ISSN 1671-3710
CN 11-4766/R
主办:中国科学院心理研究所
出版:科学出版社

Advances in Psychological Science ›› 2025, Vol. 33 ›› Issue (12): 2105-2120.doi: 10.3724/SP.J.1042.2025.2105

• Meta-Analysis • Previous Articles     Next Articles

The relationship between family cohesion and well-being: A systematic review and meta-analysis

GU Yipeng, LIU Jinyuan, ZHANG Yali(), LI Weihe   

  1. Department of Psychology, Hebei Normal University, Shijiazhuang 050024, China
  • Received:2025-04-14 Online:2025-12-15 Published:2025-10-27

Abstract:

Well-being is a crucial indicator of individual psychological well-being and represents a beautiful aspiration and eternal pursuit for humanity. Numerous studies have explored the relationship between family cohesion and well-being, yet they hold divergent perspectives and yield inconsistent findings. Attachment theory and basic psychological needs theory posited a positive correlation between family cohesion and well-being, whereas the circumplex model suggested that the linear relationship was not significant but rather exhibited an inverted U-shaped pattern. Empirical findings reported correlation coefficients ranging from 0 to 0.73. Therefore, it is necessary to employ meta-analysis to synthesize prior research outcomes and analyze the reasons for these inconsistencies. In Chinese databases (CNKI Journal Database and Master’s/PhD Thesis Database), keywords such as “家庭亲密度” “家庭凝聚力” “家庭功能” or “家庭环境” were combined with “幸福” for searches. In English databases (Web of Science Core Collection, ProQuest Dissertations and Theses, Medline, EBSCO-ERIC, Elsevier SD, PsycINFO, PsycArticles), keywords “family cohesion,” “family environment,” “family function,” “family intimacy” were paired with “happiness” or “well-being” to retrieve literature containing these terms in their abstracts. A total of 42 studies were ultimately included (comprising 45 effect sizes, 31,427 participants, spanning 15 countries).

In the publication bias test, the funnel plot showed that effect sizes were concentrated in the upper part of the graph and evenly distributed on both sides of the total effect. The result of Egger's linear regression was not significant (intercept=-1.09, 95% CI [-4.63, 2.44], p=0.54). The p-curve test indicated that the curve presented a significant right skewness (Binomial test: p<0.001; Continuous test: z=-37.99, p<0.001), and 43 out of 44 p-values were below 0.025. These results suggest that there is no publication bias. The main effect test indicated that the overall correlation between family cohesion and well-being was 0.35 (95% CI [0.30, 0.40]). This finding supports the perspectives of Basic Psychological Needs Theory and Attachment Theory but contradicts the Circumplex Model, demonstrating a linear relationship between family cohesion and well-being. Families with higher levels of intimacy provide individuals with stable emotional support and a sense of belonging, thereby fulfilling their psychological needs and enhancing well-being. Moderator analyses indicated: (a) Significant moderating effect of well-being measurement tools. The highest effect size was found with ASWBS, while the lowest was with GWB. (b) Significant moderating effect of sampling year (b=0.01, 95% CI [0.004, 0.019]). Effect sizes increased with later sampling years. (c) Significant moderating effect of individualism index (b=-0.01, 95% CI [-0.011, -0.002]). Effect sizes decreased as individualism index increased. (d) Non-significant moderating effects for gender, age, family cohesion measurement tools, and research design.

This study preliminarily resolves debates among basic psychological needs theory, attachment theory, and the circumplex model, revealing a strong positive correlation between family cohesion and well-being. This indicates that family cohesion is a significant factor in well-being. The results suggest that enhancing well-being requires fostering emotional bonds and deep communication among family members, creating a supportive and understanding family environment, and cultivating a family ethos of respect and inclusivity. Additionally, the measurement of well-being influences its relationship with family cohesion. Therefore, selecting appropriate assessment tools is essential to accurately reflect its associations with other phenomena. Finally, sampling year and individualism index can impact the relationship between family cohesion and well-being. This underscores the need to consider the effects of social changes on family structures and the role of cultural values when seeking to enhance well-being. Mental health professionals and policymakers should design adaptable family support programs that integrate contemporary and cultural contexts. These initiatives should assist family members in establishing strong emotional bonds while respecting individual autonomy, thereby building more resilient family support systems and cultivating greater well-being.

Key words: family cohesion, family atmosphere, family environment, well-being, meta-analysis

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