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Journal of Family Strengths
Number of Followers: 3  Open Access journalISSN (Print) 2168-670X Published by Texas Medical Center  [2 journals]
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- Pueblos y Ranchos: The role of Latino fathers and community leaders in
serving Latino families in rural Northwest Iowa and Southern Minnesota
Authors: Ruben Viramontez Anguiano
Abstract: This ethnography study explored the role of Latino fathers in family life and their children’s education before and during the pandemic. The study also examined the role of Latino leaders and ally leaders in serving Latino fathers and their families in Northwest, Iowa and Southern, Minnesota before and during the pandemic. The sample consisted of 40 Latino fathers from El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico and Nicaragua and 22 leaders of Latino and European American backgrounds. The study utilized different qualitative inquiries including the larger ethnography, testimonios and observations to collect the data. Key findings included that the Latino fathers were moving beyond traditional interpretations of Latino fatherhood and masculinity in particular machismo. Rather the fathers were focused on a new family dynamic and Latino fatherhood that highlighted positive Latino family values and egalitarian beliefs. Another finding demonstrated that the Latino fathers were more actively engaged in their children's lives and education regardless of the circumstances. A key finding demonstrated that the fathers showed resilience before and during the pandemic in efforts to serve their families. The results showed that leaders were actively advocating for the Latino families before and during the pandemic. The study also found that Latino leaders were showing progress in helping rural communities move towards equity, diverse and inclusive for their communities. Implications for future research were provided.
PubDate: Mon, 09 Jan 2023 09:23:17 PST
- Parental Understanding of Mental Health in Early Childhood Development: A
Human Capabilities Approach
Authors: Fatiema Benjamin et al.
Abstract: Background: the family is central to a child’s development and well-being. Parental understanding of mental health or psychological distress have a significant effect on child development including their mental health. The aim of this qualitative study was to explore parents understanding of mental health in early childhood development.Methods: semi-structured interviews with 12 parents of children in early childhood development were conducted. Five themes emerged from the thematic analysis: (1) Understanding mental health; (2) Perceptions of parental mental health in relation to the child; (3) Child’s behaviour when experiencing different emotions; (4) Child’s behaviour when witnessing parent’s emotions; and (5) Child’s interaction, confidence, and attitude. Overall, parents were not clear in understanding mental health. They could understand and identify basic emotions but were unable to identify early childhood mental health signs. Recommendations enhancing the knowledge and skills of parents are provided within the capabilities framework.
PubDate: Fri, 09 Dec 2022 09:39:16 PST
- Predictors of Traumatic Experiences and Mental Wellbeing Among Recent
Immigrant Mothers and Children
Authors: Andy U. Torres et al.
Abstract: Immigrant mothers face numerous challenges and unique stressors related not only to their role as asylum-seekers but also to their roles as women and caretakers. Some studies suggest that immigrant mothers may exhibit high internalizing symptoms related to pre-migration trauma exposure, while others claim that such symptoms may be due to the internalization of their children’s mental health. In view of this, a total of 60 recently arrived immigrant mothers and their children from Central America, predominantly the Northern Triangle, who arrived via the U.S-Mexico border were sampled. Immigrant mothers and their children were administered a Spanish battery containing health and trauma screeners. Hierarchical regression analyses revealed that, after controlling for maternal demographics and trauma exposure by child and mother, the children’s mental health score was not a significant predictor to maternal mental health; instead, maternal demographics were the strongest predictors to poorer maternal mental health. Clinicians working with this population should be aware of perceived violations of women’s rights. More importantly, policy reform should consider the unique challenges immigrant mothers and their children face upon their arrival into the US and take meaningful action to alleviate such challenges. Future research and clinical implications are discussed.
