Multi-Functional Ties and Well-Being in Family Networks before and after Parental Divorce

Abstract

This family network study analyses family relationships and well-being from the perspectives of 144 children, parents, grandparents, aunts, and uncles in 41 families. The study investigates whether multi-functional family ties, i.e., ties that serve multiple needs simultaneously, are associated with higher well-being, and whether these multi-functional ties are especially important in families that have experienced parental divorce. Additionally, the study examines whether receiving such ties from nuclear or extended family members contributes to well-being. The results of the study indicate that receiving multi-functional ties is associated with higher well-being, especially when these ties are received from one’s nuclear family members. When comparing retrospective reports with prospective reports, family members from families that experienced parental divorce report an increase in well-being over time. However, this effect cannot be attributed to a change in the number of multi-functional ties received.

Keywords

• family networks
• multi-functional family relationships
• well-being
• parental divorce
• nuclear/extended kin
• safety net