Development of an empirical typology of African American family functioning.

Abstract

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. The quality of family functioning has consistently been identified as one of the most important predictors of individual well-being. Studies have illustrated the effects of