PubDate: Thu, 01 Dec 2022 14:31:18 PST
- Family Strengths and Immigration
Abstract: This special issue is dedicated to issues related to the intersection of immigration, associated risks, and family strengths. Although documentation of experiences of immigrants with justice and child welfare systems has increased over the last five years[1], there remains much to be documented to facilitate an understanding of the challenges that immigrant families face and their strengths in overcoming risks. For example, the need for placement and care for unaccompanied, refugee, and immigrant children has grown exponentially and placed a strain on the already under-resourced child placing and foster care systems.[2] These youth are often less considered for adoption or are viewed as being at high risk of delinquency[3].This special issue will provide a space for academic scholars, practitioners, professionals and system impacted individuals to discuss and explore the attributes of immigrant families that contribute to placing children at risk (e.g., immigration status, country of origin), correlation to negative life events (e.g. human trafficking) impact of system involvement (e.g., child welfare or justice) on immigrant families and their children and identify policy or program recommendations to address the unique issues related to immigration and families (e.g., settlement communities, etc.).
[1] Bejarano C. (2015). Fear, vulnerability and death for children and youth at the US-Mexico border. In: C. Harker, K. Hörschelmann, T. Skelton (Eds.), Conflict, violence and peace (GCYP, vol11). Singapore Springer. Retrieved from https://link.springer.com/referenceworkentry/10.1007%2F978-981-4585-98-9_10-1Migration Policy Institute. (n.d.). Children in U.S. immigrant families. Retrieved from https://www.migrationpolicy.org/programs/data-hub/charts/children-immigrant-familiesRadford, J. (2019). Key findings about U.S. immigrants. Retrieved from https://www.pewresearch.org/fact-tank/2019/06/17/key-findings-about-u-s-immigrantsRodriguez, D. X., Rodriguez, S. C., & Zehyoue, B. C. V. (2019). A content analysis of the contributions in the narratives of DACA youth. Journal of Youth Development, 14(2), 64-78. doi:10.5195/jyd.2019.682Wu, Y-J., Outley, C., & Matarrita-Cascante, D. (2019). Cultural immersion camps and development of ethnic identity in Asian American youth. Journal of Youth Development, 14(2), 166-181. doi:10.5195/jyd.2019.708[2] https://time.com/5950832/unaccompanied-minors-border[3] Rodriguez, F., & Dawkins, M. (2016). Undocumented Latino Youth: Migration Experiences and the Challenges of Integrating into American Society. Journal of International Migration and Integration, 18, 419-438.Wolff KT, Intravia J, Baglivio MT, Piquero AR. The Protective Impact of Immigrant Concentration on Juvenile Recidivism: A Multilevel Examination of Potential Mechanisms. Crime & Delinquency. 2018;64(10):1271-1305. doi:10.1177/0011128717739608
PubDate: Thu, 01 Dec 2022 14:20:15 PST
DOI: 10.5195/jyd.2019.682 Wu 5195/jyd.2019.708
- The online environments of sexual and gender minority youth: Contexts of
risk and resilience
Authors: Alexa Martin-Storey et al.
Abstract: Adolescents, in general, are spending more time in online environments, and understanding how youth navigate these contexts may be particularly important for addressing and improving outcomes among sexual and gender minority youth. Taking a developmental perspective, this review discusses online environments as contexts of both risk and resilience for youth in gender and sexual minority communities. In particular, we review literature highlighting how online environments provide a context for many salient aspects of adolescent development, including the promotion of identity development and the exploration of intimate, romantic and sexual behavior. The potential for online environments to serve as contexts for discrimination and victimization for gender and sexual minority youth are also discussed. Specific recommendations for parents, teachers and sexual and gender minority youth themselves are made for creating and promoting positive wellbeing in online spaces.
PubDate: Wed, 03 Aug 2022 05:23:49 PDT
- How Life During a Pandemic May Have Contributed to Homicide in Houston,
Texas
Authors: Ciarra Hastings Blow
Abstract: This study offers an examination of a sample of 150 homicides in Houston, Texas in 2020 as described by local news sources. The purpose was to understand dynamics that may explain what appears to be an increase in domestic disputes that led to increases in homicides. This mixed method study utilized content analysis that included quantifying the patterns of concepts in the news reports to isolate racial, gender and location factors. Data are displayed in tables and figures to illustrate patterns and regression analyses indicate predictive relations. The study is important given the recent homicide increases during the COVID-19 pandemic, and the substantial impact on families and communities. The data reveal that domestic disputes and access to firearms are evident in the increases. The study offers implications for micro and macro responses involving media coverage, interpersonal communication, community programming and messaging, law enforcement engagement, and justice system reforms.
