scholarly journals Use of Mobile Instant Messaging Chat Group is Associated with Family Functioning and Well-Being in Chinese Adults in Hong Kong (Preprint)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Shengzhi Zhao ◽  
Tzu Tsun Luk ◽  
Ningyuan Guo ◽  
Man Ping Wang ◽  
Agnes Yuen Kwan Lai ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Family Functioning ◽  
Family Communication ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Chinese Adults ◽  
Scale Family ◽  
The Family

BACKGROUND Convenient and quality family communication improves family functioning and well-being. Using mobile instant messaging (IM) for family communication is increasingly popular but its association with family functioning and family well-being has not been reported. OBJECTIVE To examine the association of the use of family IM chat groups with family functioning and well-being and the mediating effect of family communication quality among Chinese adults in Hong Kong. METHODS We analyzed data from the Family and Health Information Trend Survey (FHInTS), a territory-wide, probability-based telephone survey conducted in 2017. The quality of family communication, family functioning and well-being were assessed by using the Family Communication Scale, Family APGAR (Adaptation, Partnership, Growth, Affection and Resolve) and Family Well-being Scale (family heath, harmony, and happiness), respectively. Respondents also reported the number of family IM chat groups (0, 1, 2, ≥3), the number of IM messages received (<1, 1-2, 3-10, 11-20, >20) and sent (<1, 1-2, 3-10, 11-20, >20) daily. Frequency of family IM chat interaction (ranged from 0 to 10) was calculated by combining the variable of the number of messages received and the number of messages sent in the family IM chat groups daily. Data were weighted by sex, age, and education of the general population. Adjusted beta-coefficient (β) of family functioning and well-being in relation to having family IM chat group, and messages received and sent. The mediation effect of family communication on these associations were assessed controlling for demographics. RESULTS A random sample of 1638 Chinese adult (mean ± SD age: 56.4±19.2, male: 45.6%) were interviewed (response rate: 74.4%). Female, younger age, being married or cohabiting, higher education, higher income, better family functioning and well-being were associated with having at least one family IM chat group (all P <.01). Higher scores of family communication, family APGAR and family well-being were associated with having more family IM chat groups and more messages received from and sent to family IM chat groups daily (β ranged 0.25 to 6.77, all P for trend ≤ 0.001). More frequent family IM chat interaction was associated with higher score of family communication, family APGAR and family well-being (all P for trend < 0.001). Effect of family IM chat interaction on family functioning and well-being were moderately (53.1-67.5%) mediated by family communication. CONCLUSIONS The use of family IM chat group was associated with higher family functioning and well-being, and the association was partially mediated by family communication.

Family e-chat group use was associated with family well-being and personal happiness in Hong Kong adults amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: a population-based cross-sectional study (Preprint)

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei-Jie Gong ◽  
Bonny Yee Man Wong ◽  
Sai Yin Ho ◽  
Agnes Yuen Kwan Lai ◽  
Shengzhi Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Family Communication ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Communication Quality ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Voice Calls

BACKGROUND Family e-chat groups are commonly used, but little is known about its associations with family and individual well-being amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. OBJECTIVE Under the Hong Kong Jockey Club SMART Family-Link project, we examined the associations of family e-chat group use amidst the COVID-19 pandemic with family well-being and personal happiness, and the mediating effects of family communication quality on these associations. METHODS A territory-wide self-administered online survey was conducted in May 2020 on Chinese adults in Hong Kong. Respondents reported the number of family e-chat groups (0, 1, 2, ≥3), the instant messaging (IM) functions used (receiving/sending text messages, photos/pictures, short videos, voice messages, making voice calls and video calls), and the average numbers of IM messages sent and received daily (<1, 1-2, 3-10, 11-20, >20) in family e-chat groups. Prevalence was weighted by sex, age, and education of the general population. Adjusted prevalence ratios (aPRs) for IM function use by demographics were calculated. Adjusted β for family well-being (health, harmony, and happiness), and personal happiness (all scale 0-10, higher scores indicate better outcomes) by number of family e-chat groups and IM function use were calculated, and the mediation effect of family communication quality on these associations examined. RESULTS Of 4890 respondents, 4046 (82.7%) had ≥1 family e-chat group. Sending/receiving text messages was most commonly used (weighted prevalence: 78.4%), followed by receiving/sending photos/pictures (76.5%), making voice calls (46.2%), receiving/sending short videos (37.2%) and voice messages (13.8%), and making video calls (8.2%). Women and older age were associated with having more groups (aPRs: 1.04-1.22, all P≤.03) and non-text function use (aPRs: 1.10-3.10, P≤.02). Better family well-being was associated with having more groups (β: 0.23-0.77), receiving/sending photos/pictures (β: 0.33), voice calls (β: 0.18), video calls (β: 0.45), more IM functions used (β: 0.43-0.51), and more IM messages received/sent daily (β: 0.38-0.54) (all P≤.01). Higher personal happiness was associated with having more groups (β: 0.30-0.72), receiving/sending photos/pictures (β: 0.30), video calls (β: 0.32), more IM functions use (β: 0.36-0.42) and more IM messages received/sent daily (β: 0.42-0.67) (all P≤.01). Family communication quality mediated the associations of more groups and more IM functions used with family well-being (mediated proportions: 75.5% and 69.5%, respectively) and personal happiness (mediated proportions: 66.4% and 46.2%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS This is the first study showing that, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, having more family e-chat groups and using more IM functions including sending/receiving photos/pictures and making video calls in family e-chat groups, were associated with better family well-being and personal happiness, and about half to three-quarters of these associations were mediated by family communication quality. Prospective studies are needed to confirm the associations. People without or with low use of family e-chat groups would need more attention and assistance.

