also followed an exploratory design (Plano Clark et al., 2008; QUAL→quan) whereby the first component (i.e., Study 1) consisted of in-depth interviews with emancipated migrant youth. Such interviews helped understand the work-related experiences work in the United States, and living in the U.S. without their families among emancipated migrant youth. These interviews further guided the construction of the second, quantitative component (i.e., Study 2) to identify the effects of daily challenges and stressors on emancipated migrant youth psychological and physical health. Results from Paper 1 provided an insight and better understanding of the health “realities of the field” emancipated migrant youth experience as well as the underlying forces (i.e., personal, family values, financial need) that may have impacted EMY’s decision to leave their home countries and work in agriculture abroad. Specifically, thematic analysis highlighted four major themes for Study 1. Group differences emerged by EMY’s country of origin (i.e., Guatemala, Mexico) as well as age (i.e., 15 to 17 years old and 18 to 20 years old). A total of four major themes were identified: (1) “It was the best thing I could do,” (2) “It was my decision,” (3) “Farmwork just made sense,” (4) “This is just temporary.” In addition, Study 2 results showed no associations between the decision to migrate to the U.S. and work in farmwork with EMY’s familism, frequency of financial remittances and family financial decency. Results from Paper 2 provided an insight and better understanding of the work-related experiences of working in farmwork and living in the U.S. Specifically, thematic analysis highlighted five major themes for Study 1. (1) “You have to keep pushing forward,” (2) “It feels ugly but it’s all worth it,” (3) “The sun is unbearable, but we have to keep working,” (4) “I just take some medicine and it goes away,” (5) “I have to do everything on my own.” In addition, Study 2 results showed significant associations between the EMY’s MFWSI, loneliness, social isolation, and depressive symptoms. There were no significant mean differences based on EMY’s age group (i.e., 15 to 17 years old, 18 to 20 years old).
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: 2018_Su_CarlosChavez_fsu_0071E_14622
Format: Thesis

Title: Fear, Loss, and Adaptations of Latino Families: Learning from Families Who Have a Parent at Risk for Deportation.
Creator: Rayburn, Allison Dorothy, McWey, Lenore M, Gussak, David, Cui, Ming, Gonzales Backen, Melinda Airr, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and...
Show moreRayburn, Allison Dorothy, McWey, Lenore M, Gussak, David, Cui, Ming, Gonzales Backen, Melinda Airr, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
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Abstract/Description: Poor mental health outcomes are associated with families who have a parent without legal U.S. residential documentation who are at-risk for detainment or deportation (Dreby, 2012; Gulbas, Zayas, Yoon, Szlyk, Aguilar-Gaxiola, & Natera, 2016; Zayas, Aguilar-Gaxiola, Yoon, & Natera Rey, 2015). With an estimated 5.7 million U.S. born youth living with parents who do not have legal residential documentation, there is a need for furthering the understanding of the needs and resiliency of this...
Show morePoor mental health outcomes are associated with families who have a parent without legal U.S. residential documentation who are at-risk for detainment or deportation (Dreby, 2012; Gulbas, Zayas, Yoon, Szlyk, Aguilar-Gaxiola, & Natera, 2016; Zayas, Aguilar-Gaxiola, Yoon, & Natera Rey, 2015). With an estimated 5.7 million U.S. born youth living with parents who do not have legal residential documentation, there is a need for furthering the understanding of the needs and resiliency of this largely underserved population (Warren & Kerin, 2017). In addition to receiving less mental health and social services than families with parents with legal U.S. documentation, families who have a parent does not have legal residential documentation fate is often determined by legal and social service systems, including immigration, incarceration, and child welfare. Therefore, there is a need to explore further and examine the experiences and needs of this population to find ways in which to address negative outcomes and build upon their existing resilience. The purpose of this study was to give voice to Latino youth and their parents to further the understanding of the relationship between the experiences, needs, and resiliency factors associated with coping with having a parent at risk for detainment or deportation. This research examined the reported experiences of youth and parents to gain an in-depth understanding of their experiences with this potentially traumatic event and resiliency factors. Both developmental trauma theory (van der Kolk, 2005) and ambiguous loss theory (Boss, 1999) provided the theoretical frameworks for this study. Using a qualitative design, a constructivist grounded theory approach (Charmaz, 2006: 2013) was used to further the theoretical understanding of the interactions and experiences of Latino families who are at risk or who have experienced parental deportation. Participants include 16 families who had a least one parent who was at risk for detainment or deported. Semi-structured interviews were conducted in either Spanish or English with parents and youth separate to gather depth and descriptive richness of the participants’ story from their perspective and with their choice of language. Also, demographic information and a quantitative trauma measure were used to triangulate the qualitative findings Results revealed themes of emotional distress and injustices from both parents and youth of this population. Additionally, parents and youth identified both cultural factors and parent-youth communication about the potential trauma contributed to parent and youth resiliency. Implications for professionals in the helping field and future directions for research are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: 2018_Su_Rayburn_fsu_0071E_14618
Format: Thesis

Title: Culturally Competent Parenting: A Test of Web-Based Training for Transracial Foster and Adoptive Parents.
Creator: Montgomery, Jordan Erica, McWey, Lenore M, Canto, Angela I., Gonzales Backen, Melinda Airr, Cui, Ming, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family...
Show moreMontgomery, Jordan Erica, McWey, Lenore M, Canto, Angela I., Gonzales Backen, Melinda Airr, Cui, Ming, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
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Abstract/Description: The study focused on testing a web-based parenting course called FosterParentCollege.com (FPC) Culturally Competent Parenting for parents who were fostering or adopting children transracially. Transracial parenting means parents who have adopted or are fostering a child of a different race than themselves. It is important for parents who are foster or adopting transracially to learn about resources when it comes to culturally competent parenting due to the positive impact culturally competent...
Show moreThe study focused on testing a web-based parenting course called FosterParentCollege.com (FPC) Culturally Competent Parenting for parents who were fostering or adopting children transracially. Transracial parenting means parents who have adopted or are fostering a child of a different race than themselves. It is important for parents who are foster or adopting transracially to learn about resources when it comes to culturally competent parenting due to the positive impact culturally competent parenting has on children. Research study findings have indicated that transracial children who receive racial-ethnic socialization (a type of culturally competent parenting) demonstrate positive outcomes such as better self-esteem and psychological adjustment. This study utilized a mixed methods pre-test post-test treatment and control group design. The purpose was to determine if there was a difference in parent scores on openness to cultural receptivity after completing the course in comparison to parents taking the control course. Additionally, parents who participated in the treatment course completed two-month follow-up interviews to assess if they self-reported applying techniques learned from the culturally competent parenting course. Results of the study indicated that parents enrolled in the treatment course had significantly higher scores for openness to cultural receptivity after completing the course than before. Themes identified in the qualitative interviews indicated parents’ efforts to learn more about cultural competency. Implications and limitations are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: 2018_Sp_Montgomery_fsu_0071E_14361
Format: Thesis

Title: Family of Origin Dynamics and Youth Sexual Development: A Qualitative Study of Parenting Practices, Gender, and Race.
Creator: Murray, Kimberly Suzanne Ferguson, McWey, Lenore M, Ueno, Koji, Rehm, Marsha Lynn, Gonzales Backen, Melinda Airr, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department...
Show moreMurray, Kimberly Suzanne Ferguson, McWey, Lenore M, Ueno, Koji, Rehm, Marsha Lynn, Gonzales Backen, Melinda Airr, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
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Abstract/Description: Parents can be an important influencing factor in the sexual development of youth; however, little is known about what occurs, including specific behaviors and emotions, in the parent-youth relationship that is deemed by the youth as either effective or ineffective in supporting their healthy sexual development and values. Further, little is known about the impact of race and gender on parent-youth sexual communication. The present study offers insight into patterns in parent-youth sexual...
Show moreParents can be an important influencing factor in the sexual development of youth; however, little is known about what occurs, including specific behaviors and emotions, in the parent-youth relationship that is deemed by the youth as either effective or ineffective in supporting their healthy sexual development and values. Further, little is known about the impact of race and gender on parent-youth sexual communication. The present study offers insight into patterns in parent-youth sexual communication and how this can differ by race and gender. The primary aim of this study was to explore how youth perceived that their relationships with their parents in adolescence influenced their past and current values of sex and sexuality. Furthermore, an aim was to illuminate patterns by race and gender. To accomplish these aims, a narrative approach was utilized in facilitating youths’ retrospective accounts of their sexual development and relationships with their parents throughout their sexual development. Youth also discussed how their sexual development, sexual values, and parent-youth sexual communication may have been influenced by their race and gender. The guiding theoretical frameworks for the present study included Bronfenbrenner’s bioecological model and Bandura’s social learning theory. Taken together, these theories support the significant impact of the parent-youth relationship on youth development, while also considering outside influencing factors and personal demographic factors. Data were collected through in-depth, qualitative interviews with 25 youth focusing on their sexual development, sexual values, and parent-youth relationships. Using a phenomenological analytical approach, five core themes were identified: 1) Parent-youth sexual communication, 2) Alternative sources of sex education, 3) Perceived cultural impact, 4) Impact of parent-youth sexuality communication on present sexual values, and 5) Future sexual values and communication. Results describe how parents, as well as other sources, influence youth sexual development and values, as well as identify patterns by race and gender. Youth concluded by discussing how their current values may impact their future parenting decisions. The patterns identified provide a launching for future research and clinical practice to continue to consider how race and gender may impact youth sexual development and values. Additional recommendations for future research and clinical practice are also discussed.
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Date Issued: 2018
Identifier: 2018_Sp_Murray_fsu_0071E_14320
Format: Thesis

Title: Co-Parenting in the Context of Divorce: Evaluation and Application of the Multidimensional Co-Parenting Scales for Dissolved Relationships.
Creator: Ferraro, Anthony J. (Anthony James), Lucier-Greer, Mallory, Tillman, Kathryn H., Cui, Ming, Holtrop, Kendal, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of...
Show moreFerraro, Anthony J. (Anthony James), Lucier-Greer, Mallory, Tillman, Kathryn H., Cui, Ming, Holtrop, Kendal, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
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Abstract/Description: The experience of divorce can be a complex and challenging experience, particularly for families with minor children. Divorce intrinsically facilitates several related transitions that can include changes in financial circumstances, residence or geographic location, and various interpersonal relationships. Among the most drastic changes in relationships during this time can be the relationship between former spouses. Divorce may terminate the romantic relationship among partners, but for...
Show moreThe experience of divorce can be a complex and challenging experience, particularly for families with minor children. Divorce intrinsically facilitates several related transitions that can include changes in financial circumstances, residence or geographic location, and various interpersonal relationships. Among the most drastic changes in relationships during this time can be the relationship between former spouses. Divorce may terminate the romantic relationship among partners, but for those with shared children, the joint responsibility in childrearing remains. How parents relate to each other in the capacity of childrearing is what is referred to as the co-parenting relationship. Within the divorce literature, limited research exists which considers comprehensive parent-reports of a range of co-parenting behaviors that are typical within the literature on co-parenting among continuously married intact families. This dissertation built upon this gap in the literature to advance understanding of a new measure of co-parenting behaviors among parents who have experienced a relationship dissolution. This measure, the Multidimensional Co-parenting Scales for Dissolved Relationships (MCS-DR), consists of four scales: (1) support, (2) overt conflict, (3) internally-regulated covert conflict, and (4) externally-regulated covert conflict. Support and overt conflict are commonly assessed dimensions within the divorce literature. However, internally-regulated covert conflict and externally-regulated covert conflict represent an understudied set of behaviors that distinguish between actions that an individual parent controls themselves and behaviors that fall outside of their control. Using this measure as a vehicle, the two studies herein sought to better understand (1) the utility of measuring covert co-parenting conflict in the divorce literature, (2) how physical custody status, a critical component of the post-divorce experience, can influence or shape the experience of co-parenting, and (3) what leverage points exist that can help to alleviate the impact of post-divorce stress on individual wellbeing. Study 1 involved the assessment of the MCS-DR for measurement equivalence across three distinctive physical custody statuses. Results indicated that nonresident parents and parents who shared joint custody demonstrated similar measurement related to factor loadings and intercept-levels across all four scales of the MCS-DR. Post-hoc tests were conducted to examine measurement equivalence between resident parents and a combined group of nonresident parents and joint custody parents. Findings suggested that although factor loadings were similar across all constructs, only internally-regulated covert conflict demonstrated similar intercept-levels across each custody group. Study 2 involved the assessment of competing models, comparing the well-established Quality of Coparental Communication Scale (QCCS) and the MCS-DR in predicting a latent variable of adverse mental health symptomology. Using a stress process approach, each model considered dimensions of co-parenting as sources of chronic stress manifesting in the form of adverse mental health symptomology, with self-efficacy acting as a mediator. Results indicated that the MCS-DR predicted a significantly greater proportion of the variance in self-efficacy, and three indicators of adverse mental health symptomology compared to the QCCS. Indirect effects were found in both models from a single dimension of co-parenting to adverse mental health symptomology through self-efficacy. Taken together the results of these studies provide further support for the utility of the MCS-DR, the value of assessing covert co-parenting conflict following divorce, and contextual considerations in studying divorcing families. Suggestions for future research, divorce education programming, and intervention are presented.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: FSU_SUMMER2017_Ferraro_fsu_0071E_13969
Format: Thesis

