College of Science and Health Theses and Dissertations

Date of Award

Spring 6-14-2024

Degree Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Psychology

First Advisor

Kathryn Grant, PhD

Second Advisor

Jocelyn Carter, PhD

Abstract

The current study aimed to understand how an adolescent’s perceived family cohesion predicts post-traumatic Growth (PTG). Although relatively new to Psychology, there is extensive literature on PTG and its relationship with social support. However, there is not as much research exploring family cohesion as it relates to PTG. A cohesion focus provides insight into the importance of emotional connectedness in social support and its impact on adolescent PTG. Moreover, we investigated the relationship family cohesion has with PTG across Hispanic and non-Hispanic adolescents to see if there was any significant variance given cultural differences in the role of family. Our recruitment sample (N = 414) focused on adolescents attending Chicago public schools who completed surveys assessing ethnic background, stressful life experiences, family relationships, and PTG. Results indicated a significant relationship (both cross-sectionally and longitudinally) between family cohesion and PTG, however, there were no significant differences between Hispanic and non-Hispanic adolescents. Additionally, results revealed a significant correlation between family cohesion and stressful life experiences. Similarly, these results were not significantly different between Hispanic and non-Hispanic adolescents. Importantly, though the expected differences between groups were not supported by our results, the study supported our hypothesis that emotional connectedness as it relates to social support may be an important catalyst for PTG in adolescents.

SLP Collection

no

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