The aim of the current study was to examine changes in mothers' perceptions of and attitudes towards childcare in terms of (1) parenting anxiety, (2) maternal perceptions, and (3) mothers' sense of where they belong. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 12 mothers participating in the Y (childcare) Group regarding their experiences within the group. The interview data were analyzed using a modified grounded theory approach. Four categories of perceptions/attitudes were identified, and these perceptions/attitudes transitioned in a certain process. “Anxiety about parenting” changed to “Reduced anxiety about parenting.” This led to “Changes in attitudes towards parenting.” This resulted in the “Formation of bonds.” However, one mother's perceptions/attitudes did not follow the aforementioned process. That mother's perceptions/attitudes provided a contrast that helped to more thoroughly understand steps in the process.

　　Mothers transitioned from passive to active involvement and then ultimately interacted with other members of the group. Mothers began by resolving their own parenting issues. This provided them with a sense of belonging through which they were able to reconcile their identity as an individual and their identity as a mother. A basis for mutual support was created among mothers. This support fostered perceptions and attitudes that supported parenting efforts by other mothers. Support for mothers in the community needs to encourage communication and interaction among mothers. Support for mothers needs to help them build networks and it needs to provide individualized support to mothers who feel left out of a childcare group.

　　The long-term survival rate of children who have suffered a pediatric illness has rapidly increased, leading to awareness of the need for care with the future in mind. Given this context, the current study focused on the potential long-term negative effects of illness uncertainty (IU). This study specifically aimed to reveal the relationship between the IU of pediatric patients and their mothers. The IU of a parent has been studied as one the main antecedents of the IU of pediatric patients. In the current study, a brain tumor survivor who is currently in her 20s and her mother were interviewed. Particular attention was focused on the way in which the mother communicated. Qualitative analysis of the narratives revealed that even though both the child and her mother had experienced IU, the aspects of that uncertainty differed significantly. The child mainly experienced uncertainty regarding her illness and treatment, such as the duration of treatment and the effect of the treatment on her physical appearance. Her mother, on the other hand, experienced uncertainty regarding her interaction with her child in that she did not know how to face her child. In this case, the IU of the child appeared to be affected by the mother's communication style, which was also largely influenced by her IU.

　　To obtain information to support fathers of children with disabilities, a modified grounded theory approach (M-GTA) was used to analyze “the process by which fathers of children with spina bifida cultivate social capital.” Subjects were 11 fathers of children with spina bifida who ranged in age from infancy to elementary school age. Analysis of their responses yielded 17 concepts comprising 6 categories. Because their child was disabled, fathers were 1) Resolved to Protect [Their Families]. 2) Closeness to [One's] Wife was a core category that facilitated 3) An Interest in Greater Community and 4) The Desire for a Support Network. Fathers had an informal network consisting of fellow fathers and neighbors and a formal network consisting of patient/family associations (groups of parents of children with the same disability). Moreover, this fostered 5) Trust in [One’s] Neighbors and Acquaintances and 6) A Willingness to Contribute to the Community. Encouraging participation by fathers (e.g. in PTA or local events), regardless of whether or not their children have disabilities, should help them form networks and cultivate/accumulate social capital.

　　The purpose of this study was to discuss the function of a sub-therapist in family therapy based on a case in which parents repaired their relationship with their daughter who was in prison. Psychological sessions with the clients were conducted by a female lead therapist and a male sub-therapist. This case suggested three key points regarding the function of a sub-therapist. First, the sub-therapist provided alternative points of view during sessions and he facilitated deconstruction, which led to new developments. Second, the structure of sessions attended by the sub-therapist induced the clients to change their behavior and it caused a change in the parent's relationship. Third, non-verbal behaviors by the sub-therapist affected the psychological process. Therefore, inclusion of a sub-therapist in psychological sessions facilitated family therapy by giving clients more effective support.