Title: Constraints to Family Leisure and Perceptions of Family Functioning of U.S. Army Personnel Who Have Experienced Deployment.
Creator: Duncan, James Michael, Lucier-Greer, Mallory, Joiner, Thomas, Holtrop, Kendal, McWey, Lenore M., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and...
Show moreDuncan, James Michael, Lucier-Greer, Mallory, Joiner, Thomas, Holtrop, Kendal, McWey, Lenore M., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
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Abstract/Description: Family leisure is conceptualized as engagement and satisfaction with experiences that involve joint participation in activities with other family members during one’s free time. Although family leisure has been linked to family functioning, the process by which family leisure contributes to family functioning, particularly in the context of leisure constraints, has yet to be explicated. Guided by theory, this study examined the relationships between leisure constraints and family functioning...
Show moreFamily leisure is conceptualized as engagement and satisfaction with experiences that involve joint participation in activities with other family members during one’s free time. Although family leisure has been linked to family functioning, the process by which family leisure contributes to family functioning, particularly in the context of leisure constraints, has yet to be explicated. Guided by theory, this study examined the relationships between leisure constraints and family functioning of United States Army personnel who have recently experienced deployments and evaluated the role of family leisure between these relationships. Two theoretically competing models were empirically tested to determine whether family leisure mediated or moderated the relationships between leisure constraints and family functioning. Leisure constraints were conceptualized as factors that inhibit a person’s ability to engage in leisure or derive satisfaction from leisure; these leisure constraints fall under one of three domains: structural constraints, interpersonal constraints, and intrapersonal constraints. For this study, relevant leisure constraints for United States Army personnel were identified. Structural constraints were defined as tangible, contextual factors that influence a person’s ability to function effectively in a leisure setting; perceptions of financial management were identified as a salient structural constraint for this population. Interpersonal constraints were defined as relationship factors that inhibit a person’s ability to function in a leisure setting; relationship warmth was identified as a salient interpersonal constraint for this population. Intrapersonal constraints were defined as perceptions of personal or internal processes that inhibit a person’s ability to function in a leisure setting; coping with the military lifestyle was identified as a salient intrapersonal constraint for this population. Family functioning was measured as a latent concept that included dimensions of family flexibility and family communication, both of which have been identified by the military as vital components to creating military family readiness. The construct of family leisure encompassed aspects of leisure engagement and leisure satisfaction. The first model was theoretically derived from leisure constraint theory and examined whether family leisure served as a mediating influence between leisure constraints and family functioning. The second model, theoretically derived from effort recovery theory, evaluated family leisure as a moderating influence between the variables of interest, leisure constraints and family functioning. The study sample consisted of 222 active duty United States Army personnel stationed in the continental United States, who were in a committed romantic relationship for at least two years, and had at least one adolescent child between the ages of 11 and 18. Studying military members who have significant others and adolescent children is important as the military operating environment is one characterized by high rates of transition and instability that can have a significant influence on informal networks, namely familial relationships. Family relationships are highly correlated with military family readiness, the ability of the family to effectively respond to military needs. Results indicated that family leisure fit best as a mediator and did not fit as well as a moderator for this sample of military members. More specifically, family leisure partially mediated the relationships between the leisure constraint variables of interest and family functioning. The leisure constraints of financial management and relationship warmth were significantly associated with family functioning. However, the direct relationship between military coping and family functioning was non-significant. For the indirect relationships, all leisure constraints were significantly associated with family leisure, and, in turn, family leisure was significantly associated with family functioning. This model fit similarly when accounting for the depressive symptomology of the active duty service member. In the competing model, no moderating effects were found for the study variables of interest. Results from this study can be used by service providers and policy makers who can advocate for family leisure as a leverage point for promoting healthy military families post-deployment. Practical applications include disseminating information to military families about leisure resources to provide families with new avenues to promote positive family functioning.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: FSU_SUMMER2017_Duncan_fsu_0071E_13954
Format: Thesis

Title: The Role of Basic Psychological Needs in Determining Well-Being: A Study of Diverse Samples of Emerging Adults.
Creator: Reed, Kayla M., Lucier-Greer, Mallory, Reynolds, John R., Cui, Ming, McWey, Lenore M., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
Abstract/Description: Suggestions from the self-determination theory and extant literature suggest the fulfillment of basic psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness) is necessary for well-being and to prevent ill-being. Autonomy is the perception that an individual is the source of their own behavior and can act in ways congruent with his or her sense of self. Competence is the sense of confidence one has in his or her abilities to be effective in their interactions within the environment....
Show moreSuggestions from the self-determination theory and extant literature suggest the fulfillment of basic psychological needs (i.e., autonomy, competence, and relatedness) is necessary for well-being and to prevent ill-being. Autonomy is the perception that an individual is the source of their own behavior and can act in ways congruent with his or her sense of self. Competence is the sense of confidence one has in his or her abilities to be effective in their interactions within the environment. Relatedness is the sense of connection to important others, that one cares for and is cared for by others. Emerging adulthood is a unique developmental stage marked by instability, in which many common psychological disorders (i.e., ill-being) reach their peak. This dissertation explored the interconnections between basic psychological needs and well- and ill-being during emerging adulthood, using two distinct samples. The first study used a latent profile approach to identify subgroups of emerging adults based on their levels of basic psychological need satisfaction and frustration; the subgroups, known as profiles, were then compared with regard to their reports of well-being (i.e., life satisfaction and vocational identity) and ill-being (i.e., anxiety and depression). Using latent profile analysis, a two-profile solution was found using an exploratory sample of college students (N = 177). The first profile had significantly lower levels of basic psychological need satisfaction and higher levels of basic psychological need frustration than the second profile, both seem to generally reflect the theoretical notion that needs exist on a continuum from satisfied to frustrated. The two-profile structure was verified using a confirmatory sample of college students (N = 375). Significant group differences were then found using a multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA), in that members of the profile with lower levels of basic psychological need satisfaction and higher basic psychological need frustration had significantly lower levels of life satisfaction and vocational identity and higher levels of anxiety and depression. Implications for theorists, clinicians, and college administrators and educators are discussed. The second study examined the role of an autonomy-thwartive environment, specifically hostile deployment experiences, and its' influence on soldiers' competence, conceptualized as performance, and mental health, as well as how these relationships differ based on relational environments. A sample of combat-exposed soldiers between the ages of 18 and 25 from the restricted military personnel Army Study to Assess Risk and Resilience among Servicemembers (STARRS) dataset (N = 5,284) was used. Findings suggested that higher levels of hostile deployment experiences were found to be related to a greater likelihood of anxiety, depression, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Higher levels of hostile deployment experiences were also linked to poorer military performance. Poorer military performance was, in turn, related to a greater likelihood of anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Using moderated mediation structural equation modeling, buffering effects of the detrimental impact of hostile deployment experiences were found for both unit cohesion and interpersonal relational experiences. Implications for those working with military service personnel, specifically marriage and family therapists, are focused on ways to bolster unit cohesion and healthy interpersonal relationships as a protective factor for young service members.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: FSU_2017SP_Reed_fsu_0071E_13715
Format: Thesis

Title: Predictors of Ethnic-Racial Socialization Profiles in Early Childhood Among African American Parents.
Creator: Reynolds, Jamila Evans, Gonzales-Backen, Melinda A., Stewart, Eric Allen, McWey, Lenore M., Cui, Ming, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family...
Show moreReynolds, Jamila Evans, Gonzales-Backen, Melinda A., Stewart, Eric Allen, McWey, Lenore M., Cui, Ming, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
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Abstract/Description: Ethnic-racial socialization (ERS) is a culturally relevant parenting practice commonly used within African American families to teach children about their cultural heritage and prepare them for discrimination experiences. There is an abundance of literature exploring ERS within the adolescent and young adult developmental stages, however few studies have investigated ERS during early childhood. A further understudied area is the relation between ERS and other socialization strategies that...
Show moreEthnic-racial socialization (ERS) is a culturally relevant parenting practice commonly used within African American families to teach children about their cultural heritage and prepare them for discrimination experiences. There is an abundance of literature exploring ERS within the adolescent and young adult developmental stages, however few studies have investigated ERS during early childhood. A further understudied area is the relation between ERS and other socialization strategies that African American parents use to raise well-adjusted children. As such, guided by Garcia Coll's eco-cultural framework, the purpose of this study was to investigate ERS and other socialization strategies, identified in the five domains of socialization, used among rural, low-income African American parents of three-year-olds. First, frequencies of ERS were conducted to determine the amount of ERS that these African American parents use with their young children. Results indicated that nearly half of the mothers (47.7%) reported using some ERS. Next, latent profile analysis was used to identify profiles of ERS, as well as profiles of all five domains of socialization. Results indicated two profiles for ERS (Unengaged and Early Engagers) and two profiles for the five domains of socialization (Non-Race Specific Socialization and Multifaceted Socialization). Mothers in the Unengaged profile were characterized by low scores on all three ERS dimensions (cultural socialization, preparation for bias and promotion of mistrust), while mothers in the Early Engagers profile were characterized by more ERS than those in the Unengaged, specifically focusing on cultural socialization and preparation for bias. Compared to those in the Early Engagers profile, mothers in the Unengaged profile were more likely to report not having enough money, greater gender role stereotyping, and more social support. For the socialization profiles, mothers in the Non-Race Specific Socialization profile were characterized by socialization variables similar to the sample mean, while the mothers in the Multifaceted Socialization profile were characterized by utilizing more ERS, engaging in more family activities and discipline strategies, and displaying less sensitivity than the mothers in the Non-Race Specific Socialization profile. Compared to those in the Multifaceted Socialization profile, mothers in the Non-Race Specific Socialization profile indicated not having enough money, greater gender role stereotyping, and fewer discrimination experiences. Findings for this study suggest that African American mothers are using ERS with their young children, and they incorporate ERS along with other important socialization strategies. Implications for researchers and clinicians were addressed.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: FSU_2017SP_Reynolds_fsu_0071E_13721
Format: Thesis

Title: Parent-Adolescent Relationship Factors and Longitudinal Adolescent Depression: A Latent Profile Analysis.
Creator: Withers, Mathew C. (Mathew Calvin), McWey, Lenore M., Hay, Carter H., Cui, Ming, Gonzales-Backen, Melinda A., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of...
Show moreWithers, Mathew C. (Mathew Calvin), McWey, Lenore M., Hay, Carter H., Cui, Ming, Gonzales-Backen, Melinda A., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
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Abstract/Description: Adolescent depression is a common health problem. Despite the cost of treatment for adolescent depression continually increasing, the majority of adolescents who experience a depressive episode will experience another episode before the age of 30. As family therapists, the parent-adolescent relationship is particularly salient because it can be a point of intervention for improving adolescent depression symptoms. The parent-adolescent relationship is complex. However, much of the research...
Show moreAdolescent depression is a common health problem. Despite the cost of treatment for adolescent depression continually increasing, the majority of adolescents who experience a depressive episode will experience another episode before the age of 30. As family therapists, the parent-adolescent relationship is particularly salient because it can be a point of intervention for improving adolescent depression symptoms. The parent-adolescent relationship is complex. However, much of the research examining the parent-adolescent relationship focuses on quality of the relationship. Using data form the Project on Human Development in Chicago Neighborhoods, this study examined: 1) whether closeness, communication, conflict, and autonomy were distinct dimensions of the parent-adolescent relationship; 2) whether these dimensions can be used to create meaningful profiles of the parent-adolescent relationship; 3) whether closeness, communication, conflict, and autonomy differ in early adolescent and middle adolescent relationships; and 4) if adolescents within specific relationship profiles are more likely to exhibit depression symptoms and change in depression symptoms compared to other relationship profiles. Results demonstrated that closeness, communication, conflict, and autonomy were distinct dimensions of the parent-adolescent relationship that can be used to create four meaningful profiles. Using attachment theory, the profiles were labeled secure, avoidant, anxious, and detached. Adolescents in the avoidant profile for cohort 12 reported more depression symptoms at wave 1 and a larger decrease in depression symptoms after two years when compared to all other profiles. The results of this study suggest areas of assessment and intervention for clinicians working with adolescents presenting with depression symptoms.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: FSU_2017SP_Withers_fsu_0071E_13714
Format: Thesis

Title: Predicting Child Welfare Future Placements for Foster Youth: An Application of Statistical Learning to Child Welfare.
Creator: Benesh, Andrew S. (Andrew Scott), Cui, Ming, Hay, Carter H., McWey, Lenore M., Fincham, Frank D., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and...
Show moreBenesh, Andrew S. (Andrew Scott), Cui, Ming, Hay, Carter H., McWey, Lenore M., Fincham, Frank D., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
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Abstract/Description: PROBLEM: Limited understanding of factors that lead to placement disruption and entry into higher levels of care has been a longstanding problem in child welfare research and practice. While prior research has successfully identified some variables that are associated with placement instability, these findings are limited by methodological shortcomings and limited evidence of predictive utility. METHOD: This study attempts to use child, caseworker, and caregiver factors to predict placement...
Show morePROBLEM: Limited understanding of factors that lead to placement disruption and entry into higher levels of care has been a longstanding problem in child welfare research and practice. While prior research has successfully identified some variables that are associated with placement instability, these findings are limited by methodological shortcomings and limited evidence of predictive utility. METHOD: This study attempts to use child, caseworker, and caregiver factors to predict placement type and change in level of care over an 18 month period using random forest modeling. Data from the NSCAW I LTFC sample were used to train and evaluate predictive models. RESULTS: Models predicting placement type performed fairly, while models attempting to predict changes in level of care were unsuccessful. CONCLUSIONS: Future research should continue to consider nonlinear methods for evaluating child welfare outcomes. Consideration of a broader range of variables, localized data, and alternative measurement approaches are suggested.
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Date Issued: 2017
Identifier: FSU_2017SP_Benesh_fsu_0071E_13717
Format: Thesis

