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The Influence of Family Structure Vs. Family Climate on Adolescent Well-Being

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Abstract

A study was conducted to explore adolescent well-being as a function of family climate versus family structure. Two hundred seventy-eight adolescents (52% female, 48% male; mean age = 14.78 years) completed questionnaires that assessed family structure (nuclear, single-parent, step), family climate (level of satisfaction with one’s family and level of negative affect in one’s family), and several indicators of current well-being (educational expectations, self-esteem, hopelessness, delinquent attitude scores, and optimism). Participant well-being did not vary by family structure. However, family climate and well-being were significantly related. Implications of the study’s findings are discussed.

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Correspondence to Tommy M. Phillips.

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Phillips, T.M. The Influence of Family Structure Vs. Family Climate on Adolescent Well-Being. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 29, 103–110 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-012-0254-4

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