Sourcebook of Family Theories and Methodologies: A Dynamic Approach

Preface
Acknowledgments
Contents
Contributors
Part I: Setting the Context for Contemporary Family Science
Family Theories and Methodologies: A Dynamic Approach
Theory and Theorizing, Methods and Methodologies
A Brief History of Family Theory and Methodology
A Dynamic Approach
Organization of the Sourcebook
The Great Depression, World War, and the Rise of Pragmatism in Family Science
Normalism, Post-War Challenges, and Pluralism
Social Movements, Critical Theory, and Contextualism
Family Theories and Health, Interdisciplinarity, and Translational Family Science
Conclusion
References
Metatheorizing in Family Theory
The Structure of Explanatory Theory
Theoretical Frameworks
Abstract Theory
Contextual Theory
Descriptive Statements
Science as Logical and Determinate: Philosophy of Science
Ontology
Epistemology
Deduction
Induction
Abduction
Empiricism
Standpoint Epistemology
Postmodern Skepticism
A Brief History of Recent Philosophy of Science
Empiricism and Logical Positivism
Logical Empiricism
Falsificationism
Science As Socially Organized: Philosophy and Kuhn
The Contributions of Philosophy to Family Science
Future Challenges and Opportunities for Theorizing
References
History of Family Science
Nineteenth-Century Foundations of Family Science
The Lyceum Movement and Adult Education
Establishment of Family-Centered Disciplines
Twentieth Century: Founding of Interdisciplinary Family Science Organizations
Interdisciplinary Connections Critical to the Family Science Discipline
Anthropology’s Influence on Family Science
Psychology and Family Science
Sociology and Family Science
Family Science, Theory, and Social Issues
The Family Science Discipline in the Twenty-First Century
References
Part II: The Great Depression, World War, and the Rise of Pragmatism in Family Science
Family Resilience Theory
Origins and Historical Development of Family Resilience Theory
1920s–1950s: Precursors to Family Resilience Theory
1960s–1983: Advancements in Family Systems, Family Development, and Family Stress Theories and the Emergence of Individual Resilience
1984–2012: Waves 1 and 2 of Family Resilience Theory Building
2013−Present: Wave 3 of Family Resilience Theory Building
The Family Resilience Model (FRM)
Core Assumptions, Key Constructs, and Interrelationships of Constructs
Core Assumptions
Significant Risk Is Necessary for Family Resilience
Family Strengths Are Central to Family Resilience
Family Meaning Is Central to Risk and Resilience
Family Resilience Involves Both Processes and Outcomes Over Time
The Developmental Timing of Risk Is Important to Resilience
Family Diversity Has External and Internal Influences on Family Risk and Resilience
Key Constructs and Interrelations Among Major Constructs
Family Risk
Family Resilience
Family Protection
Family Vulnerabilities
Family Adaptation
Family Situational Meanings
Family Adaptive Systems (FAS)
Ecosystems
Interrelations of Key Constructs: The Family Resilience Model (FRM)
Areas of Debate
Main Questions of Family Resilience Theory
Aspects of Family Life Most Clearly Addressed by Family Resilience Theory
Acute Stressors
Chronic Stressors
Acute and Chronic Stressors
Culture-and-Ethnicity-Based Stress and Trauma
The Growing Edge: Future Directions of Family Resilience Theory
Expanded Integration of Resilience Constructs
Time, Place, Culture, and Ecosystems
Family Resilience and Systemic Trauma
Biopsychosocial Systems and Family Resilience
Prevention and Intervention
References
Application: Resilience Among Sibling Caregivers
Vulnerabilities and Sibling Caregivers
Adaptations and Sibling Caregivers
Conclusions
References
Conceptualizing Family Stress: A Trend Toward Greater Context
Brief Historical Overview
A Significant Shift to a Focus on a Very Specific Context: Mundane Extreme Environmental Stress
Another Shift to Context: The Contextual Model of Family Stress
A More Recent Shift: A Spin on the Assumptions
