Document Type

Thesis - University Access Only

Award Date

2011

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Department / School

Counseling and Human Development

Abstract

The goal of this study was to examine factors that promote family functioning. The relationship between family leisure and family functioning was studied, as well as the relationship between parental behaviors and family functioning. Data from surveys of 381 students of a land grant university in the Midwest was analyzed. Respondents answered questions about family leisure participation, family functioning, and parental behaviors. Analysis revealed that greater participation in family leisure was associated with better family functioning. Results also showed that parental acceptance was related to better family functioning. Psychological control (or guilt induction) was associated with lower levels of family functioning. Lax discipline was related to lower levels of family cohesion and higher levels of adaptability. Implications for future research include investigating what factors influence family functioning, particularly cohesion; whether the geographic location of respondents influenced results; and why lax discipline promotes greater family adaptability.

Library of Congress Subject Headings

Families

Family recreation

Parenting

Communication in families

Format

application/pdf

Number of Pages

75

Publisher

South Dakota State University

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