Adolescents’ Psychological Well-being: The Role of Sex and Family Structure

Abstract

Adolescents' psychological well-being is a salient factor in fostering their comprehensive
psychological, socio-emotional, and physical development, enabling them to thrive during this
period of rapid growth. A range of individual and social factors contributes to the perceived
level of adolescents' psychological well-being. This study aimed to investigate the influences of
family structure and sex on adolescent’s psychological well-being. A correlational research
design was employed to achieve the purpose of this study. Data were collected from a randomly
selected 340 adolescents (158 males and 182 females) through proportionate stratified
sampling, by using Ryff’s psychological well-being scale. Descriptive statistics (mean, standard
deviation), two-ways ANOVA, and multiple regression analysis were employed to examine
relationships and differences. The results indicated that Adolescents who participated in the
present study exhibited a lower level of psychological well-being. When compared by sex,
female adolescents are found better in their psychological well-being than their male
counterparts (F (1,339) =8.55, P<.05). Adolescents from intact families (i.e., where both
biological parents live together) are found to be better in their psychological well-being than
adolescents from non-intact families (F (1, 339) = 12.822, P <.05). Overall, both sex and family
structure were identified as significant factors influencing adolescents’ psychological well
being. Female adolescents exhibited higher levels of psychological wellbeing than male
adolescents. Both female and male adolescents from intact demonstrated higher levels of
psychological well-being than those from non-intact families. Given the low levels
psychological well-being observed among adolescents, key agents within their immediate
ecological systems such as families and schools, bear a critical responsibility to actively foster
and enhance their psychological well-being. Thus, all stakeholders involved in adolescent
psychosocial development are encouraged to actively contribute to promoting adolescents'
psychological well-being. This support serves as a foundation for their positive growth and
development.