Title: The Salt of All Virtues: A Model of Humility, Partner and Self-Forgiveness, and Romantic Relationships.
Creator: Bell, Chance A., McWey, Lenore M., Glueckauf, Robert L., Fincham, Frank D., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
Abstract/Description: This study examined the role of humility in romantic relationships. Specifically, a theoretical model was tested in which perceptions of humility are associated with self-forgiveness and partner forgiveness in romantic relationships, which are in turn associated with relationship satisfaction. A sample of emerging adult females (N = 152), who reported being in a romantic relationship completed measures of self-reported humility, self-forgiveness, partner forgiveness, and relationship...
Show moreThis study examined the role of humility in romantic relationships. Specifically, a theoretical model was tested in which perceptions of humility are associated with self-forgiveness and partner forgiveness in romantic relationships, which are in turn associated with relationship satisfaction. A sample of emerging adult females (N = 152), who reported being in a romantic relationship completed measures of self-reported humility, self-forgiveness, partner forgiveness, and relationship satisfaction. Serial mediation analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling procedures. Perceptions of humility were not related to relationship satisfaction directly. Significant indirect effects through self-forgiveness and partner forgiveness did serially mediate the influence of humility on relationship satisfaction. Findings are discussed as well as limitations and implications for research and clinical practice.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: FSU_2016SU_Bell_fsu_0071E_13416
Format: Thesis

Title: Marital Quality, Parent-Adolescent Relations, and Adolescent Depressive Symptoms Among Military Families.
Creator: Howard, Samantha Ann, Lucier-Greer, Mallory, Holtrop, Kendal N., McWey, Lenore M., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
Abstract/Description: Although active duty military families continue to be a strong presence in American culture, few family-level studies have been conducted that examine military family systems, processes, and outcomes for individuals who are connected to an active duty member. Using family systems theory as a guiding framework, this study utilized a multi-informant approach to explore the relationships between marital quality, parent-adolescent interactions, and adolescent depressive symptoms among a sample of...
Show moreAlthough active duty military families continue to be a strong presence in American culture, few family-level studies have been conducted that examine military family systems, processes, and outcomes for individuals who are connected to an active duty member. Using family systems theory as a guiding framework, this study utilized a multi-informant approach to explore the relationships between marital quality, parent-adolescent interactions, and adolescent depressive symptoms among a sample of military families with an active duty father. Based on the spillover hypothesis, this study expected to find that the level of marital quality reported by the active duty father and the mother would directly influence their adolescent’s depressive symptoms. It was also expected that the mechanism that links parental marital quality and adolescent depressive symptoms would be the interactions that characterize the parent-adolescent relationship, specifically the warmth and hostility that the parents display in the context of the parent-adolescent relationship. Participant families (N = 236) were recruited from a large military installation in the continental United States using flyers throughout the installation, radio and print advertisements, and advertisements in the youth centers on the installation. Participants completed online surveys and each variable was measured using standardized scales. This study examined marital quality using both adult participants’ responses to the Adapted Marital Quality Scale. To measure warmth and hostility displayed in the parent-adolescent relationship, adolescents’ responses to the Interaction Behavior Questionnaire were used. Finally, the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale for Children was used to assess the adolescents’ depressive symptoms. Correlations between variables were explored to inform the inclusion of control variables in the subsequent models. Then, a regression analysis was conducted and a path model was fit to examine the relationships between the variables and how well the model fit the data. Results of the regression analysis revealed that the direct relationship between marital quality and adolescent depressive symptoms was significant for the mother, but not the father. The path model demonstrated good model fit. Findings suggest that there was a significant relationship between the marital quality of the mother (but not the father) and the warmth she displayed in the parent-adolescent relationship. Furthermore, there was a significant relationship between the marital quality of the father and the mother and the hostility that he or she displayed in the parent-adolescent relationship. There was also a significant relationship between the warmth displayed by the mother (but not the father) in the parent-adolescent relationship and adolescent depressive symptoms. Additionally, there was a significant relationship between the hostility shown by the active duty father (but not the mother) in the parent-adolescent relationship and the depressive symptoms displayed by the adolescent. The warmth that the mother (but not the father) displayed in the mother-adolescent relationship was a significant mediator between the independent and dependent variable, marital quality and adolescent depressive symptoms. Finally, the hostility that both the father and the mother displayed in the parent-adolescent relationship was a significant mediator between the independent and dependent variables, marital quality and adolescent depressive symptoms. Findings indicated that the marital quality of parents in military families influenced adolescent depressive symptoms indirectly through the parent-adolescent relationship. The marital quality manifested in different ways for the mother and father. Maternal marital quality influenced the warmth displayed by the mother in the parent-adolescent relationship, and paternal marital quality influenced the hostility displayed by the father in the parent-adolescent relationship. Applications for clinicians, family life educators, and policy were discussed.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: FSU_2016SU_Howard_fsu_0071N_13398
Format: Thesis

Title: Experiences of Maltreatment and Adolescent Substance Use: Contributions of a Person-Centered Approach.
Creator: Rivera, Peter M. (Peter Mathew), Fincham, Frank D., Stewart, Eric Allen, Cui, Ming, Holtrop, Kendal N., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family...
Show moreRivera, Peter M. (Peter Mathew), Fincham, Frank D., Stewart, Eric Allen, Cui, Ming, Holtrop, Kendal N., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
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Abstract/Description: Despite contributing to our understanding of substance use among maltreated adolescents, research on this link has been limited by reductionist thinking and methods that do not accurately address the heterogeneity within these two complex multidimensional constructs. This study addresses this issue through the use of a person-centered approach. Specifically, this study draws data from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect to explore the utility of three latent class models in...
Show moreDespite contributing to our understanding of substance use among maltreated adolescents, research on this link has been limited by reductionist thinking and methods that do not accurately address the heterogeneity within these two complex multidimensional constructs. This study addresses this issue through the use of a person-centered approach. Specifically, this study draws data from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect to explore the utility of three latent class models in extracting meaningful information on the relationship between experiences of maltreatment and adolescent substance use (N = 902). Model 1 examined the associations between latent classes of maltreatment and substance use, and whether sex differences exist across these associations. Three classes of maltreatment were identified, labeled “No/low neglect”, “Severe emotional/physical/neglect”, and “Severe sexual/physical/neglect”. Adolescents comprising the “Severe emotional/physical/ neglect” class were found to have the highest mean count of substances used over the last year, even after considering participants’ sex. Model 2 examined the associations between latent classes of adolescent substance use and observed indicators of maltreatment, and whether sex differences exist across these associations. Five classes emerged from this latent class model, labeled “Low risk users”, “Heavy users”, “Tobacco users”, “Heavy alcohol users”, and “Tobacco/Cannabis users”. Almost all indicators of maltreatment increased the risk of being classified into the “Heavy users” and “Tobacco users” classes, which was consistent across male and female adolescents. Lastly, Model 3 examined whether associations exist between the previously identified classes of maltreatment and classes of substance use. Findings indicated that males comprising the “Severe emotional/physical/ neglect” class were more likely than those in the “No/low neglect” class to be classified in the “Heavy users” class compared to the “Low risk users” class. Among female adolescents, those in the “Severe emotional/physical/ neglect” class were more likely than those in the “No/low neglect” class to be classified in the “Tobacco users” and “Tobacco/cannabis” classes, relative to the “Low risk users” class. Taken together, findings demonstrate how a person-centered approach can assist with developing a more nuanced understanding of the complex relationship between maltreatment and adolescent substance use. This study provides some explanation for the differences of substance use that exist within the general population of maltreated adolescents and draws attention to the need for selective prevention programming for this at-risk population.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: FSU_2016SU_Rivera_fsu_0071E_13336
Format: Thesis

Title: The College Experience of Gifted Emerging Adults: Factors Associated to Social Adjustment to College.
Creator: Godfrey, Kelly C. (Kelly Carmelita), Holtrop, Kendal N., Cui, Ming, McWey, Lenore M., Pfeiffer, Steven I., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of...
Show moreGodfrey, Kelly C. (Kelly Carmelita), Holtrop, Kendal N., Cui, Ming, McWey, Lenore M., Pfeiffer, Steven I., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
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Abstract/Description: The purpose of the present study was to investigate factors that contribute to the social adjustment to college for gifted emerging adults. Specifically, perceived parental attachment, and social competence were included. Additionally, social competence was examined to determine if it served as a mediator between parental attachment and social adjustment to college. Results from bivariate correlations and multiple regression analyses revealed positive, significant correlations between...
Show moreThe purpose of the present study was to investigate factors that contribute to the social adjustment to college for gifted emerging adults. Specifically, perceived parental attachment, and social competence were included. Additionally, social competence was examined to determine if it served as a mediator between parental attachment and social adjustment to college. Results from bivariate correlations and multiple regression analyses revealed positive, significant correlations between parental attachment and social adjustment to college, parental attachment and social competence, and social competence and social adjustment to college. Analyses also found that social competence partially mediated the relationship between parental attachment and social adjustment to college. Limitations, implications, and future research directions were discussed. The majority of research regarding gifted individuals focuses on the experience and developmental domains within the K-12 setting. The findings of the present study add to the significant dearth of literature concerning the college experience of gifted individuals. Specifically, the results provide support that a secure parental attachment influences positive development of social competence and better social adjustment to college in gifted emerging adults.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: FSU_2016SU_Godfrey_fsu_0071N_13342
Format: Thesis

Title: Cohabiting Parents' Marriage Intentions, Coparenting, and Later Relationship Status.
Creator: Cho, Sung-Bong, Cui, Ming, Barrett, Anne E., McWey, Lenore M., Lucier-Greer, Mallory, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
Abstract/Description: While the number of children born in cohabiting unions has greatly increased, studies have shown that cohabiting unions are significantly less stable than married unions and that the unions instability is negatively associated with the children’s wellbeing. To support fragile families—to provide more secure and lasting family environment to their children—it is important to better understand how cohabiting parents’ commitment and relational experience affect the union’s stability over time....
Show moreWhile the number of children born in cohabiting unions has greatly increased, studies have shown that cohabiting unions are significantly less stable than married unions and that the unions instability is negatively associated with the children’s wellbeing. To support fragile families—to provide more secure and lasting family environment to their children—it is important to better understand how cohabiting parents’ commitment and relational experience affect the union’s stability over time. The focus of this study was to explore how cohabiting mothers’ and fathers’ plans to marry their partners, along with their coparenting experience, are associated with their later relationship status, both that of getting married and continuing in cohabitation 5 years after their child’s birth. Based on commitment models and the Family Systems perspective, it was expected that both parents’ marriage plans would be associated with later relationship status (H1); the associations between marriage plans and later relationship status would be dependent upon parents’ coparenting experience (H2); and the effects of marriage plans would be indirectly associated with later status via coparenting experience (H3). The results from multinomial logistic regression analyses of data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study showed that the marriage plans of mothers, but not those of fathers, at the child’s birth were significantly associated with parents’ marital status—being married—5 years later; also, the difference between the effects of mothers’ and fathers’ marriage plans was statistically significant. In addition, cohabiting mothers’ and fathers’ joint marriage plans were significantly associated with marital status. However, the mothers’ and fathers’ joint marriage plans were not associated with continued cohabitation. The results from testing the second hypothesis showed that the effects of father’s marriage plans were significantly associated with both being married and continued cohabitation when they, as well as their partners, were more satisfied with coparenting. The effects of mothers’ marriage plans were also dependent upon coparenting satisfaction, predicting later continued cohabitation but not being married. From testing the third hypothesis, there was no significant mediating effect of coparenting satisfaction in the associations between marriage plans and later relationship status among either the mothers or the fathers. Clinical and research implications of the findings are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: FSU_2016SU_Cho_fsu_0071E_13374
Format: Thesis

Title: Predicting Sexual Behaviors Among African American College Students: The Role of Gender, Family Context and Sexual Attitudes.
Creator: Thorpe, Shemeka Y., Gonzales-Backen, Melinda A., Rehm, Marsha Lynn, Brewster, Karin L., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between family structure, SES, and condom use and hookup rates among a sample of N=1,346 African American college students. In addition, the moderating role of sexual attitudes in the association between the relationship of family structure and sexual behaviors and also between SES and sexual behaviors was examined. Gender differences in sexual behaviors and attitudes were also explored. There were significant gender differences in the...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to analyze the relationship between family structure, SES, and condom use and hookup rates among a sample of N=1,346 African American college students. In addition, the moderating role of sexual attitudes in the association between the relationship of family structure and sexual behaviors and also between SES and sexual behaviors was examined. Gender differences in sexual behaviors and attitudes were also explored. There were significant gender differences in the number of hookup partners, sex attitudes and condom usage. SES was a strong predictor of the number of hookup partners men and women had as well as condom usage. With women from higher SES reporting hooking up with more partners that they knew prior as well as lower condom use. Family structure was not a significant predictor of sexual behaviors. Women were 1.2 times more likely to use condoms than men. Men also reported over three times as many hookup partners compared to women. Women reported more conservative sexual attitudes than men. Overall, sexual attitudes buffered the association between family structures and hookup partners and SES and hookup partners. This study found that African American college students are partaking in normative sexual behaviors and that several factors work together to influence their sexual behaviors and attitudes. Future implications are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: FSU_2016SP_Thorpe_fsu_0071N_13097
Format: Thesis

