Elusive Family Problems Reported by Japanese College Students: An Examination of Theme Variation and Methodology

Family problems are ubiquitous, consequential, and experienced by families around the world. The current study examines how the methods of inquiry used to gather information from Japanese college students about their family problems shape the reported problems. Fifty-five students completed a survey through a direct question protocol and 20 participants answered indirect in-depth interviews with a cultural agent. Participant themes for perceptions of family problems were distinguished between the two groups. Participants in the indirect method discussed unexpected family problems significantly more and identified not having family problems significantly less than those in the direct question method.