The Structure and Competance of Family Units

Abstract

The relative associations of family structure (intact, vs. one-parent, vs. step-parent family) and of family-system functioning with children's self-esteem and locus of control were examined, using mutivariate analysis. Children in two-parent families had significantly higher self-esteem than children from one-parent families, even when family income was controlled. However, family-system functioning was much more important in predicting self-esteem than was family structure. Implications for clinical and preventive social work practice are discussed.