Title: The Impact of Social Media on Division I Athletes.
Creator: Pompey, Leah Arielle, Rehm, Marsha Lynn, Gonzales-Backen, Melinda A., Blair, Bethany L., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child...
Show morePompey, Leah Arielle, Rehm, Marsha Lynn, Gonzales-Backen, Melinda A., Blair, Bethany L., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
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Abstract/Description: ABSTRACT During this case study there was an investigation of the perceived impact of social media posts on a college athlete's performance and self-evaluation. The goal was to have up to ten Division I athletes from Southeastern colleges or universities. The convenience sample was recruited through flyers posted on social media and word of mouth. The participants completed a demographic survey, which allowed them to identify their race and age group (18-20, 21-23, or 24-26). The survey also...
Show moreABSTRACT During this case study there was an investigation of the perceived impact of social media posts on a college athlete's performance and self-evaluation. The goal was to have up to ten Division I athletes from Southeastern colleges or universities. The convenience sample was recruited through flyers posted on social media and word of mouth. The participants completed a demographic survey, which allowed them to identify their race and age group (18-20, 21-23, or 24-26). The survey also asked the athlete to describe their academic classification (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior), as well as their athletic classification (red shirt freshman, true freshman, sophomore, junior, senior), and what sport they play. The athlete also completed a face-to-face interview, with the exception of one athlete, about social media posts and the impact the posts have on them on and off their perspective fields. For this qualitative study descriptive statistics were used through the survey data received from the participants. Traditional qualitative analysis techniques were used to identify themes found from the interview responses. The results of the study revealed the social media activity of the athletes, how social media posts about themselves or teammates impact them on the field, and how the posts have affected how they identify who they are and perceive themselves. Key words: social media, Division I athletes, emerging adults
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Date Issued: 2016
Identifier: FSU_2016SP_Pompey_fsu_0071N_13098
Format: Thesis

Title: Emerging Adult African American Men: Romantic Relationship Profiles and Predictors.
Creator: Allen, Kimberly A. (Kimberly Arthina), Gonzales-Backen, Melinda A., Kogan, Steven M., Brewster, Karin L., Rehm, Marsha Lynn, Cui, Ming, Florida State University, College of...
Show moreAllen, Kimberly A. (Kimberly Arthina), Gonzales-Backen, Melinda A., Kogan, Steven M., Brewster, Karin L., Rehm, Marsha Lynn, Cui, Ming, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
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Abstract/Description: Establishing stable, high quality romantic relationships is an important developmental task during emerging adulthood with prognostic significance for future relationship development such as marriage (Fincham & Cui, 2011). Studies suggest that considerable challenges exist for African American men in developing and maintaining healthy romantic relationships. These studies suggest that man African American men may be more likely to pursue a sexual partnership trajectory that involves multiple...
Show moreEstablishing stable, high quality romantic relationships is an important developmental task during emerging adulthood with prognostic significance for future relationship development such as marriage (Fincham & Cui, 2011). Studies suggest that considerable challenges exist for African American men in developing and maintaining healthy romantic relationships. These studies suggest that man African American men may be more likely to pursue a sexual partnership trajectory that involves multiple and/or concurrent sexual partners at the expense of committed monogamous romantic relationships (Bowleg, 2004). Such patterns of involvement increase the likelihood that as young adults, African American men will place themselves at risk of contracting and transmitting sexually transmitted infections like HIV/AIDS (Adimora et al., 2004). Individuals enter into romantic relationships already having exposure to numerous developmental influences that affect their behavior. Exposure to adversity during childhood, such as abuse, neglect, and other stressors, is one important factor in understanding the development of satisfying and committed romantic relationships (Miller et al., 2011; Walker, Holman, & Busby, 2009). Informed by the internal working model persepctive (Hazan &Shaver, 1987) and research on abuse and other adversities (e.g. Burton & Jarrett, 2000; McLoyd, et al., 2000; Umberson, Williams, Thomas, Liu, & Thomeer, 2014), we hypothesized that young men with elevated levels of adversity would evince relationships characterized by one of two patterns. The first involves avoiding deeper levels of commitment and participating in relatively superficial romantic relationships. The second pattern involves participating highly committed relationships, but projecting their anxieties and fears in ways that create volatile and conflictual interactions. For men with low levels of adversity I expected that there relationships would conform to a more healthy pattern as characterized by commitment, low levels of conflict and supportive relationships. Hypotheses were tested with data from men in committed relationships in the African American Men's Health Project (AMP), which included 361 African American men between the ages of 19 and 22 years. To better understand the kinds of relationships that young, African American men participate in, I conducted a person-centered analysis which confirmed the expected relationship patterns. I identified three profiles or relationship types: (1) healthy relationships, (2) volatile relationships, and (3) superficial relationships. The participants in healthy romantic relationships are characterized by high commitment and support and low criticism and conflict. The volatile group is characterized by high commitment, criticism, conflict, and low support. The superficial group is characterized by low commitment, support, criticism, and conflict. Further analysis confirmed that more adverse childhood experiences predicted increased odds of belonging to a volatile instead of a healthy relationship. Findings suggest targets for preventive interventions designed to foster healthy relationships among African American men.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9539
Format: Thesis

Title: Caregivers' Experience of Adolescent Substance Use: A Phenomenological Study.
Creator: Scott, Jenna, Holtrop, Kendal N., McWey, Lenore M., Tripodi, Stephen J., Cui, Ming, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
Abstract/Description: While existing research suggests that caregivers contribute to the onset and maintenance of adolescent substance use, research also posits that caregivers are negatively affected by adolescent substance use. However, caregivers' experiences of adolescent substance use is the subject of little academic research, and it remains poorly understood. This study offers important empirical insights that address this significant gap in the literature. The purpose of this study is to understand how...
Show moreWhile existing research suggests that caregivers contribute to the onset and maintenance of adolescent substance use, research also posits that caregivers are negatively affected by adolescent substance use. However, caregivers' experiences of adolescent substance use is the subject of little academic research, and it remains poorly understood. This study offers important empirical insights that address this significant gap in the literature. The purpose of this study is to understand how caregivers perceive and describe their experience with their adolescent's substance use. To gain a deeper understanding of the reciprocal relationship between caregivers and adolescent substance use issues, this study uses a phenomenological, qualitative research approach to examine caregivers' experiences of their adolescent's substance use issues. The guiding theoretical framework is family systems theory (FST; Bowen, 1974). Additionally, the study employed a Community-Based Participatory Research (CBPR) approach by actively involving community members, organizational representatives, and researchers in the research process (Israel, Schulz, Parker, & Becker, 1998). Data were collected through in-depth, qualitative interviews with 20 caregivers of adolescents with substance use issues. Data analyses resulted in 6 core themes: 1) Discovering and making meaning of the substance use, 2) A complex issue, 3) A systemic issue, 4) Process of treatment, 5) Parental efficacy, and 6) The silver lining. Results illustrate how parents discovered and made meaning of their adolescent's substance use. Findings explain how adolescent substance use is a complex and systemic issue, often disrupting the entire family system, leaving caregivers questioning their parental efficacy and negotiating the caregiver-child relationship. The results highlight the process of treatment, transformation, and the growth that took place at the individual and family level. Several implications for future research and clinical practice were identified. The study highlights the need to further examine the reciprocal relationship between caregivers and adolescent substance use. Results can also speak to how family-focused treatment of adolescent substance use may be adapted to meet the needs of this unique population. More specific suggestions for future research and for marriage and family therapists working with families experiencing adolescent substance use issues are provided.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9678
Format: Thesis

Title: Couples' Prior Quality of Relationship, Present Attachment, Adjustment, and Depressive Symptoms with Early Stage Alzheimer's.
Creator: Zahn, Shirley J., Denton, Wayne, Glueckauf, Robert L., Rehm, Marsha Lynn, Holtrop, Kendal N., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child...
Show moreZahn, Shirley J., Denton, Wayne, Glueckauf, Robert L., Rehm, Marsha Lynn, Holtrop, Kendal N., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
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Abstract/Description: This qualitative case study of five couples in which one spouse has Alzheimer's disease in the early stage, and the other spouse is a caregiver, investigated including both spouses in couple interview sessions which included using emotionally focused couple therapy techniques, and how their prior quality of relationship before the onset of Alzheimer's was related to their present attachment, depressive symptoms, and marital adjustment. The couples participated in in-depth couple interviews...
Show moreThis qualitative case study of five couples in which one spouse has Alzheimer's disease in the early stage, and the other spouse is a caregiver, investigated including both spouses in couple interview sessions which included using emotionally focused couple therapy techniques, and how their prior quality of relationship before the onset of Alzheimer's was related to their present attachment, depressive symptoms, and marital adjustment. The couples participated in in-depth couple interviews which included an Oral History Interview (Gottman, 1994) and a semi-structured Interview Guide. They individually completed four instruments: the Dyadic Adjustment Scale (DAS) (Spanier, 1976); the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) (Yesavage, 1983); the Prior Quality of Relationship Scale (PQRS), a composite scale created by Zahn; and the adapted Experiences in Close Relationships-Revised questionnaire (ECR-R) (Fraley, Waller, & Brennan, 2000). The Screen for Caregiver Burden (SCB) (Vitaliano, Russo, Young, Becker, & Maiuro, 1991) was given to the caregiving spouses. The researcher qualitatively analyzed the audiotaped interviews and questionnaires, which all spouses with Alzheimer's were able to complete. All couples reported positive prior quality relationships of 16-63 years, and present continued attachment. All couples reported problems of marital adjustment, and varying depressive symptoms were reported for 2 out of 5 caregivers, and 2 of 5 persons with Alzheimer's. Implications of findings were that couples experiencing early stage Alzheimer's would benefit from couple interviews or therapy to assist with depressive and other symptoms and marital adjustment problems, and that spouses in the early stage of Alzheimer's are able to fully participate in these couple procedures.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9502
Format: Thesis

Title: Social Support in Transitional Housing: An Ethnographic Study of Homeless Parents with Children.
Creator: Chaviano, Casey Lanier, McWey, Lenore M., Gomory, Tomi, Holtrop, Kendal N., Denton, Wayne, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child...
Show moreChaviano, Casey Lanier, McWey, Lenore M., Gomory, Tomi, Holtrop, Kendal N., Denton, Wayne, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
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Abstract/Description: Homelessness is a complex issue that impacts families in many ways. One pathway of addressing homelessness among families has been the use of transitional housing programs. Previous research demonstrates the importance of social support among homeless parents, including their involvement in transitional housing programs. While these programs may serve as a support for families experiencing homelessness, little is known about the lived experiences of social support among homeless parents...
Show moreHomelessness is a complex issue that impacts families in many ways. One pathway of addressing homelessness among families has been the use of transitional housing programs. Previous research demonstrates the importance of social support among homeless parents, including their involvement in transitional housing programs. While these programs may serve as a support for families experiencing homelessness, little is known about the lived experiences of social support among homeless parents including their strengths and challenges. The purpose of this study was to understand if and how social support is an important resource for families experiencing homelessness. More specifically, this study aimed to explore the social support networks of families living in transitional housing, including their immediate families and non-homeless friends and family members, and the challenges they experience in accessing these supports. In addition, this study sought to understand if and how transitional housing programs may act as a support for homeless families and the challenges that accompany this. Finally, this study aimed to understand homeless families' perceptions of other needed supports within their housing program. Both ecological systems theory and structural family therapy were used as guiding frameworks in this study. These theories provided both a detailed look at family life and relationships and also a broader lens to view the family within their environment and larger context. Using a qualitative design, data for this study were collected through in-depth semi-structured interviews. Participants included 20 parents living in transitional housing with at least one child. Interviews were conducted to assess parents' experiences in transitional housing, their social support networks, and their suggestions for change. An ethnographic framework supported by constant comparative analysis was used to analyze the data. This included the process of open, axial, and selective coding. Trustworthiness was promoted through the use of observation data for triangulation as well as several other measures. Results revealed themes related to parents' isolation from support, parents' family as a source of strength, and the impact of the program on their support network. Parents also identified several additional support needs including employment services, interpersonal supports, increased services for children, and increased awareness of and access to supports.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9568
Format: Thesis

Title: Exploring the Relationship Between Visitation and Depressive Symptoms of Incarcerated Fathers.
Creator: Black, Melissa A., Pasley, Kay, Gonzales-Backen, Melinda A., Tripodi, Stephen J., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
Abstract/Description: There is an increase in the diagnosis of mental illness in the inmate population within correctional facilities in the United States. Most of these inmates are male, and many of them are fathers of minor children. Although fathers are plentiful among inmate populations, there is a lack of empirical research on incarcerated fathers, and even less on those with mental illness. This study contributes to extant literature on incarcerated fathers by examining the effects on a type of social...
Show moreThere is an increase in the diagnosis of mental illness in the inmate population within correctional facilities in the United States. Most of these inmates are male, and many of them are fathers of minor children. Although fathers are plentiful among inmate populations, there is a lack of empirical research on incarcerated fathers, and even less on those with mental illness. This study contributes to extant literature on incarcerated fathers by examining the effects on a type of social support (visitation) on depression symptomatology, using stress process and behavioral theory to frame the study. A handful of studies suggest that social support is linked to positive adjustment during incarceration, and positive adjustment may buffer symptoms of depression. Specifically, I addressed whether amount of visitation or type of visitor is associated with reports of depressive symptoms in a sample of 400 fathers diagnosed with depression and incarcerated with the Florida Department of Corrections. After controlling for a number of variables known to influence visitation and depression, results showed that visitation was related to a lack of increase in reports of depressive symptoms 12 months after incarceration and fewer reports of depressive symptoms. Post hoc testing revealed a significant difference between inmates receiving zero visitations and those receiving 1-5 visits. Further, results also showed that the type of visitor (spouse/girlfriend, child, or parent vs. sibling, friend, or other relative) did not specifically affect changes in depressive symptoms. Recommendations are made for future research that aim to enhance successful prison adjustment, maintenance of social support systems, and reentry policy initiatives for the incarcerated fathers suffering from depression.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9552
Format: Thesis

