319-46 RT P: The Influence of Parenting on Gender Differences in Moral Decision Making

Research on moral decision-making has identified two different approaches: justice (Kohlberg, 1958), which is more common among men and care (Gilligan, 2003), which is more common among women. The purpose of this research was to determine if becoming a parent changes this pattern. Participants were university faculty and staff who responded to an online questionnaire that posed five moral dilemmas based on Moral Foundations Theory: care, fairness, loyalty, authority, and sanctity. Each dilemma offered a care oriented response and a justice oriented response.  Results indicated that fathers were more likely to choose a care oriented response when compared to men who were not parents and mothers were more likely to respond with a justice oriented response compared to women who were not parents.

Objectives

- To analyze the effects of parenting on moral decision making.
- To explore gender differences in moral decision making.
- To examing how parenting changes moral perspectives on children's transgressions.

Keywords: parents / parenting, gender roles, child(ren)

319-47A RT P: Couples' Midlife Employment Predicting Later Life Division of Household Labor and Well-Being

We compared housework and well-being during the encore years of men and women based on traditional or dual-earner status during midlife. We tested three theories explaining gender differences, namely expression of gender hypothesis, specialization in couples, and power in marriage. Using data from the Health and Retirement Survey, this study followed individuals in in-tact marriages across a 15-year period. Men in traditional marriages performed less housework following retirement than women, while men and women in egalitarian couples spent similar amounts of time.  Women in traditional marriages reported low levels of emotional well-being following retirement, while men in egalitarian couples reported high levels.  Findings were most consistent with power in marriage explanations of differences in the division of household labor and well-being in the encore years.

Objectives

- To determine whether home duties in the encore years differs by midlife employment profiles.
- To study differences in emotional well-being during the encore years based on midlife employment profiles.
- To evaluate the salience of three theoretical models explaining gender differences in home duties and well-being observed during the encore years.

Keywords: couples, gender, gerontology

319-01 FH: Cumulative Risk and Professional Assessment in Identifying Risk and Preventing Child Maltreatment in Home VIsitation

Understanding the role of cumulative risk, as many risk factors that increase the possibility of child maltreatment co-occur, is important as practitioners work to mitigate families’ risk and strengthen protective factors. The purpose of this project was to examine the role of cumulative risk and professional assessment in identifying families at risk for child maltreatment and examining the impact of secondary prevention home visitation programming delivered to families. Participants were families engaged in a home visitation program without prior child maltreatment (N = 3,069). Findings indicate that the program is reaching and retaining those in need of services. Cumulative risk predicts maltreatment and when a family’s cumulative risk is considered, program content related to empathy and program completion prevents child maltreatment.

Objectives

- To analyze the role of cumulative risk in predicting child maltreatment.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of secondary prevention home visitation services in preventing child maltreatment.
- To demonstrate the need for a balance between risk mitigation and strengthening protective factors.

Keywords: abuse/neglect, evaluation, military families

319-02 FH: NPSP CQI Baseline Data: Identifying and Understanding Gaps in the Time to Entry For a Secondary Home Visitation Program and Implications for Program Planning

Intake screeners and other baseline measures provide important information to program personnel about program planning and evaluation. Yet not all programs administer intake information in the same way and these differences may affect program planning with clients and any pre-post analyses that might be used to demonstrate program effectiveness. The New Parent Support Program (NPSP) is a home visitation program implemented to prevent child maltreatment across all four Services of the US military. Home visitors currently utilize the Family Needs Screener (FNS) to determine eligibility of NPSP services, but the screener may be administered several months prior to entering services and the completion of other baseline measures. Understanding gaps in FNS administration and time to client entry can inform current practice and program evaluation.

Objectives

- To determine if there are statistical differences in the timing of administration of the initial Family Needs Screener (FNS) and the other baseline assessments across the four Services of the military.
- To determine if the 10 FNS subscales are related to the subscales of the other measures collected at baseline.
- To determine whether mothers, who complete the FNS earlier in pregnancy but complete remaining baseline measures and enter services after birth, have a different risk pattern compared to mothers who complete the FNS and other baseline measures concurrently as they enter services.

Keywords: abuse/neglect, military families, program evaluation

319-03 FH: Boots on the Ground: Lessons Learned in a Multisite, Military Pilot Project on Home Visitation Program Evaluation

Multisite evaluations have many known challenges that can be anticipated. Yet, they also experience unanticipated challenges and consequences of project decisions. Expanding the category of known challenges through analysis of detailed project notes and problem reports can help future project managers better anticipate challenges and manage expectations internally and with partners. The New Parent Support Program Continuous Quality Improvement (NPSP-CQI) project is a multisite pilot demonstration of an expanded evaluation plan for the military’s home visitation program. Six sites across the four Services offered many opportunities for flexible and collaborative problem-solving while maintaining research integrity. Three areas of focus in this presentation are: turnover, technology, and research in “the real world”. Recommendations for the development of detailed project notes and problem reports are provided.

Objectives

- To articulate the ways in which turnover within the project team and at our partner sites affected project resources, timelines, participation, and implementation.
- To understand the types of technological challenges reported from the field and how challenges were addressed.
- To better anticipate challenges of implementing a change in practice with those delivering services to families.

Keywords: program evaluation, program development, Grounded Theory

319-04 FP: "You’re Not Out Here Alone": An Evaluation of a Program For Foster Youth

Youth aging out of foster care are an especially vulnerable population. However, there is much to learn about how best to attend to their complex needs. The present study, a qualitative evaluation of the Youth Connections program, contributes to knowledge in this area. Youth Connections employs a two-pronged strategy of grief, loss, and trauma healing and family search and engagement, to increase the number of adult connections in participants’ lives and develop these connections into supportive relationships. Analysis of interviews with stakeholders indicate an increase in connections along with observed improvements in the mental, emotional, and physical health of participants.

Objectives

- To evaluate the impact of the Youth Connections program.
- To explore stakeholder perceptions of the Youth Connections program.
- To examine a unique strategy for attending to the needs of youth aging out of the foster care system.

Keywords: fostercare, policy, emerging adulthood

319-05 FP: Family and Juvenile Court Judges and the Best Interests of the Child: Current Practices, Procedures, and Recommendations

Children are involved in the legal system in numerous ways, often as victims of abuse or entangled in custody proceedings. Courts are guided by “the best interests of the child” (BIC) standard, however neither courts nor researchers have yet to develop a uniform definition of this key legal tenant. Data collected from 25 qualitative interviews of judges in one state revealed five themes: lack of relevant background in family/juvenile issues among the judges, adequacy of a broadly defined BIC standard, uniformity of the most important factors in a BIC analysis, varied levels of confidence in doing BIC analyses, and varied reliance on professionals appointed by courts to represent the child in a given case. Findings from this study support numerous recommendations for policy reform.

Objectives

- To investigate the current practices and procedures of family and juvenile court judges regarding the application of the best interests of the child standard. 
- To make policy recommendations regarding empirically informed modifications of the best interests of the child standard.
- To make policy recommendations to improve the effectiveness of the legal systems serving children and families.

Keywords: well-being, child(ren), policy

319-07 FP: Child Protection vs Well-Being: Gaps and Opportunities to Support Family Resilience With the Strengthening Families Framework

The Strengthening Families Framework (2003) takes a primary prevention and promotion of wellbeing, focusing on five protective factors and highlighting a two-generation resilience framework. This report of a scoping review of 254 studies, which screened in across five topic areas, revealed the lack of an overarching prevention framework, an uneven exploration of key protective factors, and inconsistent measurement of child maltreatment (CM) prevention outcomes. In particular, the role of family is generally under-theorized. Child sexual abuse (CSA), diversity training, and children with special needs are singled out for more attention. This review establishes the focus for the next phase, a consultation with community service providers on how they promote resilience and enhance capacity of families.

Objectives

- Focus on resilience and expanding scope of studies.
-
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Keywords: abuse/neglect, resilience, parent-child relationships

319-08 FP: The Experiences of Child Advocates For Youth in the Foster Care System

This poster will present the findings of a qualitative analysis examining the experiences of child advocates for youth in the foster care system.

Objectives

- Participants will become familiar with the role of child advocates for youth in the foster care system and gaps in previous research. 
- Participants will be able to identify the various experiences of child advocates for youth in the foster care system. 
- Participants will be able to describe implications for research, practie, and policy regarding child advocates of youth in the foster care system. 

Keywords: fostercare, ,

319-09 FP: A Quantitative Examination of Foster Parent Experiences and Organizational Culture

This presentation will examine foster parent perceptions of communication, collaboration, and access to support within the context of the child welfare system using data from the National Survey of Child and Adolescent Well-Being II.

Objectives

- Participants will be able to identify factors that influence foster parents' experiences within the child welfare system. 
- Participants will be able to recite the importance of applying ecological theory or taking a systemic perspective to studying foster families. 
- Participants will be able to identify implications for research, practice, and policy in regard to supporting both foster parents and child welfare caseworkers. 

