Does the type of the family have an influence on adolescents? Similarities and differences in adolescents with regard to the type of their family

Family structure has recently substantialy changed. Single-parent families are becoming more common today. The purpose of this paper is to investigate whether this neW family structure has any bearing on the physical and psychological development of adolescents. The sample of 200 adolescents from secondary school in Zagreb (Croatia) 128 from nuclear families and 24 from single-parent families ware analyzed. For the analysis of psycho-physical status, we used BMI and OSIQ (Offer Self- Concept Questionaire Offer Self-image Test). We have concluded that there are no differences in the physical development between the adolescents who are growing up in single parent families and those growing up in nuclear families. There is no difference in the self- concept between these two groups, except in the ethical and moral self-image of adolescents living with one parent. Adolescents living in single-parent families have a weaker moral self-image.It can thus bi concluded that physical development and positive self-concept (a favorable image of onself). In adolescents do not depend on whether an adolescent is growing up in single-parent or nuclear family, but on the different characteristics of parents and their relationship with children, whether they are married or not. A harmonious marriage is the best foundation for the development of children