Future Directions for the Study of Family Stress
Concluding Remarks
References
Application: Family Stress Theories and Custodial Grandfamilies
Stress in Custodial Grandfamilies
Applications of Family Stress Theories to Grandfamilies
Implications and Future Directions
Conclusion
References
Through the Looking Glass: Reexamining Symbolic Interactionism’s Past and Forecasting its Future
Precursors to Symbolic Interactionism
Foundations of Symbolic Interactionism
Core Assumptions and Interrelated Concepts
Research Using Symbolic Interactionism
Classic Studies in Symbolic Interactionism
Symbolic Interactionist Studies of the Family
Critiques and Limitations of Symbolic Interactionism
The Growing Edge: Current and Future Directions of Symbolic Interactionism
Emerging Areas and Fields of Research
Untapped Directions
Methods
References
Application: Symbolic Interactionism as a Framework for Marital Meaning
Exploring Marital Meaning
Some Guidance from SI
Continuing the Investigation of Marital Beliefs
Further Guidance from SI
Conceptual Convergence: Marital Paradigm Theory
Practical Implications for Marital Beliefs Research
References
Ethnographic Methodologies in Family Research
Historical Origins and Contemporary Contribution of Ethnography
Overview and Basic Assumptions of Ethnography
Challenges of Ethnography in Family Research
Examples of the Application of Ethnography in Family Sciences
Unequal Childhoods
Three-City Study
The Future of Ethnography in Family Sciences
References
Application: Inside the “Brotherhood of Fatherhood”: Notes on Doing Ethnography in the Dad 2.0 Community
What Is Digital Family Ethnography?
A Digital Family Ethnography of the Dad 2.0 Community
Online Representation and Interaction Through Blogs
Offline Fieldwork in Group Gatherings
Interviews with Digital “Influencer” Dads
Discussion
References
Part III: Normalism, Post-War Challenges, and Pluralism
Family Development Theory
Family Development Theory
A Theoretical Evolution: A Brief History up to 1977
A Theoretical Revolution: A Brief History Since 1977
Methodology
Core Assumptions and Interrelated Concepts of Current FDT
Organic Versus Mechanical Analogy
Causal Forces
The Process of Development
Concepts
Family
Development
Family Development
Stage
Possibility Space
Indexing of Possibilities
Within Stage Development
Between Stage Development
Deviation and Variation
Family Life Course (Family Career)
Propositions
Example A: Cohabiting Dyads and Institutional Social Norms
Example B: Social Change and Normative Collisions
Main Problems, Questions, and Limitation of FDT
Examples of Research Emerging from the Theory
The Growing Edge: Future Directions of the Theory
Family
Development
Additional Advancements
Conclusion
References
Application: Moving Beyond “Traditional:” Applying MFDT to the Development of Refugee Families
Developmental Space
Family Developmental Tasks
Cultural Considerations
Stages
Future Directions for MFDT
Conclusion
References
Family Systems Theory
Origins of Family Systems Theories
General Systems Theory
Family Systems Theory
Family Systems and Family Therapy
Core Assumptions of Family Systems Theory
Family Systems Theory Concepts
Hierarchy
Boundaries
Family Rules
Feedback
Equilibrium
Mutual Influence and Interdependence
Circular Causality Versus Linear Causality
Advancing Systemic Theorizing: Middle-Range Family Theories
Circumplex Model of Marital and Family Systems
The Beavers Systems Model
McMaster Model of Family Functioning
Asian American Families: An Illustration
Filial Piety
Power
Conformity
Group-Oriented
Loyalty
Harmony
Face-Saving
Limitations of Family Systems Theory
The Growing Edge: Future Directions of Family Systems Theory
References
Application: Family Systems Theory in the Military Context
Military Families as Systems
Interdependence Within the Marital/Intimate Partner Subsystem
Recommendations and Implications for Research and Practice
Conclusion
References
Urie Bronfenbrenner’s Bioecological Theory: Its Development, Core Concepts, and Critical Issues
