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MCFR Family Forum, Fall 2009, page 1
Fam
ily F
orum
The Minnesota Council on Family Relations strengthens all families by educating and supporting family professionals and
promoting connections among those involved in research, policy and practice.
FALL 2009
Family Forum is the
newsletter of the
Minnesota Council on
Family Relations, a
state affiliate of the
National Family
Council on Relations
Friday, December 4 Reality Check: Work and Family in a 24/7 World
Neighborhood House St. Paul, Minnesota
Continued on page 3
Annual Elections Issue!byRoseAllen,MEd,NominatingCommitteeChair
PleasereviewthefollowingMCFRSlateofBoardnominees,thenprintyourballot(page5)andfaxitto651‐407‐1754byNovember15.
President Elect: Leanne Sponsel, PhDAsaparenteducatorwithMoundsView'sEarlyChildhoodFamilyEducation(ECFE)program,Iworkwitha rangeofparents:someare"firsttimers",othershaveseveralchildren;somearenewtoourprogram,othershavebeentakingclassesforyears.Mybeliefisthatbyteachingchilddevelopmenttoparents,Iamequippingthemwithinformationthatwillguidetheirparentingdecisions,makeclearsomeofthemysteriesofraisingchildren,andeasesomeofthechallengesofparenting.
InMayof2009,IcompletedmyDoctorateofPhilosophy(PhD),specializinginfamilyeducation.Mydissertationfocusedonthethoughtsandactionsoflicensedparenteducatorswhoguidestudentteachersinthefield.Ihavealwaysconsideredmyselfa"teachereducator"‐whetherthoseteachersarecollegestudents,parents,orothersintheroleofteachingchildren.Mylife
MCFR Family Forum, Fall 2009, page 2
Minnesota Council on Family Relations
Board of DirectorsPresident
.....................Rose Allen 651-480-7745
President-Elect...................Beth Yokom 763-506-2469
Immediate Past President...................Betty Cooke 612-625-7792
Secretary.................Mary Maher 651-636-3443
Treasurer..................Kristin Dillon 651-280-2656
Membership Committee Chair .............Nancy Melquist 651-407-2024
Nominating Committee Chair.....................Rose Allen 651-480-7745
Policy Committee Chair.....Carolyn Carr Latady 651-982-8350
Communications Committee Chair.....................Peg Lindlof 651-748-7287
Fall Conference Committee Chairs..............Marcie Brooke 651-293-5330
.....................Peg Lindlof 651-748-7287
Spring Conference Committee Chairs..................Kristin Dillon 651-280-2656
....................Sara Lassig 651-216-6056
Student Section Chair................Heather Cline 612-484-4014
NCFR Representative..............Marcie Brooke 651-293-5330
Past Presidents....................Ada Alden 612-975-6990
...........Peg Lindlof, CFLE 651-748-7287......................Ron Pitzer 612-331-1970
At-Large Members........................Bill Allen 612-701-3813
...............Michael Brown 763-691-6612............Patricia Crumley 612-338-3558.............Nancy Melquist 651-407-2024
................Monica Potter 612-239-8312..............Leanne Sponsel 651-646-1474
................Pa Nhia Yang 651-503-1983
Minnesota Council on Family Relations2738 Evergreen Cir, St. Paul, MN 55110
phone: 651-407-0950 fax: 651-407-1754www.mcfr.net
Greetings,
Here are a few of my favorite things…• Applepie–warmfromtheoven• TheNationalCouncilonFamilyRelationsAnnualConference–San
Francisco–hereIcome!• Agoodnight’ssleep• Talkingaboutanyaspectoffamilyresearch• ThemonthofDecember• PlanninganMCFRConference• Anoccasionalrainyday• Teachingjustaboutanything!• Mycomputer–especiallye‐mail• Playingwithfabric,yarnandbeads• Watchingmygrandsongrowfromaninfanttoaoneyearold–thereis
nothingmorewonderfulthanthat!
How fortunate I am to have work that lets me do some of my favorite things. HowfortunateIamtohavecolleagueswhofeelpassionateabouttheimportanceofsupportingfamilies.WhataprivilegeithasbeentoserveasthepresidentoftheMinnesotaCouncilonFamilyRelationsthisyear.
Buttheyearisn’toveryet–planonattendingourAnnualFallconference–Reality Check: Work and Family in a 24/7 World
December4,2009NeighborhoodHouse‐St.Paul,MN
Lookingahead‐2010willbeanexcitingtime–wewillbeofferingregionaltrainingsonEthicalThinkingandPracticeforParentandFamilyLifeEducators.
AndtheNationalCouncilonFamilyRelationsconferencewillbeheldinMinneapolis–markyourcalendarsandPDA’snow‐Tuesday,November2throughSaturday,November6,2010attheMinneapolisHilton&Towers.
RoseAllen,2009MCFRPresident
From the President Rose Allen
Reality Check: Work and Family in a 24/7 WorldRegister online at www.mcfr.net Wilder Center, St. Paul, Minnesota
A Note from the Editor:Hopeyouenjoythisissueofthenewsletter.Includedareaballotandcandidatebios.Pleasevote.MythankstotheNominatingCommitteeforalltheirhardworkandtoallothercontributors.Again,IencourageeachofyoutoconsidercontributingtoFamilyForum—bypreparingabookrevieworaresearcharticle/brieforbysubmittinganitemfor“Members’Corner”(ourversionofLetterstotheEditor).Thanks.
RonPitzerFamily Forumeditor612‐331‐[email protected]
MCFR Family Forum, Fall 2009, page 3
spandevelopmentperspectiveissupportedbymyMaster'sdegreeinadulteducationandmyself‐designedBachelor'sdegreethatcombinedarchitectureandfamilystudies. Iliverecycling‐especiallyintheformsofrepurposingitems,findingwaystoshareresources,andfindinggreatgaragesalebargains.Needsomething?TellmewhatandhowmuchyouwanttospendandI'llfindit.Yesterday's"find"wasaselectionof18children'sbooks(mypassion)forwhichIpaid$5.75.Prettygooddeal.AndsoonI'llusethosebookstostartaparentingdiscussion,supportafamilythatdoesn'thavebooksintheirhome,ordelightsomeonewithanunexpectedgift. Iconsiderboardmembershipapartofmyownprofessionaldevelopment,awaytosupportandinfluencemyfield,andanopportunitytointeractwithotherprofessionals.OvertheyearsIhaveviewedMCFRasapremiereprofessionalorganizationandIvaluebeingpartofthatdedicatedgroup.
Treasurer: Heather ClineIampursuingaMAandPhDinFamilyEducationattheUniversityofMinnesota.Iaminterestedinwaysinwhichparenteducationcanpromoteparentgrowthanddevelopment,therebystrengtheningtheparent‐childrelationship. MyfavoritefoodistofupadthaiandIloveoutdooradventureactivitieslikerockclimbingandkayaking. IhavebeenblessedtoserveontheMCFRboardfortwoyearsasStudentSectionChair,andIlookforwardtothecontinuedopportunitytosupportMCFRastreasurer.
