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Patterns of Interaction in Families with Low Adjusted, High Adjusted, and Mentally Retarded Members
Author(s) -
O'CONNOR WILLIAM A.,
STACHOWIAK JAMES
Publication year - 1971
Publication title -
family process
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.011
H-Index - 74
eISSN - 1545-5300
pISSN - 0014-7370
DOI - 10.1111/j.1545-5300.1971.00229.x
Subject(s) - mentally retarded , cohesion (chemistry) , psychology , developmental psychology , group cohesiveness , clinical psychology , social psychology , chemistry , organic chemistry
Family interactions were compared in three groups: families with a low adjusted child prior to formal clinic contact (LA), with a high adjusted child (HA), and with a retarded child (RM). Nine measures were utilized, described as: adaptation, stability, productivity, specificity, overt power, conflict, cohesion, and emotionality. Data suggested a failure of cohesion in the LA group, but many clinic‐family stereotypes were supported. HA families showed high cohesion, but also high conflict. RM families showed cohesion, but many “auxiliary” control features, such as assigning “youngest sib” role to the handicapped child.