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Pamela B. Payne, Ph.D. CFLE

ABSTRACT. Family Science undergraduates face unique challenges in finding and understanding the breadth of employment and educational opportunities within the field. As a
discovery degree, students often describe having found Family Science through taking a class and enjoying the topic, resulting in their further pursuit of the field (Hagenbush & Hamon, 2011; Schvaneveldt et al., 2013). This article addresses a series of professional development assignments aligned with National Council on Family Relations (NCFR) Certified Family Life
Educator (CFLE) Content area #9 Professional Ethics & Practice. Building resume/CVs, cover letters and participating in peer reviews and mock interviews help prepare undergraduates for employment in Family Science. Assignment details, rubrics, student feedback, and course objectives are discussed so that others may use this assignment series to prepare future Family Science professionals.

Keywords: professional development, family life education, professional ethics, teaching

G. Kevin Randall

ABSTRACT. This paper focuses on a revision of a semester-long formal writing assignment based on the first family life education content area (see NCFR), Families and Individuals in Societal Contexts, particularly courtship and marital choice. Many students were not completing this assignment that addresses an important developmental process: dating, courting, and choosing a life partner. Incorporating known pedagogical principles from the writing-to-learn literature, the assignment’s revision included developing four components required throughout the semester. The research-based principles behind the revision included interactive writing processes, meaning-making writing tasks, and clear writing expectations. Student completion rates of a majority of the four components, anonymous Individual Development and Educational Assessment (IDEA) qualitative comments, and anecdotal interactions with the instructor supported revision. The assignment, assessment, and grading rubrics are included for others to consider and to revise for their classroom use.

Keywords: Premarital predictors, marital success, writing-to-learn

Wonjung Oh, Ph.D.,  Seowon Song, M.S., and Sylvia Niehuis, Ph.D.

ABSTRACT: Guided by family systems and multi-level complexity perspectives, this study examined dynamic family processes linking mothers’ perceived relationship satisfaction with their partner, coparenting (cooperation, conflict, and triangulation), and harsh parenting to children’s perceived competence and social acceptance, as well as behavior problems. The sample consisted of 61 dyads of mothers and preschool-age children. A path model revealed that low levels of coparenting conflict was directly associated with positive self-perception (greater perceived competence and social acceptance) in children. Mothers’ greater reported relationship satisfaction was also directly linked to children’s positive self-perception and to lesser behavior problems. In contrast, mothers who experienced greater coparenting triangulation with their partners reported harsher parenting, which in turn contributed to children’s behavior problems, supporting the spillover hypothesis. Additional findings highlight specific links between greater maternal relationship satisfaction with their partners, lesser coparenting conflict, and greater social competence in children.

Keywords: Coparenting, child competence, child behavior problems, harsh parenting, mothers’ relationship satisfaction

Feng Sun, Ph.D., Xiaohui Li, Ph.D., Jing Jian Xiao, Ph.D.

ABSTRACT: Mate selection is important to understanding social stratification and social mobility. China is experiencing the largest urbanization in the history of mankind, and the resulting population movement has affected traditional marriage patterns. Hukou, the Chinese word for the household residence registration, is an indicator of social status. The study used the Dynamic Monitoring Data of the Floating Population collected in 2013 and quantitatively examined the potential impact of rural-urban migration on marriage selection in China. Results indicated that after migration 1) the chance to marry someone from different social strata indicated by hukou status increased; 2) the chance to marry someone with higher education levels increased; and 3) the chance to marry someone with large age gaps increased, specifically, the chance for older men with an urban hukou to marry a younger women with a rural hukou increased.

Keywords: Mate selection, migration, rural-urban, hukou, China

Heidi E. Stolz and Meagan Green

ABSTRACT: Hybrid teaching, also known as mixed-mode instruction, occurs when part of a campus-based course is moved online. There is limited research on hybrid courses in Human Development and Family Studies (HDFS). This study examines whether delivery mode impacts various student learner experiences and outcomes in an HDFS course and reports on students’ experiences with hybrid learning. Results indicated no delivery mode differences related to perceived course knowledge, course-related self-efficacy, or student-to-student interaction. However, participants in the hybrid learning mode (n = 33) reported significantly worse experiences and outcomes of  all other variables relative to students in the face-to-face section (n = 35). Due to significant baseline differences, more investigation is needed to explore selection effects versus experience effects. Themes related to most and least liked features of the hybrid course are reported and interpreted in light of quantitative findings.

