Abstract: This paper reviewed the definition, theories, determinants of family functioning and the studies of relationship between family functioning and adolescents' social adjustment in the last 20 years in China and west. There are two kinds of family functioning theory: one assesses family functioning based on family development consequences, the other assesses family functioning based on family development processes. The present studies explored the relationship between family structure, family SES, family relationship, family developing stage, life event and family functioning, and found the effects of family functioning on adolescent social adjustment. At the end, We points out some limits among present studies and some direction in the future study.

Key words: Family functioning, adolescent, social adjustment