Family Types and Psychosocial Wellbeing among Adolescents in Selected Public High Schools in Ruiru Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya

Adolescent period is a critical stage of human development, characterized by the acquisition of life values and behaviours that can last a lifetime. The family is crucial in determining psychosocial development throughout this formative period. The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between family subsystems and adolescents' psychosocial well-being in selected public high schools in Ruiru Sub-County, Kiambu County, Kenya. The study utilized correlational research design. The target population was 5,392 students of 10 public high schools in Ruiru Sub-County of Kiambu County, Kenya. From this, a stratified sample of 373 students was selected. Data was collected using the Family Assessment Device and Adolescent Mental Health Continuum-Short Form instruments. The data was analysed in SPSS version 31 using chi-square, correlation and linear regression techniques. Results showed that adolescents from two-parent families had the highest proportion of high psychosocial well-being (85.5%), followed by those from single-parent families (82.0%). In contrast, lower levels of psychosocial well-being were more common among adolescents from step-parent (30.0%) and extended families (35.3%). Chi-square tests showed these variations were statistically significant, χ² (3, N = 327) = 9.10, p < .05. The results lead to the conclusion that family type plays a meaningful role in shaping adolescents’ psychosocial well-being. Specifically, more stable and nuclear family arrangements – particularly two-parent families – appear to provide a more supportive environment for positive psychosocial outcomes, while step-parent and extended family settings may present structural or relational complexities that heighten vulnerability. Family-based counselling and parenting workshops could help families especially step-parent and extended ones to manage relational challenges.

Adolescents, Family Subsystems, Psychosocial Wellbeing

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