Keywords: fostercare, ,

319-10 FP P: How Do Adolescent Foster Youth Juggle Relationships With Both Biological and Foster Families - Now and Into the Future?

For youth in temporary foster care, both positive connections with biological family and relationships with foster parents are emerging as important for overall behavioral and emotional adjustment in care. However, little research has concurrently examined youth’s perceptions of their relationships with both foster and biological families, nor associations with behavioral and emotional adjustment, and adolescents’ resulting expectations for future permanency. This study used a sample of adolescent foster youth with known, living biological family to explore associations among self-reported indicators of family relationships, future expectations, and overall adjustment. Implications for practice, policy, and future research will be discussed.

Objectives

- To understand how a sample of adolescents in foster care think and feel about their relationships with both foster parents and biological family.
- To explore the behavioral and emotional correlates (i.e., internalizing and externalizing) of interactions/relationships with both foster parents and biological family.
- To explore how foster youth might use interactions/relationships with biological family and foster parents to make predictions/expectations about future permanency/placements.

Keywords: fostercare, parent-child relationships, adolescence

319-11 RT P: A Scoping Review of Foster Youth and Family Characteristics, Relationships, and Systemic Outcomes

There is a growing body of research documenting the characteristics, processes, and interactions among foster families. Youth come into the foster care system dealing with multiple and complex needs, often related to the effects of previous trauma, such as social, emotional and behavioral disorders. Thus, family life may look different for youth and families in foster care than those in the general population and research is needed to promote positive functioning in foster families. However, the most recent review of was conducted in 2004. This poster will provide an overview of the results of an updated scoping review of multiple aspects of foster family life.

Objectives

- To identify research on foster family characteristics over the past two decades.
- To synthesize and summarize the identified literature.
- To identify common implications for future research, practice, and policy.

Keywords: fostercare, family functioning,

319-12 RT P: An Examination of Foster Parent Breaks From Fostering

Foster parents play a crucial role in the lives of foster children, and it is important to understand their experiences within the child welfare system. Research has identified several reasons foster parents quit or are thinking of discontinuing fostering; however, no research has examined the prevalence of foster parents who have chosen to take a break from fostering. This proposal will examine (a) the prevalence of foster parents who have taken a break and returned to fostering and (b) identify the reasons that foster parents took a break. A retrospective secondary data set of demographics was used to analyze whether foster parents took a break and if so, why they did so. Results will be reported as well as implications for policy and practice.

Objectives

- To explore potential prevalence of foster parents who take a break.
- To identify reasons why foster parents take a break. 
- To identify connections to previous research on why foster parents quit.

Keywords: fostercare, stress,

319-14 FH P: Same-Sex and Heterosexual Adoptive Parents’ Experiences With Pediatricians: A Mixed-Methods Study

Adopted children have unique health risks, yet most pediatricians receive little training about this population. This mixed-methods study explored 224 adoptive parents' (129 families, including same-sex and heterosexual parented) experiences with their pediatricians. Parents who adopted via public domestic adoption were more likely to talk with pediatricians about their child’s adoption. Families who adopted internationally were most likely to feel positively about their pediatrician’s adoption competence. Qualitative findings suggest that parents did not look to pediatricians as adoption experts but were disappointed when they did not take the adoption context into account when providing treatment. Lesbian and gay adoptive parents were tasked with finding providers who were both gay-friendly and adoption competent. Findings hold implications for practitioners, including guiding families toward adoption-competent pediatricians.

Objectives

- Attendees will learn about the characteristics associated with more positive versus negative experiences with pediatricians among adoptive parents. 
- Attendees will learn about what adoptive parents value and search for in choosing a pediatrician.
- Attendees will learn characteristics (i.e., best practices) of adoption-competent pediatricians.

Keywords: adoption, health care,

319-15 FP P: A Quantitative Examination of Stress and Competency Following Participation in an Online Support Group For Adoptive Parents

The purpose of this study was to assess the impact of participation in a pilot-phase 10-week adoptive parent online support group on adoptive parent stress and parental competence. Overall, findings indicate that support groups can be beneficial in addressing challenges associated with caregiver stress and competency among adoptive parents.

Objectives

- Participants will become familiar with the types of stressors and experiences that may lead adoptive parents to seek out a support group. 
- Participants will become familiar with the utility and purpose of support groups for adoptive parents. 
- Participants will be able to identify implications of adoptive parent support groups for enhancing future research, practice, and policy. 

Keywords: adoption, ,

319-16 FF P: “I Can do This. I Got This.”: A Pilot Study of Constructions of Motherhood Among Nontraditional College Women

“I can do this. I got this.”: A Pilot Study of Constructions of Motherhood Among Nontraditional College Women

In this qualitative pilot study, we examined how nontraditional college women make sense of motherhood with particular emphasis on their parenting practices. We collected focus group data from 11 nontraditional college women and analyzed their responses using qualitative thematic analysis. Two major themes emerged from data analysis: doing mothering as a nontraditional college student and education as a parenting intervention. Results are interpreted through a symbolic interactionism framework. Implications for family science faculty and family practitioners working with nontraditional college women are discussed.

Objectives

- Analyze how nontraditional college women make sense of motherhood with particular emphasis on their parenting practices.
- Examine how nontraditional college women who are mothers negotiate the educational process. 
- Discuss the role of social support in the educational experiences of nontraditional college women who are mothers. 

Keywords: motherhood, feminism, education

319-17 FF P: Adopting Children Conceived Through Rape or Incest: Decision-Making and Disclosure

This study explores how parents discuss their decision-making when adopting children conceived via rape or incest, how they understand their child’s conception circumstances, and how they plan to disclose this information to their children (or not). We used thematic analysis to examine the experiences of 11 families (22 parents) interviewed at four time points after adopting children who were reportedly conceived through rape or incest. Findings suggest that several parents accepted their children’s conception circumstances but considered these to be private information kept within the immediate family, whereas other parents questioned the story they had been told by their children’s birth mothers and thus saw no reason to disclose. Parents also discussed the difficulty of disclosing conception circumstances to their children.

Objectives

- To enhance awareness about how adoptive parents understand birth mother’s reports of conceiving through rape or incest.
- To increase understanding about how adoptive parents manage uncertainty about information provided by birth families.
- To better support adoptive families in managing and communicating around difficult conception circumstances.

Keywords: adoption, communication,

319-18 FF P: How Do Teenagers Respond to Parents’ Socialization Practices?: A Case Study of 4 Mixed Race LGQ Parent Families

This paper presents data from an embedded multiple case study (Yin, 2013) focusing on the processes by which Black and mixed race lesbian, gay, and queer (LGQ) parent families negotiate race and heteronormativity in their families and neighborhoods. Specifically, this paper addresses the following research question: How do teenagers respond to their parents’ racial and queer socialization? Racial and queer socialization varied across families in terms of content, depth, and valence. Results describe the following outcomes: what teenagers have learned about race, gender, and sexuality from their parents; children’s religious beliefs and personalities; children’s mental health; and children’s home-school boundary management.

Objectives

- To analyze lesbian, gay, and queer (LGQ) parents’ socialization practices around race, gender, sexuality, and family.
- To demonstrate teenagers’ varied responses to their parent’s socialization efforts.
- To investigate the ways that parental socialization contributes to and/or detracts from family sustainability and wellbeing.

Keywords: parent-child relationships, LGBTQ+, intersectionality

319-20 FF P: The Experiences, Orientation, and Beliefs of Rural, Low-Income Mothers’ Health Insurance and Health Care Access and Use

This paper presents a feminist perspective on analyses of qualitative interviews with 34 low-income rural mothers with at least one child under 12 living in the household across six states. Structured interviews with 56 questions about the Affordable Care Act were transcribed, coded, and qualitatively analyzed. Analyses revealed an overall model of Orientation, Experiences, and Beliefs. Orientation consisted of two main continua on the axes of Embracer/Avoider and Dismisser/Utilizer. Experiences consisted of a main axis of Inhibitors to Enablers. Beliefs provided three main themes regarding perceptions of the ACA as A Flawed System, Emotional Reactivity, and Rights and Responsibilities. Implications for policy and practice in the context of feminism, family sustainability, and relationships are discussed.  

Objectives

- To describe and explain the processes emerging from rural mothers’ orientations, experiences, and beliefs regarding their family sustainability in accessing the health insurance and care systems.
- To support a feminist perspective on including rural families in research on all families and demonstrate the importance of such.
- To build a case for leveraging strengths these rural mothers identified in the context of health insurance and care within and across family and community systems.