Title: Parental Warmth and Juvenile Delinquency: A Longitudinal and Cross-Cultural Approach.
Creator: Yun, Hye-Jung, Cui, Ming, Randolph, Karen A., Holtrop, Kendal N., Rehm, Marsha Lynn, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
Abstract/Description: Despite the prevalence of delinquency during adolescence and the influence of culture on parenting behaviors and adolescent outcomes, few comparative studies have examined the association between parental warmth and delinquency trajectories both longitudinally and cross-culturally. Thus, this study sought to identify cultural differences in individual delinquency trajectories and those associations with parental warmth. In Study 1, latent growth modeling (LGM) was used to examine the...
Show moreDespite the prevalence of delinquency during adolescence and the influence of culture on parenting behaviors and adolescent outcomes, few comparative studies have examined the association between parental warmth and delinquency trajectories both longitudinally and cross-culturally. Thus, this study sought to identify cultural differences in individual delinquency trajectories and those associations with parental warmth. In Study 1, latent growth modeling (LGM) was used to examine the individual trajectories of delinquency and the protective effect of parental warmth on delinquency trajectories using the U.S. sample from the Longitudinal Study of Adolescent Health (Add Health). In Study 2, using the Korean sample from the Korean Youth Panel Survey (KYPS), the same two research questions were investigated. Lastly, Study 3 explored cultural differences in such associations between the United States and South Korea. Findings showed the patterns of delinquency across time and culture, indicating delinquency decline from middle to late adolescence in both the U.S. and Korean samples. Results also demonstrated the protective effect of parental warmth concurrently and longitudinally in both countries. More importantly, there were cultural differences in such associations, indicating that the longitudinal protective effect of parental warmth was larger for U.S. adolescents than Korean adolescents. Implications of the study suggest the need to improve a warm relationship between parent and adolescent to reduce delinquency. It is also important to understand cultural influences on parenting and adolescent outcome for educators, clinicians, politicians, interventionists, and researchers.
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Date Issued: 2015
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9531
Format: Thesis

Title: Influences of Stressors on Coping Profiles and Depressive Symptoms: A Latent Profile Analysis of Military Youth.
Creator: Okafor, Ebony S., Lucier-Greer, Mallory, Herrington, Carolyn, Cui, Ming, McWey, Lenore, Denton, Wayne, Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: Military families experience numerous changes to their lives, including multiple and prolonged separations (Link & Palinkas, 2013) and frequent relocations (Weber & Weber, 2005). As a result concern has grown regarding the effects of these stressors on military families today, particularly for the two million youth in these families. This study sought to provide information regarding the stress process for military youth. Pearlin's Stress Process Model was used to examine the impact of social...
Show moreMilitary families experience numerous changes to their lives, including multiple and prolonged separations (Link & Palinkas, 2013) and frequent relocations (Weber & Weber, 2005). As a result concern has grown regarding the effects of these stressors on military families today, particularly for the two million youth in these families. This study sought to provide information regarding the stress process for military youth. Pearlin's Stress Process Model was used to examine the impact of social stressors on youths' outcomes with particular attention on context-specific stressors (Pearlin, Menaghan, Lieberman, & Mullan, 1981). This model identifies three components to explain the development of stress in individuals: sources of stress, mediators of stress, and manifestations of stress (Pearlin, 1999). Mediators of stress are the linking mechanism between the sources of stress and manifestations of stress. To test this stress process model, a sample (N =1,036) of military youth from four military installations (three within the United States and one within Europe) was analyzed. The Family and Community Resilience Laboratory (FCRL) at the University of Georgia (UGA) collected the data from military youth, ages 11 to 18, with the goal of understanding the effects of the military lifestyle on youth well-being. An exploratory latent profile analysis (LPA) and subsequent analysis of variance (ANOVA) tests were conducted to address three primary research questions. First, to what extent do the six primary dimensions of the Adolescent Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences (A-COPE) identify unique coping profiles for military youth? Second, to what extent do context-specific military (parental separations, frequent relocations and parental rank) and normative (minority status) stressors indicate an association with specific coping profile membership for military youth? Finally, to what extent are the identified coping profiles associated with group differences in depressive symptoms displayed by military youth? Results of the exploratory LPA revealed four distinct coping profiles for military youth according to the identified model fit criterion, indicating that the optimal profile solution had been reached for the data. The profiles were labeled as the Low Coping profile, Medium Coping profile, Medium-humor Coping profile and High Coping profile. Youth in all four profiles reported engaging in low levels of maladaptive coping, thus the remainder of the discussion focuses on the adaptive behaviors used within the profiles. Members of the Low Coping profile engaged in all coping behaviors at low or infrequent levels. While those of the High Coping profile engaged in all of the coping behaviors relatively often. Members of the Medium and Medium-humor Coping profile reported scores that fell within the mid-range of the scale. However, the Medium-humor Coping profile differed as it had significantly higher scores on the subscale of Being Humorous. The second step of the analysis investigated the association between context-specific and normative stressors and the identified coping profiles for military youth. Multinomial logistic regressions found no significant results for the context-specific variables of stress. Minority status was found to be the only significant stressor and indicated that minorities were more likely to be members of the Medium Coping profile than the High Coping profile when compared to non-minorities. The final analysis conducted involved four one-way ANOVAs used to identify group differences in depressive symptoms displayed based on coping profile membership. Significant differences were found for each of the depressive subscales. Post-hoc analyses revealed that the general trend was that the High Coping profile reported the fewest depressive symptoms across all indicators. More specifically, in terms of Somatic Symptoms, significantly higher scores were reported for the Medium and Medium-humor Coping profile than those in the High Coping profile. For the Depressive Affect and Interpersonal Problems subscales, the Medium Coping profile reported more depressive symptomology than the High Coping profile. For Positive Affect, the Low Coping Profile reported significantly lower levels of positive affect than all of the other profiles. Each coping profile demonstrated significant, unique associations to depressive symptoms with the High Coping profile demonstrating the best overall mental health. Results demonstrated diverse coping patterns for military youth and these coping patterns are related to varying levels of depressive symptomology. Future research is needed to understand the development and trajectory of these coping behaviors and their long-term influence on mental health outcomes. Longitudinal research and the use of multiple reports by both parents and youth can be beneficial for further understanding of the stress process. For professionals who work with military youth, this information can be useful when developing interventions and prevention programs as the use of adaptive coping may serve to buffer against depressive symptoms. Military parents can also be provided with knowledge regarding behaviors that may serve as warning signs of maladjustment (e.g., the display of poor or infrequent coping behaviors).
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9062
Format: Thesis

Title: Sexual Minority Mental Health: A Multidimensional and Longitudinal Approach.
Creator: Fish, Jessica N., Pasley, B. Kay, Taylor, John, Cui, Ming, Denton, Wayne H., Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: The association between sexual minority status and poor mental health is well established. However, despite the recent increase in studies investigating health disparities between heterosexual and sexual minority youth and adults, few consider the multidimensional and developmental nature of sexuality when assessing its association with mental health outcomes over various contexts and time. The current study employed the use of complex methodology to assess human sexuality across multiple...
Show moreThe association between sexual minority status and poor mental health is well established. However, despite the recent increase in studies investigating health disparities between heterosexual and sexual minority youth and adults, few consider the multidimensional and developmental nature of sexuality when assessing its association with mental health outcomes over various contexts and time. The current study employed the use of complex methodology to assess human sexuality across multiple dimensions (i.e., sex, romantic/sexual attraction, romantic/sexual behavior, and sexual orientation/identity) and developmental stages (i.e., adolescence to adulthood) to assess between and within-group differences on outcomes of depression and suicidality. The influence of interpersonal relationships (parental and peer) and contexts (school and community) on the association between sexual status and mental health outcomes were also examined. In Study 1 latent class analysis was used to identify three groups in adolescence that varied in sexual status. Group comparisons indicated that those who were same- or both-sex attracted reported higher levels of depression and suicide concurrently and at later developmental stages. Proposed risk and protective factors did not fully attenuate differences in outcomes, although the cumulative influence of these effects mitigated differences for depression in early adolescence. Repeated measures latent class analysis on indicators of sexuality from adolescence to adulthood (Study 2) identified five groups that varied in sexual status and sexual maturation and that were differentially related in suicidality and depression over time. Groups identified by sexual minority status characteristics (same- or both- sex attraction or behavior, or nonheterosexual identities) were most at risk across time; however, these groups also demonstrated differences from one another. Longitudinal associations with outcomes identified differential timing of risk, and the analysis of risk and protective factors indicated that youth contexts alter the association between sexual status and mental health outcomes. When assessing the relationship between sexual status groups and trajectories of depression from adolescence to adulthood (Study 3) results indicated four distinct trajectories characterizing chronic low risk, early risk, later risk, and chronic high risk. Findings indicated that groups characterized by sexual minority attraction, behavior, and identity were associated with later and chronic high risk trajectories from adolescence to adulthood when compared to heterosexual groups. Together, results indicate both between- and within-group differences in sexual status and the subsequent association with mental health outcomes. Investigation of risk and protective factors revealed that youth interpersonal relationships and environments act as both mediators and moderators of the relationship between sexual status and mental health, with more robust influences on depression than suicidality and on concurrent rather than longitudinal outcomes. Implications for research, theory, programming, and policy are also discussed. Overall, finding support previous sexual minority health disparities research but highlight the need for within-group studies to assess how differences among sexual minorities and their experiences contribute to mental health outcomes across the lifespan.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-8985
Format: Thesis

Title: Stress, Resources and Maternal-Adolescent Relationship Quality Among an At-Risk Sample.
Creator: Lettenberger-Klein, Cassandra G., McWey, Lenore M., Barrett, Anne E., Denton, Wayne H., Cui, Ming, Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: Everyday stress is associated with negative maternal-adolescent relationship quality, which can impact adolescent mental and physical well-being. Guided by family stress theory, the purpose of this study was to test the associations between everyday stressors, open family communication, maternal social support, and maternal-adolescent relationship quality with a sample identified as at-risk for child maltreatment. Consistent with family stress theory, the resources of open family...
Show moreEveryday stress is associated with negative maternal-adolescent relationship quality, which can impact adolescent mental and physical well-being. Guided by family stress theory, the purpose of this study was to test the associations between everyday stressors, open family communication, maternal social support, and maternal-adolescent relationship quality with a sample identified as at-risk for child maltreatment. Consistent with family stress theory, the resources of open family communication and maternal social support were hypothesized to be associated with the relationship between everyday stressors and maternal-adolescent relationship quality. The sample was from the Longitudinal Studies of Child Abuse and Neglect (LONGSCAN) and included 460 biological and adoptive mothers. Path analyses were used to analyze the direct and indirect relationships proposed in the model. In this sample, results demonstrated maternal everyday stress was negatively associated with later maternal-adolescent relationship quality. Additionally, maternal everyday stress was negatively associated with both open family communication and maternal perception of social support, while open family communication and maternal perception of social support were positively associated with later maternal-adolescent relationship quality. Based on these results, clinically addressing resources such as open family communication and maternal perception of social support would be beneficial for families in which there is low maternal-adolescent relationship quality. However, these results were based on a specific population and a secondary dataset; therefore future research would benefit from including additional respondents and measures.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9030
Format: Thesis

Title: The Effects of Acquired Hearing Loss on Spouses' Perceived Marital Adjustment.
Creator: Mills, Lilbourne I., Pasley, B. Kay, Jackson, Carla Wood, Rehm, Marsha L., Lee, Robert E., Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: ABSTRACT Acquired hearing loss occurs when one loses their hearing postlingually. The condition is increasing as the world's population ages and is also increasing in younger adults as well. Little quantitative data is available on how hearing loss affects spouses' or partners' intimate relationships. Thus, the focus of this study is to explore how hearing loss affects spouses' marital adjustment. Eighty-two couples participated and couple members individually completed surveys that provided...
Show moreABSTRACT Acquired hearing loss occurs when one loses their hearing postlingually. The condition is increasing as the world's population ages and is also increasing in younger adults as well. Little quantitative data is available on how hearing loss affects spouses' or partners' intimate relationships. Thus, the focus of this study is to explore how hearing loss affects spouses' marital adjustment. Eighty-two couples participated and couple members individually completed surveys that provided the data for this quantitative study. The statistical method used was stepwise multiple regression. The study variables were: degree of hearing loss, sudden versus gradual loss, spouses' personality, perceived social support, and spouses' marital adjustment. Use of assistive technology was tested as a moderator of the relationship between the degree of hearing loss and spouses' marital adjustment. Also, perceived social support was tested as a mediator of the relationships between degree of hearing loss, sudden versus gradual loss, spouses' personality, and marital adjustment. Perceived social support was the most significant predictor of spouses' marital adjustment and predicted higher levels of marital adjustment. Presence of children in the home was significantly associated with lower levels of marital adjustment. While use of assistive technology significantly predicted spouses' marital adjustment, it was not found to moderate the relationship between degree of hearing loss and spouses' marital adjustment. Perceived social support was found to mediate the relationships between openness and marital adjustment and conscientiousness and marital adjustment but not for the degree of hearing loss, sudden versus gradual loss, agreeableness, emotional stability, or extraversion. Implications for clinical practice are also presented.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9052
Format: Thesis

