Family Functioning and Coping with Change: A Longitudinal Test of the Circumplex Model

Abstract

The Circumplex Model of family functioning suggests that families differ according to their ability to adapt to change. The aim of this study was to test two hypotheses from the model in the context of a longitudinal study of families experiencing geographical relocation. Questionnaires were completed on three occasions by employees and their partners during the process of relocation. Results indicated that there was no relationship between family functioning at Time 1 and subsequent psychological well-being of either employees or their partners. There was some evidence that families who made minor changes in response to their move adapted more successfully than those who did not change or made major changes. The results highlight possible limitations of the Circumplex Model and the need for further longitudinal studies of family adaptation.

Keywords

circumplex model family functioning relocation

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