Student Section Chair: Alisha Hardman IamasecondyeardoctoralstudentintheFamily,Youth,andCommunityprogramattheUniversityofMinnesota.IreceivedmyBachelor’sofScienceinFamilyStudiesandHumanServicesatKansasStateUniversityinMay2005andcompletedmyMastersofScienceinFamilyLifeEducationandConsultationalsoatKansasStateinAugustof2008directlybeforemovingtoMinnesota.IcurrentlyholdaresearchassistantshipwithUniversityofMinnesotaExtensionasamemberoftheFamilyDevelopmentAppliedResearchandEvaluationUnit.Myresearchinterestisinjuxtaposingtheintegrationoffamily,youthandcommunitywithintherealityofdailylifeagainsttheirintegrationinacademia. AsafouryearmemberofNCFR,IwasexcitedtomovetoMinnesotaandhavetheopportunitytobecomeinvolvedin
theMinnesotaCouncilonFamilyRelationsthroughinvolvementwiththestudentsection.Ihaveappreciatedthesupportiveatmospherethatfostersprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesforstudentsandlookforwardforcontinuedopportunitiestonetworkwithprofessionalsandstudents.
At Large Board Members:Kristin DillonIamanevaluatorwithWilderResearchandmyprimaryfocusisevaluatingprogramsthatimpactdiversefamiliesandfamilymembers.BecauseIcomefromafamilybackgroundandmypassionisfamily,IworkhardtointegrateafamilysystemsperspectiveintotheprojectsIworkon.Ifeelthatitisincrediblyimportantinresearchtorecognizethebi‐directionallinksbothwithinandbetweenthefamilyandthecontextsinwhichtheylive.Thisfocusonfamilyhelpstostrengthentheevaluationsandbettermeetstheemergingneedsthatprogramsareaddressing. IamadoctoralcandidateintheFamilySocialSciencedepartmentattheUniversityof
Slate of Board Nominees (Continued from page 1)
Continued on page 4
Support the MCFR December 4 Silent AuctionDecember4isthedateofMCFR’sAnnualConference.OneofthefunactivitiesduringthedayiscompetingforcovetedtreasuresandprospectivegiftsattheSilentAuction.Thereareseveralwaysyoucandothis.—• Youcancontributeaspecialitemfortheauction,suchas
crafts,internationalartifacts,abasketofrelateditems,giftcards,jewelry,booksyouhaveauthoredoredited,DVD’s,pottery,needlework,babyitems,andwhiteelephantitemsyoufindinyouratticorclosets.Youcanreallybecreative!
• Youcanpurchaseitemsbybiddingonthem,upinincrementsfromthebasepriceandyoucanoutbidyourcolleagues.
• YoucandobothandinsodoingsupportStudentMCFRmembers.How?Allfundsraisedfromtheauctiongotosupportstudentscholarshipsandexpensestotravelandattendtheconference.Lastyearover$700wasraised.Let’sdothisagainthisyear!
YoucanbringyouritemstotheconferenceonDecember4.CalloremailMaryJoCzaplewskiatczapmj@usfamily.netor763‐502‐1345beforeMonday,Dec.1,andletherknowwhatyouarebringing,its$$marketvalueandwhatbasepriceyouwantthebidstostartat.Ifpossiblebringitinacarryhomecontainer. BeanearlybirdChristmasshopper!Enjoythefunofbidding!Supportourstudents!Thanks.
MCFR Family Forum, Fall 2009, page 4
Minnesota.Ireceivedmybachelor’sandmaster’sdegreesinthesameprogram.Ialsoreceivedmypost‐baccalaureatecertificateinHousingStudies.Iamcurrentlyworkingonmydissertationonparentingandchildren’sadjustmentinfamilieslivinginsupportivehousing. FamilyissuchanimportantpartofmylifethatwhenmyhusbandandIwerelookingforhousesalittleoverayearago,weendedupdecidingtomoveintoahouselessthanablockawayfromwheremyparentslive.Havingthemclosehasbeensuchawonderfulexperienceforme,andhopefullymyhusband.Incidentally,wealsoconvincedhisparentstomovewithin10minutesfromwherewelive,sowehavebothsidesofthefamilycloseathand.
IhavebeeninvolvedwiththeMCFRBoardforthelastfouryears.Istartedasastudentrepresentative,andIhelpedtocreatetheStudentSectionoftheBoard.IthenmovedintothepositionofTreasurer,whichIhaveservedasforthelasttwoyears.Ihavehelpedtochairthreeconferencessincejoiningtheboard.Theseinclude:FamiliesandCivility:PathwaystoViolence(Spring2006),Children’sRighttoaHealthySocialEnvironment:HowtoProtectThemfromSocialToxicity(Fall2007),andFamilies,Health,andMentalHealth(Spring2009).IhaveinvestedagreatdealintothisBoardandIfeelthatIhavereceivedagreatdealofknowledge,experience,support,andwarmthinreturn.Ilearnedalotfrommyexperiencessofar,butIfeelIstillhavemoretolearnandgrow.ThereasonIamrunningforanat‐largeboardpositionatthistimeisthatIwanttotakeastepbacktodevotemoretimeandenergytomydissertation,butstillbeanactivememberofagroupthatsharesmypassionandconcernforfamilies.IalsobelievethatitisimportanttohaveavarietyoffamilyprofessionalsonthisboardandIthinkmyroleasanappliedresearchercanhelptosupportthebroadmissionofthisorganization.
San HaIamalicensedparentandfamilyeducator.Icurrentlyworkasasubstitute/reserveteacherforparenteducatorsandearlychildhoodteachersintheMinneapolisPublicSchools’EarlyChildhoodFamilyEducationprogram.IhaveanM.Ed.inFamilyEducation,UniversityofMinnesotaandaB.A.inPhilosophyandPsychology,UniversityofMinnesota.
IworkedasavolunteerteacheratJaneAddamsSchoolforDemocracyinSt.Paul,Minnesotatohelpimmigrantfamiliesprepareforthecitizenshiptest.Ialsoworkedastheprincipalofasmallnon‐profitJapaneseschool(K‐12)inMinneapolis.
Mywife,daughter(16),son(10),andIhavelivedinMinnesotaforabout11years.IamethnicallySouthKoreanbutwasbornandraisedinJapan.ImovedtotheUnitedStateswithmywife(whoisfromMinneapolis)andourdaughterabout16yearsago.IbecameanAmericancitizen12yearsago.
Ienjoyreading,walking,watchingmovies,listeningtomusic,singing(includingkaraoke),andmeditating.Someofmyfavoritefoodsaretofu,misosoup,kimchi(aspicyKoreanfermentedchilipeppercabbagedish),okonomiyaki(aJapanese‐stylepancake),curryandrice,noodles(includingpasta,ramen,andsoba/buckwheatnoodles),blueberries,carrotcake,andpumpkinpie.Myfavoriteteaisgreentea.
