Reactivity Effects During Naturalistic Observation of Distressed and Nondistressed Families

Although family reactivity to observation procedures has often been assumed, few methodologically satisfactory studies of such effects have been conducted. In this investigation, audio tape recordings of family dinnertimes were obtained during maximally and minimally obtrusive observation conditions. Both distressed and nondistressed family groups were included, and analyses involved the application of a comprehensive coding system to the recorded interactions. Results indicated few instances of reactivity effects across the major behavioral groupings that were assessed. Findings are discussed in terms of the extant literature on this topic, and reasons why family behavior may not be significantly influenced by the research process are offered.