PubDate: Wed, 20 Apr 2022 05:33:53 PDT
- The Pandemic and the Pre-School to Prison Pipeline: A Public-School
Teacher's Perspective
Authors: Barbara Garcia-Powell
Abstract: We simply do not have access to best practices for leading, teaching, and learning during a pandemic, as this experience is new. Quarantining, social distancing, teaching remotely, and learning from home have taught us so much about the endless possibilities of education. In this commentary, I share my perspective, as a public school teacher, on the connection between learning strategies implemented during the pandemic and the School-to-Prison Pipeline.
PubDate: Tue, 12 Apr 2022 05:03:51 PDT
- The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on At-Risk Populations Experiencing
Stress and Family Violence: The Importance of An Action Model.
Authors: Ivor L. Livingston et al.
Abstract: The paper was entitled: “The Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on At-Risk Populations Experiencing stress and Family Violence: The Importance of An Action Model.”As the title of the paper indicates, the paper had an ambitious task of showing how vulnerable populations, such as African Americans, because of racism, discrimination and subsequent inequities in their life experiences (such as inadequate health care, poor working conditions, a host of underlying health conditions, and potentially greater amounts of stress) are likely to become sicker with COVID-19 (higher morbidity and mortality) and, subsequently, more likely to experience higher than normal rates of family violence.The paper discussed different types of family violence, such as elder abuse, sibling abuse, child abuse and intimate partner violence. However, whatever form of family violence that is taking place in today’s society is usually intertwined with a complex mixture of factors that begin at the wider society or macro-levels, trickling down through the community and/or middle or meso-levels, and eventually landing at the individual or micro-levels of society.To better understand the complex array of societal factors, alluded to before, all of which individually and collectively help to explain how the era of the Covid-19 pandemic increased levels of stress and later the likelihood of different types of family violence, an Action Model was used as a guiding light. In essence, rather than just make alluding relational statements, as the literature warranted, steps were taken to link these important relational statements to exact sections of the Action Model depicted in the specially modified and highly illustrated Action Model of the paper. The paper closed with some recommended policy suggestions, tips, best practices and accessible resources for both stress management and family violence prevention.
PubDate: Mon, 04 Apr 2022 05:14:06 PDT
- Our youth are our solution, not our problem
Authors: Enrique Romo Ph.D; MBA
Abstract: Young men of color encounter challenges and systems that were designed to exclude them. Education is one such system that often prevents minoritized and historically excluded populations from fully achieving their aspirations and true educational potential. This essay illustrates pathways taken by young men of color after high school graduation and exposes deficit narratives that further alienate them. Conversely, it highlights perseverance and different types of capital that uplift and encourage young men of color to resist, persist, and succeed even when the odds are stocked against them. Further, it provides a call to action to empower and uplift our young men of color and to reassure them that even when some people may give up on them, that we are here to carry them through.
PubDate: Mon, 04 Apr 2022 05:13:52 PDT
- Issue Editor Reflection
Authors: Stella L. Smith et al.
Abstract: This special issue of the Journal of Family Strengths enhances the conversation related to interventions that will be most helpful to assist our African American and Latino males be successful in the classroom. Unique to this issue is a series of Prospectus from the Field op-ed pieces from emerging scholars and seasoned administrators. As we consider the impact of low academic achievement on African American and Latino males throughout the P-20 educational continuum, we are delighted to feature new perspectives on this critical issue in this special issue.
PubDate: Fri, 01 Apr 2022 06:02:58 PDT
- Evaluation of an After-School Program for African-American and Hispanic
Male Youth: Please Call Me Mister
Authors: Herman Walston EdD et al.
