Whether lockdown can change family adaptability and cohesion: An overview among Kerala population

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of different socio demographic variables (age, gender, family type, occupation status and marital status) on family adaptability, cohesion, communication and satisfaction during the period of COVID 19. Each family is different from one another hence it is difficult to find out whether the lockdown due to COVID 19 actually strengthens or weakens the relationships. The descriptive research design was adopted for the study. Sample comprised of 145 people within the age group between 19-80 years from different districts in Kerala. The samples were collected by purposive sampling method. The data collection instruments are Personal data schedule and Family adaptability and cohesion evaluation scale (FACE-IV). There is significant difference in family adaptability and cohesion, family communication and family satisfaction based on age; old aged people show more family adaptability, cohesion, communication and satisfaction. Family adaptability, cohesion and family satisfaction is more found in males during this lockdown period; where as there is no significant difference in family communication based on gender. Family adaptability and cohesion is greater in joint families comparing to nuclear families and no statistically significant relation between family communication and satisfaction based on family type. There is no significant difference between family adaptability and cohesion and family communication based on occupation status, where as family satisfaction is greater for employed. Family adaptability, cohesion and family satisfaction is more found in married people and there is no significant difference in family communication based on marital status. The findings can help families in the planning of a beneficial communication-interaction pattern among the members. In addition, the findings may also provide some information that will show some strategies that people can use to improve their relationship.