Keywords: feminism, health care, rural families

319-21 FF P: “I Assume She’s Bisexual But I Wasn’t Absolutely Certain”: Experiences of Young Adults With Parents With Same-Gender Relations

The present study explores how young adults with parents who have had relations with people of multiple genders conceptualize their parents’ sexual identity when they are unsure of how the sexual identity label used by their parent as well as how these conceptualizations shape their own sexual identity. Interviews were conducted with participants (n = 5) and will be coded using thematic analysis. Preliminary results suggest that young adults conceptualize their parent’s identity in a way that honors both their parent’s same and opposite gender relationships. Although participants varied in how they think their parents’ experiences shaped their own identity, some felt as though their parent’s same-gender experiences allowed them to be more flexible in their thinking about their own sexual identity. 

Objectives

- To examine how young adults conceptualize their parents' sexual identity when they know their parent has had romantic and/sexual relationships with people of multiple genders.
- To examine how young adults' conceptualizations of their parents' sexual identity shape how they think about their own sexual identity.
- To add to our empirical understanding of the experiences of plurisexual parented families, an understudied subpopulation of LGBTQ+ parented families.

Keywords: LGBTQ+, sexual orientation, emerging adulthood

319-22 FF P: Parenting an Adult Child Newly Identifying as Transgender: A Symbolic Interactionist Perspective

Existing research in the transgender community tends to focus on transgender individuals, with very limited research on the experiences parents undergo. This case study, a convenience sample of one, interviews a mother concerning her ongoing relationship with her adult child recently self-identifying as transgender. Nine open-ended questions were used to explore her experience as a parent through this transition. Symbolic interactionism was utilized as a coding framework to understand the social terrain and interactions, and how the participant created meaning based on their interactions. Although the relationship remains warm and intact, prominent themes in coding were role strain and dread.

Objectives

- To better understand the experience of a parent of a transgender adult child.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of using Symbolic Interactionism to examine the experience of raising a transgender adult child.
- To specifically identify theoretical models that could support future research in this field.

Keywords: transgender, parents / parenting, motherhood

319-23 FF P: Children of Exotic Dancers: Relationship Experiences Across the Lifespan

Research provides insight into a plethora of risks associated with working as an exotic dancer (e.g., drug and alcohol abuse, sexual assault,), however, gaps in the literature remain regarding the intergenerational impact on their children. Literature suggests they are exposed, directly (e.g., unstable housing, low SES) and indirectly (e.g., witnesses to domestic violence, maternal depression) to factors which challenge optimal developmental outcomes. This research presents qualitative data collected through semi-structured interviews with adult children of exotic dancers. Research results will provide a description of the relational experiences of this population across the lifespan – including with parents, siblings, intimate partners, and children.

Objectives

- To describe changes in parent/child and sibling relationships through time, as perceived by adult children of exotic dancers.
- To identify intergenerational parenting practice similarities and differences (e.g., how participants parent their children compared to how participants were parented).
- To examine perceived impacts on intimate partner relationships from being reared by an exotic dancer.

Keywords: intergenerational, family relations, marginalized populations

319-23A FH P: The Relationship of Health Perceptions, Religiosity, Household Composition and Perceived Stress in Mid-Life and Older African Americans

This study considers the combined effect of perceived health, religiosity, and household composition (living alone vs. with others) on perceived stress, in mid-life and older African Americans participating in a longitudinal church-based intervention to reduce cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk.  CVD is rated as the number one cause of death among Americans. Findings of this study revealed that the sample had a moderately high level of stress (M=19.25, SD =7.04), religiosity (M= 9.94, SD = 2.36), and perceived health (M=3.64, SD = 0.88). Linear regression models showed that a) higher education is significantly related to lower stress; b) higher religiosity is significantly related to lower stress; c) anyone living in home is significantly related to higher stress; d) living alone is significantly related to higher stress.

Objectives

- To describe the current state of perceived health, religiosity, and household composition among a sample of mid-life to older African American adults.
- To evaluate the combined relationship between health perception, religiosity, & household compositions and stress among a mid-life to older African Americans.
- To demonstrate the combined significance of health perceptions,religiosity, & household composition on perceived stress among mid-life to older African American adults.  

Keywords: African Americans, physical health, mental health

319-24 FT P: Positivity: The Affects of Positive Perceptions of Coparents on Coparenting and Positive Parenting

The purpose of the present study is to examine the relation between positive co-parenting and positive parenting and how that relation changes dependent on how the individual views the co-parenting relationship. Given the steady rate of divorce in the United States many families are learning how to co-parent and how to do so effectively. Ahrons (1981) found that co-parents who communicated most frequently were co-parents that were both supportive and cooperative. An important finding of this study is that as parents perceive support and cooperation from a co-parent they engage in more positive co-parenting behaviors and positive parenting. Positive parenting has been seen to serve as a buffer to negative outcomes in children when parents use harsh physical punishment (McKee, et. al, 2007).

Objectives

- The purpose of the present study is to examine the relation between positive coparenting and positive parenting and how that relation changes dependent on how the individual views the co-parenting relationship.
- To better understand the systemic influence ex-partners continue to have on each other and how that relationship influences other areas in their family’s life.
- To influence helping professionals understanding of divorce relationship and the systemic effects of coparenting. 

Keywords: coparenting, parents / parenting, stepfamilies

319-25 FT P: Maternal and Child Behaviors During Book Reading

We used a micro-analytic technique to examine the associations between maternal and child behavior during a shared book reading task. This method captures the temporal aspect of interactions, and the conditional responses of dyadic partners. Participants were 33 mother-child dyads (mean age of children was 53 months, and about half were boys) who participated in a shared book reading task. Findings indicated there were significant positive associations between maternal talking about the book, questioning/eliciting/evoking, and mental state language and child talking about the book 10 seconds later. Results can inform interventions that support parent-child interactions during shared book reading by focusing on practices found to elicit more child language, and those that foster positive emotional experiences for parents and children while they read.

Objectives

- To examine the association between maternal and child behavior during a shared book reading task.
- To use a micro-analytic approach to investigate book reading behaviors.
- To investigate whether particular maternal behavior during shared book reading elicits child engagement in reading.

Keywords: parent-child relationships, early childhood, dyadic analysis

319-26 FT P: Developing and Pilot Testing an Online Parenting Program: Expanding the Reach of Evidence-Based Parenting Interventions

Innovative methods to engage parents in evidence-based parenting support_x000D_ are necessary to achieve positive changes in the family system. The focus of_x000D_ this presentation is to establish how a sustainable online parenting program is_x000D_ providing key evidence-based parenting strategies that effect important changes_x000D_ for the family. Based on GenerationPMTO, which is backed by over 40 years of_x000D_ research, interventions aimed at supporting the parenting subsystem will be_x000D_ highlighted. These interventions are known to decrease symptoms in identified_x000D_ children, improve outcomes in parent-child relationships, and directly benefit_x000D_ the well-being of parents. Participants will acquire an understanding of this_x000D_ innovative resource that offers all parents in Michigan flexible, real-time_x000D_ parenting support.

Objectives

- Describe how evidence-based parenting strategies can impact child mental, emotional, and behavior disorders.
- Identify an innovative method to make research-based parenting support available to parents in the community.
- Recognize key parenting skills from Generation PMTO that can be generalized to parents in my work with families.

Keywords: parents / parenting, interventions, childhood

319-27 FT P: Preparing For the Transition to Older Sibling: What Works?

The transition to older sibling (TOS) has been recognized as a potentially stressful time for young children, with documented increases in clinginess (Field & Reite, 1984), aggression (Stewart, 1990; Volling et al., 2017), and lower-quality parent-child interactions (Dunn & Kendrick, 1980). Despite assumptions about the difficulty of this transition and parental reports of anxiety preceding the birth of a new baby (Chapman & Hart, 2017; Merilo, 1998), research has provided little in the way of evidence-based practical suggestions for parents preparing their children for this transition (Kramer & Ramsburg, 2002). The current study uses longitudinal data collected prior to and during the first year following a sibling’s birth to identify preparatory strategies that are associated with sibling positivity and lower rates of child behavior problems.

Objectives

- To assess the relationship between sibling preparation activities, child behavior problems, and sibling relationship quality.
- To provide parents with empirically-based activities that have been found related to sibling positivity.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of different preparatory activities that parents report engaging in prior to the birth of a new baby.

Keywords: siblings, transitions,

319-28 AFS P: Evaluating the Benefits of the Fit To Be Tied Premarital Mentorship Program

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the Fit To Be Tied premarital program and the potential benefits it may bring to participants.  Fourteen participants ages 18-23 discussed their experience with the program in a one-time interview session.The interviews measured the students’ experiences with the program and various challenges and benefits they encountered. Three main themes included: (1) Perceived benefits of Fit To Be Tied, (2) Time spent with mentor couples, and (3) Lessons learned regarding the relationship and marriage in general. Implications of the study are that Fit To Be Tied increases couples’ awareness of potential marital conflicts, that couples felt more prepared after discussing those conflicts, and that couples benefit from addressing relationship-specific issues with a mentor couple.

