How does family functioning contribute to adolescents’ positive or negative coping styles?The roles of core self-evaluations and strengths knowledge

Abstract

Design The current study focuses on the chain mediating roles of core self-evaluations (CSE) and strengths knowledge in the relationship between family functioning and positive coping styles (PCS) and the moderating role of strengths knowledge in the relationship between family functioning and negative coping styles (NCS). Methods A total of 2746 (560 boys, 2186 girls) Chinese adolescents participated in this research. These participants completed the Family Functioning Assessment Scale, CSE scale, Strengths knowledge Scale and Simple Coping Scale. Models 1 and 6 of Process were used in SPSS 25 to investigate moderation and mediation roles. Results According to the results of the study, on the positive dimension, family functioning positively predicted PCS, with CSE and strengths knowledge formed a chain mediation. CSE and strengths knowledge were partial mediators. On the negative dimension, the direct effect of family functioning on NCS was not significant, but it was indirectly influenced through chain mediation of CSE and strengths knowledge. So CSE and strengths knowledge were full mediators. Moreover, there was a moderating role of strengths knowledge between family functioning and NCS. Simply put: family functioning effectively reduced application of NCS as increase of strengths knowledge. In addition, a new model was constructed, excluding family functioning, and it was found that strengths knowledge had a "masking effect" in mediating between CSE and NCS. Conclusions Family functioning and CSE as well as strengths knowledge are protective factors for adolescents’ coping styles. Family is an important source of support for adolescents. Family members, especially parents, must be suitable strength coaches for children. Based on intrinsic aspirations, a good attachment relationship can promote individuals’ CSE and strengths knowledge. But we should pay attention to "Things will develop in the opposite direction when they become extreme." Strengths knowledge is not the higher the better, too much strengths knowledge can lead to too much NCS. By family members optimizing the ecological system and functioning of family, adolescents can optimize their coping styles.