The Theory’s Origins and Its Historical Development
The Contextualist Nature of Bioecological Theory
The Theory’s Family-Related Issues
Limitations and Modifications of the Theory
How to Use the Theory
References
Application: The Role of Epigenetics in Human Development
References
Social Exchange Theories
Tracing the Intellectual Roots of Exchange Theory
Individualistic Versus Collectivistic Exchange Perspectives
The Determinants of Relationship Norms
Thibaut and Kelley: The Psychology Underlying Behavior
Emerson’s Exchange Network Analysis
Basic Exchange Concepts: Attraction and Dependence
The Attraction Dimension
The Valuation of Rewards, Costs, and Resources
The Dependence Dimension
The Emergent Structures and Experiences of Exchange Relationships
The Emergent Experiences of Satisfaction
The Emergent Experiences of Equity and Fairness
The Emergent Experiences of Commitment and Trust
Dominance and Power in Close Relationships
Conflict and Conflict Management
Relationship Stability
Criticisms of the Framework
Theme One: Criticisms Related to Motivations
Theme Two: Ignoring the Context of Exchange Relationships
The Research Applications of the Exchange Framework
Relative Inattention to the Dependence Dimension
Attention to Various Forms of Dyadic Data
Variable-Centered and Person-Centered Approaches to the Study of Exchange Relationships
Conclusion
References
Application: Relational (in) Justice in Context
A Social Exchange Framework at Home
Social Exchanges in the Context of Employment
Implications
References
The Family Life Course Framework: Perspectives on Interdependent Lives and Inequality
Historical Development and Core Concepts
Linked Lives in Families Over the Life Course
Configuration of Linked Lives
Content of Linkages
Valence of Linkages
Environments of Linked Lives
Time and Linked Lives
Future Challenges to the Study of Interdependence in Families
Implications of Demographic Transition for Family Life
Family Health in a Post-pandemic World
Information and Communication Technologies in Family Networks
Family Disruption and Division in a New Millennium
Conclusion
References
Application: Life Course Theory: Implications for Sexual Minority Youth Research and Practice
Example #1. Pseudo-developmental Designs
Example #2. Bidirectional Relationships
Example #3. Contemporary Perspectives on Sexual Minority Youth Vulnerabilities
Conclusions
References
Grounded Theory Methods
Historical Origins and Basic Assumptions
Overview of GT Methods and Key Concepts
Initial Phase
Intermediate Phase
Advanced Phase
Applying Grounded Theory Methods to Research with Families
Reflecting on the Future of Grounded Theory Methods in Family Science
References
Application: Addressing Sexual Health Disparities Among Black Girls and Women
Generation of New Theoretical Models among Black Girls and Women
Study of Black Girls, Sexual Engagement, Sexualization, and Saturation of Theory
Secondary Analyses, Expansion, and Linkages to Other Theoretical Frameworks
Application of GTM Research for Instrument and Intervention Development
Conclusion
References
Longitudinal Research
The Significance of Temporal Ordering
Major Developments in Longitudinal Family Research Methods and Longitudinal Datasets
Analyzing Longitudinal Data
Measurement
Analysis
Connecting Longitudinal Questions with the Appropriate Method
Multilevel/Hierarchical Regression Models
Overview
Linking Questions
Example: Differences in Marital Commitment between Cohabitors and Non-Cohabitors over Time
Structural Equation Models
Overview
Linking Questions
SEM
Example: Changes in Commitment Patterns between Cohabitors and Non-cohabitors
Mixture Models
Linking Questions
Example: Differential Effects of Cohabitation on Marital Satisfaction
Survival Analysis
Overview
Linking Questions
Example: Similarity in Attrition Rates between Cohabitors and Non-cohabitors
Conclusion
Future Directions
References
Dyadic Data in Family Science
Basic Assumptions of Working with Dyadic Data
