Polygamy and mental health among Saudi middle schoolers: The role of family cohesion and father involvement

Objective This paper assesses the role of family cohesion in relationship between polygamy and mental health whether this varies as a function father's involvement. Background Studies show that has detrimental effect on children's health, yet familial variables may account for have rarely been explored. Family is crucial range risk factors health. Method Data about structure, cohesion, father involvement, other related sociodemographic were collected from students randomly selected middle schools (students N = 758) Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Results Polygamous marital structure predicted more psychosocial problems higher internalizing symptoms, but not externalizing problems. Polygamy had an indirect association with through involvement moderated cohesion. Conclusion The findings suggest living polygamous families impair school–aged children, part by diminishing Additionally, low exaggerate threats to resulting subsequent child consequences. However, contrary previous research, behavior did vary structure. Implications Family-focused therapies, which include fathers, be particular use support at-risk group.