Objectives

- To evaluate the effectiveness of the Fit to Be Tied premarital program.
- To analyze the influence of the Fit to be Tied on premarital relationships.
- To gain insight into the premarital experience.

Keywords: relationship education, marriage, couples

319-29 EE P: Teaching the Difference Between Education and Therapy Using an Experimentally Designed, 3-Wave, Online Study

Growing evidence suggests that many do not know the difference between relationship education (RE) and couples therapy (CT). The theory of planned behavior suggests that attitudes and intentions shape behavior, such as the decision to attend a relationship service. If the difference is not understood less people may be inclined to attend RE, and RE has experienced various recruitment challenges. For this study, an online module was created to teach the difference between RE and CT. Participants were randomly assigned to a treatment group, who received the module, or a control group. Both groups completed a pre-test and two sets of posttests. Results showed that the module had an effect on clarifying the difference between RE and CT.

Objectives

- Participants will learn about literature on the confusion between relationship education and couples therapy.
- Participants will learn about how confusion about differences between relationship education and couples therapy may impact relationship education attitudes and attendance. 
- Participants will learn about study results that speak to the effectiveness of an online module designed to teach the difference between relationship education and couples therapy.

Keywords: relationship education, decision making, couples

319-30 EE P: Understanding Men’s Involvement in Marital Interventions

Past research has shown how personality characteristics and_x000D_ demographics influence the likelihood of couples and individuals participating_x000D_ in marital interventions. However, these studies do not focus on the factors_x000D_ that influence men’s participation and are limited to their respective sample_x000D_ frames. The current study examines the personality and demographic factors that_x000D_ influenced the likelihood of men participating in a variety of marital_x000D_ interventions and provides a demographic description of men who participated in_x000D_ marital interventions, using a nationally representative random probability_x000D_ sample of 2,150 men. Binary and multinomial logistic regression analyses were_x000D_ used to address the research questions. Three factors were influential in the_x000D_ likelihood of men participating in marital interventions – religiosity,_x000D_ depressive symptoms, and race/ethnicity. Implications of these findings will be_x000D_ discussed.

Objectives

- Learn how personality characteristics and demographics influence the likelihood of men's participation in marital interventions.  
- Learn how a national probability sample was selected to assess men's involvement in marital interventions.
- Learn implications of the findings for interventions for couples and men's involvement.

Keywords: relationship education, interventions, men

319-31 EE P: Peer-Led Relationship Education For Emerging Adults

Romantic relationships have important implications for individual development and family formation. Emerging adulthood is a key period for intervention in the form of relationship education (RE) programming. Peer-education can be a viable means to deliver RE programming. A mixed methods approach is used to highlight the impacts this peer-education model of RE has on both participants and student facilitators. Participants attended a RE workshop series taught by trained peer educators who were enrolled in a service learning course. Peer educators described challenges and joys experienced delivering RE to their peers and commented on personal and professional topics. Participants expressed satisfaction with the program and perceived peer-educators to be reliable sources of information and ranked their facilitation as high quality.

Objectives

- To summarize the key aspects of a peer-education model of relationship education for emerging adult audiences.
- To analyze the experiences of peer-educators as they learned to facilitate relationship education classes.
- To describe participants’ perceptions of the relationship education program and the peer-education model.

Keywords: relationship education, emerging adulthood, program evaluation

319-32 FP P: A Comparison of Low-Income vs. Higher-Income Individuals Seeking a Relationship Intervention

Low-income couples experience higher rates of relationship disruption compared to

higher-income couples, leading relationship interventions to be increasingly targeted at this

population. However, these interventions have had limited impacts on the relationships of low-

income couples, suggesting the need for more data on the challenges couples bring with them to interventions. Using a sample of 5,000+ individuals seeking a relationship intervention, the

current study compared the relationship functioning and life circumstances reported by low-

income individuals to that of higher-income individuals. Results indicate that low-income

individuals were demographically different, had higher levels of relationship distress, and had

greater levels of contextual stress.

Objectives

- To evaluate differences between low-income and higher-income couples seeking a relationship intervention.
- To provide information relevant to development of interventions targeting low-income couples.
- To provide information relevant to practitioners working with low-income couples.

Keywords: relationship education, couples, low-income

319-33 FH P: Millennials’ Relationship Involvement and Deception: What’s Attachment Got to Do With It?

In the wake of the #metoo movement, sexual violence has received heightened attention in America. The purpose of this study is to understand deception in young adults’ sexual relationships—as a function of attachment. A quantitative survey was conducted using a convenience sample of 171 university students (mean age 22) to examine the relationship between sexual deception and attachment style. Secure millennials were somewhat more likely than insecure peers to be in committed relationships, and less likely to engage in casual sex. Insecure millennials were more likely to engage in sexual deception. Additionally, sexual deception, sexual coercion, and casual sex were significantly correlated. On the heels of #metoo, our research has timely implications for sex education and interventions aimed at reducing sexual harassment and sexual violence.

Objectives

- To present research about "friends with benefits" and casual sex relationships as a function of attachment style.
- To demonstrate significant interactions between attachment style and different types of sexual deception.
- To examine the relationships among casual sex, sexual deception, and sexual coercion--with implications for practice.

Keywords: relationships, young adulthood, communication

319-34 RT P: The Association Between Implicit Theories of Relationships and Emerging Adults' Expectations For Romantic Relationships

Emerging adulthood is a time of exploration and reflection on desires for the future. One domain in which this is particularly prominent is romantic relationships. Therefore the associations between emerging adults’ implicit theories of relationships and their expectations when in a romantic relationship for themselves and their partner were examined. College-enrolled, emerging adults participated in an online survey. Overall they had higher growth beliefs than destiny beliefs and high expectations for romantic relationships. Additionally, it was their growth beliefs, not their destiny beliefs nor the interaction of the two, that contributed to their romantic expectations. Implications of these findings for both scholars and practitioners will be described.

Objectives

- To examine contemporary young adults’ implicit theories of relationships and expectations for romantic relationships. 
- To analyze the associations between young adults' implicit theories of relationships and  their expectations for romantic relationships.
- To encourage MFTs and CFLEs to consider clients’ implicit theories of relationships when discussing their expectations for romantic relationships. 

Keywords: relationships, emerging adulthood, dating

319-35 RT P: A Longitudinal Study of the Timing of First Sex in Romantic Relationships and Subsequent Relationship Quality

Generally, research has found that delaying first sex in a given romantic relationship is associated with better relationship quality. However, results have been mixed regarding whether selection effects or mediating variables explain this association. The current, funded, study used inertia theory and sexual scripting theory to investigate direct, selection, and indirect effects between the timing of sex and relationship outcomes using a three-month, five-wave online survey. To assess the immediate effects of first sex, participants were individuals in premarital relationships who had not had sex with their partner at Wave 1. Latent growth curve modeling did not reveal selection effects but indicated passionate love mediated the association between early sex and increases in satisfaction, suggesting passionate love could act as a type of relationship inertia.

Objectives

- To examine whether the timing of first sex in a given romantic relationship is related to subsequent relationship quality using longitudinal data and prospective reports of the timing of sex.
- To test whether the association between the timing of sex and relationship quality is explained by selection effects or mediating variables.
- To test and expand on principles of inertia theory.

Keywords: relationships, sexuality, longitudinal modeling

319-36 RT P: Family Relationships and Home-School Connections in Picture Books About Starting Kindergarten

This content analysis uses picture books about starting kindergarten (n = 52) to explore depictions of family relationships and home-school connections. Data include the ways families are shown preparing their children for kindergarten, the family members responsible for this preparation, and evidence of home-school relationships. Results indicate that it is families (predominantly mothers/grandmothers) rather than schools, who are the primary agents responsible for supporting children with the transition to kindergarten. Most books (83%) show families preparing their children to start kindergarten while only 13% exemplify a coordinated effort by schools to support children and families with this transition. Implications for research, policy, and practice are discussed.

Objectives

- To analyze the influence of picture books on the practices families implement during the transition to kindergarten.
- To identify major findings regarding the within-family relationships as well as the home-school relationships portrayed in picture books about starting kindergarten.
- To categorize the ways families and family relationships are portrayed as key components of the transition to kindergarten. 

Keywords: transitions, parent-child relationships, Content Analysis

319-37 EE P: Predicting Divorce Risk in Parents: The Relationship Between Coparenting and Divorce Proneness

The purpose of this study was to predict changes in divorce proneness over time from two aspects of coparenting (i.e., disagreement and support) and their interaction with spousal use of negative marital communication. Multiple regression was used to examine the main and interactive effects in a sample of 416 families during the developmental period of adolescence. Coparental disagreement was associated with increases in divorce proneness for the husbands of women who used high levels of negative marital communication. These results call into question the assumptions of past research that women are more affected by coparenting dynamics than men and indicate the key role that spousal negative marital communication plays in the relationship between coparenting and divorce proneness.  

