Triadic Measures in Social Research: Examining Quality of Life Family Congruence
Gina Aalgaard Kelly
Building: Law Building
Room: Breakout 3 - Law Building, Room 104
Date: 2012-07-10 03:30 PM – 05:00 PM
Last modified: 2012-03-01
Abstract
For this study, a conceptual model was proposed and tested by examining multiple family members (i.e., three family members), including the nursing home resident and two family members on overall quality of life family congruence. The national sample size was N = 172 triad families). The model proposed intergenerational dynamic factors, while controlling for resident and nursing home mediating factors, would explain family congruence among families. The study examined family intergenerational dynamic factors of generational composition and family involvement that contribute to differences in high to low quality of life family congruence. Methodologies are limited for analyzing dyads and even more so with triads as the unit level of measurement. Examining quality of life family congruence fostered further understanding for how multiple family members perceived nursing home quality of life of residents similarly and differently with 36% of the total model variance explained. Results of hierarchical linear regression analyses further suggested, families that participated in more formal family involvement (i.e., family council meetings and resident care conferences) and resident’s with higher cognitive functioning were both significantly related to higher family congruence perceptions with study families. These results suggested families who are more involved with formal activities at the nursing home is key for establishing similar perceptions of the resident’s life. Therefore, residents, multiple family members, and staff need to work collaboratively to promote opportunities for family involvement in structured activities at nursing homes to promote quality life and quality care for residents.