scholarly journals Family E-Chat Group Use Was Associated with Family Wellbeing and Personal Happiness in Hong Kong Adults Amidst the COVID-19 Pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (17) ◽  
pp. 9139
Author(s):  
Wei-Jie Gong ◽  
Bonny Yee-Man Wong ◽  
Sai-Yin Ho ◽  
Agnes Yuen-Kwan Lai ◽  
Sheng-Zhi Zhao ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Older People ◽  
Family Communication ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
Text Messages ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Communication Quality ◽  
Social Distancing ◽  
Voice Calls ◽  
Family Wellbeing

Instant messaging (IM) is increasingly used for family communication amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. However, evidence remains scarce on how family e-chat groups were used and their associations with family and individual wellbeing amidst the pandemic. The numbers of family e-chat groups, functions used, and messages sent and received daily in groups were reported by 4890 adults in May 2020, and their associations with family wellbeing and personal happiness and the mediation effect of family communication quality were examined. Results showed that sending/receiving text messages was most commonly used, followed by receiving/sending photos/pictures, making voice calls, receiving/sending short videos and voice messages, and making video calls. Women and older people used more non-text functions. Higher levels of family wellbeing and personal happiness were associated with having more groups, receiving/sending photos/pictures, video calls, more IM functions used, and more IM messages received/sent daily. Forty-six point two to seventy-five point five percent of their associations with more groups and more functions used were mediated by family communication quality. People having more family e-chat groups and using more IM functions may be more resilient amidst the pandemic, while those without or with low use of family e-chat groups amidst the pandemic would need more attention and assistance in the presence of social distancing.

scholarly journals 1399Associations of family wellbeing with face-to-face and instant messaging family communication amidst the COVID-19 pandemic

2021 ◽  
Vol 50 (Supplement_1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Weijie Gong ◽  
Shirley Man Man Sit ◽  
Agnes Yuen Kwan Lai ◽  
Socrates Yongda Wu ◽  
Bonny Yee Man Wong ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Family Communication ◽  
Online Survey ◽  
Instant Messaging ◽  
Communication Quality ◽  
Chinese Adults ◽  
Face To Face ◽  
Prevalence Estimates ◽  
Communication Methods ◽  
Family Wellbeing

Abstract Background Face-to-face communication has reduced amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. We examined the associations between family communication and family wellbeing. Methods In an online survey of the Hong Kong Jockey Club SMART Family-Link Project in May 2021, 4981 Hong Kong Chinese adults (mean age 43.5 years, response rate 24.3%) reported family communication methods of face-to-face and instant messaging (IM) when the COVID-19 pandemic was severe (yes/no), communication contents that were neutral, positive, supportive, and negative (yes/no), and communication quality (0-10). The associations of family wellbeing (health, happiness, and harmony, 0-10) with communication methods and contents were examined using linear regression (β), adjusting for each other, sex, age, socioeconomic status, and number of cohabitants. The mediating effects of communication quality on these associations were examined. Prevalence estimates were weighted by sex, age and education of general population. Results 7.1% respondents reported no communication, 12.7% face-to-face only, 26.7% IM only, and 53.4% both. More communication contents were neutral (range 83.1-99.3%) than positive (42.1-62.2%), supportive (37.5-54.8%), and negative (10.9-34.5%). Communication quality was highest in using both methods (6.7 vs 4.5-6.6, all P≤0.02). Better family wellbeing was associated with using IM only (adjusted β: 0.37) and both methods (0.37) than face-to-face only and with positive (0.62) and supportive (0.45) contents (all P≤0.001). Communication quality mediated 35.2-93.5% of these associations. Conclusions Better family wellbeing was associated with IM and face-to-face communication and their contents, partly through communication quality. Key messages Family IM communication with positive and supportive contents may enhance family wellbeing amidst the COVID-19 pandemic.

