Changes in Perceived Family Functioning of Chinese Children: A Cross-Temporal Meta-Analysis

• Published in: Journal of child and family studies 2024-08, Vol.33 (8), p.2670-2680
• Main Authors: Xie, Yuntian, Xie, Ruotong
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Behavioral Science and Psychology; Child and School Psychology; Children; Family (Sociological Unit); Family relations; Females; Males; Meta Analysis; Original Paper; Psychology; Rural areas; Rural communities; Social Sciences; Sociology; Urban areas
• ISSN: 1062-1024; 1573-2843
• DOI: 10.1007/s10826-024-02795-1

The current study aimed to explore the changes in perceived family functioning of Chinese children. A cross-temporal meta-analysis was performed on 72 studies from 2002 to 2020 ( n  = 47264) using Family Assessment Device (FAD). The results showed that all the 7 dimensions of FAD were significantly and negatively correlated with year. In contrast with children who were female, the upward trend in perceived family functioning of children who were male was more apparent. Perceived family functioning of children who resided in urban areas presented an upward trend, whereas that of children who resided in rural areas showed a downward trend. Notably, Chinese children who were female reported more positive family functioning as compared to that of male children, and the children who resided in urban areas reported more positive family functioning as compared to that of children who resided in rural areas. These findings suggest that perceived family functioning of Chinese children gradually improved over the years. These findings provide insights for understanding perceived family functioning of Chinese children. Relevant institutions need to further develop strategies for enhancing perceived family functioning of male children and those residing in rural areas. Highlights This is the first description of the changes of perceived family functioning of Chinese children based on a cross-temporal meta-analysis. Perceived family functioning of Chinese children was gradually improving. In contrast with children who were female, the upward trend in perceived family functioning of children who were male was more apparent. Perceived family functioning of children who resided in urban areas presented an upward trend, whereas that of children who resided in rural areas a downward trend. Chinese children who were female reported more positive family functioning as compared to that of male children, and the children who resided in urban areas reported more positive family functioning as compared to that of children who resided in rural areas.