Shemsu Rediy* and Belay Tefera
Family communication is important to maintain family relationships and family cohesion as well as wellbeing. Family cohesion, which refers to the extent of the connectedness and solidarity among members in a family, is an important determinant of family functioning. To enhance family cohesion, the “familybased behavioral intervention” was developed with a series of intervention programs in polygamous family with low family cohesion. This intervention, based on both the social ecological model and family-based behavioral model, provided a platform for families to learn, communicate and interact with each other. Objectives of the intervention included the modification of family communication behaviors and cohesion levels through the use of group dynamics strategies. This pre/post intervention without control group design included two family groups, a total of 14 siblings (6 monogamous and 8 polygamous families) used for pre-intervention assessment via semi structured interview. The results of the baseline study indicated that the experience of polygamous households was underlined with negative experiences such as poor family communication and cohesion, conflict, and a sense of deprivation. To alleviate the formulated problems above the 4-month intervention was planned and implemented. The intervention included family group education, social and behavioral group activities and tasks, and social support, embodied by a series of family-based activities, family meeting, coffee ceremony, cultural and religious practices etc. The follow-up (three months after the programs) assessment were conducted in the intervention group (selected polygamous family) to evaluate the impact of the intervention programs on family communication and cohesion. Post intervention assessment outcomes revealed that some improvement on family communication and cohesion has observed. Recommendations are forwarded.