Istronglybelievethatsupportingandeducatingnotonlyfamiliesbutalsofamilyprofessionalsareeffectiveanddesirablewaystoachievemygoalwhichistomaketheworldabetterplacethroughdevelopingbetterpeopleandstrengtheningfamilies.Inadditiontosupportingandeducatingfamilies,therefore,IamveryinterestedinservingontheMCFRBoardforsupportingandeducatingfamilyprofessionalsaswell.
Eric Hansen, EdDIhavebeenaneducatorforMinneapolisPublicSchools’EarlyChildhoodFamilyEducation(ECFE)programfor12years,teachingbothparenteducationandearlychildhood.IhavealsoworkedforOsseo,PriorLake,SpringLakePark,andMinnetonkaECFEprograms.PriortoworkingforECFEprograms,Iwasasocialworkerinavarietyofprogramsworkingwithpeoplewithsevereandpersistentmentalillness,adolescentsandtheirfamilies,andlowincomefamilies.Myworkasasocialworkerintroducedmetofamilyeducation. IjustcompletedmydoctorateineducationfromtheUniversityofMinnesotawithafocusonfamilyeducation.Currently,IamcompletingapracticumwithWashburnCenterforChildrentocompletemycertificateinmarriageandfamilytherapyatSaintMary’sUniversityofMinnesota. IhavebeenamemberofNCFR/MCFRforovertenyearsandaCertifiedFamilyLifeEducatorfornineyears.IhavebeeninterestedingettingmoreactivelyinvolvedwithMCFRforanumberofyearsandtheBoard’sAt‐Largepositionwouldprovideanopportunitytoworkwithallofyoutobuildourconnectionsamongsteachother,continuetheworkinsharingresourcesandinformationtoenhanceourwork,andadvocateforfamilylifeeducatorstopolicymakersandthepublic.
Slate of Board Nominees (Continued from page 3)
Continued on page 5
MCFR Family Forum, Fall 2009, page 5
Sharon Powell, PhD, MEdForthelastfouryearsIhavetaughtfamilystudiestoundergraduatestudentsatSt.OlafCollege.Myresearchinterestsincludelow‐incomefamilyissues,familypolicy,andchilddevelopment.Priortoacademics,IwasaMarriageandFamilyCounseloratCatholicCharitiesinNashville,TN.Ispecializedinplaytherapy. 2004‐PhDinFamilySocialSciencefromUniversityofMN.1994‐MEdinHumanDevelopmentCounselingfromVanderbiltUniversity.1990‐BAinSociologyfromSamfordUniversity. Myhusband,Patrick,isaSpecialEdteacheratWashburnHighSchoolinMinneapolis.Myolderson,Sean,iseightandmyyoungerson,Kieran,isfour.WeliveintheSewardneighborhoodinSouthMinneapolis.ThoughI'manativeSoutherner,we'velivedintheTwinCitiesfor13yearsandIloveMinnesotaasthoughI'velivedhereallmylife.Asafamily,weenjoycampinginstateparks,tripstoDuluth,familybikerides,visitingzoos,libraries,andmuseums,andtakingadvantageofthemanycooleventssponsoredinourcities.Personally,I'marealbookwormandIlovetocook.WehaveabeautifuldeckandIalsoenjoysittingoutthereandtalkingwithfriendswhenIgetachance! AsamemberoftheNationalCouncilonFamilyRelations,Ibelievethatstateaffiliatesarevitallyimportantbecausethestatelevelisgenerallywherepractitionersaremoreinvolved.WhileIappreciatethevalueofresearchthatisemphasizedatthenationallevel,Idon'tthinkresearchhasmuchpowerunlesswehaveawaytoshareinformationwithpractitioners.ThemembersofMCFRaredoingimportantworkwithfamilieseverydayandIwanttosupporttheirworkinanywaythatIcan.
Nicole RiceI'vebeenanannyforoverthepast14years.Caringforchildrenagesnewborntoadolescent.I'vebeenavolunteerGuardianadLitemforHennepinCountyJuvenileCourtforoverthepast4years.Currently,IcontractparttimeasaGuardianadLiteminFamilyCourtforHennepinCounty. IhaveaBAinChildDevelopment.IwillbecompletingmyMAinHumanServices;FamilyLifeEducation(MA,CFLE)thisNovember2009. Ienjoyrunning5K'sandhalfmarathons.I'vecompleted4marathons‐NewYorkCity,Grandma'sandTwinCities(2) Ienjoylearningnewwaysof"reachingout"toemergingfamiliesoftoday.BeingapartoftheMCFRBoardwillallowmetocontinueworkingwithfamiliesandindividualsinthecommunityasaFamilyLifeEducator.
2010 MCFR Board BallotPresident‐Elect: (Write‐in or choose one nominee) ☐LeanneSponsel,PhD☐______________________________________
Treasurer: (Write‐in or choose one nominee)☐HeatherCline☐______________________________________
Student Section Chair: (Write‐in or choose one nominee)☐AlishaHardman☐______________________________________
At‐Large Members: (Write‐in or choose up to five nominees)☐KristinDillon ☐SharonPowell,PhD,MEd☐SanHa ☐NicoleRice☐EricHansen,EdD ☐☐______________________________________
DIRECTIONS
Pleaseprintthispage,thenreturnyourcompletedballottoMCFRviafax(651‐407‐1754)
orUSmailto: MinnesotaCouncilonFamilyRelations 2738EvergreenCircle St.PaulMN55110.
Ballots are due by November 15, 2009 Thank you.
MCFR acknowledges Rose Allen for her tireless efforts chairing the Nominating Committeeand we thank all of our nominees for their willingness to serve.
Slate of Board Nominees (Continued from page 4)
MCFR Family Forum, Fall 2009, page 6
Communications Committee ReportPegLindlof,CommunicationsCommitteeChair
Wehopeyou’veseenMCFR’supdatedwebsite,whichiscolorfulandorganizedbutwillalwaysbea“workinprogress.”ThankstoNCFRforhostingourwebsiteasanaffiliatebenefit,whichsavesusamonthlyfee.WearealsogratefultoJasonSamuelsoftheNCFRstaffforhistechnicalassistance.Thanks toPaNhiaYangandRoseAllenforgettingthetransitionworkdone!Wewillbeexploringhowtoestablisha“MembersOnly”areaonthewebsitetoaddmorevalueforMCFRmembers.Wearecommittedtokeepinginformationonthewebsiterelevantandtimely.
RonPitzerandLindaVukelicharetobecommendedforthecontentsandcolorfuldesignofThe Family Forumnewsletteryouarecurrentlyreading.Thankstoallofthecontributors,too.
Onelong‐termgoaloftheCommunicationsCommitteeistoincreasecommunicationandsharingamongmembers.Don’tforgettosendmessagesthroughtheMCFRlistserv.It’seasy—justsendanemailtoMCFR@lists.umn.edu.Thelistservisnotjustforannouncementsandjobpostings.It’salsoagreatplacetoposeaquestiontoyourprofessionalcolleaguesoraskforideasrelatedtoyourconnectionswithfamilies.Anddon’tforgettoletothersknowaboutsuccessesinyourwork!
