Relationship between family dysfunction and the presence of generalized anxiety disorder in single-parent families.

BACKGROUND

The family structure has evolved into various emerging types, such as single-parent families, which, due to their characteristics, have higher prevalence of mental disorders.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the relationship between family functioning and generalized anxiety disorder in single-parent families.

MATERIAL AND

METHODS

This was an observational, analytical, cross-sectional, comparative study involving 440 children from single-parent families. Participants were divided into two groups based on the family functioning questionnaire (FF-SIL). Quantitative variables were compared using the χ2, and qualitative variables were analyzed using frequencies and percentages. Statistical significance was determined with p < 0.05.

RESULTS

In families where single-parenthood was due to divorce/separation and family was functional, the absence of anxiety predominated (49.3%), compared to dysfunctional families where mild anxiety was more common (33.7%). No patients had single-parent status due to adoption. In families where single-parenthood was due to the death of a parent and the family was functional, the absence of anxiety predominated (45%), compared to dysfunctional families, where severe anxiety predominated (35.5%).

CONCLUSIONS

The most common cause of single-parenthood in both groups was divorce/separation. Family functioning influences the level of anxiety, regardless of type of single-parenthood, especially in cases of parental death and forced parenthood.