Study Finds Family Connections May Contribute to Flourishing Among Adolescents in 26 Countries

A new study has found that family connection, which reflects relational health, may contribute to adolescent flourishing and not just the avoidance of poor outcomes. The study, “Family Connection and Flourishing among Adolescents in 26 Countries,” which will be published in the June 2022 issue of Pediatrics (published online May 16), used data collected from more than 37,000 adolescents in 26 countries. Relational health has been defined as the capacity to develop and maintain safe, stable, and nurturing relationships with others, the authors note. For children to achieve their developmental potential, they need such relationships with adults. Although there is evidence that relational health in families, or family connection, protects children from the negative outcomes that result from adversity, less is known about whether family connection is associated with children’s flourishing. Flourishing was based on survey questions that assessed self-acceptance, purpose in life, positive relations with others, personal growth, autonomy, and managing daily responsibilities. Adolescents who reported higher levels of family connection were more likely to be flourishing, even after accounting for reports of family financial worry or not having enough food.

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The American Academy of Pediatrics is an organization of 67,000 primary care pediatricians, pediatric medical subspecialists and pediatric surgical specialists dedicated to the health, safety and well-being of infants, children, adolescents and young adults.