Family Dynamics and Interdependent Happiness in Northern Vietnamese Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Children’s Participation Rights and Family Cohesion
Abstract
Objectives To examine family-based correlates of interdependent happiness among Vietnamese adolescents and to test the mediating role of children’s participation rights in the association between family cohesion and well-being. Methods A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 664 adolescents in Northern Vietnam. Standardized instruments measured family cohesion, parenting behaviors, parental psychological control, family quality of life, children’s participation rights, and interdependent happiness. Data were analyzed using Pearson correlations, ordinary least squares (OLS) multiple linear regression, and Hayes’ PROCESS mediation analysis (Model 4, 5000 bootstrap samples), controlling for participant gender and economic conditions. Results Adolescents reporting stronger family cohesion and greater participation rights tended to experience higher levels of interdependent happiness. In the fully adjusted OLS regression model, family cohesion (β=0.207, p<0.001) and participation rights (β=0.199, p< 0.001) were among the strongest significant family-related correlates of interdependent happiness. The overall model explained 33.6% of the variance in interdependent happiness (R2=0.336, p<0.001). In contrast, parental psychological control and parenting behaviors were not independently associated with happiness after controlling for other predictors. Mediation analysis indicated a significant indirect pathway from family cohesion to interdependent happiness through participation rights (indirect effect=0.086, 95% bootstrap confidence interval [0.044, 0.134]), highlighting the importance of adolescents’ involvement in family decision-making processes. Conclusion Adolescent happiness in Vietnam is concurrently linked to emotional cohesion and participatory autonomy within the domestic sphere. Family-based well-being initiatives should emphasize both family connectedness and the active involvement of adolescents in family decision-making processes.