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Learning Objective 1: The learner will be able to aquire the methodology for performing accurate assessments of family functioning.
Learning Objective 2: The learner will be able to obtain an understanding of factors causing disparities between paired couples in family functioning scores.
As the outcome of providing family nursing, family functioning measurements are generally utilized as the scale for assessments. Although responses are given by individual family members, it has been pointed out that despite the assessment being made for an entire family, assessments between individual members of the family may differ. However, insufficient attention has been given to the factors causing disparities in the scores of family members. The objective of this study was to clarify qualitatively what causal factors exist in the differences in family functioning measurement assessments between individual family members.
Methods:
Paired couples responded separately to the Survey of Family Environment (SFE), after which semi-structured interviews were conducted. The couples were encouraged to discuss why their responses differed for certain items. The data obtained was compiled in text format, and subjected to qualitative analysis. Participants were explained the purpose of the study, and confidentiality of personal data was assured. Five families agreed to participate.
Results:
It was clarified that the factors causing differences included how a member grasped the question item; differences in the individual’s role as a family member; difference in degrees of enthusiasm for the question item among family members; and others. On the other hand, it was clarified that factors not causing differences included good relationships between family members, indicating that the family was communicating well.
Conclusion:
From the characteristics of the results of this study, suggestions were obtained that may lead to development of measurements in which deviation of assessments by individual family members would be minimized.
See more of: World Academy of Nursing Science: Oral Paper & Posters