Objective: The objective was to review research that examined the effects of polygyny (a specific form of polygamy) on children and adolescents. A systematic literature search and review was conducted of research published 1994 -2014 that focused on psychological variables, primary data collection, and compared data on children and adolescents from polygynous families with monogamous families. Critical analysis included the relevance of methods to the culture, including the psychometric properties reported.Main outcomes: A total of 13 papers satisfied the inclusion criteria. The review found more mental health problems, social problems and lower academic achievement for children and adolescents from polygynous than monogamous families. Similarities between children and adolescents from polygynous and monogamous families included self-esteem, anxiety and depression scores. Conclusions:Although polygynous family structures appear to have detrimental effects on children and adolescents, the mediating effects of parental education, economy and family functioning need to be investigated.

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.