Objectives

- To examine the main effects of both coparental disagreement and support on changes in husbands’ and wives’ divorce proneness, as well as the potential moderating effects of spousal negative marital communication.
- To evaluate whether the relationship between both aspects of coparenting and divorce proneness are similar to the relationship between coparenting and marital quality, as predicted by Gottman’s (1994) cascade model of marital dissolution.
- To understand potential gender differences in the way that coparenting and spousal communication might differentially impact men’s and women’s divorce proneness.

Keywords: marriage, coparenting, communication

319-38 FH P: The Effects of Pre-Birth Marital Satisfaction on Depressive Symptoms and Coparenting Support Before and After the Birth of a New Child

This study examined associations between pre-birth marital satisfaction and initial pre-birth levels and post-birth longitudinal change in depressive symptoms and coparenting. Participants completed measures assessing all variables pre-birth, including a measure of expectations for coparenting. Depressive symptoms and coparenting were assessed again at 3 months and 12 months postnatally.  Latent growth curves revealed that higher levels of pre-birth marital satisfaction predicted more positive expectations for coparenting, but no change in coparenting across time. Pre-birth marital quality also predicted lower initial levels of depressive symptoms, but greater increases in depressive symptoms over time. Initial levels of depressive symptoms were negatively related to expectations for coparenting. Results highlight complex interplay among couple relationship quality and mental health before and after the birth of a child. 

Objectives

- To examine the effects of pre-birth marital satisfaction on trajectories of depressive symptoms and coparenting after having a baby.
- To better understand the consequences of marital satisfaction during pregnancy for family-level mental health and cooperative parenting relationships.
- To inform interventions designed to support the health and well-being of couples expecting a new child.

Keywords: marriage, coparenting, depression

319-39 FT P: How Husbands Experience the Trust of Their Wives: A Qualitative Study

Using qualitative, heuristic methodology, the author/researcher sought to understand husbands’ intrapersonal and interpersonal experiences of being trusted by their wives.  Immersion in the data provided by the co-researchers revealed eight primary themes: deep satisfaction; an understanding that the trust of one’s wife is a privilege not to be taken for granted; validation through positive regard; affirmation of doing what is right; peace and security; intimacy; experience of grace; and freedom. These findings begin to fill a void in the trust literature, illuminating the experience of trusties for the benefit of individuals in relationships and those tasked with supporting relationships. The results of this study provide both a deeper understanding of the trusty experience as well as a springboard for further related research.

Objectives

- Attendees will recognize the importance of studying the experience of being trusted as an addition to the extant body of trust research.
- Attendees will be able to identify the research design and participants so they may comprehend the dissertation study results and discussion.
- Attendees will have the opportunity to hear about the study results and a sample of conclusions, allowing them to incorporate this knowledge into their previous understanding of interpersonal trust dynamics and apply it to their unique professional pursuits.

Keywords: marriage, intimacy, qualitative methodology

319-40 EE P: Exploring Parents' Reported and Desired Use of Discipline Practices With Their Preschoolers: Findings From the All About Parenting Project

This study examined discipline practices among parents of preschoolers, including how parents’ actual versus desired discipline relates to parents’ reported anxiety and depressive symptoms and feelings of being judged.  Parents (100 mothers; 62 fathers) of preschool age children (2-5 years old) completed an Amazon MTurk survey.  Results indicated differences between parents' reports of actual versus desired use of Positive, Authoritarian, and Humiliating discipline strategies.  Moreover, these patterns differed for mothers and fathers, and for parents of boys and girls.  Parents’ reported versus desired use of discipline strategies also related to their anxiety and depressive symptoms, and to their feelings of being judged, particularly for fathers. These findings can support family life educators in using a broader lens when understanding parents’ discipline practices with their preschoolers.

Objectives

- To describe the kinds of discipline strategies mothers and fathers report using with their preschoolers.
- To identify discrepancies between parents’ reported use, and desired use, of various discipline strategies with their preschoolers.
- To demonstrate how parents' anxiety and depressive symptoms and feelings of being judged in the parental role relate to their reported and desired use of various discipline strategies with their preschoolers.

Keywords: parents / parenting, discipline, mental health

319-41 FH P: Parenting a Child With Primary Lymphedema: Families Along a Continuum of Protection

Parents of children with primary lymphedema (LE) have received limited research attention despite their vulnerability for experiencing feelings of helplessness, frustration, grief, and stress. This study aimed to gain in-depth understandings of the lived experiences of these parents. The interviews were conducted with parents from different continents using The National Lymphedema Network and The Lymphedema Treatment Act Advocacy Group through newsletters, listservs, and web-based interfaces. Nvivo was used to code the interview transcripts for analyzation. A pattern of parenting styles emerged during this deliberation process and participants were placed into two groups, 'Free Range Parents' versus 'Bubble Wrap Parents'. Parents are not dichotomically overprotective or unguarded. There is always tension between parents letting their child have freedom and protecting them (Moffatt and Murray, 2010). 

Objectives

- To understand emergent parenting styles of parents of children with lymphedema.
- To examine the range of parental concerns that invluence parental control.
- To identify variables that may be correlated with typologies of parental concern for children with lymphedema.

Keywords: parents / parenting, chronic illness, child(ren)

319-42 FH P: What Role Does Maternal Marital Satisfaction Play in the Relationship Between Father Involvement and Children's Adjustment?

We examined the relationships among father involvement, maternal marital satisfaction, and children’s anxiety/depression and aggressive behaviors. A total of 2,150 families with four-year-old children were interviewed or answered questionnaires. We utilized path analysis within Structural Equation Modeling to assess the theorized relations among the variables of interest: father involvement, maternal marital satisfaction, and children’s anxiety/depression and aggressive behaviors. The main results showed the indirect effects of father involvement on children’s anxiety/depression (fully mediated by maternal marital satisfaction) and of father involvement on children’s aggressive behaviors (fully mediated by maternal marital satisfaction). Gender differences and differences in family income were also tested. This study highlights the importance of paternal involvement in terms of mothers’ psychological well-being and children’s adjustment.

Objectives

- To examine the relationships among father involvement, maternal marital satisfaction, and children’s anxiety/depression and aggressive behaviors.
- To examine the directionality of the paths among the variables.
- To demonstrate an indirect path from greater father involvement to less children’s behavior problems via greater maternal marital satisfaction.

Keywords: parents / parenting, fatherhood, parent-child relationships

319-43 FH P: How Fathers Feel Is Also Important for Child Development: Focusing on Parenting Stress, Marital Satisfaction, and Depression

We examined the relationships among paternal parenting stress, paternal marital satisfaction, paternal depression, and children’s anxiety and depression. A total of 2,150 families with four-year-old children were interviewed or answered questionnaires. We utilized path analysis within Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) to assess the theorized relations among the variables of interest: paternal parenting stress, paternal marital satisfaction, paternal depression, and children’s anxiety and depression. The main results showed that there were significant indirect effects: of paternal parenting stress on children’s anxiety/depression, which was mediated by paternal depression only, as well as by both paternal marital satisfaction and depression. Gender differences and differences in family income were also tested. This study highlights the importance of fathers’ psychological well-being in terms of children’s adjustment.

Objectives

- To examine the relationships among paternal parenting stress, paternal marital satisfaction, paternal depression, and children’s anxiety/depression.
- To examine the directionality of the paths among the variables.
- To demonstrate indirect paths from greater paternal parenting stress to children’s anxiety/depression via paternal marital satisfaction, via paternal depression, or via both marital satisfaction and paternal depression.

Keywords: parents / parenting, parent-child relationships, well-being

319-45 FH P: Maternal Positivity as a Mediator of the Relation of Mothers’ Extraversion and Social Support to Child Emotion Regulation

Given potential benefits of positive emotions (Fredrickson, 1998), factors that increase maternal positive emotions are important but largely overlooked, as is the potential role of parents’ positive emotion for children’s emotion regulation. This study examined mothers’ positivity with children as mediator in relation of mothers’ extraversion and social support to children’s emotion regulation when in preschool. Mothers (n=140) reported on extraversion and social support and were observed playing with toddlers (30-36 mos); children’s self-comforting was observed when children were 4-5 years-old. Both maternal extraversion and social support were associated with more maternal positive emotions, which was associated with more child self-comforting. Findings support the value of maternal positive emotions in children’s emotion regulation and the importance of increasing maternal positivity.

Objectives

- To analyze pathways from maternal factors to children's emotion regulation.
- To identify the effect of maternal positivity based on broaden and build theory of positive emotions. 
- To demonstrate the importance of social supports for families' well-being. 