Committee ReportsPolicy Committee ReportCarolynCarrLatady,PolicyCommitteeChair;FamilySupportAdvocate,ForestLakeAreaSchools
ThePolicyCommitteehashadabusycoupleofmonthsplanningfortheFittingFamiliesintoPolicies,Outcomes&Results:TheFamilyImpactChecklistworkshopheldonOctober1stincollaborationwiththeUniversityofMinnesota’sChildren,YouthandFamiliesConsortium.Seeseparatearticleinthisnewsletterforasummaryofthisworkshop,
PolicyActionBulletinsbasedonthefollowingMCFRconferencethemesareavailableat:http://www.mcfr.net/policy.htm.• Nature,ChildrenandFamilies:ANecessaryConnection• ContemporaryFamilies–Formation,FunctionandtheFuture• Families,HealthandMentalHealth:MilitaryFamilies• Families,HealthandMentalHealth:PostpartumDepression
WearecontinuingtoworkonupdatingthepolicypagesontheMCFRwebsite,http://www.mcfr.net/policy.htmlandlinkingthesepagestoresourcesandinformationontheNationalCouncilonFamilyRelations(NCFR)website,http://www.ncfr.org/pubpol/index.asp.
TheMCFRPolicyCommitteealwayswelcomesadditionalmembers.Ifyouhaveaninterestinjoiningthisgroupand/orwouldlikeadditionalinformation,pleasecontactCarolynCarrLatadyatclatady@forestlake.k12.mn.usor651‐982‐8350.
Membership Committee ReportNancyMelquist,MembershipCommitteeChair
Have you renewed your MCFR membership?ThetermforMCFRmembershipisSeptember1–August31.MCFRmembersreceivedanemailmembershiprenewalreminderonSeptember1,2009.Themembershiprenewalreminderincludedanonlineoptionmakingrenewingassimpleasacoupleofmouseclicks.Thelinktorenewyourmembershipis:www.eventville.com/catalog/eventregistration1.asp?eventid=1005961
Why Should You Join MCFR?MCFR’smissionisto“strengthenallfamiliesbyeducationandsupportingfamilyprofessionalsandpromotingconnectionsamongthoseinresearch,policyandpractice.”ThebenefitsofaMCFRmembershipinclude:• Aplacetolearn,connectandtakeactionwithothersinthefamilyfield.• Animportantlinkinthepracticalapplicationofcurrentfamilyresearch
throughtheMCFRFamily Forumnewsletter(3electronicissuesannually),conferencesandworkshops.
• SubstantiallyreducedfeesforMCFRconferencesandworkshops.• MembershipontheMCFRlistserv.• Awardsandrecognition.• Connectiontotheinternationalprofessionalassociation,NationalCouncil
onFamilyRelations(NCFR).
Ifyouwouldpreferamembershiprenewalapplicationmailedtoyou,calltheofficeat651‐407‐0950,orvisitwww.mcfr.net.Don’twait!JoinMCFRtoday!
MCFR Family Forum, Fall 2009, page 7
Reality Check:Work and Family in a 24/7 World
2 0 0 9 M C F R A N N U A L C O N F E R E N C E Friday, December 4, 2009 - Neighborhood House St Paul, MN
byPegLindlofandMarcieBrooke,ConferenceCo‐Chairs
WithlessthantenweekstogobeforetheMCFRannualconference,theexcitementisbuilding.Wehaveenergeticcommitteememberswhoareworkinghardtomakesurethattheagendahassomethingforeveryone.Registrationwillbegininmid‐October,andtherewillbeanincentiveforsigningupearly.
Thekeynotespeaker,Dr.BrendaBass,willsharehighlightsofresearchsheandotherfamilyscholarshavebeendoingthatrelatetoallwhoworkwithfamilies.ThentherewillbealivelyconversationwithDr.Bass,RachelHastingsandDr.SusanWalkerastheyrespondtoandexpandthetopicofworkandfamilyina24/7world.Therearemanyperspectivesabouthowtechnologyandthepaceofmodernlifeimpactallfamilies.
Detailsoftheafternoonbreakoutsessionsarebeingfinalizedasthisnewslettergoestopress.Weareexcitedaboutthepeoplewhohaveagreedtohelpfamilyprofessionalslearnskillsandideasrelatedtoworkandfamily.Therewillalsobeapostersessionforstudents,andourfourthannualSilentAuctiontoraisemoneyforstudentscholarshipstoconferences.
Wecan’tturnbacktheclockorslowtherateofchange,butasprofessionalswecanhelpfamiliesunderstandhowworkandfamilyissuesaffectchildrenandadults,andgivethemtoolstohelpthematworkandathome.WehopetoseeyouonDecember4!
For full details – go to www.mcfr.net.
News from NCFR by Marcie Brooke, CFLE
Ifyouhavenotdonesointhepastweek,Iinviteyoutogotowww.ncfr.orgtovisittheirnewlyupdatedwebsite.Itisfilledwithinformationthatmayhelpyouinyourdailywork,youreducation,oryourinterests.ItalsohasaspecialsectionontheAnnualConferencetobeheldinSanFrancisco,CaliforniaNovember10‐14th.NCFRhasdoneanumberofthingstomakethisconferenceasaffordableaspossibleduetothestrugglingeconomy.
YouwillnotwanttomisstheinformativeandenlighteningAffiliateCouncilLeadershipworkshoponWednesday,November11thfrom10:00AM‐3:00PMinSanFrancisco.OurownDr.AdaAlden,ProgramChairofthisyear’sLeadershipworkshop,hasworkeddiligentlytoofferinformationandeducationonhowAffiliatesandStudentAffiliatescanenhance,rejuvenateorbeginnewAffiliates.ThemainthemeofthistrainingisexplaininganddemonstratingexactlyhowandwhytheAffiliatesneedNCFRandwhyNCFRneedstheAffiliates.Everyonewillleavewithcleardirectionsandnewopportunities!
TheStudentAffiliateCouncilBreakfastwillbeheldonFriday,November13,2009.ThisisthesecondyearinarowthataMCFRStudentAffiliatememberwillbereceivinganaward.KristinDillonisourawardwinnerthisyear!Congratulations,Kristin!!
GraduatingSeniors,Masters,andDoctoralstudentspleasevisitwww.ncfr.orgtoapplytoweartheNCFRHonorsStoletobewornatyourcommencement.
CongratulationstoMinnellTrallethenewlyelectedAffiliateCouncilBoardmember.MinnellwillrepresenttheAffiliateCouncilfortwoyearsontheNCFRBoardofDirectors.ShewillthentransitiontobethePresidentoftheAffiliateCouncilBoardfortwoyears.ChloeMerrillofWeberStateUniversityinOgden,UtahwillbecometheAffiliateCouncilPresidentasDr.RichardSaleofTarletonStateUinSephenville,Texasfinisheshisterm.
ThisismylastmonthontheAffiliateCouncilBoardasPresidentElect,PresidentandPastPresident.Ithasbeenachallengingandenrichingsixyears.Thankyouall.
To do:1)Go to mcfr.net and register
online by November 13.
2)Save $10
MCFR Family Forum, Fall 2009, page 8
Student Section: Greetings students and student supporters!
