Family structure and functioning: Influences on adolescents psychological needs, goals and aspirations in a South African setting
Date
2016Author
Davids, Eugene Lee
Ryan, Jill
Yassin, Zeenat
Hendrickse, Suzette
Roman, Nicolette V.
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
This study aimed to determine the effects of family structure and functioning on basic psychological need fulfilment,
life goals and aspirations of adolescents in a South African setting. Participants were 457 adolescent learners (Mage =
16.31, SD = 1.45, females = 54%, coloured = 56%) selected from four public schools in the Western Cape, South Africa.
The adolescents completed the Family Assessment Device, Aspirations Index and Psychological Needs Scales. Results
following multiple regression analysis suggested that a two-parent family structure predicted higher satisfaction of basic
psychological needs and higher pursuit of extrinsic goals among adolescents than did a one-parent family structure. Family
functioning determined pursuit of intrinsic goals by adolescents from one-parent families.