Home life and well-being among Cherokee adolescents

Objective: The goal of this study is to document connections between the social and physical affordances of home life and development for Cherokee adolescents. Background: The affordances of the home environment have implications for adolescent well-being. However, research on the connection between most aspects of home life and most components of well-being for Native American adolescents is limited. Method: This study of 54 Cherokee adolescents considered five dimensions of home life and the relation of these dimensions with four aspects of competence, three positive attitudes, and three psychological problems. Results: Having a rich array of learning materials was related to vocabulary attainment, and having parents who provided productive modeling and encouragement was related to self-efficacy for academic achievement, social self-efficacy, and perceived endurance. Family companionship was related to self-control, social skills, physical strength, and endurance. Native American adolescents living in homes with good household routines and regulations had lower levels of externalizing symptoms. Conclusion: Having a supportive family, good household routines, and a substantial number of learning materials is connected with overall well-being in Cherokee adolescents. Implications: Results attesting to the value of close and supportive connections with family for Cherokee adolescents offer directions for programs aimed at improving both parenting practice and adolescent adaptive functioning.