Influence of Family Structure on Children’s Well-being – Challenges and Pathways to Promote Positive Development

Wheelock College of Education & Human Development, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, the United States of America

^* Corresponding author: mqhan@bu.edu

Abstract

Children’s well-being is a complex and multidimensional concept that encompasses physical, emotional, social, and mental dimensions. Previous research has explored how the family may influence children. However, papers with depths and complicities about the different family structures’ effects on children’s well-being are lacking. This review aims to fill the gap by discussing the intricate relationships between family structures and children’s well-being, with a specific focus on single-parent families and stepfamilies resulting from remarriages. The review reveals that children in single-parent families face unique challenges due to the absence of dual parental support, affecting their academic achievements, interpersonal relationships, and overall life satisfaction. Stepfamilies, characterized by complex dynamics, present additional complexities that influence children’s well-being. Mental well-being emerges as a central dimension, shaping a child’s ability to navigate challenges and thrive. The findings of the review contribute to a deeper understanding of how family structures interact with children’s well-being. Future studies can further explore the impact of specific interventions on diverse family structures and children’s well-being. By highlighting challenges and opportunities within different family compositions, the review informs evidence-based policies and interventions aimed at empowering families, educators, and policymakers to create environments that nurture children’s overall development, irrespective of their family structure.