scholarly journals The Effects of Family Functioning Dimensions on the Subjective Well-Being among High School Students

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 3
Author(s):  
Hafshoh - ◽  
Airin Yustikarini Saleh
Keyword(s):  
High School Students ◽  
Family Functioning ◽  
Family Communication ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Other ◽  
Subjective Well Being ◽  
School Students ◽  
Family Adaptability ◽  
The Family ◽  
Communication Scale

Subjective well-being in school offers myriad benefits for the overall development and well-being of students and is thus crucial. This study examines the effects of the family functioning dimensions of cohesion, flexibility, and communication on subjective well-being displayed by students on school premises. An aggregate of 475 students from five high schools in Greater Jakarta participated in this study. The Brief Adolescents’ Subjective Well-Being in School Scale was administered to measure subjective well-being in school. The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale and the Family Communication Scale were employed to measure family functioning. The results revealed that family flexibility and family communication positively and significantly affected the subjective well-being of students. Family communication exerted a more substantial influence than the other dimensions of family functioning because it could enhance the other dimensions. Prospective studies should investigate more specific student characteristics, such as living independently without parents or living with a single parent.

Family Meal Practices and Well-Being in Hong Kong: The Mediating Effect of Family Communication

2018 ◽  
Vol 39 (16) ◽  
pp. 3835-3856 ◽  
Author(s):  
Henry C. Y. Ho ◽  
Moses Mui ◽  
Alice Wan ◽  
Carol Yew ◽  
Tai Hing Lam ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Family Communication ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Family Intervention ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Underlying Mechanism ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Family Meal ◽  
Communication Time

The literature has provided substantial evidence for the positive associations between family meals and well-being. The underlying mechanism of this relationship has not been explicitly examined. The Happy Family Kitchen II project was a cluster randomized controlled trial of a community-based family intervention. Using data from this project, this article examined the direct and indirect associations among family meal practices, family communication time and quality, and well-being in Hong Kong. A total of 1,261 participants completed a self-administered questionnaire at baseline, 4 weeks, and 12 weeks. Cross-sectional and prospective mediation analyses showed that family meal and family meal preparation indirectly influenced family health, happiness and harmony, subjective happiness, and mental and physical quality of life through their effects on family communication quality. In contrast, family communication time was a weaker mediator of these effects. These findings highlight the role of quality rather than quantity of family communication in promoting well-being.

scholarly journals Relationship between Competency to Consent to Treatment and Psychological Well-Being: Mediating Effect of Empowerment and Emotion

2021 ◽  
Vol 18 (15) ◽  
pp. 8170
Author(s):  
Yeun-Joo Hur ◽  
Joon-Ho Park ◽  
MinKyu Rhee
Keyword(s):  
Well Being ◽  
Treatment Evaluation ◽  
Mediating Effect ◽  
Mediation Effect ◽  
Psychiatric Outpatients ◽  
Psychological Well Being ◽  
Consent To Treatment ◽  
Study Participants ◽  
The Relationship

This study was conducted to evaluate the competency to consent to the treatment of psychiatric outpatients and to confirm the role of empowerment and emotional variables in the relationship between competency to consent to treatment and psychological well-being. The study participants consisted of 191 psychiatric outpatients who voluntarily consented to the study among psychiatric outpatients. As a result of competency to consent to treatment evaluation, the score of the psychiatric outpatient’s consent to treatment was higher than the cut-off point for both the overall and sub-factors, confirming that they were overall good. In addition, the effect of the ability of application on psychological well-being among competency to consent to treatment was verified using PROCESS Macro, and the double mediation effect using empowerment and emotional variables was verified to provide an expanded understanding of this. As a result of the analysis, empowerment completely mediated the relation between the ability of application and psychological well-being, and the relation between the ability of application and psychological well-being was sequentially mediated by empowerment and emotion-related variables. Based on these findings, the implications and limitations of this study were discussed.

scholarly journals Family functioning of elderly with depressive symptoms

2014 ◽  
Vol 48 (3) ◽  
pp. 469-476 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rosely Almeida Souza ◽  
Gislaine Desani da Costa ◽  
Cintia Hitomi Yamashita ◽  
Fernanda Amendola ◽  
Jaqueline Correa Gaspar ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Depressive Symptoms ◽  
Family Functioning ◽  
Family Health ◽  
Female Gender ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cross Sectional Study ◽  
Cross Sectional ◽  
Dysfunctional Family ◽  
The Family

