# Structural equation modeling for the effects of family dysfunctions and communication on perceived mental health status among under/graduate students in the U.S

## TL;DR

This study explores how family communication affects the mental health of college students in the U.S., finding that better communication can improve perceived mental health.

## Contribution

The study introduces a gender-based analysis of how family communication mediates the effects of family dysfunction on mental health.

## Key findings

- Disengaged family function significantly affects communication, which impacts perceived mental health.
- Family communication significantly influences perceived mental health, but enmeshed family function does not mediate this relationship.
- Gender differences were found in how family communication and marital status affect mental health.

## Abstract

Many of the college students expressed experiencing moderate or severe psychological distress. In their emergence as adults, college students encounter significant periods of drastic change. Family functions play a crucial role in determining individuals’ mental health status.

The first objective of this study was to investigate whether family communication mediates the relationships between family dysfunctions and perceived mental health status among under/graduate students. The second objective was to investigate whether the mediation effects of family communication on the relationships between family dysfunctions and perceived mental health status differ by gender.

The current study applied Minuchin’s Structural Family Theory with under/graduate students (N = 348) in Ohio. Structural Equation Modeling was conducted to examine the effects of family dysfunctions and communication on perceived mental health status among under/graduate students.

Disengaged family function significantly influenced family communication, which, in turn, significantly impacted perceived mental health (mediation effect). Enmeshed family function did not show a significant relationship with family communication, whereas family communication had a significant impact on perceived mental health (no mediation effect). The model comparison test indicated that there were differences between males and females: the structural weights of the current path models were consistent with the full models, and there was a significant difference in the effect of parents’ marital status on perceived mental health, with males being significantly impacted in both models.

Practitioners should recognize that improving positive communication skills within the family unit can be a realistic approach to supporting the perceived mental health of under/graduate students. Colleges/universities should offer regular education programs to promote an understanding of the relationship between family communication strategies and the mental health of under/graduate students.