Cohesion as a Factor of Positive Family Relations in Conditions of Uncertainty: Young People’s Ideas

Abstract

Introduction. Modern conditions of increased uncertainty are reflected in young people’s ideas about the family system. While the image of a future family forms, a young person’s relationships experience obtained in their family of origin finds its way in it. It is noteworthy that this experience is already self-reflected by the person. Family cohesion as a supportive interaction not only provides one with harmonious personality growth but also stands as a basis for creating positive relations in the family. Study of young people’s ideas about cohesion in conditions of uncertainty will allow one to reveal the measures of socio-psychological support.Purpose. In our research, we will identify and describe young people’s ideas about cohesion as a factor of positive family relations in conditions of uncertainty. Materials and Methods. 125 master’s students (among them 45 young men and 80 young women) participated in the study. We used the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scale (Olson, Porter, & Lavee).Results. Cohesion and adaptability ideas indicators’ specifics and gender differences in modern master’s students are reflected. Compared to men, young women retrospectively lower asses family cohesion and adaptability expression level. In general, participants show ambiguous ideas regarding cohesion and adaptability in the family of origin. On the one hand, family adaptability level characterized as “extreme” and “chaotic”. On the other hand, family cohesion was assessed as “mid-range” and “balanced”, thus reflecting contradictory ideas of the master’s students.Discussion and Conclusion. Family cohesion is an important factor in the improvement of hardiness in both the family and individual. Important reflexive points of the person as a subject of matrimonial behaviour are ideas about cohesion role in successful family development. We suggest that socio-psychological training can increase awareness of the ideas and solve their contradictoriness.