Objective: To classify families of elderly with depressive symptoms regarding their functioning and to ascertain the presence of an association between these symptoms, family functioning and the characteristics of the elderly. Method: This was an observational, analytical, cross-sectional study performed with 33 teams of the Family Health Strategy in Dourados, MS. The sample consisted of 374 elderly divided into two groups (with and without depressive symptoms). The instruments for data collection were a sociodemographic instrument, the GeriatricDepression Scale (15 items) and the Family Apgar. Results: An association was observed between depressive symptoms and family dysfunction, female gender, four or more people living together, and physical inactivity. Conclusion: The functional family may represent effective support for the elderly with depressive symptoms, because it offers a comfortable environment that ensures the well-being of its members. The dysfunctional family can barely provide necessary care for the elderly, which can exacerbate depressive symptoms.


P01-331-Family functioning of adolescents with a major depressive disorder – a comparative study

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 333-333
Author(s):  
M.L. Perereira ◽  
D.L. Nunes Peçanha ◽  
I.A. Santos Bordin
Keyword(s):  
Major Depressive Disorder ◽  
Depressive Disorder ◽  
Family Functioning ◽  
Psychiatric Disorders ◽  
Family Income ◽  
Well Being ◽  
Occupational Activity ◽  
Major Depressive ◽  
The Family ◽  
Depressive Episodes

IntroductionPsychiatric disorders occur in a complex context of human relations in its social and psychological aspects. Family functioning is closely related to physical and psychological well-being of family members and its impairment affects the family as a whole.ObjectivesTo evaluate family functioning in two groups of adolescents (13–18 years): cases (with major depressive disorder) and controls (with no DSM-IV psychiatric disorders based on the Brazilian version of the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School Age Children-Present and Lifetime/K-SADS-PL).MethodFamilies of cases (N = 9) and controls (N = 9) were matched by adolescent's age, gender and education, number and age of siblings, parental marital status and occupational activity, and family income. An experienced systemic family therapist applied the Structured Family Interview to each family. Nine dimensions of family functioning were evaluated: communication, rules, roles, leadership, conflict, aggressiveness, affect, individuation and integration. Session transcripts were independently evaluated by two other systemic family therapists blind to the family case-control category.ResultsRaters scored all interview items using a standardized coding system (overall agreement = 83.5%). Cases exhibited lower mean scores in seven family dimensions, specially affect (p = 0.0078). Differences were not found regarding rules and leadership.ConclusionDifficulty in expressing affect in parent-child relationships was the main characteristic of families with a depressive adolescent. Improvement of family functioning can contribute to minimize the negative influence of psychosocial and family factors on the reoccurrence, and severity of depressive episodes among depressed adolescents.

Family Functioning of Chinese Families in an Impoverished Neighborhood in Hong Kong

2010 ◽  
Vol 107 (3) ◽  
pp. 740-748 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jerf W. K. Yeung ◽  
Yuk-Chung Chan
Keyword(s):  
Hong Kong ◽  
Family Functioning ◽  
Family Stress ◽  
Economic Disadvantage ◽  
Stress Model ◽  
Family Stress Model ◽  
Chinese Families ◽  
Family Stressors ◽  
Poor Family ◽  
The Family

Consonant with the family stress model, in this study family economic disadvantage, concomitant with cumulative family stressors, concurrently contributed to poor family functioning of 504 Chinese families in an impoverished neighborhood in Hong Kong, in which the later factor appeared to be more pronounced. Implications were briefly discussed.

Family Functioning of Child-Rearing Japanese Families on Family-Accompanied Work Assignments in Hong Kong

2011 ◽  
Vol 17 (4) ◽  
pp. 485-510 ◽  
Author(s):  
Naohiro Hohashi ◽  
Junko Honda
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Hong Kong ◽  
Family Functioning ◽  
Health Care Professionals ◽  
Child Rearing ◽  
Ecological Framework ◽  
Family Assessment ◽  
Multicultural Environment ◽  
Level Of Satisfaction ◽  
The Family

Although the number of employees on overseas assignments accompanied by their families has increased steadily, little is known about the effects of this experience on family functioning. Japanese families on family-accompanied assignments living in Hong Kong were compared with families living in Japan (consisting of 135 and 248 paired partners, respectively). Applying an ecological framework, family functioning was examined using the Feetham Family Functioning Survey–Japanese (FFFS-J). Japanese wives living in Hong Kong rated family functioning lower, particularly in the area of “relationship between family and family members.” Between paired marital partners living in Hong Kong, the level of satisfaction in the area of “relationship between family and society” was significantly lower for wives than for husbands. This study provides application of the family ecological framework in families in a multicultural environment and identifies potential areas for family assessment and intervention that may of interest to health care professionals who care for families living away from their home countries.

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