Relationship between family cohesion and academic performance in elementary school students

Authors

  • Jenny Catalina Durán-Oleas Universidad de Cuenca
  • Nancy Susana Cárdenas-Yánez Universidad de Cuenca
  • Lourdes Nube Ordóñez-Martínez Universidad de Cuenca

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22211523

Keywords:

family cohesion, academic performance, basic education, family, Cuenca.

Abstract

This study examines the relationship between family cohesion and academic performance in elementary school students in the canton of Cuenca, Ecuador. The research stems from the importance of family dynamics for the academic and socio-emotional development of children and adolescents, considering that the family is the primary educational environment and a determining factor in the quality of learning. The general objective was to determine the relationship between family cohesion and academic performance, describing the levels perceived by the students and identifying their academic achievements. The research employed a quantitative, descriptive, and correlational approach within a non-experimental, cross-sectional design. The study population consisted of 142 students enrolled in the fifth, sixth, and seventh grades of middle school during the 2024-2025 school year, selected according to age criteria.

Data collection was carried out using a survey technique supported by the brief scales "What is your family like?" for students, "What is your family like?" and a sociodemographic questionnaire for parents or legal guardians.

The results showed generally high levels of family cohesion (61.8%) and academic performance (media= 9,19; DE= 1,3), demonstrating a positive and significant relationship between the two variables (r = 0,61; p < 0.001). It can be concluded that family cohesion directly influences academic performance, and therefore, strengthening it through communication, support, and family organization strategies contributes to improving academic performance and the student's overall well-being.

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Author Biographies

Jenny Catalina Durán-Oleas, Universidad de Cuenca

ORCID

Researcher in the field of social work, with an academic body of work focused on families and vulnerable populations. Her publications address aging, sexuality among older adults, disability, child labor, adolescent pregnancy, domestic violence, and the integration of refugee populations. She is the author of the book Percepciones del adulto mayor sobre la familia, la sociedad y el Estado, as well as various articles and book chapters devoted to analyzing social issues from family, sociocultural, and rights-based perspectives.

Nancy Susana Cárdenas-Yánez, Universidad de Cuenca

ORCID

Doctora en Jurisprudencia y  Abogada de los Tribunales de Justicia de la República del Ecuador; Especialista en Derecho Familiar y Patrimonial; Diplomado en Derecho Procesal Penal; Magister en Derecho de Familia, mención en Mediación y Arbitraje.

Lourdes Nube Ordóñez-Martínez, Universidad de Cuenca

ORCID

Licenciada en Orientación Familiar. Magister en Orientación Familiar. Docente de la Universidad de Cuenca

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Published

2026-08-31

How to Cite

Durán-Oleas, J. C., Cárdenas-Yánez, N. S., & Ordóñez-Martínez, L. N. (2026). Relationship between family cohesion and academic performance in elementary school students. South American Research Journal, 6(1), 33–48. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.22211523

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Section

Artículos