Keywords: parents / parenting, child(ren), parent-child relationships

319-47 RT P: Social Isolation, Social Interaction, and Parental Well-Being: A Focus on At-Home Fathers Using the American Time Use Survey

Using nationally representative data from the American Time Use Survey (N=50,822), we explored social isolation and social interaction for at-home mothers and at-home fathers, and compared their experiences with parents of other work statuses. Additionally, we analyzed parent well-being when with other adults and during respite to determine if feelings of isolation stem from a lack of interaction with others. We emphasized findings for at-home fathers because this group is less studied. While at-home fathers reported significantly more time alone than any other group, they also reported that alone time was more meaningful to them. At-home fathers also reported higher feelings of sadness with a spouse, other adults, and children. These national trends help us identify differences that have important implications for parent and child well-being.

Objectives

- To explore social isolation and social interaction for at-home mothers and at-home fathers.
- To compare at-home parents’ experiences with parents of other work statuses. 
- To analyze parent well-being when with other adults and during respite time to determine if feelings of isolation stem from a lack of interaction with others.

Keywords: parents / parenting, fatherhood, well-being

319-48 RT P: The Roles of Parental Warmth and Child Effortful Control in Predicting Child Academic Achievement in the Single Parent Household: Testing Moderation Models

This study aimed to explore the roles of parental warmth and child effortful control (EC) in predicting child academic achievement in the single-parent household. We hypothesized that single parents provide more parental warmth will buffer the impacts of child effortful control on their academic achievement. The moderation model was tested with a sample of 2,322 kindergarteners who living in the single-parent household. Findings suggested that the main effect of attentional focusing is significant, positively associated with academic achievement. The interaction between parental warmth and both EC measures were found, indicating that children with low EC tend to show less academic achievement, but also that the child academic achievement is even worse for those whose parents less likely to provide emotional support to their children.

Objectives

- to analyze the roles of parental warmth and child effortful control in predicting child academic achievement.
- to examine the moderating effects of parental warmth on the relationship between child effortful control and academic achievement.
- to demonstrate the main effects of parental warmth and child effortful control on child academic achievement

Keywords: parents / parenting, early childhood, Regression: Linear (Simple, Multiple, or Hierarchical)

319-49 RT P: Rumination as an Indirect Effect in the Associations Between Self-Compassion, Depression and Parental Satisfaction Among Mothers of Toddlers

Self-compassion is an effective emotional regulation strategy that is linked to improved psychological functioning. Past research has demonstrated the mediating effect of rumination on the links between self-compassion and negative psychological outcomes. This study extends previous literature by investigating self-compassion in relation to both positive and negative outcomes in parents. In the current study of 156 mothers of toddlers, rumination served as an indirect effect between self-compassion and both depression and parental satisfaction. These results provide a holistic view of the construct of self-compassion, and offer a potential explanation of the association between self-compassion and psychological outcomes in parents of young children.

Objectives

- To investigate the effect of self-compassion on psychological functioning among mothers of young children.
- To explore the association among self-compassion, rumination, depressive symptoms, and parental satisfaction.
- To examine the indirect effect of self-compassion on depression and parental satisfaction through rumination. 

Keywords: motherhood, parents / parenting, mediation/indirect effects

319-50 EE P: The Indirect Effects of Coparenting on Parenting Stress Through Parenting Efficacy

Parenting stress has been associated with negative outcomes for the individual and the family (Durtschi, Soloski, & Kimmes, 2017; Zajicek-Farber, Mayer, & Daughtery, 2012). Research shows that families in low-socioeconomic populations possess a greater susceptibility to the negative effects of stress (Conger, Conger, & Martin, 2010; Sturge-Apple, Davies, Cicchetti, & Fittoria, 2014). Considering the negative aspects of parenting stress, it is beneficial to understand the process in which parenting stress can be managed. Guided by family systems theory (Cox & Paley, 1997), the transactional theory of stress and coping (Lazarus & Folkman, 1984), and social cognitive theory (Bandura, 1997), the current study explores how parenting efficacy can mediate the association between coparenting and parenting stress among couples receiving child welfare services.

Objectives

- Reinforce the association between coparenting and parenting stress and examine parenting efficacy as a mediator of this association.
- Advance our understanding of how parents might manage their stress together by analyzing actor-partner interdependence effects.
- Identify mechanisms of change that can enhance interventions for supporting couples of low-socioeconomic status who have received child-welfare or child-protection services support.

Keywords: coparenting, stress, Actor–partner Interdependence Model (APIM)

319-51 FH P: Coparenting and New Parents’ Mental Health Across the Transition to Parenthood

The transition to parenthood can be a challenging time, and new mothers and fathers frequently experience declines in their mental health. However, during this same time, the coparenting relationship emerges, which may buffer new parents’ declines in mental health. Using data from 182 dual-earner different-sex couples, we explore how positive (i.e., support and closeness) and negative (i.e., undermining and conflict) dimensions of the coparenting relationship may buffer or exacerbate the decline in parental mental health from the third trimester of pregnancy to nine months postpartum. Analyses were conducted using Structural Equation Modeling, and results show that mothers’ and fathers’ perceptions of their coparenting closeness is a particularly important buffer of the changes in their anxiety and depression across the transition to parenthood.

Objectives

- To examine how different dimensions of the coparenting relationship either buffer or exacerbate mental health challenges at the transition to parenthood.
- To utilize a dyadic approach to test within-person effects and partner effects.
- To identify potential avenues for coparenting quality interventions to improve parental mental health symptoms across the transition to parenthood.

Keywords: coparenting, mental health,

319-52 FP P: Program Efficacy of Coparenting For Successful Kids: Using a Prospective Longitudinal Cohort Design

With a sample of 295 divorcing parents, this study examined the efficacy of a co-parenting program titled Co-Parenting for Successful Kids. A prospective longitudinal cohort design was used to assess parental outcomes at multiple time points (i.e., baseline, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up). Using validated scales, we measured parents’ communication, parenting stress, parenting self-efficacy, parental anger, and co-parenting quality over time. The results indicated that the participants improved interparental and parent-child communication and reduced parenting stress and parental anger within 3 months after completion of the program. The program was found to have long-term effects in enhancing parent-child communication and reducing parenting stress within 6 months of the exposure. Co-parenting interventions to help divorcing parents collaboratively work together in raising their children should be encouraged.

Objectives

- To examine the efficacy of the Co-Parenting for Successive Kids (CPSK) program.
- To evaluate the short-term and long-term effects of the CPSK program. 
- To demonstrate the changes of inter-parental and parent-child communication, parenting stress, parental anger, and the quality of co-parenting before and after completion of the program at baseline, 1-month, 3-month, and 6-month follow-up assessments. 

Keywords: coparenting, parenting education, parent-child relationships

319-53 RT P: Family Stress and Parents’ Marital Quality as Predictors of Parental Differential Treatment: A Meta-Analysis

Adler’s theory of individual psychology suggests that inequitable treatment between siblings has negative implications. Following this notion, decades of research suggests that parental differential treatment (PDT) of siblings is linked to poor development. It is important to understand factors that are linked to PDT. The current study used meta-analytic data to examine the correlation between family stress and parents’ marital quality with PDT. Upon collecting peer-reviewed journal articles, theses and dissertations, and raw data, analysis was run using three-level multilevel meta-analysis models in the R package, metaphor.  Family stress was positively correlated to PDT, as was parents’ marital quality, but for published data only.  Parents and practitioners would benefit from increased awareness of the implications of family stressors and marital quality for siblings.

Objectives

- Examine the overall link between family stress and parental differential treatment.
- Examine the overall link between marital quality and parental differential treatment.
- Provide insight into ways parents can minimize inequitable treatment between their children.

Keywords: siblings, meta-analysis, parents / parenting

319-54 RT P: The Impact of Parental Deployment on the Development of Sibling Relationships: A Systematic Review

Military families are unique in that they are forced to adjust to frequent changes within the family system, such as parental deployment. There is a dearth of research on the development of sibling relationships among children whose parents are in the military and have experienced deployment. The purpose of this study was to complete a systematic review that explored the research question: How does parental deployment effect sibling relationships within the military family system? The following databases were searched in February 2019 using the terms “sibling relationships”, “sibling children”, “military deployment”, “children”, “development”, “family roles”, “impact on children”, “military”, “deployment”, and “siblings”: PsychInfo, PsychArticles, CINAHL Complete, and SocIndex databases. Preliminary results indicated that adolescent siblings took on a parenting role for younger siblings.

Objectives

- To examine the current literature on the effect of parental deployment on sibling relationships.
- To identify and appraise existing literature on sibling relationships within military families.
- To understand the steps in completing a rigorous systematic review.

Keywords: siblings, military families, family systems

319-55 FT P: Deconstructing Transnormativity: Working With Non-Binary Clients

This roundtable focuses on clinical strategies that can be utilized when working with non-binary clients. Specifically, interventions focused on deconstructing transnormativity, an ideology that legitimizes binary transgender people who medically transition while marginalizing individuals who do no subscribe to the gender binary, will be discussed. Attendees will be informed about common mental health challenges faced by non-binary people as a result of living in a cissexist society and will be encouraged to share ideas about clinical strategies to assist non-binary clients in constructing preferred narratives that affirm their gender identities and resist transnormativity.