HeatherClineStudentSectionChair
WearelookingtowardanotherengagingandenergizingyearfortheStudentSectionofMCFR.Thisyearbuildsonourfoundationalactivitiesincludingsocialevents,mentorshipopportunities,andastudentpostersessionattheDecemberMCFRconference.AchangefortheStudentSectionisalsoonthehorizon.YoumayhavenoticedmybiointhenominationsectionofthisnewsletterundertheMCFRcommitteepositionofTreasurer.IwillcontinuemyinvolvementintheStudentSection,butIlookforwardtopassingthistorchtoahighlyrespectedpeerandfriend.TheStudentSectioncommitteehasnominatedAlishaHardmanforthepositionofChairoftheStudentSection(seeAlisha’sbioformoreinformation).
Fall Social EventGetreadyforanotherinformativeandthought‐provokingstudenteventonOctober23rdfrom4:30–6:30pmattheSnellingAvenueCaribouCoffeeinRoseville.Asyoumayknow,thefocusoftheDecemberMCFRconferenceisonwork‐lifebalance.Motivatedbythisever‐presenttensioninthelivesofprofessionals,thestudenteventisgoingtofocusonthestudent‐lifebalance.Asacommitteeofdoctoralstudents,thestudentsectionlivesthistensioneverydayandwelookforwardtoopeningupthedialogueonthischallengetostudentsatallpost‐secondarylevels.Professionalsinterestedinsupportingstudentgrowthanddevelopmentarealwayswelcome.
Student Poster Session, December 2009ThanksagaintoallofthestudentswhopresentedtheirworkattheMCFRconferenceslastDecemberandApril.Thispostersessionnotonlyoffersstudentsachancetosharetheirworkwiththefield,butisalsoanopportunityforprofessionaldevelopmentandnetworking.ProfessionalsattendingMCFRconferencesalsobenefitfromlearningabouttheworkhappeningattheacademiclevelandconnectingwiththosestudentswhowillcontributetothefutureofthefamilyfield.
TheDecember2009MCFRconferenceishostinganotherStudentPosterSession.Checkoutmcfr.net/conferencesformoreinformation.
Staytunedformoreinformationonourstudenteventsandmentorshipprogram.Formoreinformationaboutthestudentsection,gotomcfr.net/students.
Kristin Dillon wins NCFR AOC Student Research Paper AwardMCFRhasanationalwinner!CongratulationstoKristinDillon,currentMCFRTreasurer,whowontheNCFRAssociationofCouncilsStudentResearchPaperAwardinJune!ThetitleofKristin’spaperis“AttachmenttoAdoptiveParentsinAdolescentsandYoungAdults:InfluencesonYoungAdultRomanticRelationshipAttachment.”Asthecontestwinner,Kristinreceiveda$500award,andatravelstipendtoattendtheupcomingNCFRNationalConferenceinSanFranciscoinNovember,whereshewillpresentherpaper.
Kristin’spaperwasselectedforsubmissiontotheNCFRcontestbyaMCFRreviewcommitteewhousedthefollowingNCFRcriteriainselectingKristin’spaper,fromseveralsubmitted,astheMCFRsubmissiontothecontest.•Uniquenessofresearchquestion.•Thedegreetowhichthefindingscontributetothefield.•Clarityofwriting.•Gooduseoftheory.•Comprehensiveliteraturereview,buildinguponpreviouswork.•Soundresearchmethodology.•Applicationforpractitionersand/orlikelihoodofspurringfutureresearch.
ThisisthesecondconsecutiveyearthatMCFRhaswontheNCFRAOCStudentResearchPaperAward.Lastyear,SarahLassig,alsoanMCFRmember,wasthecontestwinner.
Congratulations,Kristin!MCFRisveryproudofyouraccomplishment!
MCFR Family Forum, Fall 2009, page 9
The intersection of public policy and families is a key focus of MCFR.ThiswasevidentattheFittingFamiliesintoPolicies,Outcomes&Results:TheFamilyImpactChecklistworkshopheldonOctober1stattheMinnesotaStateCapital.Thisworkshop,acollaborationbetweenMCFRandtheUniversityofMinnesota’sChildren,YouthandFamiliesConsortium,broughttogether53participantsfromdiverseperspectivesandorganizationswhowereinterestedin:• Connectingwithotherswhowork
withandcareaboutfamilies.• Understandingtheimportanceof
maintaining“afamilyimpactperspective”inpolicymakingandhowitdiffersfrom“familypolicy.”
• LearninghowtousetheFamilyImpactChecklist,apracticaltoolforconsideringthepolicyimplicationsofpractitioners’workwithfamilies.
• Gainingnewinsightsandfindingacomfortableplaceforthemselvesinthepolicyworld.
• IdentifyingaplantoimplementtheFamilyImpactPerspectiveandtheFamilyImpactChecklistintotheirwork.
TheworkshopopenedwithawelcomefromRepresentativeSandraPeterson(DFL,District45A)followedbyahistoryoffamily‐focusedpolicyinMinnesotaandnationallyprovidedbyEllenShelton,ResearchScientistatWilderResearch.RoseAllen,MCFRBoardPresident,alsogavesomewelcomingremarksandspokebrieflyaboutMCFR’sworkonpolicyissues. SaraBenning,PolicyCoordinatorattheChildren,YouthandFamily
Consortium(CYFC),introducedKarenCadigan,CYFCPolicyDirectorwhopresentedanoverviewoftheFamilyImpactChecklist,includinghowthefamilyimpactperspectiveisuniqueandhowtoconductananalysisofissuesinordertoexaminetheimpactofpolicies,programsandservicesonfamilies.
ThisoverviewwasfollowedbylargeandsmallgroupexercisesinwhichparticipantsgeneratedatopicandthenwalkedthroughafamilyimpactanalysisoftheselectedtopicinordertobetterunderstandthefamilyimpactanalysisprocessusingtheFamilyImpactChecklistwhichincludesthefollowingsixprinciples:• Familysupportandresponsibilities• Familymembershipandstability• Familyinvolvementand
interdependence• Familypartnershipand
empowerment• Familydiversity• Supportofvulnerablefamilies
Theseinteractivesessionswerefollowedbyanopportunitytoprocesstheday’strainingthroughdiscussionandevaluations.SenatorClaireRobling(R,District35)broughttheworkshoptoaclosebysummarizinghighlightsofthedayandencouragingparticipantstogetinvolvedinpublicpolicydiscussions.
WatchformoreinformationontheFamilyImpactChecklistinfutureissuesoftheFamilyForumandontheMCFRwebsiteat:
www.mcfr.net/policy.htm.
Fitting Families into Policies, Outcomes & Results:The Family Impact Checklist
Learning how asking a few simple questions can really make a difference for families
byCarolynCarrLatady,PolicyCommitteeChair
KarenCadigan,CYFCPolicyDirectorwhopresentedanoverviewoftheFamilyImpactChecklist.
(Aboveandbelow.)Participantsbrokeintolargeandsmallgroupstogenerateatopicandthenwalkedthroughafamilyimpactanalysisoftheirselectedtopic.
