Date of Award
6-15-2024
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Arts in Education
Department
Education
Program
Educational Leadership
Capstone Instructor
Dr. Danielle Thompson
Second Reader
Dr. Brian Boothe
Keywords
Family structure, fragile, intact, student academic achievement, well-being
Abstract
The purpose of this research was to study the effect family structure has on both academic achievement and overall well-being of students. All students are affected by their family structure. Since the 1960s, there has been a continuous and significant shift away from the traditional, intact family structure of two biological parents. As of 2020, less than half of children in the United States will grow up with two continuously married parents, and single parent households have more than tripled. Family structure was split up into three different categories: two biological parents, one biological parent, and no biological parents. The results showed that students who live with two biological parents have, on average, more success in school and an overall healthier well-being. Conversely, students who live with a single biological parent are negatively affected in the classroom and in their overall well-being. Students who live with no biological parents are at the greatest disadvantage. These students are at the highest risk of dropping out of school and dealing with depression and anxiety. Schools and teachers need to be aware of the family structure of students as awareness is the first step for helping students who are in fragile families. These students need extra support because they are more likely to struggle academically and emotionally.