Identifying Latent Profiles of Family-Wide Dynamics: Associations with Child and Caregiver Mental Health

Abstract

Family functioning and the mental health and wellbeing of individual members are intricately connected and intertwined. However, the conceptualization of mental health concerns based on relational patterns remains underutilized within clinical practice. Moreover, most family research focuses on dyadic processes, often overlooking broader family-wide phenomena and within-family differences. To address these limitations, the present study identified latent profiles of family functioning, based on indicators relating to family subsystems and contextual factors. Subsequently, latent profiles were used to predict child and caregiver mental health. Participants came from two samples with harmonized measurement: one general population cohort (n = 549 families) and one cohort from a family-based psychological clinic (n =124 families). After identifying latent profiles, child and caregiver mental health outcomes at a later time (i.e., 18 and 12 months, respectively) were examined as a function of profile. The distribution of covariates was also examined across profiles. Results of this study support the presence of heterogeneity in family dynamics in two populations. Four profiles emerged in the general population sample: Higher Functioning, Moderate, Couple Distress, and High Conflict. Three profiles emerged in the treatment-seeking sample: Higher Functioning, Couple Distress, and Child/Sibling Tension. In both samples, profile membership predicted later child and caregiver outcomes. This study’s findings demonstrate the importance of studying family processes across multiple relational subsystems. Moreover, results support the utility of person-centered approaches and their applications towards clinical conceptualizations and tailored interventions.