Family Involvement in Practice: Issues and Attitudes

Abstract

The family occupies an important role in the lives of persons with a physical, developmental, or mental disability; however, the extent and manner in which occupational therapists work with families is not known. A questionnaire concerning family-therapist involvement was sent to occupational therapists. Responses of 340 occupational therapists with a primary practice area of physical disabilities, developmental disabilities, or mental health were compared. Results indicated that the amount of contact with families of clients, reasons for family-therapist interactions, and attitudes about the family's abilities and involvement were affected by the respondent's area of practice. Respondents in all three practice areas identified scheduling difficulties as the biggest issue affecting their involvement with families of their clients. Implications discussed include the need to obtain an understanding of families' desired level of involvement and the importance of continuing education opportunities for occupational therapists in changing attitudes about working with families. This study also suggests that the role of occupational therapists with families in mental health settings needs to be better articulated and shared with professional peers.

Parent–nurse interactions: care of hospitalized children

“…1994, Gibson 1995, Grandine 1995, Wilson & Hobbs 1995). Interaction between parents and professionals is thought to be most effective when it is based on reciprocal interchange (Stower 1992, Humphrey et al. 1993, McElheran & Harper‐Jaques 1994).…”

“…Families are better able to establish rapport with health professionals when there is a common and relevant goal (Kosper et al 1994, Gibson 1995, Grandine 1995, Wilson & Hobbs 1995. Interaction between parents and professionals is thought to be most effective when it is based on reciprocal interchange (Stower 1992, Humphrey et al 1993, McElheran & Harper-Jaques 1994. Through reciprocally sharing knowledge, teaching skills (Farrell 1992), and coaching families to navigate the health care system (Wilson & Hobbs 1995), the knowledgecompetence gap between family and professional is narrowed (Cahill 1996).…”

Collaborative Learning Applied to Fieldwork Education

“…Successful intervention involves a collaborative and mutual process where practitioners and consumers develop intervention plans together (Case-Smith & Wavrek, 1993;Crepeau, 1994;Golin & Ducanis, 1981;Humphry, Gonzalez, & Taylor, 1993;Leff & Walizer, 1992;Neistadt, 1987). Occupational therapists of the 21st century and beyond must be educated to provide services within health, education, community, and policy-making arenas.…”

An Examination of the Influence of Perceived Parenting Practices on Depression and Substance Use Among African American Juvenile Offenders

“…As children mature into adolescence, families remain the major change agent of socialization by playing a significant role in the adolescent's cognitive, emotional, and behavioral development (Doherty, 1985;Ell & Northern, 1990;Foxcraft & Lowe, 1995;Gecas & Seff, 1990;Humphrey, Gonzalez, & Taylor, 1992). Given the importance of the family during this time period, research has explored various components of family characteristics and their effects on adolescence, with specific familial processes such as family structure, functioning, parental supervision and monitoring, emotional support, and attachment assuming central importance (Amato, 1993;Bowker & Klein, 1983;Gauze, Bukowski, Aquan-Assee, & Sippola, 1996;Henggeler, Edwards, Borduin, 1987;Hoge, Andrews, & Leschied, 1996;McCord, 1991;Patterson, Cohn, & Kao, 1989;Smith & Krohn, 1995).…”