Family Structure, Family Functioning, and Well-Being in Adolescence: A Multidimensional Approach
András Láng

Abstract
Previous studies investigating the relationship between family structure and adolescent well-being yielded ambiguous results. With regard to family functioning, previous research found that balanced family functioning was connected to well-being, whereas unbalanced family functioning was related to ill-being. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between family functioning and dimensions of well-being using the EPOCH model. In our study, 158 adolescents (65 males and 93 females) from differently structured families filled out measures of family functioning and well-being. Participants were 16.61 years old on average (SD = .87). Results showed no significant impact of family structure on well-being. Balanced family functioning positively, unbalanced family functioning negatively predicted well-being. Family cohesion predicted affective aspects of well-being, whereas cognitive elements of well-being were predicted by family flexibility. The importance of the family’s emotional and relational climate, predictability, and structured family functioning are highlighted as important contributors of adolescent well-being.

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