Family architecture, the matrix of relationships and socio-emotional competencies in adolescence

Abstract

Background: Research on family diversity frequently emphasizes structural forms, yet adolescents’ socio-emotional development is more proximally shaped by relational organization (attachment, emotional communication, and support for autonomy). To integrate these layers, this paper proposes the construct of family architecture—an integrative matrix linking family structural configuration with relational processes and adolescents’ socio-emotional competences.
Method: Cross-sectional survey of Romanian adolescents (N = 250; 16–18 years) from Olt County: two-parent families (n = 160), single-parent families (n = 68), and alternative-care settings (institutional/professional foster care; n = 22). Measures included the Relationship Scales Questionnaire (RSQ), Inventory of Parent and Peer Attachment (IPPA; mother, father, peers), Emotional Intelligence Inventory (INEM; self-report), Friedmann Emotional Maturity Scale, and Attachment Styles and Self-Esteem Inventory (ASSI). Nonparametric tests (Kruskal–Wallis, χ²) and multiple regression were used. Effect sizes and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) are reported where applicable.
Results: Family type was associated with attachment style distribution (χ²(6) = 17.34, p = 0.008, Cramer's V = 0.19, 95% CI [0.05, 0.25]). Significant differences by family type emerged for maternal trust (H = 24.40, p < 0.001, ε² = 0.09) and communication (H = 20.21, p < 0.001, ε² = 0.07), paternal trust (H = 14.35, p = 0.001, ε² = 0.05) and communication (H = 12.79, p = 0.002, ε² = 0.04), and maternal total attachment (H = 12.74, p = 0.002, ε² = 0.04); peer attachment did not differ by family type (ps > 0.10). Trait emotional intelligence (INEM global and subscales) did not differ by family type (all ps ≥ .075; ε² ≤ 0.01), whereas emotional maturity showed a small difference (H = 8.39, p = 0.015, ε² = 0.03). Attachment style was related to global self-esteem levels (χ²(6) = 12.72, p = 0.048, V = 0.16, 95% CI [0.00, 0.22]). In regression models controlling for parental attachment, peer attachment uniquely predicted global trait EI (R² = 0.067, β = 0.162, p = 0.012, B = 0.026, 95% CI [0.006, 0.046]) and understanding others’ emotions (R² = 0.066, β = 0.242, p < 0.001, B = 0.041, 95% CI [0.019, 0.063]).
Conclusions: Findings support the family architecture framework: structural family type relates to parental attachment quality, while peer attachment may partially compensate in the domain of perceived socio-emotional competences. Given the cross-sectional, self-report design and the small alternative-care subsample, interpretations are associative and context-bound.