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Family Functioning and Its Relation to Parental Discipline

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Abstract

The Family Adaptability and Cohesion Scales (FACES) are one of the most used instruments in the study of family relations, assessing relevant dimensions of family functioning. This study aims to examine the relationship between cohesion, communication and family satisfaction, measured by FACES IV, and the dimensions of discipline inventory (DDI). The sample consisted of 380 subjects (190 adolescents and 190 parents). Fathers are the main users of physical discipline and boys are the main targets of most discipline practices. Regarding the association of the DDI and FACES, families with a balanced cohesion use less punitive discipline, families with enmeshed cohesion and families with disengaged cohesion have higher and less use of the analyzed disciplinary practices respectively. Considering the results, it may be useful to work together with families to promote the use of positive disciplinary methods and work their communication skills in order to improve cohesion and consequently family satisfaction.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Education and Psychology, University of Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro, Polo I, Quinta de Prados, 5000-801, Vila Real, Portugal

    Joana Carvalho, Otília Monteiro Fernandes & Inês Carvalho Relva

  2. Centre for Social Studies of University of Coimbra, Coimbra, Portugal

    Inês Carvalho Relva

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  1. Joana Carvalho
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  2. Otília Monteiro Fernandes
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  3. Inês Carvalho Relva
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Correspondence to Joana Carvalho.

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Carvalho, J., Fernandes, O.M. & Relva, I.C. Family Functioning and Its Relation to Parental Discipline. Child Adolesc Soc Work J 35, 31–44 (2018). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10560-017-0501-9

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