Development of an empirical typology of African American family functioning.
This study empirically identified types of African American families. Adolescents (N = 111) were assessed on family functioning. With cluster analytic methods, 3 types of families were identified. The cohesive-authoritative type was above average on parental education and income, averaged about 2 children, exhibited a high quality of family functioning and high self-esteem in adolescents. The conflictive-authoritarian type had average parental education and income, an average of 2.7 children, exhibited controlling and rigid discipline, and placed a high emphasis on achievement. The defensive-neglectful type was predominately headed by single mothers with below average education and income and averaged about 3 children. Such families displayed chaotic family processes, and adolescents tended to suffer from low self-esteem. The typology exhibited good reliability. The implications of the typology are discussed.
Mandara
Jelani
J
Department of Psychology, University of California, Riverside, USA. j-mandara@northwestern.edu
Murray
Carolyn B
CB
D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American / Q000523:psychology*; D016000:Cluster Analysis; D005190:Family / Q000523:psychology*; D005195:Family Relations; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D016487:Parenting; D012649:Self Concept; D013008:Somatotypes / Q000523:psychology*