The effects of family structure and SES on family processes in early adolescence.
This study investigates parent-adolescent relationships in early adolescence, focusing on the effects of dyadic communication, family cohesion, family structure, and SES on family conflict in three ethnic groups: African-American (n =1886), Mexican-American (n =2657), and Euro-American (n =3052). Sixth, seventh and eighth grade girls and boys completed questionnaires and results were analysed using independent samples t -tests and multiple regression. Results showed 3-year increases in family conflict in all three ethnic groups. There were significant differences in scale scores on conflict, communication, and family cohesion between nuclear and single-parent families. Some ethnic and gender differences were also found. Discussion focuses on the implications of the findings for family life.
Baer
J
J
School of Social Work, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey, New Brunswick 08903, USA. jcbaer@rci.rutgers.edu
D000293:Adolescent; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology; D005191:Family Characteristics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016018:Least-Squares Analysis; D008297:Male; D017058:Mexican Americans / Q000523:psychology; D008800:Mexico / Q000208:ethnology; D009679:Nuclear Family / Q000523:psychology*; D010287:Parent-Child Relations; D000297:Psychology, Adolescent; D012737:Sex Factors; D012931:Social Environment; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D014481:United States; D044465:White People / Q000523:psychology