OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the stability of ratings on the McMaster Mealtime Interaction Coding System (MICS), an observational measure of family functioning, across three typical evening meals. METHODS: Participants included families of infants and toddlers with cystic fibrosis (n = 33) and with no chronic illness (n = 33). Three meals were videotaped across a 3-week period (M = 17.4 days) and involved a secondary data analysis from a larger study. RESULTS: Across both groups, test-retest reliability (paired correlation coefficients) was generally moderate, but significant, for all scales at each time point comparison. Analyses revealed no significant within-or between-group differences across time periods on healthy versus unhealthy ratings. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the limitations of coding a single mealtime observation or interpreting multiple observations using the MICS. Findings highlight that family, meal, illness, and assessment factors may impact variability in ratings over time.
OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the stability of ratings on the McMaster Mealtime Interaction Coding System (MICS), an observational measure of family functioning, across three typical evening meals. METHODS:Participants included families of infants and toddlers with cystic fibrosis (n = 33) and with no chronic illness (n = 33). Three meals were videotaped across a 3-week period (M = 17.4 days) and involved a secondary data analysis from a larger study. RESULTS: Across both groups, test-retest reliability (paired correlation coefficients) was generally moderate, but significant, for all scales at each time point comparison. Analyses revealed no significant within-or between-group differences across time periods on healthy versus unhealthy ratings. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the limitations of coding a single mealtime observation or interpreting multiple observations using the MICS. Findings highlight that family, meal, illness, and assessment factors may impact variability in ratings over time.
Authors: Monica J Mitchell; Scott W Powers; Kelly C Byars; Susan Dickstein; Lori J Stark Journal: J Dev Behav Pediatr Date: 2004-10 Impact factor: 2.225
Authors: Barbara H Fiese; Marcia A Winter; Frederick S Wamboldt; Ran D Anbar; Marianne Z Wamboldt Journal: J Child Psychol Psychiatry Date: 2009-09-14 Impact factor: 8.982