WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF STRONG FAMILIES IN THE USA?

By Nina Chen, Ph.D.
Human Development Specialist

A national study was done by Dr. John DeFrain and Dr. Nick Stinnett at the University of Nebraska in Lincoln.  They surveyed more than three thousand families across the nation about family strengths and found the major six qualities of strong families.  These are commitment, appreciation, communication, time together, spiritual wellness, and coping with crisis and stress.

These families felt a strong family should commit to the family and take responsibility, appreciate and communicate with each other, share quality time together, have similar values and beliefs, and know how to work together to deal with crisis and stress when there is a problem.

Another survey was done by Dolores Curran. She interviewed 551 professionals and found similar qualities of a strong family. However, trusting each other was also one of the top six important qualities.  The other qualities included teaching morals, respecting privacy, and enjoying traditions.

I did a survey in Jasper County to see what high school students said about healthy families. They thought that a strong family is respecting each other, communicating with each other, teaching morals, sharing responsibility, trusting each other, and respecting privacy. The majority of them also rated honoring their elders as one quality of a healthy family.

Since America is a diverse country, there are different ethnic groups which have brought different strengths from their own cultures and beliefs.  For instance, Asian-Americans focus on education and respecting elders.  For African-American families, the kinship system provides mentors, networks, and a support system. Religion also is a source of strength.  The church provides hope, courage, means of bringing cohesion to their lives and opportunities for developing leadership and talents.

Obviously, every family has its own strengths.  So what are your family strengths? Try to identify and list your family strengths with your family members.  Put the list on the refrigerator or a place where every family member can see it.  This will help your family focus on your family strengths and how to work together for a better quality of life.

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