Coping, adjustment, and self-concept among siblings

137 Pages·2016·2.77 MB·English

Iowa State University Capstones, Theses and
Retrospective Theses and Dissertations
Dissertations
1997
Coping, adjustment, and self-concept among
siblings of the chronically mentally ill
Marcy Beth Jensen Halvorson
Iowa State University
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Recommended Citation
Halvorson, Marcy Beth Jensen, "Coping, adjustment, and self-concept among siblings of the chronically mentally ill " (1997).
Retrospective Theses and Dissertations. 12203.
https://lib.dr.iastate.edu/rtd/12203
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Coping, adjustment, and self-concept among siblings
of the chronically mentally ill
by
Marcy Beth Jensen Halvorson
A dissertation submitted to the graduate faculty
in partial fulfillment of the requirements forthe degree of
DOCTOR OF PHILOSOPHY
Major: Psychology (Counseling Psychology)
Major Professor: Carolyn E. Cutrona
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
1997
TJMI Number: 9737716
UM Microform 9737716
Copyright 1997, by UMI Company. All rights reserved.
This microform edition is protected against unauthorized
copying under Title 17, United States Code.
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i
Graduate College
Iowa State University
This is to certify that the Doctoral dissertation of
Marcy Beth Jensen Halvorson
has met the doctoral requirements of Iowa State University
Signature was redacted for privacy.
Major Professor
Signature was redacted for privacy.
Signature was redacted for privacy.
rarthe/Graduate College
ii
For Peter, may we always continue to dream.
iv
TABLE OF CONTENTS
LIST OF FIGURES vi
LIST OF TABLES vii
ABSTRACT viii
INTRODUCTION 1
REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE 3
Historical Perspectives of Families 3
Characteristics of Chronic Mental Illnesses 5
Stressors on the Families of the Mentally III 8
Emotional Reactions to Mental Illness 14
Cognitive Reactions to Mental Illness 15
Impact on Health 17
Families Coping with Mental Illness 18
Social Support as a Moderator 23
The Family's Response Over Time 24
Sibling Contact with the Mentally III Family Member 27
Purpose of the Study 29
Hypotheses 30
METHOD 32
Participants 32
Sibling Diagnosis 33
Procedure 34
PredictorVariables 35
Outcome Variables 35
Control Variables 36
Measures 35
V
RESULTS 46
Demographics 46
Correlations 52
Hypothesis Testing 55
Exploratory Analyses 59
DISCUSSION 69
Adverse Effects of Mental Illness on Well Siblings 69
Protection Against Adverse Effects 71
Clinical Implications 73
Limitations of the Study 75
Directions for Future Research 77
General Summary 78
APPENDIX A. LETTERS TO PARTICIPANTS 79
APPENDIX B. INFORMED CONSENT 83
APPENDIX C. SIBLING QUESTIONNAIRE 85
APPENDIX D. CORROBORATOR QUESTIONNAIRE 103
APPENDIX E. RESPONSES TO OPEN-ENDED QUESTIONS 107
REFERENCES CITED 116
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS 125
vl
LIST OF FIGURES
Figure 1. The Interaction Between Frequency of Contact and Coping In Predicting
Psychological Distress
Fgure 2. The Interaction Between Frequency of Contact andC oping in Predicting
Impact on Relationships
RgureS. The Interaction Between Severity and Coping in Predicting Depression