Coping with and Satisfaction of Life among Adolescents: Family Structure and Gender

Abstract

Changes within the social environment of adolescents’ family structure have the ability to influence the personal growth and well-being of adolescents. This study seeks to analyse if family structure and gender (demographic factors) moderate the relationship between satisfaction with life (SWL) and coping. Following a quantitative approach, a correlational design was used. The research sample consisted of 495 learners drawn from 10 schools in five districts of the Free State province in South Africa. Data collection used a biographical questionnaire, the Revised Coping Schemas Inventory as well as the Satisfaction with Life Scale. Multiple regression analyses yielded a positive correlation between adolescent coping and SWL. Family structure moderated the relationship between SWL and acceptance, meaning, social resilience support, self-restructure, and tension reduction as coping strategies. Further research investigating the relationship between SWL and race or ethnicity, specific family structures, as well as coping throughout adolescence is recommended.