| This study examined meaningful family rituals in relation to positive adjustment during emerging adulthood. A total of 485 undergraduate students participated in the study. The sample included an ethnically diverse group of students consisting of Asian, European, and Latino Americans. Self-reports of ritual meaning were obtained for both the family and the individual (as assessed by the individual). Family cohesion was also examined to determine if meaningful family rituals make a unique contribution to positive adjustment. Results indicate that the personal meaning attached to family rituals is positively related to identity commitment, family and ethnic identity, loneliness, peer attachment, and life satisfaction. Personal ritual meaning explains unique variance in all six outcomes above and beyond that made by family cohesion. Emerging adults' ethnic identity and feelings of loneliness are affected by meaningful family rituals in different ways across the ethnic groups. For Latino Americans, meaningful family rituals emerge as a strong predictor of one's ethnic identity; whereas, for Asian and European Americans, meaningful family rituals emerge as a strong predictor of less loneliness. Although differences emerged among the ethnic groups, family rituals seem to operate in much the same way across families on the majority of variables. Family rituals appear to be effective ways to help strengthen healthy families and are likely to be important for a successful transition into adulthood. |
