The Influence of Positivity and Self-efficacy Beliefs on Family Functioning Among Young Adults in Italy and Colombia

Overview

Journal Front Psychol

Date 2024 Oct 3

PMID 39359969

Authors

Roberto Baiocco

Jessica Pistella

Maryluz Gomez Plata

Mara Morelli

Stefano Isolani

Maryoris Elena Zapata Zabala

Kattia Paola Cabas Hoyos

Liliana Maria Uribe Tirado

Marcela Sucel Ruiz Garcia

Carmelina Paba Barbosa

Antonio Zuffiano

Maria Gerbino

Fiorenzo Laghi

Concetta Pastorelli

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: Research suggests that positivity and self-efficacy beliefs may impact adaptive behavior and developmental outcomes, such as social adjustment and subjective wellbeing. The present study explored the effect of positive dimensions (positivity and self-efficacy beliefs) and individual characteristics (gender, type of country, age, and sexual orientation) on family cohesion and flexibility in a group of Colombian and Italian young adults.

Method: An online survey was administered to 949 Colombian and 2,073 Italian people aged between 18 and 40 years ( = 24.3; SD = 4.5; 67% women). A mediational model was performed to test the influence of positivity on family functioning via the mediational role of self-efficacy beliefs, analyzing the moderated effects of gender, type of country, sexual orientation, and age.

Results: Filial self-efficacy mediated the effect of positivity on family functioning, showing stronger paths in men and Colombian participants than in women and Italian counterparts. Regulatory self-efficacy mediated the associations between positivity and family functioning for both genders and types of countries.

Conclusion: The results suggest that positivity and self-efficacy beliefs may allow families to engage in more adaptive family functioning across countries and genders. Further research should focus on implications from a cross-national perspective to examine other culture-specific factors that may impact family adjustment.

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