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Economically Disadvantaged Adolescents’ Self-Concept and Academic Achievement as Mediators between Family Cohesion and Mental Health in Taiwan

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Abstract

The study aims to examine whether social self-concept, physical appearance self-concept, and academic achievement mediate the relationship between family cohesion (FC) and mental health (MH) by employing structural equation modeling. The nationally representative sample consisted of 902 Taiwanese junior high school students from poor families. The mediation effect of changes in self-concept and academic achievement in the association between changes in FC and MH is also tested. Findings show that the effect of family cohesion on MH is partially mediated by both social self-concept and academic achievement, whereas a mediation effect of changes in achievement in the association between changes in FC and MH is insignificant. These results deepen the understanding of the relationship between FC, academic achievement, and MH for the poor adolescents in Confucian culture. Findings also suggest that improvements in the family relationship quality and appearance self-concept may protect against deteriorated MH problems in this developmental period.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Center for General Education, Ming Chuan University, Taipei, Taiwan

    Fang-Hua Jhang

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Correspondence to Fang-Hua Jhang.

Five items of Family Cohesion Scale (FCS)

Five items of Family Cohesion Scale (FCS)

Each item is based on a five-point scale: almost never (0), once in a while (1),

sometimes (2), frequently (3), and almost always (4). The items of FCS are

described as follows:

(i) Family members feel very close to each other.

(ii) Family members consult other family members on their decisions.

(iii) Family members like to spend free time with each other.

(iv) We like to do something together.

(v) When family members feel frustrated, they can receive the other members”.

consolation.

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Jhang, FH. Economically Disadvantaged Adolescents’ Self-Concept and Academic Achievement as Mediators between Family Cohesion and Mental Health in Taiwan. Int J Ment Health Addiction 15, 407–422 (2017). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-017-9737-z

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11469-017-9737-z

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