Abstract: The novel coronavirus significantly impacted the lives of people worldwide. In the United States, the lives of children and youth were disrupted with school closures and lack of access to afterschool programs they previously attended. African American and Hispanic boys attending an after-school program in Franklin County, Kentucky, called Please Call Me Mister, were among the young people affected. A study was conducted to assess the impact of the afterschool program. The boys were surveyed at the start of the program in November 2017 and again in November 2020 to assess their injury risk, substance use, future orientation, resilience, and exposure to cyberbullying. It was anticipated that the COVID-19 pandemic and associated stay-at-home orders would negatively impact program outcomes. Program participants showed outstanding resilience and resistance to most negative behaviors with the exception of marijuana use that increased though not significantly. Their level of depression decreased, but remained at a level that warrants concern. The data collected suggest that the Please Call Me Mister program that continued remotely throughout the pandemic had an overall, long-term, positive impact on program participants.
PubDate: Thu, 31 Mar 2022 08:39:02 PDT
- Nowhere to Run. Impact of Family Violence Incidents during COVID-19
Lockdown in Texas
Authors: Edidiong Mendie et al.
Abstract: The prevalence of family violence incidents experienced an exponential rise during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The pandemic ushered in a new threat to life which was complicated by the restriction on mobility. Given the stay-at-home order enacted by different States, victims of family violence were compelled to face their abusers with no escape route, particularly intimate partners. This work is an exploratory study that analyzed the trends of family violence cases in selected Texas counties pre covid-19 and during covid-19. The data revealed an increase in family violence incidents from 12 out of the 15 counties studied. This work offers practical strategies to help advance the response of criminal justice personnel to family violence cases.
PubDate: Thu, 31 Mar 2022 05:34:28 PDT
- Making a Difference in Children’s Lives: Lessons Learned from Planning
and Implementing a Virtual Summer Camp During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Andrea McDonald Ph.D. et al.
Abstract: Summer camps are known to increase knowledge and engage children during the summer holidays. However, the COVID-19 pandemic placed a freeze on all activities that required face-to-face interaction during the summer of 2020. The purpose of this paper is to describe the planning, implementation, and evaluation of a virtual summer camp for children. Our virtual camp “Whimsical Wednesdays" was hosted by a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) that is dedicated to changing children's lives and providing service to the community. We recruited children aged 6-12 to attend the virtual summer camp through informational flyers posted on the institution’s website, Instagram, Facebook, and other social media networks. The camp ran for five consecutive Wednesdays during July 2020 and engaged children in 60-minute sessions between 11:00 a.m. and noon. An average of 20 children participated each week in topics such as performing arts, reading, STEM, health and wellness, and cultural awareness. Overall, the camp demonstrated that children and facilitators were able to engage and interact using the online platforms Zoom and Nearpod. All participants expressed satisfaction with the program through survey evaluation instruments. Lessons learned include successes and challenges with technology, evaluation, and data collection methods. These lessons will be used to improve future programs.
