Example Of Research Proposal On Resilience In Remarried Famiies

Resilience in Remarried Families

Statistical test
The researcher approached stepfamilies within the community and requested them to participate in the study. The major method of obtaining statistical data was through questionnaires. The data sought included among other things the composition of the step family, the gender, age, educational level and the number of family members living under one household. Separate sets of questionnaires were used for adults and for adolescents
An important component of the questionnaires is where the respondent was asked to write a paragraph about their views of the stepfamily. This is an open ended and unstructured question. From these we can be able to draw similarity in feelings and emotions and perhaps deduce a trend.

Rationale for using questionnaires

The use of questionnaires ensured a great extent of uniformity in the study. Uniformity is important so that there isn’t too much data which will cause the researcher to have too much confusing fodder (Strydom, 2005) It localizes the study to specific areas of concern.

The Null Hypothesis

After the study the null hypothesis was rejected. It emerges that despite the perceived “unconventional” structure of the stepfamily, they showed pronounced resilience and a marked ability to adapt. There was a common general trend among the spouses and the adolescent respondents as concerns the qualities sought to be analyzed including understanding, tolerance, respect, communication, forgiveness, bonding among others. It emerged that most of the families that had adopted the stepfamily stance due to divorce were much happier and comfortable in the stepfamily than they were in the former setting. Most did not wish for the status quo to be broken or that they go back to the former setting.

Rationale for rejecting the null hypothesis

The reasoning behind rejecting the null hypothesis is that the deducible trend from the study conforms to a great extent with the hypothesis than it goes against it. It is determined from the factors analyzed and measured that there is marked resilience in the remarried family. This is at both levels of the spouses as well as the adolescent children involved.

Implications of the findings

The findings imply that the remarried or stepfamily is and should be considered a normal and integral part of the modern society. In fact the remarried families in most cases show more solidarity and positive socialization than the conventional families. It implies that individuals who find themselves single should consider setting up a stepfamily to assist in the rigors of child upbringing, social, emotional and financial support.

Relevance to the counseling field

The study’s relevance to the counseling field is innumerable. The children find a sense identity and confidence when a step-parent of the same gender as that child is introduced. Children may find a sense of security when a father figure is present in the household (Taylor, 1989). There can be reassurance that the stepfamilies are no less than the conventional families and in fact do better in quite considerable respects. The step family is seen as a second chance at a family setting that shouldn’t be wasted (Taylor, 1989).

Strengths of study

The study rejecting the null hypothesis is a major indicator of its success. Also the fact that primary data was drawn directly from the stepfamilies means that it is first hand and credible.
The weakness is that there was only one way of data collection, the questionnaire. This may have been limiting to some extent.

Recommendations

The remarriage is a viable option at ensuring wholesome parenting for children and a more fulfilling life for either spouse.

References

Strydom, H. (2005). Sampling and sampling methods: Research at grassroots for the social Sciences and Human Service Professions, New York: McGraw Hill.
Taylor, S.E. (1989). Positive illusions: Creative self-deception and the healthy mind. New York,
NY: Basic Books.