Relationships among Minuchin's structural family model, identity achievement, and coping style.

Examined S. Minuchin's (1974) contention that a balance between enmeshment and disengagement in the family is associated with healthy adolescent development. 182 college students completed the Structural Family Interaction Scale—Revised, the Adolescent-Coping Orientation for Problem Experiences Scale, and the Ego Identity Scale. The results of canonical analyses suggested that clear boundaries and the expression and resolution of conflict, in conjunction with the absence of cross-generational alliances, are associated with identity achievement and positive coping strategies (e.g., confronting problems and seeking help from family members). Gender differences emerged in the analyses. The results of hierarchical regression suggested that coping style is a mediator between family structure and identity achievement. (PsycINFO Database Record (c) 2010 APA, all rights reserved)