Title: Pregnancy Intentions of First Time Mothers: Depressive Symptoms, Parenting Stress, Coparenting Satisfaction, and Child Behavioral Outcomes over the First Three Years.
Creator: Claridge, Amy Marie, McWey, Lenore M., Karioth, Sally, Cui, Ming, Holtrop, Kendal, Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: Unplanned pregnancy is prevalent in the United States and has been linked to challenges for both mothers and their children over time. However, existing literature is limited by unrepresentative samples, retrospective reports of pregnancy intention, and lack of theoretical guidance. Studies have not yet identified mechanisms through which pregnancy intention is associated with children's outcomes, to sufficiently inform clinical practice. This current study addressed these limitations through...
Show moreUnplanned pregnancy is prevalent in the United States and has been linked to challenges for both mothers and their children over time. However, existing literature is limited by unrepresentative samples, retrospective reports of pregnancy intention, and lack of theoretical guidance. Studies have not yet identified mechanisms through which pregnancy intention is associated with children's outcomes, to sufficiently inform clinical practice. This current study addressed these limitations through inclusion of an at-risk sample of 224 first-time mothers from the Predicting and Preventing Neglect in Teen Mothers Study, assessing pregnancy intention during the third trimester of pregnancy, and testing mechanisms in the association between pregnancy intention and children's outcomes which were hypothesized by Family Systems Theory. The study also examined reciprocal associations among hypothesized mediators, including maternal depressive symptoms, parenting stress, and coparenting satisfaction. Mediation analyses revealed that both parenting stress and coparenting satisfaction when children were 24 months old served as mechanisms in the association between unplanned pregnancy and children's social-emotional competence at 36 months. Additionally, a cross-lagged longitudinal model suggested multiple pathways through which unplanned pregnancy was associated with children's externalizing, internalizing, dysregulation, and social-emotional competence at 36 months. Maternal depressive symptoms tended to predict later parenting stress which, in turn, was associated with later coparenting satisfaction and children's behavioral outcomes. Implications for future research are discussed, including collection of data from multiple respondents and assessment of pregnancy intention prospectively. Clinical implications for work with at-risk parents are also outlined. Specifically, the results suggest that early intervention with mothers experiencing unplanned pregnancies to specifically address depressive symptoms, parenting stress, and coparenting may serve to promote healthy outcomes among their children over time.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-8956
Format: Thesis

Title: Marriage and Family Therapists' Endorsement of Couples Treatment for Intimate Partner Violence.
Creator: Cobb, Rebecca Ann, Fincham, Frank, Wilke, Dina, Denton, Wayne, McWey, Lenore, Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: A six-group randomized experimental study was used to investigate the factors that are associated with a marriage and family therapist's decision to work with clients individually or as a couple when they present with intimate partner violence (IPV). Investigated factors included the type of IPV experienced by the clients, the therapist's accuracy in identifying the type of violence experienced by clients, and the therapist's experience with IPV in their own romantic relationships, as...
Show moreA six-group randomized experimental study was used to investigate the factors that are associated with a marriage and family therapist's decision to work with clients individually or as a couple when they present with intimate partner violence (IPV). Investigated factors included the type of IPV experienced by the clients, the therapist's accuracy in identifying the type of violence experienced by clients, and the therapist's experience with IPV in their own romantic relationships, as moderated by levels of differentiation. Participants included 275 members of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. A chi square test revealed that participants who received vignettes portraying situational couple violence were more likely to endorse couples treatment as the preferred treatment modality than participants who received vignettes portraying intimate terrorism. Additional chi square tests revealed that among participants who received vignettes portraying situational couple violence, those who were accurately able to identify the type of violence portrayed in the vignette were more likely to endorse couples treatment as the preferred treatment modality than those who did not accurately identify the type of violence. Additional analyses, however, suggest that accurate identification and appropriate treatment choice may be more difficult in situations in which intimate terrorism is taking place, especially when women are the perpetrators of this abuse. Logistic regression indicated that there was not a significant relationship between therapists' personal experience with IPV and endorsement of treatment type. In addition, differentiation did not moderate the relationship between IPV experienced in participants' own romantic relationships and their endorsement of couples treatment. The current study indicates that marriage and family therapists are likely to make IPV treatment choices primarily based on the type of violence experienced by the couple. It appears that IPV treatment choice is not influenced by personal experience with IPV, but rather by the therapist's accurate identification of IPV type and the gender of the perpetrator of abuse. These findings ultimately highlight the need continued education on IPV, IPV types, gender biases with regards to IPV, and the importance of taking safety into consideration when making treatment decisions.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-8959
Format: Thesis

Title: Foster Caregiver Risk and Protective Factors, Satisfaction, and Intent to Continue Fostering.
Creator: Cooley, Morgan E., Mullis, Ann K., Randolph, Karen, McWey, Lenore, Cui, Ming, Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to explore multiple research questions related to foster caregiver protective factors, satisfaction with fostering, and intent to continue fostering. First, the researcher identified what protective factors (i.e., parental resilience, social connections, concrete supports, and nurturing and attachment) foster caregivers report and to what degree. Second, the researcher determined whether there was a significant relationship between the independent variables ...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to explore multiple research questions related to foster caregiver protective factors, satisfaction with fostering, and intent to continue fostering. First, the researcher identified what protective factors (i.e., parental resilience, social connections, concrete supports, and nurturing and attachment) foster caregivers report and to what degree. Second, the researcher determined whether there was a significant relationship between the independent variables (protective factors) and the dependent variables (satisfaction with fostering and intent to continue fostering). Next, the researcher examined whether child disruptive behaviors moderated or influenced the nature or strength of the relationship between protective factors and satisfaction as a caregiver. Third, the researcher examined a second model of whether child behaviors moderated or influenced the nature or strength of the relationship between protective factors and intent to continue fostering. The sample consisted of 155 licensed foster caregivers from across the United States. Descriptive statistics (i.e., means, standard deviations, range, internal consistency, skewness, kurtosis, and bivariate correlations), multiple regression, and interaction effects in multiple regression were used to test the various relationships proposed in this model. First, it was found that foster caregivers generally report a high degree of each protective factor. Second, there was a significant relationship between protective factors and two domains of satisfaction (challenging aspects of fostering and confidence and satisfaction). Third, child behaviors served as a significant moderator between some of the protective factors and two domains of satisfaction (challenging aspects of fostering and confidence and satisfaction). Implications for future research, practice, and policy were discussed.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-8963
Format: Thesis

Title: Factors Impacting Professional Practice in Sexuality Education, Therapy, and Research.
Creator: Schwab, Ethan, Darling, Carol A., Barrett, Anne, Rehm, Marsha, Denton, Wayne, Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: The factors that currently impact professional practice in the field of human sexuality are invisible in the available literature. The current study addresses this gap, and also identifies similarities and differences between professions, as well as the role of an ecological systems framework in explaining professionals' experiences. The present study drew on past literature that outlines the historical nature of sexuality education, therapy, and research. The sample was drawn from a previous...
Show moreThe factors that currently impact professional practice in the field of human sexuality are invisible in the available literature. The current study addresses this gap, and also identifies similarities and differences between professions, as well as the role of an ecological systems framework in explaining professionals' experiences. The present study drew on past literature that outlines the historical nature of sexuality education, therapy, and research. The sample was drawn from a previous data set where the author interviewed experts in the field(s) of sexuality education, therapy, and research. Twenty-seven sexuality educators, therapists, and researcher were interviewed using purposive and snowball sampling. Beginning with contacting the membership directors of the American Association of Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists (AASECT; the predominant professional body for sexuality educators and therapists in North America), and the Society for the Scientific Study of Sexuality (SSSS; the predominant professional body for sexuality researchers in North America), to gain the initial potential participants, a snowball sampling technique was subsequently used to garner the remainder of the respondents. To conduct these interviews, the author contacted each potential participant personally through email. Participants were interviewed through Skype or a telephone conversation typically lasting between 35 to 90 minutes. They were then asked to provide their experiences regarding their joys, challenges, what they would have done differently; areas where the field needs growth; factors to be studied; and suggestions for the future of sexuality education, therapy, and research. The interviews were analyzed using a grounded theoretical (GT) strategy, resulting in the production of themes. Two main themes, as well as many sub-themes, were identified that explain the factors impacting professional practice in human sexuality. Meaningful work and the personal characteristic of diehard determination, both encompassed what a professional must attain and overcome to remain in a sexuality-based career. Meaningful work for sexuality educators was comprised of student epiphanies and the public's desire for accurate information. For therapists, this included the overwhelming trust of clients and the variety of clinical treatments and problems. For researchers, this was represented through the variance of the phenomena studied, and a senses of pioneering. Diehard determination in sexuality educators was seen through confrontation and conflict and maintaining sensitivity. For Therapists, this was represented by insufficient training and clients' beliefs about normality. Sexuality researchers remained determined despite funding being an ever-present challenge, institutional review boards not understanding sexuality research, and work being undervalued. Many unique similarities and differences were observed among professions. Similarities were seen through participants' recommendations for future professionals wishing to enter the field. Themes included: holistic views and a change in sociopolitical ideology. Many differences among the experiences of each profession were observed through professional's perspectives on future directions for sexuality education (such as the need for external collaboration), therapy (e.g., the usefulness of a standardization of certification), and research (e.g., the desire for internal unification among professions). Additionally, an ecological systems framework was helpful in explaining the factors that impact professional practice in human sexuality. This framework was useful in describing the experiences of respondents in the context of natural impacts (such as time), human-behavioral impacts (such as the personal interactions and difficulties in collaboration between sexuality professionals and those in other fields of human science), and human-constructed impacts including regulatory systems (e.g., restrictive funding priorities). Many implications for theory, research, and professional practice were identified. The results of this study noted the extent to which novel methodological, measurement, and theoretical approaches are needed in the field of sexuality. It is particularly important for training and regulatory bodies to work together to create internal consistency among the various professional practices within the field of human sexuality. Professionally, regulation through credentialing standardization could further be researched, with the possibility of increased credibility among professional practices.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-8883
Format: Thesis

Title: Exploring Sibling Relationships Among Youth in Foster Care.
Creator: Wojciak, Armeda Stevenson, McWey, Lenore M., Tillman, Kathryn H., Denton, Wayne, Mullis, Ann K., Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: Empirical knowledge about sibling relationships of youth in foster care is scant. The purpose of this study was to explore sibling relationships of youth in foster care and begin to build a stronger understanding of the potential protective role these relationships can have for youth in an uncertain circumstance. Symbolic interaction was used as the theoretical lens for this mixed methods study. The sample consisted of children who are currently living in foster care and attended a five-day...
Show moreEmpirical knowledge about sibling relationships of youth in foster care is scant. The purpose of this study was to explore sibling relationships of youth in foster care and begin to build a stronger understanding of the potential protective role these relationships can have for youth in an uncertain circumstance. Symbolic interaction was used as the theoretical lens for this mixed methods study. The sample consisted of children who are currently living in foster care and attended a five-day sibling enhancement camp, called Camp To Belong. The results indicated that sibling relationships could be a protective factor for youth in foster care. In a qualitative exploration of the meaning of sibling relationships of youth in foster care, youth reported that their sibling has a positive and protective role. Furthermore, youth reports of greater sibling warmth significantly predicted higher scores of individual resilience, a trait that is associated with overcoming adversity. Another aim of this study was to explore developmental differences of sibling relationships for those in foster care. The results of this study indicated that there were no significant differences between youth in middle childhood and adolescents in how they perceived their sibling relationship quality in terms of sibling warmth and sibling conflict. Lastly, youth in middle childhood and adolescence had a significant decrease in sibling conflict as a result of their participation in Camp To Belong. The results of this study have implications for research, clinical practice, and policy that are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-8917
Format: Thesis

Title: The Relationship Between Adolescent Mental Health, Parental Depression, and Family Environment for Adolescents Accessing Intensive Mental Health Treatment.
Creator: Helfrich, Christine M., Denton, Wayne, Preyde, Michèle, Carbonell, Joyce L., Pasley, B. Kay, Cui, Ming, Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: This study explored the relationship between adolescent mental health, parental depression, and family environment for children and adolescents accessing intensive mental health treatment. The study had two aims. Aim one was to identify the severity of externalizing behaviors versus internalizing behaviors in children and adolescents accessing intensive mental health treatment and to determine the nature of gender differences in such behaviors. Aim two was to explore the relationship between...
Show moreThis study explored the relationship between adolescent mental health, parental depression, and family environment for children and adolescents accessing intensive mental health treatment. The study had two aims. Aim one was to identify the severity of externalizing behaviors versus internalizing behaviors in children and adolescents accessing intensive mental health treatment and to determine the nature of gender differences in such behaviors. Aim two was to explore the relationship between adolescent mental health, parental depression, and family environment. Results indicated that children and adolescents accessing intensive mental health treatment were more likely to exhibit externalizing behaviors than internalizing behaviors, and female adolescents were more likely to exhibit externalizing behaviors than were male adolescents. In relation to the second aim, there was a significant relationship between parental depression and internalizing behaviors in children and adolescents, such that parents who reported more symptoms of depression were more likely to report that their children and adolescents exhibited internalizing behaviors. Family environment and gender had the greatest influence on externalizing behaviors such that families with female adolescents and who reported lower levels of connection within the family were also more likely to report that their children and adolescents exhibited externalizing behaviors. Lastly, parents who perceived that their children and adolescents were exhibiting externalizing behaviors were more likely to report less access to relationships both internally (i.e. their spouse) and externally (i.e. childcare, friends). Conversely, only one of the internalizing behaviors, depression, was related to access to internal and external family relationships. Parents who perceived that their children and adolescents were displaying more depressive symptoms were also more likely to report less access to relationships. Findings from the current study highlight the need to understand the families of children and adolescents who access intensive mental health treatment to better tailor prevention and intervention efforts.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-8803
Format: Thesis

