Is Family Cohesion a Risk or Protective Factor During Adolescent Development?

This study investigated linear aspects of family cohesion using a cohort sequential design. Adolescents ( N = 4,677) were surveyed and followed in three cohorts from 6th to 10th grade. Family cohesion was measured using the cohesion subscale of the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales. Latent Growth Curve Modeling procedures were conducted to explore whether family cohesion decreased, increased, or remained stable from early to middle adolescence. Results show a linear trajectory with statistically significant decreases in family cohesion from 6th through 10th grades. The findings support the linear nature of the trajectories but the decrease in levels may not be substantive because of the large sample size.