Trainingcollaborators(ltor):KarenCadigan,BettyCooke,CarolynCarrLatady,RoseAllen,LindaVukelich,andSaraBenning
MCFR Family Forum, Fall 2009, page 10
Ethical Thinking and Practice for Parent and Family Life EducatorsbyBettyCooke,PhD,CFLE
In1992theMinnesotaCouncilonFamilyRelationsformedaParentEducationEthicsCommitteeaspartofwhatwasthenaseparateParentandFamilyEducationSectionofMCFR.Fromthatworkcameseveraleditionsofthebooklet“EthicalThinkingandPracticeforParentandFamilyLifeEducators,”thelatestandnewversionwhichisavailableinPDFformatontheMCFRwebsiteatwww.mcfr.net.HardcopiesarealsoavailableforpurchasethroughMCFRfor$5.00percopy(checkswrittentoMCFR)bycontactingLinda Vukelich at:
MinnesotaCouncilonFamilyRelations2738EvergreenCircleSt.Paul,MN55110Phone651‐407‐0950Fax651‐407‐1754
History of development of the booklet:• TheParentEducationEthicsCommitteeoftheMinnesota
CouncilonFamilyRelations(MCFR)wasformedandbeganworkin1992.
• Parenteducatorsweresurveyed,andthecommitteeconsultedwithethicsexpertsandreviewedliteratureonethicsinrelatedfields.
• Theprinciplesandvirtueswereinductivelydevelopedthroughafirstroundofworkshops.
• Thecasestudyprocesswasdevelopedandasecondroundofworkshopswasconductedtorefinetheprinciplesandprocess.
• Thebookletwaspublishedandfurtherroundsofworkshopswereheld.
• MCFREthicsCommitteememberspresentedatstateandnationalconferences.
• ThedocumentbecamepartofNCFRpublications.
• Theprinciplesandprocesswererevisedin2008‐2009andadoptedforuseintheNationalCouncilonFamilyRelations(NCFR)CertifiedFamilyLifeEducator(CFLE)certificationprocess.
TheMCFRisintheprocessofplanningworkshopsonuseofthebookletandprocesswithvariousaudiencesaroundthestateandnation.Plansinclude:
(1) offeringaseriesofplannedworkshopsinthelatewinterandearlyspringof2010atvarioussitesthroughoutthestatesponsoredbyMCFRand
(2) makingavailableMCFRmemberswithexpertiseonethicalthinkingandpracticeinparentandfamilylifeeducationtodoworkshopsuponrequestbyvariousorganizations,agencies,andothergroups.
Interested in hosting one
of the workshops? Please contact Minnell
Tralle at [email protected]
or 763-767-3881.
MCFR Family Forum, Fall 2009, page 11
Treasurer’s Corner
AsIamcomingtotheendofmytermastreasurerforMCFR,mymindiswhirlingwiththoughtsabouttheimportantinformationIcan’tforgettopassontothenextpersonelectedtothisposition.InsomewaysIfeellikeI’mjustlearningwhatitmeanstobethetreasurerofthisorganization.However,thelessonsIhavelearnedtranscendbookkeepingandbalancesheets.IwouldliketotakethisopportunitytopassalongthelessonsIhavelearnedsofar,bothbecausetheyprovideinsightintohowMCFRfunctionsandbecauseI’mhopingthenexttreasurerreadsthiscolumnincaseIforgettotellhim/hersomethingimportant.
First, I have seen that in organizational finances, just as in life, things often don’t go as planned. Ifeelthatthishasbeenespeciallysalientforallofuspersonallyandprofessionallyinthelasttwoyears.Asglobaleconomyshifts,itcreatesquakesthrougheveryfacetofourcommunity.Suchisthegreatnessofourinterconnectedworld.Everyyear,thetreasurerandouradministrativeprofessionalgettogetherandcreateanannualbudgetbasedontheincomeandexpensesofthepreviousyears.Thisbudgetisreasonable,tidy,andbasedonpasttrends.Despitealloftheseeffortsthough,ouryearendbudgettendstolookvastlydifferentthantheonewebeganwith.Moreoftenthannot,thisisduetoourboardseizingnewopportunitiestoprovidetoourmembers.Inthelasttwoyears,werevampedourwebsiteandourmarketingmaterials,wehelpedtoorganizethefamilyimpactchecklisttraining,wecreatedanonline,creditcardfriendlyconferenceregistrationand
duessystem,andwearecurrentlyupdatingourparenteducationethicsbooklet,justtonameafew.Theseactivitieswerenotevenonourradarduringthebudgetingprocess,buttheyhavebeenimportantinvestments.Also,wehavenoticedthesamepinchinourorganizationthatothersarenoticingathomeandatwork.Theseeconomictrendscouldnothavebeeneasilypredictedinoursmallnon‐profitbudget,buttheydidhaveanimpact.Thesebudgetchangeshaverequiredus,andespeciallyme,tobeflexible.However,Iamconstantlyreassuredthatourboardtrulyunderstandswhatitmeanstobesustainableandwithallofthesebudgetshifts,wearestillabletoalwayscomeoutalright.Itistheperseveranceandforward‐thinkingthatIamsoproudofinourfieldingeneral.
Second, I have learned what a tremendous balancing act it is to provide the best services possible to our members and to not overburden our members financially.Thisistruebothforduesandconferences.Overtheyears,wehavemaintainedamissionofprovidinghighqualityresourcesandprofessionaldevelopmentopportunitiesforourmembers.Wealsoconsistentlystrivetokeepcostsasreasonableaspossiblefortheseopportunities.Ineverrealizedbeforebecomingtreasurerwhatadelicatebalancethesetwoprioritiesdemand.Inmanycases,especiallyasourmemberbenefitshaveexpandedrecently,thefinancialcostsoftheseinvestmentshavenotbeenfullyreturned.However,Ibelievethatthesocial‐emotionalandprofessionalreturnsontheseinvestmentshavebeensignificant.
Therefore,wehavemadeconsciousdecisionstomaketheseinvestmentswiththeknowledgethatitmaytakealittlebitoftimebeforetheypayofffinancially.Aslongasweareresponsibleaboutourspendingandmaintainingourmissiontobestserveourmembersinasustainableway,ithasbeenwellworththefinancialcosts.
Finally, being treasurer has really emphasized to me the great importance of our members.Ihavelearnedjusthowmuchthisorganizationexistsbecauseofitsmembersandtoserveitsmembers.Ourmembersareincrediblygenerous,caring,andsteadfast.Wehavemanymemberswhosecommitmenttothisorganizationhasspanneddecades.ThatisawonderfultestimonytotheworkofMCFRandthecharacterofitsmembers.Also,inthetimethatIhaveservedontheboardofMCFR,wehaveestablishedourscholarshipfundandaccompanyingsilentauction.Thesetwoactivities,andourmembersupportofthem,havedemonstratedthegenerosityandaltruismofthepeopleinthisorganization.Yoursupporthashelpedustobetterserveallofourmembers,evenwhentimesaredifficultorwhenstudentsareworkinghardtomaketheirwayinthefield.Thislessonhasbeenincrediblyrewardingtolearnandithassolidifiedmyadmirationandcommitmenttothisorganization.