PubDate: Wed, 30 Mar 2022 09:53:08 PDT
- Surviving COVID19 (Increased Domestic Violence, Marginalized Communities,
and Innovative Solutions)
Authors: Anjerrika R. Bean
Abstract: Surviving COVID19 (Increased Domestic Violence, Marginalized Communities, and Innovative Solutions) Domestic violence generally refers to violence occurring between residences within one single location. Intimate partner violence is domestic violence by a current or former spouse or partner in an intimate relationship against the other spouse or partner. IPV can take several forms, including physical, verbal, emotional, economic, and sexual abuse. According to the Center for Disease Control, 1 in 4 women and 1 in 9 men experience severe intimate partner physical violence, intimate partner contact sexual violence, and/or intimate partner stalking with impacts such as injury, fearfulness, post-traumatic stress disorder, use of victim services, contraction of sexually transmitted diseases, etc.2 DV/IPV disproportionate affect communities of color and other marginalized groups. According to a report from the Violence Policy Center (Langley & Sugarmann, 2014:1), in 2011, the homicide rate for Black female victims (4.54 per 100,000) was more than three times higher than the homicide rate for White female victims. (1.45 per 100,000). Additionally, a study revealed high rates of intimate partner violence among the LGBTQ community. Bisexual women in particular reported experiencing sexual violence at rates twice that of their heterosexual counterparts. Lesbians and gay men also reported starkly higher incidents of violence than straight people (CDC, 2013).This is important because as COVID19 cases begin to rise the government put in to stay-at-home orders leaving victims of domestic violence vulnerable and trapped with their preparators. This limited their access to technology, medical care, family, and friends. Marginalized communities face higher forms of oppression and experience greater difficulties gaining access to resources in comparison to their white counterparts when reporting IPV. Black women’s mistrust of the police causes them to turn to sisterhood, family, and often the Black church when reporting IPV. Whereas, the LGBTQA populations are less likely to report abuse because of fear of discrimination or being outed to their friends (CDC, 2013).The purpose of this article is to explore: In what ways have COVID19 impacted victims of DV/IPV due to the stay-at-home orders' How does intersectional oppression further exacerbated victims of IPV receiving access to social services during COVID19' What innovative practices and solutions should family members, community leaders, and stakeholders implement for victims of IPV during the COVID19 pandemic' This study uses a systematic review of articles and is based on the conventional scientific standards of preferred reporting procedures for systematic reviews.Findings indicate that DV/IPV victims have experienced increased rates of violence since the onset of the stay-at-home orders. Also, marginalized groups have been more negatively impacted by COVID19 when compared to their counterparts. The data also reveals that other countries have successfully identified solutions for DV/IPV victims to help these vulnerable populations gain access to victims' services that can be replicated here in America. This article clearly identifies barriers that exist for DV/IPV victims of color and provides innovative solutions for these populations to be able to better access social services. The COVID19 pandemic has shown the world that it’s imperative to adapt and implement innovative practices and policies that are designed to save lives and decrease the overall rates of DV/IPV globally.
PubDate: Tue, 29 Mar 2022 05:19:20 PDT
- “COVID-19 and the Increase in Domestic Violence”
Authors: Sharlette A. Kellum
Abstract: Has COVID-19 caused a disaster within a disaster' While many were focused on saving the lives of those stricken by the virus, other were being killed by their intimate partners. What happens when there is nowhere to run' How can one reach out for help, when everyone they would have reached out to is also isolated' How can one find out if they’re being abused, if the resources they used to have access to have been depleted' Once the jobs are taken away, homes; internet; cell phones; cars and the like are soon to follow. What happens when one loses their identity as they know it' Depression and a lack of self-control become more visible, where they once were able to be hidden. When there is a lack of self-control and a lack of resources to help sustain self-control, some seek to address mounting issues the best way they know how. And, as we’ve seen in past circumstances, sometimes their best just isn’t good enough.
PubDate: Tue, 29 Mar 2022 05:19:10 PDT
- Planting a Seed: United States and Florida Response to Coronavirus-19
Pandemic-Related Hunger
Authors: Melinda L. Lewis PhD et al.
Abstract: Food insecurity and poor nutritional intake as a possible mental health risk factor for children, adolescents and adults are addressed from an ecological perspective in the midst of a global pandemic. During the recent global Coronovirus-19 (COVID-19) pandemic, approximately 10% of U.S. households reported greater difficulty finding adequate food sources than were experienced prior to the pandemic. In response to food shortages, the U.S. Federal government passed legislation approving state waivers which suspended income verification and eligibility deadlines to expedite food assistance approval process for families during the pandemic. This enabled state flexibility in allocating Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funds in response to the COVID-19 crisis. This article describes U.S. COVID-related food insecurity issues, subsequent Federal legislative responses and explores one state’s solutions to pandemic food shortages from an ecological systems theoretical viewpoint with recommendations for further study.
PubDate: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 05:48:05 PST
- Determining the Theoretical Quality of the Strengths Perspective: A
Critical Analysis
Authors: Rigaud Joseph et al.
