AN ADLERIAN ACTIVITY APPROACH TO FAMILY ENRICHMENT

Abstract

Family enrichment for the purpose of improving family relationships is a new method that has not yet been explored in depth. The materials available for family enrichment are quite limited and need to be expanded before their use can be validated. The purpose of this project was to develop and evaluate a leader's manual for family enrichment following an Adlerian activity approach. Family enrichment is a process of intervention based on a prearranged, programmed manual dealing with interpersonal relations between and among family members. A manual was developed that was practical, action-oriented, and based on Adlerian theory. The materials in the manual were designed specifically for use by whole family units. The methods described in this manual are suitable both for weekend retreats and weekly growth groups. The Adlerian concepts presented in the manual were based primarily on materials from Systematic Training for Effective Parenting (STEP) by Dinkmeyer and McKay (1976) and Teaching With Confidence: How to Get Off the Classroom Wall by Hillman (1980). Most of the activities used in each of the enrichment sessions were developed by the author. After the manual was completed, it was evaluated by a panel of five judges, and by seven families who participated in a family enrichment weekend retreat, where the leader's manual was utilized. The evaluation instruments consisted of three questionnaires that were devised by the author. A panel of judges rated the manual favorably in all categories of the evaluation. The subject of family enrichment, the Adlerian concepts and activities, and the format used in the manual received positive ratings. Participants in the family enrichment weekend also favorably rated individual sessions in the program. The eight topics were considered to be appropriate for families working toward the improvement of family relationships. They indicated that the warm-up presentations, activities, and follow-up discussions fit together well and that the activities were appropriate in length and age level. The experience was rated as being pleasurable for the whole family, and the activities as appropriate for future use at home. An overall evaluation of the total enrichment program showed it helped to: (1) increase positive feelings about family members, (2) increase understanding of family values, (3) create more family cooperation in decision-making, (4) recognize family strengths and individual strengths, and (5) improve family relationships. Evaluation by the panel of judges and the participants in the family enrichment program supports the usefulness of the leader's manual. Many reactions by these two groups were similar and in agreement. Both sets of evaluators responded favorably to the idea of families working together as total units to improve relationships, and supported the use of activities in this process. The overly full schedule was noted by both groups as a problem area in the manual. The lack of structured learning experiences for the young children and the inadequate sleeping accommodations were also cited as problem areas by the weekend participants. This project suggests that the family enrichment manual appears to be a useful tool for leaders to use when conducting family enrichment programs. It also appears that the family enrichment weekend retreat, that utilized the manual, was a worthwhile experience for the families involved.