The Relationship Between Family Structure Instability and Depression in Emerging Adults

This study examined how family structure instability relates to depressive symptoms in emerging adults, considering family functioning and race as additional factors. Using retrospective reports of family structure disruptions during childhood and adolescence, data from 399 emerging adults were analyzed to examine the relationship between family structure instability, family functioning, race, and depressive symptoms. It was hypothesized that family structure instability and family functioning would be associated with levels of depressive symptoms. Racial and ethnic differences in depressive symptoms were also explored. This hypothesis was partially supported, as poorer family functioning was significantly associated with higher depressive symptoms, while family structure instability and race were not significant predictors. The lack of racial effects may reflect limited sample diversity, with most participants identifying as Hispanic/Latinx (45.6%), Black/African American (18.0%), and White/Non-Hispanic (18.8%) participants. These results highlight the need to consider both family structure and interactions when understanding mental health in emerging adulthood and suggest that future research focus on promoting resilience in those from unstable families.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Science

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Psychological Science

Grantor

Texas Woman's University

Year dc:date.issued

2026

Author dc:creator

• Stocks-Jones, Jordan Renea

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Rivers, (Alannah) Shelby

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Rosen, Lisa
• Terrizzi Jr., John A

• Instability
• Depression
• Emerging adults
• Family structure

Language dc:language.iso

English

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/11274/17823

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:twu-ir.tdl.org:11274/17823