Abstract: This paper asks a relevant question that previous work has not yet answered empirically: what is the theoretical quality of the Strengths Perspective (SP)' This paper answers this question, using the Theory Evaluation Scale (TES) and peer-reviewed materials from the existing literature. The findings indicate that, as a theoretical framework, the SP is a high-quality practice model that aligns itself with the values of the social work profession. As a practice model, however, this perspective has room for improvement in the areas of falsifiability, empiricism, boundaries, and client context. This paper concludes with a discussion of these findings and their implications for social work theory, research, and practice. This paper also provides directions for future research.Keywords: Strengths Perspective, Theory Evaluation Scale, social work, evidence-based practice, psychometrics
PubDate: Wed, 12 Jan 2022 05:29:38 PST
- Preserving Innocence: Ending Perceived Adultification and Toxic
Masculinity Toward Black Boys
Authors: Erik M. Hines et al.
Abstract: As early as the age of ten, Black boys are viewed as older, guilty until proven innocent by law enforcement (including school resource officers), and encounter a myriad of adverse racialized academic and social experiences (e.g., explicit and implicit biases) (Goff et al., 2014; Noguera, 2008). Dancy (2014) noted how Trayvon Martin, a Black male teen murdered for essentially being seen as threatening and intimidating, was viewed as adult-aged, deviant, troubled, and shiftless. Moreover, Black boys are expected to express minimum “signs” of weakness, vulnerability, and/or sensitivity. The aforementioned social persona may contribute to young Black men and boys not feeling comfortable talking about their feelings and emotional distresses or even seeking professional help, when needed. Generally speaking, many young Black men and boys struggle with emotional vulnerability and choose to avoid or resist any attempts to examine their emotional experiences. Thus, it is important to note that the absence of healthy emotional support channels to process and disclose their feelings may lead to negative life outcomes, such as depression, cardiac arrest, and a shorter lifespan (Ford, 2020). In this article, we discuss the historical and contemporary contexts of adultification of young Black boys; present two vignettes to show examples of how boys are adultified; examine how toxic masculinity may prevent healthy relationships and emotional expressions for Black boys; and offer specific recommendations to educators and families.
PubDate: Fri, 10 Dec 2021 11:50:07 PST
- The Mediating Role of Commitment and Relationship Satisfaction on
Socioeconomic-Status and Stability
Authors: Timothy I. Lawrence et al.
Abstract: Predicting relationship stability has been studied in a multitude of ways; however, few articles examined the extent to which socioeconomic status, relationship satisfaction, and commitment associate with relationship stability guided by the investment model. Thus, using secondary data (N=331), Andrew Hayes’s PROCESS was used to assess whether relationship satisfaction and commitment mediated the relationship between socioeconomic status and stability while controlling for relevant relational and demographic characteristics. Results suggest that socioeconomic status was negatively related to commitment but not relationship satisfaction. Relationship satisfaction and commitment were both positively related to stability, but only commitment mediated the relationship between socioeconomic status and stability. Implications are discussed.Keywords: Stability, Mediation, Commitment, Socioeconomic Statues, Relationship Satisfaction
PubDate: Fri, 22 Oct 2021 08:48:16 PDT
- The Family-Directed Structural Assessment Tool: An Approach to Assisting
Families Impacted by COVID-19
Authors: Tara McLendon
Abstract: The COVID-19 pandemic jeopardizes many levels of society. The family unit, a foundation of societal structure and function, is particularly vulnerable to the unpredictability of this current crisis. The Family-Directed Structural Assessment Tool (FDSAT) offers a means by which service providers and families can reinforce structure within and around the family unit. This potentially offers a level of predictability and sense of safety during an extraordinarily challenging time. A brief history of the FDSAT is addressed, followed by an overview of tenets specific to the assessment tool. An in-depth case study is provided. This example demonstrates the use of FDSAT concepts and processes with a family experiencing the daunting challenges and extreme strain of the current pandemic.
PubDate: Mon, 29 Mar 2021 06:10:16 PDT
