Degree Type

Thesis

Date of Award

2014

Degree Name

Master of Science

Department

Human Development and Family Studies

First Advisor

Thomas Schofield

Second Advisor

Peter Martin

Abstract

Family composition in the United States has continued to become increasingly diverse as illustrated by an increase in the occurrence of single parent families, blended families, and same-sex parent families (Walsh, 2012). However, comparatively few studies of extended families include rural European-Americans. The objective of this study was to identify factors that contribute to family engagement between young adolescents and their extended families, as well as identifying developmental outcomes that result from those relationships. The study included 451 adolescents as well as their families via the Iowa Youth and Families Project (IYFP). Seven measures were included in regression analysis. Geographic proximity to extended family, parent's relationship quality with extended family, and mother personality were significantly associated with adolescent engagement. Parent's relationship quality with extended family and adolescent's engagement with extended family were significantly associated with adolescent's relationship quality. Extended family engagement, parent's relationship quality with extended family, mother personality and adolescent's geographic proximity to extended family were not significantly related to either passive or active coping. Also, neither geographic proximity, extended family engagement, parent's relationship quality with extended family, nor mother personality were significantly associated with perceived support from extended family. Lastly, neither geographic proximity nor mother personality were significantly associated with adolescent relationship quality. The increasing prevalence and continued importance of extended family relationships provide an important new resource for practitioners working with rural-dwelling families.

Copyright Owner

Marissa Emily Holst

Language

en

File Format

application/pdf

File Size

57 pages

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