Objectives

- To recognize the negative mental health outcomes faced by non-binary people  that result from living in a cissexist society.
- To demonstrate an understanding of transnormativity and its effect on non-binary people.
- To utilize clinical strategies to deconstruct transnormativity and aid non-binary  clients in constructing preferred narratives.

Keywords: gender identity, therapeutic interventions, inclusion

319-56 FT P: LGBTQ Students in Foster Care: Strategies For School Counselors

Unsafe and ill-prepared school environments exist for many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer (LGBTQ) students in foster care. School counselors are uniquely positioned to develop safe and inclusive schools for this vulnerable student population; however, strategies for interdisciplinary collaboration and advocacy with schools, families, and systems incorporated with LGBTQ youth in foster care are limited. This article explores how school counselors can advocate across disciplines for LGBTQ youth in foster care, including K-12 education systems, family/caregivers, and social service organizations providers.

Objectives

- To analyze the interdisciplinary collaboration of school counselors and family therapists in working with LGBTQ youth in foster care.
- To examine the existing strengths and unique barriers of LGBTQ youth in foster care. 
- To illuminate the unsafe and ill-prepared school environment that exists for many LGBTQ students in foster care.

Keywords: LGBTQ+, fostercare, schools

319-57 FT P: Depressive Symptoms, Suicidal Ideation, and Betrayal Trauma: The Mediating Effect of LGBTQ+ Stressors

The current study examined the relationship between psychological betrayal trauma (PBT) and depressive symptoms and suicidality in LGBTQ+ individuals.  Nine LGBTQ+ stressors were explored as possible mediators.  Two hundred LGBTQ+ adults participated.  Results found that a high proportion of participants had experienced childhood (59.4%) and adult (58%) PBT, which related to depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation.  Isolation, harassment, and vigilance were identified as mediators of adult PBT, but no stressors mediated childhood PBT.  The findings suggest that adult PBT relates to current depressive symptoms through simultaneous experiences of isolation and harassment due to being LGBTQ+, and to suicidal ideation through experiences of isolation and vigilance.  However, the association between childhood PBT and current depressive symptoms and suicidal ideation occurs without simultaneous experiences of LGBTQ+ stressors.  

Objectives

- To investigate the association among psychological betrayal trauma and depressive symptoms in LGBTQ+ individuals.
- To analyze the impact of betrayal trauma from a minority stress perspective.
- To better understand suicidal ideation in LGBTQ+ individuals when considering interpersonal trauma and daily stressors.

Keywords: trauma, LGBTQ+, suicide

319-58 FT P: Underlying Mechanisms Explaining the Link Between Differentiation and Romantic Relationship Outcomes

Differentiation of self has been associated with positive relationship outcomes, but little has been done to analyze the underlying mechanisms that promote these outcomes for highly differentiated people. In this longitudinal analysis, three waves of data were collected from a sample of university students (N = 162) and direct and indirect effects between I-position and emotional reactivity, anxious attachment, relationship efficacy, and relationship outcomes were analyzed using path analysis. In general, anxious attachment and greater relationship efficacy were found to mediate the association between differentiation of self and positive relationship dynamics. These findings provide important insights into the formative processes that nurture young adult relationships, and point to an important interplay between differentiation and attachment.

Objectives

- To analyze the association between differentiation of self and attachment theory. 
- To evaluate the direct and indirect mechanisms that promote positive relationship outcomes for highly differentiated people.
- To highlight ways for clinicians to apply these associations when working with emerging adults.

Keywords: couples, young adulthood, structural equation modeling (SEM)

319-59 FT P: Family Members Experiencing Emotional Cutoff: An Online Qualitative Exploration that Yielded Five Themes

Emotional cutoff in families that occurs between parent, siblings, and children often leads to interrupted relationships and loss of support.  In this sample of 92 adults who participated in an online, qualitative study, five themes were generated from their stories of cutoff that had lasted at least a year: 1) Ambiguous cutoff or family members who drifted apart; 2) Individuation of the young adult from the parents; 3) Abuse, neglect, abandonment of the child by the parent; 4) Unsafe relationship in childhood continuing through adulthood; and 5) Emotional discord and/or resentment that led to cutoff.  Implications for therapists include strategies for treatment and determining how to support reconciliation. Future research needs to explore reconciliation and reconciliation strategies. 

Objectives

- To increase the knowledge of participants about types of emotional cutoff and how each type can be identified.
- To increase participants' skills in differentiating between the five types of emotional cutoff when working with clients.
- To increase participants' skills in asking questions about emotional cutoff and selecting strategies to use with each type of cutoff. 

Keywords: family functioning, emotional problems, relationships

319-60 FT P: A New Look at Relational Ethics: Using Relational Ethics to Examine Self and Ways of Being

There has been renewed emphasis on relational ethics in the past 10 years. Perhaps inspired by current socio-cultural-political events, therapists are increasingly writing about relational ethics, as evidenced by a number of articles in leading family therapy journals. These publications focus on relational ethics as found within Ivan Boszormenyi-Nagy’s well-known Contextual Family Therapy model. Newer understandings of relational ethics take a more postmodern view. In this paper, I briefly describe the development of the family therapy field from modern to postmodern approaches, highlighting the difference in worldviews before deeper discussion of different forms of relational ethics. Finally, implications for the field will be outlined, including how these different conceptualizations can be applied to our understanding of relationships of which we are a part.

Objectives

- To describe differences between modern and postmodern philosophies as applied to therapy models.
- To describe differences between Boszormenyi-Nagy’s conceptualization of relational ethics and recent postmodern ideas of relational ethics.
- To identify implications of different conceptualizations of relational ethics on ethical ways of being.

Keywords: ethics and values, family therapy, social construction

319-61 FT P: Exploring Relational Ethics in College Students: Gender and Age Matter

The current study aimed explored relational ethics (fairness and_x000D_ justice in both family and romantic relationships) among college_x000D_ students. Using data collected from participants recruited from a_x000D_ Midwestern university (n=421), results indicated the following_x000D_ significant differences: gender and horizontal ethics (t(419) =_x000D_ .82; p < .05); age and vertical relational ethics (B =_x000D_ -.58; p<.001); and race and both horizontal (t(419) =_x000D_ -2.58; p < .05) and relational ethics (t(419) = 02.35;_x000D_ p < .05). Findings can be used by practitioners can_x000D_ better understand the nuances of relational ethics among college_x000D_ students.

Objectives

- Understanding the rationale for screening for both vertical and horizontal relational ethics among college students.
- Describing the relationship between relational ethics, gender, and age among a college student sample.
- Defining how an understanding of relational ethics among a college student sample can be used to inform targeted efforts to helping improve relationships among a college student sample.

Keywords: young adulthood, relational, theory

319-62 FT P: Testing Bowen Family Systems Theory: Differentiation of Self, Parent Physical Health, Triangulation, and Child Self-Regulation Across Time

This study quantitatively tested aspects of Bowen Family Systems Theory, specifically the proposition that physical health and (indicators of) the family emotional process are connected. The study consisted of 337 families with data collected annually across a 5-year timeframe as part of the Flourishing Families Project. Preliminary findings indicate that parent physical health, parent triangulation of child, and child perspective of being triangulated by parents are related to components of parents’ differentiation of self (emotional reactivity and emotional cut-off). The findings also indicate that higher levels of parent physical health contribute to less change/difference in child self-regulation across time. Taken together, the findings provide some support for Bowen’s assertion that there is a link between family emotional process and physical health.

Objectives

- To analyze the relationships between family emotional process and parent physical health from a Bowen Family Systems Theory perspective.
- To demonstrate the significance of parent triangulation on child self-regulation.
- To demonstrate that components of differentiation of self (emotional reactivity and emotional cut-off) moderate parent and child relationship processes.

Keywords: physical health, parent-child relationships, family systems

319-63 FH P: Life Satisfaction and Spouse’s Cognitive Impairment: Moderation Effect of Structural Cohesion

The hypothesis of this study was that life satisfaction of individuals, whose social network is less cohesive, would be in strong association with spouse’s cognitive function, while strongly embedded individuals would not be affected by spouse’s level of cognitive function. Using the Korean Social life, Health, and Aging Project data, the sample included 548 married older adults aged 65 and above. Major findings are as follows: association between one’s life satisfaction and social cohesion differed according to cognitive impairment status of one’s spouse; social cohesion was not associated with one’s life satisfaction in the group with spouse’s normal cognitive function status; life satisfaction was associated with one’s structural cohesion score in the group of spouse with cognitive impairment.

Objectives

- To examine the association between life satisfaction and spouse's cognitive impairment
- To examine the moderating effect of structural cohesion on the association between life satisfaction and spouse's cognitive impairment.
- To examine the hypothesis that life satisfaction of individuals, whose social network is less cohesive, would be in strong association with spouse’s cognitive function, while strongly embedded individuals would not be affected by spouse’s level of cognitive function.

