The contribution of family composition to attachment, emotional intelligence, and family functioning

Abstract

Family composition is defined as a caregiver (or more than one caregiver) and other people (such as siblings, half-siblings, or step siblings) who live within a household and are related or unrelated. Family composition has been studied in many areas related to physical well-being, psychological well-being, and emotional well-being. Though an abundance of information exists in some areas, information specifically concerning family composition and attachment, emotional intelligence, and family functioning is limited. The available literature neglects the adult child population and has focused primarily on an adolescent population. Several researchers have referred to the importance of studying these variables. The present study aimed to further the literature by primarily investigating the moderation of attachment and emotional intelligence by family composition and the differences in family functioning according to family composition and length of time in a specific family composition. It assessed the prior mentioned hypotheses in 143 undergraduate university students through a variety of questionnaires. The results revealed that family composition did not moderate attachment and emotional intelligence and family functioning did not differ according to family composition and length of time. The findings of the present study contributes to the scarce literature in these areas