Nilufer Medora, Roudi Nazarinia Roy and Tiffany L. Brown

ABSTRACT: Study abroad programs are becoming increasingly popular in the United States and in other countries. The present study used a mixed-methods approach to examine cultural sensitivity in 18 ethnically diverse college students who participated in a study abroad program. Participants completed pre-and-post study questionnaires including open-ended questions targeting students’ shifts in their levels of cultural sensitivity and their most memorable activities during the short-term study abroad experience. Quantitative results suggest significant growth in students’ “cultural sensitivity” after participation in the study abroad program. Four major themes emerged from the qualitative data, including appreciation for cultural immersion and the novel, rewarding experiences students had while participating in the study abroad program. Implications of findings for educators and administrators are examined.

Heather R. Kennedy and Kieu Anh Do

ABSTRACT: Blended learning allows instructors to retain some face-to-face activities while integrating additional online components to meet demands of a new generation of learners. Yet student disengagement and isolation continue to present challenges to effective course design. Technology adaptation, specifically synchronous videoconferencing, can facilitate student engagement and promote social presence, both of which have been linked to various learning outcomes. There has been insufficient research on person-centered approaches to inquiry, specifically the roles of students (e.g., characteristics) in technology integration. This mixed methods study in a blended family science course explored students’ perceptions of contributions from videoconferencing with regard to social presence. Three profiles of students (i.e., receptive, ambivalent, and resistant) emerged in relation to technology integration and social presence. Quantitative results also found significant differences between these profiles on perceptions related to social presence.

Greg Brooks, Laynie Haley and Tim Spellings

ABSTRACT: Illness, death, and bereavement are present in every family’s story, yet not every undergraduate student has experienced them directly. Family Science instructors should seek creative ways to help students understand complex dynamics of families during these crises. That Dragon, Cancer is a narrative video game immerses users in the story of Joel Green and his family during their four-year battle with juvenile cancer. We present findings of a qualitative study of undergraduate students who played That Dragon, Cancer during a course module on death and bereavement. Participants reported that the game was a unique learning experience that illustrated course concepts effectively. We discuss possible barriers to the use of video games in the classroom and give recommendations for overcoming them.

Darin J. Knapp

ABSTRACT: Instructors frequently use case studies in teaching. These approaches have demonstrated effectiveness in student learning. With new emphasis on increasing student investment in the learning process in higher education, examining more effective uses of case studies in family science courses is important. The instructor of a senior-level undergraduate course in family science used a backward course design perspective to create a novel assignment using case study analysis. Students in an undergraduate family science class were assigned to write fictionalized case studies incorporating course content as an assessment of their knowledge instead of writing traditional summative research papers to demonstrate competency. The course instructor gathered student feedback specific to this assignment. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of participating students reporting it was an effective assignment for learning content and 92% reporting the assignment should be included in future versions of the course. Student response data yielded detailed, positive feedback about effective student learning and engagement. Considerations for using this approach to construct assignments are discussed, as are future directions for empirically examining this assignment.

Jessica Troilo

ABSTRACT: This qualitative project sought to understand how 53 Family Life Educators (FLEs) in a state in the Appalachian United States identified behaviors, outcomes, and challenges. FLEs identified four behaviors they believed were essential to their roles. They also identified challenges that were perceived to negatively impact their abilities to meet their reported expectations of being a family life educator. Their behaviors, outcomes, and challenges corresponded to the National Extension Parenting Educators’ Framework. The author used grounded theory methods to analyze the interview data. The FLEs who were interviewed identified their primary identity as the Effective FLE. Challenges interrupted FLEs abilities to be effective, but when FLEs were enacting the effective FLE identity they saw positive outcomes. A primary implication is that when FLEs engage in behaviors deemed essential, positive outcomes for parents and themselves are possible. Challenges, however, interrupt that process in a negative way.

Maike Klein, Julia M. Bernard, Christy Oaks and Janna Scarborough

ABSTRACT: This study aims at understanding students’ perspectives on a university response to a racial microaggression on campus. Responses were collected in the form of an online survey and analyzed using qualitative data analysis to identify themes from students’ perspectives. Insights on how students processed the incident were gathered. Although students were thankful for the university response, there is lingering concern for another incident and for how leadership will equip students to handle similar situations. The authors provide implications for educators.

