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Examining short-term stability of the Mealtime Interaction Coding System (MICS).
Monica Mitchell1, Carrie Piazza-Waggoner, Avani Modi
1Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH 45229-3039, USA. monica.mitchell@chmcc.org
Journal of Pediatric Psychology
|May 10, 2008
Summary
Ratings on the McMaster Mealtime Interaction Coding System (MICS) showed moderate stability across three meals. Family and illness factors may influence MICS rating variability over time.
Area of Science:
- Family studies
- Child development
- Health psychology
Background:
- The McMaster Mealtime Interaction Coding System (MICS) is an observational tool for assessing family functioning.
- Understanding the stability of MICS ratings is crucial for accurate interpretation of family dynamics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the test-retest reliability of MICS ratings across three typical evening meals.
- To examine if MICS ratings differ between families of children with cystic fibrosis and healthy children over time.
Main Methods:
- Secondary data analysis of three videotaped family meals from a larger study.
- Participants included 33 families of infants/toddlers with cystic fibrosis and 33 control families.
- Meals were observed over a 3-week period.
Main Results:
- Moderate, significant test-retest reliability was found for MICS scales across time points.
- No significant differences in healthy versus unhealthy ratings were observed within or between groups over time.
Conclusions:
- A single MICS observation may be insufficient for comprehensive family functioning assessment.
- Variability in MICS ratings can be influenced by family, meal, illness, and assessment-related factors.
