Family Interactional Patterns and Social Support Systems in Single-Parent Families

Abstract

The present study compared family interaction patterns (enmeshment-disengagement, rigidity-flexibility, conflict) and social support systems among single-parent families separated less than one year, single-parent families separated 2-5 years, and a control sample of intact families. Responses from the mother and oldest child in these families were obtained on the Structural Family Interaction Scale, Family Environment Scale, and a Questionnaire on Social Support. Members from both single-parent groups perceived their families as significantly more disengaged and inflexible, and higher in unresolved conflict than members from "intact" families. No differences were found between the early and late single-parent groups. The results were in contrast to descriptions taken from the divorce literature which suggest that single-parent families within the first year of separation are more enmeshed than single-parent families separated 2-5 years. However, the results did suggest that disengagement between family m...