Comparison of psychological well-being and life satisfaction between extended and nuclear family systems among students

Abstract

Background: The family system affects the mental health and well-being of an individual and significantly alters the satisfaction level. The current study intended to explore the differences in psychological well-being and life satisfaction between the students belong to extended and nuclear family systems. Methodology: For this comparative study, a sample size of 467 participants (204 male & 263 female) was selected, including 314 participants from the nuclear family system and 153 from the extended family system. The Ryff Psychological Well-being Scale (PWB) and the Diener Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS) were used as outcome measuring tools. Results: The mean PWB scores were 343.45 ± 2.745 for the extended family system and 339.67 ± 1.90 for the nuclear family system. The mean score of satisfaction with life was 1.05 ± 5.64 for the extended family system, and the mean score for the nuclear family system was 1.05 ± 5.60 while (t=1.907). Moreover, women's PWB means the score was 343.71 ± 29.57, and men's PWB mean score was 333.80 ± 37.35. While the score of satisfaction with women's life was 22 ± 5.75, and the men's score was 22.58 ± 5.46. Conclusion: Results show no significant mean difference in the psychological well-being of participants of nuclear and extended family systems. Similarly, no significant difference was found in satisfaction with life between both family systems. Gender difference in PWB was found as women scored higher than men, while there was no gender difference among students in satisfaction with life.

Keywords

• psychological well-being (pwb)
• satisfaction with life (swl)
• extended and nuclear family structure
• gender