Overview of Methodology
Research Questions Suitable for Dyadic Methods
Limitations of Dyadic Methods for Family Research
Future Directions of Methodology
Conclusion
References
Application: Dyadic Growth Mixture Modeling
Time Metric
Address Missing Data
Shape of Trajectory
Control Variables
Dyadic Growth Mixture Modeling or Dyadic Latent Class Growth Analysis
Fit Indices
Identify and Label Classes
Predictors of Class
References
Part IV: Social Movements, Critical Theory, and Contextualism
Feminist Theories: Knowledge, Method, and Practice
History and Origins of Feminist Family Theorizing
Key Concepts of Feminist Family Theorizing
The Social Construction of Gender
Patriarchy, Privilege, and Power
Intersectionality
Praxis
Feminist Reflexivity
Tensions, Controversies, and Limitations of Feminist Theorizing
Deepening our Understanding of Feminism, Gender, and Intersectionality
Methodological Challenges of Applying an Intersectional Perspective
Tensions and Possibilities of Queer Theory and Feminism
Tensions in Intergenerational Feminist Theorizing
Grappling with the Postfeminist Claim
Empirical Examples of Feminist-Informed Family Research
Power in Family Relationships
Gendered Violence
Feminism, Globalism, and Transnationalism
Trans Normativities: Interrogating the Gender Binary
Conclusion and Future Directions of Feminist Family Theories
References
Application: How a Gender-as-Relational Perspective Has Been Applied in Quantitative Studies of Emotion Work in Romantic Relationships
The Gender-as-Relational Perspective
What Is Emotion Work and Why Are We Focusing on It with a Gender-as-Relational Framework?
Actor-Partner Interdependence Models (APIMs)
Quantitative Studies on Emotion Work Using a Gender-as-Relational Perspective
Future Directions
References
Critical Race Theory: Historical Roots, Contemporary Use, and its Contributions to Understanding Latinx Immigrant Families
The Origins and Historical Development of CRT
CRTs Core Assumptions and Major Tenets
CRT Epistemological Underpinnings and Methods: Implications for Research on Latinx Families
CRT and its Contributions to the Study of Families
Critical Race Feminist Scholarship on Families
CRT and Counter-Narratives about Families of Color
CRT and Family Policies: US Immigration and Welfare Policy History
CRT Moving Forward: Future Directions of CRT and its Contributions to Latinx Families
References
Application: Critical Race Theory as Frame for Health Research with Young Black Fathers Who Survive Violent Injury
Structural Racism, Incarceration, and Healthcare Provision
Desistance Strategies, Fatherhood, and Black Masculinity
Findings from HVIP Study
Children and Fatherhood as First Thought After Injury
Acknowledging and Addressing Structural Racism in Care Provision
Implications for HVIP Programming
References
Intersectionality Theory: A Critical Theory to Push Family Science Forward
Sign of the Times
From a Heuristic to Social Theory: History and Tenets of Intersectionality
Core Ideas and Interrelated Concepts
Interlocking Systems and Structures
Intersecting, Situated Social Identities
Social Justice and Transformative Activism
Methodological Considerations and Inevitable Tensions in Intersectionality Research
Epistemological Considerations of Critical Inquiry
Tensions Concerning Appropriation and Erasure
Analytical Complexity of Intersectionality
Future of Creative Critical, Intersectional Research
Quantitative Methodologies
Qualitative Methodologies
Mixed Methods: Causation and Context
The Growing Edge: Transnational and Digital Spaces
Transnational Intersectionality
Challenging Invisibility within Black Communities
Intersectionality and Hashtag Activism
Conclusion
References
Application: Reimagining Intersectional Family Science: Reflections on URM Families, Wealth, and Health
References
Queer Theory
Origins and Historical Development of Queer Theory
Emergent Queer Family Scholarship
Queer Theory in Family Sciences and Theories