Title: Identity, Cohesion, and Enmeshment Across Cultures.
Creator: Gómez, Summer Brooke, Mullis, Ronald L., Gomory, Tomi, Mullis, Ann, McWey, Lenore, Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: The impact of family differentiation (cohesion and enmeshment), as measured by the Colorado Self-Report of Family Functioning Inventory, on ego identity development (exploration and commitment), as measured by the Ego Identity Process Questionnaire, was examined. This study also examined the impact of family differentiation on psychological well-being, both directly and as mediated by ego identity development. The psychological well-being variables were life satisfaction, measured by the...
Show moreThe impact of family differentiation (cohesion and enmeshment), as measured by the Colorado Self-Report of Family Functioning Inventory, on ego identity development (exploration and commitment), as measured by the Ego Identity Process Questionnaire, was examined. This study also examined the impact of family differentiation on psychological well-being, both directly and as mediated by ego identity development. The psychological well-being variables were life satisfaction, measured by the Satisfaction with Life Scale; depression, measured by the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D); and state anxiety, measured by a short form of the state-trait anxiety inventory (STAI-6). The research questions were: 1) Do cohesion and enmeshment influence commitment and exploration? 2) Do cohesion and enmeshment influence psychological well-being (anxiety, depression, and life satisfaction)? 3) Do these findings differ between non-Hispanic white participants and Hispanic participants of any race? Participants were undergraduate college students at two public universities in the southeastern United States. The total sample size was n = 563. Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the hypothesized relationships. This study also examined the mediating role of identity formation variables drawn from the ego identity development paradigm in cross-cultural context. Results show that, consistent with the study predictions, cohesion had significant positive effects on commitment and life satisfaction, and significant negative effects on depression and anxiety (both directly and as mediated by commitment). Also as predicted, commitment had a significant positive direct effect on life satisfaction, and significant negative direct effects on depression and anxiety. However, no effects were observed for enmeshment or exploration, and no differences were observed between the Hispanics and non-Hispanics. Implications for ego identity theory and family relations theory are discussed, as well as limitations of the study methodology and proposals for future research.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-8792
Format: Thesis

Title: Paternal Multiple Partner Fertility, Coparenting, and Father Involvement: The Role of Family Chaos.
Creator: Petren, Raymond E., Pasley, Kay, Cui, Ming, Gonzales-Backen, Melinda A., Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
Abstract/Description: Recent demographic trends show that multiple partner fertility (MPF; having children by more than one partner) is prevalent in American family life, particularly among unmarried men and women. MPF challenges family relationships and leads to poor economic and socio-emotional outcomes for parents and children, and paternal MPF is particularly problematic as it often results in fathers parenting multiple groups of children across households. Whereas some research shows that paternal MPF is...
Show moreRecent demographic trends show that multiple partner fertility (MPF; having children by more than one partner) is prevalent in American family life, particularly among unmarried men and women. MPF challenges family relationships and leads to poor economic and socio-emotional outcomes for parents and children, and paternal MPF is particularly problematic as it often results in fathers parenting multiple groups of children across households. Whereas some research shows that paternal MPF is associated with less supportive coparenting relationships among non-resident fathers and mothers and less father involvement, little is known about the mechanisms linking MPF with coparenting support and father involvement. Using data from the Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study and the family chaos perspective as a guide, the current project included three studies addressing the role of family chaos in the lives of unmarried non-resident fathers and their relationships with mothers and children. In Study 1, I examined the association between paternal MPF and family chaos, indicated by partnership instability, residential instability, work stability, number of different work shifts, work flexibility, material hardship, and perceived social support. In Study 2, I tested a mediation model hypothesizing that paternal MPF is associated with higher levels of family chaos, and family chaos, in turn, is associated with less coparenting support as perceived by both non-resident fathers and mothers of a focal child. Building on Study 2, Study 3 tested a mediation model hypothesizing that both family chaos and coparenting support mediate the association between MPF and father involvement with the focal child. As the timing of MPF may also matter, the effects of both early MPF (fathering a child by another partner before the focal child's first birthday) and later MPF (fathering another child between the focal child's first and third birthdays) on family chaos, coparenting support, and father involvement were examined with no MPF fathers as the comparison group. Overall, findings from Study 1 were that paternal MPF was associated with some indicators of family chaos (greater partnership instability, residential instability, material hardship, less work stability), but not others (work hours, number of work shifts, work flexibility, social support). Early MPF and later MPF were similarly related with work stability and material hardship, although later MPF was more strongly associated with partnership instability than was early MPF. Associations between MPF and family chaos were generally small. Results from Study 2 showed that most indicators of family chaos did not mediate associations among paternal MPF and coparenting support two years later. One exception was that both early and later MPF were associated with partnership instability which, in turn, was negatively, though only marginally, associated with fathers' perceptions of coparenting support. Results from Study 3 were similar to those of Study 2 and showed that most indicators of family chaos did not mediate the associations among paternal MPF, coparenting support, and father involvement two years later. Early MPF was negatively, though marginally, associated with social support which, in turn, was positively associated with concurrent reports of mothers' coparenting support, and mothers' perceptions of coparenting support were associated with father involvement two years later. Later MPF was directly associated with father involvement two years later, but this association was not mediated by family chaos or either parents' perceptions of coparenting support. Overall, findings suggest that family chaos may be a factor in the lives of fathers who experience MPF; however, further research is needed understand these associations.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9231
Format: Thesis

Title: The Relationship Between Early Familial Racial/Ethnic Socialization and Academic Outcomes of African American Students and the Mediating Effects of Self-Efficacy: A Longitudinal Analysis.
Creator: Brantley, Cicely W. (Cicely Walker), McWey, Lenore M., Mason, Patrick L., Cui, Ming, Denton, Wayne, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and...
Show moreBrantley, Cicely W. (Cicely Walker), McWey, Lenore M., Mason, Patrick L., Cui, Ming, Denton, Wayne, Florida State University, College of Human Sciences, Department of Family and Child Sciences
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Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between early familial racial/ethnic socialization and the self-efficacy and academic achievement of African American children during the elementary years, and across the transition to middle school. In particular, the mediatory effects of self-efficacy were examined longitudinally. The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten class of 1998 - 1999 (ECLS-K) was used to examine the impact of kindergarteners' at-home exposure to...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationships between early familial racial/ethnic socialization and the self-efficacy and academic achievement of African American children during the elementary years, and across the transition to middle school. In particular, the mediatory effects of self-efficacy were examined longitudinally. The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study Kindergarten class of 1998 - 1999 (ECLS-K) was used to examine the impact of kindergarteners' at-home exposure to racial/ethnic socialization on levels of school-related self-efficacy and academic achievement of the same children in fifth and eighth grades. African American students (N = 3224) from this nationally representative dataset were a part of this study. Albert Bandura's Social Cognitive Theory (also referred to as the Social Learning Theory) with particular focus on his conceptualization of Self-Efficacy, was used as a guiding framework for this study. Analyses were conducted using Structural Equation Modeling (SEM). Results showed that there was a significant and positive relationship between early childhood racial/ethnic socialization and the later academic achievement of pre-adolescent and adolescent African American school children in both fifth and eighth grades. However, the results also indicated that that self-efficacy had only minimal and insignificant mediating effects on the relationship between racial/ethnic socialization and academic achievement. The implications from these findings include impetus for marriage and family therapists and other practitioners and educators to include more family-centered and ethnically/racially relevant strategies and interventions to support families faced with school-based difficulties. Additional implications for therapists, educators, and researchers, were discussed.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9148
Format: Thesis

Title: Racial Discrimination and Alcohol Outcomes in Black Youth: A Person-Centered Approach.
Creator: Smith, Shardé N., Fincham, Frank, Taylor, John, Holtrop, Kendal, Cui, Ming, Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: Stress predicts alcohol use but less is known about the role of racial discrimination, a chronic and ubiquitous stressor, as a risk factor for underage drinking among Black youth. While most studies examine race/ethnic differences when exploring underage drinking outcomes, there is a need to understand within-group differences on the stress-alcohol use link in order to focus alcohol prevention and intervention efforts. Thus, this study sought to identify homogeneous subgroups of Black youth...
Show moreStress predicts alcohol use but less is known about the role of racial discrimination, a chronic and ubiquitous stressor, as a risk factor for underage drinking among Black youth. While most studies examine race/ethnic differences when exploring underage drinking outcomes, there is a need to understand within-group differences on the stress-alcohol use link in order to focus alcohol prevention and intervention efforts. Thus, this study sought to identify homogeneous subgroups of Black youth based on their experiences of racial discrimination by their teachers and peers in middle and high-school and assess whether these subgroups differed on alcohol-related outcomes in emerging adulthood. Latent transition analyses (LTA) was performed on racial discrimination indicators derived while youth were in the 8th and 11th grade. Findings demonstrated 3 distinct subgroups of youth. Youth in the Teacher-Peer Perceived Racial Discrimination (PRD) group were characterized as having high probabilities of experiencing racial discrimination from both teachers and peers. Those in the Teacher PRD group had high probabilities of experiencing racial discrimination from teachers and a low probability of experiencing racial discrimination from their peers. Finally, youth in the No PRD group had low probabilities across all racial discrimination indicators. Males were more likely to be in the Teacher-Peer and Teacher PRD groups compared to females. Youth in the Teacher-Peer PRD group consumed significantly more alcohol than the other groups, whereas, the Teacher PRD group experienced significantly more alcohol-related consequences. Parents' strategies on how to deal with racial discrimination were not significant protective factors for youth within any group. Implications of the study suggest the need to reduce race-based stress within the school context as a form of intervention and prevention of underage drinking among Blacks.
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Date Issued: 2014
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-9096
Format: Thesis

Title: College Students' Recollection of Parent-Child Conflict Management and Current Perceptions of Adjustment and Attachment with Parents and Peers.
Creator: Savasuk, Rachel, Readdick, Christine, Holtrop, Kendal, Thyer, Bruce, Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between parent-child conflict management in early adolescence, more specifically around the age of thirteen years old, to adjustment and attachment with parents and peers in college-age adolescents. Data was collected from Florida State University students taking classes within the department of Family and Child Sciences and fell between the ages of 18 and 22 with a rather even distribution between the ages. The sample consisted of 321...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between parent-child conflict management in early adolescence, more specifically around the age of thirteen years old, to adjustment and attachment with parents and peers in college-age adolescents. Data was collected from Florida State University students taking classes within the department of Family and Child Sciences and fell between the ages of 18 and 22 with a rather even distribution between the ages. The sample consisted of 321 participants, the majority of which were female (86.9%) and White, non-Hispanic (69.8%). The participants reported retrospectively on their punishment experiences with both mother and father using an adjusted form of Kaplan's Personal History of Punishment Inventory and on their current adjustment using Achenbach's Adult Self-Report survey and attachment using Armsden and Greenberg's Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment. Findings for this study were that the more severe punishment inflicted by mothers was indicative of higher reporting externalizing and internalizing behaviors as well as decreased attachment with mother and peers in later adolescence. There was also findings that indicate that the more severe punishment inflicted by fathers was indicative of increased internalizing behaviors, and decreased attachment with father and peers in later adolescence; however, there was no significant influence on internalizing behaviors. Despite the limitations of this study, it offers information that has not been fully addressed in previous research.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-8012
Format: Thesis

Title: Placement Instability in the Foster Care System: A Study Framed by Attachment Theory.
Creator: Collazo, Christine, Readdick, Christine A., Mullis, Ann K., Hanline, Mary Francis, Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: The purpose of the study was to examine the relation between prior maltreatment history and placement instability among pre-teen children in the foster care system and perceptions of mother-child relationship when children are age 14. Using LONGSCAN data set, children were 50.5% females, and the majority self-identified as African America (58.8%). A majority of the parent sample self-reported as either single (40.7%) or married (33.2%), and a majority (53.4%) of mothers reported an annual...
Show moreThe purpose of the study was to examine the relation between prior maltreatment history and placement instability among pre-teen children in the foster care system and perceptions of mother-child relationship when children are age 14. Using LONGSCAN data set, children were 50.5% females, and the majority self-identified as African America (58.8%). A majority of the parent sample self-reported as either single (40.7%) or married (33.2%), and a majority (53.4%) of mothers reported an annual income of $24,999 or less in 2010. Findings were that increased placement instability was linked with child perception of lower relationship quality and was associated with recent involvement with their mother. A history of prior maltreatment also was associated with child perception of lower relationship quality and higher recent involvement with mothers. Recent involvement was also found to moderate the effect of placement instability and prior maltreatment on children's perception of relationship quality with mothers. Despite limitations of the current study, findings can inform foster care practice to bring stability into the lives of the children affected by maltreatment and frequent placement changes.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-7755
Format: Thesis

