Family Functioning in School-Aged Children - A Systematic Review of Research in Türkiye Using the McMaster Family Model

Oct 15, 2026

This study reviews research on school-aged children in Türkiye from 2000 to 2023 using the McMaster Family Functioning Model. A systematic review approach identified 105 articles and dissertations through academic search engines, focusing on studies that employed the McMaster Family Assessment Device as a measurement tool. Results show an increase in family functioning studies since the 2000s, with more work in middle and high school contexts than in preschool and elementary levels. Topics most often addressed negative issues such as conduct problems and bullying.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Factors affecting students

Family as a social institution

Concept and models of family functioning

McMaster Family Functions Model

Family Functioning in School-Aged Children: A Systematic Review of Research in Türkiye Using the McMaster Family Model Bekir ÇELİK1 Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University Abstract The aim of this study is to review the studies conducted on school-aged children in Türkiye between 2000 and 2023 based on the McMaster Family Functioning Model. In this study, a systematic review method was used and the studies that used the McMaster Family Assessment Device as a measurement tool were found through academic search engines. A total of 105 articles and dissertations on school-aged children were identified and analyzed for various characteristics. Since the 2000s, there has been an increase in studies of family functioning. In addition, it was found that more studies were conducted at the middle and high school levels of education, while there were fewer studies at the preschool and elementary school levels. More studies were found on issues that can be described as negative, such as conduct problems and bullying. Keywords: Family functioning, Student, McMaster model DOI: 10.29329/epasr.2023 .600.6 Submitted: 15 April 2023 Accepted: 12 July 2023 Published: 30 September 2023 1Asst. Prof. Dr., Faculty of Education, Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University, Çanakkale, Türkiye ORCID: 0000-0001-8372-0174 [Correspondence](Correspondence: bekirceliktr@gmail.com)[: bekirceliktr@gmail.com](Correspondence: bekirceliktr@gmail.com) Introduction The factors that affect students, both positively and negatively, have been extensively researched for many years. Studies have focused on various aspects that directly impact students such as teachers, classroom settings, teaching materials, and teaching methods. These issues have been studied intensely and continue to be a topic of research. In addition, family and family relationships, which are relatively outside the school environment but affect the student's education, healthy development and psychological state, are also investigated (e.g. Darling & Steinberg, 1993; Morris, Silk, Steinberg, Myers, & Robinson, 2007; Halgunseth, 2009) . The family's relationships, attitude towards the child, problem-solving approach, shared responsibilities, and overall dynamic have a direct or indirect impact on the child's development, education, and overall wellbeing. It is essential to recognize this interdependence and strive for a nurturing family environment (Yavuzer, 1996) . The family is a structure that directly or indirectly affects individuals and plays an important role in meeting their needs (Kocayörük, 2010; Usta, 2019) . Failure to meet the needs of the individual in a healthy way can lead to a number of negative outcomes, both individual and societal (e.g. Wei, Shaffer, Young, & Zakalik, 2005; Boxer & Butkus, 2005) . While dysfunctional families negatively impact the development and behavior of the child, this situation is experienced in the opposite direction in functional families (Guilamo-Ramos, Raccard, Dittus, & Bouris, 2006; Yörükoğlu, 2000) . In this context, studies regarding the functioning of the family are deemed significant. The family is a structure that has been present in various forms in all societies since people first began living together. This structure has endured throughout history to the present day (Haralambos & Holborn, 1985) . The family is a structure comprised of a mother, father, and children, but in various societies, it may encompass a broader range of relatives. Despite the family's size, it fulfills fundamental roles like transmitting culture and social norms. In addition to these, the family also fulfills important functions such as reproduction, raising new generations, and meeting the physiological and psychological needs of the child (Maccoby, 1984) . The fact that the family fulfills economic, social, cultural, and educational functions within the social structure makes it an indispensable institution for society, as well as the development, education,

FAQs

What is the main aim of the systematic review?

To review studies conducted on school-aged children in Türkiye between 2000 and 2023 using the McMaster Family Functioning Model.

How were the studies selected and analyzed?

The review used a systematic review method and identified studies that used the McMaster Family Assessment Device as the measurement tool, resulting in 105 articles and dissertations analyzed for key characteristics.

What trends were found regarding where the research was conducted?

More studies were carried out at middle and high school levels, while fewer studies focused on preschool and elementary school levels.

Oct 15, 2026

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