Development of an empirical procedure for the study of family myths
Date
1989
Authors
Wade, Allan
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to specify and test a set of procedures for identifying family myths in a normal (non-clinically Involved) family. It was proposed (a) that the expression of family myths would affect the Interaction of family members as the family myth was expressed and (b) that family myths would be found to support complex patterns of interaction that recur In the day-to-day life of the family. One family, comprised of two parents and four children, were Interviewed by the principal investigator using a circular questioning strategy and a flexible protocol of topics related to different aspects of family functioning.
The principal investigator and two raters independently identified family myths from the videotape of the two and one-half hour interview, using the operational definition provided by the principal investigator as a guide. The three lists of family myths were then analyzed for similarity of content by having each pair of raters identify those family myths that occurred in both of their lists; this procedure determined the level of agreement between raters. Raters also described the interaction of family members as family myths occurred in the Interview; these descriptions were combined to form a composite image of the effect of the expression of family myths on the behavior of family members. Finally, the principal investigator gathered family members/ reports of how specific family myths were perceived to affect the interaction of family members on a day-to-day basis; these reports were accepted at face value.
Results indicate that family myths were identified with a moderately high level of agreement between raters despite minimal training and the very abstract nature of the concept of family myths. Raters/ combined descriptions illustrate the immediate impact of family myths on the interaction of family members, and several examples are presented. Analysis of the transcript highlights the intricate discursive processes by which family myths were constructed. Family members clearly linked specific family myths with the recurrence of important patterns of interaction In their dally lives. These patterns are described in detail by family members.