Natural Language Descriptors of Family

ABSTRACT

Although self-report questionnaires assessing family relationships are plentiful, all were developed from the perspective of the theorist or researcher.There is no instrument that has as its basis language and constructs developed from an understanding of how family members actually describe and think about themselves.The research presented here was an initial attempt to begin to understand the constructs and dimensions actually used by family members, to compare these constructs and dimensions with those most often used by researchers and theoreticians, and to examine possible intergenerational differences in them.

KEYWORDS:

• Process
• measurement
• family

Additional information

Notes on contributors

James E. Deal

James E. Deal received his Ph.D. from the University of Georgia in Child and Family Development. His research interests focus on identity development in emerging adults, particularly in the areas of religion and the transition to college. He is particularly interested in first generation and/or low income students and issues related to financial support.

Karin Bartoszuk

Karin Bartoszuk received her Ph.D. from Auburn University in Human Development and Family Studies. Her research interests focus on emerging adulthood, identity development during adolescence and the transition to adulthood, transition to college, and family relationships.