Title: "Did You Think to Pray?: " Praying for One's Partner and Cardiovascular Reactivity Among Married Couples.
Creator: Brown, Preston C., Fincham, Frank D., Hay, Carter, Cui, Ming, Denton, Wayne, Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: While marriage may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), marital stress has been shown to evoke greater cardiovascular reactivity (CVR), increasing the risk of CVD. One possible context for experiencing marital stress is discussion of conflict within the relationship. The present study sought to attenuate the CVR experienced during marital conflict discussion through partner-focused prayer prior to discussion. Praying for one's partner has been linked to increased relationship...
Show moreWhile marriage may reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), marital stress has been shown to evoke greater cardiovascular reactivity (CVR), increasing the risk of CVD. One possible context for experiencing marital stress is discussion of conflict within the relationship. The present study sought to attenuate the CVR experienced during marital conflict discussion through partner-focused prayer prior to discussion. Praying for one's partner has been linked to increased relationship satisfaction, more tendency to forgive, greater gratitude, and less likelihood of infidelity. It has also been reported to have a softening effect on conflict. To examine the attenuation effects of partner-focused prayer on CVR in martial stress, 90 married couples completed both a conflict discussion and control discussion (typical daily routines). Females were randomly assigned to either partner-focused prayer, thinking about God or religion, or mental activity intervention conditions. While overall means indicated greater CVR during the conflict discussion and less recovery afterward compared to the control discussion for systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), these differences were not significant. Similarly, mean differences between intervention groups for SBP and DBP during conflict discussion and for SBP, DBP, nLF, nHF, and LFSBP after conflict discussion trend toward an attenuation effect of partner-focused prayer, compared to a mental thinking task control, when controlling for relationship satisfaction, regularly praying for one's partner, and religiosity; however, these results are also not statistically significant. Limitations and directions for future research are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-7315
Format: Thesis

Title: The Associations Between Relationships with Biological and Foster Parents, Self-Esteem, and Delinquency for Adolescents in Foster Care.
Creator: Farineau, Heather, McWey, Lenore, Randolph, Karen, Mullis, Ann, Holtrop, Kendal, Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between delinquency and the three primary relationships of adolescents in the foster care system, biological parent-child relationship, foster parent-child relationship, and the co-parenting relationship between these two parents, using ecological theory as a basis. Self-esteem was included as a meditating variable. The sample included 188 adolescents in long-term foster care and was drawn from the National Survey of Child and...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between delinquency and the three primary relationships of adolescents in the foster care system, biological parent-child relationship, foster parent-child relationship, and the co-parenting relationship between these two parents, using ecological theory as a basis. Self-esteem was included as a meditating variable. The sample included 188 adolescents in long-term foster care and was drawn from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being (NSCAW) data. Structural equation modeling was used to analyze the direct and indirect relationships in the proposed model. It was found that self-esteem was a significant mediator between the relationship with foster parent and delinquency. Implications for researchers and clinicians were discussed.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-7374
Format: Thesis

Title: Physical Activities and General Family Functioning.
Creator: Longley, Kasey, Cui, Ming, Denton, Wayne, Dalal, Naresh, Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: Few studies have examined how physical activities of family members affect the overall functioning of a family in general. This study utilized a family-systems perspective with the idea that what happens in one area of family system will impact others, specifically the impact of physical activity on overall family functioning. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of physical activities of family members on the functioning of the family. Within the family system perspective, it...
Show moreFew studies have examined how physical activities of family members affect the overall functioning of a family in general. This study utilized a family-systems perspective with the idea that what happens in one area of family system will impact others, specifically the impact of physical activity on overall family functioning. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of physical activities of family members on the functioning of the family. Within the family system perspective, it was hypothesized that participants whose family reported higher levels of physical activities would report better family functioning. Eighty-four college students in a parenting class answered a survey regarding their own and their parents' physical activities, and family functioning. Family functioning was assessed using the General Functioning Subscale of the McMaster Family Assessment Device (Epstein, Baldwin, & Bishop, 1983). This study used a simple linear regression analysis to analyze the data. The findings suggested there was no direct association between participation in physical activities and general family functioning. Furthermore, no direct relationship was found from physical activity to stress. However, stress there was a relationship between stress and general family functioning. Implications of the findings were also discussed.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-7476
Format: Thesis

Title: The Effects of Uncertainty for Couples in Cancer Survivorship.
Creator: Senatore, Natalie, Denton, Wayne, Gerend, Mary, McWey, Lenore, Darling, Carol, Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: The purpose of this study was to investigate the experience of uncertainty in illness for couples in the post-treatment phase of a cancer diagnosis. More specifically, the study sought to determine if lower levels of cancer uncertainty could lead to higher satisfaction with life, lower depression, and lower anxiety for both members of the couple. The additional influence of coping skill usage and relationship satisfaction was also examined in the context of the couple relationship. Symbolic...
Show moreThe purpose of this study was to investigate the experience of uncertainty in illness for couples in the post-treatment phase of a cancer diagnosis. More specifically, the study sought to determine if lower levels of cancer uncertainty could lead to higher satisfaction with life, lower depression, and lower anxiety for both members of the couple. The additional influence of coping skill usage and relationship satisfaction was also examined in the context of the couple relationship. Symbolic interactionism was the theoretical framework guiding this study. Data was collected through the Midwestern Site of the Cancer Treatment Centers of America and their volunteer participant program called Cancer Fighters as well as through Facebook recruitment. Data analyses involved using the Actor-Partner Interdependence Model (APIM) as well as path analysis using AMOS (Arbukle, 2006) software to examine the hypotheses. Results indicated a direct relationship between partners uncertainty and depression, anxiety, and satisfaction with life. Survivors results indicated a direct relationship between their uncertainty and anxiety. Finally, a direct relationship was indicated from partner's uncertainty to survivor's depression and anxiety. These findings suggest that a partner's level of uncertainty during the survivorship stage can function as the most influential aspect of the adjustment to post-treatment life. Implications for researchers and practitioners are discussed.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-8635
Format: Thesis

Title: The Association Between Intrapersonal, Interpersonal and Community Factors and Prostate Cancer Screening Among African American Men.
Creator: Dickey, Sabrina L., Cui, Ming, Whyte, James, McWey, Lenore, Ralston, Penny, Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: Disproportionate rates of prostate cancer and high-mortality rates from prostate cancer among African American (AA) men have provided the impetus to examine factors which influence prostate cancer screening (PCS) in the AA male population. This study focused on prostate cancer screening, which included the digital rectal exam (DRE) and the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test as the outcome variables. Literature has indicated an association between intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community...
Show moreDisproportionate rates of prostate cancer and high-mortality rates from prostate cancer among African American (AA) men have provided the impetus to examine factors which influence prostate cancer screening (PCS) in the AA male population. This study focused on prostate cancer screening, which included the digital rectal exam (DRE) and the prostate specific antigen (PSA) test as the outcome variables. Literature has indicated an association between intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community factors and prostate cancer screening. In addition, the independent variable of intention was examined as a mediator that links the various factors to the outcome variable of the PSA test. Based on the social ecological model and the theory of planned behavior, I hypothesized that: 1) AA men who were over 50 years old, with a college degree, had higher levels of income, a perceived better health-status ranking had higher, positive rates for receiving prostate cancer screening; 2) AA men who were married, and had the presence of marital support, and family support had higher rates of receiving positive prostate cancer screening; 3) higher rates of church attendance, more church member support, and better access to health care would be associated with higher levels of prostate cancer screening; 4) the intrapersonal, interpersonal, and community factors were combined to be associated with the likelihood of AA men receiving prostate cancer screening; and 5) these factors were associated with the likelihood of prostate cancer screening though intention to have a PSA test. Using data from the Center of Disease Control and Prevention's 2007-2008 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), results from logistic regression suggested that 1) intrapersonal factors were significant and associated with receiving prostate cancer screening ; 2) the interpersonal factors were not significant or associated with AA men receiving prostate cancer screening; 3) community factors were significant and associated with receiving prostate cancer screening; 4) the additive effective of intrapersonal, interpersonal and community factors were significant and associated with prostate cancer screening; and 5) there was no evidence of mediation by intention to receive a PSA test. The study adds to the literature on AA men and prostate cancer screening by separately examining three groups of factors that interact with AA men on a personal, social and environmental level. The findings suggested the importance of several factors (age, income, church attendance, and access to health care) that could provide useful information for designing interventions to promote prostate cancer screening among AA men.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-8547
Format: Thesis

Title: An Exploratory Case Study of Fathers Who Massaged Their Infants.
Creator: Keller, Mary Kay, Rehm, Marsha, Hanline, Mary Frances, Denton, Wayne, Cui, Ming, Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: ABSTRACT In the past, the majority of infant caregiving has been done by mothers or other female care-givers (Bailey, 1994; Hossain, Field, Pickens, Malphurs, & Del Valle, 1997). Yet, most fathers (91%) were involved with the mother at the time of the babies' birth (Gottman, Gottman & Shapiro, 2010). Fathers who had "close physical contact" interacted more with their infants (Park & Swain, 1977). In addition, fathers who saw infant caregiving activities demonstrated mirrored these behaviors...
Show moreABSTRACT In the past, the majority of infant caregiving has been done by mothers or other female care-givers (Bailey, 1994; Hossain, Field, Pickens, Malphurs, & Del Valle, 1997). Yet, most fathers (91%) were involved with the mother at the time of the babies' birth (Gottman, Gottman & Shapiro, 2010). Fathers who had "close physical contact" interacted more with their infants (Park & Swain, 1977). In addition, fathers who saw infant caregiving activities demonstrated mirrored these behaviors with their own infants (Parke, Hymel, Power, & Tinsely, 1980; Harrison et al., 1996). Fathers who were present and active in the lives of their children provided support contributing to the emotional development of their children by being emotionally and physically available and engaged (Parke, 1996; Parke & Brott, 1999). Infant massage increased parental competency, frequency, and quality of caregiving activities by fathers with their infants (Cullen et al., 2000; Scholz & Samuels, 1992). This study aimed to explore the experiences, attitudes, and perspectives of fathers massaging their infants. Five fathers and five infants participated in an exploratory pilot case study to determine what, if any, perceived benefits existed or accrued for fathers who massaged their infants. In this three week study fathers provided infant massage to their infants every night before bedtime and recorded their activities in diaries. Initial and final interviews and videorecordings captured the fathers massaging their infants, their attitudes and perceptions of their experiences. This data was analyzed using Atlas.ti and qualitative process coding. The findings were that father's enjoyed massaging their infants and believed that their infants enjoyed being massaged. Fathers reported: they desired opportunities to spend time with their infants; feelings of contributing to their infants' comfort; competence and confidence in their interactions with their infants; and provided the mothers temporary relief from their child care activities. Additionally, the data demonstrated the attachment constructs of awareness, emotional expression, engagement cues, motivation, relationship, sensitivity supporting attachment theory as an appropriate theoretical framework to study the father child dyad.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-8579
Format: Thesis

Title: Evaluating the Impact of a Gottman-Based Marriage Strengthening Program on Families Adopting Children with Special Needs.
Creator: Walker, Leah K., Lee, Robert E., Gussak, David, Readdick, Christine A., Department of Family and Child Sciences, Florida State University
Abstract/Description: Twelve married couples fostering special needs children completed a 6-month, weekly, individualized marital strengthening intervention based on Gottman's Sound Marital House model. 66% (8 couples) were located three to seven years later and interviewed about what they have found useful in that experience. The interview was semi-structured and non-directive and informed a grounded theory approach. The findings indicate that, for this sample, some curricular concepts were experienced as...
Show moreTwelve married couples fostering special needs children completed a 6-month, weekly, individualized marital strengthening intervention based on Gottman's Sound Marital House model. 66% (8 couples) were located three to seven years later and interviewed about what they have found useful in that experience. The interview was semi-structured and non-directive and informed a grounded theory approach. The findings indicate that, for this sample, some curricular concepts were experienced as important. However, the findings also suggested that family science researchers and program evaluators should consider not just curricular particulars but the entire process of enrolling and participating in such a program, namely, generic therapeutic aspects of participation.
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Date Issued: 2013
Identifier: FSU_migr_etd-8657
Format: Thesis

Families (59)	+ -
Children (45)	+ -
Life cycle, Human (44)	+ -
Social service (35)	+ -
Social sciences (28)	+ -

Study and teaching (13)	+ -
Sociology (11)	+ -
Research (7)	+ -
Psychology (5)	+ -
Animal behavior (3)	+ -
Mental health (3)	+ -
Religion (3)	+ -
African Americans (2)	+ -
Counseling psychology (2)	+ -
Developmental psychology (2)	+ -
Education (2)	+ -
Social psychology (2)	+ -
Child psychology (1)	+ -
Criminology (1)	+ -
Early childhood teachers (1)	+ -
Food (1)	+ -
Gerontology (1)	+ -
Gifted children (1)	+ -
Health services administration (1)	+ -
Medical sciences (1)	+ -
Military education (1)	+ -
Public administration (1)	+ -
Public health (1)	+ -
Public policy (1)	+ -
Social psychiatry (1)	+ -

text (151)	+ -
doctoral thesis (14)	+ -

Florida State University (151)	+ -
Cui, Ming (44)	+ -
College of Human Sciences (29)	+ -
McWey, Lenore (28)	+ -
Mullis, Ann K. (28)	+ -

Rehm, Marsha (21)	+ -
McWey, Lenore M. (20)	+ -
Mullis, Ronald L. (20)	+ -
Denton, Wayne (16)	+ -
Mullis, Ann (16)	+ -
Lee, Robert E. (15)	+ -
Readdick, Christine A. (15)	+ -
Pasley, B. Kay (14)	+ -
Darling, Carol A. (10)	+ -
Mazza, Nicholas (10)	+ -
Pasley, Kay (10)	+ -
Peterson, Gary (10)	+ -
Rehm, Marsha Lynn (10)	+ -
Cornille, Thomas A. (9)	+ -
Fincham, Frank D. (8)	+ -
Hicks, Mary W. (8)	+ -
Holtrop, Kendal (8)	+ -
Iatarola, Patrice (8)	+ -
Readdick, Christine (8)	+ -
Gonzales-Backen, Melinda A. (7)	+ -
Holtrop, Kendal N. (7)	+ -
Fincham, Frank (6)	+ -
Lucier-Greer, Mallory (6)	+ -
Rehm, Marsha L. (6)	+ -

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