Determinants of family well-being in densely populated Kampung Settlements: The roles of family characteristics, crowding, functioning, and resilience

Families in densely populated settlements experience high density, crowding, and diverse patterns of family functioning that shape well-being and resilience. This study examines the effects of family characteristics, density, crowding, economic pressure, family functioning, and resilience on family well-being in densely populated areas. Using a cross-sectional design, the study involved 120 families in Ciherang Village, Bogor District, West Java, Indonesia, selected through simple random sampling. Data analysis included descriptive and inferential analyses. Sample families were characterized by: (1) husbands and wives having less than nine years of formal education, (2) most husbands working as laborers and most wives as housewives, and (3) nearly two-thirds of families being classified as poor (living at the poverty line). Structural equation modeling results indicate that family well-being in densely populated settlements is influenced by family characteristics related to time function and family functioning. Meanwhile, family resilience indirectly affects family well-being through family functioning. Another important finding is that family characteristics related to time function significantly affect family functioning, density, resilience, and well-being, while socioeconomic characteristics influence density, crowding, and family well-being. These findings highlight the importance of strengthening family resilience and functioning as key factors influencing the well-being of families there.