An Extension of Queer Theory: Transgender (Transfamily) Theory
Contemporary and Future Queer Family Research
Some Challenges Toward Further Growth
Final Reflections on Future Directions
References
Application: Queering Family Science: Applications of Queer Theory for Family Research and Practice
Applying Queer Theory to Family Research and Policy
Family Research
Family Policy
The Future of Queer Theory in Family Research and Practice
References
Family-Centered Participatory Action Research: With, by, and for Families
Introduction
The Core Principles of PAR
Historical Origins of PAR Approaches: Northern and Southern Traditions
The Seeds of Family-Centered PAR in Family Science: From Critical Scholarship to Action
Implementation of PAR with, by, and for Families: A Roadmap
Researcher Reflexivity and Cultural Humility
Beyond Reflexivity: Conducting Participatory Research, Taking Action
Challenges and Limitations of PAR Approaches
Future Directions of Family-Centered PAR with, by and for Families
References
Application: Photovoice: An Application of PAR
Theoretical Foundation of Photovoice
Goals and Typical Elements of Photovoice
Photovoice in Action
Photovoice and Families
Honoring Family Diversity Through Visibility
Challenges or Ethical Concerns with Families
Conclusion
References
Part V: Family Theories and Health, Interdisciplinarity, and Translational Family Science Theories
Ambiguous Loss: Contemporary Applications and Theoretical Extensions
Contemporary Understanding of Ambiguous Loss
Types of Ambiguous Loss
Why Is Ambiguous Loss So Painful?
Adverse Outcomes Associated with Ambiguous Loss
Recent Applications of Ambiguous Loss in Empirical Literature
Advancing Research Methods
Advancing Content Knowledge
Clinical Applications of Ambiguous Loss
Guidelines for Application: Building Resilience to Live with Ambiguous Loss
Theoretical Extensions of Ambiguous Loss
Conclusion
References
Family Communication
Origins and Historical Development of the Family Communication Field
Core Assumptions and Interrelated Concepts of the Family Communication Field
Key Research, Theories, Questions, and Limitations of the Family Communication Field
The Growing Edge: Future Directions of the Family Communication Field
References
Application: Family Communication: Adoptive Family Communication
Internal Boundary Management Processes
External Boundary Management Processes
Border Work Strategies
References
Understanding Developmental Attachment Theory in the Context of Family Diversity
An Overview of Attachment Theory
Attachment Theory Among Diverse Families
Attachment Theory in the Context of Family Complexity and Multiple Caregivers
Emerging Questions and Critiques of Attachment Theory
Conclusion
References
Application: Advancing Loneliness Research Within an Attachment Framework
Measurement Gaps in Loneliness Research
Content Gaps in Loneliness Research
References
Promoting the General Welfare: Family Science and Family Policy
Introduction
Defining Family Policy
Evidence-Based Policymaking
Connecting Family Policies to Theory and Evidence
Recommendations for Researchers
Conclusion
References
Application: Mass Incarceration and Families
Pathways of Family Inequality
A Social and Family Justice Agenda to Address Family Inequality
Conclusion
References
A Biopsychosocial Model of Family Process
A Brief History of Biosocial Theories on Family Form and Function
Origins of the Modern Synthesis of Evolutionary Theory
The Baldwin Effect, Inclusive Fitness, and Sociobiological Theory
Biocultural Evolution and Cultural Neuroscience
Limitations of Biosocial Theories on Family Form and Function
The Biopsychosocial Model: Origins and Applications Relevant to Family Science
Genetic and Environmental Interaction
Immune Functioning and Family Processes
Accepting the Challenges Posed by the Biopsychosocial Model
References
Application: Childrearing and the Health of Working-Age Parents
Data
Measures
Results
Discussion
References
Stress-Related Biomarkers Methods in Family Research