Guest Editors: Sheila Mammen & Yoshie Sano

This special issue of the Family Science Review is a compilation of five papers representing 20 years of an accumulated body of knowledge on the lives of rural, low-income families. The papers focus on various aspects of their everyday experiences including economic security, family well-being, food insecurity, and health issues, as well as on rural diversity with special emphasis on Latina families.

(Download the article for more information)

Sheila Mammen, Ann A. Berry, Carolyn Bird and Kelly D. Chandler

ABSTRACT: Rural, low-income families face a multitude of challenges in their quest for economic security. This paper presents the major findings from two studies, Rural Families Speak and Rural Families Speak about Health, that highlight factors that contribute to the economic well-being of these families. These factors included employment challenges as well as the role of various types of support, such as public assistance programs, social and family networks, resource management skills, and the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Policymakers should pay special attention to income needs of vulnerable families in the context of unique challenges of living in rural areas. Economically secure rural families are better prepared to play important roles in the viability and vitality of their communities. Policy implications and recommendations to improve families’ economic well-being are provided with this perspective in mind.

Yoshie Sano, Sheila Mammen and Brittney Oliver

ABSTRACT:

Compared to the general population, the rate of food insecurity is much higher among rural, low-income families. This paper summarizes 20 years of research findings on the food insecurity of marginalized rural families in three specific areas: (a) family food practice and management, (b) food insecurity and health outcomes, and (c) formal and informal supports and food insecurity. Overall, the findings demonstrate that the causes and consequences of food insecurity are complex and are embedded in various contextual factors that rural families face. This paper discusses the importance of building multi-disciplinary, multi level programs (i.e., individual, family, and community) and policies to reduce food insecurity. These programs and policies would ultimately promote the health and well-being of rural low-income families.

Lenna L. Ontai, Melissa A. Barnett, Suzanne Smith, Joe D. Wilmoth and Loriena Yancura

ABSTRACT: Family well-being is a multifaceted construct that includes family health, self-sufficiency and resiliency. It is, however, vulnerable to various social constraints that include poverty. Rural low-income families face considerable risks when trying to achieve and maintain family well-being. Based on findings from the Rural Families Speak (RFS) and Rural Families Speak about Health (RFSH) studies, this paper presents factors that promote and/or hinder family well-being in the areas of work-family balance, informal childcare support, family relationship, social support, and family routines and rituals. Overall, the findings point to the importance of programs and policies that recognize and strengthen multigenerational and extended family networks, as well as mothers’ sense of parenting efficacy as critical elements for family well-being.

Patricia H. Dyk, Heidi Radunovich and Yoshie Sano

ABSTRACT: In order to address rural health disparities, the Rural Families Speak (RFS) and Rural Families Speak about Health (RFSH) projects examined the health challenges faced by rural, low-income families. This article highlights findings about their physical health, mental health, health communication, and access to healthcare. Results reveal that families face physical and mental health challenges that reflect the more general trends present in rural, low income communities. The many stressors associated with being poor and living in a rural location contribute to greater vulnerability to physical and mental health issues such as obesity and, in particular, depressive symptoms. Accessing health care is more challenging, and available resources that can serve in a protective role, such as employment options and transportation, are harder to obtain in rural areas. Recommendations are provided to inform the health policy context and guide practitioners seeking to address health challenges faced by low-income rural families.

Doris I. Cancel-Tirado, Kimberly Greder and Bradford B. Wiles

ABSTRACT: The face of rural America is rapidly changing as rural communities become home to growing numbers of racial and ethnic minorities, especially Latina/o families. While Latinas/os are important to the vitality and productivity of rural communities, they experience disproportionately higher rates of poverty, food insecurity, and additional challenges such as lack of proficiency in English, documentation status, and discrimination, compared to the general population. This paper presents 20 years of findings on the well-being of Latina/o families in rural America from the multi-state USDA Hatch funded projects, Rural Families Speak (NC 223/NC 1011) and Rural Families Speak about Health (NC 1171). Findings are organized by an adapted Bronfenbrenner’s Ecological model that includes inner (e.g., individual, family) and outer layer systems (e.g., access to public assistance and healthcare, culture, social support, working conditions). There is discussion of implications for policies and programs affecting Latina/o families.