Psychological well-being of families in a South African context: a prospective multifactorial model

Abstract

This study investigated the psychosocial well-being of a group of South African families by determining the prevalence of psychosocial well-being indicators. A cross-sectional survey design and a purposive, voluntary sampling technique were used. Data on family well-being were collected from 772 youths attending five secondary schools located in the Northern province of South Africa (females = 64%, majority ethnicity = African: 67%). Data were captured and statistically analysed utilising the PASW 18.0 program (PASW, 2010). Structural equation modelling (SEM) methods implemented in AMOS (Arbuckle, 2009), were used to test the measurement models. The results supported a two-factor model of family psychosocial well-being consisting of family functioning and family feelings. Family functioning included family relational patterns, family functioning style and family hardiness, while the second factor, family feelings, included family satisfaction and attachment.