Ithankyouallfortheselessonsandthiswonderfulopportunitytoserveyouandtheboard.Ifyouhaveanyquestions,[email protected].
ByKristinDillon,MCFRTreasurer
MCFR Family Forum, Fall 2009, page 12
NCFRrequestedsomeexamplesofmentoringfortheirnewsletter(Report)tosharebetweenmembers.AtMCFR,wehavearichhistoryofmentoringcolleagues,protégées,andacquaintances.ManyinMCFRhavebeenmentorstootherMCFRmembers.Weevenhavelearnedfromprintedmaterialsthatdevelopedtheoriesandprovidedresearchthathoneinonwhatourfamilyfieldisallabout.Studentsalsomentorprofessors,practitioners,otherstudentsandanywhoteachorapplylearningtoothers. AnyBoardorleadershipgroupwiselybringsinnewmemberswhileretainingthewisdomofthosewhocamebeforethem.Newfacesbringnewperspectivesbasedontheirownexperienceslearningfromothers.Experiencedfacesprovidea contextofwhathasbeenandhowthisdeveloped.MCFRhasastronghistoryinbringinginnewmemberstotheboardandretainingexperiencedonesasconsultantsorcommitteemembersorchairs. Mostknowthatmylongestandmostsignificantmentorwas(andis)mycolleagueandfriendRonPitzer.IobservedhowheencouragedMCFR/NCFRmemberstosubmitproposalsforpapersonappliededucation,researchfindingsandadaptationsoftheoriestotheirwork.TheExtensionEducatorsandothersworkedveryhardandtheirpresentationswerewellreceivedbytheNCFRannualconferenceattendees.IalsoobservedRon’sinvolvementontheNCFRBoard,throughtheAssociationofCouncils,affiliatedcouncils,headingthemembershipcommitteeandthroughsectionleadership.Hewas
alwayspreparedformeetings,butallowedformuchsharedinputbeforehepresentedhisnow‐adaptedideastoothers.IwishthatIcouldsaythatIlearnedalltheselessonswellandnowamjustasgood,butImustadmitIfallshortin
manyrespects.Thatdoesn’tmeanIdon’twanttokeeptrying. AsIhaveobservedmentoringthroughoutmycareerandfoundthatIhavetriedtolearnfromthoseincloseproximity(workordepartmentcolleagues),butreachouttootherdisciplines,departmentsandcollegesaswell.Thiscross‐disciplinaryperspectivehasbroadenedmyperspectiveonthefamily.Ialsohavelookedtocross‐generationallearning–whereresearchoninfantbraindevelopmentcanclarifysomeofthelossesinlateyearsdementia.Familiesautomaticallyarecross‐generational,butifseeninternally(withinonefamilysystemonly),thereislessappreciationforfamilymemberswhojoinourfamiliesasadults(oftenthroughmarriageorpartnerships).Ihavealsosoughtoutmeansofbeingrespectfulwithinfamilies,especiallywhentherearedeeplyheldbeliefsthatarenotshared.Notonlyarethedifferencespoliticalandreligious,butcanbeworkplaceorgeographicalinnature.Tofindmentorsorpeerswhochoosetodiscussdifficultissuestounderstanddifferentperspectiveswithouthavingtochangetoasharedperspectiveisrareatbest.However,respectfuldiscussionscan
addtolearningonallsides.Nobodysaidthiswouldbeeasy. Iseeexamplesinteachingparenteducationfromethicalperspectives–worksoskillfullydonebyfellowMCFRmembers(BettyCooke,AdaAlden,GlenPalm,
andalargegroupofcolleagues).IsawthisinthedevelopmentofPositiveParenting(developedbyRonPitzer
andateamofcolleaguesincludingKathyOlson,RoseAllen,MinnellTralle,andmanyothers).Insteadofcomingfromaframeworkofguilt,thisprogramlookedatthepositiveoutcomesparentscanreceivewhileguidingandparentingtheiryoungchildren.IsawinthedevelopmentofParentsForever(developedbyMinnelleTralle,RoseAllen,RonPitzer,SueMeyers,andmanyothercolleagues)howafocusonchildrenofthedivorcingcouplemaylessentherancorbetweentheparentssotheirchildrenarenotcaughtinthecross‐fireofparentalhostility.Whenparentsactinthebestinterestoftheirchildren,theyarelesslikelytoretainhighlevelsofangerattheotherparent(formerlyknownas“theEx”). Iencourageeachofustoreflectonourownmentorsandseehowwedevelopedasfamilyprofessionals.Ifyouwereinfluencedsufficiently,considerdroppinghim/heranoteandtellingofexperienceslearnedfromthatmentor. Iwanttosaluteanotherfinementor–TedBowman.InAugust,TedwashonoredbyinductionintotheWCCO830radio“GoodNeighborAward”HallofFameforhisworkwithfamilies.Congratulations,Ted!
history Mentoring Through MCFR and NCFRSueMeyers,ProfessorEmeritus,SchoolofSocialWork,UniversityofMinnesota;MCFRhistorianandBoardmember
At MCFR, we have a rich history of mentoring colleagues, protégées, and acquaintances
MCFR Family Forum, Fall 2009, page 13
Moststudiesaboutaggressivebehaviorinchildrenhavefocusedonboysandonphysicalexpressionsofaggression,whichgavetheappearancethatgirlsreallyweresugarandspiceandeverythingnice.However,forthepastfifteenyears,wehavestudiedrelationalaggression,usedmoreoftenbygirlsthanphysicalaggression.Ratherthanphysicallyharmingothers,relationallyaggressivechildrenharmorthreatentoharmthevictim’srelationshipswithothers.Intheschoolyears,relationalaggressioninvolvesbehaviorssuchasgossiping,spreadingrumors,andexcludingothers(e.g.,“Youcan’tcometomybirthdayparty”),aswellasthreatsofsuchretaliation(e.g.,“DothisorIwon’tbeyourfriend”).Recentstudiesinourlabaswellasothers’suggestthatrelationalaggressionisusedasearlyaspreschoolandcontinuesintoadulthoodinavarietyofsituations,suchasromanticrelationshipsandtheworkplace.
Interviewswithschoolagedchildrenindicatethatchildrenviewrelationalaggressionasmean,hurtful,andusuallyenactedinanger.Additionally,childrenandadolescentswhoarevictimsofrelationalaggressionoftenexperienceadjustmentproblemsincludingdepression,anxiety,andloneliness.Thesestudiesdemonstratethatrelationalaggressionisahighlysalientandharmfulaspectofmanychildren’sdailyexperiences,onethatisbothviewedandexperiencedbychildrenashurtfuland“aggressive”.