Historical Origins of the Methodology
Basic Assumptions of the Methodology
HPA Axis: Metabolic Function, Health Behavior, and Measurement
Sympathetic Nervous System
Immune Function Measurement (Inflammation)
Allostatic Load
Overview of Methodology
Summary of Main Questions the Methodology Can Address
Examples of Application of the Methodology to Research with Families
Families’ Social Context and Biomarker Methods
Familial Dyads, Synchronicity, and Biomarker Methods
Limitations of Methodology for Family Research
Future Directions of Methodology
References
Application: Salivary Biomarkers of Stress: Research Application in Dementia Family Caregiving
Participants and Procedure
Measures
Diurnal Trajectories of Cortisol and sAA for Caregivers Using ADS: Main Findings
Daily Cortisol Mediates Caregiver Sleep and Anxious Mood on High-Stress (i.e., Non-ADS) Days: Main Findings
Conclusion
References
Mixed-Methods Approaches
Conceptualization and History of Mixed Methods
Conceptualizing Mixed Methods
Growth of Mixed-Methods Research in the Twenty-First Century
Utilization of Mixed Methods in Studies of Families
Highlighting Applications of Mixed-Methods Designs to Family Science
Explanatory Sequential Designs
Exploratory Sequential Designs
Perceptions of Adoptive and Biological Parents
Visitation Orders and Court Orders among Fragile Families
Convergent Designs
Counted Out: Americans’ Definitions of Family
Race, Conflict, and Psychological Well-Being During Caregiving
The Future of Mixed-Methods Research
Challenges and Opportunities of Collecting Mixed-Methods Data
The Challenging Task of Mixing Qualitative and Quantitative Components
Changing the Climate Toward Mixed-Methods Research
Conclusion
References
Application: Survey Driven Narrative Construction
Defining Survey-Driven Narrative Construction
Development of a New Mixed-Method Approach
Application of the SDNC Methodology
Contribution and Future Directions of SDNC
References
Evaluation in Family Science: Developing an Equitable and Relevant Evidence Base for Family-Serving Programs
Program Evaluation: A Brief Overview of History and Context
A Critical Analysis of Traditional Evaluation Models
Feasibility
Innovation
Inclusion
Fidelity
Internal Versus External Validity
Emerging Paradigms and New Methods for Program Evaluation
Qualitative Methods in Program Evaluation
Participatory Methods in Evaluation
Rapid Cycle Iterative Methods in Evaluation
Conclusion
References
Application: Evaluation of the ELEVATE Program
Development of ELEVATE
Evaluation of ELEVATE
Conclusion
References
Translation and Prevention in Family Science
Introduction
Foundations of Prevention Science
Origins
Epidemiology and Prevention Science
Levels of Prevention
The Prevention Research Cycle and Translational Research
Type 1 Translational Research
Step 1: Problem Identification and Scope
Step 2: Reviewing the Literature and Creating a Causative Model of the Problem
Step 3: Program Modeling
Step 4: Program Development
Step 5: Efficacy Testing in Randomized Prevention Trials
Step 6: Effectiveness Trials in Real-World Settings
Type 2 Translational Research
Dissemination
Diffusion
Economic Analyses
New Directions in Prevention Science
Adaptive Prevention
Technology
Prevention Science and Family Science: Summary and Conclusion
References
Application: Teaching Prevention and Translation in Family Science
Intervention Mapping
Community Engagement
Science Communication to the Public
Conclusion
References
Part VI: The Future of Family Science
Transdisciplinary Family Science
Disciplinarity and Its Discontents
Multidisciplinarity
Interdisciplinarity
Transdisciplinarity
Transdisciplinary Family Science
Challenges and Recommendations
Asking Transdisciplinary Questions
Understanding “Borrowed” Knowledge
Identifying Transdisciplinary Theory, Research, and Practice
Navigating Transdisciplinary Cultures
Conclusion
References
Future Directions for Family Theories and Methodologies
Reference
Index