Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to broaden our understanding of the relationships between family functioning and self-concept. Participants included 311 Psychology students at California State University Sacramento (82% females) who completed self-reported surveys. A hierarchical regression analysis revealed that, as predicted, a more positive self-concept was significantly related to less family intrusiveness, enmeshment, disengagement, and greater family social support. Results suggest that in enmeshed families, social support is not mistaken for family intrusiveness; however, the presence of family intrusiveness, enmeshment, and disengagement can possibly stifle the development of a positive and confident self-concept. Psychology professionals may find it helpful to become aware of these underlying family dynamics that mayplay a subtle but crucial role in an individual’s well-being.