The evolution of family and its impact on the increase of marriage age: Analysis of needs for psychosocial services

Abstract

The 21st-century family is undergoing significant changes that have evolved over the years. This evolution has both positive and negative implications, particularly concerning its structure, developmental stages, role changes, growth, and psychosocial needs. This study aims to analyze the impact of family evolution on the increase in marriage age in Albania, focusing on the structure and model of family life over the past decades. It also examines the need for psychosocial services in the context of social transition. To understand changes in family and marriage dynamics in Albania, the study used a wide array of methods, including interviews with individuals over 45 years old. The findings reveal a rapid transformation in family structure and an increase in the average age of marriage, accompanied by new social and economic challenges for young people. Considering these changes, the study underscores the necessity for psychosocial services, highlighting the crucial interaction between family evolution and society's responses to emerging needs. The results show a growing demand for these services, underscoring the importance of recognizing the roles of social workers and psychologists in providing treatment and support to families and couples within this evolving social context.