Inourlab,wehaveexaminedthewaysinwhichrelationalaggressionisassociatedwithcurrentandfuturesocialandpsychologicaladjustmentinindividualsranginginagefromtoddlerstocollegestudents.Often,wefollowchildrenformultipleyears,observingtheirbehaviorindifferentclassroomswithdifferentpeerstobetterunderstandthewaysinwhichchildren’suseofrelationalaggressionchangesovertime.Here,wesummarizeselectedresultsfromtheseeffortswithschoolagedchildren.
Measuring Relational Aggression
Ourrecentresearchonthedevelopmentofrelationalaggressioninmiddlechildhoodincludesasampleofchildreningrades3to6.Focusonthisagegroupisdrivenbytheideathatimportantsocialandcognitivechangesthatoccurduringthisdevelopmentalperiodmaymakerelationalaggressionaparticularlysalientbehavior.Forexample,theacquisitionoflanguageskillsmayenhancechildren’sabilitiestoengageinmorecovertandsophisticatedformsofrelationalaggressionandincreasedcognitivecapacitiesallowchildrentorecallandretaliateagainsttheirpeersinresponsetopastrelationalprovocations.Moreover,theevaluationofone’speersbecomesincreasinglyimportantforchildrenduringtheseyears,whichmayfuelrelationallyaggressivebehavior.Ourresearchhassupportedthisdevelopmentaltrajectoryofrelationalaggression,asgirlsexperienceagrowthinrelationallyaggressivebehaviorsduringthisperiod.
Inordertoassessthedevelopmentofrelationalaggressionanditsassociatedoutcomes,wegatherinformationregardingchildren’sbehavior,friendships,peerexperiences,andadjustmentfrommultipleinformants,includingthechild,hisorherpeers,parents,andteachers.Peerreportsofaggressionprovidearichandreliablesourceofinformation,aspeersmaybemoreknowledgeableaboutoccurrencesofaggressionthatmaygounnoticedbyparentsorteachers,especiallygiventhecovertnatureofrelationalaggression.Childrenaregivenaclassrosterandaskedtoselectuptothreeclassmateswhoengageinaparticularbehavior(e.g.,“Kids,who,whentheyaremadataperson,getevenbykeepingthatpersonfrombeingintheirgroupoffriends”).Thistechniqueisalsousedtomeasureeachchild’sgeneralacceptanceorrejectionbytheirclassmates(e.g.,“Nominateuptothreeclassmateswithwhomyouliketohangoutthemost/theleast”).
How Harmful Is Relational Aggression?
Throughourresearch,wehavefoundthatrelationalaggressionisassociatedwithadjustmentproblemsinchildren.Onedomainofadjustmentthatwehave
ByAmyGower,AndrienneBannyandLindsayMathieson,DoctoralStudents,CenterforRelationalAggression,CrickSocialDevelopmentLab,InstituteofChildDevelopment,UniversityofMinnesota
The Impact of Relational Aggression on Children’s Mental Health and Relationships with Peers
Research
One key direction in the work on relational
aggression is awareness.
MCFR Family Forum, Fall 2009, page 14
studiedisinternalizingproblems,suchasdepressionandanxiety.Wehavefoundthatrelationalaggressionisassociatedwithdepressivesymptomsinschool‐agedchildren.Inonestudyweshowedthatchildrenwhoincreasedtheirengagementinrelationalaggressionfrom4thto5thgradealsoshowedincreasedinternalizingproblemsacrossthattime.Wealsoknowthatchildrenwhoarebothrelationallyandphysicallyaggressivemaybeatthehighestriskforanxiety/depression.Notonlyisengaginginrelationalaggressionassociatedwithdepressivesymptoms,butexperiencingrelationalvictimizationisalsoassociatedwithdepressivesymptoms.
Ourresearchhasalsoshownthatchildrenwhoengageinrelationalaggressionarerejectedbytheirpeers.Inalongitudinalstudy,relationallyaggressivebehaviorin3rdgradepredictedpeerrejectionthreeyearslater.Itispossiblethatthisrelationshipbetweenrelationalaggressionandpeerrejectioniscyclical,aswehavenotedthatrejection,inturn,predictsfurtherincreasesinrelationallyaggressivebehavior.Theseassociationsareparticularlytroublinggiventhedevelopmentalsignificanceofformingpositiverelationshipswithpeers.Researchconsistentlyshowsthatchildrenwhoarerejectedbytheirpeersareatriskfordevelopinganumberofadjustmentdifficulties,includingloneliness,depression,andlowacademicachievement.
Inadditiontolookingatthelargerpeergroup,itisimportanttoexaminetheroleoffriendshipsinthedevelopmentandmaintenanceofrelationalaggression.Infact,somefriendshipsmayactuallyservetopromoteengagementinrelationalaggression.Girlsinvolvedinrelationshipscharacterizedbyhighlevelsofself‐disclosureexperienceincreasesinrelationalaggressionovertime.Itispossiblethatchildrenusesensitiveinformationelicitedfromfriendsasammunitionforrelationalaggressionwhentheybecomeangry.Anotherfriendshipcontexttoconsiderisaffiliationwithrelationallyaggressivepeers.Ourresearchhasshownthatgirlsinvolvedinfriendshipswithhighlyrelationallyaggressivepeersexperienceincreasesinrelationalaggressionthemselves.Collaboratingagainstanotherpeermaypromotecohesivenessbetweenfriends,servingtoreinforcerelationallyaggressivebehavior.
Future Research and Intervention Directions
Onekeydirectionintheworkonrelationalaggressionisawareness.Wearealreadyseeingmoreawarenessonthepartofschools,andwehopethatthiscontinuestogrow.Parents,educators,andchildrenthemselvesneedtobemadeawareoftheharmfuleffectsofbothengaginginrelationalaggressionandexperiencingrelationalvictimization.Forexample,wearecurrentlypartneringwithorganizationssuchasGirlScoutstoworkonpromotingawarenessofthesebehaviorsamongchildrenandparticularlyamonggirls.
Wealsoneedtocontinuedevelopingevidence‐basedinterventionsforaddressingrelationalaggression.Forexample,someschoolsalreadyhavesocialprogramsinplacethataddressrelationalaggression,butwedon’talwaysknowhowwellthoseprogramswork.Furthermore,thereisaneedfordevelopmentofinterventionstargetedtoassisthighlyrelationallyaggressiveindividualsinreducingtheiraggressivebehavior.
Finally,weneedtocontinuetoexpandourknowledgeaboutrelationalaggressionandvictimization.Whiletherehasbeenagreatincreaseinthenumberofstudiesonthistopic,weareonlybeginningtounderstandhowthesebehaviorsdevelop.Moreresearchisneededtounderstandwhatputschildrenatriskforusingrelationalaggressionfrequentlyandalsoaboutthelong‐termoutcomesofengaginginthesebehaviors.Wehaveidentifiedtheoccurrenceofrelationalaggressionacrossalmostallphasesoflife,includingearlychildhood.Now,weneedmoreresearchexaminingthedevelopmentofthesebehaviorsfromearlychildhoodintoadulthood.
Formoreinformationaboutrelationalaggression,ourresearch,andresearchteam,pleasecontactourresearchcoordinator,PeterRalston,[email protected]:http://www.cehd.umn.edu/ICD/SocialDevelopment
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