Keywords: caregiving, couples, well-being

319-64 FP P: Understanding Provider Experiences of Family Sustainability in Pennsylvania Domiciliary Care Systems

The broader purpose of this study is to explore provider experiences of Domiciliary Care in its role to fulfill the need for community-based long-term care.  Domiciliary Care is a form of Adult Foster Care, which varies widely in accessibility and structure among states; this research in Pennsylvania follows initial research on provider experiences with a form of Adult Foster Care in North Carolina.  As of 2013, there were 648 Domiciliary Care homes in Pennsylvania.  Domiciliary Care homes and services are supervised by the Office of Long-Term Living (OLTL), and as of 1990, Domiciliary Care homes could provide services to a maximum of 3 residents.  

Objectives

- To understand the structure and function of Domiciliary Care in Pennsylvania.
- To understand how providers engage and sustain family as a resource in Domiciliary Care.
- To understanding promising practices and limitations of Domiciliary Care in its role in providing community-based long-term care for families.

Keywords: caregiving, aging, disabilities

319-65 FT P: ACT For Caregivers: a Self-Guided Web-Based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention For Family Dementia Caregivers

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has recently been adapted for self-guided online use. We used a mixed method concurrent nested design to assess a 10-online-session ACT for Caregivers for family dementia caregivers. This pilot (N=25; 46% spouses, 92% White) includes pre-intervention, post1, and post2 data on caregivers’ stress, wellbeing, and qualitative open-ended items on program satisfaction/usage. Repeated measures ANOVA suggest decreased depressive symptoms (F(1.67, 30.14)=4.28, p=0.03); d=-1.95), and stress reactions (F(1.62, 22.63)=4.52, p=0.03); drepeatedmeasures=-0.67), and increased quality of life (F(1.87, 33.72)=4.41, p=0.02); drepeatedmeasures=0.57), and progress towards values (F(1.93, 34.67)=3.31, p=0.05); drepeatedmeasures=0.43). Qualitative responses suggest high satisfaction and continued use of specific ACT skills. Common difficulties included finding time/remembering to do the program.

Objectives

- Attendees of the poster session will be able to describe key aspects of the Acceptance and Commitment approach, as it is applied to the stressors of dementia caregiving.
- Attendees of the poster session will be able to participate in examples of ACT activities included in the intervention, for themselves.  For example they will see the “Change a But to an And” activity, and see the “Leaves on a Stream” activity, and be able to participate with their own thoughts. 
- Attendees of the poster session will determine if the quantitative and qualitative data collectively suggest positive, negative, or mixed outcomes for participants of ACT for caregivers.

Keywords: caregiving, therapeutic interventions, older adulthood

319-66 FT P: The Association Between Close Relationships and Health For Filial Caregivers

      This study examined the associations between the quality of adult filial caregivers’ close relationships and health behaviors, mental health, and physical health using structural equation modeling. Secondary data from the National Survey of Midlife Development in the United States (MIDUS II) (Ryff et al., 2012) were used to examine the health outcomes of adults who reported serving as a caregiver for a parent or parent-in-law in the last year. Results demonstrated a significant mediation effect of close family and intimate partner relationship quality and physical health, through the variable of mental health. Health behaviors were not found to produce a significant mediation effect.

Objectives

- To demonstrate the associations between the quality of adult filial caregivers’ close relationships and health behaviors, mental health, and physical health.
- To demonstrate the mediation effect of close family and intimate partner relationship quality and physical health, through the variable of mental health.
- To demonstrate the potential value of family and couple therapy for filial caregivers.

Keywords: caregiving, relationships, mental health

319-67 FH P: For Better or For Worse: Dynamics of Health and Marital Quality During Midlife

The aim of the study is to explore the dynamics of how the health of one or both partners might affect the quality of the marital relationship over time.  Our focus is on married couples in midlife, since this is the phase of the life course where health is most likely to change. Data come from a three-wave longitudinal survey called Midlife in the United States study. We found that poorer health was associated with lower marital support and higher marital strain (between-person effects) and changes in one’s health may lead to changes in marital quality (within-person effects). These results have implications for understanding how changes in health status may disrupt the homeostasis of married couples, and can lead to changes in overall wellbeing.

Objectives

- To understand how the dynamics of how the health of one or both partners might affect the quality of the marital relationship over time.
- To compare within-person effects and between-person effects of the health of one or both partners on the marital relationship over time.
- To understand how the health of one or both partners and marital relationship chnage over time.

Keywords: aging, relationships, chronic illness

319-68 FH P: Public Perspectives of Sexual Advance Directives For Aging Adults Experiencing Cognitive Decline

Because LTC facilities serve an aging population with diverse views of sexuality, there is a need to understand the complex nature of sexual activity among residents, particularly those with dementia. We conducted a mixed-methods study to understand public perspectives toward sexuality in LTC and the use of a sexual advance directive – a legal document protecting decision-making if there is demonstrated contemporaneous affirmative consent. Logistic regression analyses revealed support for continued sexual expression and the use of sexual advance directives. We provide future directions for policy regarding sexual activity and the support individuals and families need from FLEs.

Objectives

- To understand perceptions of the general public about sexual advance directives.
- To understand respondent characteristics that statistically influence such opinions.
- To demonstrate the substantial need for family life education regarding the complexities of sexual expression among older adults with dementia.

Keywords: gerontology, sexuality, intimacy

319-69 AFS P: Increasing Male Enrollment in Undergraduate Family Science Courses: Perspectives of Men Who Have Never Enrolled in Family Science Courses

The goal of this study is to understand the lack of male enrollment in family science courses from the perspective of male undergraduate students who have never been enrolled in an undergraduate family science course. Qualitative data comes from an online survey completed by 120 male students who have never taken or enrolled in a family science course. Using thematic analysis, three themes emerged concerning the scarcity of male enrollment in family science courses: gender stereotypes and gendered field of study, relevance, and institutional barriers. From these themes, three recommendations will be offered to promote male enrollment in family science courses. It is important to increase male enrollment in these courses as the information presented is important and relevant to both men and women.

Objectives

- To understand the lack of male enrollment in undergraduate family science courses.
- To analyze perceptions of male undergraduate students who have never enrolled in a family science course concerning the lack of male enrollment in these courses.
- To identify methods to increase male enrollment in family science courses.

Keywords: education, Family Science, qualitative methodology

319-70 AFS P: Concept Maps in the Family Science Classroom

This presentation will illustrate the usefulness and variability of concept maps in family science classrooms. This poster will define concept maps, demonstrate examples of effective use of concept maps in teaching family science, and delineate scholarly based information on how to maximize their effectiveness. It also will illustrate the importance of student involvement in constructing and using this visual aid.

Objectives

- Define concept maps and their role in learning.
- Articulate how concept maps, including online versions, are used successfully in family science classrooms.
- Illustrate how concept maps facilitate student learning by categorizing subject matter in a visually understandable way.

Keywords: pedagogy, Family Science,

319-71 SNP P: The Essence of a Professional Philosophy Statement For Family Studies Professionals

Students, professors, researchers, and practitioners in the field of family science have struggled to form a cohesive professional identity. With the diversity of names within family science departments across universities as well as the multiple disciplines that converge in the study of families, students in this field may have various conceptualizations of their work. Students have a variety of interests and through the process of developing a philosophy statement are guided through reflection and critical self-inquiry. Such reflexivity may not only serve to orient students toward a specific professional career but may also help them identify within that career as they grow professionally. This research aimed to explore the essence of student’s philosophy statements and themes of what they felt was important to include.

Objectives

- To explore the essence of a philosophy statement for Family and Child Studies students.
- To understand what students feel is important to include in a philosophy statement.
- To describe the importance of students developing a philosophy statement for professional purposes.

Keywords: education, Content Analysis, Family Science

319-72 AFS P: Assessing Critical Thinking Skills in Solving Ethical Dilemma using Domains of Family Practice Model in a CFLE Approved Professional Development Course

The focus of this research is to assess student’s critical thinking skills as demonstrated through a group project that involves solving ethical dilemmas in a CFLE approved professional development course. Most academic institutions develop their curriculum with a goal of developing critical thinking. Critical thinking skills are important because they enable students to develop the strategies and dispositions that increase students' chances of succeeding in the workplace and in their personal lives. A rubric is be developed to evaluate an already graded assignments in solving ethical dilemma completed in 2014, 2015.2016 and 2018. It is anticipated that students with high sores in the ethical dilemma assignment and in the course will have high in critical thinking. Implications for teaching and student assessments are discussed.

Objectives

- To assess student's critical thinking skills through solving ethical dilemma using a rubric developed for this purpose 
- To examine the differences in critical thinking of levels of students in different cohorts by comparing students' scores  in different academic years
- To learn from the attendees how they assess critical a thinking skills of their students by in a similar CFLE approved class

Keywords: Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL), family life education, ethics and values