Life in Family Buildings as a unique environment in Turkey

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Sociology
• Urban Studies

Background:

• Family buildings (FBs), common in metropolitan areas, house multiple related families.
• These unique living arrangements create distinct psychosocial environments.
• The impact of FB living on family interactions and child development is underexplored.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate intrafamilial interactions within FBs.
• To explore the psychosocial features of living in FBs.
• To assess the impact of FB living on children's mental health and parental satisfaction.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured interviews using the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia-Present and Lifetime version (K-SADS-PL) were conducted.
• One hundred and one children residing in FBs and their parents participated.
• Mothers rated their satisfaction with the FB lifestyle on a scale of 0-100.

Main Results:

• Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) and anxiety disorders were common diagnoses among children.
• Maternal satisfaction varied, with 41 mothers scoring 50 or below.
• 58% of mothers believed the FB environment negatively affected their children's symptoms.
• Key factors influencing maternal satisfaction included perceived 'extreme criticism' and 'social support'.

Conclusions:

• Family building living arrangements present a complex interplay of social support and interpersonal challenges.
• The FB lifestyle can negatively influence children's symptoms and complicate family relationships.
• Further research is necessary to fully understand the multifaceted effects of family building environments.