Parental bonding among polygamous families and its effects on adolescent psychological well-being

Abstract

The quality of parent-adolescent relationships is important for adolescent life outcomes and well-being. This study investigated parent-adolescent relationships, psychological well-being and problem behaviour among adolescents from polygamous families in Saudi Arabia. Adolescents (145 boys, 121 girls, 130 from polygamous families, 136 from monogamous families) completed measures of parental bonding, self-esteem, satisfaction with life, depression, bullying and victimization. Compared to adolescents from monogamous families, those from polygamous families reported lower father care, mother care, self-esteem, and satisfaction with life, also higher depression, and bullying and victimization scores. Perceptions of father care and mother care predicted self-esteem, satisfaction with life and depression. In addition, perceptions of mother care predicted victimization. Results will benefit school counsellors and professionals who work with polygamous families.