Factors Associated with Perceptions of Family Belonging among Adolescents

Valarie King, Pennsylvania State University
Lisa Boyd, Pennsylvania State University

Adolescents’ perceptions of family belonging are associated with a number of well-being indicators, yet we know little regarding what factors are associated with developing feelings of family belonging, or how this may vary by family structure. The current study uses nationally representative data from Add Health to examine predictors of adolescents’ perceptions of family belonging in two-biological-parent families. The results are compared to a recent study using Add Health that examined family belonging in married mother-stepfather families. Findings suggest both similarities and differences across family structure in the factors that are associated with family belonging.